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Today's Readings
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Reading 1 Eph 1:15-23Responsorial Psalm Ps 8:2-3ab, 4-5, 6-7Gospel Lk 12:8-12
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Word on Fire
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Catholic News Service
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News From the Beacon
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October 18
Bishop Serratelli made a pastoral visit to St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mountain Lakes on Oct. 6. where he celebrated the 5:30 p.m. vigil Mass for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Mass was concelebrated by Father Jared Brogan, pastor, and Father Michal Rybinski, parochial vicar. -
October 18
Bishop Serratelli served as main celebrant and homilist of a Pontifical Mass in the Extraordinary Rite (Latin Mass) — steeped in the prayers, music and ceremony of the liturgy of the early Church — for the second time on Oct. 13 in Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson. Also known as a Solemn or High Mass, the Pontifical Mass can be celebrated by a pope, bishop or other clergy. -
October 18
Understanding its baptismal call to serve Jesus Christ, the Church of Paterson embraces this challenge and privilege by supporting dioceses in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Pacific Islands and Latin America. Through its Mission Office, the Diocese is able to fulfill this mission to build unity among all people in the world. The Diocesan Mission Office is affiliated with the Pontifical Mission Societies — the Missionary Childhood Association, the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and the Society of St. Peter the Apostle and coordinates requests for funding from various mission sites and approves their representatives to visit the Diocese to speak in parishes and ask for financial support.
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Syria Crisis Information
Catholic Relief Services seeks $5 million over the next 3 years to provide humanitarian assistance to 21,000 children affected by the ongoing Syrian civil war. The escalation of turmoil in the region calls for a significant expansion of assistance for those who are the most vulnerable: children.
CRS and our partners will scale up programming in Lebanon and Jordan to help the most vulnerable displaced Syrian families with a special focus on education and emotional healing for children. We are deeply grateful for your consideration of support as we bring education, healing and hope to the children who need us most.
Now in its sixth year, Syria’s internal armed conflict has taken an alarming toll on millions of people—and the war continues to wage with no end in sight. The widespread insecurity and unbearable economic conditions have resulted in the displacement of 11 million people, with nearly 5 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries. The majority of the displaced are women, children and the elderly.
It is the worst refugee crisis since World War II. Syria’s neighboring countries are bearing a heavy burden. Lebanon and Jordan are now home to nearly half of the Syrian refugee population, with more than 1 million refugees in each country.1 Syrian refugees now represent 25 percent of Lebanon’s total population, a higher proportion of refugees than in any other nation.
After 5 years, Syrian refugees are losing hope that there will be a political solution to end the conflict anytime soon. In their host countries, they have limited livelihood and education opportunities, and living conditions are steadily deteriorating. Their savings have been depleted and they have had to sell their valuables to cover rent, food and other basic needs. Refugees have become increasingly vulnerable to risks like child labor, begging and child marriage.
