In these few verses, the author of Ecclesiastes captures all the aspects of life's journey. All too often we forget that there are two sides to that journey; we always want to laugh and party and sing and dance. Yet, we want to deny the times of sadness, sickness and death. We blame God for the bad and yet we praise ourselves for the good. Ecclesiastes reminds us today and everyday to praise God in the good times and the bad. Words like "Paradise, Eden, the Kingdom" will only be perfect when we are with God in heaven, until then, we need a strong foundation of faith. This foundation is the Church, especially our parish ~ Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Our life's journey is based on what we believe and how we live out that belief. It is the People of God acting like Jesus in the world today that will deliver us into the world of tomorrow. Are we ready for this challenge? Are we ready for this challenge as God's disciples?

Fr. Rene and I are blessed to be called to serve you as priests. Please remember that we are not in charge; we are simply God's instruments. As with all instruments, we play a tune that some will favor and some will not. We play different types of tunes because we walk to the beat of different drums, but, with the same conductor. We respond to many different types of people on our journey with respect and love. I know that we respond to the best of our ability as priestly ministers so that all our parishioners' spiritual needs are challenged and responded to. We are a great team because of our special unique gifts, and because of you ~ the people of Mt. Carmel. Thank you for your gift of stewardship and thank you for your Time, Talent and Treasure.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish is truly blessed by four outstanding Religious Women: Sr. Carmel Minnock, our moderator of spirituality, selflessly offers her ministry of prayer for all of us and she is doing a magnificent job; Sr. Theresa Hynes, our Pastoral Minister to the Sick, tirelessly ministers to the sick, homebound and hospital bound members of our parish family, as well as many others, and her dedication is beyond words; Sr. Carmel Buckley our School Principal, has devoted her ministry to Catholic education, her gift is timeless and faith filled; and the newest member of our team, a rerun I might add, Sr. Agnes Heffernan, our Pastoral Minister for Catechesis offers her priceless service to us openly and lovingly. The Sisters of Mercy at OLMC are a cavalcade of God's loving presence, pouring forth in so many ways in our parish. We thank God for their Gift!

Our parish staff comprised of Mrs. Sue Markiewicz, our dedicated parish office manager, Mrs. Rosa McDermott, our competent financial manager, and Mr. Rich Sbarra, our industrious Director of Maintenance. This indispensable team serves unceasingly, without them I would be lost as Pastor. Our three staff members maintain a level of competence "far above the reaching crowd." Once again, OLMC is blessed!

The Catholic Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that: Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, Christians are "dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus" and so participate in the life of the Risen Lord. Following Christ and united with him, Christians can strive to be "imitators of God as beloved children, and walk in love" by conforming their thoughts, words and actions to the "mind . . . which is yours in Christ Jesus," and by following his example. (CC 1694)

To fully live out this Divine Command, our parish structure incorporates a three-dimensional journey: Catechetical, Liturgical, and Pastoral. These three dimensions of parish life are moderated by our three dedicated Deacons. We are blessed for their GIFT: because we are truly "Growing In Faith Together." Unfortunately, some of our baptized brothers and sisters refuse to travel with us; they choose not to enter the ark and be saved. For those who wish to be saved, here we are! As St. Paul says ~ we are the "One Body of Christ."

Our Catechetical Dimension is under the leadership of Deacon Bob Henkel, who brings with him the gift of prayer and encouragement, along with his wife Dana; and our Adult Faith Formation Coordinator, Mrs. Sue Ann Jeral whose excitement and love of Jesus is a great spark of life for our faith community. This catechetical team is a magnificent expression of faith. Thanks to their efforts, OLMC has the most accessible workshops, seminars, classes and reflections for faith enhancement. The RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is all encompassing and presents an all round portrait of the Church.

Part of the "Faith in Action" experience of our parish is our Catholic School, under the guidance of Sr. Carmel Buckley; and our Religious Education Program, under the guidance of Mrs. Bea Raiker. Sister and Bea are great examples of "Faith in Action" and I thank them publicly for their undying service to our children.

