The diocesan Department of Pastoral Care will sponsor a diocesan-wide Recovery Mass at 7 p.m., Sept. 17, in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. The theme of the evening, which includes refreshments and fellowship in the parish hall following Mass, is “Grace for the Journey.” Father Robert S. Grodnicki, pastor of St. Luke Parish, Toms River, will serve as celebrant.
“The Recovery Mass is for persons in recovery, or those with family members, or loved ones who are in recovery, or who wish to be in recovery,” said Deanna Sass, diocesan director of Pastoral Care. “It is meant to be a source of great spiritual help, strength and grace for the recovery journey. We believe that the Mass, the source and summit of our Catholic faith, provides us with abundant grace.”
Sass explained that the Recovery Mass is a natural next step following the statewide turnout and response to the diocesan-sponsored addiction symposium held in September 2018 that addressed the role of the Catholic parishes in supporting recovery.
“Since September is National Recovery Month, we knew we wanted to keep the momentum going,” she said.
For more information on the Recovery Mass, read more from The Monitor by clicking here.
If you have any questions, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/addictions-ministry or contact Debbie D’Agostaro, Office Assistant at ddagos@dioceseoftrenton.org, (609) 403-7175. St. Robert Bellarmine, Co-Cathedral is located at 61 Georgia Road, Freehold.
After battling Category 5 Hurricane Dorian for nearly 40 hours, the islands of The Bahamas have seen devastation in every form: loss of homes and lives, and flooding virtually destroying the land.
Catholic Relief Services is receiving donations to assist in the relief effort. Working with local partners, the organization is assessing immediate needs that donations will help with – food, emergency shelter and safe water.
To donate to assist families and people affected by the storm, go to www.crs.org.
“Let’s not forget to pray for the victims of the hurricane,” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., said.
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement Sept. 4 as the hurricane moved closer to the southeastern United States.
“As we continue to be vigilant for the effects of Hurricane Dorian as it approaches the U.S. coast, we are extremely mindful of the dire need faced by the community in The Bahamas so devastated by this catastrophic storm,” he said. “We pray for all effected and invite Catholics and all people of goodwill to donate to Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA.”
