Pope Francis' Holy Week Message:

Creativity of Love can Overcome Isolation 

Pope Francis sends a message as Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Holy Week in an unusual manner due to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.  The official translation of the Pope’s message is below:

Dear friends, good evening!

This evening I have the chance to enter your homes in a different way than usual. If you allow me, I would like to have a conversation with you for a few moments, in this time of difficulty and of suffering. I can imagine you in your families, living an unusual life to avoid contagion. I am thinking of the liveliness of children and young people, who cannot go out, attend school, live their lives. I have in my heart all the families, especially those who have a loved one who is sick or who have unfortunately experienced mourning due to the coronavirus or other causes. These days I often think about people who are alone, and for whom it is more difficult to face these moments. Above all I think of the elderly, who are very dear to me.

I cannot forget those who are sick with coronavirus, people who are in hospital. I am aware of the generosity of those who put themselves at risk for the treatment of this pandemic or to guarantee the essential services to society. So many heroes, every day, at every hour! I also remember how many are in financial straits and are worried about work and the future. A thought also goes out to prison inmates, whose pain is compounded by fear of the epidemic, for themselves and their loved ones; I think of the homeless, who do not have a home to protect them.

It is a difficult time for everyone. For many, very difficult. The Pope knows this and, with these words, he wants to tell everyone of his closeness and affection. Let us try, if we can, to make the best use of this time: let us be generous; let us help those in need in our neighbourhood; let us look out for the loneliest people, perhaps by telephone or social networks; let us pray to the Lord for those who are in difficulty in Italy and in the world. Even if we are isolated, thought and spirit can go far with the creativity of love. This is what we need today: the creativity of love. This is what is needed today: the creativity of love.

We will celebrate Holy Week in a truly unusual way, which manifests and sums up the message of the Gospel, that of God’s boundless love. And in the silence of our cities, the Easter Gospel will resound. The Apostle Paul says: “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him Who died for them and was raised again” (2 Cor 5:15). In the risen Jesus, life conquered death. This Paschal faith nourishes our hope. I would like to share it with you this evening. It is the hope of a better time, in which we can be better, finally freed from evil and from this pandemic. It is a hope: hope does not disappoint; it is not an illusion, it is a hope.

Beside each other, in love and patience, we can prepare a better time in these days. Thank you for allowing me into your homes. Make a gesture of tenderness towards those who suffer, towards children, and towards the elderly. Tell them that the Pope is close and pray, that the Lord will soon deliver us all from evil. And you, pray for me. Have a good dinner. See you soon!

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Our Beliefs

We the Catholic community of Holy Child Parish, baptized into Christ Jesus and confirmed by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, commit ourselves to:

• Worship God in spirit and in truth through the celebration of the Eucharist;
• Come together as a vibrant and faith filled community focusing on the spiritual and temporal needs of all;
• Proclaim in word and deed the Good News of Jesus Christ to all persons, inviting them to share our faith and mission;
• Teach the saving message of Christ so that all believers may come to a deeper understanding, conversion and personal witness to Christ.

PALM SUNDAY RECORDED MASS

Please click the below link to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass with Fr Joe, Fr Antony, Deacon Bill and Sr. Kathy

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BIXw-DgV5C7l77qFoclc7nSgssOSxep1/view

EASTER SUNDAY MASS will be available April 12, Next Sunday @ 10:30AM

St Maria Goretti Open During Holy Week

9AM to 3PM 

The Diocese has allowed churches to be open for a limited time during Holy Week.

Please understand there will be NO services or devotionals during this time. It is for those who may wish to make a SHORT visit only. 

Hand Sanitizer Stations:

As you enter St Maria Goretti Church, there will be hand sanitizer stations set up in the gathering space.  We ask that you please wash your hands as you enter and exit the church for health safety of yourself and others. 

Sacrament of Penance:  

The Sacrament of Reconcilation will be offered during Holy Week 11AM to 12PM only.  Please note the reconcilation stations have been set up to be 12ft a part, staying in conformance with the social distancing requirements. 

Diocesan Lenten Retreat April 6 through 8 - 7PM

Beginning Monday, April 6, the Diocese of Camden's Discipleship & Leadership Office will be hosting a three-night live-streamed Lenten retreat to help us accompany Jesus as Holy Week begins, culminating with the Triduum and Easter Sunday.

Each one-hour live stream will begin at 7 PM and will be simulcast on the diocesan social media channels: Click on one of the below to follow along online.

• https://www.facebook.com/DioceseOfCamden
• https://twitter.com/camdendiocese
• https://www.youtube.com/camdendiocese

Night 1: Fr. Raymond Gormley & Jennifer Drees

Night 2: Fr. Josh Nevitt and Kari Janisse

Night 3: Fr. Joseph Wallace and Carolyn Miller, with musical accompaniment featuring Jonathan Delgado and Thomas Leighton

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