Catholic Education began as a reinforcement to the Catholic family faith experience (especially when Catholicism was not popular or accepted, even persecuted in the US). Religious Education (formerly known as CCD) evolved when children did not attend a Catholic school and needed sacramental preparation. "Catholic Education" for our School and the RE program is not diametrically opposed but complement each other's vision. Both are only effective when every family and every child attends Mass and are a part of the faith life of the parish & Church. My slogan is: Mass first; Class second! I realize there are those in our parish community that never go to church at all and expect all the amenities of parish life & FIA. It is disappointing and heart breaking, but of course, we will not cater to them. It is our responsibility to evangelize them to join us so that they may better themselves as Catholic Christians, by living their baptism and enriching the community as they promised at Baptism and Confirmation.

Our Youth Ministry program at OLMC is another great example of ministry in our parish. These young men and women are a vibrant and integral part of parish life. These extraordinary young people haven taken the responsibility for their faith formation and crafted their own identity in Christ's Church. Their dedication to their own spiritual growth, to the Church, and to service to our parish family is unmatched in our diocese. We are blessed by their GIFT and enriched by sharing in their faith journey. Be comfortable in taking humble pride in our Youth Ministry which is such a testament of their strength and integrity. After all, they learned by your example and are true reflections of your love and service.

Our Liturgical Dimension is under the chair of Deacon John Rich, who brings with him his love and commitment of our worship life, along with his wife Mary Ann, and our Director of Ministries, Andrew Dutko, who brings with him not only the knowledge of church teachings but the ability to put them into practice. The Liturgical Planning Committee is composed of all who wish to enter into the spiritual journey by worshipping and praising God through liturgy planning.

The ministers on this committee join their faith foundations and creatively allow our parish family to enter into an experience, the "Road to Emmaus." By laying out a three year theme of prayer and action, this committee enlivens our spiritual life. From recognizing "God in the Breaking of the Bread" (the Eucharist) ~ Year I, to "Building God's Kingdom" here on earth, Year II (now) which will prepare us to "Evangelize" each member of our faith community, Year III. Why? It is so we may enter into a sense of wonder & awe (to experience the power of God), knowledge (to accept all God's teachings), piety (to pray and worship), counsel (to help & serve others), fortitude (the courage to live a holy, moral life), understanding (to live the creed, to believe in the truths of the Church) and wisdom (the gift of using the other gifts properly). It is our responsibility, our legacy, to pass the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit on to our confirmandi and all children who will follow in our footsteps, the footsteps of Jesus the Christ.

As part of our liturgical dimension, OLMC provides prayer groups like the Altar & Rosary (spirituality), the Legion of Mary (piety), the Rosary/Novena/Adoration (prayer once a week), a Holy Hour once a month, a weekly charismatic prayer group, and Stations of the Cross during Lent, especially outside Family Stations on Monday of Holy Week. We have the possibility of a St. Monica's Club, scripture reflection and coffee time, prayer groups for young mothers and their babies, teen faith sessions and many, many more paths to enhance our journey.

Our liturgical celebrations of faith are scenes of great worship and reverence thanks to the dedication and love of our liturgical ministers. The Music Ministry, under the chair of Ted Baker Jr., brings a joyful dimension to every parish experience. Advent/Christmas, Lent/Holy Week/Easter, and Ordinary Time, as well as our yearly Mission becomes a monumental gift to parish spirituality. The talent and gifts of the adult choir, children's choir, contemporary group, as well as all our cantors and musicians, gives OLMC another lift to our worship life. I believe that there is no Holy Week experience so prayerfully planned and executed as ours. This is only matched by the tremendous dedication of all our ministers: the Readers (young teens and adults), Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EM's), altar servers, master of ceremony leaders, ministers of hospitality (& ushers), altar care and sacristans. All these ministers contribute to the central life of our parish, praising the God who redeems us each day.

