When he was pastor of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in Atlantic City, Msgr. William A. Hodge recorded “The Singing Monsignor: In Praise of Our Lady,” a collection of songs devoted to Mary.
Now, recently installed as pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Gloucester, he will soon be opening a religious articles shop in the church sacristy. Rosaries, medals and other Catholic items will be sold, as well as copies of his latest album, a Greatest Hits compiling songs from his three previous works. (In addition to his collection of Marian songs, he also recorded “A Christmas Remembrance” and “Between Ireland and Heaven.”)
But he doesn’t do all the singing. Next Friday, Oct. 23, 7-11 p.m., DJ Jerry Blavat will headline a Sock Hop/fundraiser at Gloucester Catholic, Msgr. Edward B. Lucitt Hall. Prizes will be awarded for the best 50s and 60s clothing, as well as for Halloween costumes.
Next month, Bingo will start on Sunday afternoons at the nearby Pine Grove Fire Hall and Association.
Msgr. Hodge hopes the upcoming events will “build morale in the town, as well as in the parish, and allow people to see that there’s more to life than the drudgery of everyday work.”
“We should enjoy our faith, love it, and want to spread it,” he said.
Tickets for the Jerry Blavat Sock Hop/fundraiser can be purchased at the rectory from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., or by calling Donna Pollander at 856-397-1868.
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