ST. JAMES
THE LESS
Roman Catholic Church
OUR PARISH MISSION
We foster love by example.
As a parish community dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus, we here at St. James are committed to further His mission.
Through His Word, the Liturgy and the Sacraments, through music, evangelization and religious education, through prayer and the intercession of our Blessed Virgin Mary, we deepen our knowledge, our understanding and our practice of our faith put to action.
Committing ourselves to serving the needs of our people for spiritual and social development, and economic growth, it is by design and intention that we foster love by example.
We invite you to join us in doing so.
Committing ourselves to serving the needs of our people for spiritual and social development, and economic growth, it is by design and intention that we foster love by example.
We invite you to join us in doing so.
PARISH LEADERSHIP
We are called to serve God's people.
Rev. Juan Carlos Gaviria
Parish Administrator
Rev. Peter Akkanath Chakkunny, CMI
In Residence
Linda Rondinelli
Director of Religious Education
Carla Harris
Parish Secretary
Ellen Estallo
Music Director
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office Address: 36 Lincoln Avenue, Jamesburg NJ 08831
Mondays from 9 am to 2 pm
Tuesday through Thursdays from 8 am to 2 pm
Closed on Fridays
Tel. 732-521-0100 and Email: jamestheless1880@gmail.com
Religious Education Office:
please call 732-521-1188 or email at sjtlccd@gmail.com
PARISH MEMBERSHIP
Make our parish your home.
There is more to be said about being a parishioner of St. James The Less Church beyond being registered. We may identify as parishioners after receiving a Sacrament: perhaps this is where we or our children were baptized, received First Holy Communion, or were confirmed or married.
St. James is a place where we encounter Christ at the banquet table of the altar and in other forms as well. We serve one another in ministry, gathering to grow in prayer, service, and in understanding of our faith. It is here where we gather as a family and worship our One True God.
Saint James The Less Church is our family, our home.
We are sent out to live out the Gospel. We work together for God’s glory. It is with our commitment to our parish that as a family, we grow in faith to achieve what we are called to do. Being a parishioner is not forced upon us, but instead comes from a deeper place — within each of us.
We invite you to make Saint James The Less Church your home.
A parish membership form is also available for download
here
for your convenience. Please speak to Fr. Juan, Fr. Peter or to any of our ministers at mass. Give us a call, or even better pay us a visit! We would love to have you as one of our own.
OUR PARISH LIFE
Our Parish Life here at Saint James The Less Church reflects the many ways our community lives out its faith beyond Sunday Mass. Through our parish organizations and ministries, parishioners of all ages are invited to grow spiritually, serve one another,and build meaningful relationships rooted in Christ.
Whether through prayer, service, formation, music, outreach, or fellowship, these groups provide opportunities to participate actively in the life of the parish and to share one’s gifts in service to the Church.
We encourage you to explore the ministries below and find a place where you feel called to belong and serve.
We encourage you to explore the ministries below and find a place where you feel called to belong and serve.
The Knights of Columbus Council 6336
The Knights of Columbus Council 6336 is an active fraternity of Catholic men dedicated to faith, service, and community. They embody our parish motto, “We foster love by example,” through civic involvement and aid to those in need.
Founded in 1882 by Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney, the Knights of Columbus has grown into the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization. Often called the Church’s “strong right arm,” the Knights support families, advance Catholic education, and provide assistance to those in need.
Here in our parish, Council 6336 continues this legacy—supporting ministries, organizing community outreach, and offering fellowship that helps men live their faith with purpose.
An Invitation to Get Involved
If you are a Catholic man (18 or older) looking to deepen your faith, serve others, and join a community of supportive brothers, we invite you to consider joining Council 6336.
Learn more at www.stjameskofc6336.com.
Founded in 1882 by Blessed Fr. Michael J. McGivney, the Knights of Columbus has grown into the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization. Often called the Church’s “strong right arm,” the Knights support families, advance Catholic education, and provide assistance to those in need.
Here in our parish, Council 6336 continues this legacy—supporting ministries, organizing community outreach, and offering fellowship that helps men live their faith with purpose.
An Invitation to Get Involved
If you are a Catholic man (18 or older) looking to deepen your faith, serve others, and join a community of supportive brothers, we invite you to consider joining Council 6336.
Learn more at www.stjameskofc6336.com.
PARISH NEWS
Weather Update & Mass Schedule
Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25
Due to anticipated inclement weather, please note the following updates to our Mass schedule:
-
The 4:00 PM Mass on Saturday, January 24, will be celebrated as scheduled.
-
On Sunday, January 25, the 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 2:00 PM Masses will be celebrated as scheduled and will be livestreamed for those who wish to participate from home.
Click here for the livestream.
Please note: The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is dispensed due to the weather.
- The 5:00 PM Sunday Mass is cancelled.
