By MARY STADNYK, Associate Editor
An organ’s purpose is to assist a congregation in their praise and worship.
“But an organ is also more than that,” said Father Michael Hall, director of the diocesan Office of Worship when he presided over the blessing of the organ in St. Mary Church, Colts Neck, at the start of Mass Jan. 3. “Just like everything that’s used in church to deepen our ability to pray and worship, to express our faith, hope and love and draw us closer to God, an organ is sacred.”
“We bless this organ because it has been an integral part of bringing all the experiences in of heart, mind, body and soul to the worship of God in love,” Father Hall said.
For the Colts Neck parishioners, the blessing of the organ was the second furnishing installation they witnessed in their parish church. The previous week, they welcomed Msgr. Thomas Gervasio, diocesan vicar general, who presided over the blessing and dedication of the newly installed baptismal font during a Mass Dec. 28.
Father Lee and Andrew Macirowski, pastoral coordinator for worship and music and principal organist, said the blessing of a new baptismal font is an important and solemn rite that highlights the theology of Baptism as rebirth, cleansing from sin and incorporation into Christ and the Church.
“The font is more than a functional object; it is a symbol of our faith and a continual reminder that in Baptism we die with Christ and have the promise of eternal life in him,” Macirowski said.
He noted that the previous baptismal font was installed when the church building was renovated in 2000-2001. Its configuration, an upper and lower basin connected with a waterfall component, was prone to leaking and continuously needed many minor repairs. A family in the parish, who was unhappy that such “an important part of the church was not functioning properly,” offered to donate a replacement.
Father Lee said the new font as “classical in design with some modern elements.” It has an octagonal shape, signifying the eighth day of Jesus’ Resurrection. It’s positioned in the entry of the church nave from where congregants can bless themselves when entering and departing.
Prior to purchasing the current organ, an outdated theater organ was used, Macirowski said, adding that it became his goal for the parish to “one day have a proper organ for worship and other events.” However, since the older organ still functioned it was “revoiced and repurposed” for use in the parish chapel.
The new organ, designed by Rudy Lucente, resident organist at Boardwalk Hall and Wanamaker’s, is a digital state-of-the-art instrument with capability for both concert repertoire and church music.
Though the organ was installed in December 2023, it was not blessed until its payments were completed.
“Now it’s ours,” Father Lee said. “We enjoy it and it’s great for all kinds of occasions. Most importantly, it helps to inspire us and aid us in our prayer to almighty God.”
