By Rose O’Connor | Correspondent

In honor of Msgr. Richard T. Crean, former rector of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, the Mercer County Federation of Holy Name Societies held its 61st annual breakfast and scholarship award ceremony March 12.

Members of the federation and their families gathered in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, where they attended Mass, shared food and fellowship and awarded George Lambert, senior in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, an academic scholarship in honor of Msgr. Crean.

The Mass and scholarship breakfast is regarded as an occasion to pray for the repose of Msgr. Crean’s soul. In the fire that destroyed the Diocese’s Mother Church in the early hours of March 14, 1956, Msgr. Crean lost his life; rather than fleeing the rectory that was engulfed in flames, Msgr. Crean succumbed to his death while running through the adjacent rectory alerting staff. Along with Msgr. Crean, two housekeepers perished in the fire. Msgr. Crean had served as the spiritual director for the Mercer County Federation of Holy Name Societies from 1940 until his death. 

The annual memorial featured a welcome by organizer Robert Zotta; opening prayer led by Msgr. John K. Dermond, the federation’s spiritual director; and a keynote address by Sister of St. Joseph Dorothy Payne, president of Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton.

Although Lambert was unable to attend the event, he expressed his thanks to the Holy Name Societies for the scholarship.

Lambert maintains a high grade point average, is enrolled in honors and advanced placement courses, and participates in the school’s math league, Latin, robotics and history clubs, and peer leaders group. He is also a member of the National Honor Society. A recommendation letter from his school counselor attests to his many hours of community service to the Eldridge Park After School Program; Visitation Home, Brick; and Parkway Elementary School.

Lambert, who attends Mass in St. Mary Church, Bordentown, intends to pursue computer science studies in college. He noted his “top choice” school is Stevens Institute of Technology, though he is also considering The College of New Jersey, Ewing.

“I have always had a fascination with computers and how they run,” he said. “I would love one day to be able to recreate that sense of wonder in future generations and push the limits of what is possible.”

Lambert added that his extracurricular activities and service “allow me to meet new people and build friendships as well as offering opportunities to diversify my interests and learn more about myself.

“Community service has brought me closer to God… it has allowed me to develop a deep appreciation of all that I have been blessed with. Bringing a smile to someone’s face … is something I will treasure forever,” he said. 

Sister Dorothy, in her talk, recalled the legacy of Msgr. Crean and thanked Msgr. Dermond for his service to the Holy Name Societies in Mercer County in the past.

“You’re active members in your churches working on making a difference in your world,” Sister Dorothy said to the Holy Name members. “That’s what Monsignor Crean was about. That’s what we hope to do as Catholics – make a true difference.”

Sister Dorothy implored them to remain steadfast in their good works.

 “You are so necessary.  You need to encourage membership at Mass and keep spreading the faith in a positive way,” she said. “The Church needs each one of us to be what we need to be.  We need great men like you working for the Church today. I thank you for all that you are doing in your churches and parishes and in the wider community that we belong to here in Mercer County.”

In English and Spanish, Msgr. Dermond extended his appreciation to the Holy Name Societies, recognizing them for all that they do in their parishes and in the community.

“I wanted you to witness the importance of continuing to be supportive of Catholic education and the work of Msgr. Crean to make Catholic education more available to children given the cost of Catholic education today,” he said.

The morning concluded with the recitation of the Holy Name Pledge, a prayer that has been prayed at the Scholarship breakfast for 61 years.

Reflecting on being named this year’s scholarship recipient, Lambert said, “it came as a huge surprise to both me and my family.

“My first reaction was one of pure confusion but when I was greeted by Mr. Zotta’s warm smile my confusion turned into gratitude,” he continued. “I will be forever grateful for the generosity of the Mercer County Federation of the Holy Name Societies.”