Monitor Magazine: Lives of Faith July 2022 by Diocese of Trenton

MONITOR

THE

Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

Vol. 3 • No. 12 • JULY 2022 KEEPSAKE ISSUE

MAGAZINE

LIVES of

Faith

The Monitor Magazine’s annual celebration of:

RELIGIOUS ANNIVERSARIES | PRIEST RETIREMENTS & ANNIVERSARIES | DEACON ANNIVERSARIES

' THE MOST RE VEREND BISHOP DAVID M. O CONNELL, C.M. (40 YRS.) REV. MSGR. THOMAS N. GERVASIO, V.G. (40 YRS.) - REV. EDWIN MATHIAS (55 YRS.) REV. STANLEY POLCZYK (40 YRS.) - REV. JOY CHACKO (30 YRS.) REV. JOSEPH F. BARBONE, M.A. (50 YRS)

Congratulations and Continued Blessingsfar the Good Jf'ork You dofar Those You Serve.

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Contents Religious Milestone Anniversaries  4-7 & 44-45 Priest Retirements

 8-13

Priest 50th Anniversaries  16-21

Prayer for Priests by St. John Vianney, patron of priests

Priest 25TH Anniversaries  24-25

God, please give to your Church today many more priests after your own heart. May they be worthy representatives of Christ the Good Shepherd. May they wholeheartedly devote themselves to prayer and penance; be examples of humility and poverty; shining models of holiness; tireless and powerful preachers of the Word of God; zealous dispensers of your grace in the sacraments. May their loving devotion to your Son Jesus in the Eucharist and to Mary his Mother be the twin fountains of fruitfulness for their ministry. Amen

Priest Milestone Anniversaries  30-35 Deacon 25th Anniversaries  38, 40 Deacon Milestone Anniversaries  40-41

A blessing to those who serve us in God’s name

This image of Christ was created in acrylic by Chilean artist Fer Toledo. Born in Havana, Cuba, Toledo was trained in the Salesian community of María Auxiliadora, and is also a musician and director of the multimedia production company “El Gris Productions.” Cathopic image

s we celebrate the commitments A Message from of so many priests, deacons and BISHOP DAVID M. religious who have ministered O’CONNELL, C.M. with such love and generosity to the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton, we pray in thanksgiving to God for the witness of their lives as they have followed the call of the Lord Jesus “to serve and not to be served.” May they rejoice in God’s continued grace and blessings as living signs of God’s care, mercy and compassion for his faithful people. God has promised, “I will give you shepherds after my own heart to lead you with knowledge and understanding ( Jeremiah 3:15).” In the priests, deacons and religious whose anniversaries we celebrate in these pages, we thank our gracious God who has fulfilled his promise in them, through Christ the Lord. Amen. COMING IN THE AUGUST ISSUE… In keeping with the celebration of World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, The Monitor Magazine will offer readers a comprehensive package of insight and resources as we work to honor and support our older loved ones and community members.

MONITOR

THE

Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

MAGAZINE

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE (ISSN#0746-8350) is published 14 times a year by THE MONITOR, 701 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, 08648. Periodicals’ postage paid at Trenton, NJ, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Monitor, P.O. Box 5147, 701 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08638-0147.  The acceptance of advertising by The Monitor for print or online publication does not constitute an endorsement of any product or service. The Monitor reserves the right to reject any advertising considered objectionable.

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Sisters Rose and Peg McDermott. Ryan Larason photo

Sisters in life and vocation are celebrated as they retire together from Diocese  FROM STAFF REPORTS

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t just two years apart in age, the McDermott sisters did many things together as they grew up in the Philadelphia area. That closeness would continue throughout much of their lives as the two young women both entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill and began their lives of ministry in close proximity to one another. Last month, Sisters Rose and Peg McDermott bid farewell to the Diocesan Chancery staff in Lawrenceville, after serving there together in their last assignment before retirement and relocation to their community’s motherhouse in Chestnut Hill, Pa. For the last 10 years, Sister Rose worked in the diocesan Office of Clergy and Consecrated Life as diocesan delegate for religious and a teacher in the deacon formation program, while Sister Peg devoted eight years of service to the Department of Administrative Services. This work would cap off over 70 years of ministry, much of it spent in education. The McDermott sisters attended Catholic schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese before entering religious life. While both hold master’s degrees in religious studies, Sister Peg earned certification in spiritual direction at Creighton University, Omaha, Neb., and a certificate in biblical studies at Georgetown University, Washington. Sister Rose earned a doctorate in canon law at The Catholic University of America, Washington. Both Sister Peg and Sister Rose worked in grammar schools and high schools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington.

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Religious men and women from numerous orders have lovingly served the faithful in the Diocese of Trenton in parishes, education, healthcare, charitable organizations and by their many prayers. We continue to be blessed by these vocations and are grateful to them for their years of dedication to the people of God.

