Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

On Monday we observe Memorial Day, though given over to picnics and kicking-off the summer season, this is a solemn occasion when we remember the service men and women who have died defending our country and promoting peace throughout the world. Please take a moment on Monday to remember and pray for them, and for the more recent victims, and their loved ones as well. As Catholics it is our prayer that is our strongest and more important offering for their intentions. If you are able, Mass is celebrated at 9am on Monday (as it is every weekday).

Of course, the end of May reminds us of graduation season as well. Many of our parishioners are being graduated from high school and college, with associate, undergraduate or advanced degrees this spring. We will offer a blessing to all 2025 graduates at the Masses the weekend of June 14 - 15.

I also ask your prayers this week for Rev. Mr. Alan Bridges who will be ordained a priest for our diocese next Saturday at the Cathedral in Trenton. Deacon Bridges is a member of St. Catherine Laboure Parish in Middletown. He has been assigned to serve as a parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Toms River.

The school year here at St. Benedict’s is coming to a quick close. The Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated next Sunday at 5pm (in conjunction with the parish Mass) and their graduation is on June 4. More about this class will be forthcoming.

Also, a reminder that this Thursday is not a Holy Day of Obligation as the New Jersey dioceses have permanently moved the Feast of the Ascension to Sunday.

Thank you to all who have contributed to the Annual Catholic Appeal. Please consider making a payment or a pledge soon. We are currently at 80% of our goal.

I hope everyone has a blessed, safe, and enjoyable weekend,
Fr. Garry