Posts from 2020 (Page 2)

Posts from 2020 (Page 2)

From the Pastor’s Desk: Greetings from Fr. Tom Newton

With extreme gratitude to Bishop Sullivan, I begin my new assignment as the pastor of St. Damien Parish.  As I wrote to my family and friends when I shared with them my new appointment, I am filled with feelings of profound excitement for this new adventure.  I come to this position after being the pastor of Christ Our Light in Cherry Hill for eleven years and, prior to a merger, the pastor of St. Peter Celestine in Cherry Hill for…

Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Gerard Burton

Altar server Gerard Burton is known for the extraordinary grace that he brings to his role.  He would rather call it a humble effort to return through worship a little of what God lavishes on the world. “When I think of God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit,” he said, “I just think of everything beautiful that they have created.  So Mass is a beautiful way to give back.”  Altar serving is also a means for Gerard to honor the…

The Little Sisters of the Poor Campaign: ‘A Million Families, a Million Rosaries’

During Portugal’s 1974 Carnation Revolution, Our Lady said to Sister Lucia, “When a million families pray the rosary, the revolution will end.” The Little Sisters of the Poor are launching a campaign against the coronavirus.  After much prayer and contemplation about the coronavirus Mother General, Mother Maria del Monte Auxiliadora wrote to the whole Congregation at the end of March, “I suggest that we launch a ‘campaign’ on a global scale, a veritable ‘blitz’ on heaven, through the intercession of…

Coronavirus: Bishop Sullivan Extends Closure of Catholic Schools to May 15th

On Saturday, March 14th, 2020, Bishop Sullivan announced the closure of all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Camden effective Monday, March 16th, 2020, in order to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. Given the current situation at hand and Governor Phil Murphy’s extension of the school’s closure, the Bishop has decided to keep Catholic schools closed until at least May 15th, 2020. Bishop Sullivan, along with Diocesan and Catholic Schools staff, will continue to monitor the situation closely…

The Miraculous Crucifix: How it Saved Rome and Could Save the World Today

Written by Marion Buondonno For those of us who were glued to our computers on March 27 when Pope Francis gave the “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing, I would assume you witnessed the Pope bow and pray before the crucifix that was outside in St. Peters Square. But did you know this was a very special crucifix known as the Miraculous Crucifix? It was moved from its home at St. Marcellus Church to St. Peters Square for the Pope’s Blessing. The story…

Announcing St. Damien Parish Mass Live Streams

Amidst one of the most troubling times in modern history, St. Damien Parish is happy to announce that we will begin live streaming some of our Masses and services beginning this weekend. We have created a streaming setup that will give viewers at home the same impression that they are, in fact, present at Mass despite watching through their computer screen. Our Schedule At this time, we plan to live stream our weekend Mass (either Saturday evening or Sunday morning)…

Join Pope Francis to #PrayTogether March 27th, 2020

Join Pope Francis this Friday, March 27th, 2020, at 1 p.m. ET as he invites all members of the faithful and other Christians to #PrayTogether in an effort to bring the world together in this difficult time. During this special service on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, the following itinerary will be followed. Word of God Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Urbi et Orbi Blessing Opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence “…I invite everyone to participate spiritually through the…

A Prayer for Spiritual Communion

Jesus, I know and believe in your real presence in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. It is you I desire to love and receive above all things. As I am unable to receive your sacramental presence now, come and be with me in heart and soul. Let my entire self be united with you as I welcome you again and know your loving embrace. Amen

Coronavirus: What Churches Are Open at St. Damien Parish?

In the midst of all the chaos surrounding the drastic measures the Diocese of Camden is taking to combat the Coronavirus, many are wondering what the status of St. Damien Parish and its churches is. Here’s a simple breakdown of each of them. St. Frances Cabrini (2nd & Atlantic Ave.) Closed to the public until further notice. No activities or events will take place. St. Augustine Church (13th & Wesley Ave.) Open to the public during Exposition of the Blessed…

Coronavirus: What Happens to the Bulletin?

Hey guys – Max here, bulletin editor and webmaster of St. Damien Parish. As I’m sure you’ve all heard, Bishop Sullivan suspended public access of daily and weekend Mass for the foreseeable future due to Coronavirus concerns. This is leaving a lot of people with a lot of questions, and I’d like to take this opportunity to answer one of them: what happens to the bulletin? The soul purpose of a weekly church bulletin is to inform parishioners about ongoing…