Property on South Olden Avenue, Hamilton (just beyond the Trenton city limits was purchased for the church and other buildings.  A little more than a month later, Mass was offered in a newly erected “temporary church.”

          Fr. Lehrsholl wasted no time in planning to build an elementary school.  A cornerstone was laid on August 7, 1921.  Students were welcomed on November 28 of that year.  The opening of the school heralded the arrival of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.   The first principal was Sr. Emily.   A convent for the Sisters was built and dedicated on November 2, 1923.      

           Fr.  Lehrsholl served until 1926.  He was succeeded by Fr. Sylvester Ahlhaus (1926-1932) who saw to the construction of the rectory dedicated on November 30, 1927.  Fr. Raymond Werdge was appointed the third pastor and completed the Franciscans’ commitment to the Diocese in 1935.  The pastoral care of the parish then passed to the Diocesan Clergy with the appointment of Rev. Msgr. Linus Schwarze. (1935-1952).

           The parish was expanding into Hamilton Township especially in the Mercerville section.    In 1938, Msgr. Schwarze was appointed administrator of the Mission of Our Lady of Sorrows, Mercerville.   Father Peter Teston, parish assistant arranged to celebrate Mass at the Mercerville Firehouse on Christmas Day, with fifty people in attendance.  This would be the spiritual home of the mission until the building of a church.

           In the autumn of 1939  twelve acres at the corner of Nottingham Way and East State Street  were purchased for the site of the church.  After numerous fundraising events, a ground breaking was held for the building of the mission church in the summer of 1941.  Monsignor Schwarze was assisted by Fr. Thomas O’Dea, parish curate. On October 18,1942, Bishop William A. Griffin officiated at the laying of the cornerstone and the blessing of the new church.  In June 1943,  the Bishop raised the mission to the status of an independent parish.   Father John McKeon was appointed its first pastor.   

          By this time it was obvious that the temporary church was inadequate for the needs of a growing parish.   The financial burdens of building a school, convent and rectory never permitted the Franciscan Friars to realize their plans for a new church.   The Depression and the Second World War further delayed the realization of this dream.  In 1949, Monsignor Schwarze took up the challenge.  

          Viewing the grand results of this endeavor, his letter to the parishioners seems almost humorous:  “We are forced to abandon the elaborated plans of the Fransciscan Fathers in favor of a more modest yet dignified church building.”

           A groundbreaking was held on October 18, 1949 beginning a two year project to build the current church.   It was opened and blessed by the Most Reverend George W. Ahr, Bishop of Trenton on June 24, 1951.   Its completion was hastened due to the illness of Msgr. Schwarze.  He entered eternal life on May 3, 1952.

           Bishop Ahr appointed as the fifth pastor of Saint Anthony, Monsignor Michael P. McCorristin, who as a young priest had served as Monsignor Schwarze’s assistant at St. Francis of Assisium, Trenton  and at the time, Pastor of Holy Angel’s Parish, Trenton.

           This pastor served the Diocese, selflessly for many years, as Vicar General of Bishop George W. Ahr.  He was appointed to this position when Monsignor Richard Crean lost his life in the Cathedral fire in March 1956.  In addition, Saint Anthony’s Church served as the Cathedral until the new Cathedral was opened three years later.  

           The long tenure of Monsignor McCorristin (1953-1988) would however be characterized by his unwavering commitment to Catholic Schools.  In 1961, under Monsignor McCorristin’s leadership, the parish undertook the commitment to establish a parish high school to meet the needs of many students displaced by the closing of Trenton Catholic High School.  Monsignor  McCorristin  aka “Iron Mike”  took on the task of bricklayer and general contractor, with the help of many willing volunteers, insured that St. Anthony High School would open on September 9, 1962.   The spacious campus is located at Leonard Avenue and Kuser Road in Hamilton.   The Sisters of St. Francis responded generously to the needs of the community.  Sr. Georgiana Evans was appointed principal.   A convent for those sisters teaching in the high school was also built.     In recognition of his devoted service, in June 1979, Bishop Ahr directed that high school be renamed “McCorristin High School.”  

           During his tenure, the needs the elementary school students did not go unnoticed.   The high enrollment warranted the building of an additional larger building on the South Olden Avenue campus in 1968. 

