Welcome to Church of the Holy Spirit!
36 Gould Street, Verona, NJ 07044 • Phone: (973) 239-2850
Via Venmo:
Holy Spirit Verona @Jerry-Racioppi-2 [6663] |
The red door on an Episcopal (Anglican) Church is traditionally a sign of welcome. Come through the door, and you'll discover that we are a multi-generational, family-centered church.
Our congregation worships together, supports each other in times of trouble, celebrates together, and does God’s work in the world. We are open, welcoming, and inclusive. We invite you to join us! |
Worship Schedule
Sunday Mornings**
8am Quiet Eucharist - Also available via Zoom. 9am Choir Rehearsal (September - June) 10am Choral Eucharist and Sunday School (September - June) - Also available via Zoom and Facebook **During the Season of Lent 2024, we will also offer a Saturday at 5:30pm Quiet Eucharist in our historic Chapel; you may attend in-person of via Zoom. Email our office for the Zoom logon information. |
What's happening?
Youth & Young Adult Mission Trip - Saturday, June 29 to Saturday, July 6 to Grace House
We will once again be visiting Grace House on the Mountain in St. Paul, VA for a Mission Trip. Attendees must be at least entering high school in the Fall of 2024 with guardian completion (if under age 18) of required paperwork. Fee (accommodations, meals, transportation, etc.) is $500. Deposit of $200 is due by May 1. Two required pre-trip meetings will be scheduled in May. Final payment is due June 12. Application forms are available here or in Fellowship Hall. Scholarship money is available. For more information, email Fr. Jerry at rector@holyspiritverona.org.
Lent Madness 2024 - Vote For Your Favorite Saint
What is it? Lent Madness began in 2010 as the brainchild of the Rev. Tim Schenck (Rector at St. John the Evangelist in Hingham, MA). In seeking a fun, engaging way for people to learn about the men and women comprising the Church’s Calendar of Saints, Tim came up with this unique Lenten devotion.
How do I vote? go to: www.lentmadness.org. There are celebrity bloggers who write information through this Lenten Journey. You vote online and everything you need is there.
How does it work? The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and people vote for their favorite saint. 16 saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds as we offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move into the area of saintly kitsch.
How do I learn about the saints? https://www.episcopalchurch.org/lectionary/
How do I vote? go to: www.lentmadness.org. There are celebrity bloggers who write information through this Lenten Journey. You vote online and everything you need is there.
How does it work? The format is straightforward: 32 saints are placed into a tournament-like single elimination bracket. Each pairing remains open for a set period of time and people vote for their favorite saint. 16 saints make it to the Round of the Saintly Sixteen; eight advance to the Round of the Elate Eight; four make it to the Faithful Four; two to the Championship; and the winner is awarded the coveted Golden Halo. The first round consists of basic biographical information about each of the 32 saints. Things get a bit more interesting in the subsequent rounds as we offer quotes and quirks, explore legends, and even move into the area of saintly kitsch.
How do I learn about the saints? https://www.episcopalchurch.org/lectionary/
Lenten Journey with our Neighbors - Wednesday 6:30pm Supper and Service during Lent
The neighboring Episcopal Church parishes of Christ Church Bloomfield & Glen Ridge, Epiphany & Christ Church Orange and Holy Spirit Verona invite all to share a Lenten journey of fellowship and prayer on the Wednesday evenings of Lent. We will meet each Wednesday at 6:30 pm for a simple meal of bread and soup, followed by a quiet worship service.
February 21 – Church of the Holy Spirit, 36 Gould Street, Verona
February 28 – Epiphany and Christ Church, 105 Main Street, Orange
March 6 - Christ Church, 74 Park Avenue, Glen Ridge
March 13 – Church of the Holy Spirit, 36 Gould Street, Verona
March 20 - Epiphany and Christ Church, 105 Main Street, Orange
March 27 - Christ Church, 74 Park Avenue, Glen Ridge [This service will be a Healing Eucharist as it is Holy Week.]
Together they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers. Acts 2:42
For more information visit: https://christchurchepiscopal.org/ OR https://eaccorange.org/ OR https://www.holyspiritverona.org/.
