St Mary of the Lakes Council
Medford, NJ
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A Lenten Message from Deacon Joe
DWELLING IN THE SHELTER OF GOD’S LOVE
A reflection taken from a sermon by St. Bernard
We are called to dwell in the protection of God. We are told that to dwell under God’s protection is to dwell in safety. We can understand best that to which we are called by considering three sorts of people who don’t dwell there.
The first lacks hope, the second has given up hoping, and the third hopes in vain. Those who lack hope trust in themselves rather than God. Those who are giving up hope are those who despair of ever getting what they seek. Those who hope in vain live in sin. They flatter themselves so much with the thought of God’s mercy that they never bother to amend their sinful ways. There is no love in this and that is their downfall.
The first group mentioned dwell in personal merits, the second dwells in personal woes, and the third in personal vices. What is more foolish than to dwell in a half-built house? When a person has just begun to build a dwelling place for God, that person can’t act as though it were finished. That’s what one does if one doesn’t live in hope. That is the situation of those who think their merits are enough to bring them to God. The only people who dwell in the shelter of God’s presence are those whose sole desire is to receive it and whose sole fear is that they might lose it and who ponder it carefully day by day.
Is there under heaven anything that can harm a person whom the God of Heaven has decided to protect? So, nothing better can be sought than to dwell in the protection of the God of Heaven. We are taught not only to seek God so that we may avoid evil but to seek to be with God always so that we may do good.
Be careful to pay close attention to the saying: “The one who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide under the protection of the God of Heaven; such a one will say to the Lord, You are my protector!” This Scripture speaks of living under the protection of God and not in the presence of God. Angels rejoice in God’s presence. All we ask is to be able to abide under God’s protection. All I ask is to be secure in God’s protection.
There is no doubt that God is everywhere. But God is in heaven in a way that makes God’s presence on earth seem as nothing. So, when we pray, we say “Our Father, who art in Heaven”. Our soul is in the whole of our body but it seems more especially to be in the head where all the senses meet. The head seems in some way to govern the other members of a person and so the person seems to dwell in the head more than in the other members. In the same way, we say the very presence of God is in Heaven and can scarcely feel the same about the protection of God as we would about God’s presence. God is our protector. We long yet for God’s presence. To be in God’s presence we are willing to surrender everything. We are led there by a love which counts nothing as so wonderful as coming to be in God’s very presence. It is for this that we hope with all our heart and strength.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Registration
OVID-19 vaccines are on the way to hospitals and clinics across New Jersey. You can reserve your spot to get a vaccine now by pre-registering here. We’ll ask some questions to determine when you are eligible to receive a vaccination.
Filling out this form should take about 15 minutes, and the information you enter will be kept private with the State of New Jersey. Click below to reserve your spot.
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Brother Knight's Receive Orders
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Blood Drive Set for 3/20/2021
The Red Cross has been making a humanitarian impact for more than 130 years, and has been collecting blood for over 70 of those years. We can all be part of something important when we work with the Red Cross to strengthen the blood supply and give back to our community.
We are excited to partner with the American Red Cross on 3/20/2021 Friday for 2:00 to 7:00 PM at the Emmaus Center.
Sign up via the link below:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/mydrives.html/drive/1-BLNBZEN
The Knights of Columbus of St Mary of the Lakes is leading the blood drive for us and will be sending out more information soon. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Bill Mazzio about joining the team, or reach out to me with any questions you may have. My email is williammazzio@yahoo.com or call or text me at 609-458-0704.
There are many ways you can help, but most importantly we hope you come out to donate. -
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Christmas Dedication Tree in Monitor & Committee forming!!
I am pleased to let you know that Our Council's Christmas Tree Dedication event, got picked up by the The Monitor this month!
All of the Brothers of 6520, the Ladies of the Auxiliary, and also all of the students who volunteered their time should feel extremely proud of their efforts to this worthy cause. This event not only helped parishioners to honor their loved ones, but also make a donation to SML School of 10,000 dollars, and same amount to the Knights for all of our other worthy ventures!
