We Make Disciples

Each year, Advent is a time of waiting and preparing for the Christ Child to come into our hearts. This year, we will be waiting and preparing right up to the last minutes before the Christmas Eve Masses are offered. Seat reservations will be necessary for the 2:00, 3:30 and 5:00 p.m. Masses on Christmas Eve.

Before making your reservation, please read the following:

1. 1. After you make your reservation, please bring your reservation receipt and come to the Parking Lot Entrance of the Church no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the Mass. All other doors to the Church will not be open.

   2. You will be greeted at the door by staff or a volunteer to check your reservation and direct you to your seat/s.

   3. If you do not arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the Mass, you may forfeit your reservation as those who arrive but did not know they needed a reservation will be directed to a stand by line (social distancing observed).

   4. Any seats that have not been reserved will be given to those in the stand by line on a first come first serve basis.

   5. All persons two-years-old and older must wear a mask. Anyone who is in a high-risk category should stay home. Should you need to cancel your reservation please, contact the parish office at frontdesk@smlparish.org or 609/654-8208 ext. 110.

Thanks,
Father Dan

You will be indicating that you read the above when you make your reservation HERE.

Christmas Schedule 2020

Sacrament of Penance
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Monday, December 21st, 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 22nd, 7:00-7:30 p.m.
Please stay six feet from one another in line.

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve, December 24th
2:00, 3:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m.
Seat Reservations are required.

6:30, 8:00, 9:30 p.m.
Seat Reservations are not required.

Christmas Day, December 25th
7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.
Seat Reservations are not required.

Feast of the Holy Family
Saturday, December 26th at 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 27th at
7:30, 9:00, 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Thursday, December 31st at 5:30 p.m.
Friday, January 1st at 10:00 a.m.
Holy Day of Obligation

To see the November 24, 2020 9:00 a.m. Mass simulcasted, please click HERE

To see the November 23, 2020 9:00 a.m. Mass on video, please click HERE
To see the November 22, 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.

*There will be a 9:00 a.m. Mass only on both
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26,
and on Friday, November 27.

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

             Full Time Language Arts Teacher           

      St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic School is seeking one full time Language Arts teacher, grades 5-8 for the 2020-2021 school year. The successful candidate would serve as a 6th grade homeroom teacher responsible for teaching the core curriculum in Literature for grades 6th/7th.  Also, the candidate is responsible for teaching religion in 6th grade. Candidates should have experience in teaching at the middle school level and be committed to a Catholic education. Minimum qualifications: NJ Teaching Certificate K-8th or Content Area Certification, knowledge of Google Classroom, fingerprinting/background check
     Qualified candidates should submit their letter of interest, resume and salary requirements to:  Maria Sobel, School Principal, at msobel@smlschool.org.  Please include SML#8208 on the email subject line for your application to be considered.  Please click HERE for employment application.

Part Time Director of Advancement and Admissions

     Reporting to the Principal, the Part Time Director of Advancement and Admissions, DAA, designs and implements a comprehensive, results-oriented development plan that includes annual fundraising, major and planned giving, campaigns and special events for St. Mary of the Lakes School.  All responsibilities are to be in line with the Catholic mission of the Parish and School and candidate must be committed to promoting Catholic identity.  The DAA reports directly to the Principal of St. Mary of the Lakes School with accountability to the Pastor.  He/she is responsible for constituent relationships, managing data, engaging volunteers when needed and works collaboratively with the school and parish staff, and administrators.  
     The DAA should be a self-starter, entrepreneurial and creative while being an excellent and engaged team player. The candidate must have outstanding communication skills across a range of constituents.
     Qualified candidates should submit their letter of interest, resume and salary requirements to:  Maria Sobel, School Principal, at msobel@smlschool.org.  Please include SML#2546 on the email subject line for your application to be considered.  If interested, submit application (please click HERE for employment application.)

Father Dan will continue to offer an online Intergenerational Church Study on the second Wednesday of each month with the next class December 9 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Due to the recent executive order, attending virtually is the only option for those interested.
A link will be posted on the website each month to attend virtually. 

Click HERE for the link to the 12/9 Church Study
Meeting number (access code): 126 176 4132       
Meeting password: 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.

Scripture Study

Click HERE to see Fr. Dan's Scripture Study class on November 16, 2020

Click HERE to see Fr. Dan's Scripture Study class on November 9, 2020

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.

PREP Religious Education Classes
Religious education classes have been in session since September 21.  To comply with social distancing limitations and other restrictions necessitated by the pandemic, PREP now has catechists teaching virtually in addition to those who teach in-person.  At times, this has been formidable for catechists, students, and parents; however, all have accepted the challenge. We are discovering new ways to teach, learn, share, and grow in our knowledge and love of God.
Parents who have not yet registered their children for PREP this year should contact the PREP Office as soon as possible.  Do not let Covid stand in the way of your child’s religious education!
To register or if you have any questions, contact the
PREP Office at smlprep@smlparish.org.



Click HERE for Admissions

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.



Although our tree will still be decorated with ornaments listing needed items, we are adding the list of items on both the parish www.smlparish.org and school www.smlschool.org websites
for your safety and convenience.
All donations can be placed in the decorative box which will be located next to the tree at the Jackson Road entrance. Please do not place any purchased items under the tree this year!  Thank you for remembering those most in need in our community.         
“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers,
 that you do unto me.”
Questions, contact yes@smlparish.org
 All donations will benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
REQUESTED ITEMS:
Toiletries: men’s and women’s deodorant; body wash (15 oz) shampoo (15 oz), chapstick, lip gloss; purse size hand sanitizer; Large diapers size 5, 6 and up or Pull Ups.

YES Updated Status for Youth Service

Our Confirmation students have been busy serving others!
If your child hasn’t created a Mobile Serve Account, please contact yes@smlparish.org for instructions.

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers.” 

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.

          Each year, the Bishop seeks the support of our parishes, our clergy, Catholic education and social services.
          SML has pledged $151,658. Our parish goal was $140,000. 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, which is currently $26,829.
          Thank you for your generosity!

To donate online, click HERE

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 First Sunday in Advent, please 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.