Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

Welcome to June -- the month when we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We reflect on this beautiful image, recognizing the incomprehensible love of God for us. Let us take this month to celebrate this love not only in our love for God but especially in our expression of love for one another.

This is Corpus Christi Sunday, throughout the past year we have observed the Parish phase of the Period of Eucharistic Revival. Once again we focus our attention on the dogma of
Transubstantiation and the constancy of the teaching of the church that Jesus is truly and physically present with us in the Eucharist. It is a good time to consider coming ourselves anew to take time to visit the Adoration Chapel in our parish. The chapel is open twenty-four hours every day except during the Triduum. Please stop in for a visit, and spend time with our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.

This week we bid farewell to the 58 members of the SBS Class of 2024! We are proud of their accomplishments and we pray for them as they navigate the world of high school. While most of them will attend St. John Vianney High School, some members of the class will be attending either the other Catholic high schools or some of the magnet schools offered in Monmouth and Middlesex counties, with a few choosing their local public school. We are grateful to their families for entrusting them to our care, and we wish the best for them on the way.

While I do not usually mention the passing of a parishioner in my letter, the passing this past week of Mrs. Kay Woods, long time teacher and parishioner here cannot go unnoticed. She was up until the end of her life on Sunday, May 26, a larger than life figure in the lives of so many. As a special grace, the eighth grade class visited the facility formerly known as the Willows for a day of service on Thursday, May 23. There they got to meet Mrs. Woods, listen to her stories, and at her request, regaled her with the song Do not Fear to Hope, which is sung every year at graduation. At 95 hers was a full and fullifilled life. May the Lord reward her for her goodness.

A few other events to consider: the diocesan vocations office is holding a come and see Mass and BBQ event at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine in Freehold on Tuesday, June 11 beginning at 4pm. Any male 16-40 who is considering the vocation of priesthood is invited to attend. Father Christopher Colavito, director of vocations, will be here to preach at all of the Masses on the weekend of June 15-16.

Students who have been graduated from high school, college, professional or technical schools are invited to receive a blessing at the Masses on the weekend of June 8-9.

Last day of school for SBS students is Tuesday June 11! Summer is almost here.

Have a blessed week,
Fr. Garry