In 1988 Monsignor McCorristin retired from active priestly ministry and resided at the rectory until his death on December 5, 1990, a few months shy of his ninetieth birthday.   

As his successor, Bishop John C. Reiss appointed, Monsignor James P. McManimon who was once an altar server to Monsignor McCorristin at Holy Angels, Trenton.   He sought to modernize accounting practices, make repairs to parish facilities and bring greater lay involvement into parish life.  Illness forced Monsignor McManimon to retire in April 1992.    Bishop Reiss appointed as “temporary administrator” a former associate pastor, Monsignor Leonard Toomey, retired pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton.    

On June 22, of that year, a new chapter opened in the life of the parish with the appointment as pastor of Father Joseph L. Ferrante.  He was transferred from the pastor of St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton Square.  For a few weeks, he served as pastor of both parishes, until his successor in Hamilton Square was named. 

Almost immediately, Father Ferrante undertook the extensive renovation of the church.    On Sunday, November 6, 1994, Bishop Reiss solemnly dedicated the newly renovated church.   In addition to the church, extensive renovations were undertaken in the rectory and convent.   Improvements were made to the high school facilities and elementary school.  During his tenure, the parish celebrated its 75^th anniversary of its foundation and the arrival of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia.  Father Ferrante was recognized for his pastoral ministry when Pope John Paul II named him a Prelate of Honor” with the title, “Reverend Monsignor” in September 1994.     On April 18, 1999 the parish joined in celebrating Monsignor’s silver jubilee of priestly ordination.  Only five months would pass when in the early morning of  September 23, 1999  the community learned  that Monsignor Ferrante had died while preparing for morning Mass.

        Bishop Smith appointed the parochial vicar, Rev. Michael Lankford administrator until the appointment of a pastor. 

          On December 20, 1999, Bishop Smith  transferred  the Reverend Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, from the  Pastorate of Saint Joachim, Trenton to that of Saint Anthony.   In order to met the changing needs of the community and to make better use of the parish’s extensive facilities, the elementary school on South Olden Avenue was consolidated at the high school campus on Leonard Avenue.  An extensive renovation was undertaken to house the elementary school in a wing of the high school that had not been used.  The elementary school buildings on the church campus were then leased in order to generate revenue for the parish.  Morever, the parish during this period, the parish was able to complete its payments on the one million loan that was taken for the church renovation begun in 1992.

          The majestic parish church began the setting for a number of concerts by well known artists:  the Choir of  Westminster College, Princeton; the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra; the South Jersey Chorale, and the Choristers of Tewkesbury Abbey, England.

          In November 2002, the parish welcomed a delegation from the Diocese of Kasana-Luweero with which Trenton Diocese is twinned, led by its Bishop, the Most Reverend Cyprian Lwanga.  In July of the following year, the parish was honored to offer hospitality to Archbishop Francesco Pio Tamburrino, Secretary of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments who was on a personal visit to the United States.  In 2004, In the course of his visit, the Archbishop celebrated Mass along with Bishop Smith, Msgr. Gervasio,  staff members of the Vatican congregation and priests from Italy.  The parish house was honored to host in 2004, the Most Reverend Jose’ Sorra, Bishop of Lepazi, Phillippines, during his visit to Fr. Oscar Sumanga, parish adjunct.

          In 2003, Saint Anthony Parish was involved in the “Trenton Ward Study” process that sought to restructure the parishes of the greater Trenton Area.  This was a response to changing demographics, the clergy shortage, and the pastoral needs of new immigrants from Haiti, Africa, and Central America.   Bishop Smith endorsed the recommendations of the study resulting in the changes described above.    Before the parish merger and school closing, the parish honored the Sisters of Saint Francis of Philadelphia for their ministry to the parish which spanned 84 years. 

Our Lady of Sorrows
Established 1943 

       By 1943, it was apparent to Bishop William A. Griffin that the Mission of Our Lady of Sorrows, founded in 1939 as a mission to Saint Anthony, Trenton had so developed that it was canonically erected to the status of a parish on June 19, 1943.  The first pastor was the Reverend William  P. McKeon (1943-48).   As a temporary residence, the Father McKeon rented a house on Nottingham Way until a rectory could be built.  During his pastorate, the debt incurred for the building of the church was paid, stained glass windows were installed in the church, and the Holy Name and Rosary-Altar Societies were established.

