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?
Youth Confirmation Classes Begin This Month
Father Jerry and parishioner Cynthia Holland will co-lead a youth confirmation class during the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025 with a Diocesan Confirmation Service planned for Spring 2025. Classes meet on Sundays from 1:30-3pm in our Fellowship Hall once or twice a month (see our website calendar). Current enrollment includes students from Holy Spirit Verona, St. Peter's Clifton and St. John's Montclair.
If you have anyone interested in these classes, or want to join, contact Father Jerry.
If you have anyone interested in these classes, or want to join, contact Father Jerry.
Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop to be held in November/December (four Saturdays)
On the following Saturday -- November 2, 16, 30 & December 14 -- from 9am to 12pm in our Fellowship Hall, we will host a Centering Prayer Introductory Workshop. Centering Prayer is a form of Contemplative Prayer, opening our hearts and minds to God, the Ultimate Mystery, beyond any thoughts, words and feelings. It is a prayer in silence, which we believe to be God’s first language. This four-part workshop will be led by Deacon Joanne O’Neill.
Sign-up in the Fellowship Hall. Plan to attend and bring a friend!
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 ~~ "I am with you always." Matthew 28:20
If you have any questions, or want to join, contact Father Jerry.
Sign-up in the Fellowship Hall. Plan to attend and bring a friend!
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 ~~ "I am with you always." Matthew 28:20
If you have any questions, or want to join, contact Father Jerry.
Next Children's Eucharist is Sunday, September 22 at 10am
We will host another of our Children's Eucharist on Sunday, September 22 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.
Introductory Spanish Classes Offered This Fall - Start Thursday, September 26
On Thursdays from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, starting on September 26, parishioner Gloria Perez will be offering a 10-week Introductory Spanish Class. There is no cost for the class, just a small fee will be requested for supplies. If you might be interested, please sign-up in the Fellowship Hall or email/speak with Father Jerry or Gloria. Spaces are filling up quickly; if we run out of space, we'll place your name on a wait-list.
Next Food Pantry Distribution Day is Saturday, September 28
For the month of September, we will open our Food Pantry on Saturday, September 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.
The Episcopal Church AND Holy Spirit Verona Celebrate Social Media Sunday - September 29
Often worshipers are asked to put away their devices during worship service, but you won’t hear that on Social Media Sunday, September 29. Why? Because Jesus said so. Jesus reminds us to do good deeds in his name; so therefore, use the tools we have in 2024 to connect Holy Spirit with the world outside our four walls -- via Social Media! People need to be told the Good News multiple times in multiple ways: in person, Facebook, Instagram, website, letter, etc. Each of us must share the Good News! In 2024, our communication options include social media. With over 2.3 billion users of social media* around the globe and 1 million new social mobile users added each day*, going into the world to share good news requires using new tools to reach people where they are.
*Social Media statistics found here: http://bit.ly/2c9F6wR
*Social Media statistics found here: http://bit.ly/2c9F6wR
Spiritual Enrichment Group Meets Sunday, September 29 at 11:45am
Our Spiritual Enrichment Group will be meeting via Zoom on Sunday, September 29 at 11:45am. We will check-in with each other, and select materials for our upcoming Pre-Advent and Advent journey.
If you would like to join the group or have any questions, please speak with Ms. Patti Walsh, Rev. Katherine or Father Jerry.
If you would like to join the group or have any questions, please speak with Ms. Patti Walsh, Rev. Katherine or Father Jerry.
Youth Confirmation Class - Sunday, September 29 at 1:30pm
Our youth Confirmation students will gather with Father Jerry and Ms. Cynthia Holland in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, September 29 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 October 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 October, the date will be Saturday, October 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.
Blessing of the Animals - Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 10am
Join us for the annual Blessing of the Animals during our 10am worship service (which will be shortened) on Sunday, October 6. There are no Sunday School classes on this day so that kids can be in the pew with their pet(s). Bring your pet or a photo of a pet and receive a special blessing at the end of the service.
8th Annual Celebration of Pets - Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 1 to 4pm
On Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 1-4pm Holy Spirit Verona will host our eighth annual Celebration of Pets in the Verona Town Hall Square (600 Bloomfield Avenue) with pet-orientated activities, rescue organizations, vendors, crafts-people, pet blessings and more. We will have activities for kids, DJ music provided by our resident DJ Emilio, food vendors and a Pet Parade at 2:30pm with prizes in several categories. If you have a pet or love all God's creatures, join us!
If you would like to a table (there is no fee), email Catherine Tamasik or complete the online form via Word document or pdf or editable pdf.
If you would like to a table (there is no fee), email Catherine Tamasik or complete the online form via Word document or pdf or editable pdf.
Second Friday Fundraiser - Doors Open at 6pm on Friday, October 11
Holy Spirit Verona will host another second Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, October 11 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!
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!
Stewardship Campaign Has Begun - We "Walk in Love"
On Sunday, October 13, we kick off our Stewardship Campaign. This is the time of year when we each recommit our time, talent and treasure to the Holy Spirit Community. This year’s theme "Walk in Love" is an opportunity to be reminded of the love of God." We show our thanks for that love by sharing our gifts with each other and the world. We are each encouraged to discern where we see God's love in our daily lives. How can I share God's love with those around me? Where do I see God's love in this community and how do I share that love with Holy Spirit Verona and beyond?
