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?
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 and 27) or any that work for your schedule. For more information and/or a printed copy of the booklet contact Rev. Katherine or Father Jerry.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Next Meets on Wednesday, April 23
For the month of April, our Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather to meditate and knit on Wednesday, April 2 and Wednesday, April 23 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 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.
Next Food Pantry Distribution Day is Saturday, April 26
For the month of April, we will open our Food Pantry on Saturday, April 26, 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.
Diocesan Confirmation Service - Saturday, April 26 at 10am
On Saturday, April 26 at 10am at Trinity/St' Philip's Cathedral Newark we will have six youth and two adult Confirmands receive Confirmation. This will be a Diocesan-wide service, and we ask that you pray for these individuals as they begins yet another chapter on their spiritual journey.
Each Candidate is limited to 6-8 guests, not including their clergy or sponsors/presenters. All others are invited to watch the live streams of the service from home on the diocesan YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Each Candidate is limited to 6-8 guests, not including their clergy or sponsors/presenters. All others are invited to watch the live streams of the service from home on the diocesan YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Flowering the Cross - Second Sunday of Easter, April 27 at 10am Service
Join us on Sunday, April 27 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!
Holy Baptism of Two Sunday School Kids - Sunday, April 27 at 10am
On Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 10am we will celebrate the Holy Baptism of two of our Sunday School students. 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.
Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop Next Saturday Open Day is May 3
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 May the date will be Saturday, May 3. Pass by and check out their great deals! If you would like to learn more about the Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop visit heavenlyfinds.org.
Holy Spirit Serves a Meal at Christine's Kitchen West Orange - Saturday, May 3
We will host a meal at Christine's Kitchen on Saturday, May 3 from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Christine's Kitchen is a feeding ministry at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church West Orange. Parishioners are making sandwiches and desserts. Volunteers are needed at Holy Spirit on Saturday morning o assemble to-go bags, as well as in West Orange on serve the 175 meals. If you can make sandwiches, bake or volunteer please sign up in the Fellowship Hall or email Father Jerry.
Holy Communion, Not First - Sunday, May 4 at 10am
On Sunday, May 4 we will celebrate our third "Holy Communion, Not First" during the 10am service in recent memory. Our Sunday School students will be learning more about the Eucharist during classes in the month of April and May. On Sunday, May 18, Father Jerry will teach Sunday School. Because the Episcopal Church sees Baptism as the only sacrament of initiation into the Christian Church, children may receive the bread and wine at any time. We typically allow parents to decide the right timing for their children. For some families having a formal "milestone" marking of Holy Eucharist is important; so we will once again celebrate what Father Jerry names "Holy Communion, Not First" last year. At least three students will be participating in this beautiful ritual and will stand at altar on Sunday, May 4 along with our clergy.
Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry -- Lakeside Deli Wednesday Fund Raising Meal -- May 7
Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry is a part of the Fundraising Wednesday Meal at Lakeside Deli/Eight Hills Caterers on Wednesday, May 7. Place your orders that week at https://order.toasttab.com/online/lakesidedeli
Second Friday Fundraiser - Doors Open at 6pm on Friday, May 9
Holy Spirit Verona will host another Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, May 9 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!
Monthly Prayer Gathering - Saturday, May 10 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, May 10 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, May 10 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 Spirit Verona Celebrates Mothers' Day - Sunday, May 11
Sunday, May 11, in celebration of all women, we are asking members to bring in photos of any mom, grandma, aunt, female figure, etc. you would like to celebrate for Mothers' Day this year.
We will display the photos of these special women on tables in front of the altar, and hold them in prayer during the 10am Worship.
In addition, the Sunday School students will have a surprise in store for all women in attendance at the 10am service.
We will display the photos of these special women on tables in front of the altar, and hold them in prayer during the 10am Worship.
In addition, the Sunday School students will have a surprise in store for all women in attendance at the 10am service.
Next Children's Eucharist is Sunday, May 11 at 10am
We will host another of our Children's Eucharist on Sunday, May 11 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.
Following Julian of Norwich with Father Jerry
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.
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.
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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