Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

This weekend we observe Father’s Day. This is another reminder to us of the importance of family and certainly the role of the father within the family. We are grateful for the many fathers, grandfathers, uncles, coaches, teachers, and other male role models in our lives. I was fortunate to have two wonderful grandfathers, and after my paternal grandfather died young, my grandmother remarried and brought another wonderful man into our family. My own father was a solid and loving dad. He passed away in 2006. Like most kids of course, I had many other role models in my life as well. Certainly there were more than a few priests who were very instrumental in walking on my life’s journey. This weekend, we remember those who have passed and we honor those who are still with us.

Speaking of Father’s this is also Father AL’s birthday weekend (Sunday). As we are preparing to send Father off to Red Bank we take advantage of the weekend to celebrate his presence with us and wish him a fond adieu. Please join us after the Masses to greet Father AL. He will still be with us for one more weekend.

Last weekend we launched the parish phase of the Eucharistic Revival with a Corpus Christi procession. Many blessings to all who participated in that event. There are several events planned during the year.

First we will celebrate the Forty Hours Devotion November 5-6- 7. This was a popular parish devotion in Allentown when I was a child there and remains so today. The focus of the devotion is around adoration and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament over a forty hour period. The days include the celebration of various prayers and devotions around the clock as well as an evening Mass each night where the homily is focused on the Eucharist. Bishop O’Connell will celebrate and preach the closing Mass on November 7. More information to follow, but please mark your calendars for this event.

The Blessed Carlo Acutis Exhibit on Eucharistic Miracles is coming to our parish March 6 - 23, 2024. Much more on that to follow.

School closed this past Tuesday. We had a very successful school year and we are well-poised for the year ahead. The principal search continues and should be narrowed down -- hopefully -- this week. Please keep this process in your prayers.

Have a blessed day and week ahead.

Father Garry