"A true lover of Christ and a diligent pursuer of virtue does not hunt after comforts, nor seek such sensible sweetness; but is rather willing to bear strong trials and hard labors for Christ." (Check out this website dedicated to St. Therese.)
St Mary's Spotlight: Therese
"A true lover of Christ and a diligent pursuer of virtue does not hunt after comforts, nor seek such sensible sweetness; but is rather willing to bear strong trials and hard labors for Christ." (Check out this website dedicated to St. Therese.)
Fr. Romanowski says, "We need more adorers to achieve Perpetual Adoration at St. Mary's. For this week we will begin on Wednesday after 7:00pm mass."Actually, we were impressed by the number of hours already covered. However there are more available. If you would like to see what hours are open and what might work with your personal schedule, please stop by the rectory or give Angela or Father Romanowski a call: 856-694-2576.
Remember, there is no greater privilege than being in the presence of our Eucharistic Lord. It is also the ideal setting in which to pray for the bishop's total conversion of heart, mind, and spirit; for the preservation of St. Mary's; for whatever personal intentions you may have; for the holy souls in Purgatory; and simply to praise and glorify Jesus Christ with your presence.
Spiritual reading is also appropriate in Our Lord's Eucharistic Presence. Catch up on your spiritual reading during Lent: Read the lives of the saints, bring your Bible, or try the beautiful Imitation of Christ. St. Therese of Lisiux's famous Story of a Soul is a favorite of many.
For your enjoyment, we would like to share the beautiful prayer of the Franciscan saint and cardinal, St. Bonaventure:
Prayer of St. Bonaventure (d.1274)
Pierce, O my sweet Lord Jesus, my inmost soul
with the most joyous and healthful wound of your love, with true serene and most
holy apostolic charity, that my soul may ever languish and melt with love and
longing for you, that it may yearn for you and faint for your courts, and long
to be dissolved and to be with you. Grant that my soul may hunger after
you, the bread of angels, the refreshment of holy souls, our daily and
supernatural bread, having all sweetness and savor and every delight of taste;
let my heart hunger after and feed upon you, upon whom the angels desire to
look, and may my inmost soul be filled with the sweetness of your savor; may it
ever thirst after you, the fountain of life, the fountain of wisdom and
knowledge, the fountain of eternal light, the torrent of pleasure, the richness
of the house of God; may it ever compass you, seek you, find you, run to you,
attain you, meditate upon you, speak of you and do all 
things to the praise and
glory of your name, with humility and discretion, with love and delight, with
ease and affection, and with perseverance unto the end; may you alone be ever my
hope, my entire assistance, my riches, my delight, my pleasure, my joy, my rest
and tranquility, my peace, my sweetness, my fragrance, my sweet savor, my food,
my refreshment, my refuge, my help, my wisdom, my portion, my possession and my
treasure, in whom may my mind and my heart be fixed and firm and rooted
immovably, henceforth and forever. Amen.
Or: Bishop Galante & Company Realty,
the Religious Entity Formerly Known as,
"The Diocese of Camden"
the Religious Entity Formerly Known as,
"The Diocese of Camden"
Not so long ago, we were informed that the St. Padre Pio Shrine over in Landisville, which is a shrine erected on family property as an act of devotion by private citizens and not by the diocese, was turned over to the Diocese of Camden.
View Larger Map
As many of you are probably aware, lay Catholics have been erecting shrines, altars, and even chapels on their farms, in their homes, in their yards, on roadways, and elsewhere as long as the Catholic Church has existed. These private devotional areas have not typically been under the purview of the Church. This is nothing new. (link, link, link, link, great link)
Continuing in this ancient tradition, we could walk or drive down a residential street in just about any town in America and find statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Blessed Mother, St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Jude, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, heavenly angels, you name it.
In the case of my own neighbors, they have a shrine on a small hill in honor of St. Jude. This little shrine in their backyard was erected in thanksgiving. When the mother (and family matriarch) got sick with cancer, one of her daughters prayed for the intercession of St. Jude, saint of hopeless causes, in the hope of a cure. When the mother got well, seemingly miraculously, the daughter kept her promise to St. Jude that she would erect a shrine to his honor.
Since we had a little snow today, there's some glare
in this photo. In the spring they plant flowers on
the hill and it looks quite nice. To the right is
the driveway, to the left the rest of our backyards.
in this photo. In the spring they plant flowers on
the hill and it looks quite nice. To the right is
the driveway, to the left the rest of our backyards.
Here's another interesting little story about this family. The same daughter, whose first name is Rita, was thus named in thanksgiving to St. Rita. While fighting in World War II, her father was saved from gunshot by crouching behind a statue of St. Rita. He promised that if ever he had a daughter, she would have the honor of receiving this saint's blessed name.
When we thought of privately constructed shrines, strangely enough, what came to our minds was the "Chapel of Peace" located in Storybook Land in EHT. You may remember the 18 by 20 foot "Chapel of Peace" there and never gave it a second thought.
It was originally located in Vineland. It was built on private property (a farm) in 1885 by eighteen-year-old Andrew Cresci as a gift to his parents. It has a pipe organ inside, lovely stained glass windows, and mass was said there regularly.
According to the posted history, this chapel was never diocesan property. Eventually the chapel, along with a couple other small, historical buildings, was relocated to Storybook Land.
Undoubtedly many of you are familiar with other shrines and chapels whose stories are similar.
The point is, why is it that because a layperson or group of laypersons erects a shrine on private property, our current bishop feels that he has the right to it? Are all things Catholic now subject to "eminent domain?" Look out if your property is in a particularly desirable area. Worse still if he sees it as prime territory for one of his Quatholic McMegaChurches.
A question remains in our minds: If the elderly woman who helped build the Padre Pio Shrine had instead decided to open a pizza place, would Bishop Galante and Company have felt as easy approaching her for the "donation" of her property? Probably not.
Given the abundance of real estate wheelings and dealings and corporate ventures in which the Diocese of Camden has gotten itself involved, it seems that Galante and Company are now in the business of gobbling up not only churches but also private property to which they believe they have a right. This increasing corporatization of the Church leaves us with a very uneasy feeling. We are to be the Pilgrim Church on Earth, in the world and not of it. But perhaps those sentiments need only apply to the laity.
But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that
believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should
be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in
the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of scandals. For
it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless
woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh.
Matthew 18:6-7
believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should
be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in
the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of scandals. For
it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless
woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh.
Matthew 18:6-7
Please email us at info@savestmarys.net if you would like your name added to the petition. Thank you and God bless you!
I always made an effort to stress that the parish is not an accidental collection of Christians who happen tolive in the same neighborhood...Through careful listening to the word of Scripture and sound instruction in the faith they are enabled to experience their lives, and the life of the parish, as a dynamic sharing in the history of salvation. That experience, in turn, becomes a powerful motive for evangelization.
-Pope John Paul II (1998)
We, the undersigned, strenuously object to the closing and merging of St. Mary's in Malaga and all other vibrant, viable parishes within the Diocese of Camden. In addition to providing the Sacraments and fostering out spiritual growth, our parishes have many active groups providing spiritual and material assistance to those in need in our communities. Closing and merging parishes in our neighborhoods is not only unnecessary and devastating to the parishioners, but it is also detrimental to many communities within the Diocese of Camden. Furthermore, we vigorously oppose the sale and future use of church properties for anything but that for which they were originally intended--the Catholic Christian worship of God. We pray you will reconsider your actions and reverse this decision.
