The Little Flower Church Of Berkeley Heights: 5 Essential Facts You Need To Know In 2025
The Church of the Little Flower in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, stands as a pillar of the local Catholic community, dedicated to its patron, St. Thérèse of Lisieux. As of late 2025, the parish continues its mission of passing on Catholic Traditions, serving those in need, and fostering a welcoming family of faith in Union County. The parish’s dynamic approach to worship and community engagement, led by its current pastor, keeps it at the forefront of local spiritual life.
This comprehensive guide dives into the most current and essential facts about the parish, from its leadership and worship schedule to the unique historical events that have shaped its identity within the Berkeley Heights township.
Meet the Leadership and Parish Profile (2025 Update)
The parish is officially known as the Church of the Little Flower, a Roman Catholic Church under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Newark. Its identity is deeply rooted in the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, often called "The Little Flower," who emphasized performing small acts with great love.
- Official Name: Church of the Little Flower
- Location: 290 Plainfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
- Patron Saint: St. Thérèse of Lisieux (The Little Flower)
- Diocese: Archdiocese of Newark
- Current Pastor: Reverend Jesus Carlo L. Merino (Fr. JC Merino)
- Appointment Date: Appointed Administrator effective July 1, 2022, and later named Pastor.
- Mission: To pass on Catholic Traditions, give witness to the Gospel, serve those in need, and grow as a welcoming family of Faith.
- Historical Note: The parish once operated the Little Flower School, a significant part of the community’s history.
Fr. JC Merino has been a visible and active leader, focusing on guiding the community as disciples of Christ and addressing various topics, including moral, ethical, and doctrinal issues, as well as current parish events.
The Current Worship and Sacramental Schedule
The Church of the Little Flower offers a robust schedule of Masses and sacramental opportunities to accommodate its large and active congregation. While schedules are always subject to change for Holy Days or special events, the core weekly services are as follows:
Weekend Mass Schedule (Subject to Change)
- Saturday Vigil: 5:00 PM
- Sunday Masses: 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM (often the Family Mass), 10:30 AM, and 12:00 Noon
Weekday Mass and Prayer
- Daily Mass: Typically offered Monday through Friday at 8:15 AM and 12:00 Noon.
- Confession: Times are regularly posted on the parish website, encouraging the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Open Prayer: The Church is generally open for private prayer during specific weekday hours, allowing parishioners a quiet space for reflection and devotion.
The parish also utilizes technology to connect with the faithful, offering a live stream Mass option for those who are homebound or unable to attend in person, ensuring that the community remains connected to the liturgy.
Key Ministries and Community Outreach Initiatives
True to the spirit of its patron saint, the Church of the Little Flower is highly active in community service, focusing on practical acts of love and support. The parish hosts annual events like a Ministry Fair to showcase the various ways parishioners can get involved, from liturgical roles to social justice work.
Major Outreach Programs and Groups:
- Food Pantry: The parish actively runs a food pantry, a critical outreach initiative that provides essential support and relief to families and individuals facing food insecurity in Berkeley Heights and surrounding Union County areas.
- Grief Support: A dedicated ministry supports persons grieving the death of a loved one, offering prayer services and support groups to help the community navigate loss.
- Faith Formation: Extensive programs are available for all ages, including children’s and youth ministries, religious education, and adult faith formation, all aimed at deepening the understanding of Catholic faith and traditions.
- Parish Calendar Distribution: A recent event mentioned in the parish news was the distribution of the 2026 Parish Calendars, a sign of ongoing community planning and communication.
The Historical Controversy: The "People of Hope" Sect
A deep dive into the history of the Church of the Little Flower reveals a unique, albeit challenging, chapter in its past. Decades ago, the parish and the wider Berkeley Heights township became the focal point of a significant controversy involving a religious sect known as the "People of Hope."
The controversy, which has been the subject of news reports and even a recent podcast, centered on accusations from some Little Flower parishioners that members of the "People of Hope" were attempting to “take over” the church and the township. The sect, described by some as a "cult," was accused of moving large numbers of its followers into Berkeley Heights to gain influence and control over local institutions, including the church and its former school.
This event highlights the church's enduring resilience and the complexities of community life. While the controversy is a historical one, its mention in recent media underscores its lasting impact on the parish's narrative and its commitment to maintaining its core mission under the Archdiocese of Newark.
Why Little Flower Church Remains a Community Hub
The Church of the Little Flower is more than just a place of worship; it is a vital community center. Its location on Plainfield Avenue makes it easily accessible, and its consistent schedule of services and events ensures there is always a place for spiritual nourishment.
From the leadership of Fr. JC Merino to the dedicated lay ministries running the food pantry and grief support, the parish embodies the welcoming and charitable spirit of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. For residents of Berkeley Heights and the surrounding areas, Little Flower Church continues to be a central location for celebrating Catholic traditions, receiving the sacraments, and finding a supportive faith family.
Detail Author:
- Name : Miss Ila Stamm DDS
- Username : harber.maynard
- Email : jay03@koelpin.com
- Birthdate : 1988-09-23
- Address : 8584 Alvera Gateway Kirstinfurt, CT 03268-9067
- Phone : 1-903-517-9599
- Company : Monahan Group
- Job : Motion Picture Projectionist
- Bio : Iste amet est non. Et et laudantium ex ullam et recusandae esse. Et hic sit facilis.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@yostf
- username : yostf
- bio : Deleniti ut sit id nam. Dolore soluta consequatur dolores quisquam consectetur.
- followers : 6679
- following : 386
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/fritzyost
- username : fritzyost
- bio : Rerum tempora labore velit eaque sint.
- followers : 554
- following : 2245
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/fritz1622
- username : fritz1622
- bio : Omnis velit vel architecto. Debitis qui aut autem facilis. Placeat pariatur et eos velit non exercitationem sit.
- followers : 5911
- following : 1667
