SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ - local principal is not only immersing herself in her new role at Holy Savior Academy, but also within the South Plainfield and surrounding community.
Lisa Dell'Aquila began her role as principal of Holy Savior Academy in South Plainfield in July 2023, but she is not new to the world of education. Dell’Aquila was a teacher for 25 years in both public and private education. Most recently, Dell’Aquila taught second and third grade at St. John the Apostle Catholic School in Clark. She was ready to transition into a role as an administrator and sent out resumes to local Catholic schools, including Holy Savior.
“I went for an interview, and I loved it,” Dell’Aquila said. “It’s a nice school – a smaller school – and it’s a nice community. I loved what they talked about.”
Although Dell’Aquila does not live in South Plainfield, she lives close to and has family in the area, and she was excited to work in such a “lovely” place.
Aside from the community aspect, it was the mission of the school that led Dell’Aquila to accept the position as principal.
“I like that they were very interested in combining the academics and the Catholic identity,” Dell’Aquila said, adding that she left public education earlier in her career in order to have more freedom to discuss religion. “I like that you can talk about different things [in Catholic school]. We’re allowed to talk about God and about Jesus, so that was important to me.”
Holy Savior Academy is in the Diocese of Metuchen, and Dell’Aquila likes that the Diocese is focused on the whole student in terms of academics and Catholic identity. The school also hosts many fun activities, including shows, plays, and sports.
Dell’Aquila is still finding her way in her new position, and has dedicated her first year at the school to getting to know the staff, students, and parents.
“I want to embrace the thoughts of the community. The parents are very involved, and it’s a nice community,” Dell’Aquila shared. “I’m trying to listen to the teachers and the community to see what their needs are and what their wants are. I want to work together. They have been there a lot of years, and they have a lot of ideas.”
The new principal's favorite part of her job is spending time in the classrooms and seeing the students so interested in their teachers’ lessons. Recently, Dell’Aquila spent time in a sixth grade classroom and loved seeing the students so engaged in a novel study. She also sat in on a third grade fractions lesson and saw how excited the students were about math.
“I do sometimes miss the classroom since I just left, so that is the best part of my day,” Dell’Aquila said. “I like going to the classrooms and listening and spending time with the kids.”
Although Dell’Aquila is busy in her position, she loves finding time outside of school to spend time with her daughter and friends, go out to dinner, and visit the city.
She is also looking forward to planning community events and fundraisers. Currently, Dell’Aquila and the Holy Savior Academy community are raising funds to help Fish, Inc. after the nonprofit – which helps keep residents in need fed and clothed – suffered a fire.
“I’m excited to do more for the community,” Dell’Aquila said. “It’s a lovely community to be a part of.”
]]>PLUCKEMIN, NJ – The Pluckemin Presbyterian Church (PPC), located at 279 Route 202-206 in Pluckemin, is pleased to announce its Holy Week and Easter schedule of events. Ranging from an exciting child and family event on Palm Sunday called “Eggstravaganza,” to a self-guided, introspective Good Friday walk through symbolic stations, you will encounter the reassuring presence of God throughout the week and beyond.
Holy Week and Easter Events at PPC Include:
Palm Sunday Service, March 24, 10:00am - Holy Week begins. Remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem as he was greeted with shouts of praise and waving of palm branches as a sign of victory and celebration. Children and adults are invited to march into the Sanctuary waving palm branches in the lively “Palm Parade” at the beginning of worship.
Eggstravaganza, March 24, 11:15am - 1:00pm - A fun, carnival-like event with activities intended for kids of all ages. An Easter Egg Hunt (kids 5 & under), a bunny scavenger hunt (kids 6 & up), flower planting, a prayer labyrinth, and craft stations await you! Meet “Big Al” the tortoise and visit children's author Laura Sassi as she reads us her book “Bunny Finds Easter!” Advance registration is requested at PPCH.ORG/Easter.
Maundy Thursday Dinner, Communion and Scripture, March 28, 6:00pm - In remembrance of Jesus’ last supper, we gather as a community of believers for a light meal in Fellowship Hall, receive the Sacrament of Communion, and silently transition into the Sanctuary for scripture readings interspersed with music.
Good Friday Self-Guided Walk, March 29, 6:00-9:00pm - The church will offer a unique, self-guided experience. Come any time between 6pm and 9pm to walk silently through multiple symbolic stations, including a candlelit prayer labyrinth, and contemplate the events that led to Jesus’ death on the cross. The entire experience is done in silence except for softly playing music.
Easter Sunday Celebration, March 24, 7:00am and 10:00am - Celebrate the triumph of life over death and light over darkness! Rejoice with us at the 7am Sunrise Service (outside, weather permitting) or the 10am celebration in the Sanctuary complete with musical selections by the Carillon's Handbell Choir, a brass ensemble, choir and organ!
ABOUT THE PLUCKEMIN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: The Pluckemin Presbyterian Church is called by God to be a hub of caring in the community. We want people to know and experience the reconciling love of Jesus Christ through our church as we gather and serve together to "Know God's Love, Show God's Love, and Share God's love." Visit ppch.org/Easter for more detailed information on each event.
]]>ROBBINSVILLE, NJ - As the spring seasonapproaches, Robbinsville High School is gearing up to host the Festival of Colors, Holi, on March 22 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event, organized by the Robbinsville High School Hindu Club in collaboration with The Gulati Foundation, AARA Foods, and BAPS Charities, invites all members of the Robbinsville community to join in the festivities at the front parking lot of the high school.
Symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring, Holi is a cultural celebration filled with joy, love, and the spreading of vibrant colors. Building on the success of the past two years, this year's celebration promises an unforgettable experience for attendees of all backgrounds.
The event will feature traditional practices such as throwing dry colors, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the spirit of Holi. Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the occasion to fully enjoy the colorful festivities.
In addition to the colorful revelry, the celebration will include music, dance performances, and various forms of entertainment for all ages to enjoy. Snacks, drinks, and Holi colors will be available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting the Hindu American Club of Robbsinville High School.
]]>NEW BRUNSWICK - Suydam Street Reformed Church, a congregation of just 30 families that somehow manages to donate hundreds of turkeys on Thanksgiving, distributes more than 1,000 toys at its annual children’s Christmas celebration and gives to the community in myriad ways, is in need of the community’s help.
Although the congregation recently marked the final phase of an almost yearlong repair to fix a hole in the 142-year-old church’s roof, there’s still structural damage to the interior walls and beams that needs to be repaired.
Mario Vargas, the church’s vice president of consistory, said the church has dipped into reserves to pay contractors about $40,000 to fix the leaking steeple. It is appealing to the community for help to finish the job.
The wooden walls near the front of the church have been left stained and blistered from the water that poured into the church on rainy days at such a rate that Rev. Ramon Orostizaga would often joke that those coming for Sunday service need not shower beforehand because they could take one in the pouring rain.
The cost of these repairs won’t be known until a contractor can assess the damage.
“We do a lot and we don’t boast about it,” Vargas said. “We’re not, ‘Look at us, we’re doing this stuff.’ On this one, just because of the financial burden that it will bring on our congregation, that’s why we decided, hey, let’s put the word out and if anyone feels like they want to help, that’s great, in any way they can.”
Suydam Street Reformed Church has been a pillar of the community going back to when it was founded by William H. Campbell, who resigned as president of then-Rutgers College to become the church’s pastor.
The church has the biggest heart for the most vulnerable in the community, whether it’s children (it offers karate classes) or the homeless (it is currently hosting the city’s rotating men’s shelter).
But, it’s the church’s food pantry that probably helps the most people.
Through the food pantry, the church gives out hundreds of bags of groceries each week, and is one of the few pantries among the 25 or so in New Brunswick that distributes on the weekend.
“We distribute whatever we can,” Vargas said. “Sometimes people will distribute baby supplies, like diapers. So, we will distribute them. Sometimes people donate clothing, so we will distribute the clothing.”
Of course, worship remains at the heart of the church, where services are conducted in English and Spanish each Sunday.
It’s in moments of need that Vargas recalls Luke 6:38:
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Donations can be sent to Suydam Street Reformed Church, 74 Drift St., New Brunswick, N.J. 08901, or can be sent through Zelle to its TD Bank account at ruthietapia@yahoo.com. For more information, Vargas can be reached via email at ssreformedchurch@yahoo.com.
]]>WATCHUNG, NJ —Watchung Borough hosted its first Ramadan crescent lighting ceremony on March 9.
Neighbors gathered to witness a celebration beginning the holy month, and also to show strength and unity. The rainy and windy weather helped make those gathered even closer under the gazebo.
Ramadan begins the evening of Sunday, March 10 and ends Tuesday, April 9. According to Islamic belief, Ramadan marks the month when the holy book Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago. The start of the month is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar month.
Ramadan is the 9th month in Islamic calendar / Hijri Calendar. The length of the Month varies between 29 and 30 days depending on the sighting of the Shawwal Moon which leads to the much awaited Islamic festival of Eid ul Fitr on the 1st of Shawwal. Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and during this holy month, Al-Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.). The word ‘Ramadan’ comes from the Arabic world ‘Ramad / Ramida’ which means scorching heat or drought. So the word Ramadan means abstinence from eating and/or drinking anything from dawn till dusk.
VERONA, NJ -- Our Lady of the Lake Parish will host Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin for a Palm Sunday Mass on March 24 at noon.
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ triumphant arrival in Jerusalem. During Mass, Catholics will hear the gospel account of the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ. Blessed palm fronds, which represent the palm branches the crowds scattered in front of Jesus as he rode into the city, will be distributed.