Our Pastoral Dimension is under the chair of Deacon Joe Beebe, who brings with him the great gift of compassion and true commitment to the service of the Church by loving Jesus, along with his wife Donna. This ministry is so vast that it is divided into two major areas; formal & informal.

The formal aspect of this ministry is the sacramental ministry of Fr. Rene and I, as well as the pastoral care of Sr. Theresa. Under the direction of Sr. Theresa, our ministry visits all our shut-ins, all those who are in the hospital, as well as those who are dying. With a team of 20 or more dedicated ministers, she coordinates visits with the Eucharist so that all our people can receive Jesus and a warm smile. Once a month, Fr. Rene celebrates Mass in the nursing home along with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for all patients. Deacon Joe coordinates a monthly prayer service in the nursing home as well as leading prayers in various funeral homes and cemeteries when needed.

(*Note: please do not wait until the last moment of sickness to contact the parish, times are changing, keep us notified and informed so we can be there. DO NOT wait until the last moment; you may not reach someone immediately, so call us at any beginning sign of need.)

The informal aspect of this ministry is the compassion of our parishioners and their service to others; Advent & Christmas giving tree collections, Respect Life activities, Lenten Rice Bowl collections, special need collections, especially through our School & RE children, as well as the presence of the St. Vincent DePaul Society in our parish, and the major Diocesan wide "House of Charity" collection. All these collections enliven our call to serve all those in need. These charitable donations are a response by each baptized person to live out their call to holiness.

• Fellowship: There is one thing for sure, our parish loves to party and celebrate, and we have many opportunities to get together as a community and have fun. Under the chair of Vicky Sigwart with Rich Crain & Kevin DiPietropolo, we have many opportunities to get together as a community and share. We have hospitality weekends, Breakfast with Jesus, Mardi Gras, the Ministers Christmas party, and all our parish dinners and buffets, staff lunches, as well as all the School get-togethers and parties.
• Pastoral Council under the leadership of Carl DiAntonio, Don Williams and Ron Katkocin, embraces by a loving and heartfelt form of collegiality. The Pastoral Council is the advisory board, the voice of the people, to the Pastor. The Council is made up of all chairs and moderators of the parish, as well as the Trustees, Finance Ministry and parish staff. Meeting once a month, it is their responsibility to keep the parish focused and solvent. Presently, we are still working with the diocese regarding our financial situation and we are presently undergoing a forensic audit. Since my arrival at OLMC, our financial picture is overwhelmingly great and I thank you for your generosity and support.

[On a side note, I have received many e-mails complementing our pastoral planning team from other parishes and facilitators, for their expertise and focus. The team contributed on many levels of discussions to assist in the diocesan restructuring. I thank Bea Raiker, Don Williams, Carl DiAntonio serving on the parish team, and Sr. Carmel, Kelly Heppe, David McPeak, Mark Rinaldi, and Kevin DiPietropolo serving on the school team.]

What's next? Our plan must three-dimensional…

A future component to our adult faith life is a new Catholic Adult/Parent Enlightenment (CAPE) program. Under the leadership of SueAnn Jeral, CAPE will bring together all our resources and create one "masterful" experience. The new CAPE program will be a requirement for all our parents whose children are to receive a sacrament, a necessity for all those who desire to become Catholic, and a gift for those who want to enhance the foundation of his/her own baptism. This program will be present for all adults of our parish because we want everyone to know and understand our teachings, not just with a second or eighth grade knowledge of, but with an Adult Awareness of who we are and who we should be as Catholics in today's world. This will truly be "Faith in Action!"

[As a side note, CAPE Catholics is a derogatory acronym for lapsed Catholics who only go to church on "(C)hristmas, (A)sh Wednesday, (P)alm Sunday and (E)aster". I want to change this negative to a positive - Come home, learn and grow, come back and live Baptism.]

