Dear Parishioners:

As we enter a season of Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the many things I am thankful for. But first some transition news. Our Business Manager, Patti Dickens, is leaving OLPH/St. Agnes for a new position for the Diocese of Trenton. When Patti started here, she took the Manager position on an interim basis, expecting to stay 3 months. Well, a year later, Patti has decided to move on! In her new position at Parish Development Associate, she will continue to interact with us and other parishes. I am grateful and appreciative of the contributions Patti has made to our parish.

Dan Neff, our Music Director, is also moving on to a new opportunity. Dan has accepted a new position at St Josephs as their full time Music Director. He will continue to work with us as our coordinator of wedding and funeral Masses. Patrick Phillips will assume the position of Coordinator, Music Ministry. Join me in wishing Patrick success as he takes on this responsibility.

We have also hired a new Business Manager, Sue Kiley. Sue retired from a National Vice President position for a large company in the healthcare market to become more involved in the community. She brings a wealth of experience and success in business management. She is currently the Mayor of Hazlet and a cantor at Holy Family Church. Please welcome Sue to OLPH/St. Agnes.

I am grateful for our volunteers, both old and new. We have a new counting team to count collections, and we need more of you to volunteer for this important job. Please consider all our Parish Ministries and ask yourself where you can contribute.

The Parish Lazarus Committee has been formed; they will be assisting with funeral planning. I thank them for their commitment to this very important ministry. I am grateful to those who have donated so generously to the “Faith to Move Mountains” campaign. The Diocese has given us $32,000 to date as a result of this program. And some special thanks for Mr. Vito Faraci for the new beautiful statue of Padre Pio he donated. The statue was dedicated in a ceremony on September 23rd and stands in front of our convent.

And I am grateful for all of you, our parishioners, our community of faithful Catholics. May God bless you all!

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Fernando Lopez, Pastor