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Pastor Weekly Message For September 19, 2021
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September 18, 2021Jesus Is Lord!
Dear: Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
How can I ever repay the Lord for His goodness to me? (Ps.116:2) I am humbled and honored this weekend as our parish community celebrates my Silver Jubilee of Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. On the day of my ordination, I made a promise to the Lord that I would be a priest of the Renewal. The work of Renewal is to bring people to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. A personal encounter that is “life-changing.” This has been the direction (and my heart’s desire) of my entire priesthood. As I look over the 25 years there are someconsistent ways the Lord led me to bring about this encounter with His people.
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration When I first arrived at Saint Mary’s in 1996, I was greeted by the most amazing parishioners who wanted to establish a Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel. Working many long days and weeks along with such holy people as Pat Thompson, Vatsala Gopinathen, Bob Scharen, Tess Jordan and Carol Christiansen the Adoration Chapel was established on May 4, 1997. The same was true when I was pastor of Saint Raphael-Holy Angels Church in Hamilton, New Jersey. Working with such amazing parishioners as George and Carrie Rose, Christopher and Eileen Vernon, Judy Pullman, David, and Karen Colter we were able to establish a Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel on November 1, 2010. Over these many years, thousands upon thousands of people have encountered our Eucharistic Lord. Miracles have happened, healings have taken place, and our Lord has been adored and glorified.
Life Teen Through God’s Grace and working with dedicated youth ministers, we were able to establish the first Life Teen parish in the Diocese of Trenton at Saint Veronica Parish in 2002, Saint Raphael-Holy Angels in 2006, and here at Saint Mary’s in 2013. Life Teen’s mission says it all, “Leading teens closer to Christ.” Jesus desires the teens to have a relationship with Him. Every Sunday evening teens gather to worship the Lord at Holy Mass, followed by a Life Night that includes teaching, (food, always food) fellowship, and lots of fun. In addition, there are retreats, Steubenville Conferences and outreaches. I have been amazingly blessed to see the transformation of the young church. Come, Holy Spirit!
Charismatic Renewal I would not be a priest today without attending the Life in the Spirit Seminars at the New Jersey Catholic Charismatic Conference in 1986. I encountered the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit. My life was changed forever. For the first time at the age of 26, I experienced the new life Christ has won for me on the Cross. I wanted to serve Him and advance His Kingdom. Since 1986 (before priesthood) I have been blessed to help sponsor “Life in the Spirit Seminars,” and have witnessed thousands upon thousands of people encounter Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. Special thank you to Patricia Dean, Lorraine Wheeler and Mary Jane Cody who invited me to that Charismatic Conference that changed my life, and the reason why I am now writing these pastors notes celebrating 25 years of Ordination to the Priesthood. Come, Holy Spirit!
Finally, words cannot express the honor and privilege to be your pastor and amazement of celebrating the Sacraments of the Church for the people of God. Fourteen of my 25 years as a priest has been here at Saint Mary’s. What an honor and a joy. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers. May all the work that has been accomplished and all the work yet to be done be for the advancement of the Kingdom of God and for His Glory.
In Jesus and Mary,
Father Jeff Kegley
Pastor