Christ the King Catholic church Union Ave Pinelands

Father Charles Prince I am writing to express my deep disappointment and concern regarding the conduct displayed during my mother’s funeral service held on 2nd August 2024. This was a profoundly difficult time for my family, and we sought comfort and solace in the church service. Unfortunately, the way the service was conducted by the priest added to our distress rather than alleviating it. As a lifelong Catholic of more than 50 years, I have never felt more disappointed in my faith. From the outset, it was apparent that you were rushing through the mass. This was not only noticeable by my non-catholic friends and colleagues but felt disrespectful to the memory of my mother and those of us grieving her loss. The changes made to the program without any prior consultation caused confusion and disappointment on the day. What was particularly hurtful was the way my daughter was treated. She had prepared heartfelt words(merely 5 minutes) to honor her grandmother, but you brushed her off while she was at the alter, with an aggressive and stern NO,(witnessed by the entire church), and did not allow her to speak, which left her leaving the church in tears. This lack of empathy and consideration was deeply distressing to her and to our family. Allowing her to share her thoughts would have provided a sense of closure and comfort, which was denied. The embarrassment and hurt you caused my daughter and our family were deeply wounding. Furthermore, your failure to take even five minutes to share your condolences with the family at the tea was particularly disheartening and cold-hearted. Pinelands Church is a beautiful place, but your lack of compassion and empathy made it feel cold and unwelcoming. Instead of finding solace, we felt like we were in just another building, not a sacred space meant to provide comfort in times of grief. The emotional damage you have caused has left scars that cannot be reversed. One has only one chance to bury a loved one, and your actions have marred that experience for us. The hurt and disappointment I feel are profound, and especially for a priest to lack such basic qualities of empathy and compassion is truly disturbing. I strongly urge you to have more empathy by better understanding and supporting grieving families in the future. Please note that I will be escalating this matter to the diocese with the hope that appropriate actions will be taken to prevent other families from experiencing the same distress we did.

My family attended a funeral here. A beautiful service and stunning solo from a cousin. The only thing I would suggest is to turn the P.A. volume down a few notches. The pitch was so high, that my elderly parents couldn't fully follow the service. Very sad for my dad as the funeral was for one of his cousins.

What are the mass times at Christ the King Catholic Church Pinelands?

Mass is offered Monday at 18:00, Tuesday at 09:00, Wednesday at 18:00, Thursday at 18:00, Saturday at 18:00, and Sunday at 09:00. Confessions are available on Saturday from 17:15 to 17:45 before the evening mass.

Does Christ the King Catholic Church Pinelands offer confessions?

Yes, the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confessions) is available on Saturday from 17:15 to 17:45. This time is set aside specifically for parishioners in the Pinelands community to prepare for the Saturday evening mass.

What catechism classes are available at Christ the King Catholic Church Pinelands?

Christ the King Catholic Church Pinelands offers catechism classes designed to teach Catholic faith and good practices to young people. These classes are part of the parish's commitment to faith formation in the Pinelands community.

What ministries can I join at Christ the King Catholic Church Pinelands?

The parish has several active ministries including altar servers, music ministry, liturgy group, St. Vincent De Paul, ladies' group, and flower group. These ministries offer ways for parishioners in Pinelands to participate in the life of the church and serve the community.

Does Christ the King Catholic Church Pinelands provide chaplaincy services?

Yes, Christ the King Catholic Church Pinelands offers chaplaincy services to aged care homes, assisted living facilities, and retirement villages throughout the Pinelands community. Services include holy mass, prayer, and anointing of the sick for residents who need spiritual care.

When was Christ the King Catholic Church Pinelands established?

The church was blessed and opened in 1950 and has been serving the Pinelands community for over 70 years. It was formally blessed in 1986 and remains an active parish with multiple ministries.

Can young people serve as altar servers at Christ the King Catholic Church Pinelands?

Yes, the church has an altar server program that provides young people with the opportunity to serve during mass. This is one of several ministries available at Christ the King Catholic Church Pinelands for those looking to participate more actively in parish life.