Lives Of Faith 2017 Monitor Annual Religious Retirement & Anniversary Supplement by Diocese of Trenton

M ONITOR M

ANNUAL TRIBUTE to RELIGIOUS RETIREMENTS & ANNIVERSARIES • JULY 27, 2017

THE

Newspaper of the Diocese of Trenton

Lives of Faith

In a widely known instruction, Christians are urged to “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” This is a calling that the men and women in this year’s Lives of Faith Tribute have taken seriously. They have spent decades, and in many cases, the majority of their years, bringing light to the Gospel of Christ through the witness of their lives as priests, deacons, and religious men and women. As they prepare for their latest chapter in retirement, or mark special anniversaries, The Monitor is pleased to share the stories of the many ways they have shared the blessing of their vocations with the Catholic community of the Diocese of Trenton.

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Ascension Parish, Bradley Beach • Assumption Parish, New Egypt • Blessed Sac- Parish, Cinnaminson • St. Clement Parish, Matawan • St. David the King Parish, rament-Our Lady Divine Shepherd Parish, Trenton • Cathedral of St. Mary of the Princeton Junction • St. Denis Parish, Manasquan • St. Dominic Parish, Brick • St. Assumption, Trenton • Christ the King Parish, Long Branch • Christ the Redeemer Dorothea Parish, Eatontown • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting • St. ElizaParish, Mount Holly • Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro • Epiphany Parish, Brick beth of Hungary Parish, Avon-By-The- Sea • St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Brant Beach • Holy Cross Parish, Rumson • Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle • Holy Fami- • St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro • St. George Parish, Titusville • St. Gregory the Great ly Parish, Union Parish, Hamilton Beach • Holy InnoSquare • St. Hedwig cents Parish, NepParish, Trenton • St. tune • Immaculate Isaac Jogues Parish, Conception Parish, Marlton • St. James Eatontown • IncarParish, Pennington nation-St. James • St. James Parish, Parish, Ewing • JeRed Bank • St. JeMay God bless you, Bishop, with many more years of ministry! sus the Good Sheprome Parish, West herd Parish, Beverly Long Branch • St. “Ascension Parish, Bradley Beach, extends “Bishop O’Connell, thank you for answering God’s call • Jesus the Lord ParJoan of Arc Parish, congratulations to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C. M., on to serve his people as priest and bishop. May God continue his 35th anniversary to the priesthood. ‘Ad Multos Annos.’ to fill you with his abundant blessings. From the parishioners ish, Keyport • KoreMarlton • St. John Father Jerome M. Nolan, pastor.” of Sacred Heart, Riverton.” an Martyrs Parish, Neumann Parish, “’Ad Multos Annos!’ Thank you! God bless you!” “Prayerful congratulations, Bishop David O’Connell, Trenton • Mother Mount Laurel • St. (Corpus Christi, Willingboro) C. M., as you celebrate your 35th anniversary of priestly of Mercy Parish, AsJohn Parish, Lakeordination in the Eastern Province of the Congregation of “Bishop O’Connell, the parish community of Holy bury Park • Nativity hurst • St. John the the Mission. Thank you for sharing your life of faith with us. Family, Union Beach and Hazlet, congratulates you on Parish, Fair Haven • Baptist Parish, Al‘ A d Multos Annos. ’ The priests, staff and people of Sacred 35 years of priesthood. May Jesus Christ, the High Priest, Heart Parish, Trenton. ” Our Lady of the Anlentown • St. Joseph continue to bless you and guide you.” “’See how great an honor the grace of the Spirit has gels Parish, Trenton Parish, Keyport • “Congratulations and prayerful best wishes to Bishop vouchsafed to priests.’ – St. John Chrysostom. To Bishop • Our Lady of Good St. Joseph Parish, David O’Connell, C.M., for 35 years of priestly service to David M. O’Connell, C.M.: ‘Ad Multos Annos, Vivam!’ God’s people. The parish community of Jesus, the Good Counsel Parish, Trenton • St. Joseph St. Aloysius Church, Jackson.” Shepherd, Beverly [Riverside].” Moorestown • Our Parish, Toms River “The community of Saint Catharine Parish, Holmdel, “Every blessing upon Bishop O’Connell, whose 35 Lady of Good Coun• St. Joseph Parish, wishes you great joy upon your anniversary! We are truly years as a priest have led him to serving the people of the blessed as a Diocese with your spiritual guidance and sel Parish, Ewing • Millstone • St. Justin Diocese of Trenton.” (Nativity Parish, Fair Haven) leadership. ‘Ad Multos Annos.’” Our Lady of PerParish, Toms River • “’Ad Multos Annos’ – Congratulations Bishop “We, as a parish family of St. Catherine’s, congratulate petual Help Parish, St. Katharine Drexel O’Connell on your 35th anniversary of ordination to you, Bishop David, for reaching a milestone in your priestly the priesthood of Jesus Christ from Our Lady of Good Maple Shade • Our Parish, Burlington vocation. Ad Multos Annos, Father Angelito.” Counsel, Moorestown.” Lady of Perpetual • St. Leo the Great (St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Farmingdale) “Bishop O’Connell, congratulations and may God Help Parish, Seaside Parish, Lincroft • St. “From St. Dominic Parish, Brick … Congratulations, continue to fill you with wisdom and joy as you shepherd Heights • Our Lady Luke Parish, Toms Bishop O’Connell, on your milestone anniversary. Thank the people of the Diocese of Trenton.” (Our Lady of you for your 35 years of devoted service and commitment to of Perpetual HelpRiver • St. Mark Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade) the people of God.” St. Agnes Parish, Parish, Sea Girt • St. “Congratulations, Bishop David O’Connell, C.M., “Warmest congratulations to our good bishop on his Atlantic Highlands Martha Parish, Point on your 35th anniversary of ordination as a priest. ‘Ad 35th priestly anniversary. ‘Ad Multos Annos!’” Multos Annos!’ From Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, • Our Lady of SorPleasant • St. Mary (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting) Hainesport.” rows-St. Anthony of the Assumption “Congratulations to the shepherd of our Diocese, Bishop “Congratulations Bishop David O’Connell, C.M., on Parish, Hamilton • Parish, Deal • St. David M. O’Connell, C.M., on his 35th anniversary of 35 years of priesthood, and our pastor Father Michael Our Lady Queen of Mary of the Lake ordination to the priesthood! ‘ A d Multos Annos!’” O’Connor on 45 years of priesthood. Sacred Heart (St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Avon-By-The-Sea) Peace Parish, HaineParish, Lakewood Parish, Bay Head.” “Congratulations and best wishes, Bishop David sport • Resurrection • St. Mary of the M. O’Connell, C.M., J.C.D., as you celebrate 35 years of Parish, Delran • PreLakes Parish, Medpriesthood. ‘Ad Multos Annos! Sto Lat!’ Father Jacek W. cious Blood Parish, ford • St. Mary ParLabinski, S.T.D., pastor, and the Saint Hedwig’s Parish Monmouth Beach • ish, Colts Neck • St. family, Trenton.” Sacred Heart Parish, Mary Parish, Mid“Cheers to 35 years! Under the guidance of St. Jerome, may you have the blessings of perseverance as you continue Bay Head • Sacred dletown • St. Mary to shepherd us. From your flock in West Long Branch.” Heart Parish, Mount Parish, Barnegat (St. Jerome Parish) Holly • Sacred Heart • St. Mary Parish, “Congratulations, and may God grant you another 35 Parish, Riverton • Bordentown • St. happy and healthy years.” (St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton) Sacred Heart Parish, Maximilian Kolbe “May Almighty God continue to bless our shepherd, Trenton • St. AloyParish, Toms River Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., as he celebrates his 35th sius Parish, Jackson • St. Michael Parish, anniversary of ordination to the holy priesthood! ‘VIVAT REX!’” (St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown) • St. Alphonsus Long Branch • St. Parish, Hopewell • Monica Parish, Jack“God bless you, our Shepherd, as you lead us in faith. With affection from St. Joseph Parish, St. Joseph Grade St. Andrew Parish, son • St. Paul Parish, School and Donovan Catholic High School. ‘Dios te Jobstown • St. Ann Princeton • St. Peter bendiga!’” (Toms River) Parish, LawrencevParish, Point Pleas“The Parish of St. Katharine Drexel, Burlington, ille • St. Ann Parish, ant Beach • St. Pio congratulates Bishop O’Connell on his 35th anniversary to Keansburg • St. Ann of Pietrelcina Parish, the priesthood. God Bless!” Parish, Browns Mills Lavallette • St. Pius Continued on • S32 • St. Anselm Parish, X Parish, Forked Tinton Falls • St. River • St. RaphaAnthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank • St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown • el-Holy Angels Parish & School, Hamilton • St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, St. Anthony Claret Parish, Lakewood • St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville • St. Benedict Freehold • St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold • St. Rose Parish, Belmar • St. Theresa Parish, Holmdel • St. Catharine of Siena Parish, Seaside Park • St. Catharine Parish, Parish, Little Egg Harbor • St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan • St. Veronica ParHolmdel • St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake • St. Catherine of Siena ish, Howell • St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Hamilton • St. William the Abbot Parish, Parish, Farmingdale • St. Catherine Parish, Middletown • St. Charles Borromeo Howell • Sts. Francis and Clare Parish, Florence Township • Visitation Parish, Brick

The Monitor is pleased to join the parishes of the Diocese of Trenton in extending best wishes to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on the 35th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

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Sister Geraldine was born in Clark to the late William Joseph and Josephine Jankola Schultz and began her education in St. Mary School, Rahway, and graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy, Newburgh, N.Y., where she was taught by the Dominican Sisters of Hope. She entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Hope on Sept. 7, 1947, made her first profession of vows on June 25, 1949 and her final profession Aug. 22, 1952. Sister Geraldine earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Villanova University,

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Marianite of Holy Cross Sister Florence Cotreau is celebrating the 70th anniversary of her vocation on familiar ground – St. Mary’s Living Center in Lawrenceville where she is in residence.

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in Headford, County Galway, Ireland. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia in 1945 and professed her final vows in 1947. Sister Mary Doretta, a diamond jubilarian, devoted 33 years of her ministry to th th the Diocese of Trenton, which included teaching in McCorristin High School from 1982 to 1988 and serving in pastoral ministry in St. Francis Medical Center from 1988 to 2012. From 2012 to 2014, she served in the local house ministry of the St. Clare Convent near the medical center and also devoted her time to pastoral ministry and volunteer work in the surrounding neighborhood. Prior to her years in Trenton, Sister Doretta ministered on the west coast of the United States, serving the Dioceses of Spokane, Baker, San Diego, San Bernardino and Seattle. In 2014, she moved to Assisi House, the congregation’s retirement residence in Aston, Pa., which was the site of a jubilee celebration with her family and other jubilarians. She continues to serve in the prayer ministry there.

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Dominican Sister Joan Coffey was born in New Rochelle, N.Y., to the late James Edward Coffey and Norah Riley. She began her early education in Holy Family t h School, New Rochelle, where she first encountered the Dominican Sisters of Hope. She went on to graduate from Ursuline Academy there. After graduation, on Sept. 8, 1947, she entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Hope, Ossining, making her first profession of vows on June 25, 1949, and her final profession Aug. 22, 1952. Sister Joan earned her bachelor’s degree in French from Villanova University, Villanova, Pa., and her master’s in French from McGill University, Montreal. She was awarded a master’s degree in religious studies from Drew Theological School in New Jersey. Her long and varied ministry in education began at the elementary level in Casa San Jose, Newburgh in 1949. In 1951, she went on to teach in Bishop Dunn Memorial School, Newburgh. For seven years, Sister Joan taught in Pope Pius XII Regional High School, Passaic, and later served as principal of the Academia San Jose in Villa Caparra, Puerto Rico, and at Sts. John and Paul School in Larchmont, N.Y. Sister Joan, who taught in Mount St. Mary College in Newburgh from 1966 to 1970, served from 1971 to79 in congregation administration and was congregation formation coordinator between 1983 and 87. The College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, benefited from her gifts as she served as an academic counselor there for ten years. Sister Joan has also worked in the secular world as an assistant to the librarian in Madison Public Library, Madison. Before retiring in 2008, she was assistant to the archivist for the Sisters of Charity in Convent Station. She resides in St. Joseph’s Nursing Home, Morris Hall, Lawrenceville.

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Dominican Sister Joan COFFEY

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Born in Medford, Mass, to Theophile and Annie Mallett Cotreau in 1929, Sister Florence, formerly Sister Mary Andre, devoted a combined 42 years to teaching in the schools of the Trenton Diocese and volunteering in its before and after school programs. th th Sister Florence entered the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross on Sept. 15, 1957, in Our Lady of Princeton and professed perpetual vows there June 20, 1952. After earning her bachelor’s degree in education she commenced a life-long ministry in elementary education. She first taught in New York with assignments between 1949 and 1950 in St. Vincent de Paul School, Tarrytown, and St. Louis Academy, Staten Island. In 1955, she received her first assignment in the Trenton Diocese and spent five years teaching in Mercerville’s Our Lady of Sorrows School. Teaching assignments between 1959 and 1971 found her in our Lady of Perpetual Help, Ardsley, New York; St. Mary, Ridgefield, Ct; St. Colman, Brockton, Mass. She returned to the Trenton Diocese again in 1971 and devoted 16 years to the students of Holmdel’s St. Benedict School. In 1991, she embarked on a part-time volunteer ministry that returned her to Our Lady of Sorrows for four years with the before and after school program. Sister Florence did a four-year turn as a volunteer for Catholic Charities in New York before “helping out” in St. Raphael School, Hamilton, for 16 years before retiring full-time.

Christian Brother John Perry was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He entered the novitiate in 1941 and received the habit on Sept. 7 of that year; professed annual vows Sept. 8, 1942, and perpetual vows on Jan. 1, 1947. Brother John earned a bachelor of arts degree from Manhattan College and over the years, earned four master’s degrees in the disciplines of philosophy, sacred Scripture, school psychology and counseling from Fordham University, St. John’s University, The Catholic University of America and Manhattan College, respectively. In 70 years of religious life, he served the LaSallian educational system around the United States and in Brussels as an educator, administrator, vocation director and counselor. Brother Perry taught in several schools in New York including Good Shepherd and La Salle Academy, Manhattan; St. Peter Junior High School, Staten Island. His longest association was with Paramus Catholic High School, where, over the course of three decades, he taught th for 13 years. Brother John also taught for and served as a guidance counselor for three years in St. John’s International School in Brussels. From 1960-1965, he was the vocation director of the New York provincialate and served the Sangre de Cristo Center for Spiritual Renewal first in the administration and then as temporary director between 1965 and 1969. Brother John retired from active ministry in 1995 and is in residence in De La Salle Hall, Lincroft.

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Divine Word Missionary Father Martin Padovani was born in 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended St. Ignatius Grammar School, Cleveland, followed by studies in Divine Word seminaries in Girard, Pa., and Epworth, Iowa. He holds bachelor and master degrees in clinical psychology from Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y. He made his first profession of vows as a Divine Word Missionary Sept. 8, 1952, in Techny, Ill., and was ordained a priest April 2, 1960, in Techny. He has served his community as a vocation director, rector and clinical psychologist. In 1968, the year he was awarded his master’s degree, he was appointed by Gov. Richard J. Hughes to the New Jersey Divorce Law Study Commission. Father Padovani is a well-known psychotherapist with expertise in individual, marriage and family counseling. Recognizing the high failure rate of second marriages, Father Padovani is an outspoken proponent of establishing education to help Catholics who are entering second marriages. In his work, Father Padovani encourages counselors to help Catholics gain insight into marriage, face their own faults and avoid carrying emotional Continued on • S5

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Mercy Sister Patricia Welsh was born in Fairview, Camden, the only child of Emmet and Anne Welsh. She began her education in Caldwell’s St. Aloysius Elementary School and finished her elementary years at St. Joan of Arc School, Fairview. Sister Patricia met the Sisters of Mercy when she matriculated at Camden Catholic High School and entered the community upon graduation in 1947 taking the religious name of Mary Jacinta. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Georgian Court College, now University, Lakewood, and a master’s degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington. Her early teaching assignments included

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Mercy Sister Patricia WELSH

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t h Red Bank Catholic Cathedral High School, Trenton; High School in Red Bank and the then newly opened Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville. In 1964, she became director of vocations and financial aid in Georgian Court. Three years later, she was named vocation director and then director of postulants for the Sisters of Mercy. Sister Patricia returned to the classroom in 1971 in her alma mater, Camden Catholic and was called to a leadership role in the Mercy community three years later. Following a three-year term as a Councilor (sic), she returned to teaching at Camden Catholic where she remained for 13 years. In 1991, she began service as a case worker for the Mount Carmel Guild, an diocesan sponsored outreach agency based in Trenton, a position she cherished, for 16 years. In retirement, she devotes herself to volunteering for non-profits in ways that benefit from her experience and education.

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Christian Brother Gregory Quinn was born to Thomas and Margaret Gorman Quinn in Providence, R.I. He received the habit of a Christian Brother on August 7, 1946, professed his first vows on Sept. 8, 1947, and his perpetual vows on Jan. 1, 1953. Brother Gregory pursued educational studies in Manhattan College, receiving a bachelors degree in 1953. He went on to earn a master’s degree in French from his alma mater in 1958 and another masters, this one In counseling and psychology, from the same institution. He began a long career in education teaching in St. Mary School, Yonkers, from 1950-1954, From there he went on to teach in St. Jerome School, the Bronx, St. Peter High School, Staten Island; Holy Name School, New York; St. tRaymond High School, h also the Bronx, and Queen of Peace High School, North Arlington. Interspersed with his domestic teaching assignments were international appointments that took him twice to Nicaragua to Colegio San Jose and Ethiopia’s capitol, Addis Ababa, where he taught in St. Joseph Elementary School. Other appointments brought Brother Gregory to La Salle Academy in Providence from 1978-1982; the Christian Brothers Academy, Albany, and De La Salle Hall where he was a member of the staff for ten years, from 1987 to 1997. t h He devoted himself to teaching religious education in St. Catherine Parish, Holmdel, from 2000 – 2002 and since 2002, he has taught the RCIA process for Hispanic adults in St. Anthony of Padua Parish. Brother Gregory resides in De La Salle Hall, Lincroft.

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Dominican Sister Margaret James Curtin was born in Jersey City to the late James and Mary Haggerty Curtin and began her education at St. Paul School, Jersey City, where she first encountered the Dominican Sisters of Hope. Following graduation from Holy Family High School, Bayonne, she entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Hope on Sept. 7, 1947, made her first profession of vows June 25, 1949, and final profession Aug. 22, 1952. She went onto earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Seton Hall University, South Orange. Sister Margaret James began her ministry in education in 1949 as an elementary school teacher in St. Joseph School, Bayonne. After ten years, she was assigned to Sacred Heart School, Newburgh, where she taught between 1959-1963. Subsequent teaching assignments brought her to St. Peter School, Rosendale, N.Y.; St. Elizabeth School, Elizabeth City, N.C.; St. Lawrence School, Lindenwold, and St. Cecilia School, Iselin. Engaged in pastoral work in St. Mary Parish, New Monmouth, from 1990- 2002, she also taught in the parish school from 1990-98. She retired from that ministry and devoted herself to the pastoral life in the parish until 2002. She resides in Middletown and enjoys leading a Rosary group for her neighbors.

Dominican Sister Margaret James CURTIN

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Villanova, Pa and began her ministry in education in St. Mary School, Gloucester, in 1949. She went on to Little Flower Elementary School in Pensacola in 1953 and returned to New Jersey to teach in St. Boniface School in 1955. Assigned to Lindenwold’s St. Lawrence School in 1957 she served as principal there from 19771980. She then taught in St. Anthony School, Hawthorne, St. Ursula School, Mount Vernon, N.Y. and was principal of Cathedral Elementary School in Raleigh, N.C. from 1967-73. Returning to New Jersey once more, she taught in St. Cecilia School, Iselin, for 14 years. She brought her skills to the classroom of St. Elizabeth School, Linden, for nine years and continued there directing the after school care program until her retirement from teaching in 2002. She resides in St. Mary’s Morris Hall in Lawrenceville.

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Mercy Sister Patricia Conlin was born in New York to the late James and Charlotte Conlin and grew up in Long Branch where she attended Our Lady Star of the Sea Academy for her early education. When she went on to Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank, she encountered the Sisters of Mercy whose mission and charism inspired her and by the end of senior year in 1967, she felt called to enter the community. Taking Mary Teresita as her religious name, she professed her vows in 1957. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Georgian Court College, now University, Lakewood, and taught in elementary schools in the Trenton Diocese including St. Mary School, Bordentown, and Sts. Philip and James School, Phillipsburg, now in the Metuchen Diocese. From the 1970’s on, she undertook varied ministries becoming the social concerns director in St. Francis Parish, Metuchen, and Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield, serving as pastoral associate in Assumption Parish, Bradley Beach, and a counselor in the Mount Carmel Guild, Jersey City. In the 1990s, Sister Patricia was a retreat and

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Mercy Sister Patricia CONLIN

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Mercy Sister Marie Cook was born to John and Marie Cook in Bridgeport, Ct. She moved with her family to Trenton where she th and her three siblings attended St. Joseph Elementary School, Trenton. There, she first encountered the Sisters of Mercy who would also be her educators in Cathedral High School. Attracted to the Mercy way of life by their example, she entered the community in 1957, completed her undergraduate studies at Georgian Court College, now University, Lakewood, with a degree in biology in 1961 and began a long and rewarding ministry in education at Red Bank Catholic th t h High School, Red Bank. The 1960s were a busy time for Sister Marie as she fulfilled assignments to Georgian Court and Camden Catholic High School and undertook graduate studies in Rutgers University. In 1969, she returned to Georgian Court as biology instructor while completing her masters in the discipline. She went on to earn a doctoral degree in zoology from Rutgers in 1974. Over time, she assumed new academic and administrative roles and responsibilities in Georgian Court, serving as a biology professor and chair of the biology department, dean of academic affairs and director of the graduate biology department. Concurrently, she became widely published in scientific journals – specifically in the area of biochemical developmental genetics and presented papers and workshops in the fields of both science and education. As a member of many organizations in her field, she served as chair of the executive committee of the Mercy Higher Education Colloquium and as a member of the executive board of the New Jersey Science Teachers Association. Concern for issues of peace and justice, the environment and human rights saw her involved in those issues at many events and on various advisory boards and committees within the Mercy Institute. Though her active ministry at Georgian Court ended in 2015, Sister Marie continues to serve in the field of Mercy Neighborhood Ministries in Philadelphia and recently moved to Oklahoma where she hopes to continue her participation in initiatives that further her lifelong commitment to Works of Mercy.