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Religious Anniversary

75 years

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Sister Patricia Welsh Mercy Sister Patricia Welsh was born in the Fairview neighborhood of Camden. She attended St. Aloysius School, Caldwell, then St. Joan of Arc School, Camden, and encountered the Sisters of Mercy while in Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill. Upon her graduation in 1947, she entered the order and was known as Sister Mary Jacinta. Sister Patricia earned a bachelor of arts degree from Georgian Court University, Lakewood, and a master’s degree from The Catholic University, Washington. Her teaching assignments included St. Mary Cathedral Elementary School, Trenton; Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank; Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville; Mount St. Mary Academy. Watchung, and her alma mater, Camden Catholic High School. In 1964, she became director of admissions and financial aid at Georgian Court. Sister Patricia served as vocations

director, then postulant director, of the Sisters of Mercy; other administrative positions she held in her order included general councilor and assistant to the mother general. She also served as assistant immigration counselor in the diocesan Office of Immigration. In 1991, Sister Patricia began service as a case worker in the Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton, for 16 years before her retirement. She currently resides in St. James Convent, Red Bank.

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Religious Anniversary

70 years

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Sister Mary Dora McGrath

Father Martin Padovani

Sister Mary Dora McGrath, who served as a lifelong teacher and administrator in two New Jersey Catholic dioceses, was born in Philadelphia. She attended St. Rose Elementary School, Haddon Heights, and Camden Catholic High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Georgian Court July 2022

University, Lakewood, and a master’s degree in counseling from Seton Hall University, South Orange. Her teaching assignments in the Diocese of Trenton included Holy Cross School, Rumson, 1954 to 1968, and St. Mary School, Bordentown, from 1968 to 1969. Her ministry also included teaching assignments in the Diocese of Camden; in 1974, Sister Mary Dora was appointed Camden Diocese associate superintendent for schools where she supervised 67 elementary schools and eight high schools. Sister Mary Dora’s longest tenure was in the Diocese of Trenton’s St. Ann School, Keansburg, from 1985 until the school closed in 2009. She was honored by St. Ann Parish in 2008 with the Parish Service Award. She currently resides in St. James Convent, Red Bank.

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Divine Word Father Martin Padovani celebrates 70 years since he made his first profession of vows as a Divine Word Missionary Sept. 8, 1952 in Techny, Ill. He holds a bachelor and master’s degrees in clinical psychology from Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y. Ordained a priest April 2, 1960, he

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has served his community as a vocation director, rector and clinical psychologist. In 1968, 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. As a licensed marriage and family therapist in New Jersey, he has been a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and also served as a member of the Burlington County Mental Health Board and as chaplain to patients at a private psychiatric hospital. He authored two books that integrate faith with science – “Healing Wounded Emotions” (Twenty-Third Publications, 1987) and “Healing Wounded Relationships (Twenty-Third Publications, 2006). Father Padovani has served the Diocese of Trenton by assisting in many parishes including more than 25 years in St. Catharine-Spring Lake, as well as Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown.

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Religious Anniversary

65 years

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Sister Lucy Battistuz Religious Teacher Filippini Sister Lucy Battistuz was born in 1940 in Passaic. She entered her order at its Morristown motherhouse as a postulant July 2, 1956; she became a novice and received her religious habit Aug. 25, 1957, and made her perpetual vows Sept. 4, 1960. Sister Lucy earned an associate degree from Villa Walsh College (now 6 LIVES of FAITH 

Villa Walsh Academy), Morristown, in 1967; a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in elementary education from Seton Hall University, South Orange, in 1970, and a master’s degree in religious education from Fordham University, Bronx, New York, in 1975. She served as a middle school teacher and religious educator to students from kindergarten to high school in New York, Philadelphia and New Jersey. In the Trenton Diocese, she served in the former Holy Trinity, Long Branch. Sister Lucy is the director of the Associates of St. Lucy Filippini. She also is on staff at Morning Star House of Prayer, a retreat house located on the grounds of Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, and gives numerous retreat workshops and days of prayer.

Father John G. McGowan Redemptorist Father John G. McGowan, who serves on the staff of San Alfonso Retreat House, West End, marks the 65th anniversary of his first profession of vows as a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer and the 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Father McGowan was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1936. His family attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help there, where he remembers considering priests as his role models. He pronounced his first vows in the Redemptorist order Aug. 2, 1957 and his final profession of vows Sept. 2, 1960. He was ordained a priest June 17, 1962. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1959 from Mount St. Alphonsus Seminary, Esopus, N.Y., and a master’s degree in 1965 from The Catholic University of America, Washington. Upon his ordination, Father McGowan taught at the Redemptorist high school seminary for 16 years, then served as a parish priest in the Diocese of Brooklyn and the Archdiocese of

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Philadelphia for 16 years. For more than 25 years, he has served in San Alfonso Retreat House.

