Religion

Nearly 200 people gathered at the Masjid-e-Ali mosque on Cedar Grove Lane April 22 for a vigil to remember the victims of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka. The wave of suicide bombings, in churches and hotels, left about 290 people dead and hundreds more wounded. Multiple suspects were arrested, and the attacks were blamed on a little-known Islamist …

About 200 parishioners participated in the annual Stations of the Cross walk held by St. Matthias Catholic Church on April 19. The church holds the event every Good Friday. The 14 stations commemorate Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth, and focus on his suffering as he carried his cross to Cavalry, where he was crucified. The St. Matthias walk started …

People of all faiths packed Temple Beth El March 16 for a vigil in honor of the victims of the mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand The roughly hour-long commemoration featured comments by political and faith leaders from the township and the region. The vigil was sponsored by the Franklin Township Interfaith Council, whose vice-president is Temple Beth El’s Rabbi …

More than 100 mourners gathered at St. Matthias Catholic Church Jan. 29 to say goodbye to former township Mayor John Clyde. Clyde, 63, died Jan. 24 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. A two-time heart transplant survivor, Clyde battled a variety of health issues. Eulogists celebrated what they called his fearlessness in dealing with those issues. In addition …

By PJ Parker. Temple Beth El on Amwell Road was the site Dec. 4 of the traditional lighting of the Menorah candles to commemorate the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. In addition to congregation members, also in attendance were Mayor Phil Kramer; Alex Kharazi, president of the Franklin Township Interfaith Council, and Township Councilman Rajiv Prasad (D-At Large). Hanukkah commemorates the …

Update: The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the matter, according to Det. Jeanne Trillhaase, the SCPO spokeswoman. She said the office “can’t provide details since the investigation is active and ongoing.” In a Nov. 5 meeting with parishioners, Metuchen Diocese Bishop James Checchio said that Fr. Doug, as he is known, admitted to “borrowing” approximately $500,000 from church coffers. …

HILLSBOROUGH – Franklin Township was represented at an Oct. 30 vigil for the Pittsburgh, Pa. synagogue shooting victims. The vigil, which was held at Temple Beth-El on Route 206, attracted hundreds of people from around the region. Obe person affiliated with the temple said there were nearly 1,000 people in attendance. Among those in attendance were former Mayor and Somerset …

Nearly 200 people gathered at the Masjid-e-Ali mosque on Cedar Grove Lane Oct. 28 in a vigil for the victims of the Tree of Life synagogue shootings in Pennsylvania. Organized by the Franklin Township Interfaith Council, the vigil featured comments from local politicians and faith leaders from throughout the township, state and Canada. The vigil’s purpose was to “reaffirm our …

A vigil for the victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Masjid-e-Ali Mosque, 47 Cedar Grove Lane. On Oct. 27, a gunman opened fire in the synagogue, killing 11 and injuring six others in what has been called the deadliest attacks on Jews in the United States. The Franklin Township …

Somerset Presbyterian Church needs the public’s help, and their feet, on Oct. 21 for the 45th annual Somerset CROP Walk for hunger sponsored by Church World Service. Registration for the 6-mile (10-kilometer) CROP Walk will begin at 1 p.m. at the church, located at 100 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, and the walk will start at 2 p.m.  There will also …