Jan. 7, 2020

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, issued the following statement in response to yesterday’s violence in the United States Capitol:

As I watched the appalling chaos in the U.S. Capitol yesterday, I witnessed an icon of democracy occupied and hostage to mob rule.  The procession of violent images was deeply troubling.  Particularly disheartening is that this event unfolded amid a deadly pandemic, a terrible plague that our troubled nation should face in solidarity.

The events of yesterday are a graphic exposure of the deep and advancing polarization in American society that has festered for years. This divisiveness disregards faith, justice and the rule of law.  As shocking as it may be to glimpse how disordered our nation has become, the terrible truth is that we are not immune from further moral and social decay.

If we wish to claim it, Catholics have a legacy that is crucial to the healing of the nation.  Our faith includes a commitment to mutual respect, dialogue, and the principles on which our democracy is based.  We must come together as one nation under God, who loves and bestows dignity on all. The person with whom you may vehemently disagree is also a beloved child of God. For two millennia, our community has tried to live the teachings of Jesus. We are at our best when we put others first, with the common good as our guiding star.

Let us join with all people of good will in a choice for peace during this arduous time.  We pray for our Savior’s protection and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, Prince of Peace, teach us the way forward.  Our Lady of the Americas, pray for us.

Oct. 5, 2020

The Catholic Church believes and teaches that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death. For that reason, we, the Bishops of each of the dioceses in New Jersey, join in voicing the strongest possible opposition to the “Reproductive Freedom Act.”

Without minimizing other serious threats to human life and dignity evident in contemporary American society, the Catholic Church consistently maintains that “the threat of abortion remains our preeminent priority because it directly attacks life itself, because it takes place within the sanctuary of the family, and because of the number of lives destroyed.” (USCCB, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, “Introductory Letter,” 2020).

When informed of the text of the USCCB document early in 2020, Pope Francis observed that the right to life of the unborn “is the most fundamental right. This is not first a religious issue; it is a human rights issue.” (Pope Francis to American Catholic Bishops, USCCB Region IX, January 16, 2020).”

As the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey, we urge all Catholics and people of good will to reject this proposed legislative initiative in our state and to contact your State legislators to vigorously express opposition to its passage.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R. Archbishop, Archdiocese of Newark

Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M. Bishop, Diocese of Trenton

Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan Bishop, Diocese of Camden

Most Reverend Kevin J. Sweeney Bishop, Diocese of Paterson

Most Reverend James F. Checchio Bishop, Diocese of Metuchen

Most Reverend Kurt Burnette Bishop, Eparchy of Passaic

Most Reverend Yousif Habash, Bishop of Our Lady of Deliverance of Syriac Catholic Diocese

We will be hosting a book discussion via Zoom of “The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, and Believe” by Richard Rohr. You may purchase the book from the usual online & retail stores.

There will be a 10am morning group & a 7:30pm evening group on the following four Thursdays: September 17, September 24, October 1, & October 8. We will be discussing Chapters 1 & 2 at our first meeting on September 17.

Click here to register for the morning or evening group

Facilitated by Diane Carr, Pastoral Associate for Adult Faith Formation & Cathie DeTora, parishioner. Feel free to email Diane at dcarr@churchofpresentation.org with any questions.

Dear Parents of 9^th Graders and Incoming Candidates joining Confirmation Preparation, 

We are excited to welcome your child to our FRESHMAN program in the Fall of 2020 – YEAR ONE of Confirmation Preparation!  Our engaging and impactful High School Youth Ministry Program is integrated with our Confirmation Preparation Program. 

Confirmation is a parish Sacrament.  Therefore, even if your child goes to Catholic school or will be going to Catholic High School, preparation happens in the parish.  As you may be aware, our Confirmation program follows and builds on our Junior High program.  Following Archdiocesan guidelines, Confirmation Preparation is a two-year Sacramental Preparation Process.  Candidates should have a fundamental knowledge of our Catholic Christian teachings, and they should have completed their faith formation in a religious education program at a parish or in parochial school through 8^th grade.  Additionally, candidates should demonstrate and express a personal interest in the Sacrament, be attending mass regularly, and be actively involved in the life of our Church Community. 

Freshmen/ First Year Candidate requirements: 

1. Complete the online registration form by clicking on this link or copying and pasting it into your web-browser:  
   https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=vjLPzhgRMUm8UIcKOTBdy2BCp92vdkZBqGlQhHSG0gtUQkpMRzZVM1ZDVElFOTNQMzYyNTE4Rk9HWi4u 
    *There is no cost for registration but please note: registration for Year One closes on SEPTEMBER 10th, 2020. 

2. Participate in six (6) Sunday Youth Ministry Gatherings.  Until we are able to resume meeting in person these Gatherings will be offered virtually using the Zoom platform.   

*Due to our response to COVID-19 and exercise of social distancing practices the retreat requirement for Freshmen has been lifted for the 2020-2021 Catechetical year. 

Our First Sunday Youth Ministry Gathering will be on Sunday, Sept 13^th at 7:30pm.  That same night, we will have a separate Orientation for Parents at 7:30pm on Zoom as well.  The Orientation will be informative and will give us a chance to talk about how we can support you as parents of teenagers.  There is no registration for Sunday Community Gatherings.  We also ask candidates not to bring cell phones with them to any in-person sessions or programming.   

Email will be our main form of correspondence.  If you notice that you are not receiving emails from our office throughout the year, please email or call us.  Events will also be updated on our website, and reminders will be posted on our Youth Ministry Facebook page as well. 

Please join us on Sept. 13^th to discuss our programs as well as ways we can support YOU.  Additionally, even if your child does not intend to prepare for Confirmation at this time, know that all High School Students are welcome at our Youth Ministry events! As always, it is wonderful to be ministering with you in the faith development of your child.  We consider it a blessing to be able to serve you and your family!   If there is anything else we can do to assist you in the spiritual growth of your family, please let us know.  Sincerely, 

Craig Johnson, Pastoral Assoc. for Youth & Young Adults

Maureen Murphy, Administrative Asst. for Jr. High & Youth Ministry

 (Click HERE to download a copy of this letter).                                                         

Our Justice & Peace Ministry will be hosting a Three-part Series entitled “Racism: Where Am I?”

This series of three virtual programs addressing racism will be offered during the summer months. The final installment is Tuesday, August 25 at 7:30pm. Registration is required via email to presentationjandp@gmail.com. Those registered will be sent a link the day before the event. Please see the Justice & Peace Ministry page for more information.