          On December 18, 1948, Father McKeon was transferred to another pastorate and was succeeded by Father Paul A. Grieco (1948-67).  He immediately undertook the construction of the rectory.  A groundbreaking took place in September 1949 and the house was completed by January of the following year.

          The post-war period witnessed a tremendous growth in the population of Hamilton Township.  Masses were added to the schedule and the basement of the church served as a Sunday chapel. By 1953, the Hamilton Square area of the township had grown so much that Bishop George W. Ahr appointed to the See of Trenton three years earlier, erected the Parish of Saint Gregory the Great, the first of his episcopacy.

          During this period, the parish committed itself to the mission of maintaining its own elementary school, which was staffed by the Mrianite Sisters of the Holy Cross.     The school’s construction began in 1954.  The Sisters were housed in a temporary convent on East State Street Extention.   In September  1955, Bishop Ahr laid the cornerstone and blessed the school which opened with an enrollment of 279 students in Grades 1-4.   Upper grades were gradually added to the school.   A convent, large enough to accommodate 21 sisters was completed  and dedicated on November 24, 1963 by Monsignor Michael P. McCorristin, Vicar General.

          By 1959, it was apparent that the church did not adequately serve the growing population of Mercerville.  While the construction of a new church was considered, it was finally determined to add to two wings to existing structure.   The basement would also be altered to accommodate a “lower church.”   This project was completed by June 1960.   One of the first ceremonies in the expanded church was the school’s first graduation.

          Father Grieco’s pastorate also witnessed the joy of the ordination of two native sons to the priesthood: Father Paul A. Gluth (May 1959)  and Father Louis Stingel (May, 1960).

          On June 1, 1967, Father Grieco died suddenly at the rectory.  His associate, Father Raymond Griffin was appointed temporary administrator. 

          As successor to Father Grieco, Bishop Ahr appointed Father Edward O’Keefe  (1967-1986).  In the wake of the ecumenical movement given momentum at the Second Vatican Council, the parish joined with the United Methodist Church and Grace Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in services marking the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.    When a gas explosion destroyed  United Methodist, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish offered the use of its facilities.  While Sunday Masses were offered in the church, the Methodist congregation utilized the lower church. 

          Father O’Keefe oversaw the implementation of the liturgical reforms mandated by the Council.  In 1974, the first Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion were commissioned for service., 

          In the early 1980’s the parish hosted regional celebrations marking the centennial of the Diocese of Trenton (1981) and then the episcopal ordination of  the Most Reverend Edward U. Kmiec, Auxilliary Bishop of Trenton.   Bishop Kmiec, a native Trentonian, would later be named Bishop of Nashville and later, Bishop of Buffalo. 

          Within the church building, Father O’Keefe oversaw a number of improvements:  the installation of air-conditioning, replacement of the flooring and lighting.  The interior was repainted and the accommodations were made to house the Altar of Eucharistic Reposition in a side room. 

          Perpetual Adoration of the Holy Eucharist was instituted in 1985.  Over 800 parishioners committed themselves to devoting time for prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.  It was the single largest response to a perpetual adoration program nationwide to that date.    Initially housed in the church, adoration was later moved to the convent chapel. 

          The pastoral ministry of Father O’Keefe was duly recognized by the Church when he was named a “Prelate of Honor” with the title of “Reverend Monsignor” at the recommendation of Bishop John C. Reiss.   Monsignor O’Keefe retired from the active priestly ministry in 1986.  His retirement would be short lived.  He died on October 14, 1987.

          Father Daniel Sullivan was appointed pastor on October 19, 1986.   Under his tenure, lay involvement in parish activities grew.  The ranks of liturgical ministers swelled and included women. The work of liturgical music, adult education, and community functions increased.   Initiatives were undertaken to expand the parish’s care of the sick and bereaved.   Father Sullivan implemented a “Board of Commissions” to coordinate the pastoral activity of the parish.  This later evolved into a Pastoral Council.

