A Milestone for the Diocese
A Moment in History
T
he process of elevating St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Freehold to the dignity of a cocathedral, which began in April 2016 by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., comes to fruition with the signing of the “acta,” or official document of elevation, during Mass Feb. 19. The final step formalizing the new status will have been witnessed by more than a thousand of the faithful, along with priests of the Diocese and visiting Church leaders. The St. Robert Bellarmine Parish community, notified on Christmas Eve 2016 of the honor and responsibility that it was being given, has been diligently preparing for the next chapter of its spiritual legacy that dates back to 1971. In its 46 years of existence, the parish has grown in response to a burgeoning Catholic community in western Monmouth County, eventually building its own church, which will now serve as the secondary spiritual home for the Diocese. Fewer than 10 co-cathedrals in the United States have been approved by the Vatican. Co-cathedrals are established to supplement the mission and ministry of the cathedral of a diocese. In this Diocese, St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral will support St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton. Diocesan events will be scheduled in one of the two churches, according to the specific needs. The administration and staff of St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, already known for their warm hospitality, have opened wide the doors to their beautiful church and put out the welcome mat for the diocesan family.
From the Cover The title of this keepsake booklet, “Created for the Glory of God,” is based on a phrase from St. Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621): “If you are wise, then, know that you have been created for the glory of God and your own eternal salvation. This is your goal; this is the center of your life; this is the treasure of your heart.” (SRB, “On the Ascent of the Mind of God”) Photo of St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral by Craig Pittelli
C2 • Celebrating
A message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
Co-Cathedral known for central location, architectural beauty and spirit of hospitality Excerpted from original announcement, published Dec. 28, 2016
A Place of Tradition, Community
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n the early and mid 1970s, the area of Central New Jersey was experiencing a steady settling by professionals who worked in New York and Northern New Jersey and wanted to provide a wholesome life for their families in the more affordable suburbs. The already thriving churches in the area became insufficient to serve the people of God in this area.
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The large gathering area offers a place for the faithful to greet one another.
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When the parish of St. Robert Bellarmine was established in 1971 in the budding suburb of Freehold, a parish worship space, which doubled as a parish hall and gathering space, was constructed with a “family” parish community in mind. This worship space provided for the needs of the parish for 30-plus years, but as the parish grew and events and ministries became more numerous, it was clear that a new church building was necessary. Having had a good financial foundation from which to draw, the new space was to be built with an eye toward beauty, function and growth; housing definite ecclesial designs. The parish church of St. Robert Bellarmine was dedicated in 2002 with a seating capacity of 1,100 congregants. As one enters the gathering area, he/she is drawn in by double rosette windows – one at the entrance of the church and another at the entrance of the nave. The large gathering area offers a place for the faithful to greet one another, for ministers of the Mass to assemble their procession and ample space for various ministries of social Continued on • C3
Inside: Welcoming Presence • C7 The Making of a Co-Cathedral • C10-C11 The Story of St. Robert Bellarmine Church • A1-A4 (center) Our Mother Church • C15-C16 A Community Celebrates • C18 & C22
Our Co-Cathedral • The MONITOR • FEBRUARY 23, 2017