RCIA Reflections 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time: Conquering Fear
Fear is not only one of our deepest instincts; it is generally one of our most constant companions in life. We fear all kinds of things - heights, crowds, confined places, leaving the house, etc. Other fears are more common. We may fear bad health, making ends meet, losing employment, what other people think, how our children will turn out. Fear of change is nonproductive and crippling. It has little tolerance for risk and the unknown and is the single most significant factor preventing our spiritual growth and the quality of our lives. In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us “do not be afraid any longer" - but how do we do that? How do we end fear, or at least bring it under control? If you, or someone you know would like to hear more about how our Catholic Faith can be an antidote to fear, 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, 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 RCIA contact at 732-764-0264.
If we were to evaluate the principles governing our culture, we would likely concur that they are overly materialistic. We are people with a passion for things. The primary agenda for many of us is to be a consumer. The real "spiritual problem" is not that we are consumers, but that we have learned to identify with our possessions; our self-esteem is associated with what we own. We buy more and more in hopes of elevating our status in our own eyes and in the eyes of others. We compare what we have with what others have. Jesus teaches that effective living means living authentically. He tells us that an enriched life is living up, as best we can, to our God-given potential. If you, or anyone you know, would like to hear more about how Jesus helps us to come to terms with our true essence as human beings, 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, the Catholic Faith. 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 RCIA contact at 732-764-0264.
RCIA Reflections
Is following Jesus Always Peaceful?
People are in need of comfort when facing illness, loss of a loved one, or some other misfortune. Many Christians affirm that religion is one of their greatest comforts in life. But we Christians ought never to expect that discipleship makes life "comfortable" and easy. To follow Jesus is to carry significant responsibilities, and to risk being misunderstood. Are you feeling "uncomfortable" about inviting someone who seems to be searching for God, for Jesus, for spiritual development? Take the risk - invite them to join us at an Inquiry Session. Inquiry sessions DO NOT assume a commitment to join 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. For more info, call our RCIA contact at 732-764-0264.RCIA
Reflection: 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time
We are all made equal in that no one is blessed with a problem-free life. Where we differ is in the kinds of problems we have, and especially in how we face our problems. Jesus' teachings provide directives for a more aggressive approach to life's challenges. If you, or anyone you know, would like to hear more about how Jesus' teachings help us to deal with the problems in our lives, 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, the Catholic Faith. 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 RCIA contact at 732-764-0264.
"Life is what you make it" because life is fundamentally the result of choices we make. There are many circumstances in life over which we have no control, but how we allow circumstances to affect us is also a matter of our own choosing; we make or break ourselves by the attitudes and perceptions we choose to maintain. Making choices among many good options is always easier if we are clear about our priorities. What really counts in life? What really matters? In the long run what better serves our development and happiness? On our deathbed, what will we repent not having done? If you, or someone you know would like to hear more about how our Catholic faith family helps us to answer those questions and set priorities in favor of enhanced living, 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, 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 RCIA contact at 732-764-0264.
15th Sunday of Ordinary Time Are You Willing to Take a Risk?
Jesus' message is very simple - everlasting life is ours - if we are willing to take the risk of sharing our love. Our world tells us that love must be selective and carefully parceled out - after all, we have only so much to give. It is easy to confess love for "mankind" in general - but not so easy to love individuals, especially "certain" individuals, specifically. Jesus teaches us that anyone who needs our love is our neighbor. Isn't there someone in your world - home, family, work, school, neighborhood, acquaintance, whom you can love enough to invite to hear more about Jesus and His message of love and the Catholic Faith Family whose mission it is to live out Jesus' love? We invite you and your "neighbor" to an RCIA 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, the Catholic Faith. All who are unbaptized, baptized into another Christian denomination, or baptized Catholic but have never received BOTH sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist are invited. For more information, call our parish RCIA contact at 732-764- 0264.
RCIA Reflection: 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time
For Mature Adults Only
Catholic Christians are called and empowered by our baptism to be disciples of Jesus. Jesus calls us to take our spiritual development seriously and embark on our spiritual journey from an adult perspective. This usually entails forsaking many sentimental ideas about religion we may have picked up in our training as children. Many of us may look upon God, for example, as a "sugar daddy" in the sky, and become angry and disillusioned with religion when God doesn't give us everything we want. If you, or anyone you know, would like to hear more about the Catholic Faith Family from a mature, adult perspective, 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, the Catholic Faith. 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.
RCIA Reflection for January 6, 2019
Gifts and Talents Needed
The pagan magi followed a magical star that led them to the newborn Christ child. On this feast of Epiphany, which means God's self-revelation, we are called to join them in bringing our gifts and talents to Jesus in the hope that he will use them for the common good, the kingdom of God. Those of us who have accepted Jesus as the light must also accept discipleship which means carrying that light to others...being the magical "star" that leads others to Christ. If you know someone who wishes to walk out of that darkness, invite him/ her toa RCIA 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, 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, contact us at 732-764-0264.
RCIA Reflection for December 30, 2018
An Offer of Companionship
Each of us knows, in a way perhaps unique to ourselves, what it is to feel alone. Luke tells us this week that Mary "went with haste" to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Did Mary feel alone with the burden of the Annunciation? Did she have a need to confide in someone? Did she ask herself who will believe what the angel had told her and what she had consented to do? For many people, the atmosphere of Christmas preparations intensifies feelings of loneliness. That sense of Mary’s loneliness makes us echo the Magnificat. God did wonderful things for her and for Elizabeth...and for us too. Do you know someone who seeks the companionship of a faith family as Mary sought the companionship of Elizabeth? Do you know someone who needs the comfort of the Magnificat... that in our need, God also cares for us? Are you uncomfortable inviting them to the Catholic Faith? Then invite them to ask questions ata RCIA inquiry session where they will learn more about the Catholic Faith. No commitments are required - just inquiries. For more information, contact us at 732-764- 0264.