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spiritual director at the Institute for Psychological Growth in Hazlet, a social worker with Catholic Charities in Metuchen and Red Bank and a member of the professional staff at Aberdeen Counseling Center. Though no longer in active ministry, Sister Patricia continues to pray for those in need.

and psychological baggage into any marriage. As a licensed marriage and family therapist in New Jersey, Father Padovani is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. He also served for a time as a member of the Burlington County Mental Health Board and as chaplain to patients at a private psychiatric hospital. Father Padovani is author of two books that integrate faith with science – “Healing Wounded Emotions” (Twenty-Third Publications, 1987) and “Healing Wounded Relationships” (Twenty-Third Publications, 2006). The two books have been translated th into at least twelve languages. Father Padovani has assisted in many parishes, including more than 25 years in St. Catharine-St. Margaret, Spring Lake, as well as in Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown. Father Padovani currently resides in the Divine Word residence in Bordentown. In his retirement, he has given motivational speeches and homilies around the Diocese.

Sister of Charity Maureen Crowley was born in Montclair and attended Immaculate Conception School throughout her elementary and high school

years where she was taught by Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth. She entered the Sisters of Charity in September, 1957, and completed her undergraduate degree at the College of St. Elizabeth with a major in history. She began her long and lively ministry in education teaching sixth grade in Sacred Heart School, Vailsburg. From there, she was assigned to teach sixth grade in Our Lady Help of Christians School, East Orange. In 1968, Sister Maureen was appointed to serve as principal of Bloomfield’s Sacred Heart School during which time she completed her studies to earn a master’s degree in administration and supervision from Seton Hall University in South Orange. She later served as assistant superintendent of Hudson County’s Catholic schools. In 1977, she returned to her alma mater, Immaculate Conception School, to serve as vice principal and went on to become vice principal in Marylawn of the Oranges School before returning once again to her alma mater. In 2013, Sister Maureen, who now resides in Brick Township, retired as president of Immaculate Conception but continues to act as a consultant, president emerita and a member of its board of trustees. She also serves on the boards of both the College of St. Elizabeth and the Academy of St. Elizabeth.

Mercy Sister Ethel FRIEDMAN

Mercy Sister Ethel Friedman, one of six children born to the late Stephen and Ethel Friedman, grew up in Trenton where she graduated from Holy Angels Grammar School and Cathedral High School. Following a brief period of employment in the corporate world, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1957, took the religious name of Mary Vincentia the following year and professed her vows in 1960, Sister Ethel went on to earn two degrees in elementary education: a bachelor of arts from Georgian Court College, now University, Lakewood and a master’s degree from Central Connecticut State College, now University, New Britain, Ct. Her wide and varied ministry began in education as an elementary school teacher in Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Atlantic City, and Catholic parish schools in South Amboy, Perth Amboy, Keansburg, Edison and Burlington. From 1979 to 1984, she was an instructor in Stockton State College, Pomona and changed course to healthcare after attaining a nursing degree from Elizabeth General Medical Center School of Nursing in Elizabeth in 1987. As a registered nurse, she served in St. Francis Continued on • S6

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Mercy Sister Patricia Morrison was born in Trenton to the late John and Pearl Morrison. She attended St. Anthony School and Cathedral High School where she met the Sisters of Mercy. Inspired by their mission and religious way of life, she entered the community upon graduation in 1957, taking the name Mary Georgianna at her reception the following year. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from Georgian Court College, now University, Lakewood, and went on to earn a master’s degree in business education from Rider College, now University, Lawrenceville, in 1969, and her certification for principal and supervisor in 1979. She began her ministry in education in Philipsburg Catholic High School teaching business courses for nine years before moving on to Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill. Three years later, she was appointed principal of St. Mary High School, Perth Amboy, for its final year. She would return to Philipsburg as principal and remained in that capacity until 1990. Called to a new ministry, she accepted the position of coordinator at Eatontown’s Spring House, a facility for homeless women and their children. In 1993, she returned to the field of secondary education, this time as vice principal in Holy Spirit High School, Aberdeen, until 2012. Another new ministry opened for Sister Patricia in 2013 when she was asked to become the coordinator for the St. James Convent community of active and retired sisters who witness by their presence and their ministries throughout the greater shore area.

Mercy Sister Kathleen O’HALLORAN

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Sister of Charity Maureen Malone, the former Sister John Immaculate, was born in Elizabeth and is a graduate of the Sisters of Charity Preparatory High School, Convent Station. Sister Maureen entered the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth on March 6, 1957, and began her higher education in Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey, where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in English and a master’s degree in special education. Sister Maureen’s teaching assignments have included St. Francis School, Ridgefield Park, 19591960; Saint Stephen School, Kearny, 1960-1966, and Sacred Heart School, Trenton, 1966-1978. With a strong background in counseling, she has served as a counselor in many outreach programs in the Trenton Diocese including Anchor House, Trenton, which she helped to found, from 1978-1983; TRIAD House, 1983-1989; the Ewing Township Public School System where she was the director of the Alternate Schools program, 19911992; a substance abuse/alcohol and addiction counselor for Mercer County Carrier Clinic, 19921995; and an addictions counselor for Catholic Charities beginning in 1995 as well as a program director for New Choices Adolescence Program. Her other counseling ministries have included Starting Point House, Atlantic City; serving as a social worker for Delaware Boys School and program director for Rainbow Outreach. At present, she is a volunteer counselor with “It Takes a Family” in Cinnaminson.

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Hospital and Helene Fuld Medical Center, Trenton, and went on to McAuley Hall Health Care Center where she continued as a nurse for several years and became a certified activity director. Sister Ethel was a private duty nurse in Pennsylvania for a time before returning to New Jersey to become the activity director at the Allaire Senior Medical Day Care Center. She is in residence in St. James Convent, Red Bank, where she volunteers her services with the St. James Parish Senior Citizen Club and the Bayshore Senior Day Center in Keansburg.

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Mercy Sister Kathleen O’Halloran was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., the third of six children in the family of William and Mary O’Halloran and baptized with the name Carol. The family resided in Pitman after her father returned home from World War II. With the encouragement of Bishop William A. Griffin, a family friend, Carol and her four sisters attended Mount St. Mary Academy in Watchung, then a boarding school. Upon graduation in 1957, Carol entered the Sisters of Mercy and at her reception a year later, took Kathleen for her religious name. In 1959, she began her undergraduate studies at Georgian Court College, now University, Lakewood. In 1963, she professed her final vows and graduated from Georgian Court with a major in French. In 1968, she received a master’s degree in French from Vermont’s Middlebury College. MONITOR • JULY 27, 2017

Her first teaching assignment was in Our Lady Star of the Sea Academy, Atlantic City, and she would go on to teach French and Latin in her alma mater, Mount St. Mary Academy, for six years. Sister Kathleen studied at Aquinas Institute in Dubuque, Iowa, in preparation for assuming the role of novice director on the religious community’s formation team. After four years, she accepted the position of coordinator in St. Mary Convent, Perth Amboy, and taught part-time in St. Mary High School, there. She was elected to the leadership team of the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey in 1978 and served another term beginning in 1982. Answering a call to serve the poor, she later moved to Scranton to live at the Catherine McAuley House with homeless women and children. There, for three years, she directed the Bridge Housing Program. In 1989, she returned to New Jersey and joined the staff of Project PAUL in Keansburg which is devoted to serving the poor, alienated, unemployed and lonely. There she served as director of client services. Retiring in 2013, she continues to volunteer in the ministry she loves.

Mercy Sister Margaret RUSSELL Mercy Sister Margaret Russell was born to Walter and Josephine Russell in Riverside and attended St. Paul School in Burlington and Trenton’s Cathedral High School where she encountered the Sisters of Mercy. Inspired by the sisters throughout elementary school and high school, she entered the religious life after graduation from the later in 1957. The following year, she took Mary del Rey as her religious name and began matriculating toward a degree in elementary education in Georgian Court College, now University, Lakewood. She later earned a master’s degree in supervision and curriculum at Georgian Court. Her first teaching assignments were in parish schools in the Dioceses of Trenton and Metuchen: St. Elizabeth School, Bernardsville, St. Francis Cathedral School, Metuchen; St. Catherine School, East Keansburg and St. Joseph School, Bound Brook. In 1971, she was appointed principal of St. Charles Borromeo School, Cinnaminson, and served there until 1988 when she was named director of communications for the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey. The following year, she was appointed principal of St. Francis Cabrini School, Piscataway, and in 1997, principal of St. Mary School, South Amboy. During those years, she received several honors from both Dioceses for excellence in education. In 2001, the focus of her ministry shifted to pastoral services as she became director of religious education in Toms River’s St. Luke Parish where she enjoyed working with children and their parents in Continued on • S7

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Mercy Sister Maureen Christensen is a native of South Amboy, Diocese of Metuchen, and the child of Mary Margaret and Robert Christensen. She met the Sisters of Mercy as a child when she attended St. Mary Elementary School and St. Mary High School, both in South Amboy. The sisters’ mission and example influenced her decision to enter the community following her graduation in 1967. Sister Maureen and the young women with whom she entered began their preparation for religious life and their college education in Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung. After her novitiate, Sister Maureen earned a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Georgian Court College, Lakewood, in 1972, and later earned a master of arts degree in education with a certification as a learning disabilities teacher-consultant from Seton Hall University, South Orange, in 1979. Sister Maureen’s first teaching assignment was in Holy Cross School, Rumson. From there she continued her ministry in St. Matthew School, Edison, and later in St. Matthias School, Somerset. During that time she was also very active in youth ministry, both at the parish and diocesan levels. In 1986, Sister Maureen was asked by her community’s leadership to assume the role of vocation director for the Sisters of Mercy. One year later she also began serving as formation director, providing initial guidance and instruction to women who had entered the community. For five years, Sister Maureen also served as co-director of Mercy Associates, a program open to lay women and men seeking a closer relationship with the Sisters of Mercy. In 1992, Sister Maureen, a certified spiritual director, became co-director of the Upper Room Spiritual Center, Neptune. The work of the Center focuses on bringing people to deeper relationship with God. The Center offers training and ongoing education for spiritual directors, as well as retreats and holistic Continued on • S8

JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

Lives of FAITH • S7

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Charity Sister Beverly Policastro is the principal of Perth Amboy Catholic Primary School. She entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, Sept. 6, 1962. Her teaching assignments have included Sacred Heart School, Bloomfield; St. Mary School, Elizabeth; Holy Name School, East Orange; St. Joseph/St. Anthony School, Pensacola, Fla.; St. Aloysius Child

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Sister Bernadette D. Crowley entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, Sept. 6, 1962, and currently serves as a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor for Emmaus House in Ocean Grove. Other places where she has served include St. Paul of the Cross School and All Saints School, both Jersey City. Sister Bernadette now lives in Ocean Grove.

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Mercy Sister Barbara Williams, who served as president of Lakewood’s Georgian Court College, now University, for two decades, is celebrating the 60th anniversary of her entry into religious life. The daughter of the late Frank and Laura Williams, Sister Barbara was born in Camden and grew up in Audubon. She began her education in St. Rose of Lima School, Haddon Heights, and went on to Camden Catholic High School. Called to religious life, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1957, taking the religious name of Francis Xavier at her reception, and began studies that would lead to a distinguished career in education. Sister Barbara earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Georgian Court, a master’s in library science from Rutgers University, as well as a master’s in catechetical theology from Manhattan College. She completed graduate courses in higher education administration at New York University. The long administrative career that followed was spent in her Georgian Court alma mater, first as reg-

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Dominican Sister Patricia Mary Walsh was born in New York to Patrick and Anna O’Connor Walsh and entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkhill, N.Y., on Sept. 8, 1957. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkhill, N.Y., and a masters from Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. From 1959 to 1974, Sister Patricia was a teacher in several schools throughouttthe New York Archh diocese including St. Helena in the Bronx and Holy Family, Hicksville, N. Y. From 1976 to 1983, Sister Patricia, a certified counselor in alcohol addiction, served as the assistant director and then director of the in-residence program in Alina Lodge, Blairstown, N.Y., an extended care treatment program known as a first step to recovery for those seeking reintegration into society and living a satisfied life within the limits learned in recovery. In 1983, she founded Emmaus House, a recovery center for women religious located in Ocean Grove h since. and has remained its directortever

Care, Caldwell; Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Maplewood; St. Anthony School, Elizabeth, and St. Mary’s Child Care, Elizabeth. Sister Beverly now lives in Brick.

istrar, then librarian, then academic dean. In 1980, she became the president of the growing institution. During her 20-year tenure, many new masters’ degrees programs were initiated including those for special education, counseling psychology, mathematics, business administration, and biology. h Certification programs int instructional technology, substance awareness, multicultural education and early intervention were implemented as well. Widely recognized for her accomplishments by the educational community and the community at large, she initiated GCU’s first formal planning process, garnering rated bond funding for construction of the library/student lounge complex that is a hub of campus life. Lauded for her deep concern for women and children, the disadvantaged and the poor, Sister Barbara continues to serve Georgian Court as university archivist and assistant librarian.

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what she considered a joint effort to “bring children to Jesus.”

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Franciscan Sister Rose Daniel COLANZI

Franciscan Sister Rose Daniel Colanzi was born in Philadelphia, where she graduated from Little Flower High School. She served in ministry as an elementary teacher in Pennsylvania and Florida. Sister Rose Daniel served as a pastoral associate at St. Casimir Parish, Riverside, and is currently a pastoral associate at Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County, Willingboro. She holds a bachelor of arts degree from Alvernia University in Reading, Pa., and a master of arts degree from Widener University, Chester, Pa.

Mercy Sister Nancy HERRON

Mercy Sister Nancy Herron is the first of nine children born to Therese and Joseph Herron, Carteret, Diocese of Metuchen. After attending St. Joseph School, Carteret, and St. Mary High School, Perth Amboy, Sister Nancy joined the Sisters of Mercy in September 1967. Professed in 1970, she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Georgian Court College (now University) in 1971, and a master’s degree in education with a specialty in reading from Trenton State College in 1979. Her first teaching assignment was in Saints Philip and James School, Phillipsburg, followed by 13 years in St. Mary Elementary School, South Amboy; St. Joseph School, Trenton, and St. Mary School, South Amboy. Sister Nancy later earned certifications as super-

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service as principal in St. Mary School, Perth Amboy, and three years later, as assistant administrator in the newly formed Perth Amboy Catholic School. A temporary shift from education brought her back to Saints Philip and James Parish as pastoral associate in 1989 until she was named director of McAuley School for Exceptional Children, Watchung, in 1992. While Sister Nancy completed her training as a paralegal in Fairleigh Dickenson University, Teaneck, she joined the staff of the Legal Resource Center for Religious in Silver Spring, Md. Returning from Maryland, Sister Nancy joined the staff of Georgian Court University. In March 2012, Sister Nancy became Director of Client Services at Project PAUL, Keansburg, where she currently serves. In addition to these main ministries, Sister Nancy has also had volunteer experiences in the chaplaincy service in Trenton State Prison, parish ministry and as a nurse’s aide.

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Continued from • S7 programming. Sister Maureen continues in her leadership at the Center as she spiritually accompanies many people and offers workshops, retreats and specialized programs in parishes throughout New Jersey. Throughout her years in ministry, Sister Maureen has always found it important to be involved with parish life, most especially in music ministry. She currently is a member of the Faithful Love Music Group that serves Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park.

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Mercy Sister Rosemary E. Jeffries was born in Ocean City, the second child of Elizabeth and George Jeffries. She began her education in St. Augustine School, Ocean City, and then attended Holy Spirit High School, Absecon, where she graduated in 1967. It was there that she met the Sisters of Mercy who influenced her vocation. Her journey at Mount St. Mary Academy, Watchung, that same year. With a degree from Georgian Court College (now university), Lakewood, in art education, she began her teaching career in Red Bank Catholic and served on the parish ministry team in St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Freehold. In 1976, she became the first director of communications for the Trenton Diocese. In 1982, she served as the director of public relations in Georgian Court College and for the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey. Sister Rosemary earned a master of arts in communications from Fordham University, New York City, and a master of religious studies from Princeton Theological Seminary. She returned to Fordham to earn a doctorate in sociology of religion in 1991. In 1988, Sister Rosemary became the first director of development and public relations for the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung. She also served on a National Task Force for the Sisters of Mercy which led to the formation of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas in 1991. In 1994, she was elected to the leadership team of the New Jersey community and served until 2001 when she was selected to serve as the eighth president of Georgian Court College. Under Sister Rosemary’s tenure, Georgian Court College earned university status and transitioned the traditional all-female institution to co-educational. She served 14 years as the president and was awarded the title president emeritus when she concluded her tenure. MONITOR • JULY 27, 2017

Sister Rosemary has also served on numerous civic and community boards of directors including Leviticus Alternative Investment Fund, Tri-State Catholic Committee on Radio and Television and TriState Advisory Board for Channel 13, WNET. She currently serves on the Boards of Mercy Center, Asbury Park; Preferred Behavioral Health Group for Ocean and Monmouth Counties, and is the executive director of the All Africa Conference Sister to Sister, an organization dedicated to the education and empowerment of Women Religious in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Dominican Sister Catherine Patrice MORGAN

Dominican Sister Catherine Patrice Morgan was born in Flushing, N.Y., and entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary, Sparkill, N.Y., on August 30, 1967. She taught in schools in the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn for 13 years. She served as campus minister in St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, before being elected to congregational leadership in 2000. From 1976 to 2004, she was part of the Jerusalem House of Prayer, Sparkill, where she served as a spiritual director. From 2004 to 2014, she was campus minister and religious education director in Ann Arbor, Mich., before becoming a staff member in the Dominican Retreat House in Mclean, Va., in 2014. She is currently the director of religious education in St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction.

Christian Brother Ralph MONTEDORO

Christian Brother Ralph Montedoro was born in Long Branch. He received the habit Aug. 27, 1966, pronounced annual vows Sept. 2, 1967, and perpetual vows Jan. 1, 1974. He graduated from The Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree. He received his master’s degree in education (counseling) from Monmouth College, Ill., in 1976. In 1970, he began teaching in St. John’s College High School, Washington, D.C., moving to Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, in 1971. He served in Lincroft, including some time as director, until 1974. Brother Ralph also served as a vice principal, prefect and teacher in La Salle Military Academy, Oakdale, N.Y., from 1974 to 1983, eventually returning to Christian Brothers Academy, where he was vice principal from 1986 to 1991 and principal from 1991 to 2005. Since 2006, he has served in his current position as executive vice president. Continued on • S9

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Franciscan Sister Bernadette Schuler was received into the congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany July 1, 1967. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from St. Bonaventure University, N.York., and a master’s degree in theology from St. Michael’s College, Winooski, Vt. Sister Bernadette taught in St. Agnes School, Blackwood; Our Lady of Fatima School, Piscataway, and Our Lady of Victory School, Allegany, N.Y. She was director of religious education for Our Lady of Victory; St. Joseph Parish, Winsted, Conn.; St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Metuchen. She was formation director and a pastoral assistant in St. Gregory Parish, Magnolia. Since 2006, she has served as a pastoral associate and director of religious education in Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune.

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Brothers Academy, Syracuse. He also served as a professor at Manhattan College, Bronx; La Salle Academy, New York, and as a sub-director. He retired from active ministry in 2005, and currently resides in De La Salle Hall, Lincroft.

