A Parish Rooted in Berkeley Heights
The Church of the Little Flower stands at 310 Plainfield Avenue in Berkeley Heights, a Union County town that grew from New Jersey farmland into a commuter suburb of New York City. The parish traces its origins to the Italian families who came to the area to farm the tomatoes, corn, apples, and peaches for which the state is famous. Their devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel led them to build and pay for the little white church on Plainfield Avenue. That church was completed and blessed in October 1930, beginning a Catholic presence that would grow alongside the town itself.
For its first quarter century, the parish was a mission served by priests traveling from Watchung, Stirling, Summit, and New Providence. After World War II, Berkeley Heights transformed from a rural community into a suburban one as executives in finance and business moved in, drawn by the railroad to Newark, Hoboken, and New York City. In 1955, the Archdiocese of Newark assigned the first resident pastor, Father James McCarthy, who renovated and expanded the white house next to the church into the parish rectory.
The parish grew rapidly. In the early 1960s, the second pastor, Father Frank McCue, was commissioned by the Archdiocese to build the school, auditorium, church, and convent complex on Roosevelt Avenue. The Daughters of Mercy staffed the school and gave it an excellent reputation, but with the development of a strong public school system, the parochial school eventually struggled. After the pastorates of Father Joseph Fagan and Father Pierce Byrne, the fifth pastor, Father John McGovern, made the difficult decision to close the school once the teaching sisters departed. The school building was converted into the Religious Education Center and Parish Center that the parish uses today.
A fire in 1970 damaged the little church, and the rebuilding led to a renovation that incorporated the new vernacular liturgy mandated by the Second Vatican Council. Father McGovern moved the parish rectory into the unused convent, expanding space for a growing parish. Father Stephen Feehan served as the sixth pastor for ten years, retiring in June 2008. The Bernauer Parish Center at 290 Plainfield Avenue was dedicated in October 2018 under the current pastor, Father JC Merino, and the new church was consecrated at a Mass in September 2022. The parish now celebrates two milestones in a single calendar year: a century since Mass was first celebrated at the parish center, and the five-year anniversary of the new church.
The parish takes its name and its spiritual model from St. Therese of Lisieux, whose "Little Way" of small sacrifices offered with love frames the homepage. Her words greet visitors daily: "Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."
Mass, Confession, and Open Prayer
Daily Mass is the heartbeat of Little Flower, celebrated Monday through Saturday at 9 AM in the church. The weekend schedule centers on a Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:30 PM and two Sunday Masses at 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM. The church is open for private prayer Monday through Thursday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM; visitors ring the doorbell by the door closest to the parish center to enter. Other times can be arranged by appointment through the parish office.
Saturday Confessions are heard from 4:00 to 5:00 PM in the church, except on Holy Saturday, or by appointment through the parish center. Reconciliation is also celebrated as part of First Communion preparation for children in second grade, with the Archdiocese of Newark requiring at least two years of religious formation before any sacrament.
A live stream of Sunday Mass is available on the parish's YouTube channel, and Masses streamed more than ninety days earlier can be viewed in the channel's archive. The parish's livestream page also publishes the Anima Christi prayer and an Act of Spiritual Communion for those joining remotely.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Adoration is held on First Fridays, following the 9 AM Mass and continuing until 10:30 AM. The parish describes the practice as time set aside to worship the true God in the person of Jesus Christ, really, truly present in body, blood, soul, and divinity under the appearance of the consecrated host. The hour honors Jesus' request to His closest disciples during His agony in the garden: "Could you not spend one hour with me?" Practical suggestions for a fruitful hour - cultivating silence, attention to posture, taking time to say goodbye, and committing to return - are shared with adorers. Questions about adoration go to adoration.lf@gmail.com.
The Seven Sacraments
Little Flower celebrates the full sacramental life of the Catholic Church. Baptism is celebrated with the parish community on designated Sundays, after parents complete a baptismal preparation session. Godparents must be fully initiated Catholics who have received Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. The Baptism Coordinator can be reached at 908-464-1585 extension 121 or officemgr.lf@gmail.com.
Reconciliation is offered Saturday afternoons and by appointment, and is celebrated as part of First Communion preparation in second grade.
First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation are received in second grade after at least two years of religious formation, in line with Archdiocesan requirements. Special preparation is provided for older children who have not yet received these sacraments.
Confirmation is the final sacrament of initiation. Preparation runs through the eighth grade with prayer, study, service, and a retreat, and candidates are confirmed in the fall of ninth grade. The program requires twenty-four hours of service: six hours through two Super Service Saturdays and eighteen additional hours serving parish, community, and family (at least two hours in each area). Any baptized adult Catholic who has not yet been confirmed is invited to participate in the OCIA process for reception during the Easter season.
