As far as I know, we have three priests in the diocese who still have red hair.  A fourth will be ordained at St. Joe's tomorrow, Saturday, June 3rd, at 10 AM.  I worked with the soon-to-be Fr. Kevin Hrycenko's father Walter at Donovan Catholic High School back in the late 1990s.  I hope to concelebrate the ordination Mass tomorrow.  You can watch the livestream above or learn more here.

     The parishes of Visitation, Brick, and St. Justin's, Toms River, are neighbors.  Their parish feast days are May 31st and June 1st.  Johanna Gonzalez was called home to the Lord on May 29th.  Her funeral will be at St. Justin's on June 10th.  Her husband, Deacon Jim Gonzalez, passed from this life in 2018.  You can read her obituary here.

     During my retreat this week, I began reading Fire Within by Fr. Thomas Dubay, SM.  He superbly explains the teachings of spiritual masters St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.  Fr. Dubay emphasizes that each and every one of us is called to have a deep prayer life and union with God.  I particularly like his explanation of St. Teresa's seven mansions in her book, The Interior Castle.

     With our parish subscription to Formed, you can read Fire Within here.  It's probably Fr. Dubay's most popular book.  Formed also has Deep Conversion Deep prayer as a book and audiobook.  After learning from Fr. Dubay, you could read St. Teresa's three books.  I'm looking forward to reading St. John of the Cross.  For an easier starting point, watch these two videos on contemplation.  Watching Fr. Dubay on EWTN prompted me to read his books.

     Let's continue to pray for one another.  Here are a few intentions to get us started:

1)  For the repose of the soul of Johanna Gonzalez and the consolation of her family.

2)  For the soon-to-be Fr. Kevin Hrycenko who will be ordained a priest.

3)  For the success of our chapel and church hall renovations.

4)  For all of us to accept God's invitation to be closer to Him.

5)  For a better understanding of the Trinity and how to receive all the Trinity wants to give us.

God love you,

Fr. Jim