Saint Jerome Church
254 Wall Street
| West Long Branch, NJ 07764-1123
| 732-222-1424
Rev. Fr. Harold Cullen, Ph.D., Pastor
Fr. Erin Brown,
Parochial Vicar
Anthony DiCesare, D.D.S., Permanent Deacon
Sacraments
Liturgical Ministries
Faith Formation
Devotions
Ministerial Communities
Social Concerns
Parish Activities
General Information
Holy Name Society
The Holy Name Society (H.N.S.) is a religious society of men of the parish. The society strives to promote respect for the Name of Jesus. The H.N.S. also conducts various fund-raising activities to assist in the support of the parish. Other H.N.S. activities include: sponsoring a monthly coffee social after the 9:00AM Mass and honoring the altar servers with a yearly recognition service and brunch. The Society also sponsors an annual parish communion breakfast. Some members of our Holy Name Society participate in a Nocturnal Adoration at St. James Church, Red Bank, once a month. Also, each Saturday morning, a representative group of members pray the Rosary in front of Planned Parenthood, Shrewsbury, to support the rights of unborn children. New members are always welcome. If interested, call the rectory office or drop in on a monthly meeting. Consult weekly bulletin for meeting dates and time.
Rosary Altar Society
Open to all woman of the parish, the Rosary Altar Society encourages prayer, recitation of the Rosary and active service to the Church. The Rosary Altar Society meets once a month during the school year. Meetings begin with recitation of the Rosary, followed by a business meeting and refreshments. Society members lead the recitation of the Rosary on the first Saturday of the month. Other services to the parish include: care of altar linens and candles, and light housekeeping chores to keep the Sanctuary of the Church neat and clean. Proceeds from bake sales conducted several times each year help provide funds for holding special events such as: retreats, Days of Recollection, prayer services, and parties. New members are always welcome to join in the fellowship and very important work of this special community of parish women. Please call the rectory office if you would like to be a member. Consult weekly bulletin for meeting dates and time.
Circle of Friends
The St. Jerome Circle of Friends was formed to respond to the invitation of Jesus to love others by performing the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Special attention is given to those parishioners who are elderly and/or ill, and to their caregivers. Services may include shopping, transportation to Mass or to the doctor, phoning for companionship, home visits, etc. Periodically, cards are sent to assure the homebound that the Circle members and other parishioners are remembering them in their prayers and at Mass. Once a year, the Circle of Friends sponsor a special Mass at the church, with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Special efforts are made to provide whatever assistance is needed to enable as many people as possible to attend this healing service. Meetings are held in the rectory conference room once a month. If you have some spare time and want to provide assistance to those in need, then become a “Friend”. Consult the weekly bulletin for contacts, and meeting dates and time.
Prayer Line
“Prayer is a joy. Prayer is the sunshine of God’s love, prayer is hope of eternal happiness, prayer is the burning flame of God’s love for you and me. Let us pray for each other, for this is the best way to love one another.” Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Do you or someone you know need extra prayers (illness, death, thanksgiving, etc.)? Call the Prayer Line as listed in the weekly bulletin. All intentions are kept confidential. If interested in joining the Prayer Line, consult the weekly bulletin for contacts.
Respect For Life
This important ministry is designed to form right conscience and reverse the secular mindset, which results in over 1.5 MILLION abortions each year. Examples of activities include: weekly Rosary at the Planned Parenthood, Shrewsbury (especially during the bishop’s annual march from St. James Church, Red Bank to Planned Parenthood); support of the diocese’s Office of Family Life/Respect Life 50-50 raffle; sending letters and making phone calls to legislators to enact pro-life legislation and defeat anti-life legislation, including the overturning of Roe v. Wade; participating in the annual March For Life on January 22nd in Washington D.C.; public education campaigns such as newspaper advertisements and billboard ads; and other projects which show the Catholic commitment to supporting all life. These activities are supported annually by a special collection.
Youth Ministry- Venturing
Venturing is a co-ed youth group open to all teenagers age 14 (and graduated 8th grade) through 21. The Venturing crew promotes truth, fairness, duty to God and country through adventures in the wild. Field trips have included whitewater rafting, camping, backpacking, hiking a day at Great Adventure and other adventures. Venturing is affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America. Crew 4 meets every other Sunday throughout the year in the rectory meeting room to plan their activities, play games, socialize and have fun. If interested, see the bulletin for details.