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Pastor's Vision
As we near September and the unofficial beginning of the parish year, I want to share with you a continued vision I have for St. Mary’s in the year ahead. I believe it will help us to continue growing as a community of faith (so important in the world today), foster a deeper encounter with the Lord
Jesus, and provide opportunities to make new friendships.In October, the parish will be offering our once-a-month evening gatherings which include a meal, the opportunity to learn about our Catholic Christian faith, and the chance to share with others and to be inspired by their faith stories. Recently, in the bulletin, participants from last year's gatherings have been sharing their experiences. I pray that these inspire you to come and join us this year. I have personally benefited and enjoyed being present at these gatherings.
Our first gathering will be Tuesday, October 8, at 6:45 PM.
SIGN UP TODAY!
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Topics and ScheduleMeal – Video teaching - Small Table Discussion
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Tuesday Evenings 6:45-8:30 pm
October 8
Called to Share Christ
November 12
Befriending Others
December 10
Sharing Your Story
January 14
The Power to Share Christ
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Tuesday Evenings6:45-8:30 pm
February 11
Presenting the Good News
March 11
Inviting Others to Meet Jesus
April 8
The Heart of the Disciple
Saturday - May 10
RetreatSIGN UP HERE!
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enjoy the witness story below from last year's program:
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Dave's Why?
Dave's Story
My wife and I have been parishioners at St. Mary’s since 2005. We had moved to Green Brook and we quickly tired of commuting back to our parish in Summit, and found that St. Mary's was an easy, convenient alternative.
After some time, I was encouraged to re-activate my 3rd Degree in the Knights of Columbus chapter at St. Mary’s and that led to meeting a number of new friends in the Knights, taking part in service projects, supporting various charitable activities, and brought me in contact with Darrin Nelson, who was the new faith formation director working on building fellowship in the parish.
It wasn't long after, that I learned about the Parish Monthly Gatherings and the Christ Life program. That led to becoming part of the Be My Witness program, first as a bench-warmer and then as a discussion leader.
More importantly it introduced me to a growing number of like-minded people, who were seeking to grow in their faith by learning more about God's plan for their lives through faith In Jesus.
I am now committed to supporting the St. Mary’s Parish Monthly Gatherings as a team member and look forward to meeting the new, curious participants who wonder if there might just be something in the program
for them.
Why not come and see? Dave Tucker
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valerie's why?
Valerie's Story
Having a witness can almost certainly secure the validity of a court case.
When it comes to proving how St. Mary’s Parish Monthly Gatherings, can impact
your faith life, I am your witness.
I am your witness to the fact that I have developed a deeper relationship with
fellow parishioners who have also attended the Parish Gatherings.
I am your witness to the fact that by hearing about others’ encounters with Christ,
I am more confident in my faith.
I am your witness to the fact that by reflecting on scripture passages with others, I
have developed a more tuned ear to what the Lord is saying to me.
And I am your witness to the fact that by participating in the St. Mary’s Parish
Monthly Gatherings, I am inspired to stand up and say, “I am your witness”.
Please join us.
Valerie DeVito
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Karen's Why?
Karen's Story
When I am on vacation, alone, anxious, and scared in a strange house, I pray for a while but still feel restless as I doze on and off through the night.
But then, around 5:30 am, I AM shows up. He
whispers to me “I AM the law”, “I AM your protection”, “I AM with you”. I suddenly feel an overwhelming calm and peace. Having wanted to sleep, I realized that I didn’t need to. My Savior is giving me the energy I need even without good sleep. It is a blessing and a
gift to know Jesus.
This is why in order to keep moving forward in my walk with God, I said yes to attend the Christlife Parish Monthly Gatherings. Although I already know Him and love Him, I long to learn how to serve Him better. To hear His Word in Scripture and discuss it with my faith
family at St. Mary’s; to receive guidance and continue to grow in my zeal for Christ.
I hope to see you there. - Karen Coppola
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Mary Lou Why?
Mary Lou's Panzano Story
during mass. I missed the first one, but Monsignor Benwell encouraged parishioners to sign up anyway. So, I did.Not knowing what to expect, I felt welcomed, safe, and supported, and I met parishioners I would see at mass but didn’t really know.
We enjoyed a meal, prayed together, watched an inspiring and educational video, and shared
reflections. I left the gathering feeling happier, lighter, and more hopeful. The experience was so enriching that I encouraged my husband to go.
The gatherings enable us to expand and deepen our relationships with Jesus, make new friends, and engage with people of faith. We have since received many blessings that have enriched our lives -- so much so that we are now on the organizing team.As I think about it, Jesus often gathered people to share a meal, pray together, teach, share with one another, and build a community of faithful people.
