Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of Saint Benedict:

The light is at the end of the tunnel! We have reached the mid-point of Lent which is why you might see the rose colored vestments this weekend instead of the usual violet color.

The big news this week is that we have the Parish Mission Monday through Wednesday evenings. We have the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal with us, and you will note that they are preaching at all of the Masses this weekend. The Friars are a reform movement of the Capuchin Franciscans and trace their establishment to the late Father Benedict Groeschel. They are energetic and challenging in their presentation and I am confident that we will all benefit greatly from their presence here with us. Please make every effort to come to the mission.

On Wednesday evening, and in conjunction with the mission, we will have the Sacrament of Confession available after the presentations. Besides the monks and the two of us, we will have other priests available for confession that evening. This will be in lieu of a separate parish penance service.

Speaking of retreat, you will note the absence this weekend of myself and Father JM. Availing ourselves of the presence of the monks this weekend, and with the generous assistance of other priests, Father and I left Thursday afternoon for a few days of retreat for ourselves. This is a good way to prepare for the remainder of Lent, and especially the activity of the Easter Triduum. It is also a nice way to get some down time in the midst of what has been a very busy Lenten Season. These few days away, coupled with the mission this week, should afford us some good reflection and preparation time.

I attended the Mass of Installation as Pastor for Father Daniel Kirk last weekend at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Cinnaminson. He is doing well and has settled nicely into his new parish. He sends his best to all of us here at St. Ben’s.

Although it was over a week ago (March 17th), I do really want to say that the Confirmation Services here were solemn and very well-done. Mrs. Denise Contino, (Director of Faith Formation) did an awesome job in organizing the day and getting everything done. She and Mrs. Carol Cesario, along with a host of catechists and volunteers on the RE side and our Ms. Candace Wallace (principal) and Mrs. Pat Sargent and Mrs. Trish Hickman (8thgrade teachers) made sure that the students were well-prepared for the day. I also want to thank Mr. Bob Cognat and his staff for the details of the cleaning, decoration and appearance of the church and the facilities. The church looked spectacular. The Bishop remarked several times about the beauty of the church. He loved the pews as well! As always Mrs. Ellen Remick and Mr. Glenn May did a beautiful job with the music. Mrs. Lori Ulrich handled the hospitality for the bishop and for the Knights of Columbus and the volunteers. She did a perfect job. Considering the Bishop only wanted pizza for dinner she made it seem like we were in a five star restaurant! Every detail of the day was wonderfully attended to.
THANK YOU!

Let us take this week to pray for one another on our Lenten journey!
Father Garry