February 21 – Church of the Holy Spirit, 36 Gould Street, Verona
February 28 – Epiphany and Christ Church, 105 Main Street, Orange
March 6 - Christ Church, 74 Park Avenue, Glen Ridge
March 13 – Church of the Holy Spirit, 36 Gould Street, Verona
March 20 - Epiphany and Christ Church, 105 Main Street, Orange
March 27 - Christ Church, 74 Park Avenue, Glen Ridge [This service will be a Healing Eucharist as it is Holy Week.]
Together they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers. Acts 2:42
For more information visit: https://christchurchepiscopal.org/ OR https://eaccorange.org/ OR https://www.holyspiritverona.org/.
Holy Week 2024 Schedule - Join us for the Journey
The following is our schedule for Holy Week 2024:
Palm Sunday - March 24
Palm Sunday - March 24
- 8am* - Quiet Eucharist, reading of the The Passion and Stripping of the Chapel Altar
- 10am* - Palm Procession, Eucharist and reading of The Passion
- return "Lent: 40 Days, 40 Items" Food Drive boxes to be blessed during worship
- 7:30pm* - experience what women of the Bible might have said to Jesus while standing at the foot of the cross
- 7:30pm* - Traditional Foot Washing, Final Eucharist and Stripping of Altar
- 9pm - Over-Night Watch until 8am next morning
- 8am* - Morning Service (concluding the Over-Night Watch) with Communion from the reserve sacrament
- 10am - Children's Workshop and Kids' Stations of the Cross
- 12pm* - Noonday Service and Stations of the Cross
- 1 to 3pm - Church open for personal prayer and private reflection
- 7:30pm - kindling of new fire in parking lot, procession into the Sanctuary in the darkness, telling of the family story and Celebration of First Eucharist
Women of the Cross - Monday, March 25 at 7:30pm
Join us on Monday, March 25 at 7:30pm in our Sanctuary as we listen to what the women of the Bible might have said to Jesus as they stood at the foot of the cross on Good Friday.
Presented by the Interfaith Women’s Group:
This year, this program will be offered in-person AND online via Zoom. To attend online, use this information:
Via computer, laptop, PC, tablet, smartphone, etc. --https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89444985198
Via telephone (audio only) -- (646) 876-9923
Meeting ID: 894 4498 5198
For the passcode, email office@holyspiritverona.org.
Presented by the Interfaith Women’s Group:
- American National Catholic Church of St. Francis, Glen Ridge
- Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, Verona
- Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, Verona
This year, this program will be offered in-person AND online via Zoom. To attend online, use this information:
Via computer, laptop, PC, tablet, smartphone, etc. --https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89444985198
Via telephone (audio only) -- (646) 876-9923
Meeting ID: 894 4498 5198
For the passcode, email office@holyspiritverona.org.
Maundy Thursday Worship Service - March 28 at 7:30pm
The most dramatic worship service of the year! Join us on Thursday, March 28 at 7:30pm for our Maundy Thursday worship service. The word maundy is derived from the Latin mandatum which means commandment. Jesus' commandment was to love one another, and we do this by washing of feet and sharing a Eucharistic meal. The conclusion of the service is the dramatic stripping of the altar and the procession of the reserved sacrament into our historic Chapel. We also keep vigil all night during our night watch which concludes on the morning of Good Friday.
This service is being offered in-person or via Zoom using our Sunday Worship Link.
This service is being offered in-person or via Zoom using our Sunday Worship Link.
Good Friday Morning Prayer - March 29 at 8am
On Good Friday (March 29) we share bread from the"reserve sacrament" which was blessed at the Maundy Thursday worship. At 8am we conclude our over-night vigil with Morning Prayer in our Chapel. In addition our Sanctuary will be open from 1-3pm for private prayer and reflection.
This service is being offered in-person or via Zoom using our Sunday Worship Link.
This service is being offered in-person or via Zoom using our Sunday Worship Link.
Good Friday Sunday School Meet-Up: Stations of the Cross - March 29 at 10am
On Good Friday (March 29) at 10am we will offer an in-person Sunday School Meet-Up which will include walking an interactive Stations of the Cross around Holy Spirit's campus. The gathering will begin in the Fellowship Hall (second floor).