Holy Matrimony preparation follows the Catholic Church's requirement in New Jersey that weddings be scheduled at least one full year in advance so that all necessary requirements can be fulfilled. A wedding planning guide is available through the parish office.
Anointing of the Sick is available to those who are seriously ill, the aged, the infirm, and those facing surgery, and is inclusive of mental illness such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety. The sacrament can be received individually from a priest or at a Mass, and can be repeated. In the event of imminent death, 908-464-1585 connects to the priest on duty after hours.
Funeral Masses are arranged through Dan Grossano at extension 133 or pastoral110.lf@gmail.com, and are livestreamed when requested.
Information about Holy Orders is available through the parish and the Archdiocese of Newark Office of Vocations for Diocesan Priesthood at 973-313-6190.
OCIA: Becoming Catholic
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) introduces adults eighteen and over into the Roman Catholic Church through a journey culminating in the three sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. The Order of Christian Initiation adapted for Children (OCIC) serves children beyond second grade who have not been baptized, were baptized in another Christian tradition, or were baptized Catholic but missed the reception of one or more sacraments. The OCIA process follows five stages: Inquiry, Catechumenate, Purification and Illumination (corresponding to Lent), Celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (typically at the Easter Vigil), and Mystagogy (from Easter through Pentecost). A separate Ministry to the Baptized helps already-baptized Christians enter Full Communion through Confirmation and the Most Holy Eucharist.
Religious Formation for Children
The Religious Formation program serves children from first grade through seventh grade, with First Reconciliation and First Eucharist received in second grade and Confirmation preparation in eighth grade. Classes are offered on Sundays (Grades 1-5, 10:20-11:20 AM), Mondays (Grades 1-5, 3:30-4:30 PM), and Wednesdays (Grades 1-5, 3:30-4:30 PM). Grades 6 and 7 meet twice a month on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Church Lower Level.
Tuition is $190 for one child, $150 for the second, $105 for the third, with a $445 family maximum. Late fees begin September 1, 2026. No child is denied due to financial hardship. Each classroom has a capacity of twelve children per slot, and popular sessions fill quickly. Families attend monthly Family Masses, along with required Advent, Lenten, and end-of-year family sessions. First Communion is celebrated on weekends in late April and early May at the 5:30 PM and 11:30 AM Masses.
Vacation Bible School runs five days for children entering Pre-K through rising fifth grade, with daily activities including drama, arts and crafts, and music. Middle school, high school, and parent volunteers support the program as junior counselors and lead counselors. Contact the VBS Coordinator at 908-464-1585 extension 134 or religiousformation.lf@gmail.com.
Family Mass and the Little Flower Story Wagon
One Sunday a month, the 11:30 AM Mass is intentionally geared toward families and children. The prayers, readings, and music are chosen to be child-friendly, accessible, and engaging, and the Children's Choir sings once a month. Songs such as "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" and "God Is Good" are becoming staples of the liturgy. Family Mass Weekends for the year rotate through the calendar: the August, September, October, November, and December weekends are set aside for families, with five more following through June.
After the 11:30 AM Mass on Family Mass Weekends, the Little Flower Story Wagon rolls into the gathering space. The mobile library, featuring characters like Pip the Rabbit, Luna the Fire Fly, and Pastor the big black dog, offers books that families can sign out and take home, returning them at the next Family Mass so another family can enjoy the journey. The wagon is aimed at Pre-K through elementary school age children and is designed to spark conversations about God at home.
The Heights: High School Ministry
The Heights is the parish's high school ministry program, built on three pillars: Fun, Faith, and Kindness. The Fun Crew plans activities from escape rooms and holiday gatherings to group hikes. Faith Family helps teenagers encounter Jesus Christ through prayer and friendship, and encourages involvement in the parish through Music Ministry, Children's Liturgy of the Word, and Vacation Bible School. The Kindness Team spreads kindness through service projects, with opportunities to volunteer for service hours. Students who reach twenty hours become Ambassadors; forty hours earns the title of Champion of Service. The Heights is open to all faiths. Inquiries go to youthministry.lf@gmail.com or HeightsKindness.lf@gmail.com.
Music at Little Flower
The Music Ministry, led by Giovanni Longo, provides music for weekly, holiday, and holy day Masses, as well as funerals, weddings, concerts, and special prayer services throughout the year. Hymns, songs, and psalms of every musical style are sung with the congregation, choirs, and instrumentalists.
