September 23, 2018
Seeking Peace
The readings of today address conflict, jealousy, unrest. If you, or someone you know would like to hear more about Jesus’ message of peace, we invite you to join us at an Inquiry Session. Inquiry sessions DO NOT assume a commitment to join the Catholic Faith family. Inquiry sessions are opportunities to ask questions about God, Jesus and the Catholic Faith Family. All who are unbaptized, baptized into another faith denomination, or baptized Catholic but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation, are invited. Inquiry sessions are for those who wish to inquire, explore, and search for ways to grow in relationship with God. For more information, call our parish RCIA contact at 732-764-0264.
August 26, 2018
A Matter of Choice
When confronted with the difficulties of believing in Jesus, those who encountered him were forced to decide whether to follow or to abandon this troublesome figure. We make that decision also. Those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus recognize that we do so not on our own power, but because of the generous gift of the Father, who freely draws us into a relationship with Jesus. This relationship is one of faith. Do you recognize the stirring of that gift of faith in someone who is looking for direction? The signs of those stirring are easy to see. Jesus is calling. Invite your relative or your friend to an RCIA Inquiry Session. Inquiry Sessions do not ask for commitments. Inquiry sessions are a place to ask questions about God/Jesus or about the Catholic Faith. Inquiry Sessions are opened to anyone who is unbaptized, baptized into another Christian Denomination or baptized Catholic but has not received BOTH sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Inquiry sessions are ongoing. Call our parish RCIA contact at 732-764-0264 for more information.
August 19, 2018
An Invitation to a Special Meal
Jesus describes himself as the bread of life. We Christians believe that the bread which Jesus gives (himself) is spiritual bread; he gives eternal spiritual life. Jesus' desire is that all come and sit at that table where we can eat that broken bread and drink that poured-out wine which somehow, by the grace of God, brings us into contact with the love and the life of Jesus. Do you know someone who seems interested in learning more about the Catholic Faith and the Catholic Sacraments? Do you know someone who frequently comes to Mass but cannot receive Eucharist because they are not part of our faith family? Invite them to an Inquiry Session. Call our parish RCIA contact at 732- 764-0264 for more information.
August 5, 2018
Feeding the Hungry
Jesus tells us "I myself am the bread of life. No one who comes to me shall ever be hungry, no one who believes in me shall thirst again." That's the Good News! Is there someone in your life who is aware that Jesus is calling him/her to come closer to Jesus? Does he/she have a hunger or a thirst for a relationship with Jesus through the Catholic Church? Invite your relative or your friend to an RCIA Inquiry Session. Inquiry Sessions do not ask for commitments. Inquiry sessions are a place to ask questions about God/Jesus or about the Catholic Faith. Inquiry Sessions are opened to anyone who is unbaptized, baptized into another Christian Denomination or baptized Catholic but has not received BOTH sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Inquiry sessions will continue through out the summer. Call our parish RCIA contact at 732-764-0264 for more information
July 28, 2018
Changing Perceptions
Scripture is filled with stories of Jesus' acts - signs which manifest his identity and the nature of the work the Father accomplished through him. However, often those signs did not change the perception that the people had of him...they (and we) often just didn't get it. To really know Jesus one has to develop a friendship with him. Isn't there someone in your life who would like to know Jesus better? Invite your relative or your friend to an RCIA Inquiry Session. Call our parish RCIA contact at 732-764-0264 for more information. “Do you ever wish you can get more out of Mass?” join us on Sunday, August 5th at 10-11 am for an intro film and discussion on “Mass as Worship.” All are welcomed.
July 21, 2018
A Glimpse of Love
Today’s gospel gives us a glimpse of how much Jesus loves us. The psalm tells us that the Lord is our shepherd and we can rest in him. We hear that He guides us and walks us through evil; giving us courage. Isn’t there someone in your life who would like to know more about a God who loves us that much? Invite your relative or friend to an RCIA Inquiry Session. Inquiry sessions do not ask for commitments — they are a place to ask questions about God or the Catholic Faith. Call our parish RCIA contact at 732-764- 0264 for more information.
July 15, 2018
Relief from Pain:
When we consider all of the things in life that trap, bind, and hinder us, our own inner weaknesses and conflicts loom as the greatest causes. No other person or institution or situation can deprive us of a sense of integrity and dignity as deeply and painfully as we can deprive ourselves. We Christians know that our God releases us from that pain. Isn’t there someone in your life who would like to hear that good news? Invite your relative or friend to an RCIA Inquiry Session. Inquiry Sessions do not ask for commitments — they are a place to ask questions about God or about the Catholic Faith. Call our parish RCIA contact at 732-764-0264 for more information.
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is preparation and formation of all those who wish to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Faith Family.
If you are considering becoming a Catholic or if you are Catholic but have not received the Sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation, we invite you to join our RCIA/Adult Faith Formation program. Please contact Anthony Pangi at 732-764-0264 or a.pangi@aol.com for more information about this program.
All who are not baptized, baptized into another faith denomination, or baptized Catholic but have not received Eucharist or Confirmation, are invited. Inquiry sessions are for those who wish to inquire, explore, and search for ways to grow in relationship with God.
Scripture Study
Periodic sessions are held throughout the year that offer opportunities to learn more about the history of the church and study scripture. Please check our website or read the church bulletin for events conducted by the parish.
Lenten Programs
During the Lenten season St. Mary’s sponsors various Lenten programs. Please check our website or read the church bulletin for events conducted by the parish or sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen.