Dear Mary Mother of God Parish Family, I hope this message finds you well. As many of you may have heard, Fr. Alex will be transferring to Saint Philip and Saint James Parish in Phillipsburg as of August 1, 2025. Fr. Alex has faithfully served Mary Mother of God Parish for nearly nine years, and we have been deeply blessed by his presence. Personally, I am especially grateful for his kindness and dedication during my recovery from surgery. His service, whether through celebrating multiple Masses, visiting hospitals and nursing homes, or joining in our comedy nights has touched the lives of so many in our community. As Fr. Alex prepares to begin this new chapter of his priesthood, we offer him our heartfelt appreciation. We are deeply grateful for his joyful service, pastoral care, and generous spirit. He will be dearly missed, and we send him forth with our love and continued prayers. Since many people are away during the summer to ensure more parishioners can attend, we are planning to invite Fr. Alex back for a special Saturday Mass and light reception in September. More details will be shared in the coming weeks. Please join me in offering our heartfelt best wishes to Fr. Alex as he continues his pastoral ministry. I would like to welcome Fr. Ronal Vega Pastrana to Mary Mother of God Parish beginning August 1, 2025. Fr. Ronal, a native of Colombia, was ordained for the Diocese of Metuchen in 2022. He has served the people of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Bernardsville and currently works with the Diocesan Office of Hispanic Evangelization, a ministry he will continue while serving our parish. Fr. Ronal brings with him a youthful spirit, a deep enthusiasm for the faith, and a strong desire to serve God’s people. We are delighted to welcome him into our parish family and look forward to supporting him as he continues to grow in his priestly vocation. Let us offer Fr. Ronal our warmest welcome and prayers as he begins this new journey with us. I look forward to the many ways we all can grow together in our love and service of Jesus! Servus, Msgr. Joseph Curry | Querida Familia Parroquial de María Madre de Dios: Espero que este mensaje te encuentre bien. Como muchos de ustedes habrán escuchado, el P. Alex se transferirá a la Parroquia de San Felipe y Santiago Apóstol en Phillipsburg a partir del 1 de agosto de 2025. El P. Alex ha servido fielmente a la Parroquia María Madre de Dios durante casi ocho años, y hemos sido profundamente bendecidos por su presencia. Personalmente, estoy especialmente agradecido por su amabilidad y dedicación durante mi recuperación de la cirugía. Su servicio, ya sea a través de la celebración de múltiples misas, visitando hospitales y hogares de ancianos, o uniéndose a nuestras noches de comedia, ha tocado las vidas de muchos en nuestra comunidad. Mientras el P. Alex se prepara para comenzar este nuevo capítulo de su sacerdocio, le ofrecemos nuestro más sincero agradecimiento. Estamos profundamente agradecidos por su alegre servicio, su cuidado pastoral y su espíritu generoso. Lo extrañaremos mucho, y lo enviamos con nuestro amor y oraciones continuas. Dado que muchas personas están ausentes durante el verano para garantizar que más feligreses puedan asistir, estamos planeando invitar al P. Alex a una misa especial los sábados y una recepción en septiembre. Se compartirán más detalles en las próximas semanas. Por favor, únanse a mí para ofrecer nuestros mejores deseos al P. Alex mientras continúa su ministerio pastoral. Me gustaría dar la bienvenida al P. Ronal Vega Pastrana a la Parroquia María Madre de Dios a partir del 1 de agosto de 2025. El P. Ronal, origen Colombiano, fue ordenado por la diócesis de Metuchen en 2022. Ha servido a la gente de Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro en Bernardsville y actualmente trabaja con la Oficina Diocesana de Evangelización Hispana, un ministerio que continuará mientras sirve a nuestra parroquia. El P. Ronal trae consigo un espíritu juvenil, un profundo entusiasmo por la fe y un fuerte deseo de servir al pueblo de Dios. Estamos encantados de darle la bienvenida a nuestra familia parroquial y esperamos apoyarlo a medida que continúa creciendo en su vocación sacerdotal. Ofrezcamos al P. Ronal nuestra más calurosa bienvenida y nuestras oraciones al comenzar este nuevo viaje con nosotros. Servus, Mons. Joe |
