Our Lady ​of Mount Virgin Parish

Roman Catholic Church

Garfield, NJ

My Friends:

Luke's Gospel of last Sunday was about the ten lepers who were healed, but Jesus focuses on the one who returned to give thanks! Yes, he returned to show his GRATITUDE for his healing. Please accept my deepest GRATITUDE to everyone who always volunteers for OUR FEAST and in particular the entire CORE TEAM! Our prayers were answered: we had good weather the four days with the exception of the last two hours. Those who partook in the festivities enjoyed themselves. There were no complaints that really mattered in the end AND more people paid homage to Our Lady with the Statue placed outside for viewing and prayer. We made several changes which helped cut costs and improve food, etc. and yield more income. We tweaked rides and stands and placement; some worked and some did not. I am GRATEFUL, but…

Domenica English and Michele Fazio work diligently on the financial side to produce our net profit. This all takes time. The net profit of the four-day feast with good weather was $22,165.59. A report is prepared, if anyone ever cares to view it.

Contemplating the net profit of $16,000.00, from a one-night event, The Tricky Tray, with two months’ preparation, versus the year-long hard work, stress and drama to bring the Feast together, always concerned about the weather and having made the effort and changes with big savings behind the scenes for the Feast makes me ask one question.... Is it worth it to continue the Feast to the degree we struggle??? I am not saying to cancel the Feast entirely, but there is a lot to consider. I will be grateful if you ponder this question. A meeting will take place in the next week to review the report and discuss the future direction of the Feast. You will be kept informed.

My Gratitude to all the Rosarians and everyone who participated at the Holy Communion breakfast last Sunday held at the Venetian. It was a wonderful, delicious and successful faith gathering. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us! Amen!

The next event is our Autumn Bingo on November 8th! Please join us. See the bulletin for all details.

IMPORTANT - My gratitude to everyone who completed the New Parish Registration form. However, countless families have not completed them. It is holding up the process. As such, I must send one home to every family. Sadly, this will cost money as we are trying to save money. A group will also be making phone calls to parishioners on the current roster who have not yet competed it. In the meantime, please complete the bulletin form and drop them into the collection baskets.

Have you checked out, liked and written us a review on our website??? PLEASE go to google and type in www.mountvirgin.com and do so. This is your way to help us Evangelize and reach people away from the church. They do search us out on the web!

All Souls Day is November 2nd and Masses are prayed for nine days remembering All Souls who have gone before us. PLEASE bring in your Memorial Cards from the wakes you have attended this past year and any you may have at home. You can drop them into the collection basket in a baggie with your name attached if you wish them returned or not if you don't. They will be placed at the Altar for prayer intentions during our Novena of Masses. Thank you.

From a grateful pastor I am,

Loving you always,

Fr. Peter