The sign welcoming travelers to Sea Isle City may read “A Community for All Seasons,” but Father Perry Cherubini likes to take the sentiment one step further.
“Saint Joseph is a parish for all seasons,” said Father Cherubini, pastor of the barrier island parish that often sees close to 5,000 attending Mass on weekends in the summertime. “Saint Joseph Church provides a beautiful worship space for us to take care of thousands of people.”
More than 200 of those faithful were in attendance Dec. 18 as Bishop Dennis Sullivan celebrated the Vigil Mass and 10th anniversary of Saint Joseph Church. Ten years ago to the day, Bishop Joseph Galante dedicated the church.
In his homily, Bishop Sullivan spoke about the importance of all that occurs under the church’s roof. “Here, God comes to us in the parish community we form. Here, God comes to us in the Word … and here, God comes to us in the breaking of the bread, Holy Communion.”
After Mass, Bishop Sullivan joined Father Cherubini, Deacon Joseph Murphy, former pastor Father Joseph Perreault, a dozen priests of the Diocese and parishioners at a gala in celebration of the church’s anniversary.
“This church is the spiritual home for those who live on the island year-round, and it’s a second parish for our summer visitors who rent or have a second house here,” Father Cherubini said, adding that many of the summertime faithful continue to support the parish financially in the off-season, too.
Father Perreault, who was instrumental in efforts to build the structure, reflected on how the church now accommodates the thousands of summer churchgoers, while also better serving the faithful year-round. The current church can seat 1,000 and provides standing room for an additional 300 in the vestibule. “With the construction, we were attempting to meet the needs of the total Catholic community – whether it was the Fourth of July or mid-February.”
“The parish is tight-knit and caring,” he added as he was greeted by old friends during the gala. “The church represents the continuity of their faith for the next generation.”
Jamie Mulholland, a parishioner who served on the anniversary planning committee, agreed.
“People consider Sea Isle City to be a place of joy – there’s the beach, the restaurants and all the events that happen during the summertime,” she said. “But they also associate as much joy in Saint Joseph Church.”
Father Cherubini said he is grateful for the parishioners and local community, explaining that the gala was made possible with the help of area businesses and supporters.
That appreciation was also shared by Mulholland, who said, “Hospitality is a gift from God and something we give to each other.”
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