The Mass marking 75 years of Visitation Parish in Brick “was a joyous extension of the underlying faith and commitment in our parish family,” said Father Edward Blanchett, pastor.
What makes the parish such a vibrant faith community?
“That’s easy: the people!” said Father Blanchett. “I have found the levels of faith held and witness exhibited by the people here at Visitation beyond compare.”
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated the anniversary Mass Oct. 15. The Mass and reception that followed filled the church hall nearly to capacity.
“We’re all connected as the Church and, when Bishop O’Connell is present, it’s a powerful reminder of that unity in the Body of the Christ,” Father Blanchett said. “It means a great deal for the parishioners, and I’m especially honored and delighted, as his representative here at Visitation, when Bishop joins us.”
Words of Encouragement
In his homily, Bishop O’Connell referred to the Gospel parable of the kingdom of heaven being like a wedding feast, and he linked it to Visitation Parish.
“Heaven is what God offers to his people through the Church. By their lives and behavior, some show themselves either unwilling or unworthy of the offer,” Bishop O’Connell said. “Identifying ourselves with the kingdom of God, with his Church, requires us to respond willingly and worthily, not simply with the way we are dressed, but with what is deep within us.
PHOTO GALLERY: Visitation Parish’s 75th anniversary Mass
“My sisters and brothers,” he continued, “after 75 years of the experience of the Gospel and the Church that has grown up around It, the Church of the Visitation here in Brick has proved itself willing and worthy of being part of the kingdom of God, of accepting the invitation, of wearing the garments of the sacraments and of generous charity toward the neighbor the way Christ has asked and intended.”
Father Blanchett said he anticipates Visitation Parish having a marked impact on those it serves, particularly as society is moving to a decreased practice of faith.
“My hope is that Visitation will never waver in the witness that is so much needed,” the priest said. “After discovering how empty the promises of the world can be, it is my prayer that people … will be uplifted by the example of courage and joy that Visitation offers (and) will be drawn — out of curiosity at first, but then by seeing the fruits in their own lives — to rekindle that desire for the truth that we all have.”
Family of Faith
To commemorate its 75th anniversary, Visitation Parish’s historical team published a volume on the parish’s history, which Father Blanchett noted will soon be available digitally as an e-book.
“People have expressed their admiration at how Visitation … from its roots as a summertime ‘vacation mission’ church for St. Mary of the Lake in Lakewood, has taken root and become such an active part of Brick and the surrounding area, not only in supporting the faith but also in tending to the material needs of our community members,” he said.
Thomas Murtha, who joined Visitation about seven years ago, moved to the area to retire, but “God had other plans, because I’m more involved in the church than I’ve ever been,” he quipped.
He volunteers in religious education classes, the choir and the youth group. “The faith here is just contagious, and I couldn’t help but be involved in it,” he said.
Averi Kapuscinski, 17, became an altar server and began singing in the parish children’s choir in second grade.
“I’ve been singing in choir ever since, over 10 years,” she said, noting that she also ministers as a cantor. Being a member of Visitation “is very special because of how long I’ve been here … seeing how everything has blossomed into such a big community and family.” She also pointed out that children are invited to participate in other ministries as well, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s events, “and seeing all the kids come and become a part of that is really special.”
Betty Kilkenny has been a parishioner for nearly 30 years and serves as treasurer for both the Rosary Altar Society and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
“It’s just a welcoming parish; it has something for everybody,” she said. Kilkenny said she has fond memories of members who have died, and “we have great new people, young kids — I love it.”