New Pope Francis Elected: Catholics in Chatham React

The white smoke appeared on Wednesday, signalling that the conclave had chosen Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio to be the new head of the Catholic Church.

At the news that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina was elected to be the new pope, Catholics around the world reacted. "It is easy to see the hand of God in the election of Pope Francis," Msgr. James Mahoney of Corpus Christi Church in Chatham Township said. "He brings simplicity, love of the poor, and humility [to the office.]" Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, who said, "The cardinals have expressed great confidence in [Bergoglio's] personal gifts and previous service to the Church, both in Argentina and internationally." Mahoney said the new Pope Francis "instantly seems to be a holy man. That can be more powerful than any force on earth." Details about the new Pope Francis, the first of that name, began to filter into …

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Pope's Resignation 'An Act of Humility,' Monsignor Says

Pope Benedict XVI has announced he is relinquishing power at the end of the month.

The announcement of Pope Benedict XVI's decision to resign for health reasons effective Feb. 28 "was both a surprise and not a surprise," Msgr. James Mahoney of Corpus Christi Church said. "It was a surprise because we are not used to a pope resigning. But it was not a surprise because he clearly has been getting more frail," Mahoney said Monday. Pope Benedict's decision to step down makes him the first pontiff in nearly 600 years to resign. When the College of Cardinals elects a new pope in conclave, the election is usually for life. "The demands of the papacy take a huge toll. In my opinion, this was a great act of humility on the part of Pope Benedict. He cared more about the good of the Church than he did about himself. That is a …

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Monsignor's Homily on Newtown School Shooting

James Mahoney wrote a homily following the shooting deaths of 27 people in Connecticut Friday.

Editor's note: The following is the homily written by Msgr. James Mahoney in response to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. on Friday. It was given at all Masses performed by Mahoney at Corpus Christi Church the weekend after the shooting. Especially since 9-11, our parish community has come together in this place to connect with those who have died, to mourn with those who are grieving, and to draw closer to God when we truly need God most. On Dec. 28, we observe the feast of the Holy Innocents – the children taken by King Herod who was afraid of the birth of the Messiah. We celebrated it early on Friday this week when, for reasons neither understood nor comprehensible, innocents were taken – and those who …

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chat5

7:15 am on Monday, December 17, 2012

Very well said Laura. Could not agree more.   more ›

Add Your Photos from Trunk-or-Treating

Corpus Christi hosted the Halloween event.

Jackie Munsey of Chatham organized trunk-or-treating at Corpus Christi Church Monday afternoon, attended by over 50 children. Over three dozen parents, guardians and caretakers opened their car trunks—and several broke out the Halloween decorations—to give kids the chance for trick-or-treating. Chatham moms used the event as an opportunity to compare notes on power restoration: who had power and who didn't, whose beach home was still standing and whose wasn't. Do you have photos from trunk-or-treating? Add them to this article!

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Corpus Christi Hosts Trunk-or-Treating Monday

Children deprived of their Halloween festivities can go car-to-car at the church parking lot Monday.

The Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church parking lot will host a Trunk-or-Treating event Monday open to area residents whose children want to celebrate Halloween. Msgr. Jim Mahoney said a member of his congregation organized the event, in which children go from car to car for their Halloween candy. "Many neighborhoods are still dealing with downed wires and trees, making door-to-door trick-or-treating unsafe for children," Mahoney said. By holding the event at the church parking lot, children will be able to safety show off their costumes and collect Halloween candy. Parents who want to get into the Halloween spirit can even decorate their trunks with Halloween costumes. Trunk-or-treating will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Monday. Anyone …

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Elections 2011: June Primary

Township Candidates Head to the Polls

Township Committee candidate Kathy Abbott voted Tuesday morning.

Township Committee candidate Kathy Abbott was all smiles as she walked into the Corpus Christi auditorium to vote Tuesday. "We've been canvassing," Abbott said of herself and running mate Laura Ali Nonnenmacher. "We've been getting people riled up." With no Democrats running for committee, the winners of Chatham Township's primary will go into an uncontested general election in November. "I think we've gotten the word out that this is an important election for Chatham Township," said Abbott. Abbott, a member of the Environmental Commission for nearly 10 years, said she plans to attend the commission meeting Tuesday night in the Township Municipal Building and then await the results in the clerk's office. Township Mayor Nicole Hagner, who …

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