Parish welcomes Msgr. Benwell as pastor at Mass of installation

By Christina Leslie
Correspondent
 
WATCHUNG – Bishop James F. Checchio issued the newest pastor of St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish a loving challenge at his installation Dec. 8, saying his task would be “to help us open our hearts more widely to Jesus so that his presence may fill us and all those we encounter each day.”

The new shepherd, Msgr. William Benwell, accepted the bishop’s request, telling his new flock, “I promise you my best, with the Lord’s help and Mary’s prayers.”

The members of St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish warmly welcomed their new pastor, who had been serving them since July 1. Congratulatory banners adorned the drive along the steep hill upon which the church was perched, and broad smiles greeted him as first the parish staff, then finance council and trustees stood to indicate their approval of his leadership during the installation ceremony. Noting the installation fell near the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the parish’s patroness, Msgr. Benwell noted, “Mary has been so good to this parish and to me personally.”

A native of Plainfield, Msgr. Benwell, is one of five children born to William and Mary Benwell. Upon earning a bachelor’s degree in history from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, he completed his priestly studies in Immaculate Conception Seminary, Mahwah, where he earned a master’s degree in pastoral theology. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John C. Reiss May 31, 1980, at St. Mary Cathedral, Trenton.

Msgr. Benwell has served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville; the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, and St. Ann Parish, Raritan Borough; he served as pastor at Our Lady of the Mount, Warren.

In 1988, he completed a two-year course of study and was awarded a licentiate degree in canon law from St. Paul University, Ottawa, Canada. Then-Pope, now St. John Paul II made Father Benwell a Prelate of Honor to His Holiness and bestowed on him the title Monsignor in 1993.

Over the course of his priestly life, the bishops of the Diocese of Metuchen have assigned Msgr. Benwell to a number of roles, including judicial vicar of the Tribunal, episcopal vicar for Somerset County, vice chancellor, vicar general and moderator of the curia, He currently serves as the diocesan Episcopal Vicar for Canonical Affairs and chairman of the board of trustees for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen.

St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish is one of the oldest congregations in the diocese. It currently numbers about 1,050 families and 272 children in religious education classes.

In his homily, Bishop Checchio cautioned the congregation to assure secular Christmas preparations do not push Advent to the side.

“We can see Christ in every act of love, kindness and generosity in the person we are encountering,” the bishop said. “With faith, every moment becomes an opportunity for a divine encounter with Jesus.
“We are always standing on holy ground,” he continued. “St. Mary’s Parish is indeed holy ground, and each of your homes is holy ground… Thank you for making Watchung a bright light by living your faith every day of your lives.”

In his closing remarks, Msgr. Benwell’s self-effacing humility prompted laughter and warm applause from the congregation.

“Thanks to my predecessor, Father Brian Nolan. This is a vibrant, inclusive, community-oriented, forward-looking parish,” he said. “My goals and my vision for here is not to screw it up. I thank God for the gift of my priesthood of about 39 years, and Mary, the Mother of God, for her unceasing intercession.”

Parishioners were eager to share their praise for Msgr. Benwell. Sonja Savatta, a member of its stewardship committee, said, “It has been such a pleasure. He is so friendly and open to what we had already planned. He has been an inspiration and has wonderful ideas.”

Knights of Columbus member Fred Kayeck appreciated the new pastor’s contributions to the fraternal organization, noting, “He’s brought us all together. There are more people coming out and connecting with the Knights. We do more Catholic-oriented events, and he’s planning to continue and enhance the order.”