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My high school baseball coach had a firm rule against chewing tobacco, and he wanted to draw it to our attention. He got our attention all right. Before long we’d all tried it! It was a sure test of manhood. One day I’d just popped a plug in my mouth when one of the players warned, “Here comes the coach.” I did what comes naturally—I swallowed. Gulp. I added new meaning to the scripture, “I felt weak deep inside me. I moaned all day long” (Psalm 32:3). I paid the price for hiding my disobedience. My body was not made to ingest tobacco. Your soul was not made to ingest sin. Are you keeping any secrets from God? Any part of your past or present that you hope you and God never discuss? Well listen, once you’re in the grip of grace, you’re free to be honest. And you’ll be glad you were.

We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our parishioners who are donating to the Feed My Sheep Casserole Ministry! However, at this time, we ask you to hold off on your donations. Our freezer space is now at capacity and the two organizations where we deliver the food are fully stocked! We will post again when we can once again accept casseroles.

Each Lent, Catholic families across the country unite to put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Through CRS Rice Bowl, families learn how our sisters and brothers across the globe overcome hardships like hunger and malnutrition, and how through Lenten alms, we have the power to make the world a better place for all. St. Mary of the Lakes parish is once again participating in Operation Rice Bowl this Lent. “Rice Bowl” collection boxes can be found at the doors of the church. Once you fill your bowl, please place it in the collection bin at the Parking Lot entrance or return it to the Parish Office during regular business hours. If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to St. Mary of the Lakes Church

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is open Tuesday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and the first and third Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Donations can be dropped off Tuesday - Friday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and the first and third Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please keep in mind that masks are required to enter our store. For more information, call St. Vincent’s at 609-953-0021 or click the title above.

We are postponing Chris Stefanick’s REBOOT Live! until 2022. We’ll post the new date as soon as it’s decided.

To read the Trenton Monitor story "Medford parish launches yearlong campaign to ‘develop holy habits," please click on the title Increase Your Cross above.

To hear the audio recording of six children from the church and school singing "Go Tell it on the Mountain," please click on the title above to download and then click on the download of your computer/device.

The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was held Sunday. To see photos, please click on the News/Events tab above on the home page and then click on Photo Albums.

Many of you have called and emailed regarding our parish’s annual service trip to the Trenton Soup Kitchen. As you know the COVID-19 pandemic has placed many restrictions on organizations and has greatly impacted our ability to gather and physically be present to serve others. We want you to know that although we are not permitted to physically go as a parish to serve a Christmas meal on December 19, St. Mary of the Lakes will still be providing a hot meal that day to the needy in Trenton. We have sent a check which will cover the cost of several hundred catered boxed meals that will be distributed by the staff of Loaves and Fishes on our behalf. We will also be providing scarves and gloves for distribution that day. We thank you for your continued generosity and support of this outreach and we pray for an end to coronavirus so that we can once again gather as a parish family to prepare and serve the meal to our brothers and sisters in Trenton.

The following beautiful prayer is traditionally prayed fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for His coming: Hail and blessed be the hour and moment In which the Son of God was born Of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires,  [here mention your request] through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

Click on the title above to hear the Fellowship Thanksgiving Message sung by the St. Mary of the Lakes and Medford United Methodist Church choirs.

The Rosary Rally to Pray for World Peace and Conversion of Hearts was held on Saturday, October 10, in front of St. Mary of the Lakes Church. To see photos, please click on the News/Events tab above on the home page and then click on Photo Albums.

There was the annual blessing of the animals on Saturday, October 3, at the Church. To see photos, please click on the News/Events tab above on the home page and then click on Photo Albums.

The YES Welcome Back for 9th to 12th graders was held on Sunday, September 27, under the Tent. To see photos, please click on the News/Events tab above on the home page and then click on Photo Albums.

The Sunday morning Mass schedule is 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. (simulcasted), 10:30 a.m., and noon.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming Catholic, completing the Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation/Eucharist), or would just like to find out what Catholicism is all about, you are welcome to join us. There is no obligation. Contact Christine Brandt, 609-654-8208 x113

St. Mary of the Lakes will introduce a new ministry for all of our college aged parishioners who suddenly find themselves on virtual learning and far away from their campus communities. An informational meeting and social gathering will be held on Friday, September 18, at 7:00 p.m. on the lawn outside the Emmaus Center. Bring a blanket or lawn chair - we will toast smores around the fire pit! Spread the word, invite a friend and come with ideas on how to make this ministry your own! RSVP to Linda Xerri at 609-654-8208, ext. 111.

To help victims of Hurricane Laura by donating to Catholic Charities, please click on the above title Hurricane Laura Relief.

Please join us Wednesday, September 16, at 6:30 p.m. on the Church Grounds for food and fun around the fire pit and then the first installment of “Unlocking the Mysteries of the Bible.” If you would like to order a workbook (not needed to participate) for the Bible study, please click the title above.

To see photos from the St. Mary of the Lakes Golf Classic on Wednesday, presented by Murphy's Family Markets, please click on the News/Events tab above on the home page and then click on Photo Albums.