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] |
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! |
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 **During the Season of Lent 2024, we will also offer a Saturday at 5:30pm Quiet Eucharist in our historic Chapel; you may attend in-person of via Zoom. Email our office for the Zoom logon information. |
What's happening?
Youth & Young Adult Mission Trip - Saturday, June 29 to Saturday, July 6 to Grace House
We will once again be visiting Grace House on the Mountain in St. Paul, VA for a Mission Trip. Attendees must be at least entering high school in the Fall of 2024 with guardian completion (if under age 18) of required paperwork. Fee (accommodations, meals, transportation, etc.) is $500. Deposit of $200 is due by May 1. Two required pre-trip meetings will be scheduled in May. Final payment is due June 12. Application forms are available here or in Fellowship Hall. Scholarship money is available. For more information, email Fr. Jerry at rector@holyspiritverona.org.
Easter Sunday - March 31, 2024 'Hallelujah Chorus' from Handel's Messiah sung by our choir
Prayer Shawl Ministry Next Meets on Wednesday, April 17
For the month of April, our Prayer Shawl Ministry will gather to meditate and knit on Wednesday, April 3 and Wednesday, April 17 at 1pm in our Fellowship Hall. 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.
Good Shepard Sunday - Sunday, April 21
Join us on Sunday, April 21 as we join the greater Christian Church in celebrating The Feast of the Good Shepherd. Jesus is given the title in the Gospel of John, and we celebrate this on the Fourth Sunday of Easter. You might also see some sheep (you know the ones from our Christmas Pageant) around the Sanctuary. How many will you find? Perhaps none since Rev. Katherine is leading services.
Holy Baptism of Shabazian Child - Sunday, April 21 at 10am
On Sunday, August 21, 2024 at 10am we will celebrate the Holy Baptism of the child of Kathryn and Robert Shabazian. 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.
Next Food Pantry Distribution Day is Saturday, April 27
For the month of April, we will open our Food Pantry on Saturday, April 27, 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.
Heavenly Finds Thrift Shop Next Saturday Open Day is May 4
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 May the date will be Saturday, May 4. 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 Communion, Not First - Sunday, May 5 at 10am
On Sunday, May 5 we will celebrate our second "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. On Sunday, April 28, 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 5 along with our clergy.
Book Discussion on "Israel" by Noa Tishby on Monday, May 6 at 7pm in Fellowship Hall
The JewCrew of Verona invites community members to a book talk - Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth, moderated by religion journalist Manya Brachear Pashman, host of the podcast, People of the Pod and Father Jerry. The Collective Bookstore has generously offered us a discount on book. Please email if you'd like a coupon code from the Collective Bookstore: jewcrewverona@gmail.com.
This structured book talk will emphasize the practice of Empathetic Objectivity, therefore it is very important all participants READ THE BOOK and cite pages when making their comments. To sign up for the Monday, May 6 at 7pm event, click here.
This structured book talk will emphasize the practice of Empathetic Objectivity, therefore it is very important all participants READ THE BOOK and cite pages when making their comments. To sign up for the Monday, May 6 at 7pm event, click here.
Next Vestry (lay leaders) Meeting is Wednesday, May 8 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. This month we will gather a on Wednesday, May 8 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.
Second Friday Fundraiser - Doors Open at 6pm on Friday, May 10
***Due to our waterproofing project in our lower level, there will be NO BINGO in April.***
But, Holy Spirit Verona will host another second Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, May 10 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!
But, Holy Spirit Verona will host another second Friday BINGO Fundraiser on Friday, May 10 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!
Holy Spirit Serves a Meal at Christine's Kitchen West Orange - Saturday, May 11
We will host a meal at Christine's Kitchen on Saturday, May 11 from 11:15am to 1:15pm. Christine's Kitchen is a feeding ministry at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church West Orange. A few volunteers are needed onsite that morning as well as to pre-make sandwiches and desserts. Sandwiches (or possibly pancakes) will be combined with a beverage, snack, fruit and dessert for to-go meals being served at noon. If you can help, sign up in the Fellowship Hall or email Father Jerry.
