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St Michael's Cathedral, 96 1st Street, Passaic NJ |
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St Michael's Chapel, 415 Lackawanna Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ |
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We're open and we have a place for you! |
Slava Isusu Christu! Glory to Jesus Christ!
Welcome to the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel!
We are the Cathedral Church of Bishop Kurt Burnette for the Eparchy of Passaic.
We are a Byzantine Catholic Church in full communion with the universal Catholic Church.
We offer services in two locations:
St Michael's Cathedral St Michael's Chapel
96 First Street 415 Lackawanna Avenue
Passaic NJ Woodland Park NJ
Our Chapel in all its springtime splendor
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What you can't see is that her baptismal robe was made from the wedding gowns of her grandmothers! |
Our children enjoyed hunting for eggs on the first Sunday after Pascha.
THE SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION, Baptism, Chrismation, and Holy Eucharist, are administered together. Once initiated, infants and children should receive Holy Communion regularly. Baptisms must be arranged at least one month in advance. New parents will receive some informative catechesis on the sacramental mysteries before the event. At least one parent must be a Byzantine Catholic.
THE SACRAMENT OF REPENTANCE (Confession) is available on Saturday mornings from 8:45 to 9:15am, one half hour before most scheduled services, and at other times by request. Special hours for confessions are scheduled before Christmas and Pascha. Parents will decide when their children are mature enough to examine their conscience and make a confession. Children must be regularly attending Liturgy and must complete a home-based catechetical course on Repentance before requesting the sacrament.
THE SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY Weddings should be arranged with the parish before finalizing any other details. At least one party must be a Byzantine Catholic. Wedding preparation, including Pre Cana, should begin no later than six months before the proposed wedding date. Couples are strongly encouraged to attend the one-day Pre-Cana program sponsored by the Cathedral in late winter each year. Contact the parish office to share the good news of your engagement as soon as possible.
Church law requires that at least one baptismal godparent and one witness to Matrimony must be a practicing Catholic holding a sponsor certificate from the Catholic Church he or she regularly attends. Practicing members of St MIchael's Cathedral parish needing a sponsor certificate to serve as godparent or witness to marriage may contact the Parish Office.
PASTORAL CARE OF THE SICK Please contact the Parish Office whenever a parishioner is facing serious illness or hospitalization so that they may be anointed for healing. Sacramental visits to parishioners who are homebound or in care facilities are made monthly. Please contact the Parish Office to make arrangements. Please do not wait for "Last Rites"! Call for a priest while your loved one is able to make a confession and receive Holy Communion.
FUNERAL SERVICES The normal practice of the Byzantine Catholic Church is to pray the Parastas service with the body of the deceased at the funeral home and to bring the deceased to Church for a Funeral Liturgy before burial. A memorial service may be served at the cemetery or columbarium before the committal of cremated remains. Cremated remains should always be committed in this way, not scattered or preserved in the home. A funeral director can make all necessary arrangements with St Michael's Cathedral at time of need.
ST MICHAEL'S CEMETERY is available for your needs. Contact the Cemetery at 973-777-8541.
Our Aimee made her first sacramental Confession on Saturday, February 3, along with her classmates at St Leo's parochial school. They then received their first Holy Communion. As a Byzantine Catholic, Aimee has been receiving the Holy Eucharist ever since her baptism. On Sunday, she was invited to receive Holy Communion before the rest of the congregation, carrying her baptismal candle. Aimee and her sister Ruby faithfully serve as "Gospel Girls," holding candles during the proclamation of the Gospel. We congratulate Aimee, her parents Maciej and Katarina, sister Ruby and grandparents Viera and Michal and wish them all Mnohaja i blahaja l'ita!
On January 6, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord in the River Jordan and the revelation of the Holy Trinity.
It is our custom to solemnly sanctify Holy Water, which is drunk by the faithful and then taken to their homes.
It is likewise customary to invite the priest to bless the homes of the faithful each year.
Here at St Michael's only bottled spring water is used for the Great Sanctification. . .just to be safe!
Here's how the magic happens. What you can't see is the faith and the love but you can sure taste them!
We're grateful to all our cooks and bakers, parishioners and friends alike,
and especially to the several volunteers over the age of 90 who show up faithfully for kitchen duty!
St Nicholas came to visit at St Michael's Chapel on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Parish children and their guests enjoyed a home-cooked breakfast and made Christmas crafts while awaiting the Saint's arrival. St Nicholas distributed gifts and offered some timely reflections on how and why to pray. Bob Materna and grandson Garrett Rude provided the music. This event was coordinated by Paulette Rude and her family. Mark Hrehovčik and crew manned the kitchen.
His Grace, Bishop Nil Luščak, apostolic administrator of the Eparchy of Mukačevo, returned for one last visit to our Cathedral before his return to Ukraine. He concelebrated the Divine LIturgy for the feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple on November 21 and offered reflections on the role of the Mother of God in our lives.
