We Make Disciples

To see the October 29, 2020 9:00 a.m. Mass simulcasted, please click HERE

To see the October 28, 2020 9:00 a.m. Mass on video, please click HERE
To see the October 27, 2020 9:00 a.m. Mass on video, please click HERE
To see the October 26, 2020 9:00 a.m. Mass on video, please click HERE
To see the October 25, 2020 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Mass on video, please click HERE

Weekend Mass Schedule
Saturday
5:30 p.m.
Sunday
7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon.
Everyone must wear a mask.
The Sunday 9:00 a.m. Mass will be  simulcasted.

Daily Mass Schedule
A daily Mass is offered Monday through Friday
at 7:15 a.m. and Monday through Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
Everyone must wear a mask.
The Daily 9:00 a.m. Mass is simulcasted.

The Coronavirus and Act of Spiritual Communion prayers are below so you can pray them with the priest at the appropriate time:

Coronavirus Prayer after Prayer of the Faithful

Jesus Christ, You traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.”
At Your command, the sick were made well.
Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience Your healing love.
Be with doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know Your protection and peace. May victims regain their strength and health through quality medical care.
Heal us from our fear.
Stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow.
Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with You in Your Eternal Peace.
Hear our prayer, O Divine Physician. Hear our prayer.
Amen.

Act of Spiritual Communion Prayer

My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.

Order of the Mass and Daily Readings

Click HERE  for the Order of the Mass
Click HERE for the USCCB’s daily readings

Light a Virtual Prayer Candle

For a link to the St. Mary of the Lakes Virtual Prayer Candle, please click HERE

YOU MAY INCLUDE AN OFFERING
WITH YOUR SUNDAY GIFT

Prayer for the President
Written in 1947

We Pray, Lord Jesus, for our President. We are deeply concerned that he may know the will of God, and that he may have the spiritual courage and grace to follow it.

Deliver him, we pray, from all selfish considerations.
Lift him above the claims of politics.
Fill him with the Spirit of God that shall make him fearless to seek, to know, to do the right.
Save him from the friends who, in the name of politics or even friendship, would persuade him from that holy path.

Strengthen and empower his advisers. Bring them, too, to their knees in prayer. May their example and their influence spread, that we, in these United States, may yet have a government of men who know Thee, the Almighty God, as their Friend, and who place Thy will first in their lives as well as in their prayers.

Hear and answer, we pray Thee, forgiving us all our unworthiness; cleansing us from every ignoble thought and unworthy ambition that we may be renewed in spirit and mind and heart, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
                                                        - Peter Marshall

Scripture Study
Father Dan is offering an Intergenerational Scripture Study on Mondays, 11/9, 11/16 and 11/23 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Emmaus Center.
This weekly Scripture Study is full in-person,
so attending virtually is the only option for those interested.

Click HERE for the link to the 11/9 Scripture Study
from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
The password is "Francis"

This course was written using Benedict XVI’s Jesus of Nazareth and will cover: the Disciples, the Message of the Parables, the Principle Images of John’s Gospel, Peter’s Confession, the Transfiguration and the Identity of Jesus.
A link will be posted on the website
each week to attend virtually.

Church Study
Father Dan will offer a Hybrid (online and in-person) Intergenerational Church Study on the second Wednesday of the month beginning November 11 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
in the Emmaus Center.

Click HERE for the link to the 11/11 Church Study
from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
 The password is "Francis"

This course was inspired by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, who wrote, “I don’t hear a lot of people today having trouble with God and I don’t really hear a lot of people having trouble with Jesus. I hear everybody having trouble with the Church. In some way, we’ve got to reclaim the identity
of Christ in His Church.” To that end, the course was written using Fulton Sheen’s The Mystical Body of Christ.
BYOB (bring your own Bible). If you need a Bible, New American Bibles will be sold for $6.00 at the class.
Due to social distancing, only 36 seats are available for in-person attendees. A link will be posted on the website each week for those who prefer to attend virtually. Please sign the roster at the Parking Lot Entrance or call the Parish Office at 609/654-8208 x110 to register.

