Gallery: Blessing of the Sea (2023)

Gallery: Blessing of the Sea (2023)

From the Pastor’s Desk: Parish 2022-2023 Financial Statements

This weekend is the second of three weekends in which we are formally talking about our parish stewardship of treasure appeal.  Last weekend we talked about why we need to do this campaign.  This weekend we are focusing on some of the particulars of this stewardship appeal; discussing the current state of our finances, the giving levels possible, and the importance of electronic giving.   It is vital that everyone consider using electronic giving.  By setting up a certain level of…

From the Pastor’s Desk (December 1, 2021

I have scheduled two parish meetings to discuss the plan forward for some Church renovations.  Renovations will begin right after Christmas.  The meetings will be held at 9:00 AM following the 8:30 AM Mass on Thursday, December 2 at St. Augustine Church and at 10:00 AM following the 9:00 AM Mass on Sunday, December 5 at St. Augustine Church.  All parishioners are invited to attend one of these sessions to hear the plan. Peace,Fr. Tom Newton

Gallery: St. Damien Parish Evening of Gratitude Dinner (2021)

On Friday, November 4th, 2021, St. Damien Parish held its Evening of Gratitude at the Flanders Hotel in Ocean City to thank all of the ministers and volunteers of our parish community. It was a stupendous event with inspiring music, prayer, and plenty of good food. Below is a gallery of photographs taken at the event.

From the Pastor’s Desk (Oct. 17, 2021)

I am pleased to announce the following staff changes for St. Damien Parish: Effective Wednesday, October 12, 2021 · Karen Malkiewicz returns from family leave to work on Thursdays and Fridays as the Office Administrative Assistant. · Tina Boylan continues her work one day per week and will now be the St. Damien Wedding and Baptism Coordinator.  Tina will also do other administrative functions as directed by me. Effective Monday, October 18, 2021 · Joanne Kelly will be the Pastoral Associate for Justice…

A Word on Our Winter Mass Schedule

We have reached a point as a community where it is necessary to make some changes to the St. Damien liturgical schedule.  The personnel is just no longer available to cover all of the Masses that we currently have scheduled.  I realize that these decisions are never easy, however I ask for your support.  After consultation with our staff and members of the Pastoral Council, I have made the following decisions: As of Columbus Day, Monday, October 11, 2021 we…

Welcome Shawn Bobien, Assistant for Worship & Music!

On behalf of the St. Damien Parish Community, I would like to welcome Shawn Bobien, who will be joining our Parish Staff as the Assistant for Worship and Music. Shawn brings extensive professional experience as a pianist and drummer, audio engineer, and music producer, with a special background in music for worship. While continuing his role as Director of Worship Arts at the Mount Zion Baptist Church of Pleasantville, Shawn will work part time for St. Damiens, providing musical accompaniment…

From the Pastor’s Desk (May 30, 2021)

Beginning on Friday, May 28th, those participating in Mass, who are vaccinated against COVID-19, are no longer required to wear masks.  Those who are not yet vaccinated are encouraged to wear masks in accord with CDC guidelines. Obviously, anyone who desires to still wear a mask is permitted to do so and I encourage all parishioners and visitors to get vaccinated.  In addition, all pews will be opened for seating.  Per the governor’s statement, all social distancing requirements are lifted…

From the Pastor’s Desk (January 17, 2021)

Happy New Year.  It is my hope and prayer that this year, 2021, will be a time of peace, joy and good health for you and your family.  I have just completed my first six months as the pastor of St. Damien and I offer a word of gratitude to all of you for your welcome and goodness to me.  I know that I have made some changes that not everyone has been able to embrace and I am sorry…

Catholic Bishops Urge Opposition to NJ’s “Reproductive Freedom Act”

(Don’t be fooled by the title – It’s not freedom) This legislation if enacted would codify: Allowing late-term abortions up to birth Permitting nonphysicians to perform abortions Elimination of any legislative requirements for parental notification Elimination of any conscience protection legislation for health care workers Mandating state taxpayer funding for abortion services Prohibiting any future laws, regulations, etc. conflicting with this legislation New Jersey Bishops in their statement on The Reproductive Freedom Act: “… urge all Catholics … to reject…

An Update on the Sick List at St. Damien Parish

Hi folks – Max here, bulletin editor and webmaster at St. Damien Parish. I wanted to share an update on one of the most important aspects of the bulletin: our sick list. As of the December 6th, 2020 bulletin, we have transitioned to our new sick list format. What does that mean for you? Names will now appear on our sick list indefinitely, giving you much more control over how long names appear in the bulletin. Twice per year, we…