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Monday 9am - 1pm Tuesday 9am - 1pm Wednesday 9am - 1pm Thursday 9am - 1pm Friday 9am - 1pm

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

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Swartswood, NJ
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

We are located in the beautiful hills of Sussex County, New Jersey. The small town of Swartswood is just about 5 miles outside the county seat of Newton,

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church (OLMC for short) is very rural church located by Swartswood park and lake. Just outside of Newton, it is a small church with a very active community. With about 500 parishoners, there is a CCD program on Sundays, Confirmation, twice a month, an active Youth Group and Knights of Columbus. Mass times are as follows:
Monday - 8:30AM
Tuesday - 8:30AM
Wednesday - 7PM, the

Bible Study is afterwards
Thursday - 8:30AM
Friday - 8:30 AM and on First Friday at 2PM at the Sussex County Homestead Nursing Home
Saturday - 8:30AM and 5PM
Sunday - 7:30AM, 9AM and 11AM
Confessions are Saturday at 4:15-4:45 or for any other time, just call.

05/11/2026

Baby and Me Group — Church Hall -Tuesday May 12
Our parish have already begun a new Baby and Me Group to support parents, caregivers, and young children within our community. This welcoming and informal gathering provides a chance for families to connect, share experiences, and allow their young children to play in a safe and friendly environment. Please spread the word that all are welcome, including non-parishioners.
Here are the details as the program
• Meeting Time: Tuesday May 12
from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
• Who Can Come: Any parent or caregiver with a child below school age
• Purpose:
o To foster bonding among parents, caregivers, and their young children
o To offer support and friendship
o To provide a place where helpful resources can be shared
Format:
o Not an educational or instructional program at this time
o An open space for play, conversation, and fellowship
o Toys available but parents may bring a toy their child enjoys
o Light refreshments will be provided
o You may bring snacks for yourself or to share
Future Planning:
o To be decided

Anyone interested could please contact Julie at 908-902-5819.

05/10/2026

As we celebrate Mother’s Day today, we give thanks to Almighty God for the beautiful gift of mothers and all women who lovingly nurture, guide, protect, and care for their families with generous hearts and faithful devotion. Their sacrifices, prayers, strength, and unconditional love reflect the tender love of God in our homes and communities.

Today, we especially pray for all mothers who are sick or going through difficult moments, that the Lord may grant them healing, strength, comfort, and renewed hope. We remember with gratitude and love all mothers who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith. May the merciful Lord grant them eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them.

We also pray for God’s abundant blessings, protection, peace, and joy upon all mothers today and always. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, continue to intercede for them and keep them under her maternal care.

Happy Mother’s Day to all our mothers. Wishing you God’s abundant blessings. May the Lord continue to reward you exceedingly for all you do.

05/07/2026

Obituary Announcement – Fr. Peter Oddo

With faith in the Resurrection and deep gratitude for a life of devoted priestly service, we announce the passing of Rev. Peter Oddo, who entered eternal life on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Father Peter Oddo was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Newark on May 27, 1961. After his initial parish assignment, he was assigned to minister among those suffering from alcohol and drug addiction, offering them compassion, guidance, and hope. His priestly ministry also extended to service as a chaplain in the United States Navy, where he faithfully cared for the spiritual needs of those in military service.

Following his retirement, Father Peter made his home in Swartswood, where he continued to serve tirelessly, assisting both our parish community and Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Branchville. Even in retirement, his zeal for souls remained undiminished. In a particular way, he will be remembered for his faithful presence at weekend Masses, especially the 9:00 a.m. liturgy where he freely gave of himself without ever seeking financial compensation, embodying the selfless charity of Christ the Good Shepherd.

As his health declined, Father Peter was lovingly cared for at Merry Heart in Succasunna, where he spent his final days.

Those who knew Father Peter will recall his humility, generosity, and deep love for his priesthood. During a visit last year, he spoke with great joy about his years of military ministry and, with characteristic simplicity, asked that I celebrate his funeral Mass an honor I gratefully accepted. Since I am deployed, I will not be able to fulfill this promise. However, given the long-standing friendship between Father Peter and Msgr. Robert Carroll, who shared years together in seminary formation and later served alongside him as seminary librarians, I have entrusted the celebration of the Funeral Mass to Msgr. Bob.

We give thanks to Almighty God for Father Peter’s many years of faithful and selfless ministry and for the countless lives he touched through his priestly witness.

All arrangements will take place through the Kamienski Funeral Home, Garfield:
The rest at:

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Swartswood.

Friday, May 8, 2026

4:00pm - 6:00pm

4:00pm – Reception of the body in OLMC

5:00pm - Prayers

Funeral

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Open Casket at 11:30am (Visitation allowed)

Funeral Mass at 12 Noon

We commend his soul to the loving mercy of God and pray:
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.”

May the Lord bring comfort and consolation to his brother, his nephew, and all his family and loved ones during this time of loss.

Fr. Abuchi

05/03/2026

With deep gratitude and joy, we honor two devoted servants of God and our parish community, Deacon Anthony Barile and Deacon Al Kucinski, as they celebrate their Silver Jubilee of ordination.

Ordained together in May 2001, these faithful men have spent 25 years answering God’s call with humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication. Their service at the altar, in pastoral care, and in moments of joy and sorrow has touched countless lives and strengthened our parish in profound ways.

We give special thanks to Deacon Anthony Barile, who has retired from active ministry due to declining health. His years of faithful service have left a lasting imprint on our community.