Two Part-Time Custodian Positions
St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic School

St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic School seeks two part-time custodian staff members to work Monday through Friday.  The qualified candidates will be responsible for specific daily cleaning duties, opening and locking buildings, and setting up and breaking down for school events.  Hours for day position:  12 noon to 4:00 p.m.  Hours for afternoon/evening position:  4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 
Overtime hours may be required.

If interested, submit application (please click HERE for employment application) to:  Bill Scherf, Facilities Manager at:  wscherf@smlschool.org.  Please include SML#2546 on the email subject line for your application to be considered.

Confessions

Confessions are heard in the altar server sacristy on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If a line forms, please stand six feet apart. When making your confession, please stand by the barrier, which will be positioned six feet from Father Roy or Father Dan.

 Baptisms

Baptisms may be scheduled at any time on any day, provided one of the clergy is available at the time you are requesting. There is a 100-person limit. Please call the parish office to schedule a Baptism.

Memorial Masses

Please contact the Parish Office to schedule a Memorial Mass. Everyone two-years-old and older will be required to wear a mask.

Eucharistic Adoration

The Adoration Chapel is open daily 24/7
to one Adorer at a time.

Church Open for Private Prayer

Please Observe These Directives:
· The Church is open for private prayer every day from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
· Only 100 persons are allowed in the Church at any given time.
· Everyone 2-years-old and older must wear a mask.
· Social distancing of six feet is to be observed.
· After a pew is used, leave the kneeler down so staff knows the area needs to be cleaned. Do not sit in a pew above a kneeler that is down.
· The public restrooms are locked.
· Please do not gather outside church, or in parking lot.

Click HERE for Admissions

PREP Religious Education Classes
If you have any questions, contact the
PREP Office at smlprep@smlparish.org.

For the YES Revised Fall Schedule 2020, please click HERE

Brick Fundraiser



The Knights of Columbus are selling bricks that will be placed along the walkways and in the shape of two (2) Crosses that will be placed entering the church from the back parking lot.  Not only can you help us and the church, but you have the opportunity to leave an impression that will last forever.  You can have the bricks inscribed with the names of your family, an anniversary, a special event or a deceased loved one by getting a brick to commemorate their legacy.  It's also a great way for people to always see
your businesses and be reminded of your
support among the community.

Time is limited, spaces are filling up, don't miss your chance to get a brick and leave a legacy that will last a lifetime.  The cost is $125 for a 4x8 brick and $175 for a 8x8 brick.  Add $25 for clip art and mini replica bricks (below) are available for an additional $35. Samples of the bricks can be found by the Parking Lot entrance.



 Click HERE for the Brick Fundraiser order form.
    You can make your check payable to St Mary of the Lakes Church and drop off at the parish office.

Knights in Action

Please consider contributing to the Food Drive being conducted by the Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent de Paul. Drop off whatever you can spare at the Knight’s trailer located in the Church parking lot. The un-manned trailer is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

SVdP Thanksgiving Food Drive
October 31 to November 15
Non-perishable food items for Thankgiving dinner can be placed in the KofC trailer at the church parking lot. Suggested items  are:  Cranberry sauce,  apple sauce, stuffing mix,  boxed potatoes, canned vegetables, turkey gravy, rice, pasta, fruit cocktail, canned yams, apple juice, instant jello
Great opportunity for students to earn Confirmation Service credit by hosting a family or neighborhood food drive. Contact yes@smlparish.org for more details.

Casserole Collections
Based on this published information and CDC guidelines, found HERE we feel that we can safely resume collection of casseroles provided that those who wish to donate follow these suggested guidelines from the CDC along with our directive to not cook/deliver food if you or a member of your household are sick. Donated food must be frozen prior to delivery to the Emmaus Center.

The Emmaus Center is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for food collection. 

Those entering must wear a mask. Please go directly to the Emmaus Center and place the frozen casserole in the
LARGE WHITE CHEST FREEZER, which is located against the back wall of the Emmaus Center - closest to the backyard door.



