Archdiocese of Newark: Commitment to Transparency and Healing

“The release of names of clergy with a credible allegation(s) of sexual abuse of a minor is part of our ongoing commitment to be transparent to help bring healing to the victims and to help restore trust in the leadership of Catholic Church. Additionally, the disclosure of the names is part of our ongoing commitment to protect our children and to ensure safe environments for minors.

The list is the result of an extensive review of the Archdiocese’s records by an Archdiocesan review team and outside legal counsel to identify allegations of sexual abuse of minors by clergy in the Archdiocese dating back to 1940. The disclosure of this list of names is not an endpoint in our process – it is a beginning.

We express genuine sorrow and regret to the victims who put their trust in a member of the Church only to have that trust so profoundly betrayed.

We must protect our children, first, foremost, and always.

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., February 13, 2019

Report on Parish Listening Session – December 3, 2018

Continuing Caution Concerning Email and Texting Scams

There has been an increase in the number of fraudulent emails across the country. Financial losses can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars and are often uninsured.

Recently we have received notification of email and text scams that will use the name of a pastor to solicit funds in the form of gift cards or cash donations.

The email usually includes no recipients’ name, and asks for financial help for a worthy cause. The pastor’s name concludes the request.

Several of our pastors have already heard from parishioners who have received emails or text messages, seemingly from the pastor, asking for donations.

Our parishes and schools do not raise money in this manner so please exercise the utmost caution when receiving this type of communication.

Law enforcement agencies urge parishioners to question any email or text that doesn’t come from a person in their contacts. If a pastor’s name is used, parishioners should contact the parish to verify the legitimacy of the appeal.

Anyone who feels that they have been the victim of this type of scam is urged to contact their local police department.

We offer outreach to first-time single moms who are in crisis and call upon us for assistance. Please see our web site www.newhopeprc.org to learn more about our all-volunteer program and our Pregnancy Resource Center. Read about some of our many moms who rely on your generosity to make ends meet. Come visit our Center at 149 Third Avenue, Westwood, NJ. If you have a passion for pro-life, please consider volunteering. If you know anyone in need, we are here to help. E-mail us at info@newhopeprc.org or call us at (201) 722-4705.

Volunteers Needed to Join the River Edge Police Reserves

Make a difference; give us your time and talent!

The River Edge Police Department is currently seeking volunteers to join their dedicated team of Police Reserve officers.  The Police Reserves are civilian volunteers trained to support and contribute to the overall safety and protection of the community.  The Reserve force provides the department with extra manpower on a regular basis that can be deployed quickly for critical incidents and other emergency situations that require more officers than would otherwise be available.

Applications to become an Officer in the River Edge Police Reserves are accepted year round and can be picked up in person at the River Edge Police Department Headquarters.

The Knights of Columbus are inviting all Catholic gentlemen over the age of 18 to join our organization for promoting our guiding principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The River Edge Knights serve the Parish of Saint Peters the Apostle and local community by volunteering their time and treasure in assisting the poor, disabled and disenfranchised, as well as programs for supporting our youth. Please contact Bob Garcia on: 201-262-7766, or via Email: kofcriveredge@gmail.com, or on our website: www.kofcriveredge.com for more information. We look forward to welcoming you!

The River Edge Lions Club is in need of some new members due to a recent drop in enrollment (retirement, relocation, other obligations).  The Club does much to help the visually impaired, families in need, schools, scouts, recreation, and other community organizations as well as national and international causes.  “Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.”  Please join in helping others.  The Lions meet at the River Edge Diner on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of September through June.  Please call Lorraine or Mike Blake at 201-967-1289 for more information.

The Bergen Volunteer Center turns caring into meaningful action by engaging volunteers to meet community needs. We can provide your members with information about a multitude of choices for a rewarding volunteer experience.  Individual volunteer opportunities, group projects, family-friendly volunteering, student or school volunteer ideas—The Volunteer Center can help in choosing an activity that is a good match for a person’s talents, interests and availability. Our website (www.bergenvolunteers.org) lists hundreds of volunteer opportunities in and around Bergen County.

The Pastoral Care Department of Hackensack University Medical Center is in great need of Eucharistic Ministers/Pastoral Visitors to bring Holy Communion and visit our patients. If you feel called to this wonderful ministry, to bring Jesus and your own presence into the rooms of the sick, please contact Rev. David Armstrong – Director, Pastoral Care, Hackensack University Medical Center, 30 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601 – 551-996-2345.

Life Source Hospice is seeking volunteers to be part of our elderly patients’ end-of-life care. Volunteers serve as friendly bedside visitors to patients throughout Bergen County and provide them with much appreciated companionship by sitting, listening and praying with them. Volunteers also provide support to family members.

Volunteers determine their own schedules and can visit patients during the daytime hours during the week and weekends. Most volunteers donate 2 hours a week of their time for a minimum of 6 months. Volunteers receive ongoing hospice training and support by experienced hospice professionals. For more information, please contact Life Source Hospice at #201-523-9745 or kiplifesourcehospice@gmail.com

Birthright of Bergen County, a crisis pregnancy center dedicated to encouraging and helping women choose life for their babies, is in need of volunteers to share their time and love for God’s miracle of life. Birthright provides community resources, clothes, diapers and financial help to women. Volunteers are needed in the office at 19 W Pleasant Ave, Maywood to greet, help and support mothers-to-be that come in or call in. If you have time and would like to volunteer, please call Mary Pat or Barbara at 201-845-4646.

The Catholic Chaplaincy at Bergen Regional Medical Center, Paramus, needs volunteers to: transport long-term residents to and from hospital Masses, to be friendly visitors to those confined to bed or wheelchairs, and to set up and take down altar items for hospital Masses on Saturdays (3:30 PM) and Sundays (11:15 AM). If you are 18 years of age or older and wish to volunteer, please contact Fr. Edito Gamallo at 201-414-0522 or Fr. John Quill at 201-421-0009 for more information. God will reward you for your kindness.