St. Sharbel Church | Somerset, New Jersey

by Laurie Machalany and Dr. Mabel George Howard

Under the leadership and guidance of Father Simon El Hajj, parishioners of St. Sharbel Church in Somerset, New Jersey, have been actively involved in several activities and church events over the past year. Arabic classes are offered by the Lebanese speaking parishioners of the church.  Presently, there are over 50 students (ages 12 & under) enrolled in these classes.  They are learning to speak, read, and write the Arabic language. The MCF and MYO groups are equally involved in church activities. The MYO Pioneers of Mary have over 40 young members (grades 8-12), and the Knights of Mary consist of 20 children (grades 3-7). These youth participate in prayer sessions, religious instruction, and church events.

October was a very productive and busy month at St. Sharbel Church. The Ladies’ Sodality of Mary held a retreat at Our Lady of Fatima, Blue Army Shrine in Washington, NJ.  The focus of the retreat was to reflect upon one’s personal relationship with God. The women felt that the retreat was a peaceful time for meditation and prayer. During the same month, 19 men confirmed their first oaths as members of the Knights of St. Sharbel. The men’s group strives to support the church spiritually, socially, and financially. Also, the parish hosted its 2nd Annual Family Halloween Soiree featuring Rami Badr & Band.  A bountiful and delicious banquet of mezze and dinner were prepared by the Ladies Sodality.

On 9 November 2019, an unprecedented worldwide community service event, Helping Hands, was held to benefit the starving and less fortunate of the African nation of Burkina Faso. St. Sharbel Church, the first Maronite parish in the United States to participate in this global effort under the partnership of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Rise Against Hunger, packed 10,152 meals to aid the people of this African nation.

When asked about the mission of St. Sharbel Church, Father Simon commented, “The theme of our parish this year is Community in Christ.  I am so proud of our parishioners for uniting their efforts together for Social Justice ….. we are fulfilling the mission of the church!”