Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

This week two important liturgical events occur. Once is deeply ingrained in the Liturgical cycle and goes unnoticed by most of us each year. The other is the beginning of the Simbang Gabi celebration, the unique Filipino pre-Christmas novena of Masses that we are pleased and happy to host this year.

The first is the movement to the deep part of Advent. Each year beginning on December 17th the focus of the prayers at Mass becomes more expectant and urgent. We also change the Preface to the Eucharistic Prayer. Beginning Thursday, and concluding on Christmas Eve morning, we pray: “For all the oracles of the prophets foretold him, the Virgin Mother longed for him with love beyond all telling, John the Baptist sang of his coming and proclaimed his presence when he came.“

It is by his gift that already we rejoice at the mystery of his Nativity, so that he may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise.”

It is our hope here that indeed, even in the trials of the present that we are “watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise” as we approach the great feasts yet to come. While Christmas will look different on some levels, the great liturgical feasts will not be hindered.

In order to accommodate those who desire to celebrate Christmas with us we will celebrate the simultaneous Masses – the church and the gym. We are fortunate to have enough help to be able to do so. We are not planning on requiring tickets or reservations as it is difficult sometimes to know well-enough in advance what you want to do. Likewise, we do not want to turn away those who would make the last minute decision that coming to Christmas Mass is viable option for them.

We ask that in all things we remain safe and diligent. While the pandemic might dampen our spirits it cannot dampen the Spirit!

The Simbang Gabi celebrations begin on Tuesday evening. All of those Masses will be live-streamed. Although in the Philippines it is a dawn celebration, here in the US it has become an evening celebration. While this year we are unable to host the great feast of food that follows each Mass, we get to celebrate what is most important – prayer in preparation for the coming of the Lord.

Besides Father JM and myself, the celebrants for the Masses are: Fathers Alex Rodriguez (St. Monica, Jackson); Daison Areepparampil (St. James, Red Bank); Sheldon Amasa (Our Lady of Hope, West Long Branch/Deal); Mark Nillo (St. Michael, West End); Vicente Magdaraog (St. James, Red Bank); Angelito Anarcon (St. Catherine of Siena, Farmingdale); and Richard Vila (St. Anne, Keansburg).

Allow me to extend a special thanks to Father JM and the parish committee headed by Mrs.Lang Holtz. Hosting these celebrations, even without the feasts, requires a lot of work and planning.

This weekend we are celebrating Confession after all of the Masses. We know that this will be time-consuming and we ask for your patience – certainly an Advent virtue!

Remember to watch ourSeries of Hopevideo series. This week Father JM reflects on the Birth of Jesus. Likewise, remember to spend some time in prayerful reflection along the Lights of Hope Stations here on the property.

A blessed Advent to all!
Fr. Garry