RCIA Reflection: for December 16, 2018
What Are You Looking For?
Today's gospel offers an interesting exchange between John the Baptist and the multitudes who have come out to hear him. Who are these people? What are they looking for? They are ordinary people, looking for words of comfort, searching for answers to the riddles of life, hoping to find joy in the midst of everyday hassles. They are inquirers. John tells them about the one who is coming who will bringa peace beyond anything they can understand. If you know someone who is searching, like those early inquirers in today's gospel, invite them to a RCIA 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, 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.
RCIA Reflection for December 9, 2018
Finding Hope Amid All of the Chaos
The scriptures of the entire Advent season are filled with messages of hope. They're meant to help us realize that no matter how bleak and difficult and discouraging things may be, no matter how unchanged the dark things of life are, there'sreason to keep on going. Jesus Christ, in whom rests "the hopes and fears of all the years," is with us, and he is the source from which hope is drawn. If you or someone you know would like to hear more about Jesus and the hope that he is to us, 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, 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, contact our parish RCIA Ministry Leader at 732-764- 0264.
RCIA Reflection for December 2, 2018
Improving Our Quality of Life
Most bookstores today have substantial inventories of material dedicated to self-improvement. It is apparent that many people are searching for ways to live a better quality of life. There are many proposals for bringing this about. Jesus, also, was concerned with improving the quality of our lives. He came to bring us a formula for enhanced living. Asa preparation for Christmas, if you, or someone you know would like to hear more about Jesus and the formula for enhanced living that he gave to us, 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, 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, contact us at 732-764-0264
RCIA Reflection:for November 25, 2018
How to Make Your Dreams Come True
In the beginning, when God created the world, everything was in harmony and peace...and it was good. Sin disrupted the harmony andthe peace. But God loved us so much that the dream never ended. God became man and walked among us so that the harmony and peace could be restored. Jesus gave us God's dream. Jesus showed us what we could become. Next week, Advent begins. As a preparation for Christmas, if you, or someone you know would like to hear more about Jesus and the vision he gave to us, 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, 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 info, call our parish RCIA contact at 732-764- 0264.
RCIA Reflection for November 11, 2018
How much do you know about securities?
Jesus, who made the total offering of his life, reminds us that all life is a gift from God and that all life should be offered back to God. Jesus challenges us to look at how distracted we are by material matters that pertain more to our abundance than to our real needs. He reminds us that our real need is for God. No matter how much we have, we do not have final ultimate security. God alone is our security and our future. Jesus tells us that,in the end, where we have placed our trust will determine how well we face the moment that unseats our securities and tests who we are. If you, or someone you know would like to hear more about Jesus and placing our trust in God, 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, 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 info, call our parish RCIA contact at 732-764- 0264.
RCIA Reflection for November 4, 2018
Learning to Measure Correctly
Our society truly believes it has arrived by its successes in measuring and weighing everything and everyone. We are confident we have experienced the worst hurricane ever recorded; density of clouds can be measured; intelligence can be recorded by numbers; professional athletes can be traded because of a variation in their measurements. We seem to need to measure almost every individual experience or observation against some norm or standard. Jesus gives us a norm, a measurement, a standard by which to live. Christ presents an interrelationship of the love of God, and the love of self and others, as the most important measurement of life. If you, or someone you know would like to hear more about Jesus and about the norms and measurements that he extends to us, 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, 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 info, call our parish RCIA contact at 732-764-0264.
RCIA Reflection for October 28, 2018
Treating the Pain of Separation
Among loved ones, perhaps no word contains more sadness than the word "separation." When someone we love is away, we begin to miss that person almost immediately. Even death is the final separation. Jesus came to tell us that, in him, any painful situation is temporary and will pass away, but the joy and security found in God are eternal. He calls us to entrust ourselves to God to bring together all the fragments of friendships and separations of our lives. If you, or someone you know would like to hear more about Jesus and about the promises he extends to us, 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, the Catholic Faith. 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 info, call our parish RCIA contact at 732-764-0264.
RCIA Reflection October 21, 2018
Why Suffer?
Without Jesus, we are at a loss for meaning in the midst of suffering in our family and the human family throughout the world. Jesus teaches us that suffering does have meaning and value that extends far beyond oneself. We all have our own particular pain and suffering. Even though, at times, it seems difficult, Jesus brings us the hope that new life can come from pain. If you, or someone you know would like to hear more about Jesus and about the hope he extends to us, 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. 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 info, call our parish RCIA contact at 732-764-0264.
October 14, 2018
Looking for Security? If we were to make a list of what would make us happy, we might include a number of very good and beneficial things: health, good family relationships, material resources, peace of mind, etc. So often those things become a source of security for us. As a matter of fact, those around us may tell us that "having it all" makes for happiness. Jesus invites us to follow him and find a new source of security. Jesus tells us that through him we can receive a new security in our relationship to God and a new treasure in being part of a community of Jesus' followers. If you or someone you know would like to hear more about Jesus and about his promises, we invite you to join us at an inquiry session. 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.
October 7, 2018
Where is that Promised Land?
Scripture tells us that in the beginning, God created a new and pure world, a world of harmony and love. Deep in the human heart is the longing for that world of harmony and love to be restored. Jesus came to remind us of that perfection. Again and again, he presents to us the image of God's reign - a place without divisions and separations between people. If you, or someone you know would like to hear more about Jesus and about his image of God's reign, 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, 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
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 throughout 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.