NAME TOWN
|
1 |
Al DeValerio |
Newfield |
|
2 |
Alberta Winkler |
N. Vineland |
|
3 |
Alex Benarba |
Clayton |
|
4 |
Alexia Farside |
Vineland |
|
5 |
Alexis Ramos |
Malaga |
|
6 |
Alice Obert |
Clayton |
|
7 |
Alicia Rivera |
Clayton |
|
8 |
Allen Kerski |
Clayton |
|
9 |
Allison Sieminski |
Glassboro |
|
10 |
Alysha Chambers |
Elmer |
|
11 |
Amanda Bosco |
Malaga |
|
12 |
Amanda Kelleher |
Newfield |
|
13 |
Amanda Rippel |
Frankinville |
|
14 |
Amee Muller |
Clayton |
|
15 |
Amy Chamberlin |
Franklinville |
|
16 |
Amy Ryan |
Clayton |
|
17 |
Ana Sales |
Williamstown |
|
18 |
Andrea Craig |
Clayton |
|
19 |
Andrea Marcellina |
Williamstown |
|
20 |
Andrew E. Kilroy |
Malaga |
|
21 |
Andrew J. Moore |
Clayton |
|
22 |
Andrew J. Moore, Sr. |
Clayton |
|
23 |
Andrew Kasper |
Clayton |
|
24 |
Andrew Nelson |
Clayton |
|
25 |
Andrew Schifano |
Colts Neck |
|
26 |
Andrew Vassallo |
Newfield |
|
27 |
Angel DeMaro |
Glassboro |
|
28 |
Angel Gaull |
Clayton |
|
29 |
Angel Lugo |
Clayton |
|
30 |
Angela Gaull |
Clayton |
|
31 |
Angela Ledzinski |
Clayton |
|
32 |
Angelina Rutkowski |
Elm |
|
33 |
Ann Waldman |
Clayton |
|
34 |
Anna Chamberlin |
Franklinville |
|
35 |
Anna Mackewick |
Clayton |
|
36 |
Anne Bauer |
Clayton |
|
37 |
Anne Hercy |
Williamstown |
|
38 |
Anne Teta |
Clayton |
|
39 |
Annette Rumph |
Clayton |
|
40 |
Annie Brunner |
Clayton |
|
41 |
Anthony DelPalazzo |
Voorhees |
|
42 |
Anthony M. Colache |
Williamstown |
|
43 |
Anthony Rizzo |
Newfield |
|
44 |
Anthony Roman |
Franklinville |
|
45 |
Anthony Yoworsky |
Clayton |
|
46 |
Anthony Ramos |
Malaga |
|
47 |
Antoinette Boylan |
Clayton |
|
48 |
Aracelis Acosta |
Clayton |
|
49 |
Ashley Lehman |
Franklinville |
|
50 |
Ashley Preine |
Franklinville |
|
51 |
B.T. Lilimore |
Pittsgrove |
|
52 |
Barb Liescko |
Pittsgrove |
|
53 |
Barbara Ann McCann |
Pittsgrove |
|
54 |
Barbara Carrigan |
Williamstown |
|
55 |
Barbara DeValerio |
Newfield |
|
56 |
Barbara Sage |
Clayton |
|
57 |
Benancio Espinal |
Clayton |
|
58 |
Bernie Blatt |
Forest Grove |
|
59 |
Betty Fischer |
Malaga |
|
60 |
Beverly Stiner |
Clayton |
|
61 |
Bill Boeckle |
Glassboro |
|
62 |
Bill Cipollone |
Malaga |
|
63 |
Bill Dalessandro |
Malaga |
|
64 |
Bill Laner |
Franklinville |
|
65 |
Bill Roberts |
Clayton |
|
66 |
Billy Cipollone |
Malaga |
|
67 |
Bob Raymond |
Clayton |
|
68 |
Brad Pantaleo |
Malaga |
|
69 |
Bradley Smith |
Franklinville |
|
70 |
Brandon Maynor |
Millville |
|
71 |
Brendan Kirby |
Clayton |
|
72 |
Brian Dean |
Monroeville |
|
73 |
Brian Dtari |
Clayton |
|
74 |
Brian Schifano |
Colts Neck |
|
75 |
Brittney Shaw |
Clayton |
|
76 |
Bryan Burkert |
Franklinville |
|
77 |
Buddy Craig |
Franklinville |
|
78 |
C. Daugherty |
Malaga |
|
79 |
Caitlin Brandon |
Mantua |
|
80 |
Cara Esposito |
Clayton |
|
81 |
Carleigh Gallardo |
Pittsgrove |
|
82 |
Carlo Profico |
Clayton |
|
83 |
Carmella Castelli |
Malaga |
|
84 |
Carole Trace |
Malaga |
|
85 |
Carolyn H. Gant |
Franklinville |
|
86 |
Casey Flory |
Clayton |
|
87 |
Cathy Culle |
Clayton |
|
88 |
Cecelia Trace |
Malaga |
|
89 |
Charles Chamberlin |
Franklinville |
|
90 |
Charles Schifano |
Colts Neck |
|
91 |
Charles Zanetich |
Clayton |
|
92 |
Charlie Bosco |
Malaga |
|
93 |
Chelsea Cossaboon |
Newfield |
|
94 |
Cherisse Watson |
Clayton |
|
95 |
Cheryl O'Hara |
Clayton |
|
96 |
Chris Colache |
Williamstown |
|
97 |
Chris Godfrey |
Pitman |
|
98 |
Christopher C. Sever |
Clayton |
|
99 |
Christopher Russell |
Clayton |
|
100 |
Christopher Senor |
Franklinville |
|
101 |
Chuck Esposito |
Clayton |
|
102 |
Chuck Grinnell |
Clayton |
|
103 |
Cindy Burgess |
Franklinville |
|
104 |
Cletus S. Beckel |
Pittsgrove |
|
105 |
Clifford Taylor |
Malaga |
|
106 |
Colleen Kohn |
Clayton |
|
107 |
Confesora Caban |
Clayton |
|
108 |
Corie Brandon |
Mantua |
|
109 |
Courtney McHale |
Mullica Hill |
|
110 |
Cynthia Merckx |
Malaga |
|
111 |
Cynthia Trasferini |
Malaga |
|
112 |
Cynthia Hetzler |
Sewell |
|
113 |
D.L. Marion |
Turnersville |
|
114 |
Dakoda Maynor |
Millville |
|
115 |
Damien Colache |
Clayton |
|
116 |
Dan Sommeling |
Clayton |
|
117 |
Dan Vassallo |
Malaga |
|
118 |
Danali Young |
Clayton |
|
119 |
Daniel Oyola |
Clayton |
|
120 |
Daniel Ramos |
Malaga |
|
121 |
Danielle Chamberlin |
Clayton |
|
122 |
Danielle McCord |
Clayton |
|
123 |
Danielle Pantaleo |
Malaga |
|
124 |
Danny Farside |
Vineland |
|
125 |
Dante Colache |
Williamstown |
|
126 |
Dave O'Brien |
Pittsgrove |
|
127 |
David Dowonta |
Clayton |
|
128 |
David Hughes |
Clayton |
|
129 |
Dawn M. Meyers |
Clayton |
|
130 |
Deb Ragone |
Clayton |
|
131 |
Debbie Iuliucci |
Malaga |
|
132 |
Debbie Sauer |
Clayton |
|
133 |
Deborah Luchay |
Mullica Hill |
|
134 |
Deborah Lugo |
Clayton |
|
135 |
Deborah Zanetich |
Clayton |
|
136 |
Debra A. Dougherty |
Newfield |
|
137 |
Denise Battle |
Clayton |
|
138 |
Denise Brandon |
Mantua |
|
139 |
Denise Miller |
Clayton |
|
140 |
Denise Morton |
Clayton |
|
141 |
Denise Shaw |
Clayton |
|
142 |
Dennis Zanetich |
Clayton |
|
143 |
Derek Flory |
Clayton |
|
144 |
Diane Hitzelberger |
Clayton |
|
145 |
Diane Trace |
Malaga |
|
146 |
Diane Vassallo |
Newfield |
|
147 |
Dick Hughes |
Clayton |
|
148 |
Dino Atencio |
Clayton |
|
149 |
Dino DiCastelano |
Franklinville |
|
150 |
Dolores Lafferty |
Malaga |
|
151 |
Dolores Pfeuffer |
Erial |
|
152 |
Dolores Podsiadlo |
Elmer |
|
153 |
Dom DiPetro |
Glassboro |
|
154 |
Domenic Russo |
Clayton |
|
155 |
Domenica Trace |
Malaga |
|
156 |
