Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan, of the Camden Diocese, announced the following priest personnel changes, effective July 1. Father Timothy E. Byerley was appointed to a second six-year term as Pastor, Saint Peter Parish, Merchantville. Father Edward M. Friel is appointed to a second six-year term as Pastor, Mary, Queen of All Saints Parish, Pennsauken. Father John Fisher, OSFS, from Rector, Parish of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden, to Pastor, Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, Pa., at the determination of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales. Father Ernest E. Amadi from Parochial Vicar, Catholic Community of Christ Our Light, Cherry Hill, to Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lindenwold.

We are back! Merchantville’s Parks and Playgrounds program will be held again this year at the Merchantville Community Center from June 27th through July 29th. The program will be from 9:00 am until noon. Registration will be available at Borough Hall, cost will be $200 for borough resident, $250 for non-residents, $25 discount for second child. Children must bring their own snacks. Applications are also available here, https://www.merchantvillenj.gov/.../Parks-and-Playgrounds and can be dropped off with payment in Borough Hall, 1 W. Maple Ave, left in the secure drop box outside or mailed. If you have any questions please contact Pat Fields at 856-986-2191. 

Marine Cpl. Roland Scarinci recently visited Saint Peter Parish in Merchantville not only to entertain the senior ministry with his lifelong harmonica skills, but to celebrate his 99th birthday. “I’m so honored to be invited here. I love every one of you,” Scarinci gushed before pulling out his harmonica to play classics such as “God Bless America,” “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “New York, New York.” In addition to music, Scarinci captivated about 40 senior citizens gathered in Pastors Hall for the parish’s monthly Senior Ministry Program with stories from his past and present. They included tales of his Philadelphia upbringing; World War II service in the South Pacific; the good vibes he still tries to bring to his hometown, and his courtship and marriage to his beloved wife, Gloria. Bobbie Bradley, director of Saint Peter’s Senior Ministry, the first senior ministry in the Diocese of Camden, praised Scarinci’s powerful presence and joy-filled spirit. “He’s an incredible human being who fought for our country with valor and strength.”

There's so much happening at The Station this Friday, February 11th! Join Ms. Christen from the Merchantville Branch of the Camden County Library System for Story Time at 10 a.m. followed by Valentine's Day Cookie Decorating from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Need a special gift for the special person in your life? Don't miss the Valentine's Art Market upstairs in the Eilandarts Center from 4:00-9:00 p.m. Don't miss a thing and be sure to subscribe to our events page!

Did you know that you can send a pre-written letter from Santa in a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the USPS and Santa will return it to you postmarked from the North Pole? I recommend using a holiday stamp from the local Post Office for your returned envelope for extra cheer. Hurry! They want letters before December 10th so Santa can reply to your child’s letter - complete with the North Pole Postmark! The Greetings from the North Pole Post Office program adds to the excitement of Christmas and is ideal for getting kids interested in letter writing, stamps and penmanship. This is a great activity for Thanksgiving that the whole family can enjoy, including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other caregivers. Instructions here.