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8/28/02 In 1969 seven families from the Newark Diocese, welcoming the new changes in the church came to the Shrine of Saint Joseph. They were interested in self-educating their children in the new changes taking place in the Catholic Church. They were welcomed to the Shrine by Father Leonard Bachmun. Father Peter Krebs came to Saint Joseph's in 1970 and was assigned to work with these families. This community grew by word of mouth. Brother Michael assisted in initiating a CCD program. Thanksgiving Eve, 1970, Mass was celebrated for these seven families and they are still part of the Community today. In March 1971, the First Holy Communion for their children was held. Saint Teresa's Church in Summit allowed the children of the Community to be Confirmed there. After about three years, the Bishop of Paterson offered to come to the Shrine for Confirmation. This was the formal acceptance by the Paterson Diocese of the Christian Community. Sister Bernard Mary, S.T. coordinated the CCD program until 1989, when another sister took her place. The CCD program is now handled by Cathy Bush, a member of the Christian Community. Saint Rose of Lima parish in Short Hills made the Community aware of the needs of Saint Columba's parish in Newark. The Community initiated a service auction each March and the moneys collected were given for college scholarships for the children of Saint Columba's school. Saint Columba's school closed in the year 2000. Presently there are about 100 families in the Community. In the past there were as many as 200 families. Every year the Community elects three facilitators to deal with the agenda. There are monthly meetings and facilitators bring the issues to the Community. Their activities include committees for: Ministry, Liturgy, Finance, Social Service, Outreach, Auction, Adult Education and Music. The Adult Education Committee sponsors speakers for the four Fridays in Advent and the four Fridays in Lent. The Book Club meets the first Saturday of every month in someone's home. Each year in Lent, there is a Weekend Retreat for members of the Christian Community.
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