Engaged? The Sacrament of Matrimony requires time for spiritual preparation. Preparation is for living out a lifetime of the marriage covenant and preparing for the wedding day. Arrangements should be made one year in advance by contacting the Parish Office, at 908-362-6444. The Diocese of Metuchen website offers more information.
Married? Support for living out this covenant is available at the Diocese Family Life Office Website and at ForYourMarriage.com
From sacred scripture we see how men were called to serve in special ways which we call Holy Orders. The three orders are Deacon, Priest and Bishop.
Diaconate: Deacons are men who serve by presiding at some liturgical celebrations outside of mass like baptisms, weddings and funerals and can proclaim the gospel and give homilies. They commit themselves to visiting the sick and ministering the eucharist, preparing couples for marriage, and other parish work. For more information go to the diocese of Metuchen office of Diaconate website.
Priesthood: Priests act in the person of Christ with authority to preside at mass, hear confessions, and annoint the sick. Many are pastors of parishes with responsibilities of administration along with pastoral service. In the Latin Rite of the Church the long practice is for priests to be celebate after the example of Christ who gave himself completely to God's people. The priest acts in the person of Christ as a spiritual father. If you know someone who would make a good priest encourage him. Perhaps you are discerning a vocation to the priesthood. For more information go to the Metuchen Diocese Vocation Office website.
Episcopacy: The order of Bishop is the highest of the Holy Orders. Some priests are called to the order of Bishop to lead a diocesan family and who have authority to ordain men to the deaconate and priesthood, to provide for the parishes of the diocese and who make decisions on behalf of God's people in shepherding the flock. Please pray for our bishops that the Lord give them the strength and wisdom they need in watching over the Church. The Diocese Website has more information on the Bishop of Metuchen.