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Christian Brother Charles O’Connell was born in New York, N.Y. He received the habit Aug. 27, 1966; professed annual vows Sept. 2, 1967, and perpetual vows Jan. 1, 1974. He graduated from The Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree, furthered his studies at Syracuse University graduating with a master’s degree in history in 1978 and a Ph.D. in history from Syracuse in 1983. He served as a professor from 1971 to 1976 and vice-principal from 1976 to 1978 at Christian

Christian Brother Charles O’CONNELL

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Little Servant Sister M. Elizabeth HALAJ

Sister M. Elizabeth Halaj, a Little Servant Sister of the Immaculate Conception, was born in Poland the youngest of four children in a faith-filled home. In 1990, she came to Brooklyn, N. Y., with her family. On the day of her arrival to the United States, while traveling from the airport to their new home they passed by the back of a church, and a man whispered to her, “That’s the real goldmine.” From that moment the Church became her “goldmine,” and Jesus her treasure, she shared. Shortly afterward, she became an active member of her parish youth group and participated in a monthly night prayer vigil in Great Meadows, where Continued on • S50

St. Mary’s Church, BARNEGAT is proud to honor all of our Clergy and Deacons both past and present. Thank you for all your service, wisdom, compassion, strength and dedication to our Church. ••••••••••••

Bishop David M. O’Connell Z

35th Anniversary

Rev. George Deutsch Z 60 th Anniversary WEEKEND ASSISTANT

Rev. Erin Brown Z 10th Anniversary FORMER PAROCHIAL VICAR of ST. MARY’S CHURCH

JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

Lives of FAITH • S9

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Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M., 35 years Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, 35 years St. Mary’s Grace Garden St. Joseph’s Morris Hall Retired Clergy: Msgr. Casimir Ladzinski and Rev. John Bowden, both 55 years Assisted Living Memory Care Skilled Nursing Meadows and Rev.Living Stanislaus Polczyk, 35 years Assisted

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S10 • Lives of FAITH • The MONITOR • JULY 27, 2017 2381 Lawrenceville Road • Lawrenceville, NJ 08648-2024

‘The Answer Was Always Yes’ Father Bernard J. Keigher, pastor of St. John Parish, Lakehurst, plays his guitar during his retirement Mass June 25, sharing a personal composition called “I Wish You Peace.” John Batkowski photos

Father Keigher exchanges warm farewell, memories with grateful flock

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JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

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u Father Bernard J. Keigher poses with a cake in honor of his retirement. The cake featured a guitar and seashells in recognition of his love of music and the Jersey Shore.

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f years of priestly devotion can be measured by the number of tears parishioners shed at his retirement, then Father Bernard J. Keigher’s ministry has been one for the books. Indeed, there was hardly a dry eye as more than 800 parishioners of all generations gathered to bid him farewell June 25 in Lakehurst’s St. John Church, where he had served as their shepherd for 18 years. During the Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Msgr. Richard A. Rusconi, a longtime weekend assistant, Father Keigher, known for his love of singing and musical composition, played his guitar and sang a piece he had written long ago called “I Wish You Peace.” Bearing wishes of their own for Father Keigher, present and former parishioners and friends waited in a long line following the Mass. Many, including parishioner Jean Burrillo, said his warm and personal farewell reflected his pastoral sensibility. Burrillo, who needs assistance to get around, had asked her daughter to bring her to the farewell Mass. “I wanted to say goodbye” in person, she said. “He knew us so well and made it his business to know everyone.” “He deserves his retirement,” she acknowledged, “but he will be greatly missed.”

Keigher grew up in Long Branch and graduated from St. James School and Red Bank Catholic High School in neighboring Red Bank. In an interview, he credited his family and the clergy and religious in both schools for creating an atmosphere where a budding call to the priesthood could blossom. “The whole process started in grade school,” he said. “By second grade in St. James School, I had an inkling that I wanted to be a priest. All along the way, my family and the sisters at St. James fostered that option,” as did Father Richard Leadem, a parochial vicar there, he said. Interests he had to work in the medical field or further develop his talent for music paled in comparison to entering the priesthood, he said. After graduation from Red Bank Catholic, he went to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and St. Mary Seminary and University, both Baltimore, in preparation for ordination to the priesthood. In 1970, he received his baccalaureate degree from St. Mary Seminary and University and completed his theological studies at the seminary. He recalled that “when I went into the seminary, every summer, I would evaluate the situation and ask, ‘Is this where the Lord wants me to be?’” The answer, he said, was always yes. His year as a transitional Continued on • S14

Story by LOIS ROGERS, Correspondent

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S12 • Lives of

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MONITOR • JULY 27, 2017

Faith in Action

Retired Father Burns reflects on his inspiration, successes of priesthood Story by ROSE O’CONNOR, Correspondent

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In retirement, he plans on remaining active. He said he would like to complete the Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage in Europe. “I did the first part last year, which was 175 miles and 13 days of walking, beginning in France over the Pyrenees Mountains and into the northern part of Spain – Pamplona,” he said. He also looks forward to having more time to read and travel, including the trip to the Holy Land that is planned for priests of the Diocese in January, and is assisting with weekend Masses in two Burlington County parishes. “God has blessed me with four wonderful parishes” in which to serve as a priest, he said. “I have really been blessed.”

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Father Burns started preparing for the priesthood in St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, St. Meinrad, Ind. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Trenton May 26, 1973, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Upon his ordination, he was assigned to St. Hedwig Parish, Trenton, for four years, then served in St. Paul Parish (now St. Katharine Drexel), Burlington, for eight years, followed by an assignment in Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, where he remained for five years. Father Burns was appointed to his first and only pastorate in St. Mary Parish, Bordentown, Sept. 1, 1990, where he served for almost 27 years. Reflecting on the spiritual offerings and programs he instituted in St. Mary Parish, Father Burns is proud of the restoration and building projects undertaken in the church that has been the spiritual home for generations of Catholic families in the Bordentown area since 1837. In addition to restoration, Father Burns is also proud of the construction of the parish center, which houses the parish offices, meeting rooms and residences for the priests.

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JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

SPIRITUAL, CONCRETE LEGACIES

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 Parishioners present the gifts of bread and wine to Father Michael J. Burns in St. Mary Church during his final Mass as pastor June 25.

 Father Michael J. Burns, retiring pastor of St. Mary Parish, Bordentown, holds the host for Consecration during a morning Mass in St. Mary Church June 25. John Blaine photos

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y ministry has been great joy,” Father Michael J. Burns said as he reflected on his retirement after serving the faithful in the Diocese of Trenton during his 44 years of priesthood. As he departed July 1 from St. Mary Parish, Bordentown, where he was pastor since 1990, and headed to his new residence in Villa Vianney, the diocesan facility for retired priests, Father Burns said, “I’m going to miss the people I’ve come to know and love over the years; I’ll miss celebrating Mass and officiating Sacraments and attending special parish events. I’ve had the opportunity to meet wonderful volunteers over the years through the various parish ministries.” Noting that he is thankful that he will remain in Mercer County in retirement, Father Burns spoke of having grown up in Hamilton Township. He graduated from St. Raphael School, Hamilton, and Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville. Father Burns said his priestly vocation developed gradually, especially though the inspiration of two priests – Father Bill Capik, who was a religion instructor and athletic director in Notre Dame High School, and Msgr. Leonard Toomey, who Father Burns came to know through the Mercer County CYO Day Camp in Yardville. At the camp, Father Burns had served as a counselor, and Msgr. Toomey was the CYO founder. “Both Father Capik and Msgr. Toomey were very positive and exuded much joy as priests,” Father Burns recalled, noting that he arrived at his own decision to pursue a vocation following his college graduation from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind.

Pastor recalls blessings of ministry to his flock Continued from • S11 deacon was spent in Sacred Heart Parish, New Brunswick, with his priestly ordination taking place May 18, 1974, by Bishop John C. Reiss in his home parish of St. James. As a parochial vicar, he served in Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, and St. Dominic Parish, Brick. Father Keigher was appointed to his first pastorate in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Father Bernard J. Shade, in 1985, where Keigher he served for 14 years. During his time in Maple Shade, he served a three-year term on the diocesan Council for Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs and as moderator of the Burlington County Catholic Youth Organization. He also served on several other diocesan committees for the continuing education of priests and the priests’ council.

On July 31, 1999, Father Keigher was named pastor of St. John Parish, Lakehurst. The faith community was situated in the heart of the Pinelands amid a burgeoning number of adult communities and the historic Lakehurst Naval Air Base, now a central component of the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. With roots going back to the creation of the Manchester Mission in 1868, St. John the Apostle Parish is one of the oldest Catholic parishes in Ocean County. Its 5,000 families largely reflect the area’s significant population of senior citizens, said Father Keigher. “Three-quarters of the members are senior citizens and a lot of the ministries reflect that,” said Father Keigher. He said it’s been an honor and privilege to have ministered to generations of seniors who have, in turn, devoted themselves to the parish. Father Keigher called it a blessing to share this part of the human journey with its prevalence of hospital visits, wake services and funerals. “The priorities of older folks are different. Their direction is toward God and heaven.”

The Redemptorist Community and staff of

San Alfonso Retreat House CONGRATULATE ALL THOSE CELEBRATING RELIGIOUS ANNIVERSARIES

SAYING GOODBYE

While Father Keigher has had a special connection to seniors, his parting words were meant to parishioners of all ages: “All of you who come together year in and year out and bring your prayers together to the table… you are the spiritual base of the parish, and it’s a wonderful base.” Christine Weiner, who attended with her sons, Blake, 14 and Dale, 8, shared her feelings at the end of Mass. “I can’t stop crying. I’ve known him since we moved to Manchester in 2002. When I was pregnant, he came to the hospital and prayed for a safe delivery.” He was there for her, she said, when she “came into the Church through [the Rite of Christian Initiation] and received all my Sacraments six years ago. He makes everything special and he is extremely good with kids. … He’s a true presence, very down to earth,” said Weiner, who teaches religious education in the parish. “He makes you want to get involved and stay involved.”

St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish in Lavallette congratulates all who are celebrating their anniversary. Thank you for your ministries. AD MULTOS ANNOS

755 Ocean Ave Long Branch NJ 732-222-2731 www.sanalfonsotreats.org

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ing St. Charles College Seminary, Catonsville, Md., for two years, then continuing his college work at St. Mary’s Seminary (Paca St.), Baltimore. His theology studies were completed in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore. Father Venza smiles when he recalls May 20, 1972, the day he was ordained a priest by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. He noted t h that morning, but when that nnit had been raining terribly nn th nn it was time for the ordination, it turned into “a beautiful sunny day,” he said. The newly ordained Father Venza’s first assignment was as parochial vicar of Christ the King Parish, Manville, which is now part of the Metuchen Diocese. Subsequent parochial vicar assignments were spent in St. Agnes Parish (now part of Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish), Atlantic Highlands, for 12 years, then St. Catherine Parish, Middletown, for one year. Father Venza was named pastor of St. Clare Parish April 29, 1988, where he served for 20 years. He also served as spiritual director of the Holy Name Society in Burlington County. Father Venza admitted that in retirement, he will miss serving and living in a parish setting. “Being able to celebrate the Eucharist with the community is something I am really going to miss,” he said. While he is not sure what lies ahead, he said he hopes he will be asked to assist local parishes with Mass and other sacramental celebrations. “God has a plan, and everything is falling into place,” he said.

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ather Felix Venza was a youngster when he discovered his vocation to the priesthood. “I was always around the altar, th serving several Masses a day in St. Joachim Church. I was in the boys’ choir and spent all of my childhood in that church,” he said of St. Joachim, now part of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, TrenFather Felix Venza ton. “The priests told my mother they thought I had a vocation, and turns out they were right,” he said with a laugh. Father Venza’s penchant for lighthearted conversation, jokes and storytelling is something parishioners of St. Mary Parish, Bordentown, will certainly miss as Father Venza entered retirement July 1. Father Venza had been serving as senior priest in residence in St. Mary Parish following his departure as pastor of St. Clare Parish, Florence, in 2008. At the time, St. Clare was merged with neighboring Holy Assumption Parish, Roebling, and became the new Sts. Francis and Clare Parish, Florence Township. He fondly recalls his 20 years as pastor in St. Clare Parish. As the sole priest assigned in the parish, Father Venza had to provide for the pastoral needs of all his parishioners, giving him an opportunity to develop close relationships with many families. At the same time, he was engaged with the ecumenical community, forging bonds with other congregations that both enriched his life and expanded his ministerial experience. “I’ve made so many friends,” he said, adding that he is thankful to retire in the southern Mercer County area. Father Venza was born in 1946 in Trenton, where he attended St. Joachim School. For high school, he went to Mother of the Savior Seminary, Blackwood, which is now the current site of Camden County Community College. His preparation for the priesthood began with attend-

John Blaine photos

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Story by ROSE O’CONNOR, Correspondent

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place.”

 Celebrating his retirement Mass June 25 in St. Mary Church, Bordentown, Father Felix Venza raises the consecrated host next to Deacon Ronald Zalegowski.

JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

Lives of FAITH • S15

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 Father Felix Venza, priest in residence in St. Mary

Newly retired Father Venza has 45 years Parish, Bordentown, distributes Holy Communion the Mass June 25 in honor of his retirement. A nn Anduring of pleasant memories of 0priesthood n 0 0 A nn th

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Following God’s Plan

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Congratulates

Bishop David M. O’Connell Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio on their 35th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood

Deacon Michael Collins on his 5th anniversary of ordination to the diaconate and all the other priests and deacons celebrating special anniversaries, who faithfully minister throughout our diocese and invites you to join the 4th Annual Walk of Hope! Help Catholic Charities continue its mission of reducing poverty, promoting recovery and strengthening families.

WALK OF HOPE

turday Sa

Sept.

9 a.m. to Noon

Mercer County Park, 1638 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ

Register today at: WalkofHopeNJ.org For more information contact Jenn Leip at 609-394-5181 x1137 or jleip@cctrenton.org CatholicCharitiesTrenton.org Monitor_ad_LivesofFaith_2017.indd 1

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such hope in

working with these men.”

 Father Edward J. Griswold celebrates Mass with fellow priests of St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, on the school’s Alumni Day 2016. JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

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 Father Edward J. Griswold, right, a priest of the Diocese of Trenton, vice rector and professor in th nn and St. Mary Seminary University, Baltimore, visits with a fellow priest at the university. Photos courtesy of St.

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Father Griswold remained in his first assignment as parochial vicar in St. Matthias Parish, Somerset, for seven years. During that time, he was assigned to serve part time with the diocesan Office of Vocations, in which he found great satisfaction. In 1979, he was named director of the program. t h to interact with men who “It was such important work nn nn felt God’s calling and shared the journey to the priesthood,” he said. “I received such hope in working with these men.” In addition to his diocesan duties, Father Griswold served as parochial vicar and then temporary administrator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, and also served as temporary administrator of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson. In 1987, Father Griswold became executive director of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors in Chicago. His career took an academic turn when he was named associate dean of formation at Mundelein Seminary, Chicago, a position he held for four years. In 1995, he returned to the Diocese of Trenton to serve as pastor of St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, and also diocesan director of continuing education and formation of priests, as well as president of the Priest Presbyteral Council. Twelve years later, Father Griswold became Continued on • S28

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EARLY DAYS

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s he contemplates retirement, Father Edward J. Griswold looks back with gratitude upon 44 years of priesthood, during which he served as pastor and leader of a number of diocesan offices and as a professor of homiletics at St. Mary Semi-h t nary and University, Baltimore. The roots of his vocation run deep into his earliest days. He was born in 1946 in Newark to Edward and Dolores Griswold, who, he said, provided a good Catholic upbringing for their family. Six years later, the family moved to Union Beach and found a spiritual home in the town’s Holy Family Parish, where, “my family was very involved, and I became an altar server,” Father Griswold said. Father Edward J. As a student in St. Joseph Griswold School, Keyport, then Red Bank Catholic High, he was inspired by the dedication of the priests, especially Father William Bausch, and the positive impact they had on people’s lives. Young Edward discerned that serving God and his people and living out his own spiritual life were important, but he decided to wait until he graduated high school before beginning formal training for the priesthood. He attended St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md., then St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore. During his preparation for the priesthood, he served as deacon in St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills, then St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge (now the Diocese of Metuchen), where he was ordained by Bishop George W. Ahr in 1973. Father Bausch, his mentor and friend, preached at his ordination.

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Father Griswold grateful for multiple ministries in pastorate, vocations, teaching 0 A nn 0 A nn th

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Father John Wake transitions to retirement 0

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On April 22, 1988, Father Wake was named pastor of St. th t h Parish, West David the King th nn nn Windsor. In August of 1994, he was assigned to St. William  Father John Wake the Abbot Parish, Howell, as parochial vicar. preaches during a Mass in Following assignments as parochial vicar of Epiphthe chapel of Morris Hall. any Parish, Brick, and St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills, Monitor file photo Father Wake was appointed temporary administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, Jan. 26, 1999. He was installed as pastor on Sept. 10, 1999, and remained at that assignment until being appointed chaplain of Morris Hall th th n and St. Lawrence Rehabilitation nn th Center, Lawrenceville, n on July 2, 2010. Father Wake’s retirement date became effective July 1.

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50th Anniversary in the Priesthood Many thanks, Father Joe, for your dedication & pastoral service to the

Community of St. Dominic Parish, Brick

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Congratulations Reverend Joseph Gnarackatt 5 A

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ather John Wake, a priest of the Diocese for 43 years, recently entered a new chapter in his life: retirement. Father Wake was born in 1947 in Jersey City. He attended St. Peter College, Jersey City, and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington, prior to being ordained to the priesthood May 18, 1974, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr. Father Wake was assigned to St. Rose Parish, Belmar, for two years and later served in St. Thomas Parish, Old Bridge. He then took a leave of absence from the Diocese of Trenton, during which time he was chaplain of the Christian Brothers Retreat House, St. Helena, Calif. He also entered the novitiate of the Salvatorians and worked in the Christian Brothers Spiritual Center, Adamstown, Md. He returned to Trenton in the role of parochial vicar in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, in 1985. Two years later, Father Wake was assigned to St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, as parochial vicar and was also appointed to a two-year term as a priest on the Engaged Encounter team.

A Lifelong Calling From India to Trenton, Father Gnarackatt continues to learn how to best serve Christ

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from 1979 to 1982. He resumed his parish work in 1982 with positions at three different Catholic churches in Bhopal until 1990, when he took a sabbatical and a friend arranged for him to help in Our Lady of Victory Parish, Chicago. The parish had six priests, so absent of a heavy workload, he took Scripture classes at the nearby university. In 1991, Msgr. James P. McManimon, then-pastor of St. Anthony Parish (now Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony), Trenton, asked through a mutual friend if Father Gnarackatt would come to the Diocese of Trenton. After being granted permission, Father Gnarackatt served as parochial vicar in St. Anthony Parish from 1991 to 1994. He credits both Msgr. McManimon and Msgr. Leonard R. Toomey, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, for his service to the Diocese. Father Gnarackatt went on to serve as parochial vicar in the then-Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Trenton, from 1994 to 1999. Father Joseph He was incardinated into the Gnarackatt Diocese of Trenton Dec. 13, 1996. In 1999, he became parochial vicar in St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, and a year later moved to St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford. On June 15, 2001, Father Gnarackatt became parochial vicar in St. Dominic Parish, Brick.

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anniversary to the priesthood with a sense of happiness. “We all have one priest – Jesus Christ. I am very happy to be able to do his work,” said Father Gnarackatt, parochial vicar in St. Dominic Parish, Brick, who will celebrate a half-century of his vocation this fall. “I am not a priest on my own. It is he who brings success to our work.” h nn th nn was born in 1939 in MutFather tGnarackatt i tom-Thodupuzha, Idukki, Kerala, India. He was one of 10 children and has three brothers and six sisters. Two of his sisters became nuns and one brother is a religious brother. As there were numerous Catholic missions in the rural region where he grew up, it wasn’t uncommon for priests to visit schools and households. Combined with the fact that his uncle was a priest, Father Gnarackatt became familiar with the vocation. “I was impressed by their life,” he said, explaining that by the eighth grade, he was beginning to consider the priesthood. t h n Indeed, one of his n hopes for the Church is to see more young people involved in vocations, especially considering how his childhood was spent in the presence of religious. “I would be happy to see more boys and girls go into religious life,” he said. “Not many [presently] consider it, but when I was young, in my background, it was one of the first things they would think of.”

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t h An A nn n ather Joseph Gnarackatt approaches 0 his 50th

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 Father Joseph Gnarackatt, parochial vicar in St. Dominic Parish, Brick, celebrates Mass June 25 in the parish he has served since 2001. Ken Falls photos

 Father Joseph Gnarackatt recites the Eucharistic prayer in St. Dominic Church, Brick.

HUMBLE SERVANT

Father Gnarackatt acknowledges that his life of service has spanned various landscapes. “Working in missions verses a parish was very different, but fulfilling,” he said, adding that one of his favorite things about being a priest has remained the same, no matter where he serves. “I was always touched by the faith of the people, he said. “I try to do my best and do whatever I can do to help my fellow priests and parishioners.” With 50 years of the priesthood behind him, Father Gnarackatt looks to the future with the same goals in mind. “I’m still trying to do better, to live Christ’s faith better. I’m still learning,” he said.

JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

Lives of FAITH • S19

Congratulations to all Priests, Deacons & Religious celebrating anniversaries this year! Thank you for your years of service to the Lord and His people. Ad Multos Annos !

Congratulations

Fr. Andrino Guilherme On the 10th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood. Thank you for your service and dedication to our Portuguese Community

Jesus, the Good Shepherd Parish BEVERLY

The Parish Family of

The Parish Family of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Avon-by-the-Sea, NJ

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St. Ann’s Church Browns Mills, New Jersey

Wish to Congratulate our Pastor Fr. Edwin Mathias on the 50th Anniversary of Ordination

1967-2017

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 Father Edwin J. Mathias, center, stands with fellow members of the clergy and altar servers in St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills, following his 50th anniversary Mass May 21. John Blaine photos

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Bringing God’s Word to others center of Father Mathias’ vocation

A nnStory by JENNIFER MAURO, th A n Managing Editor

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Father Mathias was born in 1942, in Mangalore, India. One of seven children, he received his education at

 St. Ann Parish pastor, Father Edwin J. Mathias, stands with young members of his family, some of whom participated as readers during his May 21 anniversary Mass.