Many of our parishioners participated in the listening sessions held in preparation for the Synod on Synodality. Metropolitan William of Pittsburgh represented us as a Synod Father. You can read the whole final report in official English translation here. Parts 6 and 7 refer specifically to our concerns as Eastern Catholics.files/2023-Synod-Synthesis-Report.pdf (2291kb)
Out in the Woodland Park area there seems to be an Eastern Christian Church on every hilltop! The three Catholic communities: Melkite, Armenian and Ruthenian, visit each other's temples for a Lenten devotion and a . . . . .<ahem!>. . . "Lenten" repast. Here are some views of our turn at St Michael's Chapel on March 15. Some 140 guests were present. Thanks to all who helped cook and cater! (Photo credits: Joshua Hrehovčik)
Shane WIllbrandt, son of Kimberly (Warga) and Jason Willbrandt, traveled all the way from Orlando FL to make his first sacramental confession on Saturday, March 11. Also pictured is his uncle, Steven Warga.
May God grant them all many blessed years in health and happiness!
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A fine crowd of volunteers turned out to help make pirohy on February 16-18. In addition to the usual potato and cheese, sauerkraut and lekvar, we also feature a spinach-feta variety and, for the first time, 100% vegan potato pirohy. Are you hungry yet?
To order our pirohy or baked goods, contact Vlasta at 201-370-2656.
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Subscribe to our YouTube channel for an ongoing introduction to the Byzantine Catholic Church, presented by Fr. Jack Custer.
We will be using Come and See, a publication of the Eparchy of Passaic.
You can pick up a free copy at any scheduled service at St Michael's Cathedral or Chapel.
We can mail you a copy for $10.00 postpaid. Just email us at passaiccathedral@gmail.com.
You can download a PDF at https://eparchyofpassaic.com
We began the Great Fast on Sunday, February 19, with the celebration of Forgiveness Vespers. We were honored to welcome a group of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal from Newark, led by their assistant Novice Master, Fr. Sebastian. The Friars stayed for a tour of our Cathedral and a lively discussion about Byzantine liturgy and iconography. We love hosting guests!
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On Sunday, January 29, 2023, after more than two years of construction, St Michael's 121 year old edifice became completely accessible to persons with disabilities or mobility issues. An elevator now welcomes the faithful at the street level and takes them up to the Cathedral or down to the Lower Level, where a new ADA compliant restroom has been installed. From this level, persons can proceed on foot or with a wheelchair to a platform lift that will provide access to the Cathedral's Lower Hall for social events, cooking and baking. This project was made possible by the extraordinary generosity of a few parish households and the support of the entire Cathedral parish.
Fr. Jack blessed the elevator before the Divine Liturgy and intoned "Many Years" for the donors.
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On Wednesday, December 7, the antorcha (torch) kindled at the shrine of the apparation of the Theotokos in Mexico arrived (by foot!) on the East Side of Passaic. St Michael's Cathedral was honored to host the runners and organizers and was able to add its tribute--in the form of bells and incense---to the miraculous image of the Theotokos of Guadalupe not made by hands. https://www.facebook.com/100005675947619/videos/pcb.2164261057106405/666451068471988.
Our parish children and their guests enjoyed a hot, homemade breakfast, arts and crafts, and a visit from St Nicholas.
Parishioners and friends of the Cathedral gathered on Sunday, November 6 for the Divine Liturgy to mark the 132nd anniversary of the parish's foundation and the feast of our patron, St MIchael the Archangel.
A buffet lunch followed in St Michael's Hall. Fr. Jack took the occasion to acknowledge the contribution of parish officers and staff during the past year and welcomed the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate in attendance.
A lively Tricky Tray raffle rounded out the day's events.
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Our children enjoyed decorating pumkins after the 11am Chapel Liturgy on Sunday, October 30. Even a few grown ups got in on the act. Resident artist Jacquelyn Hrina provided materials and guidance; Michael Sagan donated the pumpkins.
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WELCOME BACK, ST MICHAEL'S ALUMS!
Some 75 St Michael's School alumni and alumnae and their spouses shared memories and renewed old friendships. They enjoyed a tasty Slavic-inspired dinner (with Italian desserts!) and got to tour their old grammar school one last time. A few Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate, who staffed the school, and former school bus driver Michael Kravec were among the honored guests. A committee of parishioners including Lynne Krenicky, Diane Popowicz, Kelly Scannell, Donna Portelli, Michael and John Zielonka, helped with decorations and refreshments. Michael Nahay led the group in recalling stellar moments from their school careers. A good time was had by all.
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The trojca or triple candle symbolizes the divinity of the Holy Trinity |
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Each of the three flames is extinguishes in the water. |
The Great Sanctification of Water on the feast of the Theophany (January 6) recalls the Lord's Baptism in the Jordan and the revelation of the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity. The newly-sanctified Jordan Water is brought to the homes of the faithful for a blessing in the period between Theophany and the Sunday of Zacchaeus.