This event is being offered in-person only.
This event is being offered in-person only.
Good Friday Stations of the Cross - March 29 at 12pm
On Good Friday (March 29) at 12pm (noon) we will gather in our Sanctuary to share in a reflection of the Stations of the Cross with additional prayers.
This service is being offered in-person or via Zoom using our Sunday Worship Link. There is no online booklet for this service.
This service is being offered in-person or via Zoom using our Sunday Worship Link. There is no online booklet for this service.
Holy Saturday - Easter Vigil - March 30 at 7:30pm
Join us for our Vigil Celebration of Easter on the eve before (Saturday, March 30) at 7:30pm when we light the new fire and experience the move from darkness into light. The service begins in the center of our outdoor labyrinth, and then we process into the darkened church where each attendee lights a candle from the new flame.
Stories of the church through modern times are heard, and we celebrate Eucharist once more. After the service join us for some breads and champagne in our Fellowship Hall. Jesus Christ is risen today! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! This service is only being offered in-person.
Stories of the church through modern times are heard, and we celebrate Eucharist once more. After the service join us for some breads and champagne in our Fellowship Hall. Jesus Christ is risen today! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! This service is only being offered in-person.
Easter Sunday - March 31, 2024 at 10am
Jesus Christ is risen! Alleluia! On this festival day, we will have one Worship Service at 10am; there will be no 8am Worship Service on Easter Sunday. You may attend in-person or online. Logon information is listed below. The Alleluia Banner will also be "unpacked" (which was buried on Ash Wednesday) during the service. We will celebrate Eucharist and the Choir will sing.
Via computer/smartphone (ideally with a camera and microphone): https://zoom.us/j/2010208686
Telephone (for audio only): 1 (646) 876 9923 - Meeting ID: 201 020 8686
Email office@holyspiritverona.org for the required password. For a copy of our Easter Worship Booklet, click here.
This worship service will also be live-streamed via our Facebook page.
Via computer/smartphone (ideally with a camera and microphone): https://zoom.us/j/2010208686
Telephone (for audio only): 1 (646) 876 9923 - Meeting ID: 201 020 8686
Email office@holyspiritverona.org for the required password. For a copy of our Easter Worship Booklet, click here.
This worship service will also be live-streamed via our Facebook page.
Easter Egg Hunt - Easter Sunday, March 31 after 10am Service
After our Easter Sunday (March 31) Worship, we'll gather outside to watch the children gather up the Easter eggs that have been placed around for their discovery and enjoyment (eggs are filled with candy).
Prayer Shawl Ministry Next Meets on Wednesday, April 3 and Wednesday, April 17
For the month of April, our Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather to meditate and knit on Wednesday, April 3 and Wednesday, April 17 at 1pm in our Fellowship Hall. This is a spiritual practice that benefits the practitioner and those gifted with these sacred mantles. This ministry is nondenominational and open to anyone who is seeking to step away from their daily stresses with an alternative form of meditation. Our dedicated knitters have made shawls, blankets for Baptisms, hats/scarfs for our Food Pantry, prayer patches for Memorial Day and so much more. Please email Rev. Katherine for additional information.
Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop Next Saturday Open Day is April 6
Our Thrift Shop, located at 94 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Livingston is open most Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm. Once a month the Shop opens on a Saturday from 10am to 1pm -- for April the date will be Saturday, April 6. Pass by and check out their great deals! If you would like to learn more about the Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop visit heavenlyfinds.org.
"Sip Into Spring" - Wine Tasting, Saturday, April 6 at 5:30pm
It's back! Our Wine Tasting Fundraiser returns after a hiatus since 2020.
"Sip Into Spring" Wine Tasting
Saturday, April 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 - Fellowship Hall
Wine provided by Verona Wine Cellars.
Cheese, appys, and other great bites provided by The Fruited Plan.
$50 per person | $90 per couple
Sign up at www.holyspiritverona.org
Must be over 21 to attend.
"Sip Into Spring" Wine Tasting
Saturday, April 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 - Fellowship Hall
Wine provided by Verona Wine Cellars.
