Posts by St Damien Parish (Page 2)
A Word on Our Winter Mass Schedule
We have reached a point as a community where it is necessary to make some changes to the St. Damien liturgical schedule. The personnel is just no longer available to cover all of the Masses that we currently have scheduled. I realize that these decisions are never easy, however I ask for your support. After consultation with our staff and members of the Pastoral Council, I have made the following decisions: As of Columbus Day, Monday, October 11, 2021 we…
From the Pastor’s Desk (May 30, 2021)
Beginning on Friday, May 28th, those participating in Mass, who are vaccinated against COVID-19, are no longer required to wear masks. Those who are not yet vaccinated are encouraged to wear masks in accord with CDC guidelines. Obviously, anyone who desires to still wear a mask is permitted to do so and I encourage all parishioners and visitors to get vaccinated. In addition, all pews will be opened for seating. Per the governor’s statement, all social distancing requirements are lifted…
From the Pastor’s Desk (January 17, 2021)
Happy New Year. It is my hope and prayer that this year, 2021, will be a time of peace, joy and good health for you and your family. I have just completed my first six months as the pastor of St. Damien and I offer a word of gratitude to all of you for your welcome and goodness to me. I know that I have made some changes that not everyone has been able to embrace and I am sorry…
Catholic Bishops Urge Opposition to NJ’s “Reproductive Freedom Act”
(Don’t be fooled by the title – It’s not freedom) This legislation if enacted would codify: Allowing late-term abortions up to birth Permitting nonphysicians to perform abortions Elimination of any legislative requirements for parental notification Elimination of any conscience protection legislation for health care workers Mandating state taxpayer funding for abortion services Prohibiting any future laws, regulations, etc. conflicting with this legislation New Jersey Bishops in their statement on The Reproductive Freedom Act: “… urge all Catholics … to reject…
Coronavirus: An Update from Fr. Tom Newton
Good morning everyone. Thanks for all of your prayers and support over these past ten difficult and challenging days. I want to give you an update. According to the guidelines that I received from the Cape May County Health Department, my isolation period can end and I can now return to normal activities if: A) no fever (temperature above 100.4 for 24 hours and no use of fever reducing medicineANDB) at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appearedANDC)…
Coronavirus: An Update from St. Damien Parish
This week, our pastor, Fr. Tom Newton, tested positive for COVID-19. He is doing well and recovering in the rectory where he will follow CDC guidelines to quarantine. He asks everyone to say an extra prayer for a speedy recovery. In response, we will be closing our Parish Office to the public throughout the remainder of this week. We plan to thoroughly sanitize the building and have our employees take COVID-19 tests. We will reopen to the public on Wednesday,…