We thank Fr. Andriy Dudkevych, Sr. Kathleen Hutsko and the eight grade class of St Nicholas Ukrainian Greek Catholic School for their Filipovka Food Drive to benefit St Michael's Food Pantry. They brought a carload of donated food on Wednesday, December 22 and enjoyed a little tour of St Michael's Cathedral. We commend St Nicholas School for the fine young people they are forming and for their tenacity in remaining the ONLY Catholic parochial school in the city of Passaic. May God grant them many blessed years in health and happiness!
Bryan Perez Mejia was sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Sacramental Mystery of Chrismation on Sunday, October 10, during the parochial Divine Liturgy after several months of advanced catechetical instruction with Fr. Jack Custer. Bryan's parents, siblings, family and friends were in attendance. Bryan is a faithful altar server and a great helper in many activities at St Michael's Cathedral. We pray that the gift of the Holy Spirit will bear abundant fruit in his life and we wish him Many Blessed Years!
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Bryan is anointed with Holy Chrism |
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The Perez-Mejia family |
The son of John and Amelia (Schmeer) Baran, Father Jody was born on August 13, 1963 in Hazleton, PA. He was Baptized and Chrismated at Sts. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Beaver Meadows, PA on August 27, 1963.
Following primary and secondary education in Beaver Meadows and Hazleton, he entered Sts. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA to begin studies for the priesthood. He was graduated from Duquesne University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy.
He continued his theological studies at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary. He received the Order of Reader in the Seminary Chapel on March 21, 1987 by Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen J. Kocisko, who also ordained him to the Order of Subdeacon on December 12, 1987 at the Seminary Chapel. Bishop George Kuzma ordained him to the Order of Deacon at the Eparchial Retreat Center, the Carpathian Village, Canadensis, PA, on May 29, 1988. And, on May 14, 1989 he was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ at St Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA by Bishop Michael J. Dudick.
After ordination, Father Jody was appointed Assistant Pastor at St Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in New York, NY. He also served the parish communities of St. John Byzantine Catholic Church, Hazleton, PA; St Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA; St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church, Swoyersville, PA.
His most recent assignment was at St Michael Byzantine Catholic Cathedral in Passaic, NJ and St Michael Chapel in Woodland Park. In this capacity, he also served the faithful of Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church in Mahwah, NJ and Holy Wisdom Church in Flanders, NJ.
In addition to his pastoral responsibilities at the Cathedral, Father Jody also taught for several years at St Nicholas Ukrainian Greek Catholic Parochial School in Passaic, NJ.
Father Jody was very active in the Knights of Columbus. At the time of his death he was the Chaplain of the Juan Perez Council #262 of Passaic, NJ, where he also had the distinction of being Past Grand Knight, as well as District Deputy. He was also serving as Friar of the Monsignor Stein Fourth Degree Assembly, Paterson, NJ; the Assistant Friar of the First NJ District of the Fourth Degree; and the Chaplain of the Paterson Federation.
Father Jody was predeceased by his parents, John and Amelia, as well as by his brothers Darius and Michael. He is survived by his sister Carol Lee Shellock and his brother Charles, and fifteen nieces and nephews.
“Well done, good and faithful servant . . . Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23).
May his memory be eternal!
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Here's how we do it: 4 microphones, a mixing board and a camera that looks a little like R2D2. Mark Hrehovčik and Eric from Distinctive Voice and Data work the technical magic, Cantor John Klapko leads the responses. It's easy when you have good help! |
Stay connected to your parish and continue to worship during the Paschal season. Liturgical services for Sundays and Holy Days will be available on "St Michael's Cathedral Passaic" YouTube channel both as live streams and as archives you may access whenever you wish. Copy this URL to your browser: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfGN9bRHQ2BbVvjI5sLQPIg or simply search "St Michael's Cathedral Passaic" on YouTube.
ADULT FAITH FORMATION SESSIONS are also available on our You Tube Channel. These include series on the Resurrection Gospels, the Mother of God in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit, and Catholic Social Teaching. If you're a subscriber to our You Tube channel, you'll be alerted when a session is streaming live. You can always watch it in the archives later. Use the same link as for Liturgy (above).
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Our Food Pantry welcomed some wonderful neighbors today! Fr. Andriy Dudkevych, Sister Ileana ssmi, and some of the eighth grade students at St Nicholas Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Passaic came by to deliver the food they had recently collected in their food drive. They chose to offer the food to our needy neighbors through St MIchael's Food Pantry and we are grateful! Thank you to Fr. Andriy, Sr. Ileana, and all the students at St Nicholas School! Food Pantry co-ordinators Helena and Paul DeKeukelaere were on hand to accept the gift and to welcome our guests.
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The Albazinskaya Theotokos, known as "Helper of Mothers" began her tour around the parishes of the New Jersey Syncellate on Wednesday, January 29, with devotions at St Michael's Cathedral. Bishop Kurt presided and many of the clergy of the Syncellate attended with their families. The faithful were invited to receive special blessings from all the priests in attendance after venerating the icon.
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