Author: Nathalie Godet

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

In another week, we will be at the threshold of the holy season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is on March 5 – a day of fast and abstinence. The Jubilee Year 2025 makes this Lent special as both remind us of the journey of life with the Word of God. During Lent every year, our Small Faith-sharing groups become more active than ever, reflecting on the Scriptures. The participants are greatly enriched with their experience in small gatherings – at church and at homes. Some may wonder why this insistence on small groups? Here are some reasons:

  • Small groups are biblical.
  • Small groups allow us to dialog with people of differing views.
  • Small groups give us a place to talk about personal and spiritual things in a safe environment.
  • Small groups help us to experience the power of love and prayer.
  • A small group provides us with much needed support and encouragement.
  • A small group helps facilitate our faith journey.

This year a special faith-sharing resource based on the jubilee theme: “Pilgrims of Hope” has been prepared by RENEW International. They have aptly titled it as “Jubilee: Join the Journey of Hope.” I found them very helpful. The six sessions include topics such as:

  • Materialism versus gospel values
  • Care for those in poverty, the sick, and the elderly
  • Concern for young people
  • Compassion and encouragement for prisoners; rejection of the death penalty
  • Welcome for strangers
  • Forgiveness and reconciliation

These sessions call us to grow closer to God and one another. The testimonies you hear from our own parishioners speak for themselves as to what these small group meetings can do to you personally and for your family.

As I often mention while inviting us all to join small groups, there is no requirement for a long term commitment, but a desire to attend just six sessions during the six weeks of Lent. Let us listen to the promptings that the Spirit of God is giving us and act upon them without procrastinating.

Many Catholics will take part in the Jubilee by traveling to Rome or to the Holy Land. But for most of us the more practical way to be a part of a Church “on the move” is through personal reflection and sharing in a small group during Lent. For signing up, please contact Debbie Schurko, our Director of Religious Education, at:  dschurko@stmatthias.net

Give yourself a chance, and see the difference it will make in your life, especially this Lent!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Volunteers Needed for Ash Wednesday Drive-Thru

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Once again, St. Matthias will offer Drive-Through Ashes come rain or shine (or snow), in addition to 3 Masses and 1 prayer service.

For the past several years, we have found that for health reasons, family commitments, work schedules, and other conflicts, some people are unable to come to one of the 4 Services in the church on Ash Wednesday. However, we have made it possible for many of these individuals to join us for the distribution of ashes through our Drive-Through Ashes ministry. Please know that all are welcome!

We would greatly appreciate your assistance if you are able to help distribute ashes on Wednesday, March 5th. The 1st shift is from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm and the 2nd shift is from 4:45 pm to 5:45 pm. Please click here to sign up for one or both of our time slots. Thank you.

Know Your Rights: Immigrants, Organizations, and Businessess

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

IMMIGRATION IMPLEMENTATION CONCERNS

Recently, there have been concerns about implementing the Immigration laws, creating some confusion in the general public. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a statement on its long-time partnership with the federal government to serve refugees:

“Faithful to the teaching of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church has a long history of serving refugees. In 1980, the bishops of the United States began partnering with the federal government to carry out this service when Congress created the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Every person resettled through USRAP is vetted and approved for the program by the federal government while outside of the United States. …” To read the full text, please visit:

https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/usccb-statement-its-work-us-refugee-admissions-program

If you need this information translated, please visit  ONA website (click on the dropdown that says “more languages” beneath each resource).

The threat of immigration enforcement raises concerns among many residents of New Jersey. It is essential to remember that every person in New Jersey—regardless of citizenship or immigration status—has rights. This guide outlines crucial information for individuals, organizations, and businesses to help navigate interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

For Individuals

In Public Spaces

  • ICE can enter public spaces without a warrant (e.g., office lobbies, restaurants, or stores).
  • You may:
    • Ask for identification and the agency they represent.
    • Ask if you are free to leave.
    • You have the right to remain silent. You may tell the immigration agent, “I choose to remain silent.”
    • You may refuse consent to searches unless there is probable cause or a valid warrant.
    • Request an interpreter if needed.

