Our Story

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In the early 1900s, Maronites from Mount Lebanon began immigrating to New Jersey, fleeing the repressive Ottoman Empire and its persecution and occupation of Lebanon. These early immigrants settled throughout Central New Jersey, with the majority establishing roots in the New Brunswick area.

While working diligently to build new lives, they remained deeply committed to preserving their heritage. Determined that future generations would remain connected to Lebanon, they placed strong emphasis on faith, education, and community. Their devotion to their Maronite identity inspired a shared vision: to establish a church.

In 1980, approximately 35 families petitioned His Excellency Archbishop Francis M. Zayek to appoint a priest to celebrate the Maronite Divine Liturgy regularly in New Brunswick. With the support of Reverend Louis Leyh, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, they were granted use of the church and received approval to form a Church Council.

On July 13, 1980, Archbishop Zayek celebrated the first Maronite Divine Liturgy at Sacred Heart Church. Following the liturgy, the community gathered to plan the future. It was agreed that weekly Maronite liturgies would continue and that the Bishop would authorize the pursuit of a permanent church. During this time, the parish was officially named Saint Sharbel Mission of New Jersey.

Throughout the early years, liturgies were celebrated every Saturday evening, often led by Monsignor George Wehby, Vicar General. Under his guidance, the community grew steadily, attracting many Lebanese and Maronites to actively participate in parish life.

Over the next two years, the parish experienced significant growth and began searching for a permanent home. In 1984, an ideal property in Somerset County was purchased. Shortly after, in December 1986, a residence at 12 Reeve Street was acquired to serve as the rectory.

The first priest to serve the mission was Monsignor Fahed Azar (1981–1990), followed by Father Sharbel Semaan (1990–1992), Chorbishop Michael Thomas (1992–1994), and Monsignor Maroun Asmar (1994–2010). After his retirement, Father Tony Akoury served from 2010 to 2018. In June 2018, Father Simon Elhajj began his service to Saint Sharbel Church.

From its inception, the parish placed great emphasis on fostering vocations through prayer and devotion before the Blessed Sacrament. These prayers were answered in 1989 when one of its own, Monsignor Sharbel Maroun, was ordained to the Holy Priesthood.

On March 25, 2006, Joseph Chebli was ordained as a Subdeacon for Saint Sharbel Church by Chorbishop Michael Thomas. On October 11, 2015, he was ordained to the Diaconate through the imposition of the hands of Bishop Gregory Mansour. On May 17, 2025, he was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood through the imposition of the hands of His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop Gregory Mansour.

Continuing the parish’s strong tradition of fostering vocations, lifelong parishioner Charbel Ojeil was ordained Cantor, Lector, and Subdeacon on November 8, 2025, through the imposition of the hands of His Excellency, the Most Reverend Michael Thomas.

Over the years, the ministries and organizations of Saint Sharbel Church have flourished and continue to grow. The Pastoral Council, composed of six to twelve parishioners, serves as a guiding body, bringing together representatives from key areas of parish life. Its work is centered around four primary ministries: Liturgies & Mysteries, Formation & Heritage, Parish Life & Pastoral Outreach, and Communication & Media. In addition to these ministries, the parish is enriched by six vibrant organizations, including the Maronite Youth Organization (MYO), Mary’s Young Adults (MYA), Knights of Mary (for children ages 8–11), the Immaculate Ladies Sodality, the Knights of Saint Sharbel, and Seeds of Grace.

Maronite Christian Formation (MCF) classes are held weekly for young children preparing for their sacraments, along with a monthly toddler class introduced in 2023. Arabic language classes are also offered, further strengthening cultural and spiritual identity.

Recognizing the importance of youth, the parish invests in future generations by awarding scholarships to top high school graduates and fostering leadership through its many ministries and programs.

A significant milestone in parish history was the establishment of Saint Sharbel Cemetery. Responding to the needs of parishioners, Monsignor Maroun Asmar pursued this vision despite numerous challenges. Ultimately, Bishop Edward T. Hughes of the Diocese of Metuchen granted six acres within Resurrection Cemetery for Maronite use. In the center is a replica of Our Lady of Lebanon Harissa, donated by Mr. Salah Hayek and family. It is surrounded by the symbols of Lebanon, the eternal cedar trees.

One of the parish’s most celebrated annual events is the Lebanese Cultural Festival, which brings together both Lebanese and non-Lebanese communities to celebrate the rich traditions, food, and heritage of Lebanon.

Today, Saint Sharbel Church continues to grow, now serving over 470 families. In 2019, plans for a new church were finalized, and by August 2022, architectural and building plans received official approval.

With faith and perseverance, the parish has acquired multiple neighboring properties to support its expansion, including homes on Reeve Street, Franklin Boulevard, and Blake Street. These acquisitions mark an important step toward realizing the vision of a new church for future generations.

With the help of God, Saint Sharbel Church remains a vibrant and growing community, rooted in faith, tradition, and unity.