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2019
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A few highlights of the year of our Lord 2019:
Diaconate Program
Candidate for the Diaconate, Salvatore Petro received the Ministry of Lector from Bishop David O’Connell on February 2 at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Trenton. It is one of the steps toward ordination as a deacon. On May 22 Mr. Petro attained a Master of Arts degree in Theology from Georgian Court University. It was a significant milestone on his path toward ordination.Sports Achievement!
Our girls Varsity Basketball Team, under the direction of coaches Thomas Carella and Nicholas Commiso, won the CYO Championship title for the second year in a row. The Boys Varsity came in third place in the large school division thanks to the coaching of Dave and Tim Larkin.Pastoral Staff Changes/Additions
On Sunday, March 10 our parish bid a prayerful and loving farewell to Deacon Jeff and Jean Pierfy who relocated to South Carolina. Deacon Jeff was a fine homilist, counselor and pastoral minister to the sick. His wife, Jean was a very dedicated pastoral minister assisting parishioners at the time of funerals, weddings and through the annulment process.
Mr. Antonis Illanio, our school’s physical education teacher assumed additional duties when he was named “Coordinator of Youth Activities” in September.Our Lenten Program / Pro-Life Witness
A highlight of our Lenten observance was the Cohort sponsored Mission held at St. Raphael’s Church from April 29 through May 1. The retreat director was Franciscan Father David Pivonka whose theme was “Spiritual Freedom—God’s Life Changing Gift.” Our parish work of charity was dedicated to the restoration of Mary Immaculate School, Les Gonaives, Haiti. Our charitable gifts throughout the season realized $16,000 for this project to repair walls, replace the roof and install flooring.
October 3 was designated as a parish “Day of Prayer and Fasting for Life” Various opportunities were provided during the day for people to gather in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. The parish also supported a Baby Bottle Drive to raise funds to support the Legacy of Life Foundation, Bucks County.Evangelization / Vocations / RCIA
At the Solemn Easter Vigil our parish celebrated the baptism of three Elect—Patricia Carr, Paige Griffiths, and Lauren Neuls.
During the month of October, the homilies at Mass were focused on the need for priestly vocations in the Diocese of Trenton through a program, “Called by Name.” Parishioners were asked to identify potential priestly vocations and to submit their names to the pastor. These individuals would be contacted by the Diocesan Vocation Office to participate in various events to discern a priestly vocation. Msgr. Gervasio was able to submit ten names to the office.
Our Religious Education presented a successful initiative to foster greater parental involvement in the religious formation and education of their children. Monthly Masses were scheduled during which families would take a special part; various family activities were planned monthly that involved parents and children working together.
Pastoral Council Developments
This year saw the restructuring of our pastoral council, the advisory body to the pastor along with the finance council. Organizations and ministries were grouped into six categories with a council member assigned as the group’s representative on the council. The categories are: Divine Worship, Spiritual Formation, Faith Formation and Education, Community Life and Stewardship.Summer Activities
The parish campus was busy despite the “hazy, lazy days of summer. Our school held it’s Adventure Camp under the direction of our art teacher, Kim Bowers and her able assistant, Francesca Gioe. The Religious Education Program held its Bible Camp and a “FUNdamentals Basketball Camp directed by Vincent Peroni was a great opportunity for our aspiring athletes.
Our parish celebrated the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne in a grand way on Friday, July 26. With the support of our cohort parishes, a Mass was celebrated by Msgr. Gervasio at 12:15 pm for all Grandparents and their grandchildren. Msgr. Sam Sirianni, Rector of the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine was homilist. A luncheon followed in the church hall. A subsequent Grandparent/Grandchild celebration was held on Sunday, November 10.
The parish brought the summer season to a close with our annual picnic on the grounds of Our Lady of Sorrows. The annual event draws about 500 people. It is held on the Sunday closest to our patronal feast—Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15)Knight to Remember Gala, Golf Classic, & Summer Project
Our parish’s annual gala to support our school was held on November 22 at Stone Terrace. The gala honored fellow parishioners: Peter Inverso, Dave and Martha Larkin, Dave and Cheryl Uhaze and John O’Donovan. The even realized $40,000.
Our Golf Classic celebrated its 25 th anniversary. It was held on September 18 at Mercer Oaks Golf course. The silver jubilee realized its highest profit ever—over $16,000 for our school and parish.
The Summer Project was once again a great help in maintaining our two church campuses. The goal of this year’s project was the replacement of steps to a transept of Our Lady of Sorrows Church and repairs to the front steps of St. Anthony Church. The project, a mail campaign, realized $33,496.Honors Accorded-Thanks Rendered
Nicholas Evans, a senior at Holy Ghost Preparatory School, Bensalem ranked in the top 3% of his class and graduated summa cum laude. For this distinction, Nicholas was honored at the 40th annual academic honors convocation in Philadelphia by Archbishop Charles Chaput.
Valerie Viel was one of 26 teens honored by the Diocese of Trenton for exemplary parish service. She received the “St. Timothy Award” from Bishop David O’Connell.
Grace Gill and Gabriel Gomez were honored by Mercer County CYO as 2018-19 scholar-athletes on November 2 at the CYO Center, Yardville.
Our parish expressed its thanks to its many volunteers at a luncheon on Sunday, November 17 at the German American Club. Nearly 200 persons attended representing the parish’s many ministries and organizations.