Dear Parishioners,

Over the summer, our Cohort affiliation has changed. A Cohort is a group of parishes that work together according to the plans developed in the Faith in our Future program. Previously, we were in Cohort 18 with Mother of Mercy Parish (Asbury Park) and St. Anselm (Wayside). But, now we are members of Cohort 19 with St. Mark (Sea Girt), St. Catharine-St. Margaret (Spring Lake), St. Rose (Belmar) and St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish (Avon and Bradley Beach).

Why the change? I am not completely sure. But, the Diocese thinks this will be a better fit. This Cohort definitely seems a lot more active than our previous one.
What are some of the plans of Cohort 19? They seem to have a lot of plans, and I have only been to one meeting so far. But this is what they had on their docket: the Gazebo/Maclearie Park Mass (which is today), a Lenten Mission for 2020, a walking pilgrimage between the parishes and some youth events.

Where can I find more info about the Cohort? They have a facebook group called “Gathered as one” and they have a website: https://gatheredasone.com/.
Are you looking for people to be involved? Yes. If anyone would like to represent our parish or be involved in any of these events or just have some questions, feel free to email me at: toddcarterpriest@gmail.com.

God bless!

Father Carter

P.S. On a completely separate note, Bible Study is starting this Monday (5:30 pm) and Reading Group is starting Thursday (7 pm). In the Bible Study, we’ll be looking at the Gospel of John. In Reading Group, we’re reading Patrick Madrid’s “Search and Rescue.” Feel free to contact me about either one of those.