The Bishops of New Jersey have decided to permanently transfer the observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord to the Seventh Sunday of Easter. The Ascension will be celebrated this year next Sunday, May 29, replacing the Seventh Sunday of Easter. This Thursday, May 26 is therefore not a holy day of obligation, and will be observed in the churches of the Raritan Oratory as the Solemnity of our Holy Father St. Philip Neri, founder of the Oratory.
The Bishops of New Jersey announced this week that they are lifting the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, effective the weekend of June 5 & 6 (Corpus Christi). For Catholics in good health, Mass attendance becomes obligatory again. If you have questions about how this applies to you, please do not hesitate to contact Fr. Kevin. Read the Bishops' statement here.