Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

Happy Labor Day!

As the summer comes to a close, we can look back at a very successful and productive summer here at St. Benedict’s and look forward to the start of a new school year and the many other activities that come along with the Fall season.

Fully staffed and ready to open, 530 students will walk through the doors here over the next few days to begin the 64th school year of our school, When I became pastor here in 2015 the school board and the principal told me that the school, which then had a population of 440 students, would likely be under 300 by now and moving towards closure. Thanks to the vision of successive principals and the commitment of our dedicated faculty and passionate parents, we are where we are and hoping to continue to grow our facilities to meet the ever-changing needs of our students and families. We are looking forward to another positive and growth-filled year at SBS! Welcome to all of our teachers, students, and their families, both new and old.

It is good this weekend to see the return of most of our summer wayfarers. I am sure it was a nice weekend at the shore or the mountains, and I hope that everyone has had enjoyable vacations and fun travels this summer. It was a busy summer here, and we are all happy that we were able to get so much done in so short a period of time.

The Fall will be busy as well. As we moved Confirmation from the Spring to the Fall, the ninth graders of the parish are in their final preparations for the Sacrament, which will be administered by Bishop O’Connell on Friday, October 3.

This is a good time to remind everyone to make sure that your children are registered for the religious education program if they did not participate in the Summer RE Academy. Those who are in the eighth grade should be in the Confirmation class on Sunday evenings. Please make contact with the Faith Formation Office as soon as possible to get more information if necessary.

This past week Deacon Ray Pelkowski, who recently observed the 40th anniversary of his ordination as a deacon, celebrated his 96th birthday. He retired from ministry seven years ago, but he is doing very well. He sounds good and is as sharp as ever. He is grateful for your prayers and sends his best to everyone here.

I hope everyone has a blessed week ahead. Hopefully there aren’t too many tears as the kids head back to school!
Fr. Garry