My Dear Mary Mother of God Family, Words cannot fully express the depth of my gratitude for your incredible outpouring of prayers, kind words, and support since my surgery. Your faith, compassion, and care have truly lifted my spirit and reminded me of the beautiful strength of our parish community. Each card, message, act of kindness and prayer has lifted me more than I can express. With the blessing of all these things my recovery has been coming along amazingly well, but I still have a way to go and I ask for your continued prayerful support. Your prayers have been a vital part of my recovery, and I carry each of you in my heart as I continue to regain my strength. “I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you.” Philippians 1:3–4 I miss celebrating Mass, with you. As the weeks progress, I hope to begin attending mass with you looking forward to the time when I may celebrate once again. Know of my tremendous gratitude for you all! I ask for your continued prayers. Please be assured of mine for all. Servus, Msgr. Joe | ![]() | Mi querida familia de María Madre de Dios, Las palabras no pueden expresar completamente la profundidad de mi gratitud por su increíble efusión de oraciones, palabras amables y apoyo desde mi cirugía. Su fe, compasión y cuidado realmente han levantado mi espíritu y me han recordado la hermosa fuerza de nuestra comunidad parroquial. Cada tarjeta, mensaje, acto de bondad y oración me ha elevado más de lo que puedo expresar. Con la bendición de todas estas cosas, mi recuperación ha ido increíblemente bien, pero todavía tengo un camino por recorrer y pido su apoyo continuo en oración. Sus oraciones han sido una parte vital de mi recuperación, y llevo a cada uno de ustedes en mi corazón mientras continúo recuperando mis fuerzas. "Doy gracias a mi Dios cada vez que me acuerdo de vosotros, rogando siempre y en todas mis oraciones con alegría por todos vosotros". Filipenses 1:3–4 Echo de menos celebrar la Misa con ustedes. A medida que avanzan las semanas, espero comenzar a asistir a misa con ustedes esperando con ansias el momento en que pueda celebrar una vez más. ¡Sepan de mi tremenda gratitud para todos ustedes! Les pido que continúen orando. Por favor, tengan la seguridad de que tendrán los míos para todos. Servus, Mons. Joe |
Dear Mary Mother of God Family,
One of my favorite Christmas stories is The Gift of the Magi, by O. Henry. In the story, a young couple each sacrifices their most precious gift, to be able to offer a gift to the person they love. It is amazing story of Love!
Christmas is a time for us to remember that God has offered the most precious gift He had to us, because of His love for us! Jesus!
These kinds of gifts rarely have to do with money, but instead with our time, our presence, our tears and more. It is about sacrificial giving of self for the other, out of love!
Jesus is that kind of gift to us from God, the Father, a total giving of self, out of love for us!
May our greatest Christmas gift this year, no matter what our circumstances are, be that we recognize the depth and power of God the Father’s love for us, in Jesus and the hope and peace that offers us. May it be a light that shines on and in us!
On behalf of all here at Mary Mother of God, I would like to wish you and your families a most Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year.
Servu, Msgr. Joe
Querida Familia María Madre de Dios:
Uno de mis cuentos de Navidad favoritos es El Regalo de los Reyes Magos, de O. Henry. En la historia, una joven pareja sacrifica cada uno su regalo más preciado, para poder ofrecer un regalo a la persona que aman. ¡Es una increíble historia de amor!
La Navidad es un momento para que recordemos que Dios nos ha ofrecido el regalo más precioso que tenía, ¡debido a su amor por nosotros! ¡Jesús!
Este tipo de regalos rara vez tienen que ver con el dinero, sino con nuestro tiempo, nuestra presencia, nuestras lágrimas y más. Se trata de la entrega sacrificial de sí mismo por el otro, ¡por amor!
Jesús es ese tipo de regalo de Dios, el Padre, para nosotros, una entrega total de sí mismo, ¡por amor a nosotros!
Que nuestro mayor regalo de Navidad este año, sin importar cuáles sean nuestras circunstancias, sea que reconozcamos la profundidad y el poder del amor de Dios Padre por nosotros, en Jesús, y la esperanza y la paz que nos ofrece. ¡Que sea una luz que brille sobre y en nosotros!
En nombre de todos aquí en María Madre de Dios, me gustaría desearles a ustedes y a sus familias una muy bendita y feliz Navidad y un feliz y saludable Año Nuevo.
Servus, Msgr. Joe
This Sunday is the third Sunday of Advent and is called Gaudete Sunday, which means Rejoice in Latin. We use the Rose-colored candle and vestments to remind us of the nearness of Christmas. These symbols represent joy, and mark a shift in the tone of Advent from penitential to joyful anticipation, as Christmas draws near.
In the midst of any struggle or darkness, can I find a reason to rejoice and be grateful today? Can I recognize that Jesus IS the light that shines in the darkness, and that turning to Him, especially this Christmas, can open my life to new and hope filled things!
May you recognize a reason to Rejoice today!
Servus,
Msgr. Joe
Este domingo es el tercer domingo de Adviento y se llama Domingo Gaudete, que significa Regocijar en latín. Usamos la vela y las vestiduras de color rosa para recordarnos la cercanía de la Navidad. Estos símbolos representan la alegría y marcan un cambio en el tono del Adviento, que pasa de la penitencia a la anticipación gozosa a medida que se acerca la Navidad.
En medio de cualquier lucha u oscuridad, ¿puedo encontrar una razón para regocijarme y estar agradecido hoy? ¿Puedo reconocer que Jesús ES la luz que brilla en la oscuridad, y que volverme a Él, especialmente en esta Navidad, puede abrir mi vida a cosas nuevas y llenas de esperanza?