Stewardship 2023-24 Timeline:
Sundays, October 13 - November 24 - Stewardship Questions Inserts in Sunday Bulletin (or online)
Sunday, October 13 - Kick-Off / Re-Commitment Forms Available (electronically and in Church)
Sundays, October 27, November 10, 17 & 24 - stories of members shared at 10am worship
Sunday, November 24 - In-Giving Sunday / Re-Commitment Forms Returned
Stewardship 2023-24 Timeline:
Sundays, October 13 - November 24 - Stewardship Questions Inserts in Sunday Bulletin (or online)
Sunday, October 13 - Kick-Off / Re-Commitment Forms Available (electronically and in Church)
Sundays, October 27, November 10, 17 & 24 - stories of members shared at 10am worship
Sunday, November 24 - In-Giving Sunday / Re-Commitment Forms Returned
Prayer Shawl Ministry Next Meets on Wednesday, October 16 and Wednesday, October 30
For the month of September, our Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather to meditate and knit on Wednesday, October 16 (in our Fellowship Hall) and Wednesday, October 30 (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, October 16 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. For the month of October, we will gather a on the third Wednesday, October 16 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.
Holy Spirit Serves a Meal at Christine's Kitchen West Orange - Saturday, October 19
We will host a meal at Christine's Kitchen on Saturday, October 19 from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Christine's Kitchen is a feeding ministry at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church West Orange. Volunteers are needed at Holy Spirit on Friday night to help cook the meal, as well as in West Orange on Saturday morning to pre-package and serve the 150 meals. Homemade desserts will also be provided, so if you can bake please sign up to help. If you can volunteer or bake, please sign up in the Fellowship Hall or email Father Jerry.
Climate Justice Action Services - Sunday, October 20, 2023 at 8am & 10am
On Sunday, October 20, we will hold a climate action event. Local sustainability focused architect and parishioner Christine Liaukus along with Father Jerry Racioppi will discuss personal actions residents can take to reduce our climate impact - including programs available to improve the efficiency of your home and a ways to make a difference for climate justice. All are welcome at this event: 8am Service or 10am Service. Be the change you want to see in the world!
Loaves & Fishes (Food Pantry) Committee Meeting - Sunday, October 20 at 11:45am
Our Food Pantry (Loaves and Fishes) Committee will reconvene once again to check-in on Food Pantry operation matters. If you would like to help with our Food Pantry -- volunteer, solicit donations, get supporters, fund raise, help with logistics, etc. -- please attend this meeting on Sunday, October 20, 2023 at 11:45am in our Lower-Level Kitchen.
Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry -- Lakeside Deli Wednesday Fund Raising Meal -- October 23
Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry is a part of the Fundraising Wednesday Meal at Lakeside Deli/Eight Hills Caterers on Wednesday, October 23. Place your orders that week at https://order.toasttab.com/online/lakesidedeli
Fabulous Fish or Chicken Fry **To-Go** - Friday, October 25
On Friday, October 25 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, October 23.
AFSP Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Walk in Verona Park - Sunday, October 27
Once again a team from Holy Spirit will join the AFSP (American Federation for Suicide Prevention) "Out of the Darkness" Suicide Prevention Walk in Verona Park on Sunday, October 27 from 12:30 to 1:30pm. We will walk in loving memory of Vanya Citrano. Registration/Check-In begins at 11:30am and the Opening Ceremony is at 12:30pm. Church of the Holy Spirit and the Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop are sponsoring "Team Vanya" this year. For more information on The Walk, click here.
If you would like to join the Holy Spirit Verona Team or make a donation, click here or email Fr. Jerry.
If you would like to join the Holy Spirit Verona Team or make a donation, click here or email Fr. Jerry.
Diocesan Convention, November 8 & 9 - Holy Spirit Verona's Deputation
On Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9, the Diocese of Newark will host the 2024 Diocesan Convention at the Hilton Meadowlands. Representing Holy Spirit Verona both days are Chrystine Gaffney, Rev. Katherine and Father Jerry; also representing Holy Spirit on Friday will be Ema Mitrović, and on Saturday will be Maria Force and Reggie Mitchell. Unable to attend this year (but previously voted in) are Chris Bernardo and Christine Liaukus.
For further information visit the Diocesan Convention website.
For further information visit the Diocesan Convention website.
Verona's Interfaith Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, November 24 at 3pm
On Sunday, November 24 at 3pm, Holy Spirit Verona will be the host to the clergy leaders of four other of Verona's houses of worship and one in West Orange for the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. The service will include scripture readings from Jewish, Islamic & Christian traditions, as well as music related to Thanksgiving with a joint choir from a few of the congregations.
Questions? Contact any of the clergy leaders at the participating houses of worship: the First Congregational Church of Verona, the First Presbyterian Church of Verona, Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, the Islamic Center of Verona, the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit and B’nai Shalom West Orange.
Questions? Contact any of the clergy leaders at the participating houses of worship: the First Congregational Church of Verona, the First Presbyterian Church of Verona, Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church, the Islamic Center of Verona, the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit and B’nai Shalom West Orange.
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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