Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

As it is Wednesday morning as I pen this missive the final results of the presidential election are as yet unsettled. I know this is leaving many people a bit on edge. Of course, by the time you read this we will have – hopefully – a settled election, and we can allow the pieces to fall in to place. Regardless of the outcome, with the two houses of Congress under control of different parties, the inertia will continue and the battle lines will continue to be a challenge. Let us continue our ardent prayers for peace.

Sadly I have a few friends who are so emotionally fraught over the political climate and issues that it has caused disruption and upheaval in their lives. At least one of my friends has experienced such significant marital tension that a separation is imminent. Others have cut off relationships with family members, other friends, even causing significant tension in the work place. Coupled with the anxiety resulting from the Corona Virus and the ensuing lockdown, and with fears of another lockdown imminent, people are on edge, and far more tense than usual. We need some significant prayers for healing and peace not only in our country, but especially within our homes, our extended families, and the communities in which we live, work, and play. These are challenging times – yes – this is not the worst of all times and with ardent faith and generosity of heart and spirit, we will not only survive but thrive.

We do have some good news here as this weekend – specifically Saturday, November 7th – we celebrate the dedication of our Outdoor Learning Center. Through the impassioned efforts of Mr. Donahue, our principal, and spearheaded by Mrs. Tara Guido, Kindergarten teacher, this learning center is an incredible addition to our property and certainly a significant enhancement to our school and academic programs. We are pleased to welcome the Honorable Gregory Buontempo, Mayor of Holmdel, Holmdel Police Chief John Mioduszewski, and Dr. Vincent DePaul Schmidt, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Trenton to our campus for the dedication ceremony.

This week we celebrate Veterans Day. We are grateful to the countless men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country in both time of war and time of peace. Many of our parishioners are Veterans and all of them deserve our thanks and appreciation. In keeping with the usual custom, the students of SBS will attend a Veteran’s Day event again this year. Of course modifications will be made due to the social distancing protocols. Due to scheduling with the Veterans, the students will gather on November 10th, the day before the holiday. Our prayers are with all of our veterans.

We are still looking for additional volunteers for the St. Vincent De Paul Society and the Food Pantry. Make contact with the parish office if you are interested or to make inquiry. As the holidays approach, and the winter settles in, the need will certainly increase.

The Raine Foundation will not be hosting its usual Thanksgiving Dinner here this year, but will instead be working off site and preparing food for drop off and pick-up only. We will be launching our annual giving tree program this year, but doing so through the website. As soon as it is all set we will let you know.

As always, thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness during these days. Some days are easier than others, but we are all making the best of what we have.

Blessings to each of you,
Fr. Garry