Deacon Bob Armstrong

In 1975, we moved to Barnegat and became parishioners of Saint Mary Parish. Father Janos was the pastor, and the church building was the little white church that seated about two hundred people. After Father Janos passed away, Father Mc Carron became the new pastor. Under his tenure as pastor, the current church on Bay Ave. was built. The parish began to grow in leaps and bounds, but was always friendly and family oriented. Father Lang became pastor in 1990, and under his tenure I began thinking of becoming a Deacon. I entered the Diaconate program in the fall of 1991, and in April of 1992 when Monsignor Ken became pastor, he agreed to sponsor me as a Deacon. After being ordained a Deacon in 1996, I spent my happiest years as a Deacon at Saint Mary’s Parish. After ten years as a Deacon at the parish, I transferred to St. Elizabeth Church in Avon by the Sea. St. Mary parishioners were always warm and welcoming to me. I still read the bulletin every week online. I will always have a spot in my heart for the Parish Family of Saint Mary. Congratulations on your 75thAnniversary!

Deacon Robert Armstrong

Retired Deacon Bob Klein

Come follow me! Few if any could respond to that call, to physically duplicate the efforts of our pastor, Msgr. Ken, the Eveready bunny, the inexhaustible whirlwind of energy. People love him for all that he does for us. Let us pray that his batteries never run down. Let us also offer him and our church our time, treasure and talents as charging stations to keep him and St. Mary’s going. Let this offering be a sign of our love and pride of both of them.

Deacon Bob

Deacon Earl Lombardo

Just a few years ago, at the 15th anniversary of the Adoration Chapel Mass, we spoke about the "miracle" that is Saint Mary's. Devotions, steep in Catholic tradition, are still central to that miracle: Our Blessed Mother and her rosary prayer, novenas, Divine Mercy, Eucharistic Adoration, the wonder and power of sacraments, and every Mass.

Eileen and I, and our family, have been blessed to have been a part of "the miracle" of the Church of Saint Mary. We witness to this day charity second to none.

We send all our gratitude and heartfelt blessings to Monsignor Ken, the priests and deacons, and the devoted people of Saint Mary.

Deacon Earl Lombardo

Retired Deacon Frank Campione

I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the St. Mary community. The support of Msgr. Ken and the St. Mary’s staff has been an inspiration for me. We have a vibrant parish; one in which I am very proud. The strength of our devotion to the Lord is reflected in our Perpetual Adoration ministry. The scope of our devotion is reflected in the number and variety of the social outreach, scriptural studies, and liturgical events that we pursue. We have been blessed with truly pastoral leadership and a large contingent of devoted followers of the Lord. Praise be to God.

Yours in the service of Christ,

Deacon Frank Campione

Deacon Jim Petrauskas

Msgr. Ken was very welcoming and supportive to me when I asked to be a Deacon at St. Mary's. If I call him and he's not in the office, I can count on him to return my call. I have enjoyed working with Msgr. Ken at the parish carnival. He's always right there doing what has to be done, even if it's bagging up the trash.

Msgr. Ken is not only a good priest but a good person, and a great example to his parishioners. May he continue to serve at St. Mary's for many years to come.

Deacon Jim Petrauskas

Deacon Joe Fiorillo

In 1973 my brother moved to Barnegat and I remember coming down from North Jersey to visit him and his family and going to mass in the small white church. Twenty years later mom and I moved to Barnegat and the new church was built. Shortly after I became involved with the parish, first in the choir and as a Eucharistic Minister, I then became a catechist and with the blessing of Msgr. Ken, then Father Ken, was sponsored to attend the diaconate formation program and was ordained to Office of Deacon in 2000. I served at St. Mary's Parish for 16 years before transferring to St. Theresa's Parish. Although I enjoy my ministry at St. Theresa's my heart along with many wonderful memories will forever remain.

Deacon Joe Fiorillo

Retired Deacon Joe Vivona

In the past 10 years of my service here at Saint Mary's Parish, l had numerous beautiful, spiritual, and lasting experiences. The one that really left a lasting impression on me was when I was invited to serve as Deacon at the Mass at the Pines for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, by members of the Spanish community last year. Fr. Arian from Saint Theresa's Parish was the celebrant. Since I do not speak Spanish, I was limited in what I could say or do. The community decorated the church beautifully and came dressed in their native attire even the small children.

The singing, chanting, and sharing, was one of the most beautiful and spiritual, experiences that I have ever had. lt was followed by a festival, in the Parish Center with native food and dancing. My only request was that they make sure that they invite me back next year.

Deacon Joe Vivona

Retired Deacon Pat Martin

When our family moved here 46 years ago, St. Mary’s Parish was a small white church. Through the years it has grown into two beautiful churches with a wonderful congregation. From Fr. Janos to Msgr. Ken, it has been fortunate to have wonderful shepherds to meet the needs of its parishioners. They have helped me to understand and enrich my faith. With their guidance, I became a deacon.

God is good all the time!

All the time God is good!

God Bless,

Deacon Pat

Deacon Phil Fiore

When I first came to St. Mary’s, I was overwhelmed with the friendliness of the parishioners and the clergy about how they made me feel right at home. It made my move from my old parish to St. Mary’s so much easier than I thought. As a Deacon in St. Mary’s, I have been blessed and fulfilled in my continuing journey of my spiritual life. May the Lord continue to bless St. Mary’s parish for many more years.

Deacon Phil

Retired Deacon Ron Haunss

St. Mary’s 75th Anniversary

As a member of St. Mary’s Parish for over fifteen years, it has been a joy and honor to be a part of the parish. As it celebrates its 75th Anniversary, I am blessed to have as a pastor, Msgr. Ken. I like to call him the energized bunny and my fellow companion deacons all his little elves.

God’s blessings come in many ways. The parishioners I have met and all the ministries I am a part of have brought untold happiness and meaning to my life. It has shown me the way to cast aside my worries and find peace of mind.

God is the designer of each life and knows what we need for his perfect plan. St. Mary’s and Msgr. Ken were mine. I thank God the Father for fulfilling my mission at St. Mary’s with everyone there and Msgr. Ken.

Congratulations,

Deacon Ron

Deacon Steven Wagner

Ruth and I would like to take this wonderful opportunity and extend our congratulations to St. Mary’s Church on its 75th Anniversary. Ruth and I have been so blessed to be a part of the St. Mary family. When we decided over ten years ago to begin our journey into Catholicism, we could not have found a warmer, faith filled, and welcoming parish. Our pastor, parochial vicars, and deacons are some of the best in the diocese, and our rectory staff and parish ministries are second to none.

Once again, congratulations and many more blessings for the next 75 years.

God Bless All!

Deacon Steve and Ruth Wagner

Moved From Area:

Deacon Richard Hambleton

Deacon Gus Johnson

Deacon George Korbelak

Deacon John O’Connell

Deacon John Pitt

Deacon Tom Topoleski (Got Remarried)

In Memory of:

Deacon Dick Brennan

Deacon Marty Hemberger