2017

Fatima Centennial

The year 2017 marked the 100^th anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima. Our parish celebrated this Marian milestone with the addition of a painting of Our Lady of Fatima, displayed at the entrance (sacristy side) of Our Lady of Sorrows Church. On June 26, the Church of Saint Anthony was the site for the celebration of the Visit of the Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima. 

Educational Moves

During the first months of the year, the parish undertook a professional assessment of the operations of its Daycare Center and PreK programs housed in the former convent of Our Lady of Sorrows. After careful study it was decided that effective June 30, the Day Care Center would close and the PreK would move into the main school building with its program incorporated in the regular school program under the direction of the principal. 

Faith in Our Future: The Lumen Christi Cohort

In accord with the directives of the diocesan “Faith in Our Future” initiative, parish cohorts were established. Cohorts are a number of parishes that are clustered in order to facilitate greater cooperation and the sharing of resources in light of the shortage of priest personnel. It was decided that our parish together with the parishes of St. Gregory the Great and St. Raphael-Holy Angels would be part of cohort named the “Lumen Christi” Cohort. The parish team that helped to establish the cohort was comprised of Msgr. Gervasio, Joan DeGregory, Tom Dobinson, David Larkin, and Vincent Peroni.

The first major Cohort project was a successful Mission directed by Fr. Larry Richards at St. Gregory the Great Church, May 9-11. It was determined that a cohort mission be held every other year rotating the church sites.

Staff Changes

A number of staff changes took place during the year:

• After a five year tenure, our school principal, Donald Costantino retired. He was succeeded by Maureen Tuohy, a faculty member, effective June 30.
• Bishop O’Connell assigned transitional deacon, James Smith to carry out his ministry during the summer months, as part of his preparation for ordination to the Priesthood. 
• On October 8, permanent deacon James Challender, having attained his 75^th year, retired from active ministry. 

Works of Charity

The parish continued its many works of charity in addition to the regular contributions made to the poor boxes in the church:

• The Lenten “Work of Love” supported the Home Nursing Program of Trenton’s Mt. Carmel Guild. The parish donated $11,200 for this purpose. 
• “Loaves and Fishes: volunteers prepared meals for the needy at the Cathedral in June.
• A Food Drive was conducted for Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts were provided to the needy through the annual Adopt a Family Project. 

Pilgrimage   

On April 21, the parish sponsored a pilgrimage to Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and University and the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, MD. 

Other Events

On July 23, the parish welcomed the Campanelli Bell Ensemble for Tallin, Estonia for a concert at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.

Well received was a program of Adult Catechesis, “Thoughtful Thursdays” held in September and October. It brought to the parish, various speakers to present theological and spiritual topics.

The Autumn months saw the razing of the former rectory at St. Anthony Campus. In 2005, at Bishop Smith’s direction, moved to the Our Lady of Sorrows Campus. The rectory was offered to the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia who resided there for the next eleven years. However, over time, the building’s structure was deemed unsafe and slated for demolition. The area was designated for parking.

The parish recognized the contributions of its many volunteers at a Dinner of Appreciation in November held at the Hamilton Manor.