Donald Keppen |
Clayton |
|
157 |
Donna Andrea |
Clayton |
|
158 |
Donna Kirby |
Clayton |
|
159 |
Donna Wilson |
Malaga |
|
160 |
Doris DeMatteo |
Malaga |
|
161 |
Doris Ruppel |
Malaga |
|
162 |
Dorothea Bosco |
Clayton |
|
163 |
Dorothy Erwin |
Clayton |
|
164 |
Dorothy Horady |
Franklinville |
|
165 |
Doug Ramos |
Malaga |
|
166 |
E.T. Selinger |
Clayton |
|
167 |
Earl L. Prous |
Williamstown |
|
168 |
Edward Mackewick |
Clayton |
|
169 |
Edward Wisowaty |
Clayton |
|
170 |
Eileen Scholl |
Franklinville |
|
171 |
Eleanor Donato |
Vineland |
|
172 |
Elesio Vianlargo |
Clayton |
|
173 |
Emil Lettica |
Clayton |
|
174 |
Emilie O'Hara |
Clayton |
|
175 |
Emily Atkinson |
Sicklerville |
|
176 |
Enrique Caban |
Clayton |
|
177 |
Eric Barrett |
Clayton |
|
178 |
Erika Zaruba |
Franklinville |
|
179 |
Ethel A. Pozzi |
Clayton |
|
180 |
Ethel DeFeo |
Malaga |
|
181 |
Eugene Melnyk |
Franklinville |
|
182 |
Evelyn M. Acevedo |
Vineland |
|
183 |
Feyance Previtt |
Clayton |
|
184 |
Fr. Jerome Romanowski |
Malaga |
|
185 |
Fran Emmons |
Franklinville |
|
186 |
Fran Schultz |
Malaga |
|
187 |
Fran Zeilman |
Malaga |
|
188 |
Francine Repice |
Malaga |
|
189 |
Francis Kelley Heiland |
Hammonton |
|
190 |
Frank DiCicco |
Clayton |
|
191 |
Frank Obert |
Clayton |
|
192 |
Frank Richer |
Newfield |
|
193 |
Franny Papiano |
Malaga |
|
194 |
Fred Ronzo |
Williamstown |
|
195 |
Frederick H. Blauth |
Vineland |
|
196 |
G. E. Brusizaker |
Clayton |
|
197 |
G. J. Swanson |
Clayton |
|
198 |
G. T. Swanson |
Clayton |
|
199 |
Gabrielle Preine |
Mullica Hill |
|
200 |
Gail Perino |
Malaga |
|
201 |
Gary Eastlack |
Clayton |
|
202 |
Gary Smith |
Franklinville |
|
203 |
Gary Zanetich |
Clayton |
|
204 |
Gemma Vassallo |
Newfield |
|
205 |
Gene Melnik |
Bluebell |
|
206 |
George Steinfield |
Newfield |
|
207 |
Georgetta Bucci-Bruno |
Newfield |
|
208 |
Gina Bosco |
Malaga |
|
209 |
Gina Trasferini |
Malaga |
|
210 |
Glemin Fabey |
Clayton |
|
211 |
Glen Ruppel |
Franklinville |
|
212 |
Glen Scott Ruppel, Sr. |
Franklinville |
|
213 |
Glenn D. Moore |
Clayton |
|
214 |
Glenn O'Brien |
Pitman |
|
215 |
Grace Lawrence |
Clayton |
|
216 |
Grace Carlson |
Mt. Ephraim |
|
217 |
Greg Duva |
Hammonton |
|
218 |
Gregory Profico |
Clayton |
|
219 |
Gregory Sentz |
Newfield |
|
220 |
Haley Colache |
Clayton |
|
221 |
Hannah Flory |
Clayton |
|
222 |
Harold Sims |
Malaga |
|
223 |
Harry McGruray |
Franklinville |
|
224 |
Helen Durham |
Clayton |
|
225 |
Helen Kilroy |
Malaga |
|
226 |
Helen O'Hara |
Clayton |
|
227 |
Herb Pfeuffer |
Erial |
|
228 |
Holly A. Flory |
Clayton |
|
229 |
Holly Fabey |
Clayton |
|
230 |
Iesha Torreibeu |
Clayton |
|
231 |
Irene Mick |
Franklinville |
|
232 |
Isabel Furtan |
Clayton |
|
233 |
J. Jess |
Franklinville |
|
234 |
J. Wengert, Sr. |
Franklinville |
|
235 |
J.J. Ruppel, Sr. |
Malaga |
|
236 |
Jac-lyn Zeilman |
Malaga |
|
237 |
Jacob Keppen |
Clayton |
|
238 |
Jacqueline Hetzler |
Sewell |
|
239 |
Jake Baluch |
Clayton |
|
240 |
Jake Muller |
Clayton |
|
241 |
James A. Castrelli, Jr. |
Vineland |
|
242 |
James Castrelli |
Vineland |
|
243 |
James Chamberlin |
Franklinville |
|
244 |
James Kelleher |
Newfield |
|
245 |
James Sieminski |
Glassboro |
|
246 |
Jamie Smith |
Clayton |
|
247 |
Jane Bruno |
Clayton |
|
248 |
Janet Walker |
Bridgeton |
|
249 |
Janet Webekind |
Newfield |
|
250 |
Janice Bosco Tacka |
Palmyra, PA |
|
251 |
Janit Peilher |
Vineland |
|
252 |
Jared Pennisi |
Sewell |
|
253 |
Jason Lapin |
Clayton |
|
254 |
Jason Lipsett |
Clayton |
|
255 |
Jayme Zeilman |
Malaga |
|
256 |
Jean R. Liberto |
Blue Anchor |
|
257 |
Jean Wacker |
Clayton |
|
258 |
Jennifer Cipollone |
Malaga |
|
259 |
Jennifer Hetzler |
Newfield |
|
260 |
Jennifer Olsen |
Clayton |
|
261 |
Jennifer Rowedda |
Clayton |
|
262 |
Jerry DiCicco |
Clayton |
|
263 |
Jerry Velazquez |
Newfield |
|
264 |
Jessica Eastlack |
Clayton |
|
265 |
Jessica Kasper |
Clayton |
|
266 |
Jessica Kelleher |
Newfield |
|
267 |
Jessica Lincoln |
Clayton |
|
268 |
Jessica Parker |
Malaga |
|
269 |
Jessica Zeilman |
Malaga |
|
270 |
Jewel Sauder |
Clayton |
|
271 |
Jill Sommeling |
Clayton |
|
272 |
Jillian Fabey |
Clayton |
|
273 |
Jim Brown |
Clayton |
|
274 |
Jim Waterman |
Mullica Hill |
|
275 |
Joan Carrigan |
Williamstown |
|
276 |
Joan Goodwin |
Williamstown |
|
277 |
Joan Stone |
Malaga |
|
278 |
Joan Wokveck |
Clayton |
|
279 |
Jo-Ann Annie Zeilman |
Malaga |
|
280 |
JoAnn Betz |
Vineland |
|
281 |
Joann Halg |
Pittsgrove |
|
282 |
Joann Laner |
Franklinville |
|
283 |
JoAnn Mills |
Malaga |
|
284 |
Joann Young |
Clayton |
|
285 |
Jo-Ann Zeilman |
Malaga |
|
286 |
Joanna Vassallo |
Newfield |
|
287 |
Joanne Canken |
Clayton |
|
288 |
Joanne Esposito |
Clayton |
|
289 |
Joanne Ryan |
Clayton |
|
290 |
Jocelenn Zaya |
Vineland |
|
291 |
Jody Nelson |
Clayton |
|
292 |
Joe Bruno |
Clayton |
|
293 |
Joe Podsiadlo |
Elmer |
|
294 |
Joe Revelas |
Swedesboro |
|
295 |
Joe Sansalone |
Malaga |
|
296 |
Joe Young |
Clayton |
|
297 |
Joey Russo |
Clayton |
|
298 |
Johamil Salcedo |
Clayton |
|
299 |
Jo-hanna Zeilman |
Malaga |
|
300 |
John Bryozowski |
Malaga |
|
301 |
John Gravenor |
Malaga |
|
302 |
John Griffis |
Clayton |
|
303 |
John Hetzler |
Sewell |
|
304 |
John Jakymczuk |
Malaga |
|
305 |
John Morton |
Clayton |
|
306 |
John Sarill |
Clayton |
|
307 |
John Shaw |
Clayton |
|
308 |
John Tiffany |
Clayton |
|
309 |
John Trovati |
Clayton |
|
310 |
John-Anthony Hetzler |
Sewell |
|
311 |
Jon Lawrence |
