Diary of a Parish Priest

A Time to Plant, A Time to Dig

Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel (Mary Ann)

There is a book I remember fondly from my childhood and refreshed by re-reading with school children, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. I'm reminded of it whenever I see a puppy frantically digging to nowhere!

More Chase

So this started out as a vole hole and wound up big enough to transplant a clump of liriope into.

 

Who me?

Special Delivery

So I got special delivery today of a birthday cake (a few days early). Chase (the new puppy's name) knows a good thing when he sees it!

Guess which one of them can still fit through the fence?

Saturday March 28th

from a parishioner

Reminder of services today and tomorrow:

Saturday:            Exposition Holy Hour        5:00 - 6:00 PM

Sunday                Exposition Holy Hour        10:30 - 11:30 AM

                              Exposition Holy Hour        5:00 - 6:00 PM

 

The bishops are working out what is an essentially Easter Triduum without a congregation. Some of the details will emerge in the coming days. I will keep you posted.

 

 

Still the Sun Rises

from a parishioner

Newest Assistant to the Pastor

Eight week old Vizsla puppy. I still can't think of a name --- open to suggestions.

 

Thank You Bishop O'Connell

Bishop O'Connell visited the parish and school yesterday to bless the students, faculty and staff of the new Academy. It was an exciting day since everyone was delighted to greet the bishop and join with him in prayer.

Bishop O'Connell, Congressman Chris Smith, Daniel O'Connell
Principal Dr. Mark DeMareo, Bishop O'Connell, Mrs. Alison Mitchell

Holy Cross Church Rumson New Jersey

Dragonflies by the Dozens

Dragonflies are voracious carnivores, but luckily not for people, as there have been more than I can count around the campus, especially in front of the rectory and the church gardens. The blooming nepeta always attract a lot of pollinators, but it must be the wet weather that has really given the dragonfly population a boost this year. 

They eat mosquitoes and other pests and are supposed to be harbingers of spiritual growth. 

Rookie Back On Duty With Trenton Thunder

Yesterday during better weather, "Rookie," the Golden Retriever batdog for the Trenton Thunder was happily performing his appointed duties.

Two Bishops and a Transitional Deacon

Bishop Smith, Bishop Reiss and Deacon Manning

One of my new favorite pictures taken shortly before my priesthood ordination.

Historic Photos in Sea Bright

A photo from the time of construction of the "new" bridge over the Shrewsbury River showing Sea Bright below and Rumson above. The Prentice Mansion and Holy Cross Church can be seen on Ward Avenue and Rumson Road in the upper right corner of the picture. 

An enlargement from the photo showing Holy Cross Church, the old rectory, the Parish Hall behind the church and the Carriage House.

2019 Dawns

Gods' Blessings For Possibilities in 2019

Adjustments

Our Lady Of Grace

Still watching.

Brisk Palm Sunday Procession, Largest Ever!

Thank  you to all who joined in our procession from Seabright to the 10:30 AM Mass in Holy Cross. It was a blustery morning, but we avoided some of the light rain which fell throughout the morning and early afternoon.

What a perfect start to Holy Week! Please join us for one of the Holy Week Liturgies on Holy Thursday, Good Friday or the Easter Vigil Mass. Please pray for our priests as we gather Monday evening with our bishop to bless the Holy Oils and the renew our priestly commitment.

Living Rosary 2017

It has been a tradition at Holy Cross to pray a rosary outdoors during the month of October, Mary's month. This year's Living Rosary was prayed in our prayer garden during a beautiful, sunny, summer-like afternoon. The children were reverent and well prepared. The support of their teachers and parents helped make the day especially prayerful. Thanks to the photos from Teresa Makin, our school's Director of Public Relations.

 

Blessing of the Animals 2017

Eye of Holy Cross

A lookout to the Atlantic from the round window of Holy Cross Church.