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Allahabad University and at Christ the King Seminary, nnPakistan. He joined the seminary when he was Karachi, 15 and was ordained Jan. 8, 1967, at age 24. “I thank very much my senior priests who were mentors. Not just one or two but a good number of them who were supportive,” he said, adding that not only was he an altar boy when he was younger, but out of that group of eight to 10 young boys, six became priests. He spent three years in Pakistan after ordination, where priests of the diocese would meet informally once a month to discuss pastoral work and the changes taking th placen innthe Church during the Second Vatican Council. “We used to have nice discussions. It strengthened my vocation,” he said. One of those changes was, he said, quoting Pope John XXIII, “open the windows and let the fresh air come in.” “When I was ordained, I was living in non-Christian surroundings in Pakistan,” he said, explaining the work of the Church making itself present among non-Christians. He touted the faith-sharing among the different religions in the area. “I had lovely Muslim and Hindu friends,” he said. That work continued as he went on to serve 18 years in the Diocese of Bhopal, India, including in mission stations and time as a mission director in the city of Ashta, India. With less than 2 percent of the population practicing Catholicism, Father Mathias said it was important to find ways to not only relate to the non-practicing population, but encourage and train fellow priests to do so as well. “Many of the people have this notion that ‘Christians have come to convert us,’ and in a way, yes. But after the Second Vatican Council, we learned how not to create animosity,” he said, adding that he found evangelizing enjoyable. One way of bringing others into the faith was through education, Father Mathias observed. In the Cathedral parish in Karachi, Pakistan, where Father Mathias grew up, a majority of the students in Catholic schools at the time were Muslim. “In those days in Pakistan, a number of officials were educated in Catholic schools,” Continued on • S22

0 itting behind his desk at the rectory of St. Ann Parn

ish, Browns Mills, Father Edwin J. Mathias unrolls a large scroll of paper. On it are lines indicating his family tree, tracing his Catholic heritage back to the 16th century – no small feat for a boy born in India and raised in Pakistan or the man who would serve both predominantly non-Christian countries as a priest. “I try to be a priest who serves the people spiritually h in one way and in othert ways, brings the parishioners nn nn together as a community,” the pastor said. That is a mission he has tried to accomplish during his 50 years in the priesthood. “I never expected to reach this age. I thought if I reached 25, that would be good enough,” he said, smiling. “God is good.”

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JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

“I never

expected to

reach this age. I thought if

I reached 25,

that would be good enough.” q An ice sculpture in his likeness greeted Father Edwin J. Mathias during his 50th anniversary reception May 21.

Lives of FAITH • S21

On the Anniversary of your Ordination May you continue to be sustained by His grace And may your life in God’s service always be filled with joy! Especially the good and faithful servants who have served at our parishes over the years:      

Bishop David O’Connell—35 years Rev. Michael Lankford—25 years Rev. Douglas Freer—10+ years Rev. Erin Brown—10 years Rev. Walter Quiceno—5 years Deacon Louis Jakub—5 years

from the parishes of

St. Jerome Church & School AND St. Mary of the Assumption www.saintjeromechurch.org www.stmarydealnj.org West Long Branch

Community key for Father Mathias Continued from • S21 he said, citing the schools’ tendency for good education and discipline. CHANGE OF SCENERY

Though enjoying his work in India, by 1989, all of his family had left the country, the majority of whom was living in Canada. Desiring to be in the same hemisphere as his family, Father Mathias came to the Trenton Diocese, serving as a parochial vicar in Our Lady of Sorrows Parish (now Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony), Hamilton, and St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton. “Going from having a Sunday congregation of six people in India to 800 or 900 at Mass in Our Lady of Sorrows … the Holy Spirit guided me,” he said with a smile. Father Mathias was incardinated a priest of the Diocese Sept. 23, 1993. In 1995, he was named pastor in Browns Mills. On a

diocesan level, Father Mathias served a three-year term on the diocesan Incardination Board from 1999 to 2002. Father Mathias said that during his time in Browns Mills, he has made it a priority to build a community in the parish and beyond. The annual summer festival, for example, is one event that parishioners and non-parishioners alike look forward to. In addition, he works tirelessly to ensure young people are attending Mass, checking in on the progress of children enrolled in religious education programs, encouraging them to attend services with their parents and giving them roles in the Church. “I was happy for the experience that I’ve had as a missionary and in an established parish,” he said of his time as a priest. “I try to reach out to people and that has been a great help to me.”

With sincere thanks and gratitude for your dedicated ministry to your parish and community, we offer our congratulations & best wishes to: Rev. Mpeka Rogatus, Parochial Vicar at St. Vincent De Paul, 35 years Deacon Larry Finn of St Mary Parish, Bordentown, 20 years on the occasion of your ordination anniversary. May God grant you his many blessings!

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Congratulations to all priests and deacons. A special congratulations to Father Bernard Keigher on his retirement.

The Face of Joy Father Chacko makes it his mission to put life, ministry in hands of God Story by DUBRAVKA KOLUMBIC-CORTESE, Correspondent

q As members and clergy of St. Gabriel Parish applaud, Father Joy T. Chacko, parochial vicar, wears one of his characteristic smiles.

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Mike Ehrmann photos

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It is this complete acceptance of God’s will in his life that Father Chacko holds on to even in the face of tragedy. His oldest brother died last year from heat stroke while journey t h returning home from a nearly two-day nn for him and his wife tot hvisit the nnUnited to obtain visas States. His death prior to what was supposed to be a joyous reunion did not dampen Father Chacko’s faith. “We have no control over anything,” he said. “We all come to our journey in this world, and then, in the fullness of time, we all go back.” Father Chacko was in India in May to officiate the wedding of his brother’s daughter. “Change is part of life,” he said. “God makes the changes. I just do my little work.” Father Chacko’s work, however little it may seem at times, reflects a generous faith in God. “Every day I wake up, I celebrate my life,” he said. “God is good.”

t  Father Joy T. Chacko, nn parochial vicar in St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, receives an embrace from a parishioner following the Mass June 11 that celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination.

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JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

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Father Chacko was born May 31, 1960, in Kallara, Kerala, India, the second of five boys. He speaks fondly of his childhood. “I cherish it,” he said. “Whenever I go back, it brings back my happy memories. It was a great time. It was a beautiful time.” As a family, they would pray the Rosary every evening and attend Mass every morning. It was after 10th grade that he received the call from God to become a priest. He completed his priestly studies from 1988 to 1991 at the Khrist Premalaya, Bhopal Regional Theolgate Ecclesiastical Institute, in Ashta, Sehore District, India, and earned a bachelor of arts degree from Osmania University in Hyderabad, India, in 1994. Father Chacko was ordained May 7, 1992, in St. Thomas Church in Kallara, India, by Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulagara of Nagpur. He was quickly assigned as parish priest at Infant Jesus Parish in Hoshangabad, India. During his time there, he led a Fathepur Mission and was a staff member and procurator of St. Theresa’s

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FOLLOWING A CALLING

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Minor Seminary. Father Chacko came to the United States in h August 1994 nn who, etat the recommendation tof his Bishop t i him to “get out and learn from other she said, wanted parts of the world.” Upon his arrival in America, he was assigned as a temporary chaplain at Holly Patterson Nursing Home in the Diocese of Rockville Center, N.Y., as he awaited assignment in the Diocese of Trenton through the intercession of Msgr. Walter E. Nolan, then director of priest personnel. “When someone asks me why I came to this country, I tell them, ‘If you can tell me why you were born, I will tell th h you.’ Thenn they n smile at me, and I tell tthem, ‘Itnisnbecause of God you are born, and it is because of God that I came to this country,’” he said. After a month in New York, Father Chacko arrived in the Diocese in September 1994. Since then, he has served in several parishes, including St. Catherine, Middletown; Blessed Sacrament (now Blessed-Sacrament-Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd), Trenton; Incarnation (now Incarnation-St. James), Ewing; Holy Name (now part of Resurrection Parish), Delran; St. Ann, Keansburg, St. th Veronica, Howell, and most recently, St. t hGabriel. He was n nn incardinated n Dec. 6, 2000, into the Diocese of Trenton. Of his time in the Diocese, he said, “I am trying to be a man, a human being, a child of God and then trying to be a priest. That is the most beautiful thing I try to do.”

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or Father Joy T. Chacko, parochial vicar in St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, every day he wakes up is a miraculous gift from God. “If I wake up, I am happy,” Father Chacko said with a chuckle. “There is nothing to be worried [about]. Why should I worry?” Father Chacko, who came to St. Gabriel as parochial vicar in June 2010, is celebrating 25 years of service in the priesthood. He spent the first two years as a priest in his native India and a majority of the other 23 years within the Trenton Diocese. Throughout his various assignFather Joy T. Chacko ments, he’s found the most rewarding part of being a priest is seeing the changes in the faithful after they receive the Sacraments. “People really are being changed and graced,” he said. “It is not my power or greatness, but it is the power of God, the power of the Sacraments, that changes people. “For example, at the end of the Confession, I notice a change come about. They are graced. They become like a light of the world.” It is that light that Father Chacko himself seems to radiate with an infectious laugh, joyfulness and deep faith. “Respecting and accepting oneself, respecting and accepting others as they are, and respecting and accepting God as he is, that’s what my grandfather and father told me,” he recalled. “They were all regular people, but they had a lot of wisdom, I thought.”

Rev. Michael Manning, 20 years Deacons Paul Lang and Sean Patrick Murphy, 5 years and special best wishes to Rev. Matthew J. Pfleger, 5 years

CHURCH of the VISITATION 755 Mantoloking Road, Brick

offers Congratulations and Best Wishes to

Rev. James O’Neill

on the occasion of his tenth anniversary of ordination. Thank you for your dedicated service to our parish. Grace, peace and blessings to you.

Reverend Edward H. Blanchett, Pastor Staff & Parish Family

May the Holy Spirit continue to lead and bless you as you fan into flame the gifts that were given to you when you were first called.

Congratulations to

Bishop David O’Connell, 35 years and

Our pastor, Rev. Richard Vila, 15 years Rev. Cesar Tolentino, 15 years God Bless You for your faithful service, from the Parishioners and Staff

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or Father Michael P. Lang, the best part of his 25 years of priesthood is sharing in the lives of the families that have made up the parish communities where he has served. While each assignment has been very different, the one constant has been “that the people who form the communities have always been very welcoming and supportive as we seek the ways to serve God as a community of faith,” he said. Now in his 13th year as pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Millstone Township, Father Lang said what he finds most rewarding about being a priest is sharing in the sacramental life of the parish. The seven Sacraments reflect the cycle of life, “and I’ve had the opportunity to witness many,” he said. “They are signs of God’s love that are meant to nourish us and be constant reminders of God’s desire to be actively involved in our lives. The Sacraments tell us that God is with us.” Father Lang smiles when he speaks of the privilege it is to celebrate the Sacraments, especially when he thinks back to his teenage and early young adult years when he thought that being a priest “was the last thing I would ever do.”

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DISCERNMENT PROCESS

Father Lang was was born in Philadelphia in 1957 to

Bernadette and Maxwell Lang, now deceased. He said it wasn’t until he was in his 20s that he started getting more active in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, the community he joined upon moving to New Jersey. At the time, he had just graduated from Temple University, Philadelphia, with a bachelor’s degree in business management and computer science in 1984, was dating and happily working as a manager of computer operations for Fidelity Bank in Philadelphia. Yet, as he became more involved in Our Lady of PerFather Michael petual Help, serving as a cateP. Lang chist and with the young adult ministry, he began having fleeting thoughts of the priesthood, which at first, he dismissed. “I remember thinking that if God was calling me to be a priest, he had the wrong number,” he said. Father Lang’s curiosity was piqued, however, when he learned about the monthly vocation discernment group that the diocesan Vocations Office sponsored for men considering the priesthood. He decided to attend one meeting “so I could be told that I was not meant to be a priest,” Father Lang said. A year later, in 1986, he entered St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore. “I couldn’t believe it nor did many of the people who knew me,” he said, noting that friends kept his personal belongings and assured him they would be returned if the seminary did not work out, and his employer all but promised that his job would be waiting. Much to Father Lang’s surprise, however, he loved the seminary. Continued on • S31

 Father Michael Lang, center, commemorated his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination with a Mass of Thanksgiving May 21. Among the priest concelebrants are Msgr. Richard Brietske, left, with whom Father Lang had served in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, and Father Joseph Radomski. Joe Moore photos

“I remember thinking

that if God

was calling me to be a

priest, he had the wrong number.”

 Parishioners from St. Joseph Parish extend their hands and bestow a blessing on Father Michael Lang during his May 21 Mass of Thanksgiving. JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

Lives of FAITH • S25

President John Garvey and the Board of Trustees, Administration, Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni of The Catholic University of America Congratulate Alumnus and President Emeritus

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on His 35th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood

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hroughout 25 years of priestly ministry, the heart of Father Michael G. Lankford-Stokes’ mission has remained the same: sharing the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist with as many faithful as possible. Serving three communities over the decades as a parochial vicar and pastor enabled him to do that in a parish setting, but the time came when he felt called to add a new dimension to this mission – serving the members of the United States Armed Forces as a chaplain. Since 2005, when he sought and received permission from Bishop John M. Smith to become a chaplain for the Department of Veterans Affairs (Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA) he has focused on being present for Father Michael G. both parish and military commuLankford-Stokes nities. On weekends, he can be found in the parish setting, celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in Fair Haven’s Nativity Church or St. Catherine Church, Middletown. Weekdays, Father Lankford-Stokes commutes from Monmouth County to East Orange, where he ministers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to veterans in the V.A. hospital. He said ministering simultaneously in these divergent spheres adds a depth and balance to each that is profoundly rewarding. “The very good thing about it is that you can do parish work you would otherwise lose in a hospital setting,” he said. “You need a congregation to stay grounded.” Being grounded, he said, is of the utmost importance if a chaplain is to help veterans deal with “the difficulties inflicted upon them by war. … You need to put all of your energy into it as you hope for the best.”

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A CALL TO CATHOLICISM

Father Lankford-Stokes is enthusiastic when describing his early childhood. Born in Athens, where

 Department of Veterans Affairs chaplain Father Michael G. LankfordStokes celebrates Mass July 9 in Nativity Church, Fair Haven, assisted by parish Deacon Sean Patrick Murphy. John Batkowski photos

his late father, Charles Lankford, a Navy engineer, was stationed with the U.S. military, his family lived in Greece, Spain, Morocco, Panama, England, or as he says, “all over.” His late mother, Carol Stokes, was a professor of military history and a historian for the Army Signal Corps. When the family settled in Michigan, he and his brother, David, attended public school and worshiped with their parents in the Episcopal tradition. Drawn to religious life, he experienced a pull toward Catholicism as a youth. As a college student in Michigan State University, he attended Catholic worship and realized that the seed that “was already germinating” had blossomed into a call for conversion. He converted to Catholicism in 1979 while in college, during which time he became friends with a local pastor. “I made the change very consciously. Coming from the Episcopalian tradition, which is steeped in liturgy” was a big change, Father Lankford said. “But to have the True Presence and the Apostolic belief that the magisterium teaches” confirmed the decision, he said. Father Lankford-Stokes entered Pontifical College Josephinum Seminary in Worthington, Ohio, in 1986. As a seminarian, he served in St. James Parish, Pennington, and was a transitional deacon in St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River. Ordained to the priesthood May 16, 1992, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop John C. Reiss, the newly ordained priest was appointed parochial vicar in St. James Parish, Red Bank. He later served as parochial  Father Michael G. Lankford-Stokes greets vicar and temporary administraparishioners of Nativity Church, Fair Haven, following tor in St. Anthony Parish, morning Mass July 9. Continued on • S31

“ You need a

congregation to stay

grounded.”

JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

Lives of FAITH • S27

Joyous and Prayerful Best Wishes

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

As you celebrate your 35th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood from the

PARISH FAMILY of

St. Rose of Lima Church BELMAR

“May God

who has begun the good work in you, bring it to fulfillment until the day of Christ Jesus.”

(Phil. 1:6).

Thank you for being a Good Shepherd! Ad Multos Annos!

Retirement brings new opportunity Continued from • S17 pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square. His desire to improve his own preaching led him to study homiletics, and he was awarded a doctor of ministry degree in preaching from the Aquinas Institute of Theology at St. Louis University, St. Louis. HELPING FUTURE PRIESTS

In 2009, when he was invited to teach homiletics in St. Mary Seminary and University, he joined the faculty with the approval of Bishop M. John Smith. Subsequently, he was named vice rector and director of pastoral formation. Father Griswold said he found great fulfillment in seeing his students develop their preaching skills. “Good preaching is greatly needed in the life of the Church,” he said. “Students want to become good preachers. It was a great experience to see them progress, grow and to find their preaching voice.” In contemplating his priesthood with its intertwined ministries, Father Griswold reflected, “I enjoyed being a pastor to provide vision for the parish community and empower people to take on ministry themselves to be a community of Catholic life. I enjoyed my work guiding vocations in the seminary. I am grateful to God for the gifts he brought to my ministry.” In retirement, Father Griswold looks forward to a yearlong sabbatical to begin researching the history of preaching 50 years before and after the Second Vatican Council. He has received a fellowship to teach and do research in the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind., in the fall. In spring, he will be in residence in Chicago’s Catholic Theological Union to continue the project, which he hopes will result in a homiletics book.

Proclaiming the Greatness of God in our Time Congratulations on the 25th of your Ordination to the Priesthood! Proclaiming Proclaiming the the Greatness Greatness ofof God God inin our our Time Time Proclaiming theAnniversary Greatness God Time

May you continue to be sustained by His grace, Congratulations Congratulations on onon the the 25th 25th Anniversary of your your Ordinationtotothe the thePriesthood! Priesthood! Priesthood! Congratulations the 25thAnniversary Anniversaryof yourOrdination Ordination and may your life in God’s service always be filled with joy. May you continueto tobe besustained sustainedby by His May May you you continue continue to be sustained byHis Hisgrace, grace,

Reverend Fr. Jeffrey E. Lee

and may your life God’sservice servicealways always be filled and and may may your your life life inininGod’s God’s service alwaysbe befilled filledwith with withjoy. joy. joy.

ReverendFr. Fr.Jeffrey JeffreyE. E. Lee Lee Reverend Reverend Fr. Lee

BestBest wishes from stafffrom from the wishes fromthe theparishioners parishioners and and staff

Best wishes from OF the parishioners and MARY staff from theColts Colts Neck, NJ THE PARISH SAINT Neck Best Bestwishes wishesfrom from the the parishioners parishioners and and staff staff from from the the www.stmaryscoltsneck.org www.stmaryscoltsneck.org THE PARISH OF SAINT MARY Colts Neck, NJ

THE THE PARISH PARISHwww.stmaryscoltsneck.org OF OF SAINT SAINT MARY MARY

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missiology from Princeton Theological Seminary. Following his priestly ordination by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, Father Lee served as parochial vicar in St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lakewood, and St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson. While it’s not typical for a priest to be assigned to his home parish, Father Lee was named pastor of St. Joachim Parish in 1999. The faith community of St. Joachim Parish located in the city’s Chambersburg section, was founded Father Jeffrey E. Lee in 1901 as a personal parish to serve the growing Italian immigrant population. In 2005, he shepherded a transition in the life and ministry of St. Joachim Parish when it was merged with Immaculate Conception Parish, also in Chambersburg, and became the new Our Lady of the Angels Parish with Father Lee named founding pastor. The merger resulted from shifts in the city’s demographics, which experienced an increase in the Latino population as well as a decline in the number of parishioners in both parishes. The leadership that Father Lee demonstrated during the merger process was recognized on a diocesan level when he was named director of the Office of Research and Planning and chairman of the Commission for Expansion and Restructuring. In those roles, he oversaw parish studies in various parts of the Diocese. He also served as director of the Office of Family Life/Respect Life; director of the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs; episcopal vicar of Mercer County to which he was named by Bishop O’Connell in 2011; member of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council and many other committees, commissions and task forces.  Father Lee’s family members present the gifts In 2013, Father Lee was named during his May 16 Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Mary Continued on • S31 Church, Colts Neck . Photo courtesy of Ken Enderle

Born in March 1964 in Trenton, Father Lee is the son of Lorraine Morgante Lee and the late John L. Lee. He has a brother and sister and their spouses, six nieces and nephews and five grandnieces and grandnephews. Growing up, he attended St. Joachim School and McCorristin Catholic High School, Hamilton, then prepared for the priesthood in St. Meinrad College of Liberal Arts, St. Meinrad, Ind., earning a bachelor of arts degree in history with a concentration in American diplomatic history in 1987. He holds a master of divinity degree and a master of arts degree in Catholic thought and life (philosophy and theology) from St. Meinrad School of Theology, and a master’s degree in history/ecumenics and

 Father Jeffrey E. Lee celebrates a Mass of Thanksgiving t h in his native n May St. Joachim Church n 17. Father Lee had also celebrated a Mass May 16 in St. Mary Church, Colts Neck, where he has been pastor since 2013.

DEEP ROOTS IN THE DIOCESE

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or Father Jeffrey E. Lee, pursuing a religious vocation means getting up every day and wanting to be a member of the clergy, a religious or a married person. It is about being in touch with what God wants for our lives, and accepting that call. But the fulfillment of a vocation and the ministerial life that priests, deacons, and religious men and women lead often requires the nurturing and support of the community, as well. And in this respect, Father Lee considers himself particularly blessed. Looking back on the 25 years since his May 16, 1992, ordination day, he speaks fondly of people and life experiences that inspired his vocation. He credits his parents, who were diligent in maintaining a Catholic household and instilling the faith in their three children. There was Msgr. Emilio A. Cardelia, the beloved longtime pastor of Father Lee’s native St. Joachim Parish, Trenton, who was relentless in fostering the spiritual, liturgical and communal life of the parish; his Catholic schooling and seminary formation, and the “hundreds of lay faithful, priests, religious and deacons who have enriched me as a priest.” His vocation, he shared, “ has been through the grace of God and the goodness of so many people who sustained me and enabled me to be the best possible shepherd,” said Father Lee.

