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No. 15 Vol. 8
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www.livingstonnews.com
August 2017
St. Raphael Celebrates Pastor’s One Year Anniversary And Looks Ahead
By Jennifer Walkup n July, St. Raphael Catholic Church in Livingston celebrated Pastor Father Lito’s oneyear anniversary with the church. The parish reflected
on a year of great hope and change in the church, and is looking forward to plans for St. Raphael’s future. “Father Lito is open-minded and warmhearted,” said parishioner
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Kristen Carrotto. “He creates a positive atmosphere of belonging, and acceptance for all. He strongly promotes ‘an attitude of gratitude’ making us realize every day how much we have in our lives to be grateful for and that God has truly blessed us.” When asked about his vision for St. Raphael’s Church and his message to the community, Lito said, “I want everyone in the community to know they are welcome here. Come as you are.” Lito, who many in the parish refer to as “a priest of the people” and “never judgmental” has had many life experiences that have led him to his position in Livingston. He was ordained in 1993, after completing his philosophy and theology seminars at the Diocese of Lucena in the Philippines where he served as Vice Chancellor and Secretary to the Bishop until 1996. He also worked as a teacher at the seminary and director of Communications, all while running the diocese radio station, a pop station with ten percent religious programming geared to reaching youth. While he did not have parish experience in the Philippines, his work with the community helped to
hone his skills and love of involvement with people. In 1997, Lito was sent to Rome for a post-graduate degree in social communication at the Roman Pontifical University of Holy Cross. He graduated in 2000 with a three-year degree before moving to the United States, where he served at St. Teresa in Kenilworth as an assistant priest and parochial vicar for sixteen years. In 2013, he was formally accepted and incardinated as priest in Archdiocese of Newark. In 2016, he was assigned as pastor at St. Raphael in Livingston. When he arrived at St. Raphael, the church was in a transitional period and needed changes to make
the parish vibrant again. This past year, many positive things have changed for the parish. Lito has focused on the religious education program and family events. Some of the additions include a living nativity with animals at Christmas, an Easter Egg Hunt complete with the Easter Bunny, and many pageants and plays throughout the year with the religious education classes. “We have the most wonderful staff here at St. Raphael,” Lito said. “Everyone here is generous and kind and harnesses their gifts to serve the community, church and children. I am happy to provide any opportunity for them to
bring these gifts and service to the church.” St. Raphael has many long-time volunteers and teachers in the parish. They are very happy with the changes the last year has brought to the church as well as the surge of hope they feel under Lito’s inspiring leadership. “He has created a sense of wanting to get involved, for all to participate for the growth of our parish,” said parishioner Nellie Marootian. “He wants everyone to feel welcomed. He is patient and kind and makes everyone feel like they are lifelong friends.” Another parishioner, Edith Martin described Lito as “energetic, inspiring and continued on page 2