While I am not a member of this church, my late aunt was, and Pastor Sue Jones was wonderful to her…read morein the final years of my aunt's life. She did so much to help my aunt and our family (who all live far away) that we will be forever thankful. The memorial at the church after my aunt died was not traditional but was exactly the type of event that she wanted. We found the congregation to be so friendly and supportive that we were glad my aunt had been part of such group. I can't imagine a more friendly church or a better pastor.

I only attended this church once, but it was a real good family church, and teaching ministry,. If…read moreyou live in Toms River or Lakewood this is a good church to find God and be truly blessed. I was also impressed by the woman who happen to know a former Pastor of mine, and gave me one of the jewish bibles that God used him to write. I enjoyed the service that day, and you will too,. God Bless You all.

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.

I definitely recommend this church to our community. It's such a great place to worship , pray, and…read morestudy the Word of God. All Glory to God, Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

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.

Best church experience ever. I'm not a believer, and I wasn't one then. But, the consistency and…read morecomfort the experience that my family experience was immeasurable.

Cute little historic church in Eatontown. Congregation was friendly as well as the spiritual…read moreleaders.

"...make your call and election firm..."…read more 2 Peter 1:10-11 My family have been parishioners here for 50+ years. We've seen many changes over these same years...some good, some not so good. We've seen the parish grow exponentially and also decline asymptotically. In the end, the bottom line has always been about Jesus... in the holy sacrifice of the Mass, in the Eucharist, in the Body of Christ. My family has greatly benefited from many of the graces received from our Lord through the ministry of the holy priests and deacons who serve here. If you are looking for a place for Mass or to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, or if you're new to the area and need a place to worship, you can't go wrong coming here. Jesus is waiting for you. Pax et Bonum. Ad Iesum per Mariam.

Large, friendly, family oriented Catholic church. Typical Sunday mass runs just under an hour and…read moreis done in the Novo Ordus (vernacular) form that most Catholics are familiar with. The church itself is done "in the round", with the altar in the front edge of the circle, as you walk in the main door. Because of the semi-circular seating setup, almost all the pews feel quite close to the action. A glass fronted crying room is provided in the back for people with crying babies. Plenty of parking and easy access make getting in and getting out, simple. Overall, the congregation is pleasant, but not pushy. Expect a casual greeting, but no formal new visitor recognition.