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] 
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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! |
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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. Email our office for the Zoom logon passcode information. |
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
Sunday Altar Flower Dedications - Who do you want to honor?
Would you like to dedicate the Altar Flowers on an upcoming Sunday?
Dedications can be In Memory of someone In Honor of a Special Event or Person or In Thanksgiving for a Blessing?
Choose a Sunday from the list in the Fellowship Room and fill in your name. Email the parish office at [email protected] with your dedication information.
Make payment ($35 suggested) online (e-giving), via Venmo (put “Altar Flowers” in the memo), or write a check.
Dedications can be In Memory of someone In Honor of a Special Event or Person or In Thanksgiving for a Blessing?
Choose a Sunday from the list in the Fellowship Room and fill in your name. Email the parish office at [email protected] with your dedication information.
Make payment ($35 suggested) online (e-giving), via Venmo (put “Altar Flowers” in the memo), or write a check.
Food Pantry 10th Anniversary Event Planning Committee - interested?
In April 2026, we will celebrate Ten Years of our Food Pantry’s helping to meet the needs of people dealing with Food insecurity. We want to mark this milestone to thank the many individuals and organizations that have supported this ministry all these years.
Would you like to help plan the 10th Anniversary event? If so, please sign-up in the Fellowship Hall by Wednesday, March 11 to join the Planning Committee. If you have questions, call Father Jerry at (973) 239-2850 or email [email protected].
Photo shows the FIRST large inventory donation made to the Food Pantry. In April 2016 we served 18 families. In November 2025 we served 193.
Would you like to help plan the 10th Anniversary event? If so, please sign-up in the Fellowship Hall by Wednesday, March 11 to join the Planning Committee. If you have questions, call Father Jerry at (973) 239-2850 or email [email protected].
Photo shows the FIRST large inventory donation made to the Food Pantry. In April 2016 we served 18 families. In November 2025 we served 193.
Next Children's Eucharist is Sunday, February 15 at 10am
We will host another of our Children's Eucharist on Sunday, February 15 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.
Holy Baptism of a Child - Sunday, February 15 at 10am
On Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 10am we will celebrate the Holy Baptism of the first child of Kristen and Dan Ravenda. The service will be in-person and available via Zoom using our regular Sunday Virch information. If you do not already have the passcode, email Father Jerry.
Our Annual Pancake Supper - Tuesday, February 17 starting at 6pm
Yes, the tradition continues. Pancakes for dinner on the night before Ash Wednesday.
The Mike Carlucci Memorial Pancake Supper will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 6 to 7:30pm.
The event is open to all and is once again being named after a long-time parishioner who was the pancake-making chef at this event for years and passed away in September 2022. In addition, in his time at Holy Spirit, Mike was a Sunday School Teacher, he preached on several Sundays during worship, was on Vestry, mowed the lawn, volunteered in our Food Pantry, shopped for inventory for the Food Pantry, and the list goes on and on
The cost for the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12; under age six is free. You may pay at the door or pre-pay on our website or via Venmo: Holy Spirit Verona @Jerry-Racioppi-2 [6663]. Feel free to bring a box of pancake mix or bottle of syrup for our Food Pantry. For more information email [email protected].
The Mike Carlucci Memorial Pancake Supper will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 6 to 7:30pm.
The event is open to all and is once again being named after a long-time parishioner who was the pancake-making chef at this event for years and passed away in September 2022. In addition, in his time at Holy Spirit, Mike was a Sunday School Teacher, he preached on several Sundays during worship, was on Vestry, mowed the lawn, volunteered in our Food Pantry, shopped for inventory for the Food Pantry, and the list goes on and on
The cost for the event is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12; under age six is free. You may pay at the door or pre-pay on our website or via Venmo: Holy Spirit Verona @Jerry-Racioppi-2 [6663]. Feel free to bring a box of pancake mix or bottle of syrup for our Food Pantry. For more information email [email protected].