The RE Program: When I first arrived two years ago, the RE Board informed me that everyone considered CCD as second class with little status in the parish. They expressed to me how little was given to CCD and how it operated with almost no budget. The majority of the program was financed by the generous donations of the catechists themselves. They not only shared their faith with our children, but their finances as well. We changed all that. We met for over a year with everyone interested - at least those who cared enough to attend - and presented a new vision and a solid program. I think we were all in agreement, CCD was and is NOT working, and we need to do something fast.

The RE program of OLMC is now a mark above the rest. Attending Diocesan meetings, Bea and SueAnn realize how much we have grown and how much our new vision is setting a precedent in other parishes. Adult participation and family-centered faith is the key to a successful experience. The expertise of our Catechists' has been renewed through dutiful commitment to personal education and updating. However, to accomplish all this, and do it well, takes money. The RE program will receive the same status as any other educational program in our parish, with a stable tuition rate and a complete budget. Full participation will be the future expectation for all families, children and parents alike, who want to prepare for sacraments. We can no longer cater to the "unchurched" when the "churched" need us so much. This is our primary purpose and we plan to challenge and engage all our people to put their Faith in Action - "Mass first, Class second!" I might add that this dilemma is more noticeable when RE and Catholic School are not in session. They all "forget" to go Mass. The thinking is that if they are off from class, then they off from Mass. I hope they do not get this terrible attitude from their parents. I am not sure I remember God saying that. Is this the new eleventh commandment?

A future component to this aspect of our journey must be putting all this creativity into action, Faith in Action. How do we recognize Jesus in the Eucharist? How do we Build God's Kingdom here on earth? How do we Evangelize and bring God's message to our community? Our worship and prayer life must be a reflection of what we hold sacred, what we truly believe. When this occurs, then we give. We give because we know and understand God's presence in our life and we want to give God back in response to all that we have in God's name.

We need to expand our Ministers of Hospitality, men and women, husbands and wives, families - all greeting our people as they enter God's sacred place. We need to provide a place for our children for the "Liturgy of the Word." I am proposing that we prepare to expand our gathering space and add on a "Prayer Room" for our children on Sundays. This room can also be utilized for all prayer groups during the week and as a spiritual conference room, as well as an Adoration Chapel. The plans already exist. Let's see if we can put the "ideal into the real."

Our future slogan is "Be informed, not Surprised!" Information is power; and God's information is Divine Power! We must never be ashamed or embarrassed about who and what we are as the "Children of God".

We need to prepare and plan for the "Restructuring" of our diocese. With the upcoming announcement by our Bishop in April, we need to know what is expected of us as a parish, and what we need to do if changes are to take place. At the present moment, the second and newest proposal to the Diocesan Planning Board and the Bishop from our parish team is that St. Edward Parish would merge into OLMC. This would mean that we would receive half of its assets, facilities and territory; and that St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Washington Township would receive the other half of the territory. Once again, this is only a proposal; we await the Bishop's decision in April.

Financially: I believe we are in great shape. Since my arrival two years ago, the parishioners of OLMC have been extremely generous. We want for nothing and can plan for the future. The entanglement of the past is just that, of the past. The Diocese has contracted a forensic auditing firm from North Jersey to investigate, but their work is still in progress. We have a new "Fundraising Committee" for the Parish-School under the leadership of Joe Narciso. A major goal of this committee is to provide four major fund raisers each year. Part of the committee's responsibility will be to coordinate ALL "fund" raising activities by meeting with all chairs and creating one yearly calendar for these events.

On the other side of the coin, our House of Charity goal has been increased by almost 40%, as was every parish in the diocese. This rise in cost is stems from all the wonderful social services and programs our diocese provides in every county. Remember that we have been called by Jesus Himself to do these good works and I am confident that Jesus is pleased. As a reminder: only 5% of the HOC donations go to administration, the rest goes to our people in need. By giving to the HOC, it is our way of living the Gospel message.

At the present time, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish is in a great place! For those who believe and participate, we are here; for those who don't have the time, we are near. As the signing on the forehead from the Ash Wednesday ceremony reminded us: "Repent and Believe in the Good News!"