165 Bethany Road
Holmdel, New Jersey 07733
732.264.4712
Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict’s:
Our parish is one noted for the generosity of the community. The many efforts and hard work of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society here is amazing. We are ever-grateful for the generosity of the time of our many volunteers, and certainly for the donations of food, household and personal items, and money that is donated to the food pantry each week. As the Advent season approaches we will again be offering opportunities to provide for those who are in need. More details will be rolling out in the next few weeks. The annual Raine Foundation Thanksgiving dinner will be on the Monday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 25). All of this serves as a lead-up to a huge note of thanks to the parishioners of St. Benedict’s who have contributed to the Annual Catholic Appeal this year. Finally, after a few weeks of just being under, we have passed the $100,000 mark this year! Many parishes have this year struggled to meet goal and we are grateful to be now $10,000 over goal.
I am also aware – both as the head of a not-for-profit organization and as a prospective donor – that this is the time of the year when we are looking to express our generosity in meaningful ways. It is part of the annual cycle of giving. In keeping with a best practices policy, I will be providing a more detailed list of opportunities for giving within the parish and the school. I am well aware that many people (myself included) like to see that the money they contribute goes to a dedicated project or goal, instead of just an open-ended donation. I hope that this will assist you in your end-of-year giving. This list will come with the Christmas letter in a couple of weeks.
As we get deeper into the Fall Season – though we thought it was Winter for a brief moment this past week – a sense of urgency can set in. We are making plans for Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, and then prepping for Christmas. In such an atmosphere it is easy to lose sight of where we are and to take the time to reflect, pray, and to take care of ourselves. Herein is our challenge: do not let the upcoming holidays and holy days become a time of stress, but a time to celebrate and enjoy. Time with our family and friends is precious time. Don’t let it slip away.
Thinking ahead, Advent begins with the Vigil Mass on November 30. Our annual Advent Penance Service is scheduled for Sunday, December 15. We will have some fifteen priests here that day for Confessions, so plenty of opportunity and hopefully not too long of a wait. It is open to all parishioners and any other Catholics who are ready to receive the Sacrament. Invite your friends and consider coming as a family. Last year we had seventeen priests hearing confessions non-stop for over ninety minutes. It was a real moment of grace. Hopefully we can see that realized again this year.
Advent will be busy here with family faith-filled events, presentations, and activities, which we hope you will be able to enjoy.
The Lord blesses each of us in so many ways. Yes, there are struggles – some very deep and painful issues that so many are dealing with. Remember to take them to prayer, to receive the Sacraments, and to take the opportunity to spend some time in the Adoration Chapel with the Blessed Sacrament.
Have a blessed week,
Fr. Garry