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Mission
We Make Disciples
Founded in 1931 in a cabin in Medford Lakes, New Jersey to serve the 40 Catholic families living in the area, St. Mary of the Lakes was formally established as a parish in 1943.
Our parish community now includes 4200 families with 650 children in our Parish Religious Education Program and just under 300 students enrolled in St. Mary of the Lakes School.
Learn More
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News
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February 20Click the title above to see video and read this story by Jessica Boyington: We are counting down the top local thrift stores thanks to your votes! Your number 6 pick: St Vincent de Paul's Thrift Store in Medford, NJ. I dug my way around St. Vincent de Paul's Thift Store to see what treasures I could find. The store has what seems like miles of well-organized pants, sweaters, shoes, home decor, and books. Every person has a purpose in making this well-oiled machine run smoothly. It's run by about 160 volunteers, and all without a paycheck. Some of the volunteers have even worked for the nonprofit for over 40 years. The store is an extension of St. Mary of the Lakes Church and their mission is to help those who are in need. The ability to help relies primarily from thrift store revenue and donations from the public, and after all these years, has grown to help 150 families at any given time. So you see, it's more than just hand-me-down stuff to dig through. It's the future and well-being of a family who needs help. To find out how to volunteer or donate, go to smlparish.org.Read More
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February 20This year, ashes will not be available during the day for self imposition. As a result, an additional Mass will be offered. Also, "quick and easy" confessions will be offered after Masses as noted: 7:15 a.m. 9:00 a.m., confessions following; 1:15 p.m. School Mass; 4:00 p.m., confessions following; 7:00 p.m., confessions following.Read More
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February 20
As a child of God, this resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike, ‘What’s next, Papa?’ God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get an unbelievable inheritance!” (Romans 8:15-17 MSG). God says, “Hey, Lucado. You are an heir to the joy of Christ. Why not ask Jesus to help you?” “And you, Mr. Without-a-Clue, aren’t you an heir to God’s storehouse of wisdom? “Mrs. Worrywart, why do you let fears steal your sleep? Are you not a beneficiary of God’s trust fund?” Approach God’s throne not as an interloper but as a child of the living and loving God. Because His promises are unbreakable, our hope is unshakable!Read More -
February 18
Best Lent Ever sign up at www.dynamiccatholic.com/bestlentever or by clicking the title above.Read More -
February 18Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Operation Rice Bowl is a Lenten faith-in-action program which provides an opportunity for families to engage daily with the spiritual pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Throughout Lent, our parish has many opportunities for families to come together as a community and reflect on what it means to live out our gospel call to go out and encounter those most in need. In support of CRS Operation Rice Bowl, collection “bowls” are available at the doors of the church. We encourage you to take one home and fill it each week with a monetary offering that will then go directly to CRS. Filled collection “bowls” can be returned to the Parish Office during regular business hours, throughout the Lenten season. If you prefer to make your donation by check, please place it in an envelope, and make it payable to St. Mary of the Lakes with the word “CRS Operation Rice Bowl” on the memo line and envelope. As your family prepares to take up this call to help those in need, the following prayer can be said for those who are supported by the mission of CRS: “God, You are the source of every blessing, May we be mindful of your presence now as we use these CRS Rice Bowls in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. May they be instruments of encounter, bringing us closer to you, our God and to our neighbors both near and far. May these days in the desert inspire us to bring hope to the most vulnerable~ those experiencing hunger, lack of economic opportunity and violence that force them to migrate. Throughout these 40 days of Lent, may we deepen our faith in you and our love for one another, as we prepare for the great celebration of Easter. Amen.” Any questions about the CRS Operation Rice Bowl, please contact yes@smlparish.org or call the YES Office at 609-654-8208, ext. 111Read More
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Annual Catholic Appeal 2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
In a world where fewer people believe in God and his Church, our mission in the Diocese of Trenton to share our Catholic faith has never been more critical. By reaching out to our brothers and sisters and responding to their needs, we give witness to the power of God’s love.
St. Augustine once said, “God gives where he finds empty hands.” As Christians, we are called to do the same. We come to the altar with empty hands. We are filled with Christ and we are asked to share Christ with all we meet.
Regardless of the challenges we face, you the faithful, have always been generous in helping to spread the Good News and do the work of the Lord Jesus. Together with the love and mercy of God we can share our faith, care for those in need, and serve the Kingdom of God here on earth.
I ask that you prayerfully consider a gift of to the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal so we, together, may continue the work of strengthening parish and family life, evangelizing our community and our world, and reaching out to those in need with love and compassion.
I am grateful to you for your faithfulness to the Lord Jesus and to our Church.
Yours in Christ,Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Bishop of Trenton
Click HERE to watch the ACA 2020 video
To donate online, click HERE -
Upcoming Events / Registration Links
YES - We’re Sleeping Out
We have accepted Covenant House’s the challenge to spend a night sleeping on the street so homeless kids don’t have to.
The Sleep Out is not about pretending to be homeless. It’s an act of solidarity with the 4.2 million young people who experience homelessness each year. It’s a decision that we can’t stay indoors while so many kids remain outside.
One night can make a difference.
As part of our Sleep Out, we are raising funds and awareness for Covenant House, a shelter for kids experiencing homelessness and trafficking. Covenant House offers these young people so much more than a safe place to sleep - they welcome each kid with absolute respect and unconditional love, and their continuum of care provides essential services to help kids transition from homelessness to independence.
Help us help kids. Make a donation in support of our Sleep Out by clicking HERE
We can’t do this without you. Thanks for your support!
