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?
Stewardship Campaign 2027 - "Plenty Good Room" - start thinking now!
On Sunday, October 18, 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 Verona Community. This year’s theme "Plenty Good Room" is an opportunity to be reminded that there are "many rooms" in God's house, as the Gospel Writer of John tells us. How are you welcoming others to Holy Spirit Verona? There is ALWAYS room at the table.
Please consider NOW how you'll support the work of Holy Spirit Verona next year with your time, talent, treasure. Can you pledge more, pledge the same or consider adding a ministry to your experience. Forms will become available in September. On Pentecost, the disciples discovered that there is no limit to God’s generosity. The same is true for us. When we trust the Spirit and share freely, God multiplies our gifts and sends us out as witnesses to love. There is indeed plenty good room – for every culture, every language, every person – in the household of God.
Stewardship 2026-27 Timeline:
Sundays, October 11- November 29 - Stewardship Questions Inserts in Sunday Bulletin (or online)
Sunday, October 18 - Kick-Off / Stewardship Materials Available (electronically and in Church)
Sundays, October 11 & 18, November 8, 15 & 22 - stories of members shared at 10am worship
Sunday, November 22 - In-Giving Sunday / Re-Commitment Forms Returned [deadline to be in the raffle for "dinner for two" prepared by your clergy; three winners will be drawn.]
Please consider NOW how you'll support the work of Holy Spirit Verona next year with your time, talent, treasure. Can you pledge more, pledge the same or consider adding a ministry to your experience. Forms will become available in September. On Pentecost, the disciples discovered that there is no limit to God’s generosity. The same is true for us. When we trust the Spirit and share freely, God multiplies our gifts and sends us out as witnesses to love. There is indeed plenty good room – for every culture, every language, every person – in the household of God.
Stewardship 2026-27 Timeline:
Sundays, October 11- November 29 - Stewardship Questions Inserts in Sunday Bulletin (or online)
Sunday, October 18 - Kick-Off / Stewardship Materials Available (electronically and in Church)
Sundays, October 11 & 18, November 8, 15 & 22 - stories of members shared at 10am worship
Sunday, November 22 - In-Giving Sunday / Re-Commitment Forms Returned [deadline to be in the raffle for "dinner for two" prepared by your clergy; three winners will be drawn.]
Pastoral Letter from The Right Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, Diocesan Bishop
Our Diocesan Bishop, The Right Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, has issues a pastoral letter on Friday, June 5, 2026 and asked that it be shared with all members of all congregations within the Diocese of Newark. Please click on the link below to read the letter which were referenced by Reverend Katherine in a recent Sunday's Announcements: A copy of the letter is hung on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. If you would like to receive a copy, please speak with one of our leaders.
Holy Baptism of a Child - Sunday, July 19 at 10am
On Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 10am we will celebrate the Holy Baptism of the first child of Andrew and Melissa Toscano. 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.
Prayer Shawl Ministry Next Meets on Wednesday, July 22
For the month of July, our Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather to meditate and knit on Wednesday, July 22 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.
Next Food Pantry Distribution Day is Saturday, July 25
For the month of July, we will open our Food Pantry on Saturday, July 25, 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.
Jackals Baseball Game Outings - Friday, July 31 and Friday, August 21
Join us at Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, NJ for the 6:35pm baseball game of the NJ Jackals vs. the Washington Wild Things on Friday, July 31 and/or the NJ Jackals vs. the Tri-City ValleyCats on August 21. Cost is under $10 per ticket. If interested, sign up in Fellowship Room or meet us at the stadium.
For questions, contact Churchwarden Melissa Dat, Father Jerry or email Rev. Katherine.
For questions, contact Churchwarden Melissa Dat, Father Jerry or email Rev. Katherine.
Next Vestry (lay leaders) Meeting is Wednesday, August 19 at 7:30pm via Zoom
The Vestry typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month, and does so via Zoom unless otherwise indicated. For the month of August (the committee is NOT meeting in July), we will gather on the third Wednesday of the month -- August 19 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. Melissa Dat, Churchwarden.
Centering Prayer Group - Saturday, August 29 from 10 to 11:30am
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, August 29 at 10am.
If you have any questions, contact Reverend Katherine or Father Jerry.
If you have any questions, contact Reverend Katherine or Father Jerry.
Second Friday Fundraiser - Doors Open at 6pm on Friday, September 11
Holy Spirit Verona will host another Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, September 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!
Gathering Sunday is September 13, 2026 - Outdoor Potluck after 10am Service
Gathering Sunday is Sunday, September 13, 2026. An interactive activity for the kids will be offered during the first half of worship, and then children join their parents during the second half of worship. Join us for our special outdoor (weather permitting) potluck coffee hour! Sign up sheet for potluck in Fellowship Hall or forms in pews to place into Collection Plate three weeks prior.
Blessing of the Backpacks - Sunday, September 13, 2026 during 10am Service
The tradition continued! During our 10am Worship on Sunday, September 13, 2026, ***the first day of Sunday School Classes***, students of all ages are encouraged to bring their backpacks to Church. A special blessing will be offered at the end of Announcements as a new academic year commences.
Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop Reopens on Tuesday, September 15
Our Thrift Shop, located at 90 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Livingston will reopen on Tuesday, September 15 from 10am to 2pm. The Shop is typically open on Tuesdays, but has been closed for the summer months. If you would like to learn more about the Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop visit heavenlyfinds.org.
Bi-Annual Bishop Visitation - Sunday, September 20 at 10am
It has been two and a half years since our Diocesan Bishop visited Holy Spirit, so on Sunday, September 20, the Right Rev. Carlye J. Hughes will preach and celebrate at our 10am service, meet with the congregation after the service, and then conclude her visit with a lunch (in the lower level) with the Vestry and manager of our Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop. To learn more about the Diocese, take a look at Bishop Hughes' vlog (videoblog). We look forward to welcoming Bishop Hughes back to our community.
Next Children's Eucharist is Sunday, September 27 at 10am
We will host another of our Children's Eucharist on Sunday, September 27 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.
Blessing of the Animals - Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 10am
Join us for the annual Blessing of the Animals during our 10am worship service (which will be shortened) on Sunday, October 4. 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. It's usually a rather "eventful" service and a great way to celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and thank God for the blessings our pets provide.
10th Annual Celebration of Pets - Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 1 to 4pm
On Sunday, October 4, 2026 from 1-4pm Holy Spirit Verona will host our tenth 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! For more information, click here.
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.
Climate Justice Action Services - Sunday, October 25, 2023 at 8am & 10am
On Sunday, October 25, 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 right in their own homes 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. Find out: How to reinforce what our faith says by finding ways to care of Creation. All are welcome at either Service: 8am or 10am. Be the change you want to see in the world! Have you signed up to receive the free audit on your home? Learn more from Sustainable Verona in their recent promotional video in which Holy Spirit Verona is featured.
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.
"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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