From the Pastor’s Desk 9/14/2025

Sep 16

Written By St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church

Dear Friends,

Happy Fall! I always look forward to September because of the whirlwind of activity around us. St Peter’s Academy started up the year last week with 192 students-a 22% increase over last year. Our Faith Formation program is beginning with over 600 students and for the first time, we are including an option where families can grow in faith together instead of the traditional classroom model. Numerous ministries are beginning to meet up again after a summer hiatus. Everywhere I look, there is activity and excitement for new beginnings.

But of course, here at St. Peter’s, September means The Carnival! Every year for 14 years, parishioners and friends of St. Peter’s have come together to help us put on the funnest and biggest parish fundraiser! I always volunteer for the Toilet Toss game and love throwing things out to the crowds walking by, daring them to try and score points in my game! I invite you to sign up for a game and/or support us through sponsoring a booth or the 50/50 raffle. It is only possible through your involvement. Last year, not only did it feel that all of River Edge came out, but many other people from all over also came out to enjoy the great food, activities, rides and people. See you there!

This fall you will notice that there is some work being done on the campus. I am deeply grateful to the Imbarrato family for renewing and beautifying our Mary Garden on the side of the church on 5th Avenue. This project is donated by the Imbarrato family and is going to be such a beautiful refresh of a prayer space that gets much use. I see people early in the morning, during the day and late at night praying to the Mother of God and our Mother in this Garden and I am excited to see it brought back soon to its original beauty of 23 years ago.

I am also thankful to Jack and Janet George (deceased) who were generous and caring parishioners who passed away in 2016 and 2017. They left a bequest in their will to St. Peter’s which has already helped us replace part of the church roof last year as well as a number of smaller projects around the campus. We have chosen to remember their generosity by memorializing the Food Pantry in their name. May they rest in God’s eternal peace. We have posted some pictures of the dedication on Social Media and even put a link on how to leave a legacy gift to St. Peters on our website for anyone who might be inspired by their gift.

I am excited for this new season here at St. Peter’s and look forward to sharing it with you. See you at the Carnival!

In prayer,

Fr AJ