Religion

Submitted by the Care For Creation Student Ministry Green Army Team St. Thomas Syro Malabar Catholic Forane Church in Somerset, New Jersey, embraced Earth Day with a series of impactful activities, demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. The church community, comprising parents and children, came together on May 4th to partake in various eco-conscious endeavors. From cleaning and …

NJ HOMELAND SECURITY CHIEF – Laurie Doran, director of the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, speaks during the Masjid-e-Ali Interfaith Iftar March 22. Representatives of multiple faith traditions gathered at Masjid-e-Ali on Cedar Grove Lane March 22 for the mosque’s annual Intra- and Interfaith Iftar. The event is held during Ramadan, a month-long Muslim observance of fasting and …

A pre-Ramadan celebration was held March 9 at the township library by a local organization whose mission is to “shine a light on Islam in the Franklin Township community through acts of charity and service,” according to its founder. The Quidma organization – Quidma is the Arabic word for “to serve – hosted the event, held in the library’s main …

WHIRLING DERVISH – A Sufi whirling dancer performs during the inaugural Muslim Heritage Month celebration at the Senior/Community Center. The inaugural Muslim Heritage Month celebration in the township – called Noor Night – attracted hundreds of people to the Senior/Community Center in the Municipal Complex on January 14. Gov. Phil Murphy signed the legislation designating January as Muslim Heritage Month in …

NEW OWNERS – A YouTube fundraising video in Arabic describes the Center’s plans for the South Middlebush Road site. Plans for a $15 million, 60,000-square-foot Islamic center – including a mosque, a boarding school, and a state-of-the-art gym – with 400 parking spaces are being laid by the new owners of a 16-acre tract on South Middlebush Road. The land, …

There will be an increased presence of township police around schools, houses of worship and community centers starting today in light of the call for violence against Jews in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, a police spokesman said. Police departments around the country are beefing up security around those spots as a result of the so-called “Day of Action” …

CALL FOR MERCY – Rabbi Eli Garfinkel speaks during the Vigil for Israel, held October 11 at Temple Beth El on Hamilton Street. The Rabbi of Temple Beth El on Hamilton Street told his congregation that hatred of all Palestinians is not the productive response to the terror attacks carried out in Israel over the weekend by a Palestinian-linked terrorist …

A “mini Prom” for youths aged 5 to 10 years is set for noon to 4 p.m. June 10 at Somerset Presbyterian Church, 100 John F. Kennedy Boulevard. The event’s theme is “Midnight Summer Dreams” with prince and princess attire for all kids. The Prom will include a red carpet, music, dancing, food, and a photo booth. Tickets are $15 …

UNITED IN PRAYER – Members of the township’s faith-based community were joined by community leaders in commemorating the National Day of Prayer at the Municipal Complex. Members of the township’s faith-based community and others on May 3 gathered at the Veterans’ Memorial Park on DeMott Lane to pray together as part of the National Day of Prayer. The event, now …

There were plenty of crafts to choose from at the annual St. Matthias HSA Holiday Craft Fair. In yet another indication that the world is somewhat returning to normal, post-Covid, the St. Matthias School Home School Association held a full-fledged Holiday Craft Fair on December 4. This is the first time in three years that the full fair has been …