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2019
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The year began on a sorrowful note with the news of the death of our Bishop Emeritus, John M. Smith on January 22. The funeral rites were celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Trenton.
On February 2, Salvatore Petro, a candidate for the permanent diaconate received the ministry of Lector from Bishop O’Connell at St. Mary’s Cathedral.Cohort Mission & Marriage Outreach
The Lumen Christi Cohort held a Parish Mission hosted by St. Raphael Parish from April 29 through May 1 under the direction of Fr. Dave Pivonka with the theme, “Spiritual Freedom.
On May 29, St. Gregory the Great Parish with the assistance of the Diocesan Tribunal, hosted an Information Evening for couples interested in the validation of their civil marriage.Marriage Ministry
The marriage ministry group sponsored a Liturgy and reception during which 28 couples were honored for their wedding anniversaries.
The group also hosted a liturgy and luncheon on the Memorial of SS. Joachim and Anne at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Msgr. Sam Sirianni, Rector of the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine was guest homilist. The celebration honored grandparents who participated along with their grandchildren.Charitable Works
In addition to the regular contributions made to the poor boxes the parish undertook:- The Lenten “Work of Love” was dedicated to the restoration of Mary Immaculate School in Les Gonaives, Haiti.
- “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. Two clothing and houseware drives were also conducted.
- Parishioners pledged monetary donations to the annual Anchor House Appeal.
Catechetical Endeavors
Our Summer Vacation Bible Camp was held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church under the direction of Mrs. Mariyam Francis, Director of Religious Education.
It was announced that the RCIA program would run year round to better assist those requesting baptism, reception in the Church or the completion of their sacraments of initiation.Fundraising Efforts
The Summer Project addressed the need for the problem of mold remediation at the Rectory and the sealing of the basement walls of the school cafeteria.
The Autumn Golf Classic in its 25th year raised nearly $20,000 for parish needs. It was held at Mercer Oaks, W. Windsor.
The PTA’s “Knight to Remember” in November was again a great success, raising over $40,000 for our school. The year’s honorees were Sen. Peter Inverso, Dave and Martha Larkin, John O’Donovan, and David and Cheryl Uhaze.
The annual parish picnic in September and November’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner helped to foster a greater sense of community fellowship.