Weekly Letter from the Pastor

I guess I missed the memo that 2026 is the Year of Snow, but here we are. I hope everyone did well through the storms this past week, and hopefully, it is all finished for the season. Unfortunately, the weather does some serious damage to the bank account. We had spent $65,000 in snow removal this winter before last weekend. That is certainly a hard hit to the budget.

I want to thank Carol Demuria for her presentation last weekend on the Annual Catholic Appeal. Please consider making a donation soon. If you have never participated before, remember, it is helpful to the parish as well as the Diocese and I encourage you to consider making a donation.

The Soup and Scripture session this week features Dr. Michele McCue. Dr. McCue teaches theology at Trinity Hall, the all-girls Catholic School in Tinton Falls. She previously served as Director of Religious Education at St. Anthony Parish (Red Bank) and at St. Mary (Colts Neck).

Last weekend, with the pending snow, the Bishop cancelled the Rite of Election for those receiving the Easter Sacraments, delegating the responsibility to the pastors of the parishes. We are celebrating the rite this weekend as we welcome Corey Simmons and Victoria Kuenzel, who will receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Over the next few weeks, they will be gradually introduced to the community through the various rites of the OCIA process. They are joining tens of thousands of people entering the church this Easter Season. With the sudden surge in inquirers throughout the world, we are inspired by their interest and desire to grow in their faith and to seek full communion with the Catholic Church. Let us all keep them in our prayers.

Here is hoping for a clear, warmer, and safe week ahead.
Father Garry