March 1, 2026, Lent, 2nd Sunday, The Transfiguration
Genesis 12:1–4a | Psalm | 2 Timothy
1:8b–10 | Matthew 17:1–9
🎧 Listen to the Homily: Click here for Audio
📺 Watch the Mass: Click here for YouTube Video
The Transfiguration: Hope Before the Cross
The Gospel of the Transfiguration is
mysterious—but it is good news.
Our Savior Jesus Christ, who would
one day be crucified on Mount Calvary, is revealed in glory on the mountain of
the Transfiguration. Before the disciples witness the Cross, they are given
hope. They are shown that suffering does not have the final word.
Jesus is truly the Son of God—and He
will be raised in glory.
This hope strengthens us. And this hope takes concrete form in how we care for one another.
Annual Appeal 2026: Living This Hope Together
I am Father Jim Ferry, Pastor of Our
Lady of Lourdes, and I invite you to join me in supporting the 2026 Annual
Appeal of the Archdiocese of Newark.
I am grateful for the way the Lord
works through you—quietly and faithfully. Our parish is a reminder that God’s
grace often moves through humility and generosity that does not seek attention.
I have made my gift to this year’s
Appeal, and I invite you to prayerfully consider making yours.
Jesus tells us, “You are the light
of the world.”
Light does not exist for itself. It exists so that others can see. It guides.
It brings hope.
That is what your generosity does.
How Your Giving Strengthens Lourdes Parish
Here at Our Lady of Lourdes, your
support ensures that the sacraments remain accessible—from Baptism through
Confirmation, Marriage, and the Anointing of the Sick.
Regardless of a family’s ability to
pay, we welcome children and families for religious education and sacramental
preparation. You sustain worship, pastoral care, and the daily life of our
parish.
Over the past ten years, our parish
has received $244,000 in grants and assessment assistance
through the Archdiocese. These funds have supported necessary building repairs,
construction needs, and parish stability.
Catholic Charities also rents our
school building at 100 Valley Way. The rent they provide accounts for more than
half of our parish operating budget. At Mount Carmel Guild Academy, children
with autism and special learning needs receive an excellent education. When
Catholic Charities is strong, our parish is strengthened.
Our parish goal for the 2026 Annual Appeal is $37,192.
If we reach this goal by June 30, we will receive a $12,000 assessment
savings that remains here to support parish life.
How Your Giving Strengthens the Wider Church
The Annual Appeal extends our parish
spirit of mercy beyond our boundaries.
It supports:
- Seminary education and the formation of future priests
- Campus ministry for college and university students
- Masses for the deaf and hearing-impaired
- Catholic Charities, providing food, shelter, job
training, education, and care for those most in need
Years ago, gifts like yours helped
support me in the seminary, as well as Father Jim Chern and Father Bob Suszko.
We remain grateful.
This kind of giving is often
quiet—but it changes lives.
An Invitation to Begin Again
The Appeal is an invitation to begin
again and to give generously.
Every gift matters.
Every act of mercy counts.
Together, may we continue to be a
light for others—a parish where mercy is lived and hope is strengthened.
Thank you for your faith, your
generosity, and your prayerful support. Please know of my prayers for you and
your families.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Watch the Official Annual Appeal Video (3 minutes)
▶️ Click Here for the 2026 Annual Appeal Video
Read Father Jim Ferry's Annual Appeal Letter
📄 Click Here to Read Father Jim Ferry’s 2026 Annual Appeal
Letter
The letter explains in greater
detail how the Appeal supports both the wider Church and our own parish family
here at Our Lady of Lourdes.
How to Give
By
Envelope
Call the rectory at (973) 325-0110
to request an envelope or pick one up at church.
Online
Give securely online: https://rcan.org/sharing/
QR
Code
Scan the QR code available below or at church.
