Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

In the world of church ministry there are some, but frankly not many, great career opportunities that come along. Most of ministry involves either parish work in religious education, or youth ministry, or faith formation or perhaps coordinating various ministries within the parish. There are chaplain and pastoral counseling positions in hospitals, colleges and schools, and many end up teaching – as I did – in Catholic high schools or colleges. The salaries aren’t always great, and usually the demands for advanced degrees can make the balance difficult to justify either the education or the workload. The primary focus always has to be the passion for sharing the faith. Before that, of course, one must be passionate about living the faith. As the business of running or conducting ministry takes over one’s life, burnout is a consistent problem.

The problems aren’t necessarily unique to the world of church. I have plenty of friends who have similar experiences in business, law, and teaching.

We have been fortunate for the past 10 years to have Mrs. Denise Contino as first Coordinator, then Director of Religious Education and, more recently, as Director of Faith Formation. She has also taught religion in SBS. A great opportunity has come along for her and so it is bittersweet that I must announce that she has accepted the position of Director of the Department of Catechesis for the Diocese of Trenton effective Monday, September 10th. This is a great opportunity for her and a wonderful testimony to her work here and her reputation among her peers in the diocese and especially with those who work in the diocesan offices. I am sad to see her go, but very happy for her and the opportunity it affords her. Fortunately she is a parishioner here, so we can still benefit from her wisdom and enthusiasm, as she now shares her gifts and talents with the entire diocese.

When she was asked to apply for the position in early July I presumed it was a done deal. The search for a new Director of Faith Formation is already underway. A subcommittee of the Faith Formation Committee and the Pastoral Council, along Father JM and myself, will make our selection with prayerful consideration and after much discussion. If no one is in place by the time Mrs. Contino begins her new ministry, we will manage with existing staff and volunteers.

At some point in the near future we will plan a congratulatory reception after the weekend Masses.

Next Saturday night the 5:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated by Father Kevin Kimtis. I am sure many of you will remember when Father served here as a transitional deacon during the 2010-2011 academic year. Father Kimtis has just finished his Doctorate in Canon Law (J.C.D.) at the Lateran University in Rome. He is continuing his studies in Rome at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy. Father Kimtis has been assigned to training and then work with the Vatican Diplomatic Corps. This is a very challenging assignment. Next year he will be assigned to one of the Vatican’s Embassies (Nunciatures) anywhere in the world. This means being away from home and family, and at times in countries generally hostile to the church and its mission, while serving both the churches pastoral mission in the world, and negotiating with public officials. Father Kimtis, along with all of the priests and bishops in diplomatic service need our prayers and support. We welcome him back to St. Benedict. This will be his first time here since his diaconate year.

Blessings and Peace,
Fr. Garry