UPDATED Nov. 11, 2024
Epiphany Parish, Brick, concluded a yearlong golden jubilee celebration with special anniversary Mass Nov. 3.
“This golden anniversary is a testament to the enduring power of God’s love and the steadfast faith of our parish family,” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., said in his homily. The Bishop concelebrated the Mass with Father Michael Santangelo, pastor since 2013.
PHOTO GALLERY: Epiphany Parish Golden Jubilee Mass
“As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that our journey is not just about looking back, but also about looking forward. Our mission continues, and there is still much work to be done,” the Bishop said.
The message of God’s love
The golden jubilee is “a time to honor the dedication and sacrifices of those who came before us and to look forward with hope and anticipation to the future,” said Bishop O’Connell.
He said that throughout the parish’s 50-year journey, God has transformed lives, healed hearts and deepened people’s faith.
“We’ve seen our community grow and change, embracing new challenges and opportunities with faith and courage. And through it all, we’ve remained united in our mission to live out the Gospel and to be a beacon of God’s love in the world.”
Jesus declared that the greatest commandments are to love God and others. They are connected, the Bishop said, as “our love for God empowers us to love others more deeply and authentically.” Loving others allows people to grow closer to God, which fosters a community that has the foundations of love, understanding and respect, he added.
Rooted in history
Bishop George W. Ahr established Epiphany Parish for the Herbertsville area Nov. 9, 1973. Father Edward A. Reisser was the first pastor, and the first Mass was celebrated at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on Herbertsville Road Dec. 1, 1973. Lanes Mill School was the site of Sunday Masses, and construction of the parish center began in September 1980. The new church had its first Mass on Thanksgiving Day in 1981.
Jean Organic, parishioner for 50 years, raised her children through the parish and taught preschool, CCD, and Confirmation.
“It is a blessing just being here today,” she said. “It is a very loving parish.”
Maureen McMahon said church officials asked her husband, Jim, if he would be the first trustee. “We had the first Christmas collection around my dining room table,” she recalled.
She said she would type up the bulletin on her electric typewriter and help in any way she could as the parish began and grew.
“Everybody helped, everybody did everything. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that,” she added. Witnessing the 50th anniversary she said, “means the world to me.”
Gladys Pizzi, also a parishioner for 50 years, recalled that the parish “started with just a little chapel … it’s been a wonderful parish.” In her years at Epiphany, she was a Eucharistic minister and made hospital visits.
An assisting community
Father Santangelo said the anniversary was “a validation of our efforts to be a faith community, to maintain who we are.”
“We make sure that we are getting the Gospel out there, we’re introducing the people to Christ,” he said.
He described how much the parish does to help the community and those in need, even on Thanksgiving.
He said he enjoys seeing the families that sign up to deliver the meals. “Thanksgiving, we give thanks for what we have, but we can start by helping others who don’t.”