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Shrines of Italy 2020 with Fr. Dan
Click HERE for more information and/or to register.
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St. Mary of the Lakes Statement on the Sanctity of All Human Life
St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church and School embraces the teaching of the Catholic Church that all human life is sacred and must be protected.
God loves each human life from the instant of his or her conception and entrusts this gift to the protection of a mother and father. Abortion ends the life of a child and offends God. It also deeply wounds the women and men involved. Our Church provides healing for those who have had an abortion and prays to end abortion.
During these days when abortion is made to seem like merely a political issue, we are reminded that abortion is a moral issue and encourage all to pray for pro-life efforts on behalf of those who cannot help themselves.
We fully endorse the most recent statement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops about its unequivocal mission to support mothers and children, and to end the tragedy of abortion:
Every single human life has value. The trend of states passing pro-life legislation is a very encouraging move toward ensuring that our society cherishes unborn children and their most basic right to life. The pro-life movement has always had two critical goals: increasing support for mothers and children and eliminating the tragedy of abortion. Our march for justice and human rights for unborn children will not be complete until they are recognized and protected as persons by the law. Our ultimate objective, however, is for abortion to be unthinkable. As we celebrate these pro-life legislative victories, we reiterate our commitment to supporting all mothers with the care and resources they need. The Church stands ready to help and welcome them.- Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas
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SML School Updates
St. Mary of the Lakes School Ambassadors
Share Personal Experiences with Prospects
Click HERE to read the story in the Pine Barrens Tribune.
Click HERE to see photos in the Central Record from the SML pep rally
St. Mary of the Lakes School is looking for substitute teachers. Interested applicants should send their resume to info@smlschool.org
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Eucharistic Adoration 24/7
Eucharistic Adoration SignupWe are using a website that helps us manage the Eucharistic Adoration schedule. You can access the website from your smart phone or computer at: sml.weadorehim.com
Just click “Sign Up” to create an account and set your preferences. Use the activation code: AVEMARIA to automatically register. You can also learn all you need to know about signing up and using the website by watching the video at: sml.weadorehim.com/help
The website is very easy to use and allows you to commit based on your schedule. The website is for everyone – whether you are committing to a weekly hour or just aIf you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Natalie Stone at mazzunat007@msn.com or Diana Kenworthy at dkenworthy1@gmail.com.
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Carnival Updates
The Carnival Committee is looking for a few people to join it's group to work directly with the committee chair people in the execution of their duties. Self motivated with leadership skills, these volunteers will work in tandem with the chairs to perform their duties onsite. Dates are June 23-27. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking for volunteer hours as well.
The requirements are that you are willing to work for free (everyone has to meet this requirement, lol)
These positions require a minimum age of 16
Even though you will report directly to the committee chairperson, you will only be asked to attend two meetings between now and the carnival opening night.
Work either the opening or closing shift while the carnival is open which would be about 4 hours a shift.
If we get enough volunteers, you would only have to work as little as two days of the carnival.
The committees include games, grounds (facility set up and take down), parking, tickets, entertainment, volunteers, publicity/promotion and more.
To find out more information or to volunteer, please email Maria KIng: mking@eventcrazy.com
To see photos from the 2019 Carnival, please go to the News/Events tab above and click on Photo Album
To see slide show from the Carnival, click HERE
To read story in Trenton Monitor, click HERE -
Fr. Dan's Sunday Homily on Video
Click Here for the February 16, 2020 Homily: From the 80 to the 20
To see the video archives or read the archives of Fr. Dan's weekly homilies, please go to the About tab above and scroll down to Pastor and click on the homilies. -
Catholic Charities
Know someone needing assistance with food, housing, drug addiction, mental health, domestic violence or immigration? Contact Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton click HERE or go to www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org
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Reverend Daniel F. Swift,
Pastor
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Reverend Roy Ballacillo, Parochial Vicar
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Today's Events
Thursday, February 20
· Thursday Prayer and Bible Study / 9:30 a.m. / EC
· Youth Stations of the Cross Practice / 5:30 p.m. / EC
· KofC Golf Committee Meeting / 7 p.m. / EC
· Lenten Small Group / 7 p.m. / CRW
SML Room AbbreviationsCRL = Conference Room Left / CRR = Conference Room Right / CRW = Conference Room Whole
EC– Emmaus Center/ JRE = Jackson Rd. Entrance in Church / PCR = Prep Conference Room
PLE = Parking Lot Entrance in Church / PMR = Parish Meeting Room / SA = School Auditorium SC = School Chapel -
Disciples in Action - Cohort 3 Parishes
For information on Mass, Confession times, or other information at any of the Burlington County Cohort 3 parishes, Disciples in Action, click on the following:
Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle
St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton
St. John Neumann Parish, Mt. Laurel
St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton -
Fr. Dan's Suggested Reading
Father Dan compiled the following bibliography in answer to the question, “Father, can you recommend a good book for spiritual reading?” Click HERE
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Our Faith. Our Family. Our Future. Donate/Make Pledge Online
To make an online pledge or donation to Our Faith. Our Family. Our Future. capital campaign, click on: Faith To Move Mountains. Go to the top of the page and click on Donate Now. Select your amount. Then scroll down to select a parish. Select St. Mary of the Lakes Medford to donate or make a pledge to Our Faith. Our Family. Our Future. God bless you for your most generous support!
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Make a Memorial Donation for Friend/Loved One
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Parish Registration Form
Please click HERE for Parish Registration Form.