During the pandemic, I would routinely walk here from Summit: 9 hours one way - a good part up…read morehill. 9 miles back. Typically 8 hours round trip. I walked 800 miles and lost 75 miles over lockdown. This was a holy place higher than religion. It represented the blessing that was Joe Biden's arrival after the horror of the last reign. Walking. Most great religions and philosophies were invented that way.

I've passed this place countless times in the years I've resided in the area without having any…read moreinclination to enter its grounds and explore. It was a shrine (although I know technically what a "shrine" is...as a teen, I had 1 set up in my bedroom to actress Nastassja Kinski...I never quite knew the difference between a "church" and a "shrine" and had no real desire to find out), and it sat up on a hill, surrounded by trees. My relationship to "religion" and "spirituality" has been complicated. Compelled to attend Protestant church as a kid, I had developed enormous hostility to religion. At 17, motivated by an inherent sense of fairness, I recognized that I didn't necessarily know what I was hostile about, and sat down to read the Bible. It wasn't an easy process, but I found the New Testament dealing with Jesus enlightening. At the risk of sounding blasphemous, I found Him to be a sort of proto-Marxist (even though my 17-year-old conceptions of Marxism were pretty inchoate and uninformed), not the button-down conservative with blond hair I had been raised to believe He was. He healed the sick, He championed the poor and destitute, He excoriated the moneychangers and drove them from the temple. What was not to like? Reading the Bible didn't necessarily make a believer of me, but it made me less hostile. In the years since then, I've tried to explore all aspects of spirituality. I've read books dealing with Islam, Judaism, Hinduism (I like their tradition of tolerance, their belief that all religions have the same goal, and can be equally good), Buddhism, etc. (For writings pertaining to the historical Jesus, I recommend the work of Prof. Bart Ehrman). Catholicism always intrigued me. As an adopted kid raised as a Protestant in a largely Catholic-Jewish neighborhood, it seemed a more colorful, less rigid "club" that I wasn't able to join. Later, when I was re-united with my Catholic birth mother, I attended services with her and liked a lot of what I witnessed (it should be noted that my 2 half-brothers, raised Catholic, are staunch atheists now). At some point, I learned that the Catholic Bible has more chapters, or books, in it than the Protestant version I had read so long ago (I guess Luther or King Henry VIII or Calvin decided to remove the chapters they felt weren't necessary). I decided I was going to have to re-read the Bible, but the Catholic version this time. I guess it was timely that in riding around with my old friend, who was raised Catholic, we pulled into the shrine. When I looked inquiringly at him, he said, "I used to come here when my mom was dying. It gave me some peace to come here." There was plentiful parking, the grounds were beautiful, and we entered the main building, which contains a church (or chapel) and a gift shop. A Mass was being conducted, and we didn't stay long (evidently, they also have Masses in Spanish). There's another chapel being built in another part of the grounds. There's a monument outside on the sprawling lawn to those who died in 9/11, with an impressive structure of bells that sound off periodically (I had the misfortune to be standing under 1 when it went off...loudly...and for a few minutes I feared that the bells would accomplish the total deafness that all those Ramones and Black Sabbath concerts hadn't). The gift shop had much for sale, and I ended up buying the Catholic Bible for about $45 (I couldn't help but reflect on those free Bibles the Gideons used to put in hotel rooms way back when). It's a wonderfully crafted edition, with historical explanations, graphs, colorful illustrations, etc., and I have started reading it. I must confess (Sorry, Father, that's "confess" with a small "c") that the Old Testament is a tough slog, but I intend to see it through. They sell other religious books, CDs, DVDs, jewelry (crosses, etc.), and other items pertaining to Catholicsm. They had a statuette of St. Michael with his foot on the Devil's head that I was tempted to buy, but I figured $45 for one day was enough. The proprietor of the gift shop was pleasant and friendly. Am I ready to convert? No. As I face the reality of oncoming death, I envy those with some firm spiritual faith to grasp on to. Protestantism isn't for me; it reminds me too much of Howard Johnson's 28 flavors of ice cream-- take your pick. But I don't know that I can, as a sentient adult, say, "Yes, I'm no longer Pro-Choice, I support celibacy in the priesthood and the 2nd class status of women, and I agree that some of these harmless vices that are common to humanity are grave sins that I need to repent of in order to find forgiveness and redemption." And I don't think Christianity is the only way to find God, if He or She actually exists. Still, the shrine is a lovely, tranquil place for the faithful to engage in reflection, meditation, and expressions of their faith. Or for those who, as I am, are willing enough to at least investigate the possibility of having such a faith.