Clayton |
|
312 |
Jonathan Shaw |
Clayton |
|
313 |
Jos. U. Dorys |
Newfield |
|
314 |
Jose Del Carmen Espinal |
Clayton |
|
315 |
Joseph Coleman |
Clayton |
|
316 |
Joseph Kelton |
Malaga |
|
317 |
Joseph Nardalli |
Franklinville |
|
318 |
Joseph P. Moffa |
Malaga |
|
319 |
Joseph Sparks |
Mullica Hill |
|
320 |
Josh Griffis |
Clayton |
|
321 |
Josh Parker |
Malaga |
|
322 |
Joshua DeQueter |
Clayton |
|
323 |
Joshua Vassallo |
Alloway |
|
324 |
Juan Oyola |
Clayton |
|
325 |
Juanda Fernandez |
Clayton |
|
326 |
Judith Pidgeon |
Wilmington, DE |
|
327 |
Judith Preine |
Pittsgrove |
|
328 |
Julia Hetzler |
Sewell |
|
329 |
Julia Roman |
Clayton |
|
330 |
Julia Trovati |
Clayton |
|
331 |
Juliana Sieminski |
Glassboro |
|
332 |
Julie DeMarchi Heiland |
Hammonton |
|
333 |
Julie Kirk |
Clayton |
|
334 |
Julie Lincoln |
Clayton |
|
335 |
June Cairone |
Malaga |
|
336 |
Justin Shaw |
Clayton |
|
337 |
Karen DeFrank |
Clayton |
|
338 |
Kat Roberts |
Clayton |
|
339 |
Kathie J. Ramos |
Malaga |
|
340 |
Kathleen Castelli |
Vineland |
|
341 |
Kathy DiStefano |
Sicklerville |
|
342 |
Kathy Mensinger |
Franklinville |
|
343 |
Katie Griffis |
Clayton |
|
344 |
Kellie Kasper |
Clayton |
|
345 |
Kenneth Zanetich |
Clayton |
|
346 |
Kevin Clinch |
Franklinville |
|
347 |
Kevin Kelton |
Malaga |
|
348 |
Kevin Lapin |
Clayton |
|
349 |
Kevin Pain |
Clayton |
|
350 |
Kristin Battestella |
Franklin Township |
|
351 |
L. M. Swanson |
Clayton |
|
352 |
Lance Knisely |
Malaga |
|
353 |
Lane McCord |
Clayton |
|
354 |
Larry Geltzer |
Margate |
|
355 |
Larry Storniola |
Franklinville |
|
356 |
Laura Camma-Resino |
Williamstown |
|
357 |
Laurel Fabey |
Clayton |
|
358 |
Laurie Lettica |
Clayton |
|
359 |
Leah Vassallo |
Malaga |
|
360 |
Len DeFrank |
Clayton |
|
361 |
Len Lapin |
Clayton |
|
362 |
Len Sarill |
Clayton |
|
363 |
Leonard Goodwin |
Williamstown |
|
364 |
Lesley Barrett |
Clayton |
|
365 |
Leslie McFall |
Franklinville |
|
366 |
Lily Kirby |
Clayton |
|
367 |
Linda Bryan |
Clayton |
|
368 |
Linda Persia |
Newfield |
|
369 |
Lisa Bekeshka |
Monroeville |
|
370 |
Lisa Eastlack |
Clayton |
|
371 |
Lisa Lugo |
Clayton |
|
372 |
Lisa Sauber |
Clayton |
|
373 |
Liz Ruggerie |
Clayton |
|
374 |
Loralie Kasper |
Clayton |
|
375 |
Lorenzo |
Haddonfield |
|
376 |
Loretta DiMeo |
Franklinville |
|
377 |
Lorraine Clapp |
Clayton |
|
378 |
Lou Anne Hughes |
Clayton |
|
379 |
Lou Brown |
Clayton |
|
380 |
Lou Kohn |
Clayton |
|
381 |
Lou Kohn, Jr. |
Clayton |
|
382 |
Lou Sgorlon |
Vineland |
|
383 |
Louis Cairone |
Malaga |
|
384 |
Louis Zanetich |
Clayton |
|
385 |
Lucy Davey |
Clayton |
|
386 |
Luis Oyola |
Clayton |
|
387 |
Luis Riviera |
Clayton |
|
388 |
Luis Riviera, Sr. |
Clayton |
|
389 |
Lydia Carrigan |
Williamstown |
|
390 |
Lynn Atkinson |
Millville |
|
391 |
M. Elaine Sware |
Clayton |
|
392 |
M. Geri |
Franklinville |
|
393 |
M. Metz |
Clayton |
|
394 |
Madeline Moffa |
Malaga |
|
395 |
Maegert Claro |
Clayton |
|
396 |
Manny Claro |
Clayton |
|
397 |
Manny Wokveck |
Clayton |
|
398 |
Marco A. Riviera |
Clayton |
|
399 |
Margaret Bryan |
Clayton |
|
400 |
Margaret Wallace |
Franklinville |
|
401 |
Marge Kirsch |
Clayton |
|
402 |
Marge Lapin |
Clayton |
|
403 |
Maria Bella |
Clayton |
|
404 |
Maria DiCicco |
Clayton |
|
405 |
Maria Espinal |
Clayton |
|
406 |
Maria Ronzo |
Williamstown |
|
407 |
Mariann Metz |
Clayton |
|
408 |
Marie Bancroft |
Malaga |
|
409 |
Marina L. Stewart |
Newfield |
|
410 |
Marisel Rivera |
Vineland |
|
411 |
Mark Atkinson |
Millville |
|
412 |
Mark Morton |
Clayton |
|
413 |
Mark Ramos |
Malaga |
|
414 |
Marlene Alston |
Clayton |
|
415 |
Marlene Castelli |
Malaga |
|
416 |
Martin Kelley |
Hammonton |
|
417 |
Mary Anne Sena |
Vineland |
|
418 |
Mary DeFeo |
Vineland |
|
419 |
Mary Ellen Waterman |
Mullica Hill |
|
420 |
Mary J. Quinn |
Monroeville |
|
421 |
Mary Johnson |
Franklinville |
|
422 |
Mary Marion |
Turnersville |
|
423 |
Mary Mignogna |
Blackwood |
|
424 |
Mary R. Colache |
Williamstown |
|
425 |
Mary R. Rabne |
Vineland |
|
426 |
Mary Sparks |
Mullica Hill |
|
427 |
Mary Velazquez |
Newfield |
|
428 |
Mary White |
Newfield |
|
429 |
Mary Yoworsky |
Clayton |
|
430 |
MaryAnn Fithian |
Franklinville |
|
431 |
Marybeth Boeckle |
Glassboro |
|
432 |
Marybeth Owens |
Clayton |
|
433 |
Matt Morton |
Clayton |
|
434 |
Maureen Butcher |
Pittsgrove |
|
435 |
Maureen Geri |
Franklinville |
|
436 |
Maureen Kelleher |
Newfield |
|
437 |
Maureen Starling |
Pittsgrove |
|
438 |
Maurice Young |
Clayton |
|
439 |
Megan McCauley |
Vineland |
|
440 |
Megan Pontano |
Sicklerville |
|
441 |
Megen C. Keury |
Clayton |
|
442 |
Melissa Holden |
|
|
443 |
Melnyk Family |
Franklinville |
|
444 |
Michael A. Cianchetti |
Elmer |
|
445 |
Michael Beer |
Clayton |
|
446 |
Michael Bryan |
Clayton |
|
447 |
Michael Chambers |
Elmer |
|
448 |
Michael Griffish |
Vineland |
|
449 |
Michael Jenkins |
Newfield |
|
450 |
Michael Kelton |
Malaga |
|
451 |
Michael Magliocco |
Newfield |
|
452 |
Michael McHale |
Mullica Hill |
|
453 |
Michael Menginger |
Franklinville |
|
454 |
Michael Pagano |
Millville |
|
455 |
Michael Sarill |
Clayton |
|
456 |
Michelle Boylan |
Clayton |
|
457 |
Michelle Metz |
Clayton |
|
458 |
Miguel Griffish |
Vineland |
|
459 |
Miguelina Salcedo |
Clayton |
|
460 |
Mike Blatt |
Forest Grove |
|
461 |
Mike Gaull |
Clayton |
|
462 |
Mike Lopez |
Clayton |
|
463 |
Mike Lugo |
Clayton |
|
464 |
Mike Vassallo |
Malaga |
|
465 |
Miller Mills |