Father Paul Varga Conventual Franciscan Father Paul Varga, nee Stephen Varga III, was born in 1936 in Trenton. He graduated from Trenton Catholic Boys High School, then entered the College Seminary of the Conventual Franciscans on Staten Island, N.Y., from 1954 to 1956. He entered the Franciscan Novitiate in Our Lady Queen of Peace, Middleburg, N.Y., where he received his Franciscan habit and took the religious name “Paul.” Friar Paul professed his simple vows Aug. 12, 1957, and began studies in philosophy and theology in St. Anthony-on-Hudson, Rensselaer, N.Y. His profession of solemn vows was Oct. 11, 1960, and he was ordained a priest on May 25, 1963, by Bishop William A. Scully in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany. Following his ordination, Father Varga served in many parishes both in the United States and Canada. In the Diocese of Trenton, he served in the former St. Peter Parish, Riverside; St. Catharine -St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake; St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel; the former Immaculate Conception Parish, Trenton, and served in St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, until 2014.

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Religious Anniversary

60 years

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Sister Bernadette de Paul Crowley Sister Bernadette de Paul Crowley entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, on Sept. 6. 1962, and went on to earn her bachelor of science degree in elementary education. She taught in St. Paul of the Cross School and All Saints School, both Jersey City. She also served as the secretary in the General Secretary’s Office and as secretary to the General Council and to the General Superior of the congregation in Convent Station. Sister Bernadette is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor, and has ministered in Emmaus House, Ocean Grove, for more than 35 years.

Congratulations to

Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M. on the

Brother James Furlong Christian Brother James Furlong was born in Albany, N.Y. On Sept. 1, 1962, he took his habit with the Christian Brothers, following his brother Peter into religious life; his date of first vows was Sept. 2, 1963. He earned a bachelor’s degree in French from The Catholic University of America, Washington, and a master’s degree in English as a Second Language from Hunter College, N.Y. Brother James worked for several years in Catholic grammar and high schools in New York and New Jersey. While teaching in La Salle Academy, N.Y., he was also director of the Christian Brothers community. Since joining the Christian Brothers Academy community in Lincroft in 2010, Brother James has served as director of the English as a Second Language (ESL) program for the former Holy Spirit Parish, Asbury Park, where he worked with the Hispanic and Haitian communities; with the music ministry at Holy Family Parish, Union Beach; the music ministry in the former Star of the Sea Church, Long Branch, and the religious education program in Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park. At Christian Brothers Academy, Brother James has served on several committees, as a liturgist for the community and the district and is a part-time chef.

40th Anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood! With all our love and prayers, Fr. Miguel Valle, Fr. Carlo Calisin, Dcn. Adolfo Baeza, Dcn. Frank Crivello, Dcn. Jim Knipper, Principal Kim Clauss, Parish & School staff members, and Parish & School communities

THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF PRINCETON

stpaulsofprinceton.org | spsprinceton.org

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Spiritual Bringing Christ to youth a ‘fulfilling vocation’ for Father Dunlap BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

s Father William Dunlap looks back on the 48 years of his priesthood, it was just a natural step in a progression of a vocation that began with childhood curiosity and culminated in a lifelong devotion to God’s plan which now includes his retirement. Serving most recently as parochial vicar in St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake, his vocation has spanned multiple assignments and pastorships, each with an opportunity for him to participate in that plan. Born in 1947 in Trenton, and belonging to Sacred Heart Parish there with his family, Father Dunlap found a natural home in the Church, attending the 9 a.m. Mass and singing with the entire student body of the parish school. Both his parents and parish religious influenced his eventual path to the priesthood. “I started talking about it at about three years old, and of

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Father William Dunlap processes into church June 25 for a Mass celebrating his retirement in St. Margaret Church, worship site of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake. John Batkowski photos

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ly Minded course there was a lot of encouragement from the sisters and the priests,” he recalled, eventually adopting the practice of injecting a bit of humor in his homilies as modeled by a childhood priest. As he neared the end of high school, young Will got onto a waiting list for Trenton State College and simultaneously took the entrance exam for the Diocese for seminary. “Bishop [George W.] Ahr said, ‘we need priests!’ Father Dunlap explained, noting the Bishop sent him to St. Phillip Neri School, Boston, to be prepared for entering the seminary. His time there was followed by attending Trinitarian College, Baltimore, and St. Bonaventure University and Christ the King Seminary, both in St. Bonaventure, N.Y. After ordination by Bishop Ahr on Father William May 18, 1974, in St. Mary of the AsDunlap sumption Cathedral, Trenton, Father Dunlap began his first assignment in St. Mary of the Lake (now part of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish), Lakewood, where he remained for 10 years. “I was 27 years old when I was ordained, and it was all new to me,” he said of those first years. “It really was mind-boggling in a certain sense. I remember walking into church that first

Father William Dunlap visits with a well-wishing parishioner following his retirement Mass.