Weather conditions may make travel difficult, and the safety of our parish community remains our top priority. Please use prudent judgment when deciding whether to attend Mass in person. No one is obligated to travel if conditions feel unsafe.
Those who are unable to attend are encouraged to join us via livestream and to sanctify the day through prayer at home. Please continue to check our parish website for any further updates.
Relics of Christ’s Passion
St. James the Less Church will host a special evening of prayer and devotion featuring Relics of Christ’s Passion on Sunday, February 22 at 6:00 PM.
Parishioners and guests are warmly invited to attend with family and friends and to take part in this rare and sacred opportunity to venerate these holy relics.
The evening will offer a deeply meditative experience focused on the Passion of Our Lord, designed to foster prayerful reflection and spiritual renewal. For many, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The program will include:
- Guided meditations on the Passion of Christ
- Eucharistic Exposition
- Sacred music
- Prayer and veneration of the relics
This solemn and prayerful gathering promises to be a reverent, heart-touching experience for all who attend.
Parish Bulletin
The current parish bulletin and the two previous issues are available for viewing and download on
desktop or tablet only.
Hard (paper) copies are always available in the vestibule of the church and at the rectory.
Hard (paper) copies are always available in the vestibule of the church and at the rectory.
Our Parish Bulletin
To receive regular communications on upcoming masses & services, via email and/or text, sign up for FLOCKNOTE. Text JAMESTHELESS to 84576 or visit stjamestheless5.flocknote.com
PARISH NEWS ARCHIVE
The Celebration of El Señor de los Milagros
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Saint James the Less Church joyfully celebrated the Peruvian devotion to El Señor de los Milagros (The Lord of Miracles). The day began with a reverent Holy Mass and continued with a solemn yet vibrant procession around the parish grounds.
These photos capture the spirit of faith, unity, and devotion shared by all who gathered to honor Christ under this cherished tradition. Through prayer, music, and community, we experienced the beauty of God’s love that transcends cultures and brings hearts together in hope.
Here are some photos marking the event:
Saint James the Less Church joyfully celebrated the Peruvian devotion to El Señor de los Milagros (The Lord of Miracles). The day began with a reverent Holy Mass and continued with a solemn yet vibrant procession around the parish grounds.
These photos capture the spirit of faith, unity, and devotion shared by all who gathered to honor Christ under this cherished tradition. Through prayer, music, and community, we experienced the beauty of God’s love that transcends cultures and brings hearts together in hope.
Here are some photos marking the event:
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Friday, December 12, 2025
Our parish community came together with deep devotion and joyful celebration for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This annual observance, honoring the Blessed Mother’s apparition to San Juan Diego in 1531, once again brought together families, friends, and neighbors in prayer, culture, and shared faith.
The celebration began with the Novena from December 4 through the Feast Day, held evening in the church. Many parishioners participated faithfully throughout the nine days, offering prayers and intentions through the intercession of Our Lady.
On Friday, December 12, the feast day opened with a moving procession from the 7/11 on Buckelew Avenue to the church parking lot. Led by parishioners carrying flowers, banners, and images of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the procession filled the streets with hymns, heartfelt devotion, and a beautiful public witness of faith.
The community then gathered for Mass in Spanish at 7:00 PM, celebrated with reverence and gratitude for the Blessed Mother’s protection and guidance. The liturgy was followed by a Serenade and Fellowship Dinner in the Parish Hall, where music, hospitality, and shared meals reflected the warmth and unity of the celebration.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Enjoy this selection of photos capturing the highlights of our celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. These images reflect the prayer, devotion, and vibrant community spirit that filled our parish throughout the feast day.
To view the complete set of photos from the event, please visit: Full Photo Archive.
Our parish community came together with deep devotion and joyful celebration for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This annual observance, honoring the Blessed Mother’s apparition to San Juan Diego in 1531, once again brought together families, friends, and neighbors in prayer, culture, and shared faith.
The celebration began with the Novena from December 4 through the Feast Day, held evening in the church. Many parishioners participated faithfully throughout the nine days, offering prayers and intentions through the intercession of Our Lady.
On Friday, December 12, the feast day opened with a moving procession from the 7/11 on Buckelew Avenue to the church parking lot. Led by parishioners carrying flowers, banners, and images of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the procession filled the streets with hymns, heartfelt devotion, and a beautiful public witness of faith.
The community then gathered for Mass in Spanish at 7:00 PM, celebrated with reverence and gratitude for the Blessed Mother’s protection and guidance. The liturgy was followed by a Serenade and Fellowship Dinner in the Parish Hall, where music, hospitality, and shared meals reflected the warmth and unity of the celebration.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
Enjoy this selection of photos capturing the highlights of our celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. These images reflect the prayer, devotion, and vibrant community spirit that filled our parish throughout the feast day.
To view the complete set of photos from the event, please visit: Full Photo Archive.