Please see page 56 on the link below:
https://issuu.com/dioceseoftrenton/docs/monitor_magazine_feb_2021-cause_for_celebration
We are looking to establish a committee with the aim of taking our Dedication Tree Lighting ceremony to a new level of family celebration next year. The tradition of our dedication trees has been well received by both the parishioners and the community at large. It has also been a good source of funding for the SML school.
This past year, it was one of the few events that brought a sense of normalcy to our lives. Ideas that have been presented so far include: a live Nativity, caroling, food trucks, arts and crafts, pictures with Santa and live music. If you enjoy this new tradition and would like to be part of the event that puts a smile on so many faces, please consider being part of the committee. We want to involve Knights, Ladies Auxiliary, Youth Group members etc.
If you would like to be part of the committee, there will be an on-line meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 27th at 7:00pm, please send a reply with your email to Bill Scheffold at 856-912-1301 so we can send you details. -
Future Events
Deceased Knights Mass 2/21 @ 9:00 AM Mass
March 2021 Blood Drive
March 2021 Polar Bear Plunge
November 2021 Wine Tasting -
The Knights of Columbus are selling bricks that will be placed along the walkways and as well in the shape of two (2) Crosses that will be placed entering the church from the back parking lot. Not only can you help us and the church, but you have the opportunity leave an impression that will last forever. You can have the bricks inscribed with the names of your family, an anniversary, a special event or a deceased loved one by getting a brick to commemorate their legacy. It's also a great way for people to always see your businesses and be reminded of your support among the community. Time is limited, spaces are filling up, don't miss your chance to get a brick and leave a legacy that will last a lifetime. The cost is $125 for a 4x8 brick and $175 for a 8x8 brick. Add $25 for clip art and mini replica bricks are available for an additional $35. Samples of the bricks can be found by the Jackson Road entrance or in the back of the Church along with order forms. For more info go to Brick Fundraiser page. -
Food Dropoff Information
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Knights deliver COVID-19 relief in New Jersey
Knights and their families in Medford, N.J., have answered the call to leave no neighbor behind. “I am sure proud of my dad for being in the Knights of Columbus. It’s a good opportunity to give back all that we’ve gotten from God,” says Jude Vellaringattu. WATCH
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January 2021 Knight of the MonthJim Wilhelmi
There were a lot of Knights to choose from this past month so this was a hard decision, however, this knight, although I know he will not want it, has really stepped up as Community Director this past fall and forged ahead to assist the CCC, he served as liaison with Madelyn and is still in the process of transforming their building up to code and negotiating building material pricing for them. He spearheaded the building of a fencing project in October for them and it turned our beautifully. There is much more to come. Another reason why we voted for him, was because he was not at the meeting and couldn’t object as before. So the Knight of the month is Jim Wilhelmi- Congrats Jim. -
January 2021 Family of the Month
Anne and Garry Roettger
This couple is involved is so many things so this is long overdue, but what stood out to me is that despite their age and the ramifications of an exposure to Covid, they still volunteered to deliver casseroles to helpers every month, putting aside their own health concerns to help others. For that reason, the family of the month is awarded to Anne and Garry Roettger.
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Keep in your Prayers
State Deputy Vinnie Tavormina, Charlie Kojeski, John Ingram and family, The Heister Family, Ann Minnium, Missy Mazzio, Jim Burke, Linda Xerri, The Bouchard Family, Bob Nixon Sr., Jeff Failing, Susan Ann Benoit, Pat Plantier; Charlie Kojeski's Nephew Dave, Richard Moken; Rick Sander; Ed Martino; Rita "Angel" Gatto; Bill Ross ; Ed Mann; PGK Don Bouchard; Bob Casian; Mrs Annette Gullo; Ken Bill; Dom Golato; Tim Fitzpatrick; Jack Pensabene; Hudson Wingate; John Dunn;
Medical Professionals
Police officers