Saturday I had to hear Confessions, and thinking, ‘I’m really doing this!’ It was very mystifying.” Father Dunlap continued in Ocean County parishes during his appointment as temporary administrator of Epiphany Parish, Brick, and later St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River. After a brief period as temporary administrator of St. Jerome Parish, West Long Branch (now part of Our Lady of Hope Parish), Father Dunlap returned to his hometown when he was appointed parochial vicar of St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton (now part of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton), serving 1989-1990, when he was named pastor of Visitation Parish, Brick, where he served 🌾 “[Priesthood] is for more than 19 years and acquired many special memories. very fulfilling and “We had the parish’s 50th meaningful ... you anniversary, with a lot of do have to work activities,” he remembered hard ... but you’re fondly. “One was to remove never alone..” the pews to be refinished, section by section, as well as the carpet; when it was all done, people felt like they were in a new church.” Another warm memory was a one-day carnival for the religious education children – a combined 2,000 kids in grades K-8 – with a parish cookout and rides. Father Dunlap was twice appointed to the diocesan Priest Personnel Committee, first in 1991 and then again in 1995, each time to serve a three-year term. He also spent more than a decade as spiritual director of the Cursillo Movement in the Diocese. A pastorate in Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands, was followed by a 2013 assignment as parochial vicar in St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake. A great lover of books, Father Dunlap has set aside the first few months of retirement to organize his vast personal library, hoping to share it with other retired priests in Villa Vianney which he now calls home. With religious education and CYO basketball among the highlights of his ministry, Father Dunlap has had a vocation full of bringing Christ to the young. “It’s very fulfilling and meaningful,” he said of his priesthood. “You do have to work hard at times, and it’s a life where sometimes you may feel lonely, but you’re never alone. You develop a relationship with the Lord, and as long as you stay spiritually-minded – work at and pray at it – it’s a fulfilling life.” July 2022

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Serving the Need Father Kunnath’s priesthood a ‘gift from God’ BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

 Father Kunnath, center is pictured with members of the Knights of St. John and Msgr. Dennis Apoldite, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish,

s Father Thomas Kunnath settles into retirement, he does so with a heart filled with gratitude. He treasures having the support of loving family members and friends and meaningful experiences of priesthood both in the United States and his native India. “God is always good to his children, and we are called to do likewise,” Father Kunnath said in his homily during the July 10 Mass of Thanksgiving he celebrated a week before he bid farewell to Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, where he served as parochial vicar since 2013, and the Diocese of Trenton where he ministered for 28 of his 37 years of priesthood. He Father Thomas headed home for India on July 17. Kunnath “There are many opportunities for us to respond to the needs around us and we need to respond with love,” he said, reflecting on the story of the Good Samaritan. “We have to set the example and be Christian,” he said. “We have to keep our eyes open and see the need.” When speaking of examples, Father Kunnath said it was those set by his grandmother and his parents and how they lived out their strong Catholic faith that ultimately inspired his future vocation as a priest and his sister Charlotte’s vocation as a nun. Without fail, “they prayed the Rosary every morning and every evening,” he said. “I come from a very religious family,” he

John Batkowski photo

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said, adding that he currently has two uncles who are priests – one serving in the Newark Archdiocese and the other in India. Father Kunnath’s priestly preparation began in St. Joseph’s Training College, then St. Joseph Jeppu Seminary in nearby Mangalore. Following his May 8, 1985, ordination by Indian Bishop Joseph Mittathani, he served several assignments in local parishes. But his family ties, namely his two priest uncles serving in the Archdiocese of Newark at the time, inspired Father Kunnath to relocate to the United States in 1994. Following in his uncles’ footsteps he served a parish assignment in Newark before arriving in the Diocese of Trenton in 1998. As parochial vicar, he served in St. Raphael Parish (now St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish), Hamilton; St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills; Epiphany Parish, Brick; St. Mary Parish, Barnegat; St. Joseph Parish, Keyport (now part of

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Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Keyport), and Sacred Heart Parish, which has undergone several parish restructuring processes. He was incardinated a priest of the Diocese by Bishop John F M. Smith in 2003. Retired While Father Kunnath enjoyed how his various parish assignments afforded him the opportunity to become involved in all areas of parish life, he smiles when he recalls how he has tried to model the example of the Good Samaritan by recognizing the needs of others, especially through working as a Catholic chaplain for the Capital Health hospitals in Pennington and Trenton. 🌾 “There are many Whether it is celebrating Masses, hearing Confessions, opportunities for or administering the Sacraus to respond to ment of the Sick, he found it the needs around to be a very moving and fulfillus and we need to ing ministry. “Confessions and respond with love.” Anointing of the Sick are important Sacraments” because they are healing Sacraments, he said. “They give people peace of mind. I want them to have peace of mind.” In retirement, Father Kunnath will live with his brother and his family and, for the time being, focus on regaining his strength following an illness that required a lengthy hospital stay. “I enjoyed my time here in Trenton. The people have been very loving and accepting of me as a priest. And my priesthood is a gift,” he said, “a gift from God.”