Malaga |
|
466 |
Molly Atkinson |
Sicklerville |
|
467 |
Mr. S. Velazquez |
Newfield |
|
468 |
Mrs. S. Velazquez |
Newfield |
|
469 |
Nadine Ambrico |
Bellmawr |
|
470 |
Nancy Godfrey |
Pitman |
|
471 |
Nancy Kane |
Malaga |
|
472 |
Nancy Pantaleo |
Malaga |
|
473 |
Nardelli Family |
Williamstown |
|
474 |
Natalie Persia |
Newfield |
|
475 |
Nate Thomas |
Clayton |
|
476 |
Nic Blauth |
Vineland |
|
477 |
Nicholas Deitz |
Newfield |
|
478 |
Nicolas Hrynenko |
Newfield |
|
479 |
Nicole Bacher |
Clayton |
|
480 |
Nicole Hoffer |
Clayton |
|
481 |
Nicole Sieminski |
Glassboro |
|
482 |
Nicolina Candela |
Malaga |
|
483 |
Nicolle Russo |
Clayton |
|
484 |
P. Sarill |
Clayton |
|
485 |
Pat McCauley |
Newfield |
|
486 |
Pat Schnenberg |
Glassboro |
|
487 |
Patricia A. Mimuy |
Clayton |
|
488 |
Patricia Duva |
Hammonton |
|
489 |
Patricia J. Blauth |
Vineland |
|
490 |
Patricia Lipshultz |
Franklinville |
|
491 |
Patricia Wight |
Newfield |
|
492 |
Patrick DeFeo |
Bridgeton |
|
493 |
Patrick Kelleher |
Newfield |
|
494 |
Paul A. Betz |
Vineland |
|
495 |
Paul Arey |
Pine Hill |
|
496 |
Paul N. Gant |
Franklinville |
|
497 |
Paula Dalessandro |
Malaga |
|
498 |
Paula Melnyk |
Franklinville |
|
499 |
Pauline Blatt |
Forest Grove |
|
500 |
Pauline Taylor |
Malaga |
|
501 |
Pearl Richer |
Newfield |
|
502 |
Peggy Lisinger |
Elmer |
|
503 |
Peggy Pennisi |
Sewell |
|
504 |
Philip Quinn |
Monroeville |
|
505 |
Phillip Colache |
Clayton |
|
506 |
Piera Gravenor |
Malaga |
|
507 |
Pilita Porlucas |
Franklinville |
|
508 |
Polly Sergenti |
Clayton |
|
509 |
Princess Lugo |
Clayton |
|
510 |
Rachel Luchay |
Mullica Hill |
|
511 |
Rachel Ramos |
Malaga |
|
512 |
Ralph Cleo |
Frankinville |
|
513 |
Ralph Travaglione |
Franklinville |
|
514 |
Ramona Sansalone |
Malaga |
|
515 |
Rashawn Previtt |
Clayton |
|
516 |
Ray Gonzalez |
Clayton |
|
517 |
Regina Arey |
Pine Hill |
|
518 |
Regina Farside |
Vineland |
|
519 |
Regina Sims |
Malaga |
|
520 |
Renata Colache |
Clayton |
|
521 |
Renee Hubbard |
Newfield |
|
522 |
Renee Maurer |
Malaga |
|
523 |
Rev. Gannon |
Cherry Hill |
|
524 |
Rich Albano |
Clayton |
|
525 |
Rich Kilroy |
Malaga |
|
526 |
Richard E. Doone III |
Franklinville |
|
527 |
Richard Krug |
Clayton |
|
528 |
Richard Lincoln |
Clayton |
|
529 |
Richard P. Craig, Jr. |
Clayton |
|
530 |
Richard Webekind |
Newfield |
|
531 |
Rickie Krug |
Clayton |
|
532 |
Rita Alvino |
Franklinville |
|
533 |
Rita Griffiths |
Vineland |
|
534 |
Robert Ambrico |
Bellmawr |
|
535 |
Robert Furtan |
Clayton |
|
536 |
Robert Godfrey |
Pitman |
|
537 |
Robert Johnson |
Franklinville |
|
538 |
Robert Lawrence |
Clayton |
|
539 |
Robert White |
Newfield |
|
540 |
Ron Iuliucci |
Malaga |
|
541 |
Ron Vassallo |
Alloway |
|
542 |
Ronald Vassallo |
Newfield |
|
543 |
Rosalie B. Moore |
Clayton |
|
544 |
Roselee Papiano |
Malaga |
|
545 |
Rossi Family |
Franklinville |
|
546 |
Rubea Luciano |
Clayton |
|
547 |
Russell Buck |
Clayton |
|
548 |
Ruth Sottile |
Clayton |
|
549 |
Ryan Jenkins |
Minotola |
|
550 |
Sam Campbell |
Willimstown |
|
551 |
Sam DiStefano |
Sicklerville |
|
552 |
Sam Lopez |
Clayton |
|
553 |
Sammy Steenland |
Newfield |
|
554 |
Sandy DelPalazzo |
Voorhees |
|
555 |
Sandy VanDelft |
Clayton |
|
556 |
Sara Melnyk |
Franklinville |
|
557 |
Sara Truluck |
Clayton |
|
558 |
Scott Bryan |
Clayton |
|
559 |
Scott J. Sievers |
Vineland |
|
560 |
Shannon Muller |
Clayton |
|
561 |
Sharyn Beckel |
Pittsgrove |
|
562 |
Shawn Krug |
Clayton |
|
563 |
Sheena Otto |
Franklinville |
|
564 |
Sheila Smith |
Clayton |
|
565 |
Shelby Patrick |
Malaga |
|
566 |
Shirley Rumph |
Clayton |
|
567 |
Shonna Cooper |
Clayton |
|
568 |
Somer Knisely |
Malaga |
|
569 |
Stacey Yenelli |
Clayton |
|
570 |
Stephanie Kelton |
Malaga |
|
571 |
Stephanie Starling |
Pittsgrove |
|
572 |
Steve Martin |
Clayton |
|
573 |
Steve Yoworsky |
Clayton |
|
574 |
Steven Velazquez |
Newfield |
|
575 |
Sue DiCicco |
Clayton |
|
576 |
Sue Griffis |
Clayton |
|
577 |
Sue Hofer |
Malaga |
|
578 |
Susan Benarba |
Clayton |
|
579 |
Syed Benarba |
Clayton |
|
580 |
T. M. Swanson |
Clayton |
|
581 |
T. Mick |
Franklin Twp. |
|
582 |
Taylor Trace |
Malaga |
|
583 |
Theodore K. Heiland |
Hammonton |
|
584 |
Theresa Borda |
Glassboro |
|
585 |
Theresa Carlson |
Mt. Ephraim |
|
586 |
Theresa Keppen |
Clayton |
|
587 |
Theresa Paleri |
Clayton |
|
588 |
Therese Rizzo |
Newfield |
|
589 |
Thomas Bosco |
Malaga |
|
590 |
Thomas K. Metz |
Clayton |
|
591 |
Tim Carlson |
Mt. Ephraim |
|
592 |
Timothy Trace |
Malaga |
|
593 |
Tina Hayden |
Franklinville |
|
594 |
Tina Young |
Clayton |
|
595 |
Tita Lugo |
Clayton |
|
596 |
Tom Luchay |
Mullica Hill |
|
597 |
Tom Profico |
Clayton |
|
598 |
Tony Bauer |
Clayton |
|
599 |
Tony Brown |
Clayton |
|
600 |
Tony Yoworsky |
Clayton |
|
601 |
Tony Ramos |
Malaga |
|
602 |
Traci Atencio |
Clayton |
|
603 |
Trevor Blauth |
Vineland |
|
604 |
Tyler McCord |
Clayton |
|
605 |
Valerie Schifano |
Colts Neck |
|
606 |
Vanessa Caban |
Clayton |
|
607 |
Vanessa Hughes |
Clayton |
|
608 |
Vannessa Omari |
Clayton |
|
609 |
Veneranda Ramos |
Malaga |
|
610 |
Vicki Taggart |
Clayton |
|
611 |
Vincent Paglioni |
Clayton |
|
612 |
Vincent Sware |
Clayton |
|
613 |
Virginia Wacker |
West Collingswood Heights |
|
614 |
Viva Mackey |
Clayton |
|
615 |
Vivian Hamilton |
Clayton |
|
616 |
Walter Schultz |
Malaga |
|
617 |
Walter W. Clapp |
Clayton |
|
618 |
Werfy Fernandez |
Clayton |
|
619 |
William F. Walker |
