Parish

Statement of Most Rev. James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA, Bishop of Metuchen, on the passing of Pope Francis:

With heavy hearts the Diocese of Metuchen mourns the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis. From the moment of his election as Supreme Pontiff when he took the name Francis, our Holy Father has emphasized the mercy of God, embracing in his Petrine ministry the poor, the migrant, the marginalized and all those broken by this world’s problems and concerns. We entrust his noble soul to the hands of our Blessed Mother to accompany him to our Father's house. In this Jubilee year in which Pope Francis called us to be Pilgrims of Hope, he has now made the ultimate pilgrimage to the embrace of our loving God.

Dear Family and Friends of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church and School,

Together we enter into Lent as a time of preparation for Easter. It is entering into the Mystery of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection.

This special time is marked by traditional practices and devotions, personal and communal prayer, reflection on the Word of God, sacrifice through Almsgiving and Acts of Mercy so to help our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate than us, and fasting by abstaining not only from excessive food but also from harmful substances and unhealthy lifestyles.

This year St. Stan’s parish would like to invite you to participate in:

- the sacrament of penance and healing through confessions offered

- reflecting on Christ’s suffering through the Stations of the Cross

- pondering on the Word of God through bible study and faith sharing

- participating in Holy Week liturgies and the Paschal Triduum.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal is an opportunity and call to share our financial resources with the Universal Church through our diocese. We are part of the Universal Church and as we give so we receive … and have received valuable diocesan guidance and direction in the repair of our school roof and the total upgrade of boiler and AC. Insurance evaluators with diocesan facilities personnel have been assisting us with planning for major projects involving our church’s roof, heating and cooling systems, restrooms, parking, safety & security and more.

One of the wise thinkers of old used to say: “What does not kill us, makes us stronger”. Jesus Christ says of His own death and resurrection: “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Personally, I think that both of these messages are relevant to us in St. Stan’s church and school. We fight to survive even as we strive to flourish and blossom. As “Pilgrims of Hope” may God’s life giving grace accompany us everyday so that we may achieve our goal.

Wishing you an inspiring Lenten journey and the true, glorious joy of Easter on behalf of Fr. Ken, Fr. John, Dn. Dave and Dn. Andrew.

Fr. Paul Michalowski