Dear Parishioners,

Great things have been happening in our parish! First, I would like to congratulate Holy Innocents School’s Girls Softball Team. After having an undefeated season, they won their Division Championship against St. Benedict’s in Holmdel. It was an awesome game on a great night and we are really proud of our girls.

Second, we recently had our School Art Show. At this event, so many of our students showed off their artistic talents. Not only were there paintings, but also mosaics, portraits, sculptures and music. It was good to see how talented our school is.

Third, we have successfully finished our first book in Reading Group and are about to begin another one. The purpose of the Reading Group is to encourage people to read books that relate to our Catholic Faith and to discuss them in a friendly setting. It is very important that we educate ourselves about our faith and I find that being part of a Reading Group really helps. The next book we will read is called, “Protestants and Catholics: What We Can Learn from Each Other”, by Peter Kreeft and that begins on July 6th. (Contact me at toddcarterpriest@gmail.com for details.)

Fourth, Family Board Game Night is growing. When I held it in April, 14 people showed up, which I thought was a good number. But, when we had it this past week over 35 people of all ages participated which is even better. I think it’s great that people can come together to have fun. Board games are an enjoyable way to do that because it gives a realm in which one can make interesting decisions and meet new people. I hope everyone who came had a good time.

Fifth, the Eucharist is at the center of everything we do as a Catholic parish. So, it is absolutely wonderful that so many people come to adore Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament every Thursday when we have Eucharist Adoration beginning after the 9 am Mass and until 9 pm. Adoration is a great time to pray to Jesus without worrying about structure or doing anything in particular. It is great that people spend time praying to our Lord even if they do not have to. Also, in support of our Eucharistic devotion we will be having a special meeting for our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (sometimes mistakenly called Eucharistic ministers) on Saturday July 17th beginning with 9 am Mass together followed by the meeting. We will be having a special speaker, Fr. Al Tamayo of the Oratorians speak to us and it will be a great day to renew our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

God bless! And thank you to all the people that make this parish so grand.

Peace,

Fr. Carter