God not only wants the mistakes we’ve made, he wants the ones we’re making. Are you drinking too much? Are you cheating at work or cheating at marriage? Mismanaging your life? Don’t pretend nothing’s wrong. The first step after a stumble must be in the direction of the cross. 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.” So start with your bad moments. And while you’re there, give God your mad moments. There’s a story about a man bitten by a dog, and when he learned the dog had rabies he began a list. The doctor said, “There’s no need for you to make a will—you’ll be fine.” “Oh I’m not making a will,” he said. “I’m making a list of all the people I want to bite.” God wants that list. He wants you to leave it at the cross.
On March 25 and 26, 111 young men and women of our School and Religious Education Program received the Sacrament of Confirmation. On April 17 and 24, 80 School and PREP children will receive their First Eucharist. We are extremely proud of our students. We are also thankful to and appreciative of all those who helped prepare them for their Sacraments. Please keep them in your prayers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.