Franklinville |
|
620 |
William T. Steenland |
Vineland |
|
621 |
Yasmin Espinal |
Clayton |
|
622 |
Yohanny Salcedo |
Clayton |
|
623 |
Zac Gaull |
Clayton |
|
624 |
Zachary Farside |
Vineland |
|
625 |
Zory Caban |
Clayton |
|
626 |
Zuleyka Salcedo |
Clayton |
|
627 |
Edward Zeuner |
Hainesport |
Even St. Therese gets some
Christmas decorations.
Christmas decorations.
In the basement, the youngest
CCD kids and their parents
get ready for the Nativity play.
The church was totally packed. This is not unusual,
but I myself have not seen it this packed since
Bishop Galante's visit. People were practically in
each others' laps. People were standing in the aisles
all the way up and down either side of the church.
I thought I might get a shot from the
choir loft (below), but it was packed, too.
These are the steps. The junior and
adult choirs did a great job.
"Mary," "Joseph," and baby Jesus
get ready to process up the aisle to
meet up with the angels and shepherds.
Since I was sitting in the back I wasn't
able to get any pictures of
the kids during the nativity play
More packed church shots
After mass I went back inside to get some pictures
of the Christmas decorations, many of which
we put up just the day before (on Tuesday).
View from the choir loft
At St. Mary's, everyone is welcome.
Sign outside the church
Church after Mass (and after dark).
Fr. Romanowski walks up the ramp
Fr. Romanowski walks up the ramp
The Teaching of the Catholic Church
(ie of our Lord and Savior)
(ie of our Lord and Savior)
No Matter the Time, Church Teaching is Clear and Irrefutable
Copy of the Catechism found at the back of St. Mary's,
on the shelf behind the last pew on the right.
on the shelf behind the last pew on the right.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, which was published in 1992 AD, is the definitive statement and application of the teachings of the Catholic Church. We must follow that teaching in order to give honor and glory to God and therefore to save our own souls and be a positive influence in saving other souls. There is often discontent and division in the Catholic Church about the true teaching and what St. Paul says about those who go around with itching ears trying to falsify the true teaching. St. Paul is very blunt in his condemnation of those who falsify this teaching. He tells them, in effect, they should ruin themselves because of what they do to the souls of the faithful.
Since we are in a controversial period of Church history and that controversy has spread to our own diocese, let's be clear on what Church teaches. Our Lord says the following to St. Peter (notice I write in the present tense to demonstrate that what Jesus proclaims for us is now). Our Lord says to St. Peter:
Thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build My Church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.I give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (St. Matthew 16:18-19)
Holy Mother Church of Rome is the Final Authority
in All Things & For All Time
in All Things & For All Time
Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVIFor the beloved members of St. Mary's Shrine Parish, those words become the heart of the present controversy in the diocese of Camden. When we only get a passing reference to the words of Pope Benedict XVI from the chancery, and when our souls are not being nourished by the sound teaching of the Catholic Church, we must respond with the Truth. The final statement on any controversy comes from the Holy See: "Roma locuta est, causa finita." Rome has spoken, the cause or controversy is closed. It has always been that way and it will always be that way.
Truth is Preserved By Jesus, His Mother, & the Saints,
Through the Holy Ghost
Through the Holy Ghost
Statue of St. Therese of the Child Jesus
found inside St. Mary's Malaga
found inside St. Mary's Malaga
The late, great Servant of God, Pope John Paul II tells us: "Do not be afraid" because Jesus protects us through His Immaculate Mother. Let those at the chancery, misguided by people from other parts of the country where there has been disaster to the Church in places like the Archdioceses of Los Angeles and Seattle, heed the words of Our Lord and Savior:
Go behind me Satan: thou art a scandal unto Me, because thou savorest not the things that are of God, but the things that are of men. (St. Matthew 16:23)
The Catholic Church is made up of human beings, but it rises above humanity by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Often little voices like St. Therese awaken the snoozing bodies of the powerful. The little way of the saints will always emerge victorious despite the apparent obstacles that confront us. We live because of Our Lord's death on the cross. From that water and blood that flows from His side we are forever strengthened. We don't use arguments with ambiguous meanings--no maybes. If we live with a pure heart, only attained through the consecration to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart, we will attain the true, final victory of the Kingdom of Heaven, so help us God.
Praised be Jesus Christ1 Now and Forever.
Fr. Jerome Charles Romanowski, Pastor
"We live because of Our Lord's death on the cross. From that water and
blood that flows from His side
we are forever strengthened." (Our Lord on the cross, in St. Mary's Rosary Garden.)
we are forever strengthened." (Our Lord on the cross, in St. Mary's Rosary Garden.)