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Father Lang grateful for parishioners, friends Continued from • S25 “There was a different kind of content that I was feeling I was at peace. I knew that if I felt this happy, it was because of God,” he said. At St. Mary Seminary, he pursued a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in sacred theology. MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES

As a seminarian, he served in Epiphany Parish, Brick, and Holy Name Parish (now part of Resurrection Parish), Delran, then was com-

Well-wishes abound for Father Lee Continued from • S29 pastor of St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, a community with some 1,750 households, 750 children in grades 1-8 enrolled in the religious education program and scores of ministries available for all ages and interests. He also serves on the episcopal council and as diocesan director of pilgrimages, in which he oversees coordination of events such as the biannual diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. He also noted that at the behest of Bishop O’Connell, he is planning a pilgrimage for priests of the Diocese to the Holy Land in January. A BLESSING TO MANY

Surrounded by family, friends, brother priests and parishioners, Father Lee commemorated his silver jubilee with a May 16 Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Mary Church, and another Mass the following day in St. Joachim Church. Among those offering their prayerful best wishes was Grace DelAversano of Our Lady of the Angels who has known Father Lee since he was a young boy. “I watched him grow and become a good man and a good priest,” she said. While St. Mary parishioner Annette Raynor finds Father Lee to be an inspiration and a pastor who is “very dedicated and focused,” fellow parishioner and parish council member Kenneth Camarco, remarked on the great experience it has been to have Father Lee as a pastor. “It’s great to be able to commemorate his 25th anniversary with him,” Camarco said. “It’s my wish that he has many more years here at St. Mary’s.” All Kelly Reardon said about Father Lee, who is family, is that he is a “loving person and a great priest and I’m so grateful that he’s my uncle.”

missioned as a lieutenant in the Air Force and spent two summers as an Air Force chaplain candidate in Tuscon, Ariz., and Las Vegas. As a transitional deacon, he was assigned to St. John Parish, Lakehurst, and was ordained a priest May 16, 1992, by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. His parochial vicar appointments were to St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, and then he was assigned to three part-time jobs as parochial vicar of St. Raphael Parish (now part of St. Raphael-Holy Angels), Hamilton, chaplain in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, and master of ceremonies to Bishop Reiss. He also served a number of terms on the diocesan Council of Priests and a term as chair of the council. Father Lang speaks warmly of his three pastorate assignments, saying he thoroughly enjoyed his time in Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle, St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lakewood, and now in St. Joseph Parish, a community with 1,800 families and 780 children in religious education. Of the community, Father

Lang said it is mainly composed of younger families and that the various ministries are tailored to all age groups. One lesson Father Lang said he has learned is to make parish activities available according to people’s interests because that way “they are more inclined to get involved. They’ll take ownership.” Mentioning how thankful he is for the many lasting friendships he has made during his various assignments and how pleased he was to see former parishioners at his 25th anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving on May 21, Father Lang said he feels blessed by all he’s experienced as a priest and pastor. It is his hope and prayer to continue to be with people and help them to understand “what the Church is all about and be with them in the ordinary journey of everyday life.” “It’s about taking it one step at a time,” he said, “and doing all we do with a peace that can only come from God. If we’re responding to God, we’re going to find peace.”

Father Lankford-Stokes happily helps military Continued from • 27 Trenton, before being assigned as administrator to St. Jerome Parish, West Long Branch, in 2000. He was appointed pastor of the parish in 2001. A NEW MINISTRY

After 15 years devoted to parish ministry, in 2005, he felt the time might be at hand to consider a change. He took a three-month sabbatical for discernment. “I knew there was a great need for chaplains, particularly Catholic priests, and there was an opportunity for a position,” he said of hospital ministry, which Bishop Smith approved. For eight hours Monday through Friday, Father Lankford-Stokes sees patients, including walk-ins, sits on committees, and leads groups in the substance abuse ward and serves as chaplain in the spinal cord unit.

“I have a lot of duties,” he said, explaining that veterans come to the hospital seeking respite and recovery from complicated circumstances. “My job is to help them through the difficulties inflicted upon them by war.” “Going on what I learned in the seminary and what I learned along the way helping in hospitals” – including Red Bank’s Riverview and St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton – “the work is so rewarding,” he said. “I bring a sympathetic ear and a willingness to hear troubles and see where their spirituality is,” he added. In the VA hospital, Father Lankford-Stokes lends that willing ear to staff as well as patients. “On the floors, I talk to everyone” and after a while, patients, doctors and nurses pay him the highest compliment telling others, “Father’s good to talk to.” “It doesn’t get much better than that,” he said.

The digital edition of Lives of Faith is available at TrentonMonitor.com. Print copies of Lives of Faith are available at $5 per copy to cover printing and mailing costs. To place your order, contact The Monitor’s business desk at (609) 403-7131; Monitor-Marketing@dioceseoftrenton.org.

JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

Lives of FAITH • S31

May God bless you, Bishop,

with many more years of ministry! Continued from • S2

“Congratulations, Bishop O’Connell, on your 35th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.’ Ad Multos Annos.’ St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant.” “May the Blessed Mother come into your life today with a special blessing for you. Congratulations on your 35th anniversary.” (St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Deal) “On behalf of St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, clergy, deacons, staff and parishioners, we wish Bishop O’Connell our sincerest congratulations on this most blessed occasion of his 35th anniversary. We thank him for all his service, guidance and dedication to the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Trenton.” “All of us in St. Maximilian Kolbe are happy you are our bishop, and we hope and pray for your good health and peace of mind in the years ahead!” (Toms River) “Father Richard Basznianin, along with the deacons, staff and parishioners of St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, would like to congratulate Bishop David O’Connell, C.M., on his 35th anniversary of ordination as a priest. May God continue to bless him.” “Congratulations! Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and thank you for your 35 years of generous service to the people of God. St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish and School, Hamilton.” “The parish community of St. Rose of Lima, Freehold, congratulate you on your 35 years of bringing the Good News to God’s people. Be assured of our prayers as you continue shepherding our Diocese. May God grant you every blessing.” “Joyous and prayerful best wishes, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., as you celebrate your 35th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood, from the parish family of St. Rose of Lima, Belmar. ‘May God who has begun the good work in you, bring it to fulfillment until the day of Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 1:6). Thank you for being a good shepherd! ‘Ad Multos Annos!’” “The parish family of St. William the Abbot, Howell, sends our prayerful congratulations to Bishop O’Connell on his 35th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. ‘Ad Multos Annos.’” “From Visitation Parish, Brick … Congratulations to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrating 35 years as a priest. God grant you joy and peace in holy service to the people of our Diocese. ‘Ad Multos Annos!’”

More Photos Online! For the 2017 Lives of Faith tribute, The Monitor photographed many of the Farewell Masses for retiring priests, as well as Masses celebrating those who are marking 25th and 50th anniversaries this year. To view these photo galleries, visit TrentonMonitor. com>Multimedia> Photo Galleries

Our Lady of SorrowsSt.Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish Our Lady of Anthony Parish Hamilton Hamilton

Congratulations to Bishop David M. O’Connell and Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio on the occasion of your 35th anniversary of priesthood!

Ministrare Non Ministrari

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Honor theofLives Honor the Lives Faith 2017 of FaithDeacons 2017 Priests, Priests, and Deacons and and Religious Religious Sisters Brothers Sisters and Brothers

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Msgr. Richard C. Brietske, who retired as diocesan chancellor in 2007, was born in 1936 in Perth Amboy. He began seminary studies in St.t h Charlesn n College, Catonsville, Md., and then attended St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore. He holds a master’s degree from Seton Hall University, South Orange, and pursued graduate studies in The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. He was ordained a priest in 1962 by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. At age t31, h Bishop n George W. Ahr charged Father Brietske with the task ofnbecoming the founding principal i of the new St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison. In 1978, he was appointed a co-director of the newly formed diocesan Office of Evangelization. He also served as the Catholic chaplain of Monmouth College, Long Branch. After serving as a pastor from 1982 to 1995 in two parishes – Nativity, Fair Haven, and St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton Square – Msgr. Brietske was asked to head the diocesan Millennium/ Renew 2000 Office and coordinate the planning of the diocesan celebration for the Great Jubilee Year 2000 with Sister of St. Joseph Agnes Marie Gunn. Later, he was asked to help establish the new diocesan Office of Parish Life. He also held many “auxiliary assignments”: president of the Council of Priests, assistant to the director of the Priest Personnel Office, executive secretary to the Diocesan Commission for Parish Councils, chairman of the Diocesan Mission Statement Committee, a member of the Continuing Education Committee for the Council of Priests and the Diocesan Synod Preparatory Commission and chairman of the Diocesan Building Commission. In April 1997, Pope John Paul II named him a prelate of honor to His Holiness with the title of Monsignor. In 2001, he was appointed chancellor of the Diocese. He lived in residence in Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro for 12 years. Msgr. Brietske has served as a weekend assistant in St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, since his retirement in 2007. Continued on • S35

Msgr. Richard C. BRIETSKE

Brick, where he remained until his retirement in December. 2006. Aside from parish duties, he devoted himself to helping to develop and foster the Cursillo Movement in the Trenton Diocese. Father Bowden, who served as spiritual director of Cursillo from 1972-1977, 1982-1985, and 1996-2010, has always stayed connected to the movement. In his retirement, Father Bowden has been serving as chaplain for the Hamilton Township Knights of Columbus and has been assisting with Masses in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square.

JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

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at Seton Hall University, South Orange. He was ordained to the priesthood in St. Anthony Church, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr on May 25, 1957, and was first assigned to St. Edward Parish, Milford (now in the Metuchen Diocese). He then served as parochial vicar in Blessed Sacrament ParFather t hJoseph M. QUINLAN h t nn nishn(now Blessed Sacrament-Our t hLady of the Divine nn Father Quinlan was born in Jersey City, the Shepherd), Trenton; St. Leo the Great Parish, Linyoungest of six children. He began his studies for the croft; Our Lady of Peace Parish (now in the Metuchen priesthood at Seton Hall College, South Orange, and Diocese), and St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville. completed them at Immaculate Conception Seminary, In 1972, Father Deutsch served as administrator Darlington. He was ordained a priest for service in in St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor, before being the Archdiocese of Newark on June 7, 1952. appointed as founding pastor of St. Justin the Martyr Father Quinlan’s first assignment was to St. Parish, Toms River. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral, Newark, for 14 years. He He served there until his transfer to St. Pius X then was assigned to Queen of Peace Parish, North Parish, Forked River, in 1982. h 10 years. He received his first appointArlington,t for director for th h nn nn Father Deutsch was namedtspiritual ment as pastor in 1977 to St. Mary Parish, Rahway. the Ocean County Holy Name Society inn 1993 n and In 1988, he was appointed pastor of St. Cassian chaplain to the Knights of Columbus Council #6522 in Parish, Upper Montclair, and in 1991, was named 1995. He retired from the priesthood June 18, 1999. pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Garfield. th nn He pursued graduate studies in Manhattan Colth th n nn e n ti a master of arts degree lege, Bronx, N.Y., receiving t s in religious studies; he earned a master of divinity degree from Immaculate Conception Seminary, and he completed a doctorate of ministry program in Drew University, Madison, N.J. Father Quinlan served as moderator of the Sodality of St. Vincent’s Academy, Newark, and was a faithful friar of the Bergen Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a faithful friar of Father John P. Washington, and fourth-degree General Assembly th nn th h Father John V. BOWDEN t n of the Knights of Columbus. nn n He served as the president of the Rahway Father John V. Bowden was born in Trenton in Ministerial Association and was state chaplain of 1936 and grew up in Blessed the Ancient Order of Hibernians and of the Ladies Sacrament Parish (now Ancient Order of Hibernians. part of Blessed SacraFather Quinlan retired from parish administration ment-Our Lady of the in September 1995. Since that time, he has assisted Divine Shepherd Parish), on weekends and in various other parish functions at Trenton. He graduated St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft. from Blessed Sacrament School and Trenton Catholic th th School in 1954. nn nHigh nFather Bowden prepared fort hthe nn priesthood in St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md., and St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore. He was one of 12 men ordained to the priesthood in 1962 by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. His first assignment as parochial vicar was to St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold, where his uncle, Msgr. John Kucker, was pastor. In addition to St. Rose of Lima, he also served as parochial vicar in: St. Matthew, Edison (now in th th nn Edward nMetuchen Father George Diocese); St. Mary oft hthe Lakes, nnMedford; n St. Joseph, Beverly; St. Veronica, Howell, and St. Joan DEUTSCH of Arc, Marlton. He was temporary administrator of Our Lady Father George Edward Deutsch was born in 1929 of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station (now in in Philadelphia and is the son of the late Joseph Metuchen Diocese) and St. Mark Parish, Sea Girt. John and the late Elizabeth Mary Deutsch. Father As pastor, Father Bowden served in St. Raphael Deutsch is a graduate of Moorestown High School, Parish, Hamilton; St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills; St. Moorestown, and St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell, and Epiphany Parish, He later attended Immaculate Conception Seminary

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The Parish of The ParishChurch of Holy Family

Spring is in the air!

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609-896-4444

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on the 35th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

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A BYOB Establishment A BYOB Establishment

“Voted Best Chef by BCA” A BYOB Establishment

S34 • Lives of

FAITH • T

MONITOR • JULY 27, 2017

Holy Family Church Union Beach/Hazlet Union Beach/Hazlet

Congratulations and prayers for Congratulations and prayers God’s continued blessings to be for upon God’s continued blessings to be upon our Administrator Administrator Rev.our Matthew J. Pfleger Rev. Matthew J. Celebrating 5 years to thePfleger Priesthood Celebrating 5 years to the Priesthood and our and our Deacon James J. Neubauer

Deacon James J. Neubauer Serving our parish in the Diaconate 5 yrs. Serving our parish in the Diaconate 5 yrs. In grateful appreciation, we extend In grateful appreciation, we extend congratulations to those who have congratulations to those who served our parish throughout thehave years: served our parish throughout the years: Rev. Edward Griswold, on his retirement Rev. Edward on his retirement Msgr. James J.Griswold, Brady, celebrating 40 years Msgr. James J.Polczyk, Brady, celebrating Rev. Stanislaus celebrating4035years years Rev. Stanislaus celebrating years Rev. Douglas Polczyk, Freer, celebrating 1035 years Rev. Douglas Freer, celebrating 10 years May the Lord bless you a hundredfold. Mark 10:30 May the Lord bless you a hundredfold. Mark 10:30

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Father Michael J. O’Connor, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head, was born in Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland, in 1946. He prepared for the priesthood in Carlow College th nn Carlow, th and St. Patrick Seminary, Ireland, and was ordained June 17, 1972, in Ireland

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t hMichael Father Ann J. O’CONNOR

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Father Roman Modino was born Nov. 11, 1936, in San Fernando of et i Camarines Sur, Philip- st pines. He entered college in Holy Rosary Seminary, Naga City, Philippines, in 1955, and graduated in 1958. In June of that year, he entered the school’s seminary to begin his studies for the priesthood. On April 7, 1962, Father Modino was ordained h Cathedral of by Bishop Pedro P. Santos intthe nn St. John the Evangelist, Naga City. He was then appointed as a parochial vicar in two municipalities of Camarines Sur, Libmanan, from 1962 to1964, and Caramoan from 1964 to 1965. He also served as a pastor in the Camarines as well in Tamban from 1965 to 1970; Bombon from 1975 to 1981; Calabanga from 1981 to 1988, and in Baao from 1988 to 1989. While he was applying for a visa to enter the United States, he served as a guest priest in Christ the King Parish, Quezon City, th Metro Manila, from 1989 to 1990. n Upon coming to the United States inn1990, Father Modino served as a parochial vicar for eight years in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, and in St. John the Baptist Parish, Long Branch, in 1998. On Dec. 12, 2000, he was incardinated into the Diocese of Trenton and appointed parochial vicar in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral. In 2001, he was appointed temporary administrator of Jesus the Lord Parish, Keyport. Thehfollowing year, he t was assigned as parochial vicar of St.nRose n of Lima Parish, Freehold. On January 1, 2012, Father Modino retired from active ministry and returned to the Philippines.

FATHER ROMAN MODINO

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Msgr. Casimir H. Ladzinski has served the Trenton Diocese in many capacities including as diocesan vicar general, director of priest personnel and episcopal vicar of Ocean and Burlington Counties. Born in Cambridge (Delran), in 1937, Msgr. Ladzinski prepared for the priesthood in St. Charles College Seminary, Catonsville, Md.; St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, and Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, Mich. He was ordained for the priesthood May 26, 1962, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Throughout his priesthood, he continued his studies, receiving master’s degrees in pastoral counseling and pastoral care from Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y., and Princeton Theological Seminary, respectively. He also studied in Jagellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Notre Dame University, South Bend, Ind.; the Theological Institute of the American College, Louvain, Belgium; and the Vatican II Institute for Clergy Formation, Menlo Park, Calif. On a parish level, his first assignment was as parochial vicar in St. Hedwig Parish, Trenton. While there, he served as a member of the diocesan Liturgical Commission and was Mercer County CYO director from 1965 to 1970. He went on to serve parishes including Holy Trinity, Helmetta; Sacred Heart, South Amboy; St. Justin the Martyr, Toms River; Holy Innocents; Neptune; St. Stephen, Perth Amboy, and Blessed Sacrament, Trenton. As pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, from 1987 to 1996, he conducted a building campaign for the landmark church. From 1996 to 2000, he was the pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson. He was named pastor of St. Rose Parish, Belmar, in 2000 and pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head, where he served from 2005 until his retirement in 2012. On the diocesan level, his numerous appointments included serving as the president of the diocesan council of priests and the seminarian recruitment board of vocations, and as a member of the core team of RENEW. Appointed a Prelate of Honor to his Holiness in 1983, he has administered the Sacrament of

Born in 1935, in Manville, Father Joseph Radomski attended St. Peter High School, New Brunswick. He began his seminary studies in St. Thomas College Seminary, Bloomfield, Conn. and continued in Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington, from 1956-1962. He was ordained a priest May 26, 1962, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Father Radomski served as pastor of St. Elizabeth Parish, Avon, from 1979 until his retirement in 2006. On Aug. 22, 1986, a fire broke out in St. Elizabeth Church. From the ashes of that fire, Father Radomski rebuilt and restored the original church, which seated 290 people, constructed an addition to accommodate another 200 worshipers, and refurbished the church basement to provide meeting space for parish ministries and organizations. Before his pastorate in St. Elizabeth Parish, he had served as pastor in Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, th Great Meadows, 1973-1976, and St. Mary Parish,t h nn Perth Amboy, 1976-1979. He was a parochial vicar in St. Joseph Parish, Trenton, St. Mary Parish, South River, and Sacred Heart Parish, South Amboy, while also sharing his parish duties with his diocesan appointments, including co-director of the Vocation Apostolate in Middlesex County; co-director of the Serra Club in New Brunswick, and CYO director at the parishes to which he was appointed.

Msgr. Casimir H. LADZINSKI

FATHER JOSEPH A. RADOMSKI

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Confirmation to thousands of young people in his capacities as vicar general and episcopal vicar for Burlington and Ocean Counties. On the community level, he shared his insights with organizations that range from Catholic Charities, where he was a member of the board of directors, to the hospital boards of Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood, and Community Medical Center, Toms River, and the Board of Trustees for Georgian Court University, Lakewood, as well as the Ocean First Foundation board. He also helped spearhead the development of organizations such as Caregivers of Ocean County, and Homes for All Inc., Toms River. In his retirement, Msgr. Ladzinski has toured the world, traveling from California to Australia, Hong Kong, Thailand, India, the United Arab Emirates, Africa and France. He plans to visit all the states and national parks and then, he said, his next stop will be heaven.

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Congratulations to our Pastor, Rev. Daniel E. Kirk on his th 5 Anniversary in the Priesthood. Also, Congratulations to Rev. Jeffrey E. Lee, former Parochial Vicar of SCB on his 25th Anniversary and Msgr. Gregory D. Vaughan, former Pastor of SCB on his 45th Anniversary. Parish Community of

St. Charles Borromeo Cinnaminson, New Jersey

The Parishioners of the Church of St. Catharine in Holmdel wish to extend their deepest wishes of The Parishioners of the eht fo srenoihsiraP ehT

Theand Parishioners of joy Church of St. Catharine lin edblessing m Holmdel loH ni eof nto ithe rthe ahtaC .tS fo hcruhC The Parishioners

Church St. wishMonsignor to extend theirof deepest fo Catharine seh wishes siw tseD. of peein d rHolmdel ieht dnetxe ot hsiw Gregory Vaughan Church of St. Catharine in Holmdel wish to joy extend deepest to and their blessing to wishes ot gnof issjoy elb and dna blessing yoj

We are for deepest your example of wish to grateful extend their wishes of Monsignor Monsignor GregorynGregory D. ahgVaughan uaV .D D. yrogVaughan erG rongisnoM We are grateful for your example of strong faith and spiritual leadership strong faith and leadership joy and blessing to We are grateful for your fo eexample lspiritual pmaxe rof uo y rof lufetarg era eW strong faith and spiritual pihsleadership redael lD. autirVaughan ips dna htiaf gnorts Monsignor Gregory Congratulations on your 45th Anniversary to the Congratulations your 45th Anniversary Sacred on Order of Priesthood We are grateful for your example ofitalutargnoC Congratulations on your yras45th reto vinAnniversary n A h t 5 4 r u o y n o s n o theAnnos Ad Multos S36 • Lives of

to theand spiritual leadership eht ot strong faith Sacred Order of Priesthood

Sacred Order of Priesthood doohtseirP fo redrO dercaS he MONITOR • JULY 27, 2017 Multos Annos Ad sonnA sotluM dA Ad Multos Annos

FAITH • T

Congratulations on your 45th Anniversary

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Father Silvano (“Ben”) Amora, parochial vicar of St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, was born in 1950 in Lawigan, Labason, in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. He prepared for the priesthood in Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines, from 1968 to 1973, where he studied philosophy. He also studied theology when he attended the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines, from 1973 to 1977. He was ordained a priest March 25, 1977, in St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Labson, Zamboanga del Norte, Continued on • S39

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To readtthe h full story on nn Father Felix Venza’s 45th anniversary of priesthood and retirement, see page 15.