On Easter Sunday, Cardinal Tobin will celebrate his own liturgy in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart at noon. The Easter Sunday Mass adheres closely to the traditional liturgical format, so it does not include the solemn ceremonies featured in the Easter Vigil. However, each liturgy commemorates the miracle of Christ’s Resurrection.
All Holy Week, liturgies at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart will be livestreamed through the Archdiocese of Newark’s YouTube channel and Facebook page as well as the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.
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WARREN, NJ —Warren Township hosted its second annual Ramadan crescent lighting ceremony at the Warren pavilion on Friday, March 8.
Neighbors gathered to witness a celebration beginning the holy month, and also to show strength and unity. The Warren Middle School Chorus, led by Amy Jensen, performed “The Full Moon Rose Over Us.”
Ramadan begins the evening of Sunday, March 10 and ends Tuesday, April 9. According to Islamic belief, Ramadan marks the month when the holy book Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad more than 1,400 years ago. The start of the month is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, which marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar month.
Ramadan is the 9th month in Islamic calendar / Hijri Calendar. The length of the Month varies between 29 and 30 days depending on the sighting of the Shawwal Moon which leads to the much awaited Islamic festival of Eid ul Fitr on the 1st of Shawwal. Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and during this holy month, Al-Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W.). The word ‘Ramadan’ comes from the Arabic world ‘Ramad / Ramida’ which means scorching heat or drought. So the word Ramadan means abstinence from eating and/or drinking anything from dawn till dusk.
]]>MONTCLAIR, NJ - Thousands of people flocked to a church in Montclair to observe hundreds of sacred relics on display.
According to the Archdiocese of Newark, on February 24, nearly 200 sacred relics connected to Jesus Christ, the Holy Family, and a host of saints were showcased at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory (OLMC). Organizers stated that around 3,500 attendees from as far as Maine and Maryland were in attendance. This event, organized by the Archdiocese of Newark, offered the faithful a unique opportunity to view these unque artifacts.
After standing in line for blocks, participants were greeted by an extensive display that included significant pieces such as a fragment of the True Cross and a piece of the Virgin Mary’s veil. Visitors engaged deeply with the relics, with many pressing personal belongings against the reliquaries to create third-class relics for home prayer, while others held up photographs of loved ones, seeking the saints' intercession.
According to officials, the exhibit culminated in an invitation for all attendees to join in prayer and Mass at the oratory, enhancing the communal spirit of the day.
“I was happy to see so many people from New Jersey, New York, and all over because this is a great opportunity to learn more about the saints,” said Father Giandomenico Flora, OLMC’s rector, who heard confessions from exhibit guests throughout the afternoon.
“The saints were people like us, but with the help of God, they were able to do so much. We should all answer God’s call to holiness like they did because then we’ll find joy and peace in life. It’s not about what you have, it’s about what you do.”
Joseph Santoro, the U.S. regional delegate for the International Crusade for Holy Relics (ICHR), provided the relics. Santoro, who has collected around 400 holy items over two decades, aims to foster a deeper appreciation for these spiritual treasures. Following the success of this exhibition, plans are underway for a subsequent showcase at OLMC this fall, with aspirations to extend viewing opportunities elsewhere.
For more information about Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory, visit www.olmcmontclair.org.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx5NiTuDLkc
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – Patrons of John and Joan’s Road Stand in Piscataway are mourning the loss of Joan Lauria who passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday. She was 88.
Lauria established the popular farmstand with her husband, John in 1958 when they purchased the Stelton Road property. Together they farmed the land and built the business which, for over 60 years, has offered fresh local Jersey produce, flowers, vegetable plants, and seasonal items from Easter through Christmas.
According to her family, Lauria would often take a genuine interest in the lives of others, and was often seen sitting in her swing, sipping a cup of coffee or enjoying an Oreo cookie. She was known for “her caring heart, big smile, and witty sense of humor (which) will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.”
Lauria is survived by her children, John Jr., (Lynn), Timothy Sr. (Donna), William (Janice), Susan Serido and Lisa Leone (the late Richard); brother Roger Price (Madeline Bost); 15 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Sheenan Funeral Home, 233 Dunellen Avenue in Dunellen.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, March 18, from 3 to 7 pm at the funeral home. A service will be held on Tuesday, March 19 at 10 am at the funeral home, followed by burial at Lake Nelson Cemetery in Piscataway.
Read Joan Lauria’s obituary here.
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BAYONNE, NJ - Grace Lutheran Church will hold an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30 at 1 p.m.
The church is located at 836 Avenue C.
Easter services will be held on March 31 starting with a brunch at 10:00 a.m. followed by worship at 11 a.m.
Pastor Sarah Fryman said Lutheran ceremonies are very similar to those of the Roman Catholic Church, so Catholics and others would find a comfortable and familiar environment.
