Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

We have been celebrating the First Holy Communion of our parishioners over the past few Sundays, and will be doing so for the next several weeks. It is a joy to celebrate at the parish Mass with them and their families. Let us continue our prayers for them on this important journey in their lives of faith.

Via Lucis, the Stations of the Resurrection, continue this Wednesday evening. Please join us, followed by pasta and a Scripture reflection.

Join the Knights of Columbus for a Mass for Life at St. James Church in Red Bank at 8:00 am on Saturday, April 27. A March for Life to the Planned Parenthood in Shrewsbury follows. After the Rosary a Barbeque will be provided at
St. James. The St. James-St Anthony Knights of Columbus Council is the sponsor of the events.

Please consider joining Father JM Patilla and me for a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi this September. We will be in Assisi the week of the celebration of the 800th Anniversary of the death of the beloved St. Francis of Assisi. Details are in the bulletin or on the flyers available in the Gathering Space.

We are still looking for volunteers and teachers to assist in the Summer Religious Education Academy. Please make contact with Nancy Arkin in the Faith Formation office if you are interested.

The Summer Camp-Out, (July 8 - August 16) is still open for registration for children entering grades PreK-4 through Second Grade sponsored by St. Benedict School. Check the school website, and consult the bulletin here for more information.

St. Benedict School now has a waiting list for most of the grades, and limited availability in others. If you are interested in our school, or know of someone who is, please make contact with the school as soon as possible.

We are always looking for altar servers, lectors, ushers, and screen operators. If you or your child is interested in any of these ministries, please contact Eileen Cannarozzo in the parish office. Although choir season is winding down, new voices for the choirs in the fall are also always welcome. See Tom O’Brien or Ellen Remick.

Anyone who desires to become a Catholic or is interested in completing their sacramental journey (Confirmation/First Communion) should make contact with the Faith Formation Office.

 Thank you for your generosity to the Kateri Day Camp at the Collier School. The Sisters there appreciate your time and thoughtfulness.

We are holding a Planned Giving Seminar this coming Thursday at 5:30 pm. Please consider joining us to talk about estate planning, wills, and trusts.

The hope of Spring seems to be making itself known -- have a blessed week!

Father Garry