          The  church underwent a few modifications during this time.  In addition to a new altar of sacrifice, the images of the Resurrected Christ, the Holy Family, and the Via Crucis  were installed.  The church was repainted, the convent underwent a renovation to include additional classroom space for the school.  

          A number diocesan events were hosted by the parish in the early 1980s.  In 1981, Mercer County’s celebration of the Diocesan Centennial was held in the church.  In 1983, the newly ordained auxiliary bishop of Trenton, the Most Reverend Edward U. Kmiec celebrated Mass for faithful of Mercer County.

           In 1989,  the parish celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its creation as a “mission church.”   The year’s festivities began with a liturgy at the Mercerville Fire House, the site of the first mass.   A “Peace Garden” was created,  the parish field was dedicated to the memory of Fr. Grieco and  the lower church hall was remodeled as a parish meeting hall, dedicated to the memory of a native priest son, Fr. Paul Gluth who died on January 26, 1987.  On September 15, the patronal feast, the anniversary mass began with the procession from the Fire House to the church where Mass was offered by Bishop John C. Reiss.   The anniversary year was also graced with the priestly ordination of another native son, Father Ken Szepesy.        

       Father Sullivan was transferred in February 1990 and his associate, Father Sam Sirianni served briefly as Administrator of the parish until the appointment of Father Ralph Stansley as pastor in May of that year. His tenure which came to an end only three years later was a time marked by great pastoral sensitivity and reorganization after a tumultuous period when a number of parishioners called for greater accountability and stewardship.

      Father Paul Rimassa arrived as pastor in March 1993 and continued the good work of his predecessor. He was particularly attentive to the needs of children, the elderly and disabled. During his tenure, all the parish buildings were made handicapped assessable by elevator and lift. The ministry of “Angels’ Wings began to help displaced children. The church was embellished with a mosaic cross that serves as a backdrop to the image of Christ risen.

      In 2003, Fr. Joseph Tedesco assumed the pastorate while at the same time serving the Diocese as Director of the Diocesan Office of Building and Expansion. This office would oversee the Trenton Parish Ward Study which would result in the major restructuring of the parishes of the greater Trenton Area. In effect, Father Tedesco served at the last pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. On July 1, 2005, the parish was suppressed and began part of the newly established parish-Our Lady of Sorrows-Saint Anthony Parish.

2006
A New Principal
Diocesan Honors 

Two significant personnel changes marked the year 2006. Mrs. Donna Bacsik was appointed by Bishop Smith as Associate Director of Catholic Education for Elementary Schools for the Diocese of Trenton.   She was succeeded by Mrs. Teresa Carrick of Howell, NJ.   The Director of Pastoral Outreach, Mrs. Jean Pierfy retired and moved to South Carolina with her husband, Deacon Jeffrey Pierfy and daughter.    She was succeeded by Mrs. Joan Bartolomei.   

The music ministry under the direction of Donival Brown was kept busy.  On April 9, Gabriel Favre’s Requiem was presented –a joint venture of the parish, St. Gregory the Great Parish, St. Mark’s Methodist Church and the Diocese of Trenton Festival Choir.   This concert benefitted AIDS patients in Uganda. On April 30 Chamber Music of Mozart was presented for the benefit of youth programs in Uganda.   Mr. Brown also brought together many parishioners and friends for the performance of My Fair Lady on October 13-15.   A Messiah Sing would mark the Advent Season.   

Advent also saw the dedication of the new front doors of St. Anthony Church on Sunday, March 26 in memory of Msgr. Joseph Ferrante, pastor of St. Anthony Parish from 1992-1999.  At the same campus, the parking lot was resurfaced and new sidewalks were installed.   

The parish, under the auspices of the “Social Justice-Social Concerns Committee” sponsored a number of annual charitable projects.   During Advent, parishioners are invited to “Adopt a Family” for Christmas.  During Lent, support is sought for our “sister Diocese” of Kasana-Luweero, Uganda. (The 2006 project was entitled Choose Water Wednesdays which encouraged all to sacrifice soft drinks and to donate the money saved to the construction of a well in Uganda.)  During the summer, all are invited to prepare and serve meals to the poor at the Cathedral, an outreach called “Loaves and Fishes.”   

