CTK parishioner and grandfather of two CKRS alumni, Captain Doug Wells, USAF Reserve delivered the keynote address during the school Mass. He is pictured with his wife Dianna, and daughter Margo Ahart.
Since the Middle Ages, November 11 has been celebrated as the feast day of Saint Martin of Tours. Martin (316-397 AD) was the son of a veteran who followed his father into the Roman Army. He became a Christian in his youth, and after he retired from the army, he became the bishop of Tours in modern-day France. Since 1938, November 11 has been a legal holiday “to be dedicated to the cause of world peace” because World War I ended on November 11, 1918. Since 1954, it has been known as Veterans Day.
Our parish commemorated the day in many ways. On Saturday morning, November 9, we hosted the annual Veterans Haven 5K. Many parishioners, including Fr. Jon, ran. Parishioner Joe McElroy helped lead the National Anthem before the race, then MC’d the awards ceremony. Veterans Haven, in Hammonton, supports homeless veterans.
At each Sunday Mass, Fr. Jon offered a blessing for veterans, who were also given the opportunity to share their service branch and places of deployment. Several parishioners representing the four major services stood at each Mass and were applauded by the congregation.
On Monday, the holiday itself, Christ the King School organized a service in the church to recognize parents and grandparents of students who have served in the military. As usual, students led the service, welcoming the guests, offering readings, and leading the songs.
In God’s Providence, the day carries a double but complementary meaning for American Catholics. We ask for the blessing of the veteran-saint Martin of Tours on today’s veterans and pray for the day when soldiers may permanently lay down their arms.
Father Jon, Pastor
For information on how to support veterans and their families, visit NJ.gov and continue to veterans services. All active duty and retired members of the military are eligible to join the American Legion, contact Joe McElroy for details on Local Post 38.
Prepare the Way
After making the beautiful advent wreath, each is carefully carried to Father Jon for a blessing.
As November draws to a close, we look forward to the joyousness and celebratory nature of the coming season. While secular society may focus on the presents, parties, and the busyness this time of year brings, the anticipation of the season for us, as Catholics, should be different. So significant are the four weeks before Christmas that our church calendar affords us an entire season devoted to preparing ourselves for our Savior’s birth. As you prepare your heart and your home for any special visitor, the coming of the Lord deserves intentional and faith-driven preparation. Our services and events during the season of Advent provide time for prayer, reflection, and fellowship that leads us to receive God’s greatest gift.
Each year, CTK parishioners and their families meet in Morgan Hall to begin their Advent season with a creative and prayerful event. Led by parishioners and staff, our annual Advent Wreath Making event incorporates music and prayer while families create their wreaths. As a parishioner and coordinator of this event, Jennifer Coelho enjoys the collaboration that this experience brings. She appreciates making the centerpiece for their dining room table with her family. She also remarked that praying while lighting the candles each week keeps the family focused on the beautiful promises of Advent all season long.
Three ways to prepare your heart this Advent Season: Use the QR code to register for the Advent Wreath Making Event on December 1 at 10AM or 12PM. Spend an hour in the Adoration Chapel reflecting on God’s generosity. Participate in the Sacrament of Confession, heard weekly on Saturday at 4:15PM.
Singing God’s Glory
The 50 member Diocesan Pilgrimage Choir included members from Paul VI High School, the diocesan gospel, and African choirs, and 12 members from CTK.
Our Music Ministry is growing and on the move! The Adult Choir, which has 14 members, recently joined choir members from around the diocese to perform at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception during last month’s pilgrimage. KC Clement shared that he was honored to be a part of the pilgrimage, and moved by the beauty in this experience.
New this year is the Pickup Choir. Akin to a pickup game of basketball, children in grades K-8 meet in the choir loft for a 30-minute rehearsal before singing at the 9AM Family Mass on the first Sunday of each month. There are 35 children in this young choir. The newly formed 10 member CKRS choir meets on Mondays after school. All the choirs are under the direction of Abby Walsh, Director of Liturgy and Music. Abby is eager to share the news and excitement that the Adult Choir will perform at the ecumenical Thanksgiving service sponsored by the Haddonfield Council of Churches and hosted by the Lutheran Church on Sunday, November 24, at 7PM. On December 6 from 6-9PM the choir will sing Christmas Carols at the gazebo in King’s Court, Haddonfield.
Contact Abby at the parish office for more information on the Music Ministry. The address of the Lutheran Church of our Savior is 204 Wayne Ave in Haddonfield.