The Year of St. Joseph

In response to Pope Francis’ designation of this year in honor of Saint Joseph, the bulletin published weekly reflections of the Guardian of the Redeemer and Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A votive lamp was placed before his image in both churches to burn throughout the year. His Solemnity on March 19 was celebrated with a Solemn Mass at 7:00 pm at Our Lady of Sorrows Church followed by a reception and the Blessing of St. Joseph’s Table sponsored by the Rosarians. On May 1, the Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, parishioners consecrated themselves to the Saint.

Covid-19 Restrictions Begin To Be Lifted

As 2021 progressed, a number of restrictions were relaxed and even lifted with caution. By June, the government mandates for the wearing of masks and maintaining social distance was lifted. The schedule of divine services was slowly expanded with the dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation finally lifted. The ability to gather for meetings was restored. However, out of an abundance of caution, the PTA’s annual Knight to Remember, which this year honored the 65^th anniversary of the school was held virtually—and was a success despite the lack of a gala dinner.

Cohort Ventures

• The weekly food pantry drive continued throughout the year. 
• On July 26, the feast of SS. Joachim and Anne was again celebrated at St. Anthony Church in honor of Grandparents. The Mass celebrated by Fr. Eugene Savarimuthu was followed by a “picnic reception” in the church hall.
• St. Gregory the Great Church was the site of the cohort’s “White Mass” for healthcare workers on October 28.

Charitiable Works / Fundraising

In addition to the regular contributions made to the poor boxes the parish undertook:

• The Lenten “Work of Love” was dedicated to the reconstruction 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.
• Bishop O’Connell was the celebrant of Mt. Carmel Guild’s annual Founders Day Mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in March commemorating the Guild’s 100^th anniversary.
• The annual Golf Classic was held at Mercer Oaks, W. Windsor in September.

Works of Spiritual Formation

• A Day of Recollection took place on October 2 for Liturgical Ministers directed by Fr. Michael Hall, Director of the Diocesan Office of Worship. 
• The Rosary Altar Society sponsored a Morning of Recollection on October 16 under the direction of Fr. Garry Koch of St. Benedict Church, Holmdel.
• In October, Bishop O’Connell announced that the Diocese would prepare to participate in the three year Synodal process called for by Pope Francis which seeks to promote listening to the concerns and experience of every members of the Church, active and inactive.

Staff Changes / Additions

• Effective April 15, Bishop O’Connell appointed Fr. Daniel Gowen as parochial vicar.
• Salvatore Petro was ordained to the Diaconate for ministry in our parish on May 15 at the Trenton Cathedral. The following day he assisted at his first Mass as deacon.
• Effective July 1, Bishop O’Connell transferred Fr. Jean Felicien from resident of the parish to parochial vicar of the Hopewell Valley parishes. He would also serve in the diocesan tribunal. Fr. Pierre Joseph, having completed the three year term granted by his bishop, turned to the Archdiocese of Miami. In his place, Fr. Pierre Alabre, who served previously in our parish, was assigned as parochial vicar.
• In October, Deacon Luders Desire’ was transferred from our parish to Corpus Christi, Willingboro.

Additions to the Patrimony

In July, parishioners donated a wood craving of St. Anthony of Padua to be displayed in St. Anthony Church near the altar of St. Joseph. In addition, a large image of Our Lady of Sorrows was donated to the parish. It is displayed in the sacristy of St. Anthony church and is to be displayed in the church proper on the feast day in September.