Financial support of the parish continues to be augmented by weekly Bingo and an annual Golf Classic.  An annual picnic is held in September, providing a time of fun, good food and fellowship.  “Community building” is helped by the monthly “Welcome Sunday” (known as “St Martha Sunday”) at St. Anthony Church, when parishioners gather for coffee and light breakfast after Mass.  This first year of the parish also saw formation of an Our Lady of Sorrows Alumni Association, which has been encouraged by Fr. Garrett Fitzgerald.  As a fundraiser—the group held a Greaseband Concert at Cedar Gardens in Hamilton on October 6.  

During 2006, the parish enjoyed a moment in the national “limelight” when its native son, Judge Samuel Alito was confirmed as the 110^th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. 

Local honor was accorded to parishioners, Desmond Murphy and Erin Vanderhoof during the festivities marking the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade that commences from the steps of St. Anthony Church. 

2007
Donival Brown Received into the Church-Called by the Lord
A Priestly Silver Jubilee 

The parish staff underwent significant changes in 2007.  The community mourned the untimely death of the long serving and very popular Director of Music Ministry, Mr. Donival Brown on June 5.   Just weeks before, his reception into the Catholic Church was celebrated at Easter!   There was ‘standing room only” at Our Lady of Sorrows Church when a Mass was offered on June 21 in suffrage for the happy repose of his soul.  Msgr. Gervasio was principal celebrant of the Mass while Msgr. Sam Sirianni concelebrated and delivered the homily.  Deacon Jeffrey Pierfy was one of those who delivered a special remembrance prior to the Mass.  Many friends and former students of Donival augmented the parish choir in providing the music for the liturgy.   Two months later, Mr. Michael Amantia was appointed as Director of Music Ministry.  Shortly thereafter, the parish appointed its first full time Director of Youth Ministry in the person of Karen Craven (nee Proulx).            

            The Lenten Season brought Passionist Father Dominic Papa to the parish for a mission on The Compassionate Love of God.  The Water Only Wednesdays Project for Uganda continued the parish’s commitment to give drink to the thirsty.    During the month of May, the parish held its first May Crowning at the newly dedicated Marian Shrine in front of Our Lady of Sorrows School—an initiative of the School Alumni Committee. A new statue of our Lady was erected to replace one removed many years ago.  The celebration on May 6 enjoyed the participation of the year’s First Holy Communicants and the Rosary-Altar Society.

The year was also marked with a view to improve the condition of the buildings of both campuses.  The first step in this plan was to undertake a Buildings and Systems Study which prioritized the needs of our parish ‘infrastructure.”  The results of this study was shared with the parishioners who then participated in a “feasibility study” which sought support for the needs identified.  A Capital Campaign was begun in October. 

The parish was accorded three honors during 2007:  The Nostrum Ecclesiam Tempus Medal, a personal recognition of Bishop John M. Smith was awarded to Donival Brown (posthumously), for Music Ministry; Mollye Carroll and Deacon Dennis Slavin for services to the Diocese; and Frank Wrobel in recognition for his service to the parish as trustee, sacristan, and moderator of the St. Vincent DePaul Conference.  On March 24 the parish was inducted in the Interfaith Caregivers of Trenton Hall of Fame in recognition of the many hours of volunteer ministry to the needy of the area.   On a lighter note, our Cheerleading Squads both (Junior Varsity and Varsity) won first place honors in the annual CYO diocesan competition. 

On Sunday, October 28, the family, parish and friends, honored Msgr. Gervasio on the occasion of his 25^th anniversary in the Holy Priesthood.  A Solemn Mass was celebrated at 3:00 pm at St. Anthony Church.  Fr. Robert C. Pasley, Rector of Mater Ecclesiae Chapel, Berlin, NJ and a seminary classmate of Monsignor Gervasio was homilist.  The Diocesan Festival Choir provided the music.  A Silver Jubilee Banquet followed at Mariott at Lafayette Yard, Trenton. 

The final months of the year were marked by a Alumni Association sponsored Greaseband concert for the maintenance of the Marian Shrine, the annual Golf Classic, and the beginning of the Parish Capital Campaign.    Shortly after Thanksgiving, the parish welcomed Bishop Gennaro Pascarella of Pozzuoli, Italy who celebrated Mass in St. Anthony Church for the Italian speaking community of the area, especially those who hail from Monte di Procida.

