Churches and schools across archdiocese cope with winter storm
As a winter storm battered much of the Northeast on Jan. 25, people across the Archdiocese of Newark dealt with snow, sleet, and frigid temperatures. Snowfall totals topped 12 inches in many places, with some parts of the area receiving nearly a foot and a half of snow and sleet.
Sunday Masses were still celebrated in parishes, but many people were prevented from traveling due to the weather and participated via livestreams. That was true at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, though according to Father Matthew Gonzalez, the cathedral’s rector, “many parishioners still arrived eager to encounter Christ in Word, Sacrament, and in one another.”
Though the cathedral did livestream two Masses for those who could not travel safely, Father Gonzalez said that over 100 people attended Mass in-person at the cathedral, “with approximately 75 people attending the 10 a.m. Mass alone.” He added that the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus “formed an impromptu choir” for the liturgy as snow fell outside.
“Later that afternoon, we were especially moved by two families who came joyfully for their scheduled Baptisms, making their way through the inclement weather for the sake of their children,” Father Gonzalez said.
A snowy beginning to Catholic Schools Week
As with homes and businesses across the area, churches and schools spent the following morning dealing with the storm’s aftermath.
Catholic schools across the archdiocese were closed on Monday. This week is Catholic Schools Week nationwide. According to Barbara Dolan, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Newark, the storm delayed some events, but the celebration will proceed.
“While Sunday’s snowstorm and Monday’s school snow day impacted some Catholic Schools Week activities, schools will move forward with the other events and activities planned for this week,” Dolan said. “Many schools and parishes have already re-scheduled Catholic Schools Week Masses and Open Houses that were planned for this past weekend.”
Parents and faculty members should check with their local schools about potential delayed openings and schedule changes later in the week.
Digging out
At Saint Michael’s Parish in Cranford, NJ, a crew was hard at work Monday morning with snowblowers and shovels clearing sidewalks and steps. The same scene was unfolding at most of the other 211 Catholic churches around the archdiocese.
According to Father Gonzalez, snow removal at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart was an ongoing effort. “The Cathedral Basilica has a very large footprint with multiple entrances, walkways, and surrounding areas that require ongoing care, especially during winter weather,” the rector said. “On Sunday, our security personnel generously stepped in to assist with shoveling snow and clearing pathways for parishioners and visitors, helping to ensure that all who arrived could do so safely. This was a continual effort throughout the day as conditions evolved.” Snow removal continued on Monday and was expected to take several hours.
Meanwhile, kids around the archdiocese enjoyed their snow day.
Featured image: Workers clear the sidewalks and front steps of Saint Michael’s Church in Cranford, NJ. (Photos by John Touhey / Archdiocese of Newark)