Cheese, appys, and other great bites provided by The Fruited Plan.
$50 per person | $90 per couple
Sign up at www.holyspiritverona.org
Must be over 21 to attend.
Flowering the Cross - Second Sunday of Easter, April 7 at 10am Service
Join us on Sunday, April 7 as we "flower the cross," turning a symbol of pain and suffering into one of rebirth and renewal. Please bring any type of flower or greenery.
While some churches "flower the cross" on Easter Sunday, it's been a long tradition at Holy Spirit (which we return to since Pandemic) to embrace this tradition on the Second Sunday of Easter.
At the end of the service, we'll bring the cross outside as further witness that Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
While some churches "flower the cross" on Easter Sunday, it's been a long tradition at Holy Spirit (which we return to since Pandemic) to embrace this tradition on the Second Sunday of Easter.
At the end of the service, we'll bring the cross outside as further witness that Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
End of Life Series - Three Mondays at 7pm - All are invited!
The purpose of this series is to shed light on a part of life’s journey that is often overlooked until one is confronted with a serious illness of their own or that of a loved one. We will offer three sessions on Monday evenings at 7pm over three months.
Monday, March 18 at 7pm - Logistics: Funeral Planning with Mr. Bob Prout and Ms. Julia Prout of Prout Funeral Home in Verona.
Monday, April 8 at 7pm - Emotional: Palliative Care with Ms. Marie Roesler of Cooperman Barnabas Health System.
Monday, May 13 at 7pm - Spiritual: What Happens After Death? with Ms. Mary Garland, Reverend Katherine Rollo and Father Jerry Racioppi.
We hope you'll consider attending all three sessions or those that fit into your schedule. Invite a friend. All are invited and welcome to join in these important and necessary discussions!
Monday, March 18 at 7pm - Logistics: Funeral Planning with Mr. Bob Prout and Ms. Julia Prout of Prout Funeral Home in Verona.
Monday, April 8 at 7pm - Emotional: Palliative Care with Ms. Marie Roesler of Cooperman Barnabas Health System.
Monday, May 13 at 7pm - Spiritual: What Happens After Death? with Ms. Mary Garland, Reverend Katherine Rollo and Father Jerry Racioppi.
We hope you'll consider attending all three sessions or those that fit into your schedule. Invite a friend. All are invited and welcome to join in these important and necessary discussions!
Next Vestry (lay leaders) Meeting is Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30pm
The Vestry (as of January 2024) typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month, and does so Zoom unless otherwise indicated. This month we will gather a on Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30pm via Zoom to pray together, discuss the business of the church and enjoy each others' company. All relevant materials will be emailed to members the week before the meeting by Ms. Patti Walsh, Churchwarden.
Next Food Pantry Distribution Day is Saturday, April 27
For the month of April, we will open our Food Pantry on Saturday, April 27, the fourth Saturday of the month. The Pantry will accept Essex County residents only (ID required) as shoppers in the lower level from 9 to 11am. Shoppers will remain in their vehicles with a limited number being invited inside at a time. Home deliveries are still available for Verona/Cedar Grove residents who are unable to visit Pantry; contact our Church Office for arrangements.
The first shift of volunteers is from 8:15-9:45am and the second shift is from 9:45-11:15am. The Food Pantry is typically open the 4th Saturday of every month from 9-11am. For more information see: http://holyspiritverona.org/food-pantry.
The first shift of volunteers is from 8:15-9:45am and the second shift is from 9:45-11:15am. The Food Pantry is typically open the 4th Saturday of every month from 9-11am. For more information see: http://holyspiritverona.org/food-pantry.
Second Friday Fundraiser - Doors Open at 6pm on Friday, May 10
***Due to our waterproofing project in our lower level, there will be NO BINGO in April.***
But, Holy Spirit Verona will host another second Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, May 10 at 7pm; doors open and BINGO cards go on sale at 6pm; the first number is called at 7pm. $20 to play 10 Games, which includes $5 Admission and 6 cards per game. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase, and you are welcome to bring your own food. No alcohol is allowed and you must be 18 years old to play BINGO.
