Ninety religious who minister in the Diocese of Paterson in New Jersey — priests, brothers and sisters — united for an evening of prayer, fraternity, and relaxation on Sept. 5 during the annual Gathering of New Religious at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, N.J., run by the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco.
The event started with adoration and vespers in St. Joseph’s Chapel led by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who gave a moving reflection about life and vocation. A group photo with the bishop followed.
Then, participants ate dinner together in the school cafeteria, catered by Personal Touch. Members of various religious communities mingled at the tables to get to know one another. Also, all the new religious men and women serving the diocese had the opportunity to introduce themselves, including a new community, the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma.
The sense of fraternity continued into the evening as many participating religious headed to the school gym to play competitive volleyball and basketball, or engaged in extended conversation at the tables after the meal.
Members of the following local religious communities participated in the Sept. 5 Gathering of New Religious: the Apostolic Sisters of St. John, the Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood, the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, the Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth, the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, the sisters from Assumption College for Sisters in Denville, N.J., the Sisters of Christian Charity, the Benedictines of St. Paul’s Abbey in Newton, N.J., the Benedictines of St. Mary’s Abbey in Morristown, N.J., the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, and the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth.
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Several diocesan priests and seminarians also participated in the event. The Knights of Columbus N.J. State Council was again instrumental with its support and presence.
An impressive fact emerged from the evening. The following religious communities with formation houses in the diocese welcomed new candidates this year: the Franciscan Sisters of St. Elizabeth, the Sisters of Charity, the Sisters of Christian Charity, and the Salesian Sisters.
Religious join for faith, fraternity at North Haledon gathering