This was the parish of most of my youth, especially my teenage years. There were and still are…read moremany fond memories here and some sad ones too as I recall the many wonderful people, friends, priests and sisters that I knew and that contributed in an important, positive way in forming my values, ethics, and Christian spirituality. I owe them more than I can ever repay. They taught me how to live and the importance of how to love as Christ meant us to love. Today the demographics of the parish are different as is wont to occur with the normal passage of time. But the church is still majestic and a true sanctuary of peace. While the surrounding neighborhood has become much more violent, "urban" and uncomfortable, St Mary's of the Lake still sits like a beckoning oasis of peace in the midst of chaos. Build in the late 1880s, the architecture is impressive with alcoves, stained glass windows, hand carved stations of the cross, and statues and art from antiquity. While the marble altar rails are now gone, they were there when I attended Mass there as late as 1997. The most inspiring aspect of the interior is the rich marble work of the tabernacle and high altar, and the beautiful fresco of our Blessed Mother, Mary Mother of God, being assumed into heaven, with the skies opening up to receive her! This fresco is so beautiful, it must be seen to be fully appreciated. In the late 1990s there grew a blossoming Polish population so now there are a couple of weekend Masses in Polish in addition to English. These wonderful folk brought with them a beautiful reproduction of Our Lady of Chestakowa also known as the "black Madonna" due to the original work being damaged over the past 1000 years due to fires, invasions, wars, etc... This is certainly one of the oldest churches in Ocean County, and definitely worth a visit. May you find peace and comfort here as I did during my turbulent growing years. Thank you for reading my review. Pax et Bonum.

My name is Christine Geving, I'm a 71 year old widow looking for a church that I can call home. I…read morecome from a non denominational Bible church where I was baptised. I now live in a nursing home in Lakewood. I would need transportation and a loving church family. Thank you for reading this. I'm sending you my email address and will give you more if and when you respond. Gevingchristine@gmail.com

Fantastic church full of strong believers. Everyone is welcome with open arms just as Jesus would…read morehave intended for it to be. The fellowship is strong and they have an amazing community.

I look forward to church each Sunday. There is always something that I learn about God's plan for…read moreeach of us. The church family and friends are friendly and caring. It's up to me to see what I can do to do to make it the best church possible.

It's a…read morecult!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love this church, grew up coming here always great services. At my cousins wedding..congrats to…read morethem!!

It was upsetting to see so many negative comments about St. Veronica's church. My husband and I…read morewere parishioners for over 43 years and I worked at the Rectory in various functions the last being director of the Adult Faith formation office. The congregation was large in those days and yes, it could seem to be a little cold to someone who is just joining the parish. But as the song goes it takes two to tango. I knew many of the ushers at the time and they were always very welcoming. So sad it that is not happening. May God bless all!

Very large, very "modern" Catholic church. The church itself is bare in the extreme. If you…read moredidn't read the sign, you could imagine you wandered into a Methodist or Congregationalist house of worship. Not my style at all. I found it very cold, unwelcoming, and not at all what I associate with the Catholic church.