Holy Spirit Verona Celebrates Mothers' Day - Sunday, May 12
Sunday, May 12, 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 (and the Prayer Shawl Ministry) 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 (and the Prayer Shawl Ministry) will have a surprise in store for all women in attendance at the 10am service.
Commission Confirmation Adult - Sunday, May 12 at 10am
On Sunday, May 12 during our 10am service we will commission one adult who is to be confirmed during the Saturday, May 18th Diocesan Confirmation Service at Trinity and St. Philip's Cathedral in Newark. Please pray for this Confirmand as he begins yet another chapter on his spiritual journey. For further information, speak with Father Jerry.
Next Children's Eucharist is Sunday, May 12 at 10am
We will host another of our Children's Eucharist on Sunday, May 12 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.
End of Life Series - Three Mondays at 7pm - All are invited!
The purpose of this series is to shed light on a part of life’s journey that is often overlooked until one is confronted with a serious illness of their own or that of a loved one. We will offer three sessions on Monday evenings at 7pm over three months.
Monday, March 18 at 7pm - Logistics: Funeral Planning with Mr. Bob Prout and Ms. Julia Prout of Prout Funeral Home in Verona.
Monday, April 8 at 7pm - Emotional: Palliative Care with Ms. Marie Roesler of Cooperman Barnabas Health System.
Monday, May 13 at 7pm - Spiritual: What Happens After Death? with Ms. Mary Garland, Reverend Katherine Rollo and Father Jerry Racioppi.
We hope you'll consider attending all three sessions or those that fit into your schedule. Invite a friend. All are invited and welcome to join in these important and necessary discussions!
Monday, March 18 at 7pm - Logistics: Funeral Planning with Mr. Bob Prout and Ms. Julia Prout of Prout Funeral Home in Verona.
Monday, April 8 at 7pm - Emotional: Palliative Care with Ms. Marie Roesler of Cooperman Barnabas Health System.
Monday, May 13 at 7pm - Spiritual: What Happens After Death? with Ms. Mary Garland, Reverend Katherine Rollo and Father Jerry Racioppi.
We hope you'll consider attending all three sessions or those that fit into your schedule. Invite a friend. All are invited and welcome to join in these important and necessary discussions!
Fabulous Fish or Chicken Fry **To-Go** - Friday, May 17
On Friday, May 17 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 office@holyspiritverona.org or call (973) 239-2850. Homemade desserts will be included with each meal. Cost is $20 for adults, $12 for children under age 12. Please make reservations by Wednesday, May 15.
Diocesan Confirmation Service - Saturday, May 18 at 10am
On Saturday, May 18 at 10am at Trinity/St' Philip's Cathedral Newark we will have one adult Confirmand receive Confirmation. This will be a Diocesan-wide service, and we ask that you pray for this individual as he begins yet another chapter on his 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.
Pentecost Sunday (our feast day) is Sunday, May 19
Church of the Holy Spirit's patron feast day is Pentecost Sunday, May 19 this year; wear RED and invite a friend!
On this festival day we hear scripture in several languages and celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit to the disciples. Time to conclude the 50 Days of Easter!
After service, we share in our famous RED Coffee Hour. Bring something to share!
Invite others to join in the celebration!
On this festival day we hear scripture in several languages and celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit to the disciples. Time to conclude the 50 Days of Easter!
After service, we share in our famous RED Coffee Hour. Bring something to share!
Invite others to join in the celebration!
An Afternoon at the Movies - "The Philadelphia Eleven"
On Sunday, July 21 at 4pm, come see this documentary about the brave act of civil disobedience within the Episcopal Church. Meet the women who were ordained priests in 1974. Witness the story of harassment and threats endured to ensure the rights of all God’s children to serve as priests.
Meet the women who succeeded in building a movement that transformed an age-old institution and challenged the very heart of patriarchy within Christendom.
Admission is free. Donations to the food pantry graciously accepted. And bring your children! They need to know whose shoulders they are standing on.
Meet the women who succeeded in building a movement that transformed an age-old institution and challenged the very heart of patriarchy within Christendom.
Admission is free. Donations to the food pantry graciously accepted. And bring your children! They need to know whose shoulders they are standing on.
"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 rector@holyspiritverona.org. 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 rector@holyspiritverona.org. Thank you for helping us make our own energy and make a difference in our environment.