Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

As we reflect this week on the sanctity of human life my mind is working in two very distinct directions. First, of course, is the issue of abortion as it continues to divide our country, evoking strong emotions and responses on all sides of this issue. As this weekend (22nd) we note the fiftieth anniversary of the Roe v Wade decision that legalized abortion in all fifty states, we also note the reversal of that decision last summer in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. The controversy remains, and many states, including our own, have taken abortion rights further than ever before. We continue our diligent prayers and support for the protection of all life, from conception until natural death. Monday is the observance of Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children.

The precious and precarious nature of life was made very poignant to our community, and our parish, last Friday night/Saturday morning, with the tragic fire at the Montanaro home in Hazlet. Jacqueline and her daughter Madelyn, age six, died in the fire; husband and father, William survived along with eight year old Elena. Their pain and loss is immeasurable, and they will need some assistance and support for a long time. Our heart, our prayers, and our support goes out to them. The parish is supporting the family through the RAINE Foundation. Any donations, etc., can be left with the parish office.

I wish to thank the parish office, the school community, the local police departments (Holmdel, Hazlet, Matawan, Aberdeen) and so many more for their presence, support, and assistance at the funeral this past Friday.

Our support for life is also expressed in our care through families and individuals in need, especially children.
Next weekend is open house for SBS for the coming academic year. Please make contact with the school office for a tour of the school then, or at the Open House on Friday, February 17th. Arrangements can also be made for private tours if these dates do not work for you.

The long winter stretch is settling in -- it feels like the sun never shines as morning and night blend together. We are, however, just two weeks away from the midwinter day (February 2nd) when we will celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. From there, spring comes quickly and the sun returns. Here’s hoping that the milder winter continues and that we don’t have to deal with much (any?) snow for the rest of the season.

Otherwise, things are quiet. We are gearing up for Lent and some new adventures ahead.

Blessings and peace,
Fr. Garry