Archbishop Bernard Hebda Celebrates Opening Mass of Centennial Year

The Centennial Year celebration began with Mass celebrated by Archbishop Bernard Hebda on Sunday, October 4, 2015, at 10am. Fr. Timothy Graff, Pastor of St. Joseph Church and Fr. Fernando Diaz concelebrated the Mass, assisted by Deacon Kevin Regan.

The Mass drew numerous current parishioners and number of special guests, including religious sisters who had previously served at St. Joseph Church and representatives of the borough of Bogota.

In his homily, Archbishop Hebda recalled the dedication of the Carmelite priests who built a solid foundation for the parish during its first hundred years. Remarking on the fine singing of the music ministry, he called on all parishioners to continue sharing their talents and gifts to build and grow the parish for the next hundred years. Noting the presence of students from St. Joseph Academy, the Archbishop expressed his hope that some of these same students might recall attending this 100th anniversary when the parish celebrates its next milestone. He further expressed his hope that there might be vocations among the students: perhaps one of them might be a future pastor of St. Joseph Church or another might be teaching at the Academy as a religious sister or brother.

Following the Mass, there was a light reception in the school gymnasium. Long-time parishioners mingled with recent parishioners and guests.  New Jersey State Assemblyman Gordon Johnson presented a special Legislative Resolution marking the Centennial Year of St. Joseph Church.

The next Anniversary event takes place on, Monday, November 2, at 7:30pm. The Mass for the Feast of All Souls will be offered in honor of all deceased parishioners and their relatives.

See more Centennial Year Events

Watermarked photos courtesy of Stephen Mazzella. Additional photographs available at BogotaBlogNJ.