Church of the Annunciation

Excellent digital resources that can be used on Mother's Day and throughout the month of May. Here is the link to the digital version of this resource:   Faith Alive @ Home

Cardinal Tobin’s Reflections, “Five Reasons We Turn to Mary in Times of Crisis"

The specific details of when public Mass will resume and how it will be celebrated are still being determined, but the return will occur through a three-phase gradual process. Each phase will be rolled out with specific dates and directives to follow determined by Archdiocesan leaders. Click to read more...

Phase One: The commencement of Phase One will be Sunday, May 17, 2020. 
Cardinal Tobin has approved churches may be opened solely for personal prayer during limited and designated hours.  The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered.
Beginning on Sunday, May 17, 2020, and until further notice, our church will be open on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and on Mondays through Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM for personal prayer.  The following directives must be followed without exception:
1. Cardinal Tobin continues to dispense the faithful from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday as well as from “Easter duty” (the obligation to receive Holy Communion during the season of Easter).
2. Churches may be opened solely for personal prayer during limited and designated hours.  Individuals and families enter the church for quiet prayer only. No gatherings are permitted.
3. In accord with national, state and local health directives, those who show symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to an infected person are not permitted to enter the church for 14 days.
4. Holy water fonts must remain empty until further notice.
5. Hand sanitizer should be made available throughout the church.
6. Public celebrations of liturgies, devotions, or other group prayer are not permitted at this time.
7. Masks must be worn by all individuals while in the church.
8. Individuals and families must maintain social distancing (six feet) between each person while in the church.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available by contacting Fr. Jim to make arrangements at 201-261-6322.

CONFIRMATIONS AND FIRST COMMUNIONS
Confirmations and First Communions that were postponed by the directive of March 25, 2020 may be scheduled once Phase Three has commenced.  Cardinal Tobin has granted delegation to all pastors to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for those whose Confirmation was postponed due to the pandemic until December 31, 2020, only.  Once Phase Three has begun, Fr. Jim will determine when and how Confirmation and First Communions may be scheduled and celebrated to ensure full compliance with all the provisions of Phase Three.  We will need to comply with restricted capacity and social distancing.  We cannot schedule dates until we know the Phase Three date.  We will keep you posted.

Catholic Cemetaries update:
* Beginning on Monday, May 11, up to 10 family members will be permitted to attend a burial service.
* Beginning on Monday, May 18, cemetery visitation will be permitted weekdays, Monday through Saturday, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

For details and further updates, click here to our Archdiocese of Newark site.