Pastor Weekly Message For June 12 & 13

Jesus is Lord!

Dear: Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What a joy it was to see so many of our parishioners return to Mass last weekend. I borrow the quote of Saint Peter on Mount Tabor: “Lord, it is good that we are here.” It was amazing to have Masses full with people of all ages again, especially young families. What a blessing! I want to thank Jackie and Ed Kaszuba and the Hospitality team who provided and served the refreshments under the new tent. It was great to see people gathered again for fellowship.

Last weekend was so special, not only because so many people returned to Mass, but also for the beautiful Corpus Christi Procession following the 10:00am Mass. I want to thank the Catholic Daughters of America, That Man Is You! (TMIY!) and Saint Mary School for setting up the altars of veneration on the campus as well as the Saint Mary Choir who provided the beautiful hymns for the procession. I also want to thank the altar servers and the Knights of Columbus honor guard who always bring such great solemnity to the Mass and the Procession. Thank you all again!

It was so right that on the Feast of Corpus Christi parishioners spoke at the Masses about Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration. From young moms, to working dads, to retired men, their witnesses and talks show that being a committed adorer for Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is for everyone. Take a chance and become a committed adorer. Visit www.stmarychurchnj.org/adoration.

Last week our parish welcomed back Jake Thiringer to our community. Jake will serve as our new Life Teen and EDGE Youth Minister. He has previously served on the Life Teen Core Team three years ago with Drew Pillar. Since then Jake has been serving as a Youth Minister in Massachusetts. He is an amazingly gifted young man who will also be forming a Life Teen Worship Band for the Life Teen Mass.

The pandemic has taken its toll on people of every age, teens included. Now that we are returning to normal parish life, we need to double our efforts with the Life Teen and EDGE programs to minister to our teens and advance the Life Teen mission. We are looking for an army of volunteers who can serve on the Core Teams for Life Teen (high school) and EDGE (middle school). Only two qualifications are necessary: 1) You love the Lord and 2) You have a desire to lead teens closer to Christ. If you are interested, please call Jake at the parish office: 732-671-0071, ext. 221.

Finally, the excitement for the Saint Mary Great Fair is very high! The Super 50/50 is growing by the day. Contact the parish office for tickets and to volunteer. This year the Fair is going to be bigger and better!

Have a blessed week!

In Jesus and Mary,

Father Jeff Kegley
Pastor