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One stumble does not define or break a person. Though you’ve failed God’s love does not. Face your failures with faith in God’s goodness. He tells you what He told Joshua: “Arise, go…you and all this people, to the land which I am giving” (Joshua 1:2). There is no condition in that covenant. God’s Promised Land offer does not depend on your perfection. It depends on His. In God’s hands, no defeat is a crushing defeat. “The steps of good men are directed by the Lord. He delights in each step they take. If they fall, it isn’t fatal, for the Lord holds them with His hand” (Psalm 37:23-24). Miss this truth and miss your new beginning. You must believe that God’s grace is greater than your failures.

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.

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

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 will once again be participating in Operation Rice Bowl this Lent. “Rice Bowl” collection boxes can be found at the doors of the church beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 17. 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

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 Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is open. Please keep in mind that masks are required to enter our store at this time. If you haven’t shopped at the Thrift Store on Jones Road, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the range of items available. You can purchase quality merchandise including household items, books, and CDs at an affordable price while helping the poor. Every dollar you spend funds programs to help those in need in the surrounding area. For store hours, call St. Vincent’s at 609-953-0021. For more information, click the title above.

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.