We also honor Deacon Al Kucinski, who continues to serve with zeal and devotion, a true blessing to our parish.

Today, as they celebrate this milestone, we offer our heartfelt prayers and gratitude. May God continue to bless them with health, strength, and joy.

Congratulations on your Silver Jubilee, Deacon Anthony Barile and Deacon Al Kucinski. May God reward your faithful service and guide you in the years ahead 🎉🎊

04/08/2026

This Easter Sunday, our parish family shared in a profound moment of grace as our children approached the Lord’s table for their first Holy Communion. While this was our smallest class since 2015, the sanctuary was filled to overflowing with the love and presence of their families. For me, there was a unique and deep joy in this celebration—having had the privilege of baptizing some of these children, it was a moving experience to witness them take this next significant step in their journey of faith.

Seeing these young ones receive the Eucharist reminds us of the beautiful continuity of our sacramental life. We pray that the Lord will continue to guide and protect these innocent hearts. May He shape their spirits so they grow not only in years, but in wisdom and the holy fear of God. They are truly the future of our Church and the cherished keepers of our faith.

A milestone like this is never reached alone. I want to express my deepest appreciation to the parents who have walked beside their children, honoring the promises made at Baptism to be the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith.

Special thanks are also due to those who labored in the vineyard to prepare our class: to our Catechist, Peggy Shammas, who taught with such devotion and prepared the children so well; to our Religious Education Coordinator, Mr. Dan Salvatore, for his steadfast leadership in our children's spiritual formation; and to George Shammas, for capturing the beauty of this day through his photography.

May the light of the Risen Christ continue to shine brightly in the lives of our First Communicants and their families.

03/08/2026

Baby and Me Group — Church Hall -Tuesday March 10

Our parish have already begun a new Baby and Me Group to support parents, caregivers, and young children within our community. This welcoming and informal gathering provides a chance for families to connect, share experiences, and allow their young children to play in a safe and friendly environment. Please spread the word that all are welcome, including non-parishioners.

Here are the details as the program
• Meeting Time: Tuesday March 10
from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
• Who Can Come: Any parent or caregiver with a child below school age
• Purpose:
o To foster bonding among parents, caregivers, and their young children
o To offer support and friendship
o To provide a place where helpful resources can be shared

Format:
o Not an educational or instructional program at this time
o An open space for play, conversation, and fellowship
o Toys available but parents may bring a toy their child enjoys
o Light refreshments will be provided
o You may bring snacks for yourself or to share

Future Planning:
o The meetings is twice a month.
o Participants may also suggest activities they would like to see offered
o Toys and simple activities will be available for the children.

Anyone interested could please contact Julie at 908-902-5819.

01/18/2026

Congratulations to Our New Knights!

On behalf of our parish community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to our four brothers (Robert, Sandro, Matt and Brayden) who have officially become members of the Knights of Columbus after successfully completing the First and Third Degree ceremonies. This is a joyful and proud moment not only for you and your families, but also for our entire parish.

By embracing the principles of the Knights of Columbus—Charity, Unity, and Fraternity—you have committed yourselves to a life of faith-filled service, brotherhood, and love for the Church and community. We welcome you fully into this noble order and thank you for answering the call to serve.

As new Knights, we look forward to your active presence in our parish life. We encourage you to grow as mentees within the Knights of Columbus, learning from experienced members, embracing ongoing formation, and allowing yourselves to be shaped into leaders of faith, service, and integrity. May you be examples to our youth, supportive collaborators in parish ministries, and dedicated servants to those in need.

Be assured of our prayers as you begin this new chapter. May God bless you abundantly and grant you the grace to serve Him faithfully through the Knights of Columbus.

Once again, congratulations and welcome, brother Knights!

10/27/2025

A night to remember: Halloween party in OLMC

10/20/2025

VIVERE CHRISTUS AWARD – THOMAS RIVARA
Each year, the Diocese of Paterson presents the Vivere Christus Medal to one individual, couple, or family from each parish. This award honors the faithful service of lay and religious members who generously give of themselves to help build the Kingdom of God.

This Sunday, October 19, Mr. Tom Rivara was honored with this diocesan award. Tom is one of our most reliable ushers at the 7:30 AM Mass, a role he fulfills faithfully each week. He’s also become something of a parish handyman, generously offering his time and skills to assist with maintenance and repairs around our buildings and grounds.

Tom’s dedication is quiet but constant. He’s always ready to lend a hand wherever needed. We are deeply grateful to Tom and to his family for their active presence and for the many ways they share their time and talents to serve our community.

10/12/2025

A Heartfelt Thank You!

On behalf of our parish, I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who helped make our Tricky Tray a wonderful success!

To all who attended and supported the event — thank you for your joyful participation and generosity. To our parishioners and local businesses who so kindly donated the trays and prizes, your thoughtfulness and generosity made the event truly special.

A special word of thanks to all who organized, volunteered, and gave their time and talents behind the scenes — your dedication and hard work are deeply appreciated. Your efforts brought our community together in faith, fellowship, and fun.

May God bless each of you abundantly for your kindness and support in making this event such a joyful success for our parish family.

Address

203 Newton Swartswood Road
Swartswood, NJ
07860

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 1pm
Tuesday	9am - 1pm
Wednesday	9am - 1pm
Thursday	9am - 1pm
Friday	9am - 1pm

Telephone

+19733833566

Website

http://olmcswartswood.org/

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