Bishops engage with parishioners, introduce new initiative at prayer services

The Archdiocese of Newark’s four auxiliary bishops presided over Eucharistic prayer services in each of their counties on Oct. 4 to engage with local parishioners and introduce them to the Archdiocese’s Vine and Branches back-to-church initiative, which launches Oct. 10.

Numerous parishioners gathered at St. Luke’s Church in Ho Ho Kus, Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Orange, St. Joseph’s Church in Jersey City, and the Parish Community of Saint Helen in Westfield to pray with Bishop Michael A. Saporito; Bishop Manuel A. Cruz; Bishop Gregory J. Studerus; and Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B., respectively.

The services also were an opportunity for the bishops to address their communities directly and highlight special aspects of their counties. For instance, the Litany of the Blessed Sacrament at Bishop Lorenzo’s liturgy was read in 10 languages to celebrate Union County’s diversity.

Additionally, the bishops discussed Vine and Branches, the new initiative meant to inspire archdiocesan parishioners to return to church now that most pandemic-related restrictions have been lifted. Spearheaded by Bishop Saporito and priests of the Archdiocese, Vine and Branches will see parishes host numerous special events and online engagement throughout the year to reconnect with congregation members who stopped attending Mass due to COVID-19. The initiative will attempt to build relationships with non-parishioners, as well, through outreach efforts inviting them to join the Church.

To learn more about Vine and Branches, visit https://www.rcan.org/VineAndBranches.

Photos of the Union County, Bergen County, and Hudson County prayer services. (Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn, Julio Eduardo Herrera, & Robert P. De Tagle)