S. Jersey parishes to merge

The parishes of St. Mary in Williamstown and St. John Neumann in Sicklerville will merge and a newly formed parish, Our Lady of Peace, will be established Aug. 5. The change, announced by Camden Bishop Joseph Galante, will be made in a formal decree, which will be published in today's edition of the Catholic Star Herald.

The decree says consolidating the two communities into one new parish will more effectively provide for the pastoral needs of church members, improve stewardship of resources, and make the best use of clergy, religious and lay personnel.

The Rev. Cadmus Mazzarella, pastor of St. Mary parish and priest convener for the merger, has been named pastor of the new parish, which will serve about 5,800 families. The seat of the parish will be St. Mary Church. - Edward Colimore