In a brotherly spirit, I offer this message of hope for a brighter future. Thanks to God and to the work of many, we now have vaccines to protect us from COVID-19. They grant us the hope of ending the pandemic, but only if they are available to all and if we work together.

Being vaccinated with vaccines authorized by the competent authorities is an act of love. And contributing to ensure the majority of people are vaccinated is an act of love. Love for oneself, love for one’s family and friends, love for all people. Love is also social and political, there is social love and political love; it is universal, always overflowing with small gestures of personal charity capable of transforming and improving societies (cf. Laudato si’, no. 231, cf. Fratelli tutti, 184).

Vaccination is a simple but profound way of promoting the common good and caring for each other, especially the most vulnerable. I pray to God that everyone may contribute their own small grain of sand, their own small gesture of love; no matter how small, love is always great. Contribute with these small gestures for a better future.

The Catholic Student Assoc. at The Catholic Center at Rutgers, located at 84 Somerset Street on the College Avenue Campus, is looking forward to welcoming you to the New Brunswick/Piscataway campuses. Please note the following information: Sunday Mass Schedule (St. Peter’s Church) Saturday Vigil, 5 pm 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm & 6 pm Daily Mass Schedule 7:30 am (St. Peter’s Church) 12:15 pm (The Catholic Center Chapel) More information online at www.rutgerscatholic.org www.stpeternewbrunswick.org Facebook: Rutgers Catholic Student Association

McAuley Hall Health Care Center Fully Alive in Mercy McAuley Hall is a 5-Star rated skilled nursing facility conveniently located off Highway 22 West in New Jersey’s picturesque Watchung Mountains. It is on the same grounds as Mount Saint Mary High School.

• Comfortably furnished prived rooms with shared bathroom
• 24-hour nursing care
• Rehabilitation Services: Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Restorative Therapy
• Social Services 
• Psychological Services
• Podiatry Services 
• Chapel with Catholic Mass celebrated 6 days a week
• Dining Room and Common Areas
• Menu Style Dining with nutritious restaurant-style meal options. All food prepared on-premises
• Rooms available for private gatherings  Varied activities schedule
• We accept Commercial and Private Pay as well as Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Please share this information with friends or family members that may be interested in short-term SubAcute Rehabilitation or Long Term Care for their loved one. Please call the Admissions Department at 908- 754-3663 ext 313.

Pope Francis is encouraging the Catholic community around the world to pray for our common home. The day is inspired by Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls on “every person living on this planet” to care for our shared Earth. He calls us all to celebrate this opportune moment to “reaffirm our personal vocation to be stewards of creation, to thank God for the wonderful handiwork which he has entrusted to our care, and to implore his help for the protection of creation, as well as his pardon for the sins committed against the world in which we live.”

There are many ways to respond to Pope Francis’ call to care for the gift of God’s creation—why not take some time out of your day on September 1st to walk in a local park or take a few moments to thank God for the flowers, fruits and/or vegetables growing in your garden? We can also pray for God’s creation. Following our Creator’s call to “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) humbles us. With prayer, God knits us closer together in community and His grace can inspire hearts and transform minds.

When you're doing your Spring Cleaning please help Catholic Charities continue its mission by donating clothing, shoes, and household items. If you have a large pick-up, need a receipt, or for locations of Catholic Charities Donation Drop Boxes, please call our toll free number 877-343-3651. Your continued generosity is appreciated.