The Adult Choir rehearses for one hour before each scheduled Mass, with additional rehearsals for special Masses and Holy Days. The Children's Choir welcomes kids ages six to eleven, performing at Family Masses, Easter, and "Christmas is Calling You Home." Among the parish cantors is Manny Cruz, a professional musician who has been cantoring for ten years and cites "How Great Thou Art" as his favorite hymn.
Food Pantry and Hunger Ministries
The Little Flower Food Pantry serves anyone in need by providing non-perishable items, toiletries, and some fresh seasonal foods to those in and outside the community. Needed items include canned soup, canned vegetables, beans, rice, Parmalat, cereal, oatmeal, coffee, tea, canned fruit, canned tuna, canned chicken, canned Chef Boyardee items, canned chili, canned stew, pasta sauce, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, soap, and deodorant.
Donations are accepted in the bins in the foyer of the lower level of the church. The pantry itself is open Saturdays from 9 AM to 11 AM, or by appointment through Dan Grossano at (908) 464-1585. Grocery store gift cards, baby items, clothing, and community resources are also available through the pastoral associate. The pantry's published information is provided in both English and Spanish, and its current urgent needs include tomato sauce, Parmalat, canned stew, canned tuna, jelly, and peanut butter.
The parish also supports St. Joseph's Soup Kitchen at St. Joseph's Social Service Center in Elizabeth, providing care and nourishment to those experiencing poverty. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark is the regular beneficiary of seasonal clothing and household goods drives at the parish.
Ministry for Families Experiencing Homelessness
Little Flower partners with Family Promise of Union County to address the needs of families experiencing homelessness in an environment with limited options for affordable housing. Four service opportunities shape the ministry:
- Assist: Support a family in the Family Promise Stabilization Program through financial donations or direct help.
- Provide: Prepare multi-course meals for families in Family Promise shelter apartments several times a year. Diapers, wipes, formula, and ShopRite and Uber/Lyft gift cards are also requested.
- Deliver: Bring meals and items to families in shelter apartments in Elizabeth, Linden, Rahway, and New Providence. Drivers must be Safe Environment compliant.
- Transport: Volunteer with Share My Meals, a nonprofit working with Family Promise to collect food donated by Overlook Hospital and Bristol Myers Squibb and deliver it to the Family Promise office in Plainfield. Service dates recur every four to six weeks on Friday afternoons.
Contact homelessministry.lf@gmail.com for information or to volunteer.
Bereavement and Eternal Bonds
The Bereavement Ministry supports individuals and families grieving the death of a loved one through prayer, presence, and education. Members send sympathy cards, make post-funeral phone calls, and offer comfort bag visits. The ministry hosts a Mass of Remembrance on All Souls Day, Stations of the Cross Through the Lens of Child Loss during Lent, a Journey Through Bereavement support group, a Come to the Table, Don't Eat Alone gathering twice a year during Advent and Lent, and a Blue Christmas Prayer Service.
Eternal Bonds is a subset of the Bereavement Ministry for parents and grandparents who have experienced the death of a child or grandchild, at any age, before or after birth. Bereavement inquiries go to bereavement.lf@gmail.com; Eternal Bonds to eternalbonds.lf@gmail.com.
Community Outreach
The Community Outreach Committee plans a calendar of service events throughout the year. The St. Patrick's Day Senior Luncheon brings entertainment to seniors in Berkeley Heights. The Sharing Tree coordinates with charities to deliver gifts during Christmas to those suffering from addiction and mental illness, to veterans in homes, and to families in surrounding communities. The Christmas Cookie Delivery shows kindness at Christmas to seniors and local families in need through organizing and delivering packages of cookies. Email communityoutreach.lf@gmail.com to join the mailing list.
Respect Life, Good Samaritans, and More
The Respect Life ministry raises consciousness, educates, and motivates all persons to reverence for human life from conception to natural death. The Good Samaritans "fill in the blanks" wherever help is needed, lending a hand and a friendly face. The Rosarians pray the Rosary for deceased members of the parish and for the sick. Prayer Shawl Plus fosters a welcoming environment where parishioners can knit or crochet, learn these skills, or simply come for a cup of coffee. You Are Mine creates a welcoming space for parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends of LGBTQ individuals. The Siena Ministry plans and promotes parish events to bring parishioners back into relationship with the parish and Jesus Christ. The Prayer Chain offers prayer support for those in need and welcomes new "pray-ers." The Missionary Team serves as bridges connecting community members with Jesus and the parish, visiting new parishioners, evangelizing at Berkeley Heights community gatherings, and reaching out to families of the recently baptized and to parishioners absent from weekend Mass.
Liturgical Ministries and Hospitality
The liturgical ministers at Little Flower assist in all aspects of liturgical celebrations in the parish, including Mass, prayer services, the sacraments, and funerals. No prior experience is necessary. Roles include:
- Eucharistic Ministers: By invitation, serve at Mass and bring communion to local nursing homes and homebound parishioners. Training is provided.
