Zufall Health will be at the Manville public library on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, 12 – 6pm, with its mobile medical van. A Nurse Practitioner, behavioral health case manager and outreach worker will be available to consult with flood victims regarding disaster-related health concerns.  Click here for more information.

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.

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.

Fellowship Garden State Hospice Invites You to Join Its Dynamic Team of Caregivers

Only a few hours of your time can make all the difference in the world. Learn how your hobbies, interests and presence can make an impact on someone’s life. Our volunteers provide emotional support, companionship and respite to hospice patients and their families. No previous experience required. Must be 18 years of age; possess a valid driver’s license and willing to undergo background check. Training sessions in our Basking Ridge office. To learn more contact: Stella Benedict at 908-580- 3888 / sbenedict@fellowshipsl.org.

Following are some upcoming programs at Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer in Watchung. Registration is required, please phone 908-753-2091 or email msmhope@msmhope.org to register.

“God Calls You His Masterpiece—Do You Believe That?” Do you know how loved you are by God? Have you reflected on how your inner beauty is God’s masterpiece? Join us in person or virtually on Wednesday, August 4th from 7-9 pm as Donna McCabe helps us deepen our experience of that reality. Why not get in touch with how deeply you are loved by God? ($20-$30 as you are able)

“When the Going Gets Tough: Strategies for Persevering in Times of Transition” This interactive workshop based on the book Life Is in the Transition by Bruce Feiler, will reflect on what we’ve learned from the hard times we experience and how we can use those strategies in the future. We will also consider what scripture has to teach us about our struggles and where God is in them. Saturday, August 21st, 9:30- 11:30 am ($20-$30 as you are able)

McAuley Hall Health Care Center -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.

• 74-bed facility with all private rooms and ample closet and storage space
• Skilled nursing, physical, occupational, speech and restorative therapies (Genesis Rehab Services on site)
• Individual counseling services offered
• Varied activities schedule
• We are a faith centered facility offering Catholic Mass 6 days per week (We welcome all denominations)
• We accept Commercial and Private Pay as well as Medicare and Medicaid programs

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.