CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, VERONA
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Joyfully exploring our faith, serving others, welcoming all​

Welcome to Church of the Holy Spirit!

​36 Gould Street, Verona, NJ 07044 • Phone: (973) 239-2850
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Electronic Giving 
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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

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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.

Click here for our Worship Booklet and Scripture Readings

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Stewardship Campaign 2027 - "Plenty Good Room" - start thinking now!

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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. Here is a recent Stewardship Reflection Insert for you to review.

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. Your Stewardship Packet can be found here.

Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop will now be open on MONDAYS, not Tuesdays

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Our Thrift Shop, located at 90 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue in Livingston is typically open once a week. At the request of our Diocesan Landlord, the day of the week the Shop will open to the public is going to be MONDAYS as of September 14, 2026. Despite being open on Tuesdays for over 70 years, the Shop will now be open on Mondays. If you would like to learn more about the Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop visit heavenlyfinds.org.

Book Group using "Awakening to Grief" by John E. Welshons - starts Thursday, October 1

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Join Holy Spirit Verona members and friends for another four-session book group (using "Awakening to Grief" by John R. Welshons) on Thursdays from 11am-12:30pm in-person only meeting October 1, 15, 29 and November 12 in our Fellowship Room.
 
For A COPY OF THE BOOK or more information contact Reverend Katherine Rollo at [email protected] or Father Jerry Racioppi at [email protected].


Second Friday Fundraiser - Doors Open at 6pm on Friday, October 9

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Holy Spirit Verona will host another Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, October 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!

Holy Spirit Verona Men's Fellowship Breakfast Group - Gathers Saturday, October 10

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In the Spring of 2026, parishioner Ken Traficante began an informal once-a-month gathering of men at Holy Spirit Verona. Having chaired the Building and Grounds (B&G) Committee for many years, Ken wanted to recreate the fellowship that would happen on B&G Work Day events when parishioners volunteered time to clean up and repair items around the Church's campus. Ken scheduled a Saturday morning once a month at the Pilgrim Diner in Cedar Grove with a group of 6-8 guys during which they would share conversation and life experience with one another. The monthly breakfast group resumes in October 2026 with a "second Saturday of the month" schedule. The next gathering is Saturday, October 10 at 8:30am at Pilgrim Diner. For more information, speak with Father Jerry or Ken Traficante.

An Afternoon with Godly Play - Saturday, October 10 from 1 to 4pm - All are welcome!

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You may have heard Father Jerry and Reverend Katherine talk about "Godly Play" during their sermons this summer. But what's it all about? Simply put, it's an approach to Sunday School that recognizes that children are born with an innate spirituality and our role is to nurture it and provide them with the language to express it. Want to learn more? Join us on Saturday, October 10, from 1 to 4 pm in the Lower Level of the church. If you have any questions, please speak with Ms. Jane Eliasof or Father Jerry.

Acolyte Training - Sunday, October 11 at 11:30am

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Is your child sixth grade or older? Would s/he like to be an acolyte? A what? According to The Episcopal Church website, an acolyte is defined as "A general term which covers not only servers, torchbearers, and lighters of candles but also crucifers, thurifers, and banner-bearers."

At Holy Spirit Verona, sixth to eighth grade students have a Sunday School class offered twice a month. On the non-class Sundays, sixth to 8th grade students are encouraged to be torchbearers, banner-bearers and second cross bearer at times on weeks when there is no junior/high school Sunday School Class. And on the non-class Sundays, ninth to twelfth grade students can be lead cross bearers at times if interested. Confirmation Students can use this time at "service" or "outreach hours."

We will host two training sessions this fall for new acolytes -- attendance at ONE session is enough, but if your child wants to attend both that works too! Meet at the Ushers' Table in the Sanctuary at 11:30am on either/both Sundays (September 27 or/and October 11). If you have any questions, speak with Danielle Mueller or Father Jerry. 


