This Tuesday Bishop David M. O’Connell will say these words to our parish Religious Education students as he administers the sacrament of Confirmation, anointing them on their forehead with Holy Chrism and completing their initiation into the Catholic faith. It is a joyful and proud moment in the life of a parish and – in some ways, like a graduation – not an end, but the beginning of a challenge to those so initiated.

Confirmation completes the process begun at Baptism and calls the Confirmandi (those receiving the sacrament) to personally accept the faith given to them by their parents. Usually marking the end of formal education in the faith, it calls upon the newly-Confirmed to witness by word and example the faith they are accepting as “soldiers of Christ”. In order to do this well, the person must exercise their free will. Grace (and in Confirmation, the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit) is definitely conferred by the sacrament – that’s the definition of a sacrament: to give grace – but it is up to the recipient to decide whether that grace is actually used. In other words, Confirmation can be the opportunity to use the Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety and Fear of the Lord we’ve been given, or it can just be a nice-smelling oil poured on the forehead. The choice is up to us.

I would invite you to join me in prayer for the 30 young men and women who will be Confirmed that, with their parents and their sponsors, they will take their faith to heart. Using a close examination of themselves and how they are called to serve in the world – aided by the Holy Spirit – may they be a courageous and joy-filled example of what it really means to be Catholic – the “counter-cultural” force that can truly change the world and bring the Good News to those far and near.

A review of our Mass and sacramental schedule for this weekend: 

4PM Mass WITH a congregation, in-church Communion during Mass (no outdoor Communion afterwards)

9AM - Mass Live streamed WITH a congregation. Outdoor Communion will be available afterwards and radio reception available in the parking lot at 107.7FM. Please note that outdoor Communion will end promptly at 10:15. Plan accordingly

11AM - Mass WITH a congregation, in-church Communion during Mass (no outdoor Communion afterwards) PLEASE NOTE: While making a reservation is not required, we are encouraging people to do so; this way you can be assured of having a seat. We have noticed that in-church attendance is steadily increasing and, in anticipation that we may reach capacity at weekend Masses, we have prepared the Church Hall for social distancing and live-streaming the Mass from upstairs. When needed, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will bring the Blessed Sacrament so that people in the Church Hall can receive Communion during Mass.

Those without Internet access (and please let your friends and neighbors know!) can call 732-475-0048   

Not yet ready to return to the church building?

WE UNDERSTAND and will continue to offer live streamed Mass on Sundays at 9AM with outdoor Communion available in the church parking lot. See this weekend's Mass on YouTube at