For St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Freehold, Nov. 9-10 was a weekend of showcase as the various ministries came together and hosted a parish ministry fair.

According to Msgr. Sam Sirianni, pastor, the parish has not hosted a ministry fair for more than 16 years, yet many of those parishioners who are currently involved in the parish had their introduction into parish life through previous ministry fairs.

“So I wanted to begin (having) it again and see who will step up and get involved,” he said.

Msgr. Sirianni noted that the 2013 ministry fair was organized by the Welcoming Committee which is headed by Pam Stengel, and more than 40 of the ministries were represented. Tables were set up in the parish center with information on hand on each of the respective activities and representatives gladly shared their experiences of what it has meant to them to have a part in the life and development of their parish. Of course the representatives offered encouraging words for fellow parishioners to consider becoming more involved in the life of their parish as well.

“Throughout the year, all our different parish ministries are hard at work with their respective projects and it was nice this weekend to see all of our groups together and for parishioners to see that we truly are “one body,” said Nic Haros, a parishioner and member of the respect life ministry.

Msgr. Sirianni added that “one major element” that many ministry organizers and participants found surprising was the number of ministries that were actually available in the parish.

“I heard comments such as ‘I never knew our parish did that’ or ‘I didn’t know you were involved in that.’”

“I am very pleased by the parish ministry fair and look forward to making this an annual parish event,” said Msgr. Sirianni.