Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church

984 Suburban Rd, Union, NJ 07083 908-687-3327

Holy Spirit Church parishoffice@holyspiritunion.org

Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1 pm to 3 pm

The parish office is closed on National Holidays and Catholic Holy Days of Obligation.

Sunday Mass

Saturday: 5:30pm (For Sunday obligation)
Sunday: 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:00Noon and 7:00pm

Daily Mass

Monday - Saturday: 8:30am
Holy Days: As announced

Reconciliation

Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 8:20 am
Saturday: 8:00 am - 8:20 am and 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm

Advent and Lent - Day of Confession - as announced

CHRISTMAS WISHES FROM PASTOR

Dear Parish Family,

This Christmas, we rejoice once again in the mystery of God’s love—the Word made flesh, dwelling among us. In the humble manger, heaven meets earth, and we are reminded that God comes close to us—in mercy, peace, and joy.

Here at Holy Spirit, we have much to be thankful for. Our parish remains strong and stable, blessed by your faith, your participation, and your generosity. Because of your commitment, we continue to grow as a community of worship, service, and love.

This year, we also enter a new stage of pastoral conversion—a renewal of our hearts and mission. The Lord calls us not only to maintain our parish, but to make it flourish: to invite others to return to church, to welcome new faces, and to share the joy of the Gospel. Your stewardship and sacrificial giving make this possible. As costs rise, your continued support ensures that Holy Spirit remains vibrant, debt-free, and ready for the future. Every gift—no matter how small—helps us keep our doors open and our ministries alive. May the peace of Christ fill your homes, and may His light shine through your words and deeds this Christmas season.

On behalf of Fr. Solomon, Deacon Kurt, and our parish staff, thank you for all you do. With prayers and blessings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year,

Fr. Kris

Your Pastor

MESSAGE FROM THE PEW

Message from the Pew

Christmas is not simply about Santa Claus, Christmas cards or presents under the tree, but about the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. As we celebrate His arrival this holy season, let our hearts be filled with gratitude and hope.

The recent Father Alphonse Orchestra Christmas Concert brought a renewed spirit to Holy Spirit Church. Through the beautiful music, heartfelt opera performances, and shared fellowship, we were reminded that Christmas is more than a single day. It is a celebration of God’s love made present among us. As Luke 2:10–11 says, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” and that joy was clearly felt throughout our church.

As we reflect on Christ’s birth, we also remember the journey of the Three Wise Men, who traveled far, guided by the star to honor the newborn King. Their faith and devotion inspire us to seek Christ in our own lives. So when you attend one of our Christmas Masses, rejoice in the promise of His birth. For a child is born to us, a son is given to us… and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6).

I wish that this Christmas fills your home with peace, your heart with joy, your faith with strength, and your family with the comfort of God’s presence throughout the season and the year ahead.

Merry Christmas to All.

Joe Marateo

Christmas 2025 Holiday Schedule

THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025
HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

8:30 AM - Morning Mass
12:00 PM - Noon Mass
7:00 PM - Evening Mass

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Holy Spirit Church is excited to present once again the amazing Father Alphonse Orchestra of St. Peter By the Sea Christmas Concert.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2025

7:00 PM - Solemn Mass

ADVENT DAY OF CONFESSION

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2025, FROM 1 PM to 5 PM

Advent is a time for us to reflect on our relationship with God and to prepare ourselves for the birth of Christ.
That makes it an ideal time to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

SIMBANG GABI

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025

8:00 PM - Solemn Mass

FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2025

8:30 AM - Morning Mass

CHRISTMAS VIGIL

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2025

4:30 PM - Vigil Christmas Mass
11:30 PM - Holy Spirit Choir Concert
12:00 AM - Midnight Christmas Mass

CHRISTMAS DAY

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

8:00 AM - Christmas Day Mass
10:00 AM - Christmas Day Mass
12:00 PM - Christmas Day Mass

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS,
MARY AND JOSEPH

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2025

8:30 AM - Weekday Morning Mass
5:30 PM - The Holy Family Vigil Mass

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2025

8:00 AM - The Holy Family Mass
10:00 AM - The Holy Family Mass
12:00 PM - The Holy Family Mass
7:00 PM - The Holy Family Mass

SOLEMNITY OF MARY,
THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2025,
NEW YEAR'S EVE

8:30 AM - Weekday Morning Mass
5:30 PM - Mass of Thanksgiving

SOLEMNITY OF MARY,
THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026

8:00 AM - BVM Mother of God Mass
10:00 AM - BVM Mother of God Mass
12:00 PM - BVM Mother of God Mass

UPCOMING PARISH EVENTS

For admission tickets,
please click here.