Excellent quality in worship, preaching, use of technology; wonderful facilities; gracious and…read morediverse members. And lots of kids! Strong global missions support. My church home when I am in NJ. Wish there was one like it in Florida.

My church home for the last 2 1/2 years and only ever home. Nowhere else I would rather be on a…read moreSunday morning than here. Great leaders, community, and acceptance. No time did I ever walk in here without the expectation of feeling welcomed. Everyone's vibrant, joyful, and genuinely wants to be here. I'm proud to be one of many to attend here and would love to see God work even more in 2026.

Shout out to Father Nick who I have known since childhood, it's a lovely church BTW, peaceful,…read morequiet, and far away from everything, all the efforts that they provide for the town and community is always appreciated, thank you again..

The moment you step in you will feel welcome Misas en…read moreespañol Domingos 12:30 a medio día

I have been attending the First Presbyterian Church of Cranford since I was in third grade and have…read moreadored it ever since. My friends of other or no faith have always been welcomed with open arms, not hate, and have expressed they would be willing to return as a result. Their children's programming encourages thoughtful insight and questioning, their choir program seeks to engage and explore Christ through song, and the sermons pave a path towards a deeper relationship with the Lord. They offer a loving hand through life and seek to have their congregants develop both inside the church walls and outside. I especially adore their commitment to outreach and mission, helping all brothers and sisters in life.

A cool temple in Metuchen. I went here for Hebrew school up till the time I was Bar Mitzvah'ed…read more What fond memories. It's always fun going back here and seeing people that I haven't seen in years. Shalom!

Neve Shalom has been my religious home for many years. I raised my children here. I have made many…read morelife long friends and acquaintances. It is nice to know that I will always have my congregation to share and support me through all my life experiences.

Very reverent priests, who take the faith seriously. Their services are beautiful. I hope and pray…read morethat there will be more priests like them.

The Shrine Chapel is a beautiful place to rest in the presence of God. Solemn, dignified,…read moretraditional liturgies - both in the Latin & vernacular Masses - have helped me to go deeper into my spiritual life since starting to attend here two years ago. The Latin Mass might also be called the youth Mass here, with lots of sweet children adding to the liturgy. There is not much room outside of the nave to bring a wailing child, and in most churches that might be a problem, but I have found that the Shrine Chapel is full of the most generous, patient, and faithful Catholics I know. If any head turns, it is only to give a sympathetic smile, for we are all on this journey home together. Most of the attendees walk a block up the street to the Italian Bakery after Mass on Sunday to enjoy cookies/pastries (for well-behaved children) and espresso (for well-behaved adults). Many stay over an hour to chat. The Shrine Chapel is under the pastoral care of the Raritan Oratory of St. Philip Neri, so the priests rotate saying the extraordinary form publicly on Sundays. They are also taking care of St. Ann Church, St. Ann Classical Academy, St. Joseph Church -- all in Raritan -- and Holy Trinity in Bridgewater. Though this is not technically a parish, the sacraments can be offered to the faithful because of the other Oratorian apostolates.

4-21-22 11:30 AM…read more My nephew is new to the area and called here to get in for confession before a funeral mass we are attending. They were very accommodating and were able to see us both. Years ago a priest at my son's school said when you are Catholic and you go to a Catholic Church it is like coming home. This church did exactly that and is there for their community when needed most. I am so happy that he can now go here as his parish. It is truly such a welcoming place it will make him feel he is taken care of and at home. Definitely would love to return here for mass on my next visit to see him. Thank you

Can't say enough about the warm, welcoming community at Temple Sholom. We were welcomed by everyone…read moreand our daughter has really become attached to the religious school program. They often have open house dinners and they are a good way to learn about what this temple has to offer.

We moved to the Bridgewater area almost 7 years ago and in our experience things are getting better…read moreall the time at Temple Sholom. We were warmly welcomed and became involved in various groups, committees, and events. Now we know a lot of people and thoroughly enjoy our membership.