More Good News

Parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle in Sandyston welcomed Bishop Sweeney during his visit to the Sussex County parish on Jan. 17. During the visit, the Bishop marked the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. He also celebrated his birthday at the parish Sunday after Mass.

Bishop Sweeney made a pastoral visit to St. James the Greater Church in Montague Jan. 17 where he celebrated Mass marking the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. On that day, the Bishop also marked his birthday and received birthday wishes from the parishioners.

Bishop Sweeney made a pastoral visit to Bethlehem Hermitage in Chester last week where he celebrated Mass for the hermits and visitors in the chapel.

The Paterson Diocese announced plans for an observance of the Year of St. Joseph — part of celebrations of the saint that are taking place throughout the Universal Church by decree of Pope Francis — with a wide array of devotions and activities until the conclusion of world-wide celebrations in December. These activities and events — to take place on the diocesan, parish, and personal levels — will give local Catholics numerous opportunities to honor and become inspired by the faithful example of St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus.

After looking back at its rich legacy made of faith, stone, and heart that predates the Civil War for its 175th anniversary last year, St. Mary Parish here began 2021 looking toward its next era. It began with two events on Jan. 16: the installation Mass for Father Lemmuel Camacho as its pastor and the dedication of a shrine to St. Joseph and Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be beatified in the Church.