2008
The Year of St. Paul
Deacon Joseph Malloy Called by the Lord 

The Lenten Season in 2008 brought the well-known, Fr. Peter Girard, a Dominican Priest to the parish for a mission that centered on the spirituality of the Mass.   Fr. Girard would return to the parish for two days of recollection for the benefit of our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Lectors.   The Lenten work of charity, Hope for Health raised an impressive $12,811. to benefit the Clinic in the Diocese of Kasana Luweero. 

Many months were devoted to the review of the feasibility study and the formation of the renovation plans.  An addition to the St. Anthony Campus was the dedication of a copper statue the patron.  This image of St. Anthony was obtained through the closing of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Trenton.  It was refurbished by Abbey Rose, Trenton and placed upon a new granite column in front of the church.  

The parish was grieved on April 17 upon hearing the news of the sudden death of Deacon Joseph Malloy.  Deacon Malloy ministered in our parish but was perhaps best known for his support of Martin House, Trenton.  Among the highlights of his ministry was the Adopt a Family project which he began along with his wife, Judy.  The director of Martin House, Fr. Brian McCormick was homilist at his funeral Mass celebrated in Our Lady of Sorrows Church.   

Before summers’ end, Bishop Smith transferred Fr. John C. Garrett to St. Therese’s, Tuckerton and assigned as adjunct priest to the parish, Fr. Eugene Savarimuthu.   

Two other events in 2008 deserve recognition:  the awarding of 1^st place honors to the cheerleading squads at the annual diocesan competition—the third consecutive first place prize of the groups.  The parish also hosted a benefit concert by the Capital Singers of New Jersey at Our Lady of Sorrows in memory of Donival Brown. 

2009
The Renovation Projects
The Year for Priests

The annual parish Lenten mission was conducted by the Most Reverend Jose Sorra, Bishop Emeritus of Legazpi (Philippines).  The annual Lenten Work of Charity Power to Save Lives again benefitted the needs of Ugandans.  The parish contributed to the installation of solar panels at the medical clinic. 

A large part of the year was taken up with preparation and execution of the renovations at both campuses.  At Saint Anthony Campus, it was determined that a full service elevator be added to the church and hall. This work was entrusted to CUH2A Architects, Lawrenceville, NJ and Scozzari Construction, Pennington, NJ Moreover; the church hall was to be enhanced by plaster repairs, painting, and new lighting.  This was undertaken by Harry Holt Painting, Trenton as well as a number of volunteers under the watchful eye of Lewis Gryzwicz.   

Our Lady of Sorrows Church would undergo an extensive interior renovation along with the replacement of its roof and church air conditioning system.   Those engaged for this work were:  Caryn Wohn of InterArc, Robbinsville, NJ, and Storcella-Nocera Contracting, Hamilton.  The new liturgical furnishings were provided by various firms:  Bodnar and Sons Marble and Granite, Trenton, NJ; Hans Martini Woodworking, Hamilton, NJ;  Adrian Hamers, Larchmont, NY; DeMetz Studios, Ortisei, Italy; and Serpone Studios, Rome, Italy. 

Both projects were executed simultaneously during the summer.  This was rather involved since the churches remained open for services throughout the project’s execution.  At Our Lady of Sorrows, three additional Masses were added to the weekend schedule.  These Masses were celebrated in a provisional chapel in the basement hall.  By Christmas Day the work had progressed to the point that the entire church was available for the celebration of Mass.  A number of finishing touches would be required before the church would be solemnly dedicated.   

In the realm of the spiritual, the parish sought to strengthen the vocation of marriage by sponsoring An Evening for the Married.  Msgr. Richard LaVerghetta, Pastor of St. Joan of Arc Church, Marlton was homilist at a special marriage liturgy which was followed by a buffet dinner in the church hall. 

Following upon the recommendations of the Holy See, the parish observed the Year for Priests proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI in celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the death of St. Jean Marie Vianney, Patron of all Priests.  A monthly Eucharistic Holy Hour was held on the first Thursday of each month (June 2009-July 2010) which was preceded by the opportunity for sacramental confession.  In addition, the bulletin carried a weekly prayer for priests, a quote of St. Jean Marie Vianney and a listing of diocesan priests commended to ones prayer.