- Lectors: Proclaim the Word of God and read the Prayers of the Faithful during Sunday and weekday Mass. Must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic.
- Altar Servers: Assist the priests on Sunday and Holy Day Masses. Boys and girls in fourth grade and above are eligible.
- Ushers: Greet and assist worshippers, coordinate the offertory, distribute bulletins, and maintain a safe and secure environment.
- Church Environment and Decorating: Enhance the community's liturgical celebrations by providing an inspiring environment for worship.
- Adult Funeral Servers: Set up the church, proclaim the readings and petitions, assist with incense, and act as altar servers.
Divorced and Separated
Divorced and Separated offers time socializing and supporting one another in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. A Surviving Divorce support group meets for ten Wednesday evenings in the fall, beginning in October, from 7:30 to 9 PM. The program is open to all denominations, with a $25 fee covering materials. Email divorceministry.lf@gmail.com to register.
Men's Ministry
The Men's Ministry at Little Flower supports and encourages men in growing their relationship with God alongside other men. Wednesday gatherings from 7 to 8:30 PM in the Church lower level use Lectio Divina to reflect on the previous Sunday's Gospel, followed by Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon from Word on Fire. Men are welcome to bring their own beverage and a snack to share.
The First Friday Men's Gathering includes 6:30 to 7:30 AM Mass in the Church, refreshments, and discussions, with Confession available from 7 to 7:30 AM. Fall Mornings with St. Josemaria Escriva are held on First Fridays from September through December, with Mass, prayer, talk, examination of conscience, and the opportunity for confession, followed by optional coffee and doughnuts.
The Annual Men's Breakfast, now in its tenth year, brings in speakers such as Dr. Patrick Manning, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Director of the Seton Hall University Center for Catholic Studies, for a half-day of formation. A Cornerstone Retreat at Immaculate Heart of Mary and a Men of St. Joseph Morning round out the calendar. Frank Hager (fjhager10@gmail.com) leads the ministry. Contact mensministry.lf@gmail.com for more information.
Women's Ministry
The Women's Ministry seeks to give women of all ages a sense of home in the parish - finding support in each other and in their journey with God. Gatherings take place in the upper level Albergue room of the Parish Center from 7:30 to 9 PM and welcome women of all ages. The annual schedule includes a December morning retreat, video-and-discussion evenings, and service projects such as Mother's Day baskets for Covenant House. Morning and evening book clubs are available; contact Kristen at womensministry.lf@gmail.com.
The Pastor and Staff
The parish is served by Father JC Merino as Pastor and Father Matthew Dooley as Parochial Vicar. Permanent Deacon Mike Montemurro assists at the parish. Pastoral associates include Dan Grossano (Outreach and Ministries), Giovanni Longo (Music Ministry), and Genevieve Emanuel (Religious Formation and Family Ministry). Carolee Aresco directs Technology and Media.
The Finance Council advises the pastor in financial matters per Canon law. Current members include Chair Rowland Coviello, Secretary Emily Aprea, Father JC Merino, Joe Mack, Dan Cogan, Anthony Amiamo, and ex officio members Bridget Neigel and Frank Hager. Trustees are Bridget Neigel and Robert Romeo.
Father JC, born in the Philippines, sees the spiritual life as a journey - "an Emmaus walk with a friend, the Camino - a pilgrimage" where Jesus Christ is at the center and the Blessed Mother holds our hand. His pastoral letters are archived on the parish website, drawing on themes from the Sunday liturgy, parish events, and pilgrimages he leads. Recent pilgrimage offerings have included a virtual Divine Mercy Pilgrimage to Poland, Pilgrims of Hope through Croatia and Rome, Footsteps of St. Paul through Greece and Turkey, the Holy Land Pilgrimage, and a Marian Pilgrimage to Lourdes, Spain, and Fatima.
Visiting, Registering, and Giving
First-time visitors are welcomed at any weekend Mass. The parish office, located at the Bernauer Parish Center at 290 Plainfield Avenue, is open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM. Parish registration forms are available online and can be returned to the parish office. The food pantry welcomes drop-off donations in the bins in the foyer of the lower level of the church daily except Saturdays, 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Gifts to the parish can be made online through the parish's giving platform, by Venmo (@churchofthelittleflowernj), or by check. A separate Priest Residence Capital Campaign is underway to purchase a local property and establish it as the residence for the current and future clergy of Little Flower, in accordance with Canon Law; the annual Golf Outing at Fox Hollow Golf Club in Branchburg is the parish's largest fundraiser for that initiative.