Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

I am writing this letter from the pilgrimage in Paris, though I will be back in the parish by the time you read this letter anyway. This morning the bishop and priests on the pilgrimage concelebrated Mass at the recently restored Cathedral-Basilica of Notre Dame. Having been there previously, it is simply amazing the work they have done — and continue to do — in restoring the landmark from the fire of 2019. The cathedral masonry is bright, the artwork restored, and the appointments are beautiful. Although, the more modern altar of sacrifice and the presidential chairs perhaps do not fit into the thirteenth century so well.

We are into the season of First Holy Communions. This weekend the school children receive the Sacrament on Sunday afternoon, while the other children of the parish receive Communion at the Mass of their choice. Let us pray for them and their families during this special time for them.

This week our focus and our prayers turn again to Vatican City as the cardinals enter conclave on Monday and begin voting for the next successor to St. Peter. It is a daunting process, and given the challenges of our world today, a role in the church that bears tremendous weight and responsibility. Let us pray for the process and for the man who will be chosen.

This weekend (11:00 am Mass) we celebrate the crowning of the Blessed Mother during this Month of Mary. We turn ourprayers for intercession to her cause, as she prays for us through the course of our lives. Her prayers now for the church are essential as we go through this time of transition.

This weekend Father Eugene Roberts, pastor of St. Gabriel Parish in Marlboro, observes the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination! Grateful for his faithful service to the church, and to the people in Marlboro for 36 years, our parish offers our heartfelt congratulations to and prayers for Father Roberts!

You might have noticed that the air conditioning project in the church has been completed! There are also new split units in the school offices and the Adoration Chapel. We will surely miss what sounded like an airplane engine every time the church air conditioner kicked on!

Thank you to Rich Romero, our buildings and grounds director, for managing multiple projects around the property over the past three weeks.

I hope everyone has a blessed week ahead,
Fr. Garry