St. Monica's Church Jackson, NJ

09/07/2026

4 MARKS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

✝️ the four marks of the catholic church are found in the nicene creed, where we profess our belief in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. these four signs reveal the identity, mission, and unity of the church established by jesus christ.

✝️ the first mark is one. the church is one because all believers share one faith in jesus christ, one baptism, one set of teachings, and one mission. this unity comes from christ, who is the head of the church and calls his people to remain united in love.

✝️ the second mark is holy. the church is holy because it belongs to god and receives grace through christ. although her members are human and imperfect, the church continues to guide people toward holiness through the sacraments, prayer, and the teachings of christ.

✝️ the third mark is catholic, which means universal. the church is catholic because the message of salvation through jesus christ is meant for all people, nations, and cultures. the church welcomes everyone who seeks to follow christ and spreads the gospel throughout the world.

✝️ the fourth mark is apostolic. the church is apostolic because it was built on the foundation of the apostles and continues to preserve their teachings. through the bishops and the successors of the apostles, the mission given by christ continues today.

✝️ these four marks remind us that the catholic church is not simply an organization but a living community guided by christ and strengthened by the holy spirit.

✝️ when we profess “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church,” we renew our faith in the church’s mission to proclaim the gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and lead people closer to God.

✝️ may we always remain united with christ, faithful to the teachings of the apostles, and committed to living as members of his holy church.

Great Amen Catholica 🙏🏼

09/07/2026

WHAT DOES AMEN MEAN?

✝️ The word Amen is one of the most familiar words in Catholic prayer, but it carries a much deeper meaning than simply ending a prayer. In the Catholic Church, Amen expresses faith, trust, and agreement with God. It can be understood as “so be it,” “truly,” or “I believe.” When we say Amen, we are not just finishing our words; we are placing our trust in God and accepting His truth. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains that Amen is connected with believing and entrusting ourselves completely to God, who is always faithful.

✝️ AMEN IS A RESPONSE OF FAITH
When Catholics say Amen after a prayer, they are saying: “I believe what I have prayed, and I trust in God.” It is an act of faith that recognizes God’s promises are true and that He hears the prayers of His children. Amen is not a magical word; it is a sincere response of the heart to God’s love and faithfulness.

✝️ AMEN MEANS TRUSTING GOD’S WILL
Saying Amen means we surrender ourselves to God’s wisdom and plan. Sometimes God answers prayers differently from what we expect, but the Christian who says Amen declares confidence that God knows what is best. It is a humble acceptance of His perfect will.

✝️ AMEN CONNECTS US TO JESUS CHRIST
The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ is the ultimate “Amen” of God’s promises because through Jesus, God’s love and salvation are revealed to the world. When we say Amen, we unite our faith with Christ, who shows us the Father’s truth and love.

✝️ AMEN DURING HOLY COMMUNION
When a Catholic approaches Holy Communion and the minister says, “The Body of Christ,” the response “Amen” is a declaration of faith. It means: “I believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.” This response should come from a heart prepared to receive Jesus with reverence and love.

✝️ AMEN IS A COMMITMENT, NOT JUST A WORD
Every time we say Amen, we are called to live according to what we believe. Our Amen should influence our actions, our choices, our forgiveness, and our love for others. A true Amen is shown not only with our lips but also through our daily lives.

✝️ WHEN YOU SAY AMEN, REMEMBER:
You are saying:
🙏🏼 I believe in God’s truth.
🙏🏼 I trust God’s promises.
🙏🏼 I accept God’s will.
🙏🏼 I place my life in God’s hands.

✝️ Let every Amen you say in prayer be spoken with faith, not as a habit. May it remind you that God is faithful, Jesus is our hope, and our hearts belong to Him.

Great Amen Catholica 🙏🏼

09/07/2026

4 STEPS FOR A GOOD CONFESSION

✝️ confession is one of the greatest gifts of god’s mercy given to the church. through the sacrament of reconciliation, we receive forgiveness, healing, and the grace to begin again with a renewed heart.

✝️ the first step is to examine your conscience. before approaching confession, take time to reflect on your thoughts, words, actions, and the moments when you have failed to love god and others. ask the holy spirit to help you recognize your sins honestly.

✝️ the second step is to be truly sorry for your sins. repentance means having a sincere sorrow for offending god and a desire to turn away from sin. true contrition opens the heart to receive god’s mercy and forgiveness.

✝️ the third step is to confess your sins
honestly. speak with humility and openness to the priest, who acts in the person of christ. do not hide serious sins, because confession requires truth, trust, and a sincere desire for healing.

✝️ the fourth step is to accept your penance and amend your life. complete the prayers or actions given by the priest and make a firm decision to grow in holiness, avoid sin, and follow christ more faithfully.

✝️ confession is not a place of fear but a place of grace. god’s mercy is greater than our failures, and he welcomes every heart that returns to him with humility and faith.

✝️ through confession, christ restores peace to the soul, strengthens us against temptation, and reminds us that his love never abandons us.

✝️ may we approach the sacrament of reconciliation with trust, humility, and gratitude for the endless mercy of our loving father.

Great Amen Catholica 🙏🏼

09/07/2026

ANOINING OF THE SICK: A SACRED SACRAMENT OF HEALING

✝️ the anointing of the sick is one of the seven sacraments of the catholic church, given by christ through his church to bring comfort, strength, peace, and grace to those who are seriously ill or facing major health challenges.

✝️ this sacrament is not only for those who are near death. the church encourages the faithful to receive anointing when a person becomes seriously ill, prepares for surgery, or experiences a condition that brings physical or spiritual suffering.

✝️ through the prayer of the priest and the anointing with holy oil, god gives special grace to the sick person. this grace helps unite their suffering with the passion of christ and strengthens their trust in god’s love and mercy.

✝️ the sacrament can bring spiritual healing, courage, peace, and forgiveness of sins. in some cases, god may also grant physical healing according to his will and divine plan.

✝️ during the celebration of the sacrament, the priest places holy oil on the forehead and hands of the person while offering prayers for healing, strength, and the presence of christ in their suffering.

✝️ the anointing of the sick reminds us that no one suffers alone. jesus, the divine healer, walks with the suffering, offering hope, comfort, and the promise of eternal life.

✝️ when a loved one is seriously ill, do not wait until the final moments before calling a priest. receiving this sacrament early allows the person to experience god’s grace and peace during their time of need.

✝️ may the healing presence of christ bring strength to every suffering heart and remind us that god’s love remains with us in every season of life.

Great Amen Catholica 🙏🏼

09/07/2026

09/06/2026

Join us at 9 or 11 am

09/05/2026

Today's the feast day of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Like her, may we strive to do small things with great love!

09/05/2026

Amen