If Detained

At Home

  • ICE needs a valid judicial warrant to enter your home, except in emergencies.
    • Verify the warrant through a window or under the door. It must be signed by a judge and state “U.S. District Court” or a state court.
    • Administrative warrants (e.g., Forms I-200 or I-205) are not sufficient for entry.
  • If agents enter without consent, remain calm, state your rights, and document the interaction.

Immigration agents are permitted to enter without your permission in an emergency, such as a threat to public safety or a threat to someone’s life. However, you still have a right to remain silent and document the interaction, including recording (so long as you don’t interfere with their law enforcement activities).

For Businesses and Organizations

In Public Areas

  • Public spaces include dining areas, parking lots, or office lobbies. ICE can enter these areas but still requires probable cause or individual consent to detain anyone.

In Private Areas

  • Clearly distinguish private areas with signage (e.g., “Employees Only” or “Authorized Personnel Only”).
  • ICE cannot enter private areas without:
    • Your permission, OR
    • A judicial warrant signed by a judge, OR
    • An emergency situation, such as a public safety threat.

If ICE Visits Your Premises

  • Ask for identification and their purpose.
  • Verify the validity of any warrant presented.
  • You may refuse consent to searches without a valid warrant. If they proceed, do not resist; instead, state, “I do not consent to this search. I wish to remain silent and speak with an attorney.”
  • Document interactions, including recording (if lawful and non-interfering).

Protecting Against Fraud

Be cautious of individuals claiming to be “immigration consultants” or “notarios.” Only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives authorized by USCIS can assist with legal immigration matters.

  • Verify credentials through public attorney databases or government listings of accredited representatives.
  • Report immigration scams to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-242-5846.

Resources and Additional Information

Know Your Rights (PDF) Individuals (English)

Know Your Rights (PDF) Individuals (Spanish)

Know Your Rights (PDF) Businesses (English)

Know Your Rights (PDF) Businesses (Spanish)

Mariano Press and St. Matthias Church giving back to the community!

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

A great email from Mariano Press, the company that prints and laminates our tree signs!

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership with us. Through your business, you’ve helped us create 64 meals for Americans in need through our Offsetting Hunger Initiative, in which we donate a portion of our gross sales to Feeding America. To learn more about this program or share your impact, please visit our website at www.marianopress.com/offset-hunger .  Attached, you’ll also find your shareable virtual certificate.

As your dedicated printing partner, we would welcome the opportunity to provide competitive pricing on any projects you’re considering with other vendors. This includes paper printing, labels, packaging, mailings, signs, promotional items, and decorated uniforms and apparel.

We’re excited to announce that we’re expanding our Offsetting Hunger initiative through a referral program. For every referral that results in an order, we’ll donate the equivalent of 100 additional meals through Feeding America. If you know anyone seeking printing or promotional services, now is the perfect time to connect them with us. Together, we can multiply our impact and make an even bigger difference!

Your choice to partner with us for your printing needs means the world to us. If you’re satisfied with our services, we would be grateful if you would share our information with others. Every new project helps us put more meals on the tables of those in need. Let us help take projects off your colleagues’ plates while putting meals on others’.

Thank you again for your continued support!

Thanks to all of our customers we have now reached over 480,000 meals donated!

Jeremy Mariano
Mariano Press, LLC Working to Offset Hunger.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

My home visit was very refreshing. My time with my family, especially with my 91-year-old mom, was very uplifting. I thank God she is amazingly healthy for her age as she can move about in the house and attend Mass online regularly. I’m very grateful for the prayerful support of so many of you before, during, and after my trip. In particular, I’m very grateful to Fr. Lancelot McGrath for taking care of the parish with the help of our Office staff.

On my way to India, I had a two-day break in Dubai/Sharjah to be with my sister Dolly and family. The next day of my arrival was a Sunday and so we went to Church for Mass. The Islamic/Arab government has given a church for Catholic Mass. Even though that church has a seating capacity of 800, they have 10 Masses on Sundays as the immigrant Catholic population is so huge. We went early and stood outside with a sizable crowd waiting for the previous Mass to be over so we could get a seat. By the time our Mass began, all seats were taken and over a hundred people were standing on the sides and back of the church. It was a sight to see when the Eucharistic Ministers came in from the Sacristy in their white uniform. I counted 23 of them. As we came out of the Mass, the next crowd was already waiting to get in for a seat! I was so touched to see the sincere devotion, prayerful silence and the total participation of the entire congregation in the liturgy. What an inspiration for me!