Additional set of sheets may be purchased for $15 and extra sheets for our cover-all game (Game #10) can be purchased for $5. It's a fun nigh out: you'll laugh, you'll dance, you'll have fun!
But, Holy Spirit Verona will host another second Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, May 10 at 7pm; doors open and BINGO cards go on sale at 6pm; the first number is called at 7pm. $20 to play 10 Games, which includes $5 Admission and 6 cards per game. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase, and you are welcome to bring your own food. No alcohol is allowed and you must be 18 years old to play BINGO.
Additional set of sheets may be purchased for $15 and extra sheets for our cover-all game (Game #10) can be purchased for $5. It's a fun nigh out: you'll laugh, you'll dance, you'll have fun!
Next Children's Eucharist is Sunday, May 12 at 10am
We will host another of our Children's Eucharist on Sunday, May 12 at 10am with our Sunday School students assisting Father Jerry at the altar (he needs a lot of help, you know). The 10am Service is sure to be VERY interactive with Father Jerry asking our students questions before the start of the Eucharistic Prayer. It is great fun for children and those young at heart!
Be sure to join us in-person OR via Zoom to participate, pray and probably laugh.
Be sure to join us in-person OR via Zoom to participate, pray and probably laugh.
Pentecost Sunday (our feast day) is Sunday, May 19
Church of the Holy Spirit's patron feast day is Pentecost Sunday, May 19 this year; wear RED and invite a friend!
On this festival day we hear scripture in several languages and celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit to the disciples. Time to conclude the 50 Days of Easter!
After service, we share in our famous RED Coffee Hour. Bring something to share!
Invite others to join in the celebration!
On this festival day we hear scripture in several languages and celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit to the disciples. Time to conclude the 50 Days of Easter!
After service, we share in our famous RED Coffee Hour. Bring something to share!
Invite others to join in the celebration!
"Here Come The Sun" Solar Panel Capital Campaign
In the Spring of 2022, Holy Spirit Verona joined other churches in the Diocese of Newark in an agreement with Performance Solar of Richmond, Virginia. Through this agreement, 20% of the cost of the solar panels AND roof replacement was paid by Performance Solar.
Our roof was replaced prior to the solar installation as it had been determined that our previous roof was over twenty years old. Both the roof replacement AND the solar panel installation were completed by Azimuth Renewable Energy (azimuthrenew.com) of Manasquan, New Jersey.
The solar panel and roof work have been financed through a 20-year loan with the Diocese at 4.75% interest rate. Our hope with this Capital Campaign is the lower the principal on the loan of which was approximately $67,000 for solar panels and $36,000 for the roof. There are different levels to donate: Mercury - $1,000, Venus - $500, Mars - $400, Jupiter - $200.
Each of these will give you the ability to “name” a particular solar panel in honor or memory of someone OR perhaps a particular group (Spiritual Enrichment Group, Prayer Shawl Ministry, etc.). A memorial frame will be hung in the Fellowship Hall with all the dedications.
Visit the e-payment portion of our website, pay via Venmo, send a check, whatever works best for you. If you have any questions, please email rector@holyspiritverona.org. Thank you for helping us make our own energy and make a difference in our environment.
Our roof was replaced prior to the solar installation as it had been determined that our previous roof was over twenty years old. Both the roof replacement AND the solar panel installation were completed by Azimuth Renewable Energy (azimuthrenew.com) of Manasquan, New Jersey.
The solar panel and roof work have been financed through a 20-year loan with the Diocese at 4.75% interest rate. Our hope with this Capital Campaign is the lower the principal on the loan of which was approximately $67,000 for solar panels and $36,000 for the roof. There are different levels to donate: Mercury - $1,000, Venus - $500, Mars - $400, Jupiter - $200.
Each of these will give you the ability to “name” a particular solar panel in honor or memory of someone OR perhaps a particular group (Spiritual Enrichment Group, Prayer Shawl Ministry, etc.). A memorial frame will be hung in the Fellowship Hall with all the dedications.
Visit the e-payment portion of our website, pay via Venmo, send a check, whatever works best for you. If you have any questions, please email rector@holyspiritverona.org. Thank you for helping us make our own energy and make a difference in our environment.