Fr. Roy and Linda Xerri, the Parish Youth Minister, are attending the National Federation For Catholic Youth Ministry conference in Tampa.

To see photos of the Parish Office Construction, please go to the News/Events tab above and click on Photo Album.

The annual SMLS Christmas Bazaar was held on Saturday afternoon and Santa arrived courtesy of the Medford Fire Department. To see more photos from the SMLS Christmas Bazaar, please go to the News/Events tab above and click on Photo Album.

Fr. Dan treated the SML Staff to a joyous Christmas Dinner on Friday.To see more photos from the festive evening, please go to the News/Events tab above and click on Photo Album.

Christmas Trees Dedication Sunday: The Knights of Columbus have introduced a fund-raiser this year that hopefully will become an annual Christmas tradition at St. Mary of the Lakes: Christmas Dedication Trees. All proceeds benefit the Knights charitable activities and SML school. The tree lighting ceremony is this Sunday, Dec. 9, immediately after the 4 p.m. Christmas Choir Festival. To see more photos of the Knights putting up the Christmas Trees, please go to the News/Events tab above and click on Photo Album.

Heaven's Baby Angels is an all volunteer, labor of love organization that sews, knits and crochets baby bereavement outfits from donated wedding gowns and yarn. These outfits are for those babies that pass away during pregnancy or following delivery. In a little over a year this local chapter has provided outfits for more than 500 "baby angels" to local hospitals and new hospitals are signing up monthly. Please help us if you can. Gowns and patterns are provided. For more information about the program visit: https://heavensbabyangels.shutterfly.com or email Sally at optifre173@comcast.net

The final scripture class that was to be taught November 15, will now be Thursday, December 6 at 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Parish Meeting Room.

The inaugural SML Weekly Newsletter email blast was sent out on Thursday, November 15, to registered parishioners. If you didn’t receive an email blast, please send your name and email address to: Kcallahan@smlparish.org If you would like to unsubscribe to the email blast, please scroll down to the bottom of the email blast and click on Unsubscribe.

The new heating system in the Church has been installed and is working!

The New Jersey Assembly is scheduled to vote soon on bill A 1504 which would legalize doctor assisted suicide. Any form of suicide is against both natural law and the commandments of God. You can learn about this proposal and its many serious unintended consequences by looking at what the New Jersey Catholic bishops think about it and then forwarding your comments to your local state lawmakers. To visit the bishop’s web site, open your browser to https://njcatholic.org/ and click “Take Action Now” and then click the “Contact Your Legislators” block. Fill out the form and click “Send Message. Thank you for standing up for LIFE !

The Parish Office snow closings follow the school. If school is closed, the parish office is closed. If school has a delayed opening, the parish office has a delayed opening. When the Governor declares a state of emergency, SML always follows his directive and the parish office and school are closed, and Masses/confession are cancelled. Otherwise, Father Dan will decide if Masses/confession are cancelled based on the condition of the parking lot and sidewalks. Father's decision will be noted in the greeting when you call the parish office.

The Medford Lakes Police Department is looking for several part-time/substitute vacancies within its compliment of Crossing Guards. Substitute guards are called in as needed to fill one hour posts in the morning or afternoon school hours at any of our locations. Direct all inquiries to Officer Matthew Parish of the Medford Lakes Police Department at 609-654-2156 or email: mparrish@medfordlakespolice.org or in person at Medford Lakes Police Department, 1 Cabin Circle Drive, Medford Lakes.

Join us for a Family Taco and Movie Night Friday, November 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium at St. Mary of the Lakes School to watch “Guadalupe: The Miracle and the Message” - a great movie for young and old alike! Family not with you at the moment? Don’t let that stop you from coming! We are the family of God and would love to see our sisters and brothers there! Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 13, with number of people coming to: Christine Brandt at cbrandt@smlparish.org or 609-654-8208 ext. 113

Baked goods needed for the YES Annual Thanksgiving Bake Sale Nov. 17 and 18 held after all masses at the church. Community service hours will be given to all those who provide a homemade baked good item. Donations should be dropped off at the Jackson Road entrance to the Church beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17. Students who bake may record up to three hours total for participating. Anyone who would like to help sell after a mass, should report to the Jackson Rd entrance after whichever mass they attend. For questions contact yes@smlparish.org. Remember to bring your service log sheet for a signature when you drop off your donation.

St. Mary of the Lakes Knights of Columbus Council 6520 recently constructed an accessible ramp at a house in Tabernacle. The recipient, a retired Green Beret, retired state police trooper, and medevac pilot, was paralyzed while on vacation in August. One of numerous ramps that the Medford Knights have donated their time to build over the past several years, it is their longest ramp (72 feet) built to date.

This morning, in St. Mary of the Lakes Church, the “Women in the Bible Program” hosted Sam Kauffman, international Christian performer who presented, “Women in the Manger.” Sam‘s unique style is hallmarked by her exceptional storytelling along with easy to sing music and memorable lyrics. She has developed over 50 programs based on Scripture, supported by her original music, stories, poetry and dramas.

The second Children’s Mass of the school year was offered Sunday, November 11. at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Next month’s Children’s Mass will be December 24 at 5 p.m.

When: Sunday, November 11, 2018 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Where: Georgian Court Univeristy (McAuley Heritage Center) Registration: $10.00 On Sunday, November 11th, young adults are invited to come to Georgian Court University to discover the meaning and purpose of their sexuality and how it applies to their unique mission in life. Participants will learn skills to both discover and utilize their gifts and talents in order to create and maintain healthy relationships. Speakers will share their personal stories of navigating faith and relationships in the modern world and of how they have seen God working in their lives. The day will feature both large and smaller group sessions, designed to facilitate open dialogue among peers, and will conclude with the celebration of Sunday Mass. DEPT. OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES Dan Waddington - Director dwaddi@dioceseoftrenton.org | 609-403-7140 Jerry Wutkowski - Ministry Assistant gwutko@dioceseoftrenton.org | 609-403-7182

NOVEMBER HEALTH TIP FROM YOUR PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY SKIN CARE ON A BUDGET: Keeping your skin healthy and looking its best doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank if you follow these practical tips from leading dermatologists: Cleanse, treat, and prevent. Don’t let a 12 hour period go by without using some sort of treatment or product on your skin (sunscreen counts). Use sunscreen 365 days a year. This helps prevent sun damage that could lead to wrinkles, age spots, or even skin cancer. Get the most from your moisturizer. In the winter, apply it to damp skin as soon as you get out of the shower to lock in moisture. Consider using petroleum jelly. This common, inexpensive product has several uses for skin care including;  Moisturizing rough, cracked feet, elbows, and hands; dry cuticles and lips; and peeling nails.  Preventing chafing when running or biking;  Protecting kids’ scrapes and bumps; and  Applying as a diaper ointment. Use one or two skin care product lines at a time. Limiting product lines saves money and storage space. Remember, a more expensive skin care product is not necessarily more effective. Some brands contain fragrances that may lead to skin problems. Consider dual-function products. Examples include a moisturizer plus sunscreen and a lip balm with sunscreen. Get the most for your hard-earned money. When choosing anti-aging products, look for ingredients such as vitamin A and alpha hydroxy acid.

Our Knights of Columbus chaplain, Fr. Roy, kicks into action during Saturday's Ramp Project for injured Veteran/State Trooper.To see more photos from the Knights of Columbus Ramp Project, please go to the News/Events tab above and click on Photo Album.