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The Sacred Heart Parish Family, Trenton Prayerfully Congratulates Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. On your 40th Anniversary of Ordination and priestly service to the people of God. Thank you for the blessing you are to us. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Father Thomas Kunnath On his retirement ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ And those who served our parishioners Reverend George Medina 35th Anniversary Reverend Guilherme Andrino 15th Anniversary ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

q Father Thomas Kunnath celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving with the parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, where he served as parochial vicar, July 10 at the CYO Day Camp in Yardville. Following the Mass, the parish honored Father Kunnath during a picnic. Standing next to Father Kunnath is Msgr. Dennis Apoldite. John Batkowski photo

Reverend Walter Quiceno Son of the Parish 10th Anniversary ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “The priesthood is the Love of the Heart of Jesus.” -Saint John Vianney Reverend Monsignor Dennis Apoldite and the People of the Parish

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Father Pasquale A. Papalia, center, retired pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting, is joined during Mass by its current pastor, Father Evarist Kabagambe, right, and Deacon Bob Scharen, left. Mike Ehrmann photo

Profound Experience Retirement marks the ‘fulfillment of a mission’ for Father Papalia BY LOIS ROGERS  Correspondent

hen Father Pasquale A. Papalia departed as pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting, in late June, he raised up prayers that God would grant him years of retirement spent “in good health” while assisting in parishes and ‘‘the quiet ability to pray, think, study and visit friends.” After 48 years of an active priesthood, it sounds like the recipe for contentment, he said, and “a dream that is about to come true.” As he sees it, such a retirement will be the fulfillment of a mission that began nearly half a century ago. “And God willing, I’ll return to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish on my 50th anniversary and celebrate a Thanksgiving Mass.” Father Pasquale A. The dream began to unfold for Father Papalia Papalia in Teaneck where he was born in 1946 to devout Italian American parents Frank, a bricklayer, and his mother, Mary, who “practiced the faith in all the colorings that come from that part of the world,” and passed the traditions on to him and his brother, Vincent. “It was a wonderful family life,” he said, describing the “different world” of his formative years where the lack of a parochial school education was compensated for by priests who “set wonderful examples” and encouraged vocations. At age 20, Father Papalia, who was attending Seton Hall 12 LIVES of FAITH 

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University in South Orange, took his recommendations to heart and began studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Newark May 25, 1974, by Auxiliary Bishop John L. Dougherty. In the early years of his priesthood, Father Papalia served in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Montclair, where he directed a branch of the Third Order Carmelites and the parish’s large altar servers group along with various parish societies and was Chaplain of the Serra Club of Montclair and West Essex. He went on as parochial vicar in the parishes of St. John, Linden; Mount Carmel, Newark, and Holy Family, Nutley. Then, in 1994, he requested and was granted permission to assist for three years in the Eparchy of Passaic (Byzantine rite) under Bishop Michael Dudick who appointed him administrator of Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Somerset. “Early on as a parish priest, I became enamored of the 🌾 “The fact is, Christian East,” he reflected. “I that God takes a wondered if God was calling man with all his me there. It was a great expelimitations and fills rience,” he said. “I met a lot of in what’s lacking.” lovely people” but in the end, God “called me back..” After his time of service in the Eparchy, and realizing that his parents, who had taken up residence in the Diocese of Trenton, were getting on in years, Father Papalia requested and received a transfer there. Father Papalia was assigned to St. James Parish, Red Bank,

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u Father Papalia greets parishioners following his July 10 farewell Mass as long-time friend, retired Bishop John O’Hara, Archdiocese of New York, looks on. Mike Ehrmann photo

in 1997, serving there for three years. He spent one year in St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, before transferring to St. Mary Parish, Middletown in 2001. After his incardination into the Diocese of Trenton Feb. 13, 2003, he continued to serve as parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish. He was named administrator of Holy Name Parish (now Resurrection Parish) Delran in 2004 and installed as pastor in 2005. In 2008, Father Papalia left Resurrection/ Holy Name after a parochial consolidation of two parishes and spent several months in residence at Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, serving many communities in the area until Sept. 10, 2018,

when he was named pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish following the retirement of longtime pastor, Msgr. Joseph C. Shenrock. Father Papalia shared that the variety and scope of his years in the priesthood has been a great experience. “I couldn’t think of anything else I would have done that would have resulted in such a profound experience. The fact is, that God takes a man with all his limitations and fills in what’s lacking.”

“They appointed presbyters for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith.” (Acts 14:23)

Father Pat,

hank you for your years of service to God’s ministry and his people. The pastor, deacons, staff and parishioners at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Whiting wish you a blessed retirement. You have been an inspiration to us all.

www.seaswhiting.org July 2022

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Congratulations Congratulations Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. 40th Anniversary 40th Anniversary May God bless you as you continue Maypriestly God bless youtoasHis yougood continue your service people your priestly service to His good people

Father Tim, Staff and Parish Family Father Tim,of Staff and Parish Family Church St. David the King Princeton Church of St.Junction, David theNJ King Princeton Junction, NJ

OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH Our Lady Queen of Peace Church Hainesport Hainesport

In joyful praise and thanksgiving, the Parish Staff

In joyful praise and thanksgiving, the Parish Staff and Family of Our and of Family of Our Lady our Queen of Peace to our Pastor, Lady Queen Peace wish to extend congratulations th Father Noche on hiscongratulations 15 Anniversary to of our his Ordination wishJoe to extend our Pastor, to the Priesthood.