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A Trenton native born May 30, 1944, Father John J. Scully attended St. Philip Neri College, Boston, and St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, where he received his master of divinity degree. He was ordained to the priesthood May 20, 1972, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Upon his ordination, he served in Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, moving three years later to St. Mary Parish, Middletown, where he served as parochial vicar. His responsibilities there included both the parish grammar school and Mater Dei High School (now Mater Dei Prep). His vocation later brought a two-year assignment (1978-1980) as parochial vicar in St. James Parish, Woodbridge (now in Metuchen Diocese), followed by time as parochial vicar in St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville. His first assignment as a pastor came in 1982, when he moved to Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune. In 1990, he formed an exploratory committee to determine if there was parish support for construction, and 88 percent of the parishioners supported construction of a new church building. The parish raised $1.2 million in pledges, and the church was dedicated by Bishop John C. Reiss in 1992. Father Scully served on the diocesan Marriage Tribunal along with the now-deceased Msgr. Edward Strano, who later recommended Father Scully to replace him as pastor of St. Clement Parish, Matawan, upon his own retirement. In 1997, he was named pastor. Father Scully spent the next 18 years of his priestly service in Matawan. During his time, a memorial was erected on parish grounds to honor the area residents who died in the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Msgr. Gregory D. Vaughan, pastor of St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, was born nNew in n York City in June, 1946, and grew up in East Brunswick. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Charles Borromeo th nn College Seminary, Catonsville, Md., and St. Mary College, Baltimore, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy. He then went to St. Mary Seminary and University, Roland Park, Md., where he received a master’s degree in sacred theology. Msgr. Vaughan was ordained to the priesthood May 27, 1972, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. His first assignment was as parochial vicar in St. Ann Parish, th Keansburg, where he was encouraged ntonfocus on youth and education and education ministries for 14 years. Also, during this time, Msgr. Vaughan served a two year term (1974 to 1976) as assistant director of priest personnel. Msgr. Vaughan was named temporary administrator of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson, June 6, 1986. He was appointed pastor of the parish May 8, 1987. During his six-year tenure, he attended Seton Hall University, South Orange, where he was awarded a master’s degree in public administration th in 1991. nn In April 1992, Msgr. Vaughan was named to his second pastorate in St. Mary Parish, Middletown, a large parish with both an elementary school and a high school. While at St. Mary, Bishop John C. Reiss announced that Msgr. Vaughan would also serve as the diocesan vicar for Catholic Education. With Bishop John M. Smith’s installation in the Diocese in July, 1997, he soon brought Msgr. Vaughan from New Monmouth to the Trenton area to serve as diocesan chancellor/moderator of the curia, as well as pastor of St. Raphael Parish (now St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish), Hamilton. In September of the same year, he was named to a term on the diocesan Vocation Board. In 2001, Msgr. Vaughan was named a Prelate of Honor of His Holiness, and Bishop Smith appointed him diocesan vicar general/moderator of the curia. As vicar general, Msgr. Vaughan had the opportunity to visit parishes throughout the Diocese, administer

Msgr. Gregory D.• r et i VAUGHAN st

the Sacrament of Confirmation and become involved with numerous diocesan ministries and responsibilities. In addition to these duties, Bishop Smith named Msgr. Vaughan the diocesan director of the Office of Vocations in 2007. Stepping down from his role as vicar general/ moderator of the curia in July of 2012, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., announced that Msgr. Vaughan would now serve as the vicar for priestly vocations and seminary formation, as well as the spiritual director for newly ordained priests. In these positions, he sought out priestly vocations, ministered to those men in semt h and acted as a mentor to the newlyt h inary formation, nn ordained during their early years of priestly ministry. Bishop O’Connell appointed Msgr. Vaughan as pastor of St. Catharine Parish in Holmdel on July 1, 2013. He continued his duties as vicar for priestly vocations for another year before devoting his time exclusively to the needs of his parish community.

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Father John J. SCULLY

He was honored in January 2011 by the Matawan Borough Council as “Citizen of the Year” for his years of faithful service to the community. He retired June 28, 2015. Upon his retirement, the parish honored him by naming the religious education building after him for his support for religious education and youth in the parish. n In retirement, Father Scully is spending more time withnhis family and assisting in various parishes when called upon.

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Parishes where Father O’Connor served as parochial vicar included Guardian Angels, Edison (now the Metuchen Diocese); St. Denis, Manasquan, and Our Lady of Sorrows (now Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony), Hamilton. In 1985, he was named pastor of Holy Name Parish (now Resurrection Parish), Delran, and served there for 19 years until he was named pastor of St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lakeh wood, in t2004. Father h nn O’Connor was appointed tothis current position as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., July 1, 2012.

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LIVES OF FAITH We Congratulate

Deacon Patrick Kennedy Deacon Benito Torres Deacon Andrew Fatovic Most Rev. David M. O’Connell, C.M., 35 years • Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, 35 years • Rev. Martin Padovani, SVD, 55 years • Rev. Jefferson Poole, SVD, 25 years • Rev. Guilherme Andrino, SVD, 10 years

your friends at St. Anthony of Padua Hightstown, NJ

CYO of Mercer County congratulates Bishop O’Connell , Msgr. Gervasio, & all the special anniversary celebrants ! Tom Mladenetz, Executive Director

cyomercer.org

Congratulations

The Parish of

Bishop O’Connell

St. Katharine Drexel

On your 35 Anniversary th

of Ordination to the Priesthood. Ad Multos Annos

congratulates ’ 35 Burlington

Bishop O Connell on his th Anniversary to the priesthood and

Rev. Cesar Anson on his 40th Anniversary to the priesthood, as well as all priests, deacons and religious sisters & brothers who are also celebrating their special anniversaries this year. Church of St. Martha POINT PLEASANT

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God Bless!

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Msgr. Thomas N. GERVASIO This October, Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, and vicar general and moderator of the curia, will celebrate 35 years of priesthood. Born in Trenton in 1956, Msgr. Gervasio is the son of the late Tammaro and Orsola Gervasio. His home parish is St. Joachim Parish, now part of Our Lady of the Angels Parish. Msgr. Gervasio attended St. Joachim School and Cathedral High School, Trenton, and St. Anthony High School, Hamilton. Following his graduation in 1974, he pursued his studies for the priesthood in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, and Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md. He was ordained a priest Oct 30, 1982, by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, and has held a variety of positions at both parish and diocesan levels. As parochial vicar, Msgr. Gervasio served in St. James Parish, Red Bank, from 1982 to 1987 and St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, from 1987 to 1991. Msgr. Gervasio was then named administrator of Holy Trinity Parish, Long Branch, where he served from 1991 to 1995. In 1996, he was named pastor of his home parish, St. Joachim, and in 1999, became pastor of St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton. Since 2005, he has been the pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, created from the merger of St. Anthony Parish with Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. In 1997, Pope John Paul II named Father Gervasio a Chaplain of His Holiness with the title of Continued on • S41

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Lives of FAITH • S39

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Father John P. Czahur, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, was born in 1951 in Trenton. He attended the former Incarnation School, Ewing, and spent his first two years in high school in Mother of the Savior Seminary, Blackwood, now part of Camden County Community College. The seminary closed at the end of his sophomore year, and the young seminarian transferred to Divine Word Seminary, Bordentown. He formally prepared for his vocation to the priesthood in St. Mary’s Seminary College, Catonsville, Md., where he earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Father Czahur went on to attended The Catholic University of America, Washington, where he received a master’s degree in theology. He was ordained a priest on May 21, 1977, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Father Czahur served as parochial vicar in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, before returning to Maryland to teach in St. Mary Seminary and University School of Theology. Upon his return to the Diocese, he was assigned parochial vicar by Bishop John C. Reiss to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, and was also asked to serve as assistant director of the Office of Religious Education. Other diocesan posts he held included serving as director of the Office of Evangelization and director of the Office of Liturgy. From 1985 to 1990, he served as parochial vicar in Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport, as well as for a short time as temporary administrator. In 1990, he was named pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton, where he remained

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Father Cesar Anson, who began his new assignment July 1 as parochial vicar in St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, was born in Libmanan, Camarines Sur, Philippines. He prepared for the priesthood in Our Lady of Guadalupe Minor Seminary. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from San Carlos Seminary and a graduate degree in philosophy from the San Alphonsus School of Theology, Philippines. He was ordained a priest April 15, 1977, in Real, Quezon, Philippines, by then-Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen. Following his ordination to the priesthood, he served a decade in lay leadership formation in Infanta, Quezon, Philippines. He then immigrated to the United States and was assigned to the parish of St. John the Baptist, Jersey City. In the Jersey City parish, he organized the Filipino members of the parish while working with the Latino families, as well. He later became chaplain of Englewood Hospital.

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Philippines, by Bishop Felix S. Zafra. He was one of 29 priests from his parish to be ordained that day. While still in the Philippines, Father Amora held a variety of positions in the Diocese of Dipolog, including one of missionary within the diocese and a year as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Tampilisan, Zamboanga del Norte, from 1978 to 1983. He was the vicar forane for the St. Francis Xavier Vicariate. He served as a board member for the Justice and Peace Ministry and diocesan consultor for the diocese’s community-based health program that promoted acupuncture and herbal medicines. He arrived in the Diocese of Trenton in 1987 and was appointed an adjunct priest in Visitation Parish, Brick, where he remained until 1996. He was then assigned to St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor, during which time he also served six months as a temporary administrator. He served in St. Theresa Parish until 2002. Father Amora then served in St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River, as an adjunct priest and then parochial vicar following his incardination into the Diocese in 2003. Four years later, he was appointed parochial vicar of St. Ann Parish, Keansburg, and was transferred to St. Dorothea Parish in 2012.

t h he came to the At the suggestion of a friend, nn Diocese of Trenton and served in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, from 1990 to 1999, and for a year in St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Freehold (now St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral). In 2000, he was appointed to Blessed Sacrament nn Parish, Trenton, (now Blessed Sacrament-Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Parish) and was incardinated into the Diocese at that time. He remained in Blessed Sacrament Parish until 2002, when he was assigned to Epiphany Parish, th nn Brick. He served there until 2007. In 2007, he was assigned as parochial vicar of St. Paul Parish, Burlington. He remained in Burlington at the new parish of St. Katharine Drexel, following the merger of St. Paul Parish and All Saints Parish in 2008. In addition to his duties as parochial vicar in Toms River, Father Anson is also involved with hospital ministry at Community Medical Center, Toms River.

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Congratulations Bishop O’Connell! Congratulations Bishop O’Connell! Congratulations Bishop May God bless you O’Connell! as you celebrateMay 35 years of Priestly God bless you Service May God bless you to the people of God as you celebrate 35 years of Priestly Service as you celebrate 35 years of Priestly Service to the people of God to theMay people ofpeace God Christ’s be with you From the goodpeace peoplebeofwith you May Christ’s May Christ’s peace be with you St. David the King Parish From the good people of From theJ.the good people of Very Rev. St. Timothy Capewell, V.F., David King Parish St. David the King Parish West Windsor Pastor Very Rev. Timothy J. Capewell, V.F., Very Rev. Timothy J. Capewell, V.F., Pastor Pastor

Congratulations!! Bishop O’Connell and Father Silvano “Ben” Amora on your Many Years of Devoted Service.

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reverend monsignor. Upon his appointment as diocesan vicar general for Bishop David M. O’Connell, C. M., in 2012, Msgr. Gervasio was named a “Prelate of Honor” by Pope Benedict XVI. Within the Diocese of Trenton, Msgr. Gervasio has served as director of the Office of Family Life/ Respect Life; diocesan director of Catholic Relief Services/Catholic Campaign for Human Development; he was a member of the steering committee for the Diocesan Millennium Celebration for the Great Jubilee Year 2000, and a member of the diocesan board for vocations. In 2012, Msgr. Gervasio succeeded Msgr. Gregory D. Vaughan as diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia.

Father Michael G. LYNCH Father Michael G Lynch was born in New Brunswick and grew up in Dunellen. He graduated from St. Joseph College, North Windham, Maine, with bachelor’s degrees in both mathematics and philosophy. He began his studies for the priesthood in Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., where he received a master of divinity degree. As a seminarian, he assisted in the religious education program in Corpus Christi Parish, Chambersburg, Pa., and served in Holy Spirit Hospital, Harrisburg, Pa.; South Mountain Restoration Center, a facility for geriatric and mentally challenged patients, and Bethany Retreat Center, Washington, Va. In 1981, he was ordained a transitional deacon and served his diaconate year in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square. Father Lynch was ordained a priest by Bishop John C. Reiss on Oct. 30, 1982, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. On the diocesan level, he served as a member of the liturgical commission RENEW. Parishes where Father Lynch has been assigned include Sacred Heart, Riverton, as parochial vicar; St. Dominic Parish, Brick; St. Veronica Parish, Howell; St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River, and St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro. He was named temporary administrator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank, in 1999, before serving as pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Beverly, for eight years, during which time he was instrumental in founding a successful parish nursing program. Father Lynch was then named pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell. Following his time in

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Hopewell, he served as parochial vicar in St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft; St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands, and St. Denis Parish, Manasquan. Father Lynch currently resides in Villa Vianney, the diocesan residence for retired priests, and is a weekend assistant in Assumption Parish, New Egypt.

Father Rogatus L. MPEKA Father Rogatus L. Mpeka, parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Yardville, was born in Morogoro, Tanzania. He received his formal education in the United States, earning a bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University, New York; a master’s degree from Maryknoll School of Theology, Ossining, N.Y.; a master of business administration from St. John University, Queens, N.Y., and a doctorate from New York University. Father Mpeka prepared for the priesthood in Tanzania and was ordained Nov. 26, 1982, by thenBishop Adrian Mkoba, Diocese of Morogoro. He arrived in the United States in 1997 and was appointed as parochial vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish (now Blessed Sacrament-Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Parish), Trenton. He then went to St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River, from 1998 to 2000. In 2000, he was appointed parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Parish and was incardinated into the Diocese of Trenton in 2012. He continues to serve in St. Vincent de Paul and speaks throughout the Diocese as part of the diocesan Mission Appeal.

Bishop David M. O’CONNELL, C.M. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., 10th Bishop of Trenton, and former president of The Catholic University of America, Washington, was born April 21, 1955, in Philadelphia. A priest of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission, also known as the Vincentians, Bishop O’Connell grew up in Langhorne, Pa., and attended Our Lady of Grace Parish, Penndel, Pa. He is one of four sons of the late June and Arthur J. O’Connell. Bishop O’Connell attended Our Lady of Grace School, Penndel, where he was taught by the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters. Knowing from an early age that he wished to pursue the priesthood, Bishop O’Connell attended the Vincentians’ St.

Joseph Preparatory High School, Princeton. He continued his Vincentian education in Niagara University, N.Y., where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1978. Bishop O’Connell prepared for the priesthood in Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton, Pa., where he received a master of divinity degree in 1981 and a master’s degree in moral theology in 1983. He was ordained a priest of the Congregation of the Mission in Mary Immaculate Seminary by Bishop Joseph McShea of the Diocese of Allentown on May 29, 1982. Bishop O’Connell’s first assignment was as director of student activities and faculty in Archbishop Wood High School, Warminster, Pa., where he served from 1982 to 1985. He then pursued studies in canon law at The Catholic University of America, Washington, obtaining a licentiate in 1987 and then a doctorate in canon law in 1990. He has since received numerous honorary academic degrees from various colleges and universities. Bishop O’Connell also served as registrar and assistant professor of canon law, theology and philosophy in Mary Immaculate Seminary. In 1990, he joined St. John’s University, Queens, N.Y., where he served in various capacities, including professor of theology and religious studies, associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, academic dean and dean of faculty of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and assistant to legal counsel. He also spent one year simultaneously serving as interim academic vice president of Niagara University. In 1998, he was named the 14th president of The Catholic University of America. On June 4, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed then-Father O’Connell as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton. He was ordained to the episcopacy in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, on July 30, 2010. When Pope Benedict XVI accepted the resignation of Bishop John M. Smith on Dec. 1, 2010, Bishop O’Connell automatically succeeded him. As Bishop, he has focused his efforts on the catechetical development of his flock, the sanctification and cultivation of his priests and the advancement of new vocations. In 2012, he ordered a comprehensive relief effort for the victims of Superstorm Sandy. In 2015, Bishop O’Connell launched two major initiatives in order to bolster the future of the Diocese: A $75 million endowment campaign, Faith to Move Mountains, and the Faith in Our Future initiative, designed to strengthen parishes through inter-parochial cooperation. In April 2016, Bishop O’Connell presented a proposal to the Prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Bishops in Rome for the elevation of St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Freehold, to co-cathedral. The elevation was commemorated in February 2017.

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Prayerful Congratulations,

BISHOP DAVID O’CONNELL

as you celebrate your 35th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination in the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Missions. Thank you for sharing your LIFE of FAITH with us

Ad Multos Annos The priests, staff and people of SACRED HEART PARISH

Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton

www.trentonsacredheart.org

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. • 35 years Msgr. Casimir Ladzinski • 55 years • Retired and former Pastor at St. Aloysius, Jackson & Sacred Heart, Bay Head Rev. Michael J. O’Connor • 45 years • Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head Rev. Cesar Anson • 40 years • St. Joseph Parish, Toms River Rev. Stephen M. Piga • 15 years • St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River Deacon Francis Babuschak, Jr. • 35 years • St. Joseph Parish, Toms River Deacon Stanley D. Kendrick • 5 years • St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville and all priests, deacon and religious brothers & sisters, celebrating special anniversaries in 2017!

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Father Michael Manning currently serves as pastor of Holy Cross Parish, Rumson. Born in 1951 to Gerald and Joan Manning in Brooklyn, N.Y., Father Manning said that his initial callings in life were to the priesthood and medicine. He chose the latter for his higher studies, earning a bachelor of science degree in biology from New York University and graduated from SUNY Downstate Medical Center with a doctor of medicine degree. At the height of Father Manning’s medical career, practicing for 13 years as a board-certified internist Continued on • S45

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(people of the parish). It is a very diverse community with many people from Mexico and Central America. Their simplicity in life and their simplicity in being religious is very moving,” said Divine Word Father Pelagio Pateno Jr. of St. Anthony Claret Parish, Lakewood, where he is parochial vicar.

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Father George Medina was born in 1948 in Manhattan, N.Y., and returned with his family to their native Colombia when he was six years old. Father Medina was a teenager when he began his theology studies for the priesthood at the Pontificia Universitas Bolivariana. However, at the time, seminarians were also required to earn degrees in a secular field, such as law, medicine or accounting. He was also enrolled at the University of Medellin

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Father Pateno will celebrate 30 years to the priesthood on December 19. As a young student, his vocation was inspired by the Columban Fathers for whom he worked, helping to prepare the medicines and the Mass kits they took with them when they ministered to faithful in the remote, mountain areas of the country. Founded in 1918, the Columban Fathers and Sisters are based largely in troubled areas throughout Asia and Central America. It was here where Father Pateno taught, and after a decade in the classroom, h he answered t h the call to his vocation to the priest-t nn hood. Father Pateno was born in 1949 to Felicitacion Calamba and Pelagio Pateno Sr. He attended Holy Rosary High School in Oroquieta City and graduated from Stella Maris College in the same city with a bachelor’s degree in education. Father Pateno studied for the priesthood in the Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City, Philippines, and was ordained Dec. 19, 1987. His first assignment was to the t hprovincial th nnhouse in Manila for three years, followed by a three-year term as chaplain in Divine Word College on the island of Mindoro. In 2003, he felt a call to serve the Latino community in the United States. His application for placement was granted and he was assigned to the Chicago Province of the Society of the Divine Word. He remained in Chicago for only a couple of weeks before being sent to the Ocean County parish where he has served the faithful for the past 14 years.

