Freezing temperatures, howling winds, icy sand, and the mere thought of brutal breath-stealing ocean water would be enough to deter many from even visiting the beach in January. Going in, even ankle-deep, would be deemed a fully unconscionable if not utterly unintelligent act.

Conventional wisdom, however, did not stand the test of time or temperature Jan. 10 as 300 people united for a cause charged into the frigid, 33-degree waters off Sea Bright. Several hundred spectators arrived early and lined the beach, the dunes and even the rocks to witness the spectacle known as the Ancient Order of Hibernians ‘Polar Plunge.’ Held annually for the fourth consecutive year, the event – which raises money to fund scholarships to local area Catholic schools – has become an entertaining and time-honored tradition, even a rite of passage. It is sponsored by the Patrick Torphy Division 2 of AOH, headquartered in St. Mary Parish, Middletown.

According to AOH Division 2 President Jack Sullivan, “Charity is what we do best.” The organization, in addition to planning and managing the ‘Polar Plunge,’ performs charitable acts by giving to those in need.

“We hold food drives, support food pantries, put roofs on homes, and have even installed heating systems when they were needed badly by families who could not afford them. And at a moment’s notice too,” Sullivan noted.

“This is our busiest year ever,” he added proudly.

Ichabod’s Bar & Grill, Sea Bright, served as the staging area and hosted both a pre-plunge and post-plunge party. Hundreds of people supporting Catholic education were in attendance. Plungers rushed to register and to enjoy some lastminute sustenance in the form of hot cocoa and chili. Others gathered just to celebrate, united in their Catholic fellowship.

The cause – Catholic education – is both a mission and a goal to the hundreds who participated from seven schools in the diocese. Besides having fun, the purpose is to raise money in the form of scholarships for those families who want to provide a Catholic education for their children and who need assistance with tuition, according to event chairman Jim Shaw, a St. Mary parishioner.

“There is nothing better than a Catholic education, and that is what we are fighting for. I want my children and the children of others to have the same opportunity that I did,” Shaw said. He added, “School closures are not the answer, and when one Catholic school closes, we all lose.”

Early estimates at the post-event celebration showed that between $60,000 and $70,000 was generated, which surpassed last year’s total of $58,000. “This is certainly the best ever,” Shaw stated.

The ‘Polar Plunge’ generates money by enlisting the support of local Catholic schools, their faculty and staff, students, parents, alumni, friends, and other individuals from the community who solicit pledges in order to ‘take the plunge.’ A minimum of $25 is necessary, and participants can designate where they want their pledges to go.

Participating schools included Mater Dei High School and St. Mary School, New Monmouth; Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft; St. James School, Red Bank; Mother Teresa Regional, Atlantic Highlands; St. Rose of Lima, Freehold; and alumni from St. Ann School, Keansburg, which closed last year.

“Though the school closed, we are still participating for the sake of Catholic education and have all been in this from the beginning,” stated Denise Metta, a St. Ann Alumni Committee member. She noted that 15 people from the parish ‘took the plunge.’ St. James had bragging rights to one of the largest contingents of both students and parents – 75 people – and raised $10,000 in pledges, according to plunger and parent Dave Mayer.

St. Rose of Lima principal Sister Pat Doyle, who plunged with several of her students, said the event is an effective way to get both parents and students involved in a good cause.

“The future of the Catholic Church is sitting in our Catholic schools now, and we all participated to raise money to help those who are struggling to attend Catholic schools,” she stated.

Melissa Whelan Wisk, principal of Mother Teresa Regional, explained that she always looks forward to the event and had a running bet with her sister, who also took the plunge.

“Whoever raised the most money would have dunking privileges over the other. Well, I lost,” Wisk joked.

She commended the Hibernians and said the most challenging aspect was the struggle to keep her feet warm. “I bought my big fuzzy bear slippers and took a cold shower to prepare.” Several students joined Wisk in the water.

Christian Brothers Academy was a first-time participant. CBA president Frank Byrne joked, “I am just sorry that at the last minute I could not find my bathing suit.”

Faculty and staff from St. Mary and Mater Dei also braved the cold waters. Mater Dei principal Steven Sciarappa said, “It was brutal.” He was joined by Sister Sharon Santos and Msgr. Michael J. Walsh, pastor.

Msgr. Walsh summed up the spirit of the day, saying, “We are trying to provide the best opportunities possible for the most families to afford a Catholic education. People are struggling, and this piece makes it possible. It is a collective responsibility, a Church responsibility, and part of the Church’s mission. We all share the responsibility,” he stated.

Information on AOH is available by viewing the website www.njaohdiv2.org.