Above is the livestream recording of yesterday's confirmation with Bishop David O'Connell.  Below is a picture afterward.  Thank you to Mary Ann Dempkowski, Linda Olsen, the teachers, the parents, the sponsors, and the family and friends.  The confirmation was glorious.

     Thanks to Dave and the choir.  They keep getting better and better.  The rehearsal room feels bigger now that we've moved the office items out into the foyer and file room.

     Thanks to our young people.  May the Holy Spirit enliven you!

     Thanks also to Fr. George Deutsch for joining us.  He celebrated 68 years of priesthood on Sunday and will celebrate 96 years since his birth tomorrow.  To read more about the confirmation and Fr. George, see this article in The Monitor.

     Tomorrow, 5/31, in St. Mary's Cathedral, Bishop O'Connell will ordain Rev. Mr. Alan Bridges a priest.  He will be assigned to St. Joe's in Toms River.  To learn more and watch the livestream, visit here.  Immediately following the 8 AM Mass at St. John's, I will dart to the cathedral for the ordination.

     For many years, Victor Bala ran our religious articles store.  He sang in the choir.  His funeral will be on June 24th.  See his obituary here.

     Several months ago, two ladies, Ruth and Debbie, starting helping Victor with the store.  Since his stroke, they've stepped up to run the store.

     Our choir is poised to grow.  Dave is very good in drawing out musical talent.  If you have the inkling of an ability to sing, consider talking with Dave and ask about joining the choir.

     Aleteia reported on Let's Sing with the Pope here.  While we usually sing in English, these videos can help all of us with our singing including those who might consider joining the choir.  The first video in the series is below.  The rest of the series is here.

     Singing is like praying twice.  Could we sing prayer intentions?

1)  For Pope Leo as he continues to serve as our new pope.

2)  For our confirmandi that they will cooperate with the Holy Spirit.

3)  For continued growth in our choir.

4)  For the future Fr. Alan Bridges who will serve as a new priest in our nearby parish of St. Joe's.

5)  For greater respect for all human life.

God love you,

Fr. Jim