Father Joe Noche

We thank him for his service as our Pastor and as the Burlington County Diocesan Life Chaplain. onRespect his 15th Anniversary

Mayof thehis LordOrdination continue to blessto himthe withPriesthood. good health, and may he have many more years of happy service in our parish.

We thank him for his service as our Pastor and as the Burlington County Diocesan Respect Life Chaplain. May the Lord continue to bless him with good health,

I understand the ad should include our website, which is: www.ourladyqop.org. and may he have many more years of happy service in our parish. We were not sure where you would like it to appear in the ad. Please place it where you think it is appropriate. Thank you. 14 LIVES of FAITH 

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MostReverend ReverendDavid DavidMichael Michael Most O’Connell,C.M., C.M.,J.C.D., J.C.D.,D.D. D.D. O’Connell, Bishopof ofTrenton Trentonon oncelebrating celebrating Bishop your40th 40thyear yearanniversary! anniversary! your Weewwiisshhyyoouuccoonnttiinnuueeddhheeaalltthh,, W ssttrreennggtthh&&bblleessssiinnggss Fr.Stephen StephenPiga, Piga,Fr. Fr.Carlos CarlosCastilla Castilla Fr. the &&the St.Maximilian MaximilianKolbe KolbeChurch ChurchFamily Family St.

CongratulationsFr. Fr.Stephen StephenM. M.Piga Pigaon on Congratulations celebratingyour your20th 20thyear yearanniversary! anniversary! celebrating

CongratulationsFr. Fr.Carlos CarlosCastilla Castillaon on Congratulations celebratingyour your10th 10thyear yearanniversary! anniversary! celebrating

July 2022

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u Msgr. James J. Brady consecrates the bread and wine at his retirement Mass in June, 2018. The Irish-born priest is celebrating 50 years of service to God. John Batkowski photos

Community Msgr. Brady known for building Spirit parish around Eucharist FROM STAFF REPORTS

elebrating a half-century of priesthood, Msgr. James J. Brady spent more than 20 years of his vocation as pastor in St. Dominic, Brick, from where he retired in 2018. His Irish heritage contributed greatly to his fondness for the Catholic faith and the people of the parishes he served. Msgr. Brady was born in 1947 in County Cavan, Ireland. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Patrick College and Seminary, Carlow, Ireland, and was ordained a priest June 10, 1972, in Carlow for the Diocese of Trenton. St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold, was the first parish of the Diocese in which Msgr. Brady served as parochial vicar. He Msgr. James J. followed that assignment with service in Brady various diocesan parishes, including St. James Parish, Red Bank; Our Lady of Sorrows Parish (now Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish), Hamilton; St. James Parish, Woodbridge, and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge, both now in the Metuchen Diocese; and Holy Family Parish, Union Beach.

On April 30, 1987, Msgr. Brady was named temporary administrator of Ascension Parish, Bradley Beach Priest Anniversary (now part of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach); the following year, on Feb. 10, 1988, he was named temporary administrator of St. Domyears inic Parish, and after just two months was named pastor. He was appointed a Chaplain to his Holiness with the title of Reverend Monsignor Dec. 15, 2009. When he was invested as a monsignor by Bishop John M. Smith in 2010, Msgr. Brady spoke of his own faith, kindled in his Irish homestead where family values were nurtured around the table, at Mass and at home with a nightly recitation of the Rosary. During Mass celebrating his retirement in June 2018, St. Dominic Deacon Edward Buecker said in his homily that Msgr. Brady’s legacy “is in his priesthood and how he was able to get everyone to interact with each other and follow the simple code of conduct in the Gospel: to love God and love our neighbor. His inspiration was to create a peaceful and harmonious parish where everyone could live and work together as a family and get to know God’s love in an intimate way. “His idea of building a parish was in building a community among each other,” Deacon Buecker continued, “and the main way to do that is to come here in this church and share the family meal in thanksgiving in the Eucharist at Mass. In his eyes, all parish life begins here.” In addition to his parish assignments, Msgr. Brady has also served on the Vocation Council of Priests and as spiritual moderator of the Holy Name Society in Monmouth County. Msgr. Brady spent time visiting family in Ireland following his retirement, and now lives in Liberty, N.Y.

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t Msgr. Brady shares fellowship with parishioners after Mass. St. Dominic Parish Deacon Edward Buecker noted Msgr. Brady’s legacy “is in his priesthood.” 16 LIVES of FAITH 

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Father Richard Gallagher, center, accepts the gifts of bread and wine from children during a Vacation Bible School Mass in St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor. The long-time priest has ministered in parishes around the country in his 50 years since ordination. Photo courtesy of St. Theresa Parish

