2018

DIOCESAN YEAR OF YOUTH

Bishop O’Connell designated a “Year of Youth” to be celebrated throughout the Diocese from Spring of 2018 to Spring 2019. Our BOLD youth group under the direction of Leo Aliaga began the observance with a pilgrimage to then National Shrines of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Grotto of Lourdes, Emmitsburg, Maryland. The group would schedule other gatherings and special activities through the year and participate in diocesan-wide events.

STAFF CHANGES

Our parish staff saw a number of changes in 2018. On July 1, Parochial Vicar, Fr. Jean Felicien was assigned by the bishop for graduate studies in Canon Law at the Catholic University, Washington D.C. He would however, retain our parish house as his “diocesan residence” and assist with pastoral duties during school recesses. Succeeding him as parochial vicar was Fr. Joseph Pierre, a native of Haiti who came to us from the Archdiocese of Miami.

Deacon James Smith, a transitional deacon who was assigned to the parish in the summer of 2017 was ordained to Sacred Priesthood on June 2, 2018 at St. Mary’s Cathedral by Bishop O’Connell. He was assigned as parochial vicar of St. Aloysius of Gonzaga Parish, Jackson.

Deacon Jeffrey Pierfy attaining his 75^th year, retired in accord with diocesan law. Bishop O’ Connell retained his faculties to preach and ministry in the parish as his time and health permitted. Deacon Jeffrey was duly honored by the Mount Carmel Guild at its annual Gala for his service to the parish to his extensive hospital ministry.

We welcomed two new trustees to assist in the financial oversight of the parish—David Uhaze and Maria Ialacci. They succeed Joseph Novak and Michael Stewart who completed a six year term, the maximum length permitted for the tenure of a trustee.

Our school bid farewell to two teachers who retired after long and faithful service to our students: Mrs. Marlene Schreier and Ann Diken.

In September, Gerald Charmant, Coordinator of the Haitian Ministry tendered his resignation after serving in this capacity since the parish merger in 2005.

STRENGTHENING OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

The spiritual life of the parish was strengthened by a number of special events:

• The parish Lenten Program included additional liturgies with guest celebrants and homilist, various celebrations of the Way of the Cross, a parish work of charity, Days of Eucharistic Adoration and additional opportunities for sacramental confession.
• In April, we welcomed Fr. John Gordon, Director of the Office of Evangelization of the Archdiocese of Newark for a four day parish mission on the theme of “God’s Abundant Mercy.
• Msgr. Michael Walsh, Episcopal Vicar for Mercer County presided at our celebration of Confirmation at Saint Anthony Church on April 28.
• The celebration of our patronal feast of Saint Anthony was enhanced by the participation of the Most Reverend Guy Sansaricq of the Diocese of Brooklyn. His Excellency was principal celebrant and homilist of the Feast Day Mass at Saint Anthony Church.
• In October the Rosary Altar Society offered a Morning of Renewal conducted by Fr. Michael DeSaye of St. Joan of Arc, Marlton who spoke on the Marian devotions of Fatima and the Scapular.
• Sister Mary Beth Lloyd, a Religious Teacher Filippini, Morristown, NJ conducted a Morning of Renewal for our liturgical ministers on the theme of “Service.”
• Msgr. Michael Walsh, Episcopal Vicar for Mercer County presided at our celebration of Confirmation at Saint Anthony Church on April 28.
• “Thoughtful Thursdays” is a five week series held in the autumn to address various theological topics. This year, sessions focused on moral issues.

BEING RESPONSIBLE STEWARDS

Maintaining the mission of Catholic Education is a principal goal of our parish. Financial support is critical to provide the resources necessary for an excellent spiritual and academic program.

• Our annual Golf Classic (September 19) realized a profit of $8,658 on behalf of the school.
• The 2018 “Knight to Remember” was an extraordinary success. Held on November 30 at Stone Terrace realized a profit of over $45,000. The event exceeded all previous KTR celebrations. During the celebration, the parish and school honored, Angelo Onofri, Mercer County Prosecutor; Mrs. Violet Carella; Kathleen McGlinchy; and Bernadette Schulze.

The Summer Project to benefit capital improvements raised $35,473.

We were pleased to announce the completion of the parking lot project (in the area occupied by the former St. Anthony Rectory as well as an extensive repair of roof of St. Anthony Church.

In order to reverse a decline in weekly giving, an “Increased Offertory Appeal” was introduced in October. The “letter campaign” realized an increase of nearly 20%.