The gatherings are fun, reflective, and inspiring, and are sure to leave you feeling happier, lighter, and more hopeful, too. - Mary Lou
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Mary Spiteri's why?
Mary's Story
What Mary has to say: I have participated in the Discovering Christ, Following Christ and Sharing Christ St. Mary’s Parish Monthly Gatherings for the past 3 years and it has enriched my life so much. It has increased my faith and taught me more about my Catholic religion. I now spend more time praying and talking to God. I have made lasting friendships. Now when I attend Mass, I am not just checking off a box. I am sharing my faith with others I know. I was asked to read at one of the retreat days, which led to me becoming a lector at Mass. When I heard that there was a need for Eucharistic Ministers, I volunteered. It is such an honor to participate in the Mass. I enjoy it so much. If you desire to deepen your faith, or are curious about the program, please do yourself a favor and attend a meeting. It can lead to wonderful things. - Mary Spiteri
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Diane Curran's Why?
Diane's Story
While attending the St. Mary monthly “Following Christ” Parish Gatherings, I
engaged in conversation and parish comradery.After viewing a short video, we all
enjoyed a meal together followed by a discussion of the video presentation.
I would never have made the friends and acquaintances that I did, had I not
attended these parish gatherings.
I have also grown closer to Christ and have increased my faith by attending these
gatherings and I am certain that if you attend, you will too.
Diane Curran
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Bobbie Tozzi's Why?
Bobbie's Story
This will be my third year attending the St. Mary’s Parish Monthly Gatherings, all of which have supported me in my Journey of Faith. The monthly gatherings have made me grateful for the many things our parish does to enhance our spiritual development and community life. While I was watching the Olympics, I marveled at the ability of our youth and came to realize that they could not do what they do without commitment, practice, and perseverance. That is what our faith needs daily, as it is so easy to waiver. I found that the meetings, watching the videos, listening to the talks, and the discussions in groups have enabled me to stay focused. I especially enjoyed the session on Scripture. As time goes by, my understanding of the message they deliver is improving. MY personal Faith Journey has continued to grow with the help of the Lord and the wonderful people I have been connected to through these gatherings. The Fall program sounds very inviting.I look forward to the message and hope you will consider joining us, too. - Bobbie Tozzi
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Therese Moccia's Why?
Therese's Story
What Therese has to say:
Three years ago, I began participating in the Christlife monthly parish gatherings, hoping to enrich my faith, prayer life and join with fellow parishioners on our faith journeys.
God is good, and I can joyfully say that my desires
were fulfilled through my participation in these
gatherings.
A delicious, shared meal begins each session and time spent in small group tables encourages friendly conversations. A video presents excellent teaching material concerning our faith and our relationship with Jesus, with suggestions showing us how to witness our faith to others.The table discussions afford everyone the opportunity to share, ask questions and listen to others who are on their walk with Christ. We end with prayer and encouragement.
This will be my 3rd year signing up to participate in the Tuesday evening monthly parish gatherings. You may ask why? Didn’t I learn the message the first 2 times?
The answer is hidden in a Bible quote that has always filled me with great hope – “I make all things new.” God’s word speaks to me intimately, telling me that wherever HE is involved, and Jesus certainly is the center of the Christlife gatherings, ‘all things are new’--
My faith is bolstered
My prayer life continues to grow deeper
My relationships flourishThese are my reasons to begin a 3rd year in Christlife.
I’m looking forward to the “new” ways God will bless
me!!Therese Moccia
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Jeff Allen's why?Jeff's Story
This is the 2nd year that I have participated in St. Mary’s monthly Parish Gatherings. These evenings
are something that I really look forward to. The small group model has built wonderful relationships
through stimulating conversations and hearing about people’s faith journeys.
The topics presented in the videos are very enlightening and encourage active participant
discussion. During the videos, people take notes as they reflect on the topic and how it relates to their
lives. The topics presented really spark you to think about your relationship with God, your family,
and your friends. Usually, we do not have enough time to finish our conversations.
We all see things a little differently, and it is wonderful to hear where people are on their journeys
and how they interpret the topic of the evening. It is nice to have the opportunity to share your story
with others at your table.
With all the unrest in our country and in the world, it is nice to sit with other parishioners and have a
spiritual discussion. These discussions have really helped me become more connected with my
church; I have made many friendships that I treasure.
If you are interested in becoming more connected with your church community, I really recommend
that you give the St. Mary’s monthly Parish Gatherings a try; you will not be disappointed.
Jeff Allen
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