Prayer Shawl Ministry Next Meets on Wednesday, October 14 and Wednesday, October 28

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For the month of October, our Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather to meditate and knit on Wednesday, October 14 and Wednesday, October 28 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 Vestry (lay leaders) Meeting is Wednesday, October 14 at 7:30pm via Zoom

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The Vestry typically meets on the second Wednesday of the month, and does so via Zoom unless otherwise indicated. For the month of October, we will gather on October 14 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.

Outing to The Cloisters - Saturday, October 17 from 9am to 3pm

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On Saturday, October 17 a group of Holy Spirit Verona members will visit to The Cloisters in NYC. Bus departs Holy Spirit at 9am; returning at 1:30pm with a lunch to follow at The Verona Inn. This event is being sponsored by the Lily Foundation Grant we received for Father Jerry’s 2025 Sabbatical. At The Cloisters we’ll have a private tour with “a focus on women in medieval art”.

This outing is currently FULL. There is a sign-up list of "wait-listed" spots in the Fellowship Room.

There is no cost to attend – other than your time and spirit.

Stewardship Campaign Kick-Off Sunday -October 18 - "Plenty Good Room"

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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.

How will you support the work of Holy Spirit Verona in 2027 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 Campaign 2026-27 Timeline:
Sundays, October 11- November 29 - Stewardship Questions Inserts in Sunday Bulletin (or online)
Sunday, October 18 - Kick-Off / Stewardship Materials Formally 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.]

Holy Baptism of a Child - Sunday, October 18 at 10am

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On Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 10am we will celebrate the Holy Baptism of the son  of Karla Boada Gonzalez and Ricardo Centeno Montalvo . 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.

Spiritual Enrichment Group - Now Meets on 3rd Monday: October 19 at 7pm via Zoom

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Our Spiritual Enrichment Group is now meeting on the third Monday of the month at 7pm via Zoom. For many years we met at 11:45am (originally in-person and since the pandemic) via Zoom. In Spring 2026, Reverend Katherine sent the following message to our Church lay leaders: "Coffee hour is growing and newcomers are still walking through our doors. It is the only time that clergy has an opportunity to interact and be available to the congregation. Hanging around during clean up is a further opportunity as well. Exiting into an office with a closed door does not seem appropriate anymore."

And so, members of the Spiritual Enrichment Group agreed to try meeting on Monday evenings; our next gathering is Monday, October 19 at 7pm. We use the Sunday Morning Worship Zoom Link. In Advent, we'll begin a more regular (weekly) gathering and once again offer some type of daily or weekly devotional. If you have any questions, speak with Reverend Katherine.

Next Food Pantry Distribution Day is Saturday, October 24

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For the month of October, we will open our Food Pantry on Saturday, October 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.

Climate Justice Action Services - Sunday, October 25 at 8am & 10am

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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.

Next Children's Eucharist is Sunday, October 25 at 10am

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We will host another of our Children's Eucharist on Sunday, October 25 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.

Diocese of Newark Prayer Vigil at Delaney Hall - Sunday, October 25 at 3pm

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We will join the Diocesan of Newark’s month 4th Sunday of the month Prayer Service at Delaney Hall on Sunday, October 25 at 3pm. If you would like to join, please fill in your information on the sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Room.

We will be carpooling at 2pm from Holy Spirit Verona. Any questions, speak with Co-Warden Melissa Dat, Reverend Katherine or Father Jerry.

Fabulous Fish or Chicken Fry **To-Go** - Friday, October 30

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On Friday, October 30 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 28.

Holy Spirit Serves a Meal at Christine's Kitchen West Orange - Saturday, October 31

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We will host a meal at Christine's Kitchen on Saturday, October 31 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.

The Feast of All Saints Day - Sunday, November 1

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All Saints' Day is a day on which we pray the names of those we have lost in the past year (or longer). We are reminded of all those who have marked our lives with a sign, act, word, experience from their own. We are ALL called to be saints to each other!
 
If you would like someone remembered in our prayers on Sunday, November 1, please email our Parish Administrator, Catherine Tamasik ([email protected]), or write the person(s) name(s) on the sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry -- Lakeside Deli Wednesday Fund Raiser -- November 4

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Holy Spirit Verona Food Pantry is a part of the Fundraising Wednesday Meal at Lakeside Deli/Eight Hills Caterers on Wednesday, November 4. Place your orders that week at https://order.toasttab.com/online/lakesidedeli

Holy Baptism of two Children - Sunday, November 8 at 10am

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On Sunday, November 8, 2026 at 10am we will celebrate the Holy Baptism of the first child of ___ and ___, as well as the second child of ___ and ___. 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.

