By EMMALEE ITALIA
Contributing Editor
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
The installation Mass of a new pastor is always a joyful event that offers parishioners an opportunity to formally celebrate and express appreciation for their new shepherd, and vice versa. On Sept. 22, the installation of Father Christopher Dayton as pastor of St. Paul Parish in Princeton more than lived up to that custom.
PHOTO GALLERY: Father Dayton Installation Mass
“Each Sunday, I look out during Mass,” Father Dayton said in his homily, “and I am reminded of our rich culture and diversity that gives our parish its uniqueness, and I thank God each and every day that this is where I serve his people … I promise to give of myself totally, to this parish and to each of you. … I promise to love and to care for each of you as a spiritual father and will do all I can with God’s help.”
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated the installation Mass, joined by priests of the Diocese and deacons of the parish. The multilingual Mass included Spanish and English music and readings, as well as intercessory prayers in multiple languages and a procession of ministry leaders.
“St. Paul Parish has always held a special place in my heart,” said Father Dayton, who recalled an Advent Mass there in 2016 when he and his classmates publicly committed their lives to the priesthood. “The question on any seminarian’s mind — where God would send me to serve — passed through my mind. Now, eight years later, I stand in a different place in St. Paul’s, and again I publicly commit my life to the priesthood, to St. Paul’s and to the Diocese. God works in mysterious ways, and he brought me back to the beginning.”
Following Mass, the celebration continued with the annual multicultural Parish Fest, featuring a wide variety of foods from across the globe, prepared by parish volunteers. Representatives of more than 52 ministries were set up at tables to promote volunteer opportunities, and games and activities for young people filled the playground area of the adjacent St. Paul School.
Solid Background
Born in Long Branch to Chip and Melissa Dayton, Father Dayton grew up as the eldest of four boys and four girls, spending much of his childhood in Spring Lake’s St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish. He counts both his family and the encouragement of the parish’s pastor, the late Msgr. Thomas Luebking, for his early active role in the Church, beginning as an altar server.
Graduating in 2006 from Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, he earned degrees in political science and economics in 2010 from Christendom College, Front Royal, Va. He prepared for the priesthood at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, graduating in 2018 with bachelor of sacred theology and master of divinity degrees. Bishop O’Connell ordained him to the priesthood June 2, 2018, at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.
In 2018, Father Dayton served his first priestly assignment as parochial vicar in St. Rose Parish, Belmar. He also ministered as chaplain in the parish’s schools before he was assigned in June 2023 as parochial vicar at St. Paul.
Rejuvenating the Parish Family
Father Dayton spoke of the welcome that the parish of some 3,000 registered families has extended to him since he was assigned there.
“I’ve always been so grateful for the kindness of parishioners who have offered me a kind word after Mass or invited me to their homes for dinner,” he said. “The parish community has always impressed me with everyone’s commitment to the parish and the school. There is a very true love of volunteering in St. Paul’s. I’m so impressed with the joy in service … and it challenges me to do the same in my ministry.”
Father Dayton also expressed gratitude to Bishop O’Connell “for his trust in placing me in this assignment,” adding, “I couldn’t accomplish anything here at St. Paul without the help of the amazing deacons, staff and volunteers. They are the rock of the parish, and the people of the parish truly know and love each of the clergy, staff and volunteers who make St. Paul what it is. I’m so honored to be a part of this great community and family of faith.”
After taking over as administrator in January this year, one of the first things presented to Father Dayton was the parish’s Synod listening sessions.
“I found these responses very helpful as I was trying to settle into the new role,” he explained. Results of this process have included a parish speaker series and a revival of the young adult ministry.
Right at Home
Members of the St. Paul community shared their joy in the installation of Father Dayton and the impact he has had on the parish already.
“He genuinely cares about the people and the parish,” said Ernie Andreoli, director of music ministry. “He likes to get things done, but without too much pressure. We are moving forward because Father Chris has a plan.”
Laura Sarubbi, newly appointed pastoral associate for family life, noted that “Father Chris has focused on the Eucharist and Sacraments while revitalizing the importance of community and family life in the parish. Our parish has come back to life with a profound respect for tradition, yet understanding the need for new initiatives that support today’s families.”