By Rosemary Daniels|Correspondent

At the recent investiture of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre held Nov. 23 in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York, Paul and Angela Dwyer of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold, were elevated to the rank of Knight and Lady Commander plus star. Originally inducted in 1999 and 2000 respectively, the couple was elevated to Knight and Lady Commander back in 2004.

The order was founded at the time of the First Crusade, and formally organized in 1099. Initially founded to safeguard the tomb of Christ and to provide assistance to pilgrims, the organization’s main purpose continues to be the preservation of the Christian presence in the Holy Land. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York has been the Grand Prior of the Eastern Lieutenancy of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre since 2010.

In St. Rose of Lima Parish, the Dwyers remain very active, despite having moved to Lakewood 18 months ago. Both are extraordinary ministers of holy Communion, and Paul is a reader. Angela is treasurer of St. Rose of Lima’s chapter of Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Paul serves on the parish finance council, and is the chancellor and membership director for the Freehold Knights of Columbus council.

After the tragic loss of their son more than four years ago, the Dwyers sought out a faith-based bereavement program. Though they found one which helped them through the grieving process, they realized that there was no local program to help people deal with the loss of a child. Close family friend Father John Folchetti urged them to start a ministry of their own, and offered to host it in St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, where he is pastor. The Dwyers started their program in 2011, and have been able to help many parents through the course of their nine-week bereavement sessions. 

Being of service to the Church has been very much a part of Paul Dwyer’s life. His parents were also members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, as well as the Order of Malta. Paul’s father was made a Knight of St. Gregory, which is the highest honor a lay person can receive in the Catholic Church. Each knight’s membership must be personally approved by the pope.

“It is both a spiritual and financial commitment,” Dwyer said. “You have to live your faith, and you have to be committed to your local Church, the greater Church and the specific charge that’s been given to the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.”

The couple also takes the charge of nominating new members very seriously. “We feel that it’s important to give serious consideration to whether someone will be able to fulfill the financial and time commitments required by the order,” said Paul.

Even though the Dwyers have attended many of the investiture ceremonies, they are still awed by their own Nov. 23 investiture ceremony.

“To be there at mass with over 100 priests and bishops, is beautiful even if you are not a member,” said Angela.

Paul added, “To stand on the altar at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and have the cardinal invest you in to the order – it’s pretty spectacular.”