Wondering how Young Adults can become more active in our parish? Join the Young Adult Ministry! We are a group of adults ages 18-30 who want to give back to our community through glorifying Christ. We are always looking for more members, please email the front desk expressing your interest at frontdesk@smlparish.org.
Click the title above to see video and read this story by Jessica Boyington: We are counting down the top local thrift stores thanks to your votes! Your number 6 pick: St Vincent de Paul's Thrift Store in Medford, NJ. I dug my way around St. Vincent de Paul's Thift Store to see what treasures I could find. The store has what seems like miles of well-organized pants, sweaters, shoes, home decor, and books. Every person has a purpose in making this well-oiled machine run smoothly. It's run by about 160 volunteers, and all without a paycheck. Some of the volunteers have even worked for the nonprofit for over 40 years. The store is an extension of St. Mary of the Lakes Church and their mission is to help those who are in need. The ability to help relies primarily from thrift store revenue and donations from the public, and after all these years, has grown to help 150 families at any given time. So you see, it's more than just hand-me-down stuff to dig through. It's the future and well-being of a family who needs help. To find out how to volunteer or donate, go to smlparish.org.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Operation Rice Bowl is a Lenten faith-in-action program which provides an opportunity for families to engage daily with the spiritual pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Throughout Lent, our parish has many opportunities for families to come together as a community and reflect on what it means to live out our gospel call to go out and encounter those most in need. In support of CRS Operation Rice Bowl, collection “bowls” are available at the doors of the church. We encourage you to take one home and fill it each week with a monetary offering that will then go directly to CRS. Filled collection “bowls” can be returned to the Parish Office during regular business hours, throughout the Lenten season. If you prefer to make your donation by check, please place it in an envelope, and make it payable to St. Mary of the Lakes with the word “CRS Operation Rice Bowl” on the memo line and envelope. As your family prepares to take up this call to help those in need, the following prayer can be said for those who are supported by the mission of CRS: “God, You are the source of every blessing, May we be mindful of your presence now as we use these CRS Rice Bowls in prayer, fasting and almsgiving. May they be instruments of encounter, bringing us closer to you, our God and to our neighbors both near and far. May these days in the desert inspire us to bring hope to the most vulnerable~ those experiencing hunger, lack of economic opportunity and violence that force them to migrate. Throughout these 40 days of Lent, may we deepen our faith in you and our love for one another, as we prepare for the great celebration of Easter. Amen.” Any questions about the CRS Operation Rice Bowl, please contact yes@smlparish.org or call the YES Office at 609-654-8208, ext. 111
Greetings Respect Life Friends in the Diocese of Trenton, Urgent: Please join the US Bishops in urging members of Congress to OPPOSE the Equal Rights Amendment, which, in its current form, would require federal funding for abortions, and would overturn pro-life and conscience protection laws in all States. The House of Representatives will be voting on this tomorrow, Thursday 2/13. Click below to access the Human Life Action site which offers and easy way to contact YOUR Congress members & to learn more about this important issue. Human Life Action work together with the US Conference of Catholic Bishops for advocacy regarding important legislation that impacts the dignity of Life at all stages. Click here to access the TAKE ACTION page for this issue: https://www.humanlifeaction.org/take-action/
We are in great need of home cooked casseroles to feed the hungry! Frozen casseroles can be dropped off in the Parish Office during regular business hours or on Community Sundays throughout the year. There are aluminum pans available from the Parish Office during regular business hours. All food MUST be frozen when dropped off. There are no dietary restrictions. Some suggestions are to make pasta dishes; rice casseroles; chicken bakes; chili; soups; meatballs. Students can earn Community Service hours by participating. For more information contact yes@smlparish.org.