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 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.