¡Que reconozcas una razón para Regocijar hoy!
Servus,
Msgr. Joe
December 2023
Welcome to Mary Mother of God. I invite you to click through these pages to see the many wonders that await you here in our parish community.
Especially during this Advent and Christmas seasons we have many different opportunities to learn about your faith and yourself.
The Mary Mother of God is a greatly diverse community that has many ways to become involved in many different things from being a liturgical minister to help those in need both locally and abroad.
I pray that your visit here prompts you to come visit us in person and see how you can be part of our great family.
I hope to see you around!
Servus,
Msgr. Joe
Greetings to Mary Mother of God!
I welcome you to click through these pages and learn some of the wonderful things that are happening here at Mary Mother of God Church! We have many opportunities for you to grow in your love and service of the Lord.
The only thing that can beat clicking through these pages, is actually coming here!
Our church, chapel and parish grounds offer a place for prayerful time with the Lord. Our many activities and wonderful people offer you the opportunity to actively participate in our great parish family.
As we enter this Easter Season and Springtime, may the new life around us reflect the hope of
the life within us.
Servus,
Msgr. Joe
Enero 2023
Querida María, Madre de Dios Familia:
¡Rezo para que al comenzar este Año Nuevo, ustedes y sus familias estén seguros y saludables!
¡2023 tiene muchas oportunidades emocionantes para nosotros aquí en María, Madre de Dios!
· Continuamos con el Estudio de Liderazgo y nos basamos en las grandes tradiciones aquí.
· Estamos desarrollando un proceso de Compartir la Fe en Grupos Pequeños, llamado Sé Mi Testigo, que comenzará en la Cuaresma. Estamos buscando personas interesadas en ser líderes de estos grupos. Más información seguirá, por favor vea el boletín y la página web para más información.
· Trabajaremos con la parroquia de St. Joseph para ser parte de una oportunidad de servicio para construir o reparar casas en Virginia Occidental, a través del Campo de Trabajo del Condado de Wade. Habrá una reunión informativa sobre este programa a mediados de enero.
Estas son solo algunas de las cosas emocionantes que están sucediendo aquí en María, Madre de Dios. ¿Quieres involucrarte más? Si es así, contáctenos a través de la oficina parroquial, ¡y lo ayudaremos a comenzar!
Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para leer esto. ¡Espero que te unas a nosotros!
Servus,
Msgr. Joe
September 29, 2022
Dear Mary, Mother of God Family,
I pray that as we roll into the Fall that you are all well and that the school year has gotten off to a great start. I have been visiting our Religious Education students and have found them to be a great blessing.
I want to announce to you that I have begun a process to take the information that you all gave me in the Town Halls and the Survey and to create a Leadership Study Team. This group will:
· Exam our current Leadership Structure and Process
· Exam the Leadership Structure of other parishes and see what we might be able to copy
· Research resources and webinars about Parish Leadership and see what we can use.
· Take the information that has been found and build a Leadership Structure here that we all believe would be most effective and Gospel based
· Determine how these Leadership groups will be populated.
I met with the Finance Advisory Council and the Pastoral Council to begin this discussion and now I want to open it to anyone from the parish who is interested and willing to work. I would invite you to give this your prayerful consideration. If you feel you are willing and able, I invite you to attend the next meeting on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, in Holy Spirit Hall at 7:00 pm.
I want to announce that Darrin Nelson, who has helped us make great strides in the Outreach Ministry and Formation of our Parish Leadership, will be transitioning from this to helping me organize and implement this process that I have listed above, as a Parish Life Consultant for Renew International. He will also be introducing a small group initiative to our parish this coming Lent. More information will come about this.
I want to personally thank Darrin for the amazing things that he has helped us develop and implement over the last few years. I look forward to continuing to work with him in these new ventures.
As I thank Darrin, I also want to thank you all for your prayerful support. Let us continue to ask God to guide us as we look always for ways to serve Him!
Servus, Msgr. Joe
May 2022
Welcome to Mary, Mother of God Church webpage!
I am a recent addition to Mary, Mother of God Parish and I wanted to provide an opportunity for me, as your new pastor, to listen as you share your thoughts about our Parish. I invite you to either:
There are also hard copies of the survey available in the Church Sacristy. I look forward to hearing from each of you.
I am discovering new and exciting things every day! We as a parish community are blessed in so many ways especially with:
· An impressive number of significant diverse ministries, that are alive and well!
· A spiritual and diverse community of faith with an active and involved Spanish community!
· A wonderful facility that offers us a beautiful place to worship, meet and play!
As you go through this page, I hope you feel the great life that is part of the Mary, Mother of God family of faith, and whether this visit to our webpage is your only part of the journey with us, or you chose to be part of this great Family, that Christ is shared! Thanks for the visit and please contact us if you have any questions!
Servus,
Msgr. Joe