2010
The Solemn Dedication
Deacon James Buchanan Called by the Lord
Mrs. Carrick Moves—Mrs. Bacsik Returns

The highlight of 2010 was the Solemn Dedication of Our Lady of Sorrows Church and the Blessing of the Elevator Addition and Renovated Hall of St. Anthony Church on Sunday, March 7.  In the morning, Msgr. Gervasio celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at 10:00 am at St. Anthony Church after which the addition was blessed.  All were invited into the renovated hall for a festive breakfast buffet. 

Later that afternoon, all gathered at Our Lady of Sorrows Church for the Solemn Dedication of the Church by His Excellency, John M. Smith, Bishop of Trenton who was principal celebrant and homilist of the Mass.  During the sacred rites, the altar and walls of the church were anointed.  Twelve consecration crosses and candles representing the twelve apostles mark the places of anointed.  A gala banquet followed at Cedar Gardens, Hamilton.  The festivities were planned by a committee under the direction of Mrs. Mary Griggs.   

The festive spirit of this significant event was suddenly subdued only two days later by the news of the untimely death of Deacon James Buchanan.  The solemn funeral rites were celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.  Msgr. Gervasio was celebrant and homilist.  Msgr. John K. Dermond, Episcopal Vicar of Mercer County and Msgr. Ralph Stansley, director of the Office of Diaconate were in attendance and offered the condolences of Bishop Smith and the diaconate community respectively.   

In June, Msgr. Gervasio accepted the resignation of the school principal, Mrs. Teresa Carrick who has served so well in this capacity for four years.  A military wife, Mrs. Carrick had to move to Maryland upon the reassignment of his husband.  The sadness at her parting, was shortly somehow lightened by the news that the former principal, Mrs. Donna Bacsik, retiring from her diocesan position, would return to the school as principal.   

The Religious Education Director, Mrs. Mariyam Francis instituted a week-long vacation bible school for children that proved a great success. 

A great highlight of the summer was the Episcopal consecration of Bishop David O’Connell, C.M. at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Bishop Smith, principal consecrator and Archbishops John Myers of Newark and Donald Wuerl of Washington, DC.  Bishop O’Connell, a Vincentian has served as President of Catholic University of America and was appointed as the diocese’s coadjutor bishop, that is, to be successor to Bishop Smith upon his retirement.  Bishop Smith’s resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict on December 1, 2010 making Bishop O’Connell, the tenth Bishop of Trenton. 

In October, the parish was notified that Fr. Oscar Sumanga, adjunct priest in residence was reassigned to take up pastoral responsibilities at St. William the Abbot Church, Howell.  Fr. Oscar had served as parochial vicar at St. Anthony Church and continued his service the parish as an adjunct priest after the merger of 2005.  He serves as Adjunct Judicial Vicar of the Diocese.   

2011
A New Principal and Parochial Vicar
Establishment of Pastoral Council 

As the parish approached its 6^th anniversary, some attention was given to refurbishing the hall and music room at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.  Our own maintenance director, Philip Carlini saw to the repainting of the hall with some help from members of our youth group.  Repairs were also made to the Music Room.  It was also painted and re-carpeted.  New chairs were also purchased.  During the summer, a number of improvements were made to the campus of Our Lady of Sorrows:  replacements were made to the rectory and school roofs; some painting was done in the rectory. 

July 1, 2011 was quite significant as it marked the arrival of a new parochial vicar, newly ordained, Fr. H. Todd Carter as well as the resignation of Mrs. Donna Bacsik as school principal, for reasons of health.  At the unanimous recommendation of a parish search committee for principal, Msgr. Gervasio appointed Mr. Donald Costantino of Yardley, PA.    

The summer months were also marked by the appointment of a pastoral council.

The members of this first pastoral council, an advisory body to the pastor are:
Nicholas DeMarie, Linda Lane, Robert Marino, Lea Novak, Vince Peroni, Maureen Pfeiffer, Michael Schulz, Connie Starling, and David Uhaze.  Ex-Officio members are Msgr. Gervasio and one deacon serving a one year term.