"...a pure heart, only attained through the consecration to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart..."
(Immaculate Heart of Mary statue found in the Gazebo in the Rosary Garden.)
(Immaculate Heart of Mary statue found in the Gazebo in the Rosary Garden.)
Date to Remember: Rosary on Delsea Drive noon Saturday October 11th.
Hmmm...the only thing that St. Mary's lacks in "vibrancy" is frothy mochaccinos. Oh well, our loss. There's a Wawa down the street.
- The Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima is available for devotion in the home. Call the rectory or sign up in the back of the church.
- Father kindly thanks everyone for the lovely cards and gifts he received for his birthday. (Incidentally, the party was a lot of fun and we hope to get some pictures up soon!)
- A new Praesidium of the Legion of Mary will be on Sat. Oct. 4th at 10:00am.
- Donations to the food pantry are requested.
- Movie night, which is every 4th Saturday, will be Sat. Sept. 27th following the 5:00pm mass. The movie Miracle of St. Therese will be shown. All ages are welcome, and refreshments will be available.
- Family Game Night, which is every 1st Friday to coincide with First Friday devotions, will be on Fri. Oct. 3rd. There will be a potluck dinner from 5:00-5:30. Bring a game to share from 5:30-6:30. After that, there will be Rosary in the church beginning at 6:30, Sacred Heart Devotions and Benediction at 7:00, and Holy Mass at 7:30.
- Junior Legion of Mary will meet in the Shrine Room on Thursday from 4-5:00pm. Draw closer to Jesus and Mary through the Holy Rosary, Legion prayers, and our holy pastor's instruction. Bring Jesus and Mary to others through your prayers and service.
- Junior choir will practice on Tuesday from 6:30-7:30pm. Sing at various masses and Christmas concerts, as well as at local nursing homes.
- A Camden Diocese sponsored Marian pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will be on Saturday Oct. 11. Call 856-845-8575 if you're interested.
- CCD will begin October 5th. Don't forget to register if you haven't done so already!
- CCD teachers and aids: There will be a meeting in the Shrine room on Sept. 28th after the 8:30am mass.
- A Harvest Dance with Jerry Blavet will be hosted by Queen of Angels parish and held at Notre Dame Regional School (601 Central Ave., Landisville) on Sat. Nov. 22nd from 7:00pm until midnight. Doors open 6:30. $25 admission includes buffet, dessert, coffee, soda, etc. (BYOB) Tickets on sale now. Call 856-697-1450 to buy a ticket. There is limited seating, but tables of ten can be reserved, so buy your tickets now.
On my way to the rally the other day I popped on the radio. I admit I'm a religion nerd, and American denominational issues and religious trends are of a particular interest to me. I have no idea why. In any case, that is just to say that I put on the protestant radio station that is generally affiliated with Calvary Chapel, a denomination with whom my workplace shares a parking lot. In any case, this man David Jeremiah, the pastor of a megachurch in Southern California called Shadow Mountain Community Church, was on. The show was called, "Turning Point." Normally I would have changed the station right away because eight times out of ten, I'm not interested in what's on that station. But this time what he was talking about caught my ear.
Mr. (Dr.) Jeremiah posed the following question (I paraphrase): "Why do people in a stadium of 60,000 not feel lonely, but in a church (with far fewer people), they feel isolated and out-of-place?" The "profound" answer he came to (Mr. Jeremiah's sarcasm, not mine) was "tailgate parties." He said (paraphrasing again), "When do you ever see a single individual going into a game? Not too often. Usually you see people going in groups of 2, 3, 5 or more."
His point was twofold:
1. People often like to be among be crowds and large events because it makes them feel as if they're part of something important. In that big building, there's something important going on, and by virtue of my attendance and participation there, that makes me important too.
2. The "tailgate party" is just as important as the game. A tailgate party is made up of a smaller group of people and affords an opportunity to bond and have fun together. It's a place where "everybody knows your name." (As I recall, he used this phrase.)
So far as I can tell, this David Jeremiah is a pretty smart guy. A little too smart, actually. His reasoning is flawless...when it comes to a marketing rationale and apology for his self-described megachurch.** But there was really no religious content at all, other than that God designed us to be known and to have our voices recognized. Now doesn't that feel good?
Needless to say, everything about this approach to religion was "me-centered" and had more to do with social and personal psychology and emotionalism than with God and the nature of the Church. Big events make me feel good because I feel as if I'm witnessing something important. Then, so I have an interpersonally sense of fulfilled I participate in a small group at my church. Certainly we do not have to go all the way to southern California to see examples of this model of church. It seems to me that our own bishop is promoting it, as a matter of fact. Gloucester County Community Church in Wahington Township, St. John the Evangelist in Naples (FL), and St. Joseph in Richardson (TX) all have significant aspects of this model in common, and all have been recommended by Bishop Galante.*
I do not mean to be overly dismissive here. I'm not saying that one cannot actually have positive experiences in, well, in just about any Christian religious context. God can get to us even when there's the slightest crack in the door because He is God, He made us, He knows us, and He want us to love Him as much as He loves us. Certainly we can experience God's presence and learn about God outside of the Catholic Church--it's just that other Christian communities fall short of the whole Truth.
The problem with this particular church model is that religion is not about feelings and worship isn't about what "we" get out of it. Religion is, ultimately, about God and worship is about how we can best give glory to God in a manner befitting His Majesty. He is the King of the universe and should be the King of our hearts, and anything that falls short of what he deserves cheapens the gift. You don't come to a birthday party and hand somebody a gift still in the plastic bag. (Well, actually, that's happened to me before, and that's ok!) Yes, it's the thought that counts and just the act of showing up or bringing a gift is important and there is something to be said for that. But when it comes to the Creator and Sustainer of all things, I hope to bring him a gift that not only is nice underneath all the wrappings, but also looks nice, too. Why? Because He's God. He made us, and seeing even our tiniest little efforts to love and glorify Him, allows His love to grow in us. "You know well enough that Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love at which we do them." (St. Therese of the Child Jesus)
So after listening to the "Turning Point" broadcast I actually felt sorry for the protestant megachurchers because as a Catholic, I know that it really has nothing to do with how many people are in attendance, even though of course it would be nice if the whole world believed in Christ and the Truths contained in His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Christ himself said that "where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of you."* We do not need to be among huge crowds of people in an immense structure with jumbotrons, a band, great lighting and sound systems, and all the other drama that accompanies christian "edutainment."
We read in Matthew 26:26, John 6:51-72, and elsewhere He gave us Himself in the Holy Eucharist, so no matter how many are present at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, he is still there. Yes, we are a part of something very important when we assist at Mass, but the Mass is still the Mass and God is still God whether there are two or 2,000. We, like the Apostles, are to be fishers of men, and certainly we need to evangelize. But we must never lose sight of the fact that even if there were no one at all in the church during Mass, God still--literally--offers Himself to us. I've heard a particular priest say a couple of times that if on the holy altar of God Christ actually appeared to us in his full splendor and majesty, as He appears in Heaven among the throngs of angels and saints, we would fall down on our faces and drag ourselves up the aisle. I could not agree more. Truly something important is going on in a Catholic church no matter how many happen to be there.
So let them have their "tailgate parties" at the church called "Shadow Mountain" and others like it. The churches so many of us are blessed to attend here in South Jersey may be small, but in them the King of the Universe is enthroned. It is our privilege to be in His midst. (In fact, "level of energy" is like Christmas every day...only not in a mall. Like in a church.)
