Finding time before Christmas to pause and ponder is an annual challenge – and yet, that’s exactly the Church’s goal during Advent. Parishes of the Diocese of Trenton made it a priority this season to offer spiritual refreshment with a parish mission.

Those attending the parish Advent mission Dec. 13-15 in St. Michael Church, West End, learned that the phrase “Moderation is key” applies to spiritual health as well as other habits.

“We need to have a balance of prayer, work and recreation,” said Father of Mercy Wade Menezes, assistant general of the missionary preaching religious congregation based in Auburn, Ky., and contributor for Eternal Word Television Network. “All three are important to our spiritual and physical health. Too much of one of these is unhealthy for the soul.”

Father Menezes was invited to lead the West End faith community’s three-day annual Advent Parish Mission this year, themed, “Work Out Your Salvation: (Philippians 2:12).” His presentations addressed many important Catholic topics, including Sacraments, marriage and divorce, Catholic virtues, and growing in holiness and spirituality.

“Science and medical technology are good, but not when clearly stated Catholic medical ethics become ignored,” said Father Menezes. “Being self-aware of your virtues and vices is very important.”

Each evening offered attendees opportunities to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, as well as participate in Eucharistic Adoration with Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Dec. 15 evening with New Jersey-based JMJ Missions for St. Monica Parish drew more than 40 attendees to listen and reflect. The evening included Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction at its conclusion.

“I was thrilled when our pastor, Father Alex Enriquez, asked me to coordinate the mission,” said Barbara Rookey, member of the Jackson parish’s Adult Faith Formation team and coordinator of its Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. “It was exactly what we needed to get ourselves ready for Christmas.

“Evangelist Dan Palmieri’s presentation was both energetic and thought-provoking,” Rookey said. “He talked about engaging in the hope and joy of Christ, and asking the Lord in Advent to help us spread His message of love, reconciliation, and family unity throughout the world.”

Founded in 2019, JMJ Missions – a team of Catholic speakers, evangelists and filmmakers – consists of Palmieri, Anthony McCullough and Rocco Taraborrelli. The young men grew up as friends who grew distant from their faith and spirituality – but who ultimately reunited with their Catholic roots during college.

“My goal is that the Holy Spirit will use these talks to help give people that spiritual spark,” Palmieri said, “so they can be excited about their Catholic faith and take an active role in their parish.”

“Father Wade’s depth of knowledge … and zeal enabled him to communicate with the people in an uplifting and encouraging way,” said Father John Butler, pastor of St. Michael Parish. “The ‘imperatives’ that Father Wade left with us will be a strong aid during our Advent preparations for Christmas and beyond.”

Amanda Prascsak, 22, member of Our Lady of Hope Parish, West Long Branch, and graduate student in Lehigh University, enjoyed the “switchboard analogy” Father Menezes used, likening the Sacraments “to the telephone cords that give us a direct connection to almighty God.”

Those who attended the St. Monica mission offered positive feedback. “One person said that it was nice to see a young(ish!) person actively evangelizing,” Palmieri said, “and some mentioned they enjoyed the enthusiastic style.”