October 2, 2016 - 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

In addition to my work at St. Mary’s I serve as the director of music for the Newman Catholic Campus Ministry at Montclair State University.    

John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801-1890) was an Anglican priest and convert to the Catholic faith.  Newman taught at Oxford and was a leader in the movement to return the Church of England to its’ Roman Catholic roots.  The Newman campus ministries are named after him because he saw a similarity of purpose between the Church and the University in that they both searched for universal truth.

I would describe Montclair chapter of Newman as an extremely active youth adult group/parish.  We have had many students go through the R.C.I.A. receiving the sacraments of baptism, first communion and confirmation.  Last summer the Montclair chapter of Newman Campus ministry was ranked #3 of the 1000’s of chapters on college campuses throughout the world.  This was based on the many social, spiritual and service activities they provide for the Montclair State community.  *

My 9 years of working with Newman has brought much joy and more than a few benefits which have directly impacted the music here at St. Mary’s.  I have been introduced to a new wave of contemporary church music that is finding its way into our hymnals.  One such sung is “Many and One” (#414) which we will sing at offertory.

The best benefit has been bringing some of these talented young adults to St. Mary’s.  You have seen and heard Apryl, Gabrianna and Aaron, who along with our senior cantor; John Luland help create beautiful music at liturgy.  Michael, who fills in from time to time now has his own church position.  These musicians are energetic, highly motivated and faithful Catholics who believe in what they sing.  Working with them keeps me fresh and challenges me to be on my toes.

One reason for my writing this is to affirm their work.  The other is to challenge each of us to be motivated by them.  I suspect there are more than a few reading are sitting on the sidelines and not sure about taking the chance to get more involved.  To you I say, “Think like a college student!”

Sleep is optional.  An empty calendar is an unhappy calendar.

Having things under control is highly over-rated!

·   Find out more about our Adult Choir, Children’s Choir and Guitar Group by e-mailing me at b.mauro1@yahoo.com

·       Consider joining us for the care kitchen on Saturday October 22 or the Crop-Walk on Sunday October 23^rd.

·         Take a look through these pages and find somewhere you can get involved

Don’t get left out!

Blessed to be serving at St. Mary’s,

Bruce

*    The Archdiocese of Newark provides the Montclair chapter with a full-time priest,

      campus minister, administrative assistant and 4 FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic  

      University Students) missionaries.