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. Email our office for the Zoom logon passcode information. |
What's happening?
Fabulous Fish or Chicken Fry **To-Go** - Friday, May 16

On Friday, May 16 from 5:30-7pm, we will host another TO-GO only Fish (or Chicken) and Chips Dinner (prepared by Argyle Catering of Kearny). For reservations, click here to pay online or pay via Venmo (Holy Spirit Verona @Jerry-Racioppi-2 [6663]) or email [email protected] or call (973) 239-2850. Homemade desserts will be included with each meal. Cost is $22 for adults, $14 for children under age 12. Please make reservations by Wednesday, May 14.
Diocesan of Newark Sesquicentennial Celebration - Final Event: Saturday, May 17 at 10:30am

Father Jerry is co-chairing the Diocese's 150th Celebration Celebration and a series of events have been scheduled between September 2024 and Summer of 2025. Please consider joining any and all of these. For additional information about the Sesquicentennial Celebration, visit the Diocesan website or email Fr. Jerry.
Following Julian of Norwich with Father Jerry - starts Thursday, May 22 at 7pm

You are invited to journey with Fr. Jerry into the mystical world of Julian of Norwich. As he prepares for his trip to visit Norwich, England, we will share our insights gleaned from reading her Showings. This will be a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding and hopefully experience Julian’s vision of God as Mother. Fr. Jerry’s sabbatical study is a gift to Holy Spirit and sharing in that study is a grace and blessing for the congregation.
Participants will receive:
Participants will receive:
- A Rare out of print copy of Praying with Julian of Norwich by Gloria Durka.
- Exclusive access to the zoom link for a monthly discussion led by Fr. Jerry and Rev. Katherine.
- Exclusive access to Fr. Jerry’s photos while in Norwich.
- Exclusive access to a debriefing when he returns from his sabbatical in September.
Next Food Pantry Distribution Day is Saturday, May 24

For the month of May, we will open our Food Pantry on Saturday, May 24, 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.
Join us **IN** the Verona Memorial Day Parade - Monday, May 26

On Monday, May 26, 2025, we will once again participate in the Township's Annual Memorial Day Parade. If you're interested in walking or riding, please sign up in the Fellowship Hall and then meet at Everett Field at 9:45 am.
Also, there is usually a contingent of Holy Spirit folks in front of Chase Bank (or former Terry's Drugs) to watch the parade. If you have any questions, please speak with Father Jerry.
Also, there is usually a contingent of Holy Spirit folks in front of Chase Bank (or former Terry's Drugs) to watch the parade. If you have any questions, please speak with Father Jerry.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Next Meets on Wednesday, May 28

For the month of May, our Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather to meditate and knit on Wednesday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 28 in our Fellowship Hall 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.
10th Anniversary Party for Father Jerry

Join us as we celebrate Fr. Jerry's 10th anniversary as rector of Holy Spirit, and wish him well as he departs on a summer sabbatical! Buffet dinner, beer and wine, and lots of good stories and memories. Friday, May 30 from 6 to 9pm at the Verona Community Center, 880 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona. $30/person. You can RSVP via Venmo [Holy Spirit Verona @Jerry-Racioppi-2 (6663)] or online. For further information, contact Rev. Katherine at [email protected] or Churchwarden Patti Walsh.
Wear Orange Sunday - National Gun Violence Awareness Weekend - June 1

On Sunday, June 1 at both our 8am and 10am worship services we will wear orange for National Gun Violence Awareness Day/Weekend (June 6-8, 2025). For more information, visit wearorange.org. There is much work to be done around this topic, and the voice of the Church has much to offer -- love conquers fear.
Celebrating our High School Seniors - The Class of 2025 - Sunday, June 1

On Sunday, June 1 at our 10am Worship Services we will celebrate our two graduating high school seniors. We will have them tell us about their future plans, congratulate them on their achievements and bless them in their future endeavors. Go class of 2025!
Verona Progress Pride Flag Raising - Saturday, June 1 at 12:30pm

The Township of Verona will once again be raising the Progress Pride Flag in the Civic Center, 600 Bloomfield Avenue, this year on Sunday, June 1 at 12:30pm. Reverend Katherine will be offering a prayer and Father Jerry a reflection as a part of the ceremony. Join to kick off Gay Pride Month.
Next Vestry (lay leaders) Meeting is Wednesday, June 4 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 June (no meeting in May), we will gather a on the First Wednesday, June 4 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, June 6

Holy Spirit Verona will host another Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, June 6 at 7pm - one week earlier than 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!
Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop Next Saturday Open Day is June 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 June the date will be Saturday, June 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.
Pentecost Sunday (our feast day) is Sunday, June 8

Church of the Holy Spirit's patron feast day is Pentecost Sunday, June 8 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!
Monthly Prayer Gathering - Saturday, June 14 from 10am to 12pm

"Deep calls unto deep" is a phrase from Psalm 42, which means that a profound, inner longing or need within a person resonates with another deep reality, often interpreted as a spiritual connection with God where one's
deepest self is called to meet God's deep presence; it signifies a profound connection or shared understanding at a very deep level.
If this is a feeling you can identify with, please come join us – a group which has met during Advent – but is throwing its arms open to welcome anyone to come along. We share Lectio Divina (a personal reading of scripture), Centering Prayer and ponder our spiritual insights. The next gathering is Saturday, June 14 from 10 am to 12pm will be led by Deacon Joanne O’Neill. If you have any questions, or want to join, contact Father Jerry.
deepest self is called to meet God's deep presence; it signifies a profound connection or shared understanding at a very deep level.
If this is a feeling you can identify with, please come join us – a group which has met during Advent – but is throwing its arms open to welcome anyone to come along. We share Lectio Divina (a personal reading of scripture), Centering Prayer and ponder our spiritual insights. The next gathering is Saturday, June 14 from 10 am to 12pm will be led by Deacon Joanne O’Neill. If you have any questions, or want to join, contact Father Jerry.
Holy Baptism of a Child - Sunday, June 29 at 10am

On Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 10am we will celebrate the Holy Baptism of one child who's brother was baptized with us a few years ago. 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 Rev. Katherine.
"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.