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?
Pastoral Letters from The Right Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, Diocesan Bishop
Our Diocesan Bishop, The Right Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, has issues several pastoral letters recently and asked that they be shared with all members of all congregations within the Diocese of Newark. Please click on the links below to read each letter which were referenced by Father Jerry in the recent Sunday's Announcements:
- January 31, 2025 - Christian Response to Immigration Enforcement
- January 24, 2025 - Caring for Each Other in this Time
"Soup for the Soul" for Lent -- Mostly Meatless -- Simmering in March, On Sale in April
You have heard of Holy Spirit Verona selling "Soup for the Soul" at Verona's Fair in the Square in December, well this year, like last year, we will offer a second round for the Season of Lent -- **mostly** meatless.
If you can make quarts of soup in March, please sign-up in the Fellowship Hall. We'll provide the containers. The soup can be placed in the Fellowship Hall refrigerator. Labels with ingredients should be added BEFORE freezing. Please write down the ingredients so our office can print up labels for the containers. Soups will be stored in our lower-level freezer (deadline is Sunday, March 23) and go on sale on Sunday, April 6. Containers will be sold for $10 each.
If you can make quarts of soup in March, please sign-up in the Fellowship Hall. We'll provide the containers. The soup can be placed in the Fellowship Hall refrigerator. Labels with ingredients should be added BEFORE freezing. Please write down the ingredients so our office can print up labels for the containers. Soups will be stored in our lower-level freezer (deadline is Sunday, March 23) and go on sale on Sunday, April 6. Containers will be sold for $10 each.
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 24. 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 April 13) 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, 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.
PLEASE, NO soup at this time. 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, 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.
PLEASE, NO soup at this time. Thank you for walking this Lenten journey with us, and helping to feed a neighbor!
Spiritual Enrichment Group - "The Hardest Part: hope we carry, hope we find" by Kate Bowler
Beginning Sunday, March 2, our Spiritual Enrichment Group (at 11:45am via Zoom -- same link as Sunday Worship) will be using a program from Kate Bowler entitled "The Hardest Part: hurt we carry, hope we find." Our group has used programs from Kate Bowler before and have found them very thought provoking and insightful. Join us each week as we reflect on the daily reflections offered in the workbook. Be with us for on Sunday, March 2 (as a check-in and discussion about the program) plus all five Sundays of Lent and Palm Sunday (March 9, 16, 23, 30 and April 6, 13) or any that work for your schedule. For more information and/or a printed copy of the booklet contact Rev. Katherine or Father Jerry.
Lent Madness 2025 - 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.
March 12 – Epiphany and Christ Church, 105 Main Street, Orange
March 19 – Church of the Holy Spirit, 36 Gould Street, Verona
March 26 - Christ Church, 74 Park Avenue, Glen Ridge
April 2 - Epiphany and Christ Church, 105 Main Street, Orange
April 9 – Church of the Holy Spirit, 36 Gould Street, Verona
April 16 - 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/.
March 12 – Epiphany and Christ Church, 105 Main Street, Orange
March 19 – Church of the Holy Spirit, 36 Gould Street, Verona
March 26 - Christ Church, 74 Park Avenue, Glen Ridge
April 2 - Epiphany and Christ Church, 105 Main Street, Orange
April 9 – Church of the Holy Spirit, 36 Gould Street, Verona
April 16 - 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/.
Next Children's Eucharist is Sunday, March 16 at 10am
We will host another of our Children's Eucharist on Sunday, March 16 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.
Interfaith Ramadan Meal sponsored by the Verona Clergy Council - Sunday, March 16 at 6pm
The Verona Clergy Council is once again hosting an Interfaith Iftar (meal to end Ramadan). This year the event will be at the Islamic Center of Verona, 56 Grove Avenue, on Sunday, March 16 at 6pm. The evening will include a short program with each tradition speaking briefly and then a shared meal at sunset.
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 Jacob Baccus – [email protected] -- First Congregational Church of Verona
- Father Jerry Racioppi – [email protected]** -- Holy Spirit Episcopal Church
Prayer Shawl Ministry Next Meets on Wednesday, March 19
For the month of March, our Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather to meditate and knit on Wednesday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 19 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.
Next Food Pantry Distribution Day is Saturday, March 22
For the month of March, we will open our Food Pantry on Saturday, March 22, 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.
"Toast Together" - Wine Tasting, Saturday, March 22 from 5 to 8pm
Another Wine Tasting Fundraiser at Holy Spirit Verona.
"Toast Together" Wine Tasting
Saturday, March 22 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 22 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.
Youth Confirmation Class - Sunday, March 23 at 1:30pm
Our youth Confirmation students will gather with Father Jerry, Mrs. Cynthia Holland and the Rev. Carrie Cabush (Priest-in-Charge at St. John's Montclair) in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, March 23 from 1:30 to 3pm to prepare for their Spring 2025 Confirmation. For further information, speak with Father Jerry. In addition to Holy Spirit Verona students, this year we welcome students from St. Peter's Clifton and St. John's Montclair.
Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop Next Saturday Open Day is April 5
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 March the date will be Saturday, April 5. Pass by and check out their great deals! If you would like to learn more about the Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop visit heavenlyfinds.org.
Second Friday Fundraiser - Doors Open at 6pm on Friday, April 11
Holy Spirit Verona will host another Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, April 11 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!
Next Vestry (lay leaders) Meeting is Wednesday, April 23 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 April, we will gather a on the Fourth MONDAY (due to Lent), April 23 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.
Monthly Prayer Gathering - Saturday, March 8 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, March 8 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, March 8 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.
Diocesan of Newark Sesquicentennial Celebration - A Year of Events
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.
"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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