Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

Happy Fourth Sunday of Advent!

Allow me to extend sincere “thank you” for your remarkable generosity this Advent Season. The Narthex was overflowing with gifts to fulfill the commitments we made this year. It is sad that such a need still exists, but as long as it does, we will be there to make someone’s celebration of Christmas a joyous and grateful one.

Father JM, Mr. Donahue, the deacons, faculty, and professional staff of the parish and school and I are very humbled and grateful for your generosity to us individually as well as to support and enhance our many programs, projects and initiatives. As I highlighted in my end-of-year giving letter, these are not the easiest of times, but together we can make a real impact on the need that is present here as well. Please consider carefully your gift to the parish this Christmas and the year’s end.

Hopefully everyone sees the light at the end of the tunnel and the next few days will be a chance to calmly and carefully prepare for the Christmas day itself. I know that is probably a pipe dream for many of us, but I am sincere in my desire anyway!

The Advent Day Penance and Confession was again a great reminder of the desire to seek healing and wholeness in our lives. We are grateful for the many priests who were present, and all of the volunteers assisted us throughout the day, and for the hundreds of you who came to celebrate the sacramental healing with us.

Father JM and the Simbang Gabi Committee did a most wonderful job in the preparation and execution of the evening Mass and festivities. It should be no surprise that we set the bar pretty high for the other parishes in the area to step up to. This afternoon is the closing event at St. Dorothea in Eatontown. Hopefully some of you will be able to make it there.

The school concerts, pageants with the religious education students, tree lighting event, and so many other programs and projects this past month kept everyone busy, but also made the season festive and joyous for all of us.

Indeed, for many the season is very difficult and even painful. Indeed the past six weeks or so have been particularly challenging for many families in the parish. While this time of the year generally sees a spike in funerals, the past month or so has been especially challenging. Too many younger people passed away, and some families had multiple funerals. It is always sad, but especially during the holiday/holy day season. Let us remember always to keep each other in prayer.

At the same time, we all have much to be grateful for. It is important that we bring peace and a calming presence to our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Let the true peace of Christ reign in our hearts as we anticipate the Great Festival beginning this Tuesday evening:

Come, Lord Jesus!
Fr. Garry