Welcome and Thank You!

08-23-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Abraham Orapankal, Pastor

Dear OLP Family,

I am very happy to welcome Fr. Dawid Malik to our parish as a “Priest in Residence.” He is the full-time Catholic Chaplain at JFK Hospital, Edison. We are very happy to offer him residence here and he will be helping us as and when he can and as and when needed.

Fr. Dawid Malik was born in Poland. Desiring a life of service, he recalled, “I wanted to be a police officer or soldier but at one point of my life I realized that the most important fight in which I can be involved is fighting for human souls. I followed the examples of other good priests who were the real shepherds of their flocks.” Fr. Dawid attended the Pontifical University of John Paul, earning a master’s degree in theology. Before his seminary studies, he was employed in the fields of photography, store-keeping and as a cook in a fastfood restaurant. He took a surprising route to his ordination, studying at two U.S.-based seminaries: Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Krakow/Orchard Lake, Mich., and Immaculate Conception at Seton Hall University, South Orange, where he earned a master’s degree in pastoral theology.

When asked for the reason he studied for the priesthood in America, Fr. Dawid answered, “I had never thought about that, and I never was good at learning language, so if someone ten years ago would tell me that I will be fluent in English and will prepare for priestly ordination in the USA, I would just laugh at him, however God’s providence unfolded for me His path for me.” He was ordained a priest on June 8, 2024 and was appointed as the Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of St. Francis Assisi. We are very happy to welcome him to our parish. Even though his full-time ministry is that of a hospital chaplain, we are grateful to him for whatever help he can give to our parish community.

Today we celebrate our Altar Servers. Our 11AM Mass today is a special Mass with them present. And they will gather for a pizza party downstairs. Altar serving is a key tool in hooking children’s interests and getting them involved in the Mass. It helps them develop a sense of respect and understanding of the Mass. Altar serving teaches punctuality, focus, teamwork, and quiet respect. It also gives them an opportunity for leadership as they become confident in themselves mentoring younger servers.

Dear Parents, please encourage your child to be an Altar Server. The Altar serving ministry here at OLP is a wonderful way for your child to feel a sense of belonging to the church. The way to get kids and teens to take ownership of their faith is to give them responsibility, and altar serving is one practical way for just that. They also learn the meaning behind the symbols, prayers, and sacred items used during the service.

Thank you dear Altar Servers for doing a wonderful job. I express my gratitude to you in the name of our OLP Parish Family for your commitment and service to God and to the People of God. May your example inspire more boys and girls to become altar servers.

Your brother in Christ.