As we came out of the Church, there were volunteers distributing a booklet, containing prayers and devotions to help the parishioners celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025 well. It was prepared by the Diocese or Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia. I thought of the Jubilee Year inauguration we had last month – on January 12. At that time, I had mentioned two easily accessible resources that we all could use: Catholic Brain (with lots of informative and fun stuff for growing in our faith) and Rosary Podcasts (for practicing one of the timeless devotional prayers of our church). These can be used at our own convenience. As part of our efforts to deepen our spirituality, we are offering:

1)   A Retreat for the whole parish on Saturday, March 15. Do you know Lent begins in a couple of weeks? Ash Wednesday is on March 5. The theme, “Pilgrims of Hope Renewed …a Lenten Path to New Life” is very appropriate for this Jubilee Year. So I invite all of us to keep that Saturday morning free for this Spiritually enriching time.

2)  Anointing Mass on March 22:  Our Mass with Anointing of the sick will be on Saturday 11 AM, March 22. Kindly note the date so that families can plan to bring to church those in need of prayers for healing and the Sacrament of Anointing.

I wish to conclude by repeating part of the Jubilee Prayer that Pope Francis has penned: “May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the  treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth. To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever, Amen.”

Let us joyfully and prayerfully make this Jubilee Year 2025 a time of grace and an opportunity to grow in holiness.

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Live Lent 2025

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

This will be your ideal companion as you gather weekly in your small group to gain inspiration during this Jubilee Year of Hope.

           Come and Join the Journey of Hope

Start for the first time or continue with a St. Matthias Small Faith Sharing Group!

We have15+ groups that meet on various days/times of the week.

If you are new to this experience, please click here to sign up.

Facilitators will be contacting group members who have been part of their group. Each group likely will be meeting either on Zoom or in person, usually on the same date/time.

Groups will begin the week of March 2. New members, please sign‐up by February 28th. Most groups will be using the same resource.

In Small Faith Groups, there’s always new insights we receive from the Scriptures.  Insights that benefit us the rest of our lives. For everyone there is a need to pause, reflect, and pray. Let us take this time during Lent to Journey in Hope with each other.

 

Make a friend, Be a friend, Bring a friend to Christ

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

Metuchen Cursillo Movement 

 Annual Lenten Encounter with Christ 

Saturday, April 5, 2025 

8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

Mary, Mother of God Church 

157 S. Triangle Road Hillsborough, NJ

The Mission will continue…

Very Rev. Timothy Christy  (St. Francis Cathedral, Metuchen)

Dcn. Sal Bonfiglio, OFS

(Mary, Mother of God Church, Hillsborough) Share In:

Mass, Stations of the Cross, Keynote Speakers , Adoration

Benediction, Confession

Please Register: 

https://metcursillo.org/

Breakfast Delights

No Admission Fee/Free Will Offering

Make a friend, be a friend, bring a friend to Christ 

 

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

A Message from Deacon Ron

Dear Friends,

Gratitude is a powerful force that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. It is the reconditioning of the things we have, the people who support us, and the opportunities we are given. When we cultivate a grateful heart, we open ourselves to a deeper sense of joy, peace, and fulfillment. In the bustle of our daily lives, it is easy to take things for granted.

We often focus on what we lack rather than what we have. But when we pause to reflect on our blessings, we begin to see the abundance that surrounds us. Gratitude shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance, from negativity to positivity. Being grateful does not mean ignoring the challenges and difficulties we face. Instead, it means acknowledging them and finding the silver linings within them. It means recognizing that even in the midst of hardship, there are still things to be thankful for. This mindset helps us build resilience and find strength in adversity. Gratitude also fosters a sense of connection and community. When we express our appreciation to others, we strengthen our relationships and create a ripple effect of kindness. A simple “thank you” can brighten someone’s day and remind them that they are valued. By practicing gratitude, we contribute to a culture of positivity and support. Let us take a moment each day to reflect on the people and the things we are grateful for. It could be as simple as the warmth of the sun, the smile of a loved one, or the opportunity to learn and grow. By making gratitude a daily practice, we can transform our lives and the world around us. May we all strive to cultivate a grateful heart and live each day with an attitude of gratitude.

