My Dear Friends,

“... the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1.5)
A few weeks ago, I received a Christmas card from a brother priest in a neighboring parish that had a beautiful silhouette of the newborn Jesus in the manger along with Mary and Joseph and the bible verse above inscribed by the star. For some reason, this verse resonated with me and has stayed with me for the better part of a week.

My brothers and sisters, as we celebrate this milestone in our parish’s life and history, we do so on the firm foundation given us by the former pastors, priests, religious, benefactors and parishioners of St. Thomas who answered the call given them by God to serve His people here in Old Bridge. We give thanks for all of them who made it possible for us to face the future with hope and confidence as we now strive to do what they did ... as we now join together as one to carry out the Church’s mission leading people into a real relationship with Jesus Christ.

Poor Thomas! He made one remark and has been branded as "Doubting Thomas" ever since. But if he doubted, he also believed. He made what is certainly the most explicit statement of faith in the New Testament: "My Lord and My God!" and, in so expressing his faith, gave Christians a prayer that will be said till the end of time. He also occasioned a compliment from Jesus to all later Christians: "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed" (John 20:29).

The Governor has lifted the masking requirement indoors for those who are vaccinated, as well as the requirement for social distancing, and yesterday it was communicated to us from the diocese.

As per CDC guidelines, masks will be optional for those who are fully vaccinated. The Clergy and Extraordinary Ministers will continue to sanitize their hands before and after distribution of Holy Communion.

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish,

He is Risen, Alleluia! Easter is celebrated for fifty glorious days beginning today culminating on the Solemnity of Pentecost. This is the “mother of all feasts” because we remember that great love of the Father for us, whose Son, Jesus Christ, by dying destroyed death and by rising restored all of us to life. This is the feast of the Passover of the Lord, the new day; the new creation, the new life, the eighth day. Easter reminds us that we have been reconciled with God the Father.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. After consulting with Infectious disease experts at St. Peter's Hospital, Bishop Checchio allows for the practice of imposition of ashes by a single use Q-tip for each penitent. After the ceremony the Q-tips should be either burned or buried.

Authentic joy comes in a form we would never expect: a newborn baby, who arrived 2,000 years ago and who still comes into our lives during Christmas and every day of the year.

"In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways.. In these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son." With deep joy and gratitude, I extend to you all ...both parishioners and visitors alike, my prayerful best wishes for a holy and blessed Christmas! During this Advent Season, it was my prayer that each of us would find opportunities to reflect on our own faith and relationship with the Lord and His Church.

An Underground Catechism....Catholics in England during the period 1558 to 1829, when Parliament finally emancipated Catholics in England, were prohibited from ANY practice of their faith by law - private OR public. It was a crime to BE a Catholic. The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person.

The feast in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe goes back to the 16th century. Chronicles of that period tell us the story.

A poor Indian named Cuauhtlatohuac was baptized and given the name Juan Diego. He was a 57 year old widower, and lived in a small village near Mexico City. On Saturday morning December 9, 1531, he was on his way to a nearby barrio to attend Mass in honor of Our Lady.