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in Colombia where he earned a degree in law. After earning his theology degree, Father Medina worked for two years as an attorney. He Continued from • S41 then went to Europe to live with Father Stanislaus T. the Franciscan community in the Catacombs of St. Sebastian in Rome where he worked as an auxiliary POLCZYK researcher in the Vatican library under the tutelage of noted biblical scholar/translator Father BonavenFather Stanislaus tura Mariani. th T. Polczyk was born in n e t Deggendorf, Germany, i While in Italy, Father Medina came tonknow Bishop st Juan Fremiot Torres Oliver of the Diocese of Ponce, the son of the late Anna Puerto Rico. The bishop later invited Father Medina and Tadeusz Polczyk. He to complete his seminary studies and be ordained a later immigrated to the priest for the Ponce Diocese. Father Medina’s ordinaUnited States and spent his tion date was Sept. 27, 1987. early years in Perth Amboy. He Father Medina remained in the Ponce Diocese for attended St. Stephen’s School, Perth Amboy, and four years, serving in assignments as dean of Regina went to Mother of the Savior Preparatory Seminary, Cleri Seminary, as a professor at the Catholic UniverBlackwood, before entering St. Mary’s College, sity of Puerto Rico, as a secretary in the diocesan Orchard Lake, Mich. He completed his theological h t h n tribunal, and in two parishest– St. Jude in Lares and nn studies at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary there. n Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Vega Baja. Father Polczyk was ordained a priest by Bishop In 1990, Father Medina arrived in the United John C. Reiss on May 22, 1982, in St. Mary of the States and worked with the Christian Foundation Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. He served as parofor Children and Aging in Kansas City for one year, chial vicar of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton then spent another year working in the Diocese of Square; administrator in Jesus the Lord Parish, KeySacramento, Calif. With a desire to then serve on port; and parochial vicar in Holy Family Parish, Hazlet, the East Coast, Father Medina encountered Msgr. and St. Stanislaus Parish and Holy Cross Parish, Manuel Fernandez, director of the diocesan Hispanic both Trenton. In 2004, he was appointed temporary Apostolate at the time, who invited the young priest to administrator of St. Stephen Parish, Trenton. h of Trenton. From 2004 to 2005, he served as secretarytto the nconsider relocating to the Diocese th nn vicar in n Since then, he has served as parochial diocesan council of priests and was also the parochial vicar of St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills. In 2006, he resided several parishes, including St. John the Baptist, Long Branch (1993); St. Mary of the Assumption Cathein Blessed Sacrament-Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd dral, Trenton (1993-1997); Sts. Peter and Paul, TrenParish, Trenton, and later was appointed parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, Deal. He retired in 2008 and ton (1993-2007); St. Joseph, Trenton (2004-2007), and St. Mark, Sea Girt (2007). He was incardinated a currently resides in Villa Vianney, Lawrenceville. priest of the Diocese of Trenton on Dec. 19, 2007. He returned to St. Mary of the Assumption th Cathedral th n nn n and St. Joseph Parish and in 2014 was transferred to Sacred Heart and Divine Mercy Parth nnishes, also in Trenton. t h nn In May 2017, Father Medina was assigned as a weekend assistant at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton.

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With sincere gratitude, Holy cross parish, RUMSON congratulates Fr. Michael manning On the 20th anniversary Of his priestly ordination

Congratulations to all priests, deacons and religious who are celebrating Jubilee anniversaries in 2017!

“We know that in all things God works for good with those who love Him, those whom He has called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Congratulations to Fr. Michael J. O’Connor Family Owned and Operated for Two Generations The Intelisano Family offers our congratulations and best wishes to old and new friends on your Ordination Anniversaries!

Silverton Memorial Funeral Home 2482 Church Road, Toms River, NJ (732) 255-6363

on the 45th anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood from the staff and parishioners of

Sacred Heart, Bay Head

Once in a while, there comes someone very special like you… who not only serves the church and its people faithfully, but who makes of their own life a living testimony of Christ’s love. Thank you for your many years of devoted and caring ministry.

Happy 45th Anniversary!

• Pre-need • Traditional • Cremation • Prepaid Insurance Plans • Trust Funds

Paula De John, Manager, N.J. Lic. No. 3438 Teresa Intelisano, Director, N.J. Lic. No. 3294 Rudolph Intelisano Sr., Director, N.J. Lic. No. 2316 Gregory De John, Director, N.J. Lic. No. 4261

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Father Stephen M. PIGA Father Stephen M. Piga has served as pastor of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River, for the past five years. Born in 1955 in Teaneck, he graduated from Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in American history, then moved to Boston where he worked in undercover security.

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n he still yearned for more, and gastroenterologist, answering his true call to the priesthood. He began studies in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, and was ordained a priest May 17, 1997, by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumptiont h Cathedral, Trenton. th nn Father Manning was Following his ordination, assigned to St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, as parochial vicar, then to St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant, as parochial vicar. In 2002, he was appointed temporary administrator of St. William the Abbot Parish, Howell, and was named pastor the following year. In 2004, he was named pastor of Holy Cross Parish. On a diocesan level, he served as part-time coordinator oft Respect Life Ministries from 2000-2006.h h t nnexpertise and vocation experi With his medical ence going hand-in-hand, Father Manning was the author of a book, “Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide: Killing or Caring?,” Paulist Press. At the time of its publication, reviews for his book noted his pertinent ability of setting historical information, as well as framing the ongoing debate over euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Father Manning has also served as a member of the Ethics Committee for St. Francis Hospital, now St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, and as a member of the board of t hdirectors of St. Lawrence Rehabilitation nn Center, Lawrenceville. He has served as an instructor at Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, and lectured in ethics at Staten Island University Hospital and Gwynned-Mercy College School of Nursing, Gwynedd Valley, Pa. He was also the principal celebrant for Mass this past year at Holy Cross Church, which marked the school’s 75th anniversary.

Later, Father Piga joined the Peace Corps for two years and was sent to work in public health care in Oman. Experiencing a conversion in Oman, he returned to the U.S. and applied to the Carmelite order. He was encouraged to wait a year since his conversion experience was so recent. Father Piga then earned his master’s degree in social work in 1990 from Rutgers University and worked full-time for six years as a psychiatric social worker nn in Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood, and in Shoreline Behavioral Health Center, Toms River. His call to the priesthood was revived, and he entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., in September 1996. He was ordained in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, May 18, 2002, by Bishop John M. Smith, and was appointed parochial vicar of St. Catharine Parish, Spring Lake. Father Piga also served as parochial vicar in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, in 2008, and in St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold, before being n ni pastor in St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. named

Msgr. Joseph L. ROLDAN Since 2011, Msgr. Joseph L. Roldan has served as the 16th rector of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. At the time of his appointment, he was simultaneously assigned to the diocesan multicultural outreach and ministry council for a period of three years. In addition to being rector in the Cathedral, Msgr. Roldan has served as pastor of St. Joseph Church in Trenton, since July 1, 2012. Born in 1962 in Newark to Fernando and Juanita Roldan, he is the fourth of five children. He attended the public school system graduating from the Freehold Borough High School. He graduated from Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, before attending the Society of the Divine Word College Seminary, Epworth, Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1987. Upon graduation, Msgr. Roldan took a period of discernment and began working as a counselor for the N.J. Department of Labor’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitative Services in Monmouth County for 11 years. Aspiring to become a Trenton Diocesan priest, a desire fostered since his early involvement with a youth movement, “Encuentro Con Cristo,” he entered Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md. He holds the honor of being the first and only American-born Hispanic priest who was ordained for the Diocese in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, May 18, 2002, by Bishop John M. Smith. Msgr. Roldan’s first assignment as parochial vicar was in St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown. In July 2004, he was appointed parochial vicar

in St. Anthony Parish, Red Bank. Msgr. Roldan was appointed administrator of Christ the Redeemer Parish, Mount Holly, in November 2005, and in January of 2007 he became the pastor. He served for a total of six years in Christ the Redeemer Parish.

Father Cesar B. TOLENTINO Father Cesar B. Tolentino, parochial vicar in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, was born in 1966 in Pulilan, Bulacan, Philippines. He is one of six children of Ponciano and Francisca Elisea Tolentino. He attended college in Immaculate Conception Seminary in Bulacan and St. Vincent Seminary in Manila, and was ordained June 24, 2002, for the Diocese of Antipolo City, Philippines. During Father Tolentino’s first five years of ministry, he served in a number of parishes in the Philippines, including the Cathedral of Antipolo, before coming to the United States in 2007. Upon his arrival in the Diocese of Trenton, Father Tolentino was appointed parochial vicar in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting, and in 2009, parochial vicar in St. James Parish, Red Bank.

Father Richard C. VILA Father Richard C. Vila, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Maple Shade, was born in 1968 in Jersey City, the youngest of three children born to Rufino and Corazon Vila. He attended Catholic grammar and high schools in northern New Jersey, then graduated from Rutgers University’s Cook College with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Before entering the priesthood, he had a career as a municipal health inspector, and continued his education at Union County College, graduating with a degree in nursing. He worked as a registered nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit before entering Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md. In 2016, he celebrated a White Mass in St. Luke Church, Toms River, which recognized the work of health care professionals Father Vila was ordained in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, May 18, 2002, by Bishop John M. Smith. As parochial vicar, he served in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford; St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River; St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, and in St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft. He was appointed administrator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in 2014, then as pastor in 2015.

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St. Maximilian Kolbe Church Christ the King Catholic Mausoleum 130 St. Maximilian Lane Toms River, NJ 08757 Parish Office - 732-914-0300

Rev. Joselito M. Noche Rev. Joselito M. Noche

Congratulations to Bishop David O’Connell on his 35th Anniversary! Best wishes from With great joy and pride With greatLADY joy and QUEEN pride THE PARISH OF OUR OF PEACE HAINESPORT WithOUR greatLADY joy andQUEEN pride OF PEACE THE PARISH OF would like totocongratulate Pastor, FatherOF “Joe” Noche would like congratulate our Pastor, Father “Joe” Noche THE PARISH OF OURour LADY QUEEN PEACE onhis his10th 10thto Anniversary Ordination to Priesthood. would like congratulateofour Pastor, Father Noche on Anniversary Ordination tothe the“Joe” Priesthood. on his 10th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood.

the parish family of St. Maximilian Kolbe Church Pastor: Rev. Stephen M. Piga Parochial Vicar: Rev. Philip Ruggiero

Congratulations & Best Wishes to Bishop O’Connell Love & Prayers from Resurrection Parish

Worshipping at St. Casimir Church, Riverside and Church of the Holy Name, Delran S46 • Lives of

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Father Erin Brown, chaplain in The College of New Jersey, Ewing, was born in 1971 in South Amboy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Kean University, Union, in 1998, then worked as a welding inspector for a refinery in Rahway, a broker and bartender. Father Brown’s preparation for the priesthood began when he entered St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, where he attended from 2002 to 2007. As a seminarian, he served in St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Yardville; St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake, and Scared Heart Parish, Trenton. Following his May 19, 2007, priestly ordination by Bishop John M. Smith in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, Father Brown served as parochial vicar in St. Dominic Parish, Brick, and then St. Jerome Parish. West Long Branch. He also served as temporary adminstrator in St. Jerome and St. Mary Parish, Deal. In July 2011, he became a member of the Diocese of Trenton Synod Review Committee. In 2014, Father Brown traveled with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., to Rome in advance of a pilgrimage to holy sites in Italy. He stayed in Domus Sanctae Marthae, the guest house where Pope Francis lives, and celebrated Mass privately with the Holy Father. Father Brown served a term as an assistant director of vocations in which he helped to promote vocations in college campus ministries around the Diocese.

Divine Word Father Guilherme ANDRINO Divine Word Father Guilherme Andrino, parochial vicar and youth coordinator in St. Anthony Claret Parish, Lakewood, was born to Geraldo Francisco and Vanira Fereira Andrino in Ibaiti, Parana State, in the southern part of Brazil. He has one living brother, Nathaniel; his brother Wellington is deceased. In February 1990, he joined the Divine Word Seminary in Penha as a sixth-grader. The following year, he transferred to the Seminary of Toledo in Parana State, where he completed his primary

education. From 1993 to 1995, he attended high school in Ponta Grossa, and in 1997, he began studies in philosophy in Pontificial Catholic University in Curitiba, the capital of Parana, finishing in 1999. In 2000, he began his novitiate year, during which he ministered to the African Brazilian community. On Jan. 7, 2001, he made his first profession of vows as a member of the Divine Word community, then began theology studies in Instituto de Ensino Superiores in San Paulo. He worked with Street Network of Communications, which provides assistance to the homeless, and also with Verbo Filmes, a Divine Word Missionaries communication center. He was ordained a priest April 14, 2007, by Bishop Jose Luiz Bertanha, S.V.D., of the Diocese of Registro. In March 2008, he arrived in the United States and was appointed to his first parish assignment as parochial vicar of Blessed Sacrament-Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Parish, Trenton. In June 2011, he was named pastor of the parish. In 2015, he went to Mexico to study Spanish in order to minister to the Hispanic community in St. Anthony Claret Parish. Along with his pastorate, he is also superior of the District of New Jersey for the Divine Word Missionaries and ministers to the Brazilian and Portuguese communities in Riverside and Long Branch.

Father Douglas A. FREER Father Douglas A. Freer, pastor of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette, was born in 1963 in Morristown. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pa., he served as rector in St. James Episcopal Church, Long Branch, where he had worked with Father Daniel F. Swift, then pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Long Branch, on many ecumenical events. Father Freer spent time as a chaplain in hospitals and hospices, but when the time called for Sacraments, he had to call in a Catholic priest. He eventually decided to transition from the Episcopal Church in order to share in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. He began his seminary studies for the priesthood in Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange, in 1996, and served a seminarian assignment in St. Joseph Parish, Toms River; Holy Trinity Parish, Long Branch, and St. Aloysius Parish, Caldwell. Father Freer was ordained a priest May 19, 2007, by Bishop John M. Smith in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. He served as parochial vicar in St. Joseph Church, Toms River, before being named administrator of Holy Family Parish, Union Beach, in 2008. As pastor, Father Freer was assigned to St. Rose Parish, Belmar, in 2009, and to St. Jerome Parish, West Long Branch, and St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Deal, both in 2014. He became pastor of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish effective July 1. On a diocesan level, he served a term as episcopal vicar for Catholic education.

Father Joselito M. NOCHE Father Joselito M. Noche, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport, was born in the Philippines in 1964. After graduating from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, in 1988, and earning a degree in medicine and surgery, he trained in anesthesia in St. Joseph Medical Center, Paterson, and worked as an anesthesiologist in Mercer Hospital and Helene Fuld Medical Center, Trenton. In 2002, he began his seminary studies in St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, and was ordained May 19, 2007, by Bishop John M. Smith in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. He was appointed parochial vicar in St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake, in 2007. In July 2011, he served as a parochial vicar in St. Mary Parish, Middletown, and was also appointed diocesan liaison for Family Life and Pro-life Activities. In 2016, he was appointed vicariate chaplain for Pro-Life Ministry for Burlington County.

Father James Francis O’NEILL Father James Francis O’Neill Jr. has been serving as parochial vicar in Visitation Parish, Brick, for nearly half a decade. Spending his first five years as a priest in Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, he was originally a parishioner in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting. He was ordained in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral May 19, 2007, by Bishop John M. Smith, and served in Moorestown from January 2007 to June 2012. Father O’Neill began his studies for the priesthood in St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., in 2001, and took summer parish assignments in St. Catherine, Middletown; St. Vincent de Paul, Yardville; St. George, Titusville, and St. Aloysius, Jackson. He then served as transitional deacon in St. Peter Parish, Riverside (now Jesus, The Good Shepherd), and St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan. Father O’Neill received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, in 1994, and a master’s degree from the State University of New York, Buffalo, in 1997. While at Stevens Institute, Father O’Neill co-authored and assisted Msgr. Joseph Shenrock in editing “Upon This Rock: A New History of the Trenton Diocese,” published in October 1993. From 1997 to 2001, he worked as the computer network administrator in Monsignor Donovan High School, Toms River (now Donovan Catholic). He has been the vicariate chaplain for Pro-Life Ministry for Ocean County since the fall of 2016. Continued on • S48

JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

Lives of FAITH • S47

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He also served in foreign missions in Haiti and Mexico, where he worked with Catholic poverty and homelessness agencies, serving as interim director of a homeless advocacy organization. Father Tamayo was instrumental in founding the nation’s first diocesan chapter of Catholic Athletes for Christ for the Diocese of Trenton. The organization encourages Catholic school athletes to give witness to their faith in their sporting endeavors.

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Father Alberto William Tamayo, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank, has held a number of responsibilities for the past decade as a priest in the Diocese. He served as a parochial vicar in St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, for three years, and in 2010, in St. James Parish, Red Bank. In July 2011, he was named th secretary to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.; episcopal nn th nvice master of ceremonies and chancellor, serving for two n years. In January 2013, he was named temporary administrator of Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, where he stayed for five months until he was named to his current post. In 2016, he became one of the principals of the Oratory-in-Formation of St. Philip Neri, located at St. Anthony of Padua Parish. Father Tamayo was ordained by Bishop John M. Smith May 19, 2007, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, and became parochial vicar in St. Barnabas the following month. At the same time, he was appointed to a threeyear term on the Diocese of Trenton Vocation Recruitment Committee. Father Tamayo, who hails from St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Linden, attended Seton tHall h University, South Orange, and then St. Mary Seminary and nnentering the seminary, he worked th University, Baltimore. Before asnan n assistant to

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Robert Van Doren photo

CLASS of 2012

Thank You

We celebrate with gratitude the 35th ordination anniversary of Most Rev. David M. O’ Connell, CM, and the service of all clergy and religious. We appreciate your ministry and dedication to the Church.

The Central Association of the

Miraculous Medal

475 East Chelten Avenue ◆ Philadelphia, PA 19144 215-848-1010 ◆ 800-523-3674 ◆ MiraculousMedal.org

S48 • Lives of

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Shown in this June 9, 2012 photo are the seven priests who were ordained by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., from left, Father Walter Quiceno, Father Robert Cro, Father Daniel E. Kirk, Father Matthew J. Pfleger, Father Neiser Cardenas-Barros, Father Andres Serna-Ocampo and Father Carlos Castilla.

Ordained June 9, 2012, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., these priests are marking their fifth anniversaries. They are listed here, along with their current assignments:

 Father Neiser Cardenas-Barros, parochial vicar, St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton  Father Carlos Castilla, administrative leave  Father Robert Cro, candidate for the Sulpicians  Father Daniel E. Kirk, pastor, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson  Father Matthew J. Pfleger, administrator, Holy Family Parish, Union Beach  Father Walter Quiceno, parochial vicar, St. Rose Parish, Belmar  Father Andres Serna-Ocampo, parochial vicar, Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, and hospital ministry at Monmouth Medical Center, West Long Branch

MONITOR • JULY 27, 2017

 Bishop George W. Ahr, center, poses with the first class of permanent deacons, which he ordained May 14, 1977, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Monitor file photo

First Class

Diocese’s permanent diaconate marks 40 years of preparing servants, leaders Story by MARY MORRELL, Correspondent

number of years ago, Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly received a call from a father about his son who was incarcerated in the Federal Corrections Facility, Fort Dix. The father recounted that his son had not seen any Catholic ministry in the prison for a year, since the military chaplain had been deployed. Msgr. Mullelly, who serves as diocesan vicar for clergy and consecrated life and director of seminarians, called a local parish and spoke with a deacon who immediately organized a group of six additional deacons. They began serving at the prison on a rotating basis, leading prayer services, encouraging dialogue and being the Catholic presence that had been missing. They continue to serve at the corrections facility today. The story reflects, in part, the evolution of the diaconate program in the Diocese of Trenton since its institution by Bishop George W. Ahr in 1974, just seven years after Pope Paul VI, following the desire of the Second Vatican Council, issued his apostolic letter, “Sacrum Diaconatus Ordinem,” which reinstated the diaconate as a permanent office of the Latin Church. Just one year later, in 1968, U.S. bishops received permission from the Holy See to establish the diaconate in their dioceses. “Deacons are men ordained to service and to leadership in the Church,” stressed Msgr. Mullelly, explaining that today’s permanent deacons are often called to step outside the confines of their parish to serve the people of God. While addressing the many needs that exist in the parish, under the direction of the pastor, it is not unusual for deacons to undertake or coordinate ministry in jails or prisons, hospitals and nursing homes, he explained.

of the first class of deacons under the direction of Msgr. James McManimon. Deacon Hannawacker was ordained by Bishop Ahr in 1977 in St. Mary of Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. “There were 40 of us,” said Deacon Hannawacker, “and the program included three years of formation. We went to classes in the Archdiocese of Newark two nights a week.” The second year, he explained, deacons attended classes in St. Stephen Parish Center, Trenton, and later, in a location next to Sacred Heart Church, Trenton. Since 1995, classes have been held in the diocesan Chancery in Lawrenceville. Eventually, the formation process was extended to four years, following the 1984 guidelines from the U.S. bishops. Deacon Robert Tharp of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Trenton, who was ordained in 1981, recalled, “[The diaconate] was so new, there were not a lot of us who knew much about it. All of us who entered in these early years were just absolutely trusting God, not sure where we were going or where the Church was going with the diaconate program.” In 1981, almost half of the first class of ordained deacons became part of the newly established Diocese of Metuchen, which was formed from the four northernmost counties that had been in the Trenton Diocese. It was one of many transitions that deacons would face in their evolving ministry. Continued on • S50

“All of us who entered in

these early

years were

just absolutely trusting God...”

 Bishop O’Connell addresses deacons and their wives during the 2013 Deacon Convocation, during which he rolled out a new vision for the diaconal ministry in the Diocese. Joe Moore photo

EARLY DAYS

Today in the Diocese, there are 197 active deacons and 70 retired deacons, most whom continue to serve in parishes and the community as they are able. Deacon Joseph A. Hannawacker of Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing, who also serves as diocesan Defender of the Bond, Office of Canonical Services, was a member JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

Lives of FAITH • S49

Diaconate program witnesses growth, change in 40 years

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LOOKING FORWARD

Continued from • S49 “The program was new; the men were married with families,” said Msgr. Michael J. Walsh, who served as the second director of the diaconate program. It was necessary for the deacons, their wives and families, and the Church to gain experience in developing sensitivities to the needs of all involved, he explained. Now the pastor of three Mercer County parishes, Msgr. Walsh added that parishes had to be responsive to providing a place within their communities for these newly ordained clergy. Deacon Tharp remembered that “in the early years, I was once told that I was just a glorified altar boy. Today, people understand that we are clergy.” In a 2004 interview with The Monitor, Msgr. (then Father) Ralph Stansley, third director of the diaconate, recalled, “Some people totally misunderstood who, what and why the deacon is.” The level of appreciation has grown over the years, he said.

