2022

Parish History 2022

The Year of Synodality & Eucharistic Revival

The year began with the series of eight gatherings of various parish groups and individuals at the behest of our Holy Father Pope Francis who announced that three year process that would involve all the baptized to reflect on what their experience of the Church. The intent of the Holy Father was to gain a greater understanding of what the Holy Spirit is asking of the Church as it moves into the future.  The gatherings were essentially “small group listening sessions” guided by a facilitator. Participants would express what their experience of the Church has been in an open and welcoming setting. The comments of the participants were recorded (respecting anonymity) and were passed on to the diocese. The results compiled by the diocese were to be sent on the National Conference of Catholic Bishops which would bring a summary to the Synod of Bishops to be convened in Rome. Our parishioners and others shared the joys, the pains, and the challenges they experienced or observed in the Church’s life. Parishioners who could not attend the sessions could share their experiences on-line. The pastor published a report on the sessions in the bulletin of April 24.

The Bishops of our country, responding to recent polls that reveal a great decline in Catholics’ belief in the doctrine of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, launched a three year program to “revive” faith in this essential doctrine. During this revival, a number of parish, diocesan and national events are planned. Throughout this period, our parish bulletin will carry short messages to reaffirm our Eucharistic faith. Our parish joined the other parishes of the diocese in launching the revival with the Eucharistic Procession on the Feast of Corpus Christ in June.

New Statues for St. Anthony Church

During the course of the year, two new statues were blessed and positioned in the sanctuary of St. Anthony Church. They are hand carved Lindenwood and were executed by Demetz Studios, Ortisei Italy. Displayed near the altar of St. Joseph is the new statue of St. Anthony of Padua. Displayed near the altar of Our Lady is that of St. Patrick.

The Vocation of Marriage & Grandparents Highlighted

In observance of World Marriage Day in February the Marriage Ministry sponsored a Holy Hour, a “Flash Mob for Marriage” and provided a specially decorated cupcake following the 11:00 am Mass on February 13. In June, the Ministry sponsored a Mass and reception honoring couples observing milestone wedding anniversaries.

“World Day of Prayer for Grandparents” was highlighted with prayers at all Masses the weekend of July 23-24. On Tuesday, July 26, the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, a Mass was celebrated at St. Anthony Church at which cohort parishes were invited. Fr. Christopher Dayton was guest celebrant and homilist. A luncheon with activities for grandparents and grandchildren followed in the church hall.

Affirming the Gift of Human Life

The fervent prayer and persistent advocacy for the protection of human life, bore fruit in the overturning of the Roe vs. Wade decision by the Supreme Court. The substance of the “Dobbs” decision was that the abortion debate is to be tackled at the state level. Thus, our pro-life work continues at the local level. The parish Respect Life group continued providing pro-life information and legislative alerts through our bulletin. Prayer Vigils continued at the Golden Crest Corporate Center which houses an abortion clinic. The weeks of October were marked by a number of pro-life events.

Cohort Activities

Our participation in the Lumen Christi Cohort involved a Walk-a-thon for Ukraine War Relief, a Healing Service conducted by Fr. Jeff Kegley at St. Gregory the Great Church, and the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC.  Throughout the year, parishioners continued to support the Food Pantry based at St. Raphael campus.

Ongoing Works of Charity

Works of charity “beyond our parish borders” continued throughout the year.  During Lent, we donated to the restoration of Notre Dame de laMerci, in Irois, Haiti.  The parish donated food and parishioners their time to serving at “Loaves and Fishes” at the St. Mary’s Cathedral.  Holiday generosity abounded as the parish supported Mt. Carmel Guild’s Thanksgiving Food Drive and Christmas gifts through our annual “Adopt a Family.”

Matters Spiritual

Our “October Count” revealed an increase in attendance at every weekend Mass. 

The Bishops of the New Jersey Province transferred the observance of Ascension Thursday (a holy day of obligation) to the Sunday before Pentecost. 

In addition to the usual Lenten services, St. Joseph was honored with a special Mass on March 19 followed by the Blessing of “St. Joseph’s Table.” Sponsored by the Rosary-Altar Society.

Bishop O’Connell was welcomed to the parish on March 25 for the conferral of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Jeffrey Carter developed an Adult Catechetical Program “CARE” (Continuing Adult Religious Education) which was inaugurated in September. It provides monthly catechetical instruction.

A Pollinator Garden was inaugurated in response to the Holy Father’s letter to respect the environment. It is positioned in front of the school building and was blessed by Msgr. Gervasio.

Parishioners were afforded a number of Days of Recollection in 1922: Josue Arriola, Director of the Diocesan Office of Evangelization directed a day for all liturgical ministers on the topic, “Eucharist-From Sanctuary to Society.” Msgr. Sam Sirianni, Rectory of the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine directed a day on the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A Bereavement Support Group was begun and weeks regularly in response to the great number of funerals celebrated in the parish. Susan Commini, Director of Pastoral Outreach also held two Funeral Planning Workshops as well as the annual Mass in November for the deceased of the past year.

Matters Financial

The annual Summer Project was dedicated to the restoration and insulation of four stained glass windows (original of the church) and the installation of security apparatus at both churches.  The appeal realized $ 58,937. It is hoped that we shall restore the remainder of windows over time.

The Golf Classic, also a major fundraiser, was held in September and realized over $19,000.

Advancing the Mission of our School

The school saw a very welcome however slight rise in enrollment for the 2021-22 scholastic year. The major fundraiser “KTR” (Knight to Remember) raised over $31,000.  This was a surprising success considering that it was a virtual event. In June, the school graduated 18 students at a Mass and Commencement Exercise held in church. The school held a successful “Summer Camp” from June through July. In November, Alberto Primerano and Lena Scharibone were named as Scholar Athletes by the Mercer County CYO and honored at a Mass held in November at the CYO Center, Trenton.

Clergy and Vocation News

Mr. Nelson Abreu, a parishioner in formation for the permanent Diaconate received the ministry of Lector from Bishop O’Connell at the Church of St. Ann, Lawrenceville on February 15.

We rejoiced that a parishioner, Sr. Monique Eloizard made her perpetual profession as a Sister of Christian Charity on the Solemnity of Our Lady’s Assumption, August 15 at Mendham, NJ.

Bishop O’Connell accepted the request for retirement of our parochial vicar, Father Daniel Gowen. It took effect November 5. A reception in Father’s honor was held after the 11:00 am Mass, December 4.

The Year of Our Lord 2022 ended on a sorrowful note with the death on December 31 of our beloved Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI. Parish Masses on the day of his funeral, January 5, 2023, were offered for the deceased retired pontiff and the faithful were invited later that same day to join in the Diocesan Mass celebrated by Bishop O’Connell at the Co-Cathedral in Freehold.