“We also have a soup and sandwich supper with worship Wednesday, March 20 beginning at 6:00 p.m.,” Rev. Fryman said.
SOMERVILLE, NJ - All are welcomed to St. John’s Episcopal Church for Holy Week and Easter services and activities. This year, Easter is celebrated on March 31.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, under the spiritual direction of the Rev. Canon Ronald Pollock, is located at 158 West High St. A ramp provides accessibility to all. Ample free parking is available in the church lot behind the church or on the street. St. John’s offers a special Looping Service for those with hearing challenges.
Online services are available on the St. John’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@st.johnsepiscopalchurch2063/streams
For more information contact 908-722-1250. www.stjohnsomerville.org
- Palm Sunday, March 24: Blessing and distribution of the palms at both the 8 am and 10:15 am Holy Eucharists. Music at 10:15 am. Online: 10:15 a.m. service;
- Monday, March 25: 7 p.m. Holy Eucharist;
- Tuesday, March 26: 7 p.m. Holy Eucharist;
- Wednesday, March 27: 7 p.m. Holy Eucharist;
- Maundy Thursday, March 28: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist; 7 p.m. Holy Eucharist with feet washing and stripping of the altar;
- Good Friday, March 29: Noon: Liturgy of the Day with the Reception of Reserved Sacrament; 7 p.m. The Last Seven Words of Christ. The Parish Choir will sing music by Richard Farrant, Maurice Greene, John Stainer, and more on Good Friday evening;
- Holy Saturday, March 30: 7 p.m., the Great Easter Vigil;
- Easter Sunday, March 31: 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Eucharists with celebratory music. The Festal Choral Eucharist will include a brass quartet and timpani, with music by Gwyneth Walker, Handel, and more. An Easter Egg Hunt will immediately follow the 10:15 am service on the front lawn of St. John’s. Online: 10:15 am service.
More information is availbe by calling St. John’s at 908-722-1250 or online at www.stjohnsomerville.org.
]]>WOOD-RIDGE, NJ - Church of the Assumption of Our Blessed Lady in Wood-Ridge will hold its eighth annual Blue Mass for all the men and women in law enforcement on Sunday, May 5, 2024, 11:00 AM.
A Blue Mass is a Mass celebrated in the Catholic Church for those employed in the "public safety field" (i.e. police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, 911 operators and EMS Personnel). The Mass will recognize the sacrifice and dedication of all those who serve in law enforcement, fire and first responders both in Wood-Ridge and throughout other departments.
This Mass will be held in person as well as “Livestreamed” which can be viewed at
https://www.facebook.com/ASSUMPTIONCHURCHWOODRIDGENJ
Coffee, Tea and assorted baked goods will be served after the Mass in Father Patrick Morris Hall.
The Mass will be celebrated by Father Joseph A. D’Amico, Pastor, Saint Anastasia Church, Teaneck, NJ and Co-Celebrant Father Ronnie Nombre, Pastor, Assumption Church together with Father George Gillen, Assumption Church. Father Joe D’Amico, who has accepted the invitation for a fourth year, comes from a family of police and firefighters. Father Joe, who grew up in Brooklyn, NY serves as the Director of Prison Ministry for the Archdiocese of Newark.
This annual event is coordinated by Council President and Wood-Ridge Police Commissioner Ezio Altamura whose vision it is to honor our police on this day and every day.
“This Mass is an opportunity for our community to come together each year and show gratitude to our first responders and their families for all they do for us, this day and always," said Altamura. "Let us always keep in our prayers our local first responders, Police Chief Michael O’Donnell and Fire Chief Kevin Cribben, and all of their men and women who selflessly serve the people of Wood-Ridge and our great country."
Altamura thanks Father Joe D’Amico, Father Ronnie Nombre and Father George Gillen, Music Minister and technical coordinator Gabe Valle and Rose Lepore from Assumption Church for all their efforts to make this event a success.
A special thank you to Retired Fair Lawn Police Captain Robert Kneer who also serves as the New Jersey State Honor Guard Commander for leading the police procession. Captain Kneer is a long-time personal friend of over 50 years to Council President Altamura.
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STAFFORD - Ocean Community Church in Manahawkin is hosting a musical production for Easter, He is Risen. The production will take place on Saturday, March 23, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The church is located at 1492 Route 72 in Manahawkin.
The Church posted the following:
]]>Sometimes those most likely to doubt become the first believers in miracles. Told from a Centurion's point of view, we welcome you to this musical production full of spirit and hope, and it is certain to lead you and your loved ones to find the true meaning of Easter.
This is a musical theater production of Jesus' journey to Calvary. You will be thoroughly captivated during this South Jersey premiere of "He Is Risen" as children and adults from the Ocean County community join together to bring this production to life.