The biggest problem is that in our contemporary society, people place demands on their churches as if the church should conform to their lifestyle (book a Caribbean cruise with David Jeremiah here). But we know that this is not what Christ expects of us. He asks each of us to be willing to forsake our families and everything we have to follow Him. That's a tall order. He wants us to offer our sufferings in union with His on the cross. We are to conform ourselves to the cross of Christ. Carmelites have a cross with no corpus because they are expected to place themselves upon it in their daily sacrifices.
Needless to say, we ought not to go to church expecting entertainment, expecting to be comfortable. It is so sad that some become impatient when the sermon runs a little long or the Mass goes over 45 minutes, and after holy communion make a mad dash for the exit before the priest--who represents Christ himself--processes. The traditional Mass--the dignified and holy worship of God--has been called the most beautiful thing this side of Heaven. So I for one would not feel comfortable attending a church in which one could expect the Rockettes to emerge, legs kicking wildly, from stage right.
David Jeremiah, pastor of Shadow Mountain Community
(Mega)Church near San Diego, CA since 1981.
(Mega)Church near San Diego, CA since 1981.
Mr. (Dr.) Jeremiah posed the following question (I paraphrase): "Why do people in a stadium of 60,000 not feel lonely, but in a church (with far fewer people), they feel isolated and out-of-place?" The "profound" answer he came to (Mr. Jeremiah's sarcasm, not mine) was "tailgate parties." He said (paraphrasing again), "When do you ever see a single individual going into a game? Not too often. Usually you see people going in groups of 2, 3, 5 or more."
His point was twofold:
1. People often like to be among be crowds and large events because it makes them feel as if they're part of something important. In that big building, there's something important going on, and by virtue of my attendance and participation there, that makes me important too.
2. The "tailgate party" is just as important as the game. A tailgate party is made up of a smaller group of people and affords an opportunity to bond and have fun together. It's a place where "everybody knows your name." (As I recall, he used this phrase.)
So far as I can tell, this David Jeremiah is a pretty smart guy. A little too smart, actually. His reasoning is flawless...when it comes to a marketing rationale and apology for his self-described megachurch.** But there was really no religious content at all, other than that God designed us to be known and to have our voices recognized. Now doesn't that feel good?
Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, CA
The huge campus is not seen from this angle. Doesn't it resemble a hotel?
The huge campus is not seen from this angle. Doesn't it resemble a hotel?
Needless to say, everything about this approach to religion was "me-centered" and had more to do with social and personal psychology and emotionalism than with God and the nature of the Church. Big events make me feel good because I feel as if I'm witnessing something important. Then, so I have an interpersonally sense of fulfilled I participate in a small group at my church. Certainly we do not have to go all the way to southern California to see examples of this model of church. It seems to me that our own bishop is promoting it, as a matter of fact. Gloucester County Community Church in Wahington Township, St. John the Evangelist in Naples (FL), and St. Joseph in Richardson (TX) all have significant aspects of this model in common, and all have been recommended by Bishop Galante.*
I do not mean to be overly dismissive here. I'm not saying that one cannot actually have positive experiences in, well, in just about any Christian religious context. God can get to us even when there's the slightest crack in the door because He is God, He made us, He knows us, and He want us to love Him as much as He loves us. Certainly we can experience God's presence and learn about God outside of the Catholic Church--it's just that other Christian communities fall short of the whole Truth.
The problem with this particular church model is that religion is not about feelings and worship isn't about what "we" get out of it. Religion is, ultimately, about God and worship is about how we can best give glory to God in a manner befitting His Majesty. He is the King of the universe and should be the King of our hearts, and anything that falls short of what he deserves cheapens the gift. You don't come to a birthday party and hand somebody a gift still in the plastic bag. (Well, actually, that's happened to me before, and that's ok!) Yes, it's the thought that counts and just the act of showing up or bringing a gift is important and there is something to be said for that. But when it comes to the Creator and Sustainer of all things, I hope to bring him a gift that not only is nice underneath all the wrappings, but also looks nice, too. Why? Because He's God. He made us, and seeing even our tiniest little efforts to love and glorify Him, allows His love to grow in us. "You know well enough that Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love at which we do them." (St. Therese of the Child Jesus)
So after listening to the "Turning Point" broadcast I actually felt sorry for the protestant megachurchers because as a Catholic, I know that it really has nothing to do with how many people are in attendance, even though of course it would be nice if the whole world believed in Christ and the Truths contained in His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Christ himself said that "where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of you."* We do not need to be among huge crowds of people in an immense structure with jumbotrons, a band, great lighting and sound systems, and all the other drama that accompanies christian "edutainment."
We read in Matthew 26:26, John 6:51-72, and elsewhere He gave us Himself in the Holy Eucharist, so no matter how many are present at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, he is still there. Yes, we are a part of something very important when we assist at Mass, but the Mass is still the Mass and God is still God whether there are two or 2,000. We, like the Apostles, are to be fishers of men, and certainly we need to evangelize. But we must never lose sight of the fact that even if there were no one at all in the church during Mass, God still--literally--offers Himself to us. I've heard a particular priest say a couple of times that if on the holy altar of God Christ actually appeared to us in his full splendor and majesty, as He appears in Heaven among the throngs of angels and saints, we would fall down on our faces and drag ourselves up the aisle. I could not agree more. Truly something important is going on in a Catholic church no matter how many happen to be there.
So let them have their "tailgate parties" at the church called "Shadow Mountain" and others like it. The churches so many of us are blessed to attend here in South Jersey may be small, but in them the King of the Universe is enthroned. It is our privilege to be in His midst. (In fact, "level of energy" is like Christmas every day...only not in a mall. Like in a church.)
The biggest problem is that in our contemporary society, people place demands on their churches as if the church should conform to their lifestyle (book a Caribbean cruise with David Jeremiah here). But we know that this is not what Christ expects of us. He asks each of us to be willing to forsake our families and everything we have to follow Him. That's a tall order. He wants us to offer our sufferings in union with His on the cross. We are to conform ourselves to the cross of Christ. Carmelites have a cross with no corpus because they are expected to place themselves upon it in their daily sacrifices.
I thank You, O my God! For all the graces You have granted me, especially the grace of making me pass through the crucible of suffering. It is with joy I shall contemplate You on the Last Day carrying the scepter of Your Cross. Since You deigned to give me a share in this very precious Cross, I hope in heaven to resemble You and to see shining in my glorified body the sacred stigmata of Your Passion. (St. Therese of the Child Jesus, 19th century
Carmelite nun and saint)
Needless to say, we ought not to go to church expecting entertainment, expecting to be comfortable. It is so sad that some become impatient when the sermon runs a little long or the Mass goes over 45 minutes, and after holy communion make a mad dash for the exit before the priest--who represents Christ himself--processes. The traditional Mass--the dignified and holy worship of God--has been called the most beautiful thing this side of Heaven. So I for one would not feel comfortable attending a church in which one could expect the Rockettes to emerge, legs kicking wildly, from stage right.
Shadow Mountain Community Church, interior. Is this a show entitled,
"A Salute to the Red, White, and Blue" or a worship service? Your guess is as good as mine.
* Savestmarys has profiled these churches (at least to some degree). Check archives for more.
** For an interesting article on the "seeker church" model, click here. Quote:
* Savestmarys has profiled these churches (at least to some degree). Check archives for more.
** For an interesting article on the "seeker church" model, click here. Quote:
The Seeker Church marketing concept, fueled by the enormous success of Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago, rested on the assumption that those Baby Boomers who were turned off by organized religion, nevertheless were spiritual "Seekers."
They figured out that they could reconnect with their wayward brothers and sisters by presenting, on Sunday mornings, an entertaining religious stage show of light-rock music, comedy, drama, colorful images and casual sermons about real life. Once hooked on the Sunday shows, the targeted Seekers then would move inward toward Bible study groups and, in many Seeker Churches, toward full membership in the "real" congregation that often met mid-week.