Parish Hike and Potluck -- Saturday, November 21, meet at 8:45am

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Join us for a beautiful hike to Tripod Rock, located at the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area in Montville. We will meet at the church parking lot at 8:45am to caravan or carpool to the trailhead. The hike should take about 2 1/2 hours.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, snacks, and hiking poles (if you have them). Dogs are welcome on the trails but must be kept on leash at all times. Potluck at Church after hike!

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARISH HIKE: The 3-mile loop hike begins with a 300 foot climb along the Blue Trail, where we will be rewarded with an unobstructed view of the New York City skyline. (It's a pretty steep climb, but once we get to the top it's mostly flat.) We will continue on the Blue trail to the Blue Dot trail which leads to a unique glacial erratic known as Tripod Rock. This renowned, multi-ton boulder is balanced on three small boulders, and was deposited by the Wisconsin Glacier over 18,000 years ago. We will then backtrack to the Blue Trail, descend another steep climb and walk alongside the Taylortown Reservoir.

For over 10,000 years, this wilderness land provided shelter and served as a hunting, fishing, and gathering site for the Lenape Indians, who may have used Tripod Rock as a celestial calendar. Later, notorious outlaws used the region as a hide-out, while 19th century explorers and traders came and went. At the conclusion of the hike (which is rated "Moderate") we can check out the visitor’s center which features Indian artifacts and other exhibits. Join for potluck at the Church after that!

Sign-up in the Fellowship Hall or email Father Jerry at rector@holyspiritverona. Questions? See parishioner Ruth Portela.

In-Giving Sunday - Return Your Commitment Forms by Sunday, November 22

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On Sunday, November 22, 2026 all parishioners are asked to return their Re-Commitment Forms for 2027. We ask you to discern how you can join our effort to make "plenty good room" for all people at Holy Spirit Verona. How will you share your time, talent and treasure in this place in 2027? Join together as we explore and create ways to be the beacon of light to the wider community and continue to make "plenty good good" for all in God's house. This is the time of year when we ask that you intentionally think about how you might share your gifts with and beyond the Holy Spirit Verona Church Family. 

Holy Spirit Verona Returns to Grace House on the Mountain - Mission Trip 2027

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We will once again be visiting Grace House on the Mountain in St. Paul, VA for a Mission Trip; the dates will be Saturday, July 3 to Saturday, July 10, 2027. Attendees must be at least entering sixth grade in the Fall of 2027 with guardian completion (if under age 18) of required paperwork. Sign-up List and Application Forms are available in the Fellowship Room.

Per person fee (accommodations, meals, transportation, etc.) is $400. Sign-up deadline is Sunday, February 14. Deposit of $200 is due by Sunday, April 11. Two required pre-trip meetings will be scheduled in May & June. Final payment is due June 6. Scholarship money is available. A large portion of this trip is being funded by the Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop.

Sunday Altar Flower Dedications - Who do you want to honor?

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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.

"Here Come The Sun" Solar Panel Capital Campaign

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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.

We are pleased to host...

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creativebeginningspreschool36.com
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Click here for meeting times.
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Click here for meeting times.
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Fr. Jerry is chaplain to the Verona Chapter.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

We are part of...

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Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit
​​36 Gould Street, Verona, NJ 07044 • Phone: (973) 239-2850
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Clergy, Staff & Leaders
    • Our Mission & Vision
    • Sermons
    • Our History
  • Worship
    • Service Times
    • Sacraments
    • Ministries
    • Choir
  • What We Do
    • Adult Education
    • Outreach
    • Celebration of Pets
    • Fellowship
  • I'm New
    • Contact Us
    • For Newcomers
    • What We Believe
    • Becoming A Member
  • Children & Youth
  • Food Pantry
  • Thrift Shop
  • Calendar