Ash Wednesday Services and Ashes To Go - Wednesday, February 18
On Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026 we will offer the following services:
Unable to attend one of our Ash Wednesday Services? Stop by Gould Street (between our parking lot and HB Whitehorne Middle School) to receive ashes to begin your Lenten journey. "Ashes To Go" will be available from 7:30-9am and 2-3:30pm. The Church of the Holy Spirit Verona will once again join other Episcopal Churches in taking worship to the streets. For more information see: ashestogo.org.
- Holy Eucharist at noon (12pm) in our Historic Chapel; in-person or online (using Sunday's Zoom logon).
- Sunday School Meet-Up at 3:30pm in our Fellowship Hall -- we'll also burn the palms from last year!
- Evening Prayer at 7pm in our Historic Chapel; in-person or online (using Sunday's Zoom logon).
Unable to attend one of our Ash Wednesday Services? Stop by Gould Street (between our parking lot and HB Whitehorne Middle School) to receive ashes to begin your Lenten journey. "Ashes To Go" will be available from 7:30-9am and 2-3:30pm. The Church of the Holy Spirit Verona will once again join other Episcopal Churches in taking worship to the streets. For more information see: ashestogo.org.
Lenten Food Drive - "Forty Days, Forty Items"
Do something special this Lent: help fight hunger one day at a time! Place one non-perishable food or toiletry item into a box each day during Lent (40 days = 40 items). Return the box and its contents to Holy Spirit Verona by Palm Sunday, March 29. If you would like to pick up a box, email us to make arrangements, or download two flyers to make your own box. All items will be blessed during the 10am Worship Service (on March 29) and used to stock the shelves of the Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry.
Here are some suggested items:
tuna, macaroni and cheese, 2lb bags of rice, pasta, spaghetti, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, toothpaste, bar soap, shampoo, lotion, granola type bars, crackers, cookies, coffee, boxed milk, pasta sauce, canned beans, canned veggies, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, pet food, cleaning products, non-bulk sized detergents.
Thank you for walking this Lenten journey with us, and helping to feed a neighbor!
Here are some suggested items:
tuna, macaroni and cheese, 2lb bags of rice, pasta, spaghetti, peanut butter, jelly, canned fruit, toothpaste, bar soap, shampoo, lotion, granola type bars, crackers, cookies, coffee, boxed milk, pasta sauce, canned beans, canned veggies, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, pet food, cleaning products, non-bulk sized detergents.
Thank you for walking this Lenten journey with us, and helping to feed a neighbor!
Prayer Shawl Ministry Next Meets on Wednesday, February 18
For the month of February, our Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather to meditate and knit on Wednesday, February 4 and Wednesday, February 18 in our Fellowship Room at 1pm. 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.
Lent Madness 2026 - 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/
Commission New Vestry Members & Leaders - Sunday, February 22
On Sunday, February 22, 2026 during the 10am worship services, we will install the newly elected Vestry Members who were nominated and approved at the February 8 Annual Meeting. We are thankful to Jane Eliasof, Melissa Dat, Patti Walsh, Sunovia Scudder and Jim Brian for saying YES to this call to leadership on Vestry.
Youth Confirmation Class - Sunday, February 22 at 3pm
Our youth Confirmation students will gather with Father Jerry and Mrs. Cynthia Holland in the Fellowship Room on Sunday, February 22 from 3 to 5pm to prepare for their Spring 2026 Confirmation. For further information, speak with Father Jerry. To learn more about Confirmation in the Diocese of Newark, click here.
Next Food Pantry Distribution Day is Saturday, February 28
For the month of February, we will open our Food Pantry on Saturday, February 28, 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.
Interfaith Ramadan Meal sponsored by the Verona Clergy Council - Wednesday, March 4 at 5:30pm
The Verona Clergy Council is once again hosting an Interfaith Iftar (meal to end Ramadan). This year the event will return to the Verona Community Center Ballroom, 880 Bloomfield Avenue, on Wednesday, March 4 at 5:30pm. The evening will a shared meal at sunset followed by a short program with each tradition speaking briefly.
