Weekly Letter from the Pastor

The end of summer quickly approaches, and we are still working diligently to have the school ready for the opening of the school year. As many of the local schools open next week, we will hold our annual Backpack Blessing this weekend at all the Masses. All students, from those entering PreK to high school seniors, are invited to come to church with their backpacks and receive a blessing and a gift for the school year. 

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our country and the loss of over two-thousand lives, many of whom were from Monmouth County, including members of our own parish. While many local events will be planned to observe the day, it is also important for us as a parish to pause and pray. 

We are planning to the following events to mark the day:
 7 a.m. Morning Prayer using the Liturgy of the Hours - Office of the Dead
 9 a.m. Daily Mass
 11:15 a.m.Midday Prayer using the Liturgy of the Hours - Office of the Dead
 4 p.m. Rosary with opportunity for confession
 5 p.m. Evening Prayer and Benediction using the Liturgy of the Hours - Office of the Dead
 7 p.m. Mass of Remembrance at St. Mary's in Middletown with Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M.

Further along in this bulletin please find a letter from the Vincentian Community in Madagascar offering thanks for our hospitality and generosity for the mission appeal. You should all have received the packet for the 50/50 Raffle by now. Please do your best to support this
fundraiser by purchasing and selling tickets. Thank you!

Anyone who is seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church — either needing to complete Sacraments begun in childhood; baptized in a different Christian community or; unbaptized — please make contact with the Faith Formation Office as soon as possible, so that we can get you enrolled into the OCIA process. 

As the summer winds down I hope everyone enjoys the waning days, and travels safely,
Father Garry