Message from Fr. David
News and Updates
This past week the parish’s Pastoral Council graciously hosted me for a Welcome BBQ! Spending time with the members of the Pastoral Council made it clear that they are ready and eager to assist me in leading the parish forward. Please know how excited I am to work with them.
Forward in Faith Listening Sessions
My first weekend with you I said that I didn’t yet have a vision for the parish because I haven’t asked you. As the leader of this faith community, it is important for me to work with you and listen to you as we map out a path into the future. Part of my plan in guiding the parish forward is to offer two in-person listening sessions where I and the parish’s lay leadership are present (Parish staff, Finance Council, Pastoral Council, and Trustees). These listening session are designed to encourage parishioners to share their thoughts on what the parish’s priorities are and should be. My hope is that together we will formulate a vision for the future of our parish.
These are the two dates for the Listening Sessions, which will be held in the church:
Wednesday, September 22, at 10AM
Thursday, September 23, at 7PM
In addition to the two listening sessions, I’d like to make available both a paper and a digital survey for those who aren’t comfortable/able to attend the in-person sessions.
More information to come…
Rev. John Dennehy
I am pleased to announce that Fr. Dennehy will return to Saint James as a weekend assistant beginning in September. Fr. Dennehy has been assisting our parish for over 20 years and so we are happy to have him back.
Special Collection for the People of Haiti
Cardinal Tobin, in a letter to all Pastors, has asked the parishes in the Archdiocese of Newark to take a voluntary collection this weekend for the benefit of the people of Haiti in the aftermath of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake and Tropical Storm Grace. The proceeds will be passed on to Catholic Relief Services, which is already providing emergency services in the stricken area.
A basket will be placed at the front of the baptismal pool for donations.
I hope you join me in donating to this important effort to assist our brothers and sisters in Haiti.
We join the cardina
l in offering our prayers through Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help, and the patroness of Haiti. May the Lord bring them quick relief and assistance through our generosity.