On a Mission Father Gallagher’s 50 years of varied priestly adventures FROM STAFF REPORTS

hen Father Richard Gallagher retired from active ministry in 2014, he indicated learning two very important things throughout his lifetime – “Divine Providence is going to lead me” and “You have to extend yourself and broaden yourself and it will all come together.” For Father Gallagher, it’s been a combination of following Divine Providence and his own willingness and determination to broaden himself that lead him to have a variety of experiences since he was ordained a priest 50 years ago. Father Richard J. Gallagher was born in 1944 in Philadelphia and is a graduate of the Archdiocese’s Cardinal Dougherty High School. Realizing he had a priestly vocation at an early age, he opted to apply for acceptance in the seminary in the Archdi-

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ocese of Mobile, Ala. He graduated from St. Mary College, Marion County, Ky., and Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md. He was ordained a priest by Bishop John L. May of Mobile on May 13, 1972. After serving in a number of parishes in Alabama, he returned to the northeast to be closer to his family. Father Gallagher ministered in the Father Richard Diocese of WilmGallagher ington, Del., from 1975 to 1979, and was then invited to serve in a New Jersey parish. He was incardinated into the Diocese of Trenton in 1983. Father Gallagher served as a parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, and pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Trenton, (now part July 2022

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of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton), from 1987 to 1989, and then Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport, from 1989 to 1993. With permission from Bishop John M. Smith, Father Gallagher traveled to California, where he put his 1991 degree in counseling from Villanova University, Villanova, Pa., to use as a community counselor in San Francisco County. He returned to the East Coast to care for his ailing mother and serve part-time in St. Luke Parish, Toms River, and parishes in the Bayshore area of Monmouth County on weekends. In 2006, Father Gallagher began service with the Apostleship of the Sea as a cruise chaplain; he returned to the Diocese of Trenton as parochial vicar in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, in 2012, then to St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor. Father Gallagher retired from active ministry June 29, 2014. He resides in Morris Hall, Lawrenceville.

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Father O’Connor and fellow clergy celebrate a May 21 Mass of Thanksgiving in Holy Name Church, Delran, where he had served as pastor for 19 years. Joe Moore photo

‘Keep moving on’ Father O’Connor’s 50-year journey of ‘holy moments’ continues in retirement BY LOIS ROGERS  Correspondent

hile celebrating the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination, Father Michael J. O’Connor described decades that sounded very much like a Rosary of what he called “holy moments” threading from his native Ireland to the shores of America and throughout six parishes in the four counties of the Trenton Diocese. As with a Rosary, there were moments, he recalled, of special joy, such as during his 19-year tenure at Holy Name Parish in Delran, now called Resurrection Parish, when the community celebrated the building of a parish center and a cry room was converted into an Adoration Chapel. Father Michael J. There were very difficult moments O’Connor as well, the most trying of which came in 2012 just four months after he arrived as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Bay Head when Hurricane Sandy hit the area with “full vengeance,” causing evacuation of the campus and months of restoration. But all those experiences, he said, were “teaching moments when God was directing my life ... In every life, you have to keep moving on.” 18 LIVES of FAITH 

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“I grew up on a farm near Skibbereen in West Cork in Ireland,” Father O’Connor recalled. “My parents were simple people who loved God and farming.” Born on Sept. 14, 1946, to parents Michael and Nora O’Connor, he was the oldest of six children with two brothers and three sisters. Back in those early days, the family treasured the visits of his uncle, Father John Cadogan, a priest in the Rockville Center Diocese, 🌾 “The priesthood Long Island. “One summer, my uncle is a great vocation popped a simple question to ... I would do it all me. He said: ‘Michael, did you over again.” ever think about becoming a priest?’ It was like a holy moment for me. I never really thought about (a vocation) before. At the time I loved to hear him talk about New York and what was going on in America.” The question started Father O’Connor thinking about the possibility of a priestly vocation and the call grew during his formative years. “All my education was in Ireland. I went to Rockwell College, County Tipperary and then to St. Patrick’s College and Seminary, Carlow.” While there, he said, “a priest from the Diocese of Trenton came to visit and spoke about how wonderful the Diocese was. So, after some discussion with my uncle, I decided to sign up.” Residing since his 2018 retirement in Lawrenceville’s Villa

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Vianney, Father O’Connor reflected on that decision and how momentous it seemed to him at his ordination June 17, 1972, in Kinsale, County Cork. “Shortly after ordination, I came to America. Life was very fast for me,” he said. It was a big adjustment after growing up on a farm in Ireland.” “My first assignment was as a parochial vicar in Guardian Angels Parish, Edison (now in the Metuchen Diocese). The people were very welcoming to me,” he said, as they were in each of the six parishes to which he was assigned. These included St. Denis Parish, Manasquan; Our Lady of Sorrows (now Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish), 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 (now Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish), Lakewood in 2004. Looking back, Father O’Connor

Father O’Connor’s greatest joys from his 50 years of priesthood was working alongside the “good lay people” he encountered along the way. Joe Moore photo recalled the “good lay people” who consistently worked with him throughout the years, giving so much time, treasure and talent to the parish communities. “They loved their parishes,” he said. “Once I got to know them, I just worked with them…”

Today, Father O’Connor assists as needed at parishes, including Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Maple Shade, and appreciates having time for “more reflection.” “The priesthood is a great vocation,” he said, adding, “I would do it all over again.”