 Deacon Joseph Hannawacker, who was ordained in the first class of deacons in 1977, addresses his brothers during the 2016 Deacon Convocation.

Continued from • S9

she met the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. In 1992 she joined the congregation and in Jubilee Year 2000, as Sister Elizabeth, she made her final profession of the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience. As a newly professed religious after the novitiate, she began her teaching ministry while continuing her own education. In 2002, she received

S50 • Lives of

clergy, said Deacon Hannawacker, was the merger of the Office of the Diaconate with the Office of Priest Personnel under the umbrella of the Office of Clergy and Consecrated Life in 2011, the same year Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., called for a study of the diocesan diaconate formation program. The study was conducted by a committee chaired by Msgr. Mullelly. During this time, no new candidates were accepted into the program. The findings of the two-year study were published in a 17-page report and presented to each of the deacons. The recommendations highlighted issues of requirements, formation, educational standards, public speaking, assignment policy, address and attire. During the 2013 deacon convocation, Bishop O’Connell shared the results of the study with the deacons, noting that a new class of seven deacons would begin a five-year period of formation in 2015, including academic studies through a partnership with Georgian Court University, Lakewood. “Since 2013, we have enhanced all dimensions of the diaconate program,” including the focus on

the spiritual, intellectual, pastoral and human aspects of this ministry, Msgr. Mullelly said. “We have strengthened requirements for admission and the academic dimension of the diaconate formation program.” Candidates who have a bachelor’s degree can earn a master’s degree in theological studies in Georgian Court University, and those without a bachelor’s degree can earn credit toward an undergraduate degree. “I think we’re on the right path,” he added. Looking back on how the diaconate has evolved, Msgr. Walsh referred to the presence of deacons as “life giving.” They are, he said, “a reflection of life lived, in the grocery store, at the high school football game. They are every place people are – Church outside the walls – in the corners of life that priests don’t always have the opportunity to be in.

“These are the normal places for deacons to be,” Msgr. Walsh said, “offering a strong testimony for evangelizing.” Though much has changed for deacons and the diaconate program in the past 40 years, Deacon Hannawacker recalled an enduring lesson set out before the first class of deacons by Msgr. McManimon. “The priorities of a deacon are God, family, employment, the diaconate – in that order.”

a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Rutgers University. She graduated from Seton Hall University with a master’s degree in education in 2006, followed by a New Jersey certification in elementary education and supervision in 2007, and a principal certification in 2011. She also received an educational specialist in educational leadership degree, policy and management from Seton Hall University in 2011. “For me, teaching was and still is a vocation rather than a career, and it is God’s love that motivates and sustains my enthusiasm and love for children,” she shared. Sister Elizabeth taught in St. Matthew School, West Deptford, and Our Lady of Lourdes, Milltown, as a kindergarten teacher; and, later, as

principal of Blessed Sacrament School, Elizabeth, and Blessed Edmund Early Education Center, Cherry Hill. In 2008, for nine months she worked with children from depressed areas in the Philippines. She previously served as pastoral associate in St. Matthew Regional School, Verga, and since 2015 she has served as a Little Servant Sister. She now serves as faith formation direction in Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing. Sister Elizabeth, in her 25th year of religious life, said she is filled with more joy and love for Jesus than ever before. “Since my childhood, I was happy and full of energy and ideas, with my own dreams,” she shared. “I wanted to make people smile. Now after 25

years of religious life in the reality of community, as Sister Elizabeth I say my days are filled with joy, love, peace, and happiness. Today I can assure you that after 25 years of being a sister my heart sings the song of joy louder and louder each day.” She continued, “Jesus my Lord is my love, my friend, and my inspiration and motivation. He is the beginning and end of each day. If you want to taste the flavor of Jesus’ love, just open you heart and invite Jesus. He is always ready to give us one more chance in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. Each and every day, just like Mary, I say my ‘Fiat - Yes,’ to Jesus and invite him to be with me, so one day He can invite me to be with him forever.”

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MONITOR • JULY 27, 2017

“Some people totally

misunderstood

who, what and

why the deacon is.”

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ordained May 9, 1992, by Bishop John C. Reiss. From 1992 to 2013, he ministered at Holy Spirit Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Asbury Park, before the two merged in 2014 to th form Mother of Mercy n Parish. In 2013, Deacon Andre and his wife, Vilcia, decided to return to Haiti to live and work among the poor in that country. During the years he ministered in the Diocese, Deacon Andre helped in the foundation of a Haitian ministry in Trenton and Asbury Park. He also created a community center in Asbury Park for the poor, offering English courses and food services. Deacon Andre and his wife return to the Diocese each summer to visit their children and other family members.

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Deacon James AYRER

Retired Deacon James Ayrer, parishioner of Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, was born in 1934 in Trenton to parents James and Elizabeth Ayrer. He and his wife, Clara, married in 1955 and moved to Willingboro in 1960. They have two sons and three daughters. His younger sister, Mary, lives in Ewing. Deacon Ayrer grew up attending his parish’s elementary school, Immaculate Conception, Trenton, and Trenton Catholic Boys High School. He attended

Deacon Roger P. DINELLA y

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St. Joseph College (now University), Philadelphia, and earned a master’s degree in psychology from Fordham University, New York, and a doctorate in psychology from Rutgers University, New Brunswick. He also earned a master’s degree in theology over several years from LaSalle University, Philadelphia. He worked for the New Jersey Department of Civil Service in the field of employment testing for 12 years, after which he worked for the School District of Philadelphia for 28 years – finishing his career in charge of the citywide testing program. Deacon Ayrer was ordained in May 1992 by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. He went on to minister in his home parish of Corpus Christi, assisting in weddings, Baptisms, funerals, hospital visitations n and visiting the homebound. He also aided those working through an annulment and was involved in the complete process, counseling people through the submission of the request and helping to handle issues that may arise thereafter. Deacon Ayrer served on the Willingboro Township Council. Since his retirement, his hobbies have included reading books, doing crossword puzzles and watching old movies. “Someone asked me once if I planned to travel in nretirement, or what I would like to do,” he quipped. n “But everything I enjoy doing I can do from the comfort of my home, so I don’t need to travel!”

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Deacon Herman Mosteller of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Riverside, was a member of the first class of deacons to be ordained in 1977 by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. He and his wife of 68 years, Caroline, had eight children. Deacon Mosteller was employed by the Burlington County Bridge Commission. Deacon Mosteller began his ministry as a deacon

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Deacon Joseph A. Hannawacker of Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing, was born in Trenton in 1936. th He and his wife, Ann, n have three children, Mary Margaret, Ann-Marie and Joseph Jr. th Deacon Hannawacker attended St. Anthony Elementary School, Hamilton, and Trenton Catholic High School, before attending the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He later earned a bachelor of arts degree from Edison State University in 1983. He was employed by the t hNew Jersey National Guard, Lawrence, as Lieutenant Colonel, n serving from 1955 – 1978, and worked as marketing manager for Wenczel Tile Co., Trenton, from 1963 – 1993. As a member of the first diocesan diaconate class in 1974, Deacon Hannawacker was ordained May 14, 1977, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. He completed post graduate studies in The Catholic University of America in 1999 and earned a licentiate in Canon Law. Deacon Hannawacker has served more than 20 years on the canonical staff of the Diocese of Trenton Tribunal as a judge, and is currently the Defender of the Bond. He has also served on the faculty of the diocesan Diaconal Formation Program. His pastoral ministry assignments include the parishes of Blessed Sacrament, Trenton, 19772002; St. Francis, Trenton, 2002-2005, and Incarnation – St. James, 2006 to the present. Looking back over a very busy 40 years, Deacon Hannawacker said, “I never anticipated such an involvement in ministry … it has been very fruitful.”

in St. Joseph Parish, Beverly, and continued to serve in Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, which was created from the merger of St. Joseph Parish with St. Peter Parish, Riverside, in 2008. In addition to assisting at Mass, he has been active in hospital, nursing home and homebound visitations in Burlington County. He is also a Third Degree Knights of Columbus council member. th n n Though he is now retired from his diaconate duties, Deacon Mosteller is proud to havenserved in “the same ministry I have done for 40 years – serving the terminally ill,” he said.

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Deacon Roger P. Dinella, who serves in St. David the King Parish, West Windsor, was born in 1934 to parents Peter N. Dinella and Angela Sudnikowska. He and his wife, Mary J. (Walsh), live in Princeton; they have five children: Roger W., David, Patricia McMillan, Jacqueline and Judith Durham. As a child, Deacon Dinella attended Corpus Christi School, Hasbrouck Heights, and St. Mary High School, Rutherford. He earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Rutgers College in 1955, and a master of business administration in accounting and finance from New York University Graduate School of Business, N.Y., in 1956. He also completed doctoral studies at NYU in 1958. After earning his certified public accountant certification, Deacon Dinella worked as an auditor for KPMG, N.Y., from 1956-1963. In 1963, he began working for RCA Corporation in New York and Princeton, serving in auditing, accounting and finance. From 1972-1990, he worked at Bristol-Meyers, N.Y., in finance and accounting. Deacon Dinella then turned to ministry, and was ordained to the diaconate in May, 1992, by Bishop John C. Reiss, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Beginning in St. Paul Parish, Princeton, he served various roles until 1994 when he was assigned to St. David the King Parish. In addition Continued on • S53

JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

Lives of FAITH • S51

Congratulations

Deacon Tom Murphy On five years of service to

The Parish Community of

St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton

Jesus, the Good Shepherd BEVERLY

Extends Heartfelt Congratulations and Prayerful Best Wishes to

We are blessed to have you

Deacon Gary Schmitt

for his 5 years of dedication to our Parish!

Msgr. Rich, Fr. Jorge, Fr. Leon with our staff & parishioners

With grateful best wishes and the Lord’s choicest blessings on the occasion of your 40th Diaconate anniversary. Ad multos Anos! Deacon Joseph Hannawacker

From the Tribunal Staff at the Diocese of Trenton

Congratulations to

Deacon Barry Zadworny 0n your 20th Diaconate Anniversary May God continue to bestow his many blessings upon you and keep you well. God bless you and best wishes, Sto Lat! Rev. Jacek W. Labinski, S.T.D.

Pastor and the St. Hedwig’s Parish Family,

Trenton, NJ

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MONITOR • JULY 27, 2017

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to typical liturgical responsibilities, Deacon Dinella helped with the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, Stations of the Cross and altar server training. From 1996-2006, he served as parish director of religious education. Deacon Dinella enjoys various hobbies, including visiting shrines, travel, reading, cooking and watching his favorite football and baseball teams, the New York Giants, Jets and Yankees. “Does sleeping count as a hobby?” t h he joked.

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Employment: Vice president of sales for several companies including International Flavors and Fragrances, Hazlet; Manheimer Fragrances, Teterboro, and Symrise, Teterboro, where he is presently employed.

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Town of Residence: Neptune Wife’s Name: Marie Claude Number of Children: 1 Home Parish: Holy Innocents, Neptune Ministries: Catechist, hospital and nursing home ministry, bringing Viaticum to homebound parishioners Employment: Assistant prosecutor, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Newark, for 32 years; attorney-at-law, 2002-2012

Deacon Thomas James DICANIO

Town of Residence: Holmdel Wife’s Name: Patricia Number of Children: 2 Home Parish: St. Catharine, Holmdel Ministries: Baptism ministry coordinator; employment resource committee; community service, Kiwanis Club of Holmdel

Town of Residence: Tabernacle Wife’s Name: Mary Christine Number of Children: 2 Home Parish: Holy Eucharist, Tabernacle Ministries: Parish RCIA, liturgy committee, hospitality, stewardship, Baptism prep, among others. Employment: Private practice law; state Superior Court Judge

Employment: Senior project manager, senior software engineer, IBM Corporation since 1981

Deacon Glen MENDONCA Home Parish: St. Joseph Parish, Keyport

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Deacon David O’CONNOR Home Parish: St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton

Deacon Matthew FUNG

Town of Residence: Princeton Junction Wife’s Name: Teresa Number of Children: 2 Home Parish: St. David the King, West Windsor Current Ministries: Baptisms; wake services; Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, prayer service in St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center, Lawrenceville; Loaves and Fishes ministry in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Employment: Associate professor in St. Peter’s University, Jersey City. Also was a visiting professor in Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and an economist at Swiss Re, New York, N.Y.

Deacon Frank GOLAZESKI Town of Residence: Ewing Wife’s Name: Kathleen Number of Children: 3 Home Parish: Incarnation-St. James, Ewing Ministries: Parish ministry in catechesis, RCIA, Bible Study, including Great Adventure Bible Study Groups, offers Catholic presentations in a variety of venues, including Rider University Campus Catholic Ministry and St. Ann Parish, Bristol. Pa.; Diocesan Office of Evangelization, Youth, Marriage, Family Life: Pre-Cana team training

Deacon Anthony REPICE

Town of Residence: Ocean Township, Ocean County Wife’s Name: Marian Home Parish: St. Pius X, Forked River Ministries: Hospital and prison ministry, RCIA, stewardship, parish council Employment: Retired from a management position with Xerox Corporation

Deacon Michael P. RILEY

Town of Residence: Titusville Wife’s Name: Terri Number of Children: 4 Home Parish: St. George, Titusville Ministries: St. George Parish family catechesis, marriage preparation, Baptismal preparation, homebound and hospital visitation, pastoral council facilitator, Faith in Our Future Cohort 8 member, prison ministry at Mercer County Detention Center, Hopewell. Employment: Hopewell Valley Regional School District, educator/coach; Diocese of Trenton, associate director, Office of Clergy, 2014 to present.

JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

Continued on • S55

Lives of FAITH • S53

Congratulations

Congratulations, DEACON JIM AYRER!

from the Parish Community of

The Church of Incarnation-St. James

Father John Testa and the People of

1545 PENNINGTON ROAD, EWING

Rev. Thomas Augustine Morris, O.SS.T., Pastor

Corpus Christi Willingboro

lovingly and prayerfully thank you for sharing your “Life of Faith” and your “Words of Faith” with us for years.

Deacon Joseph A. Hannawacker  40 years

Sr. Elizabeth Halaj, LSIC 25 years

e are so very grateful and blessed!!!

Deacon Thomas H. Rivella  15 years

May God continue to walk beside you on your “Journey of Faith.”

Deacon Frank Golazeski  10 years

CongratulaƟons DEACON ROBERT THARP SR DEACON RICHARD ARCARI

Deacon Roger Dinella (25 years) &

Deacon MaƩhew Fung (10 years) On your OrdinaƟon Anniversaries to the Diaconate 15 YEARS DEACON BILL PALMISANO

35 YEARS

— GREETINGS — Fr. Gene, Fr. Ed, Deacons, Parish Staff, Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Parish School Board, Ministries, Committees, Organizations, School Community, Parishioners, and Friends of the Parish.

5 YEARS

ST. RAPHAEL-HOLY ANGELS PARISH 3500 S BROAD STREET, HAMILTON, NJ 08610

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SAI NT RA PH AEL SC HOOL 151 Gropp Ave, Hamilton, NJ 08610

MONITOR • JULY 27, 2017

Thank you for your dedicated service to our parish! Grace, Peace and Blessings to you both, The Catholic Community of St. David the King Princeton JuncƟon, NJ Very Rev. Timothy J. Capewell, V.F., Pastor

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Deacon Henry Ernst • Serving outside the Diocese Deacon Anthony R. Martucci • St. Pius X Parish, Forked River

20 YEARS

Continued from • S53

35 YEARS

Ordained May 9, 1982, by Bishop John C. Reiss Deacon Francis Babuschak, Jr. • St. Joseph Parish, Toms River Deacon Gabriel Gregory • Serving outside the Diocese Deacon Patrick Kennedy • Serving outside the Diocese Deacon Samuel Sciarrotta • Retired Deacon Robert Tharp • St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton

30 YEARS

Ordained May 9, 1987, by Bishop John C. Reiss Deacon Stephen W. Andrews • Serving outside the Diocese

Ordained May 10, 1997, by Bishop John C. Reiss Deacon Lawrence Finn • St. Mary Parish, Bordentown Deacon Benito Torres • Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton Deacon Barry Zadworny • St. Hedwig Parish, Trenton

15 YEARS

Ordained May 12, 2002, by Bishop John M. Smith Deacon Miguel Adorno • Christ the Redeemer Parish, Mount Holly Deacon Richard Arcari • St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton Deacon Louis Commisso • Epiphany Parish, Brick

BACKES & HILL A ttorneys

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Ordained May 12, 2012, by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

Deacon Michael B. Collins • Deacon Paul Franklin • Deacon John J. Franey • Deacon Louis E. Jakub • Deacon Stanley D. Kendrick • Deacon Paul Lang • Deacon Joseph Moore • Deacon Sean Patrick Murphy • Deacon Thomas W. Murphy • Deacon James J. Neubauer • Deacon William R. Palmisano • Deacon John Scanlon • Deacon Gary Schmitt • Deacon Richard W. Tucker

The Parishioners of the wish to extend their deepest wishes of

Offers our sincerest congratulations to Bishop David M. O’Connell and Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio on the occasion of their 35th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood!

Harry R. Hill, Jr. Scott L. Puro Michael J. Conlan Christine M. Pickel Seth J. Lapidow Ely W. Sluder

5 YEARS

Church of St. Catharine in Holmdel

Serving the Diocese of Trenton since 1886

Personal Injury Real Estate Wills and Estates Business & Corporate Law Employment Law Guardianships

Deacon Joseph DeLuca • Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle Deacon Andrew Fatovic • Serving outside the Diocese Deacon Thomas Rivella • Incarnation – St. James Parish, Ewing Deacon Joseph Tedeschi • St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford Deacon Frederick Toca • Serving outside the Diocese

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JULY 27, 2017 • TrentonMonitor.com •

Lives of FAITH • S55

• JOHN E. DAY FUNERAL HOME

85 Riverside Avenue Red Bank, New Jersey 07701 732-747-0332 www.johnedayfuneralhome.com

THE DIFFERENCE IS SERVICE. Family Operated Since 1932

We wish to congratulate these priests and deacons on their special ordination anniversary in 2017: Rev. Michael Manning, 20 years Rev. Alberto Tamayo, 15 years Deacons Paul Lang & Sean Patrick Murphy, 5 years

Kenneth P. Duffy, M.P. Lic. No 4392 Theodore Sidun, Manager Lic. No. 4026

SAUL FUNERAL HOMES, INC. Established 1899 W. William Saul, Owner Emeritus; N.J. Lic. No. 2853 Kimberly M. Saul–Bowne, CFSP, Manager; N.J. Lic. No. 4110

We have been honored to serve both the Diocese of Trenton and Metuchen for over a century.

Devotion to God is studying him in every aspect; serving God is teaching what you know of Him to others.

With much appreciation, the Saul Family and Staff of Saul Funeral Homes extends our heartfelt congratulations to the Priests, Deacons, and all of the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton who are celebrating milestone anniversaries of devotion in 2017. We extend congratulations to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., of the Diocese of Trenton, celebrating 35 years; Reverend Richard Brietske celebrating 55 years; Reverend George Medina of Divine Mercy Parish, celebrating 30 years; Reverend Michael Manning of Holy Cross, celebrating 20 years; Deacon Joseph Hannawacker, celebrating 40 years, Deacon Thomas Rivella, celebrating 15 years, and Deacon Francis Golazeski, celebrating 10 years, all of Incarnation-St. James Parish; Reverend Stanislaus Polczyk of Morris Hall Meadows, celebrating 35 years; Reverend Thomas N. Gervasio of OLS-St. Anthony, celebrating 35 years; Deacon Benito Torres of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, celebrating 20 years; Reverend Gregory D. Vaughan of St. Catharine, celebrating 45 years; Deacon Roger Dinella, celebrating 25 years, and Deacon Matthew Fung celebrating 10 years, both of St. David the King Parish; Deacon Joseph Moore of St. Gregory the Great, celebrating 5 years; Deacon Barry Zadworny of St. Hedwig Parish, celebrating 20 years; Reverend Michael P. Lang of St. Joseph, celebrating 25 years; Reverend Joseph L. Roldan, celebrating 15 years and Reverend Carlos Castilla Neiser Cardenas-Barros, celebrating 5 years, both of St. Mary’s Cathedral; Deacon Lawrence Finn of St. Mary Parish, celebrating 20 years; Reverend Jeffrey E. Lee of St. Mary, celebrating 25 years; Deacon Robert Tharp, celebrating 35 years, Deacon Richard Arcari, celebrating 15 years, and Deacon William R. Palmisano, celebrating 5 years, all of St. Raphael-Holy Angels; Reverend Rogatus Mpeka of St. Vincent De Paul, celebrating 35 years; Reverend Erin Brown of TCNJ, celebrating 10 years; and to our retiring reverends and deacons. We congratulate you on your everlasting devotion and service!

May God’s grace continue to bless you all! www.saulfuneralhomes.com

S56 • Lives of

FAITH • T

MONITOR • JULY 27, 2017