Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

This Thursday we welcome Monsignor Joseph Rosie, Vicar for Monmouth County and Pastor of St. James Parish in Red Bank, who will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to the 115 members of our parish and school community who are now prepared to receive the sacrament, We congratulate them, but mostly we must pray for them. Too many young people leave the church -- even if only for a time -- after their Confirmation. This is especially risky as they head off to college where they all too easily find the opportunity to abandon the practice of their faith. While a number of them will find their way back, for most this is a long and arduous journey. I certainly encourage those of you with teenagers to model and promote the practice of the faith with and for them.

I particularly want to express the gratitude of our parish, Father AL, and our deacons to Ciro Saverino, Lori McCahill, Nancy Arkin, and the host of volunteers who have worked hard and faithfully in the religious education and Confirmation formation programs. Seventh and eighth grade students aren’t always the easiest to work with, and yet they manage to conduct a well-run, coordinated, and challenging program. All levels of faith formation are important, and we look forward to seeing many of these students attentive to our youth ministry programs here.

Last Saturday evening we were honored to have the Bishop celebrate Mass with us. He expressed his joy at being here and extended to each of us his blessing and good will.

We are making progress towards our goal for the Annual Catholic Appeal. Thank you for the many of you who have already contributed. Please consider making a gift, perhaps as part of your Lenten sacrifice.

The members of the Youth Group will lead us in a form of the living Stations of the Cross this Friday night (7pm) and next Wednesday, 29th, at 5pm. Please join us as they pray with us.

In two weeks we observe Palm Sunday (April 1st-2nd). While over the past few years we have begun the procession at all of the Masses in the Gym, this custom is not truly necessary, as only at one of the Masses where the solemn procession is required.
Therefore, only the 9:30 AM Mass will begin in the Gym. Each of the other Masses will begin as normal in the church.

Join the Knights of Columbus for Pizza Friday, March 31st. Through their various fun and friend raising efforts they are able to support many initiatives in the church and the school. I invite all of the men of the parish to consider becoming a member and joining in their good works.

I hope everyone has a blessed week.
Fr. Garry