Bishop Serratelli made a pastoral visit to St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mountain Lakes on Oct. 6. where he celebrated the 5:30 p.m. vigil Mass for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Mass was concelebrated by Father Jared Brogan, pastor, and Father Michal Rybinski, parochial vicar.

Bishop Serratelli served as main celebrant and homilist of a Pontifical Mass in the Extraordinary Rite (Latin Mass) — steeped in the prayers, music and ceremony of the liturgy of the early Church — for the second time on Oct. 13 in Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson. Also known as a Solemn or High Mass, the Pontifical Mass can be celebrated by a pope, bishop or other clergy.

Understanding its baptismal call to serve Jesus Christ, the Church of Paterson embraces this challenge and privilege by supporting dioceses in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Pacific Islands and Latin America. Through its Mission Office, the Diocese is able to fulfill this mission to build unity among all people in the world. The Diocesan Mission Office is affiliated with the Pontifical Mission Societies — the Missionary Childhood Association, the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and the Society of St. Peter the Apostle and coordinates requests for funding from various mission sites and approves their representatives to visit the Diocese to speak in parishes and ask for financial support.

With each passing year, Sept. 11, 2001 reminds us all about the brave sacrifice 343 firefighters made as they rushed up the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center to save lives after the terrorists’ attacks that day. That ultimate sacrifice highlights what firefighters and first responders face every day on their jobs. Knowing these brave men and women risk their lives for others, the Diocese held its fourth annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Mass in St. Gerard Majella Church here Oct. 9 to honor them.

Before the Blessed Sacrament, miracles can happen and Our Lady of the Magnificat Parish in Kinnelon will be hosting a special evening of Eucharistic Adoration on Monday, Oct. 29, inviting the faithful of all ages across the Diocese to an evening of prayer, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, reconciliation and music. Presented by Adoration Artists, the 177 Project will lead this special evening, as they travel to all 177 dioceses of the United States to bring hope and encouragement to Catholics with a nationwide tour of Eucharistic Adoration.

Bishop Serratelli visited Holy Sepulchre Cemetery and Mausoleum in Totowa Oct. 5 to view the new mosaics that were, and currently are, being installed there. The mosaics are the final part of the construction of the additions to the mausoleum that was completed in 2017.

Two young men — Rev. Mr. John Rocco Calabro Jr. of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Stirling, and Rev. Mr. Alex Nevitt IV of St. Rose of Lima Parish, East Hanover — could not contain their joy on Sept. 27, as they reached a milestone in their studies for the priesthood: being ordained as transitional deacons during a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.