Top photo caption: Some 300 men of all ages participate in the annual Mass on the Mountain, in which they spend time in prayer and building fellowship. Jose Santiago photos
By David Karas, Correspondent
For 70-year-old Matt Hulbert, attending Mass in nature and hiking with more than 300 fellow Catholic men was a highlight of his Father’s Day weekend.
Hulbert – a member of St. Paul Parish, Princeton – joined men of all ages June 20 participating in the annual Mass on the Mountain, beginning with an early morning Mass celebrated in the outdoor pavilion at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Asbury, followed by a hike to the top of Mount Tammany in the pristine Delaware Water Gap.
“The experience was impactful and uplifting to see so many men together – young, old and in-between,” said Hulbert, who was participating for the first time. “I believe it is very important for the younger men to participate and see us older guys set the example. It was a great day and very upbeat – lots of smiles, laughs, and just good camaraderie.”
Organized by the diocesan Department of Evangelization and Family Life, the annual program included representation from parishes across the Diocese of Trenton and beyond. A bilingual Mass was celebrated by Father Neisar Cardenas, parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, with Oratorian Father Kevin Kelly of the Diocese of Metuchen providing the homily. Members of St. Mark Parish, Sea Girt; St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, and Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, served as readers and greeters for the Mass.
“The event brings together Catholic men to promote solidarity, fellowship, and brotherhood,” said Josue Arriola, diocesan director of Evangelization and Family Life. “This gathering offers an opportunity for reflection, Confession and the celebration of the Eucharist in a natural (setting). This year’s event was very successful, with increased representation from various parishes throughout the Diocese.”
Hulbert was moved not only by the gathering of men sharing and celebrating their faith, but also the inclusivity of the bilingual Mass.
“I enjoyed the mix of hearing the Mass in both Spanish and English,” he said. “It is one Mass, no matter the language.”
Javier Ramirez, 56, is a member of St. Mark Parish, Sea Girt, and was participating in the Mass on the Mountain for the second time. This year, he brought along his oldest son and a close friend. He was inspired to join because of the fellowship experienced during the celebration of Mass and the hike that followed.
“During the consecration, the wind began to blow with more intensity and the singing of the birds became clearer and more noticeable,” said Ramirez. “Father Kevin’s sermon was very touching, particularly his message that ‘we are in the world but we don’t belong to the world,’ as well as his powerful testimony about his childhood and his mother’s dedication to the less fortunate.”
The day was also made more memorable for Ramirez because “my son agreed to join us,” he said. “Although he initially had no interest in participating, we were able to enjoy each other’s company in a way we haven’t in a long time.”
Arriola noted that the annual experience “has become an opportunity to renew relationships between fathers and sons, especially for young adult sons whose relationships may have become strained or deteriorated,” he said.
Noting the idyllic setting for connecting with God and one another, he added, “What inspires men is the experience of encountering our faith in a unique way, especially in a holy shrine or in nature. Mountains have long been a special place for God to meet with us, offering each man a transformative opportunity to participate.”