Amen.

 

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord – Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

A Message from Debbie Schurko

Dear Friends,

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas—one of my favorite Feast Days in the Church. It holds so much: the Holy Family, the prophet Simeon, and Anna. This feast marks a significant moment in the life of the Holy Family, with the public recognition of Jesus as the Messiah and His role as the light that guides us—hence, the title Candlemas. It is during this time that Jesus’ name, “Jesus,” meaning “God saves,” would be recorded. His name reflects both His identity and His mission.

This Feast is a pivotal moment in the life of the Church, as it is also the 4th Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. Simeon and Anna waited in joyful hope for the Messiah, and when the Holy Family entered the Temple, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and blessed God. This was the central moment of Simeon’s life. However, this joyful occasion is tempered with the anticipation of future sorrow, as Simeon prophesied that Mary’s heart would be pierced with grief. Salvation comes at a cost, as Jesus will one day give His life for us.

Simeon and Anna offer us an example—showing us that we, too, can rewire our hearts and minds to be in God’s presence in our daily lives. In the ordinariness of our daily “temples”—our homes, workplaces, schools, and churches—we can listen for God’s Spirit, perceive His presence in the mundane, and live in constant expectation of God coming into our lives. We can experience the power of Christ’s presence daily and share it with others: a candle never loses its light when it lights another. Let’s keep the light shining.

Jesus Christ is God’s light to the world.

Fun Fact 

February 2nd is also a day that celebrates a secular news event known as “Groundhog Day”.  Many do not realize Groundhog Day, the folklore of rodents’ shadows and weather predictions has its roots in the tradition of Candlemas Day in Europe and the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.

Candlelmas Poem

If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come, Winter, have another flight; If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go Winter, and come not again.

Our Catholic Christian Takeaway

No matter what the groundhog sees, let your light shine for all to see that we may always reflect the light of Christ to the world around us.

 

Debbie Schurko

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time – Catholic Schools Week 2025

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

This year we celebrate Catholic Schools Week from January 26 through February 1, 2025.

 In his recent exhortation Christus Vivit, Pope Francis tells us, ‘Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, and full of life. The very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!’

Pope Francis is reminding us that at the heart of each of our Catholic schools is Jesus Christ. Our schools strive to ensure each student reaches their full potential, irrespective of class, creed, or ethnicity. Each person is welcomed and included because we share a common humanity, each made in the likeness and image of God. It is Jesus who reveals to us how much God loves us and it is Jesus who models what it is to be fully human, in our thoughts, words, and actions. When we live as Christ taught us, we too become more fully alive, flourishing into the people we were made to be.

This Catholic Schools Week, we recognize and celebrate the unique contribution our Catholic schools make to the well-being and flourishing of our students. In Christ, we have the ultimate role model, the one who shows us how to live authentically and to our full potential, through faith, hope, and love. In our Catholic schools, we are called to bring about God’s reign by following Christ’s example. For when we are alive in Christ, we flourish, becoming the people we are called to be.

‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’  (Jn 10:10)

Join us today for the Catholic Schools Week opening Mass at 10 am followed by St. Matthias School’s Open House from 11 am – 1pm.

 In honor of Catholic Schools Week, graduates, parents of graduates, or parishioners who are able to, please consider donating to Tuition Angels, a parish managed, confidential fund. Your gift helps a family to continue to provide a strong, Catholic, Christ-centered education to a child.

You may donate through Parish Giving, online, with a check in the donation basket, or a donation mailed to the Parish Office. Simply indicate on the envelope that the donation is for “TUITION ASSISTANCE” and kindly make a note on the check memo line”.  You may make a one-time donation, or an ongoing regular contribution to the fund. Our school continues to be a nurturing, vibrant and essential part of our parish community. Your donations will help to assist this critical component.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of the Tuition Angels fund.