With great enthusiasm, we are thrilled to announce our annual Tricky Tray event, set for Sunday, February 15, 2026. This event has grown into a cherished tradition within our parish, serving as a vital source of funding for our programs and food bank. Thanks to your generous support, we raised over $40,000.00 and collected over 1,500 pounds of food last year.

To make our Tricky Tray event another resounding success, we are seeking support from generous individuals and organizations like yours. Your contribution would be invaluable in helping us achieve our fundraising goal.

Here's how you can help: Image preview
Gifts-in-Kind: We welcome donations of goods or services that can be included in our Tricky Tray auction.

Amazon Gift List: QR code provided to make selecting Tricky Tray Donations even easier.

Monetary Donation: Your financial support in the form of a monetary donation would be greatly appreciated. Any amount, whether big or small, will contribute to the success of our event. To make a donation or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please feel free to contact me at parishoffice@holyspiritunion.org or 908-687-3327.

We are also happy to arrange for the pickup of physical donations if needed.

We sincerely hope you can join us in this noble endeavor to support the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in our 60^th year.

Your generosity will not only help us maintain our beloved church but also strengthen the bonds within our community.

WE ARE HIS WITNESSES

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., shares his Christmas message with the faithful of the Archdiocese of Newark, inviting us to reflect on the Good News of Jesus. Please take a moment to watch his Christmas greetings, available in both English and Spanish.

Wishing all a joyful and peaceful Christmas season and a happy and healthy New Year!

The Archdiocese of Newark is launching a new pastoral initiative, We Are His Witnesses, to inspire all Catholics to embrace their baptismal call as missionary disciples who share Christ’s love, truth, and hope with the world. To deepen your understanding and join this journey of faith, please continue reading.

https://rcan.org/we-are-his-witnesses/

First Friday

First Friday of the month to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at 9:00 am (after 8:30 am morning Mass)

First Saturday

First Saturday of the month to the Immaculate Heart of Mary at 9:00 am (after 8:30 am morning Mass)

Divine Mercy Chaplet

Divine Mercy Chaplet on the third Sunday of the month at 3:00 pm

Novena to BVM and St. Jude

Novena to Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Jude
September - June: Every Monday after 8:30 am Mass

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Novena to to Our Lady of Perpetual Help on the Third Wednesday of the month at 9:00 am (after 8:30 am morning Mass)

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is normally celebrated on the second Sunday of each month. A Preparation Program is required for first-time parents. New parents should register for the Baptism as soon as possible after the child’s birth by contacting the Parish Office. Please, Click here for the Baptismal Registration Form.

For information on who can be a sponsor (godparent) of the baptized child, please, click here.

For Archdiocesan Sacrament Guidelines on Order of Baptism of Children, please, click here.

Events

December
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30	31

Dec 24 2025 - Christmas Eve Masses
Dec 25 2025 - Christmas Masses
Dec 27 2025 4:00 pm - Reconciliation

View all events »

Saint of the Day

Dec. 23 December 23, O Emmanuel; Opt Mem of St. John of Kanty, Priest, Opt. Mem.

12/23/25 12:00 am

The Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. John of Kanty (1390-1473), priest. Born in Kanty (Cracow, Poland), he taught at the university and became pastor of a parish. He was distinguished for his piety and love of neighbor.

Dec. 22 December 22, O King of the Nations (O Rex Gentium), Weekday

12/22/25 12:00 am

Today is the Sixth of the O Antiphons, O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations). "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return" (Luke 19:12). This nobleman is Christ, the Son of God, King of all nations. His kingdom is over all men and over all things, both material and spiritual. He has everything in His hand as God and man. But another, Satan, has broken into His kingdom and has made himself master of many of Christ's subjects. In the old dispensation only a small part of humanity, the chosen people, remained faithful to the almighty King.

Dec. 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent; O Dayspring (O Oriens), Sunday

12/21/25 12:00 am

Gospel Excerpt: Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means "God is with us." When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home (Mt 1:20-24).