As Catholics, we believe that life is a gift from God that must be cherished and protected. Our faith obliges us to work both privately and publicly to defend life. As Americans, we believe that the freedom of religious expression and the rights of conscience, are protected by the US Constitution and are equally in need of defense.

At its November meeting, the Catholic Bishops of the United States agreed to launch a new postcard campaign — PROJECT LIFE AND LIBERTY — to keep before the public and our elected representatives the Church’s critical issues of religious freedom and pro-life concerns. Through Project Life and Liberty, we call on Congress to prevent federal funding and promotion of abortion, and to protect the rights of conscience in health care.

Project Life and Liberty will be launched in February in partnership with the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment (NCHLA), which will coordinate the logistics of this postcard campaign.

The Bishops of New Jersey are urging all Catholic people to join in informing our elected representative in Washington to retain pro-life laws and policies, and protect our Freedom of Religious Expression and rights of conscience. The postcards are located at the end of each pew. Please complete them and return them in the collection box. The parish will arrange to mail them to Washington.

Today, we have the opportunity to make not only the strongest possible statement about the Sanctity of life, but also to demonstrate our strength as people of faith and faithful citizens. Help us make this campaign to secure true progress in building a Culture of Life in our nation a success.

In coming weeks, the issue of the Health and Human Services mandates requiring religiously-affiliated institutions to offer and pay for medical services that violate the religious beliefs and teaching of that religion -- such as abortions, abortifacient drugs, and sterilization procedures -- will be resurfacing.

Please read this recent column by The Most Reverend Joseph Naumann, Archbishop of Kansas City, on some of the myths that the Federal Administration continues to promote about the HHS Mandates.  Other resources on the challenges to Religious Freedom can be found on the Archdiocese of Newark website at www.rcan.org/religiousliberty

Tuesdays, 9:30am – 11:30am Lake School Auditorium (use Lakeside entrance -- please just knock on the door.)

Time for Tots is an informal group of Moms and Dads who get together while our children play. We all know the winter months can be long, when you can't get your small children out the door to burn off some energy. Time for Tots allows your children to get out of the house and play with other children, while giving you some much needed "adult time."

There is no sign up or cost involved. Feel free to drop by any time.

Please call or e-mail Carli Crinion 973-433-7249 or carcrin@gmail.com with any questions.

Children's Liturgy of the Word is held at the 9:00 mass during the school year whenever there is not a Family Mass being held.

At Children's Liturgy of the Word, the children (Preschool until about 4th grade) are called to go to the chapel with the adult team to hear the readings in a child friendly format. There is a homily given on a child's level and lots of singing (often in sign language and English) and praying.

Children are given the opportunity to express who they are and what they would like to pray for that day. Our soldiers are often kept in our prayers from the children as well as their pets. Family and friends are prayed for especially those who are sick. They return just before the gifts are brought forward to participate in the rest of the mass with the main congregation.

Thank you for sharing your faith with your children and with sharing your children with us during this special liturgy.

If you know someone us is unable to get to mass due to illness and would like to receive Holoy Communion, please contact the rectory at 973-239-5696.  We have a group of dedicated parishioners who visit the sick and homebound on a weekly basis and bring the Sacrament.

"Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted"

Our Lady of the Lake’s Bereavement Ministry offers a comfortable and safe environment where those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, may seek support from others who are experiencing a similar loss.

Sessions are held on alternating Tuesdays, September through June, at 7:30pm in the OLL rectory.  A modified summer schedule is also offered.

If you would like some company on your journey or would like to experience God’s grace as you walk this difficult path, please contact one of our facilitators, JoAnn Palmisano 973-585-7278 or Joan Stern 973-239-9113 for more information.  

Your presence is always welcome! 

Next Meetings:  call rectory to confirm

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