Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

This past Tuesday we were again blessed with the presence of Bishop David O’Connell, C.M., as he celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation for 122 students from our parish and school. The bishop carefully and clearly explained the gifts of the Holy Spirit and challenged the Confirmandi to remain open to their faith and those gifts in their lives.

We pray for them and their families as they continue their journey in faith as now fully initiated members of our Catholic community.

I, like many of you I am sure, enjoyed the solar eclipse on Monday. Even a little bit of cloud cover did not diminish the awesome realization of the complexity of God’s creation, enabling us this rare and beautiful natural phenomenon.

Unlike most of you, I missed the earthquake last Friday as I was in Florida to witness a marriage at the Basilica of Saint Augustine. Though my cell phone did get pretty hot with all of the text messages about it.

It has been quite a week of unusual natural occurrences. Fortunately it is starting to feel like Spring is making its presence felt here among us. My condolences to those with seasonal allergies who while enjoying the beauty suffer from the consequences of the pollen. I deeply empathize with your dilemma.

We began the Stations of the Resurrection last week, and we continue again this week on Wednesday at 5:30 pm. Please join us in this newer devotion which allows us to reflect more deeply on the appearances of Jesus. Pasta and salad follows, and then the Scripture reflection at 7:00 pm to close out the evening.

We are well into First Holy Communion services, and the students from the school will receive the Sacrament at a private Mass next Sunday afternoon. The children from the religious education programs receive the Sacrament at the Mass of their choosing during April and May.

Spring brings about a flurry of activities in a school and a parish community. In another month it will be Mother’s Day, we will celebrate the Marian Crowning. Those children who receive First Holy Communion are invited to participate in the presentation and the procession.

 I would be remiss not to note the passing of Deacon John Flanagan of St. Catharine Church in Holmdel. Ordained a deacon in 1981, John served at St. Catharine’s for over forty years. The author of several books on diaconal and pastoral ministry, John was a man of strong faith and character. I worked with him on a number of projects over the years -- including proofing one of his later books -- and have always been grateful for his guidance, wisdom and support. Please join me in prayer for his family, and his partners in ministry, and for Deacon John Flanagan. May he rest in peace.

Have a blessed week,
Fr. Garry