Space is limited. To attend the event, please contact a clergy leader:
Space is limited. To attend the event, please contact a clergy leader:
- Imam Gazi Aga – [email protected] --Islamic Center of Verona
- Rabbi Robert Tobin - [email protected] -- B’nai Shalom, West Orange
- Pastor Anthony Giordano – [email protected] -- Calvary Lutheran Church
- Father Peter Wehrle – [email protected] -- Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church
- Pastor Erik Simon – [email protected] -- First Presbyterian Church of Verona
- Father Jerry Racioppi – [email protected]** -- Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop Next Saturday Open Day is March 7
Our Thrift Shop, located at 90 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 March the date will be Saturday, March 7. Pass by and check out their great deals! If you would like to learn more about the Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop visit heavenlyfinds.org.
TIME TO SPRING AHEAD on Sunday, March 8... Don't Forget!
Don't forget to turn you clocks AHEAD ONE HOUR before you go to sleep on Saturday, March 9... otherwise you will be LATE for Church (which would be absolutely terrible).
Next Vestry (lay leaders) Meeting is Wednesday, March 11 at 7:30pm
The Vestry typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month, and does so via Zoom unless otherwise indicated. For the month of March, we will gather on the second Wednesday of March -- March 11 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 several days before the meeting by Ms. Patti Walsh, Churchwarden.
Second Friday Fundraiser - Doors Open at 6pm on Friday, March 13
Holy Spirit Verona will host another Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, March 13 at 7pm - our usual second Friday of the month. 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!
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!
Centering Prayer Group - Saturday, March 14 from 9:30 to 11am
Our monthly prayer group gathers to check-in, share Lexio Divina (divine reading) of a piece of Scripture and then practice Centering Prayer. The next gathering will be on Saturday, March 14 at 9:30am.
If you have any questions, contact Reverend Katherine or Father Jerry.
If you have any questions, contact Reverend Katherine or Father Jerry.
Buildings & Grounds Work Day - Saturday, March 21 from 9 to 11am
Can you join the Buildings and Grounds Team on Saturday, March 21 from 9 to 11am to clean the campus for Easter and accomplish small tasks around the building? Chef Randy Johnson will provide a hot breakfast!
You might be sweeping, dusting, mopping or using a saw or hammer – all skill levels are needed!
For more information contact Buildings & Grounds Chairperson John Trapp or Father Jerry.
You might be sweeping, dusting, mopping or using a saw or hammer – all skill levels are needed!
For more information contact Buildings & Grounds Chairperson John Trapp or Father Jerry.
"Toast Together" - Wine Tasting, Saturday, March 28 from 5 to 8pm
Another Wine Tasting Fundraiser at Holy Spirit Verona.
"Toast Together" Wine Tasting
Saturday, March 28 from 5 to 8pm - Fellowship Hall
Wine provided by Verona Wine Cellars.
Cheese, appys, and other great bites included.
$60 per person | $110 per couple
Click here to sign up or or Venmo: Holy Spirit Verona @Jerry-Racioppi-2 [6663].
Must be over 21 to attend.
"Toast Together" Wine Tasting
Saturday, March 28 from 5 to 8pm - Fellowship Hall
Wine provided by Verona Wine Cellars.
Cheese, appys, and other great bites included.
$60 per person | $110 per couple
Click here to sign up or or Venmo: Holy Spirit Verona @Jerry-Racioppi-2 [6663].
Must be over 21 to attend.
Holy Week 2026 Schedule - Join us for the Journey
The following is our schedule for Holy Week 2025:
Palm Sunday - March 29
Palm Sunday - March 29
- 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
Easter Sunday - April 5, 2026 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 hidden away 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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, April 5 after 10am Service
After our Easter Sunday (April 5) Worship Service, 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).
"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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. Thank you for helping us make our own energy and make a difference in our environment.
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