God of timeless grace, Saint Joseph Church - No. Plainfield you fill us with joyful expectation. Make us ready for the message that prepares the way, that with uprightness of heart and holy joy we may eagerly await the kingdom of your Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Blessed Advent! As we begin a new liturgical year this weekend, I am happy to welcome a new member of our parish leadership team. Bishop Checchio has assigned Deacon Walter Maksimik to St. Mary’s, effective immediately. I also welcome to the parish, Walter’s wife Loretta.

I have known Walter for 30 years, since my days as pastor of Our Lady of the Mount Parish in Warren. Walter was ordained to the diaconate in May 1996 (he was a classmate of our own Henry Albert) and has served in Our Lady of the Mount Parish and, most recently, St. Andrew Parish in Avenel. He and Loretta live in Warren. I can attest firsthand to Walter’s humility, gentleness, and deep spirituality. I have no doubt that he will be a wonderful addition to our parish.

Advent is an excellent time to refresh one’s relationship with Almighty God. I invite you, then, to consider the following opportunities to be spiritually restored and renewed through the Sacrament of Penance.

• On the remaining Saturday mornings of Advent (Dec. 7, 14, and 21), I will be hearing confessions from 11:00 am to Noon in the church. There will also be the regular opportunity for the sacrament (3:00 to 3:45) on those Saturday afternoons.
• On Wednesday, December 11, our parish will host an Advent Penance Service along with the parishes of St. Joseph, North Plainfield; St. Luke, North Plainfield; and St. John the Evangelist, Dunellen. The Service starts at 7 pm and there will be a number of confessors available.
• On Tuesday, December 10, our neighbor, Our Lady of the Mount Parish, will have their own penance service, beginning at 7 pm.

My prayerful good wishes for the week ahead and for this new Year of Grace. Please remember to pray for me.



Msgr. Benwell