By David Karas | Correspondent

When Father Robert Holtz reflects on what he enjoys most about being a priest, he says it is “being with people in times of great happiness and great sadness,” and being present to support their needs.

Father Holtz is ready to continue to provide that caring presence for faithful in his new community of Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton, where he was installed as pastor during a Mass Sept. 13. Father Phillip C. Pfleger, episcopal vicar for Burlington County and pastor of St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton, presided over the installation.

“I am looking forward to working with everyone here,” he said.

“It is a wonderful parish,” he shared. “The church building itself is gorgeous, and the people I have met so far are just outstanding people.”

Following his 2003 priestly ordination in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop John M. Smith, Father Holtz was assigned as parochial vicar in St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson. His next assignment was Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, where he spent six years as parochial vicar followed by two years as pastor. 

After a brief assignment as parochial vicar in St. Ann Parish, Keansburg, Father Holtz officially joined the Sacred Heart Parish community July 1.

Looking toward the future, the new pastor of Sacred Heart parish said he recognizes both the importance of maintaining the traditions of the Church, as well as the need for adapting to the ever-changing world and embracing opportunities to welcome new faithful. 

Moreover, Father Holtz said, a pastor is about “being able to bring God to others in this community.”