Catholic Charities News
Community Services is Catholic Charities’ link to parishes in the Trenton diocese. Serving families in crises, we provide food, mortgage, rent and utilities assistance, temporary housing, counseling, and immigration services. To learn more about Catholic Charities Community Services visit the
YouTube presentation HERE.
If you know of anyone needing assistance, please contact Catholic Charities at 800-360-7711

 Safe Environment Criminal Background Check
Any volunteer who has not completed their
Safe Environment Criminal Background Check must do so as soon as possible. The IdentoGo Fingerprinting service in
Cherry Hill is open by appointment only.

Please check their website HERE
 or call 877-503-5981 to make an appointment. 

Any questions please call Lenora at the parish office 609-654-8208 or email lgange@smlparish.org

Novena Prayer for the United States of America
(recited each day October 26—November 3)

              God our Father, giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Reclaim this land for your glory and dwell among your people.
             Send your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation’s leaders and citizens. Open our minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany respecting and protecting human life and religious liberty. Help us to bring an end to racial injustice, violence and all the evils that divide us.  Remind your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing your will.  Make us instruments of your peace!
              Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, patroness of our land, grant us the courage to reject the “culture of death” and lead us always to respect life in all its stages and circumstance.  We ask this through Christ Our Lord.  Amen. 

Then, recite an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be each day for our nation (individual recommended intentions for each day of the Novena)

  Monday, October 26: For an end to abortion in our country and for respect for life in all its stages, from conception to natural death.
  Tuesday, October 27: For an end to the COVID pandemic in our country and for all those affected by it.
  Wednesday, October 28: For an end to racism and social injustice in our country.
  Thursday, October 29: For the protection of religious liberty in our country and around the world.
  Friday, October 30: For those who protect and serve us in law enforcement in our country and for an end to violence and destruction, especially in our cities.
  Saturday, October 31: For those who protect our country in the armed forces at home and around the world and for peace in the world.
  Sunday, November 1: For the poor, for immigrants and refugees, for the forgotten and most abandoned in our country.
  Monday, November 2: For the protection of marriage as the faithful union of one man and one woman and for the strengthening of family life in our country.
  Tuesday, November 3: For those who govern our country and for those who are running for elected office that they might serve with a commitment to life, respect, compassion, liberty and justice for all.

Faith Formation Virtual Conference
Hosted by Virtual Catholic Conference
November 5-8

While the pandemic may prevent us from gathering, it cannot keep us from uniting. This year, the Archdiocese of Newark in collaboration with the dioceses of Paterson, Metuchen, Trenton, and Camden are rallying catechists, ministry leaders, and families to better know and teach the faith. 
Knowing that the pandemic has forced many faith formation programs and their families to pivot rapidly, this conference will educate, empower, and inspire parents, ministry leaders, and catechists to be confident educators in the faith and lead with courage at their homes and parishes.

Click HERE to learn more about the conference.

The Diocese of Trenton is Here to Support
You and Your family

Resources for families can be found on our webpage by clicking HERE

For the theme of the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, please click HERE

From the Pastor’s Desk

           The Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) is ongoing throughout the Diocese of Trenton. 
           Each year, the Bishop seeks the support of our parishes, our clergy, Catholic education and social services.
           Each of us has a vital part in all we do in Christ’s name, and each of us can share in all we do with a gift to the ACA. The ACA gives us the opportunity to support the Church beyond our parish. 
          To date, SML has pledged $107,913. Our parish goal is $140,000. We need $32,087 to reach our goal. By reaching our goal, the rebate will be $21,000 (15 percent of goal). By continuing to exceed our goal, the rebate will be $21,000 + 50 percent of difference above $140,000.
           Last year’s generous response allowed our parish to exceed our goal by 10.9 percent with total received pledges of $154,782 for a total parish rebate of $28,545.
          We hope your generosity will allow for the same results this year and we thank you in advance for making a gift to this year’s ACA!

Father Dan

Click HERE to watch the ACA 2020 video

To donate online, click HERE

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 

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

Father Dan compiled the following bibliography in answer to the question, “Father, can you recommend a good book for spiritual reading?” Click HERE

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!

Please click HERE for Parish Registration Form.