Coronavirus: All Masses to Be Closed to the Public Until Further Notice (Page 4)

Coronavirus: All Masses to Be Closed to the Public Until Further Notice (Page 4)

In response to local authorities’ rules and suggestions, Bishop Sullivan has suspended public access to all Masses within the Diocese of Camden effective Wednesday, March 18th, 2020. Mass will still be celebrated at St. Damien Parish and all intentions will be offered, but they will all be closed off to the public. This will continue until further notice.

Please stay tuned to our Coronavius page for more updates. More information will follow soon.

Coronavirus: All Masses to Be Closed to the Public Until Further Notice

In response to local authorities’ rules and suggestions, Bishop Sullivan has suspended public access to all Masses within the Diocese of Camden effective Wednesday, March 18th, 2020. Mass will still be celebrated at St. Damien Parish and all intentions will be offered, but they will all be closed off to the public. This will continue until further notice. Please stay tuned to our Coronavius page for more updates. More information will follow soon.

Coronavirus: Events Being Postponed or Cancelled at St. Damien Parish

In response to the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, St. Damien Parish will be canceling certain events and large gatherings for the safety and well-being of our parishioners. This list will continue to update if/when new events are canceled. We apologize for any inconveniences these cancellations cause. Please note: all Mass times at our three churches will not be changing. Faith, Food, & Film: March 17, 2020 date has been canceled. March 24 and March 31 dates to be determined.…

Coronavirus: How to Partake in Mass if You’re Homebound

Yesterday, Bishop Sullivan announced he would be dispensing all Catholics in the area from their obligation to attend Sunday Mass. While this doesn’t mean you simply don’t have to go, it does means people such as the elderly, those not feeling well, and those with compromised immune systems can be excused from weekly Mass amidst the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus. If you fit one of these profiles and will not be attending Mass during this period, here are a…

Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Galdino Tapia

Galdino Tapia used to believe that Mass was a place to go simply to sit and listen.  These days, he helps to make the Mass what it is. Galdino leads the Luc de Cristo music ministry that plays regularly at the Spanish-language Mass at St. Frances Cabrini Church.  Over the past 15 years, he has helped to build up the Hispanic congregation into the vibrant community that it is today.  “I came from a family that was Catholic by custom,”…

Coronavirus: Bishop Sullivan Dispenses Catholics from Sunday Mass Obligation

In response to the recommendations of civic authorities, and regional and national health experts, I have decided to temporarily dispense all Catholics within the Diocese of Camden from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Those who are concerned that attending Mass may compromise their health and those currently suffering illness are not obliged to attend Mass until they are in good health. I strongly encourage those who choose not to attend Sunday Mass to avail themselves of other opportunities by…

Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Bill Stanwood

“A long road in the right direction.” That is how Bill Stanwood described his roundabout journey into the field of education. The phrase could also well describe the way by which Bill has steadily walked his faith.  Born nearly 80 years ago in Pitman and raised there as a Methodist, Bill enrolled at the University of Delaware where he “fell in love with this Catholic girl.” Bill and Kris, who will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this year, were married…

A Letter from Our Pastor, Father Michael Rush

For almost 20 years, I have proudly served as a priest in Ocean City, New Jersey, and for the past nine years as your pastor here at St. Damien Parish. It has been an honor and privilege to lead such a vibrant and unified Catholic community anchored in God’s love. Unfortunately, my time here is coming to an end. On July 15th, 2020, I will be retiring as your pastor. The policy of the Diocese of Camden states “a priest…

Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Mary Ann Hascher

When it came to organizing the Ladies of the Knights of Columbus, Mary Ann Hascher wanted to keep it simple.  “No dues, no minutes,” she said.  “We just try to be there for people who need us when they need us.”  As a support to the St. Damien Council of the Knights of Columbus, the Ladies help with major events like the popular spaghetti dinner and the annual honoring of the police, among other functions. The group also donates to…

Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Bill Flanders

From his earliest years Bill Flanders knew that church was a place where he could talk to God.  In time, church became the place where Bill would hear God talk to him. Raised in St. Cecilia Parish in the Fox Chase neighborhood of Philadelphia, Bill began, even as a child, to incorporate daily morning Mass into his life. It became a quiet routine that he maintained as he took on a career and a family of his own. “To know…

Know Your Fellow Parishioner: Max Buondonno

Everyone in the parish has noticed the new and improved look of the church bulletin and website over the last several months. Now it is time to meet the dynamic man behind the changes: 19-year-old Max Buondonno. One day last spring, Max came home from Mass wondering if his social media skills might be of use to the parish. “Facebook. Instagram,” he was thinking. “Something to attract the younger crowd.” So he called Father Michael Rush and found a receptive…