The priest is the love of the heart of Jesus. St. Jean Marie Vianney

CONGRATULATIONS, BISHOP O’CONNELL as you celebrate the 40th ANNIVERSARY of your Ordination to the Holy Priesthood Thank you for bringing the love of Jesus to so many people over the years. May God grant that you keep walking along the priestly path with a cheerful heart and the courage to serve!

Our Lady of Sorrows—St. Anthony Parish Hamilton July 2022

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Father John Scully distributes Holy Communion to parishioners during his June 2015 retirement Mass in St. Clement Parish, Matawan. John Batkowski photo

Priestly Joy Father Scully focused ministry on youth, law enforcement BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

arking 50 years of priestly ministry, Father John Scully has found many ways in which to minister – chiefly in parishes of the Diocese, as well as among law enforcement officers, for whom he had a great love. Born in Trenton May 20, 1944, Father Scully attended St. Philip Neri School, Boston, and St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, where he received his Master of Divinity degree, and was ordained to the priesthood May 20, Father John Scully 1972, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. After ordination Father Scully’s first assignment was in Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro. Three years later he moved to St. Mary Parish, New Monmouth, where his responsibilities included both St. Mary Grammar School and Mater Dei High School (which became Mater Dei Prep, now closed). Further assignments included two years in St. James Parish, Woodbridge (now in the Metuchen Diocese), followed by time in St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville. His first assignment as a pastor came in 1982, when he moved to Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune. While ministering there, he also served as chaplain of the Neptune Police Department for 15 years, looking forward to the Blue Mass celebrated in the Cathedral each year. While ministering in Holy Innocents, Father Scully formed a committee in 1990 to determine interest in and support for the construction of a new church building – and 88 percent of parishioners agreed it was a worthy investment. The parish raised $1.2 million in pledges; following its construction, the new worship space was dedicated by Bishop John C. Reiss in 1992. Father Scully served on the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal along with Msgr. Edward Strano, who later recommended

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Father Scully to replace him as pastor of St. Clement Parish, Matawan, upon his own retirement. For 18 years Father Scully shepherded the parish community in Matawan before his retirement in June 2015. Notable accomplishments during his pastorship include the establishment of House of Hope, a property converted into a meeting space for various support groups; structural improvements to St. Clement Parish property; and intentional involvement in the spiritual development of young parishioners, regularly inviting children to come to the altar following the Gospel reading to dialogue with him about Jesus’ message in the Scriptures. “I am very proud of our religious education program and the numerous volunteers who assist us with teaching at St. Clement,” he said in a 2018 interview at the time of his retirement, “and the enthusiasm our children have for learning about Jesus and the Church.” During his time at St. Clement, he served as chaplain of the Aberdeen Police Department and witnessed firsthand the devastation at Ground Zero. “Our parishioners volunteered and collected supplies and organized them inside our parish gym. It was an incredible collective effort by our parish and local 🌾 “I am very proud communities that were hit of ... the enthusiasm hard by loss from that terrible our children have for attack,” Father Scully recalled. learning about Jesus “We lost six parishioners. I and the Church.” visited each family at their homes. It was a traumatic time and experience for all, and we were proud one year later to honor the victims with a monument on the grounds of St. Clement where they could always be remembered.” In January 2011 Father Scully was honored by the Matawan Borough Council as the “Citizen of the Year” for his years of faithful service to the community. St. Clement Parish also honored him by naming the religious educational building after him, in recognition of his support for religious education and youth of the parish. Upon his retirement, Father Scully served in various parishes, until recent health issues prevented him from doing so.

July 2022

In God’s Time

Believing in God’s plan is at the heart of Father Venza’s 50 years of priesthood BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

rue happiness is found when one believes that God has a plan and is willing to follow that plan. That’s the mantra Father Felix Venza has firmly held onto throughout his life and especially during his 50 years of priesthood which he celebrates this year. “God has a plan” and everything will fall into place, he said. Father Venza was a youngster in his home parish, St. Joachim, Trenton, now part of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, when he began to see God’s plan for his life to pursue a priestly vocation. On the occasion of his retirement in 2017, Father Venza shared a number of Father Felix Venza thoughts about his priesthood, including his early sense of a vocation. “I was always at the altar serving several Masses a day. I was in the boys’ choir and spent all of my childhood in that church. The priests told my mother they thought I had a vocation and it turns out they were right,” he said. Father Venza, who was born in 1946 in Trenton, received his early education in St. Joachim School, followed by Mother of the Savior Seminary, Blackwood, which is now the current site of Camden Community College. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Charles College Seminary, Catonsville, Md., for two years, then St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore. A pleasant memory Father Venza remembered from the day he was ordained a priest by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, was the heavy rains that fell early in the morning. But on that day, May 20, 1972, as ordination was set to begin, he said, the sun was shining. The newly ordained Father Venza’s first assignment as a parochial vicar was Christ the King Parish, Manville, which is now part of the Metuchen Diocese. He then served subsequent assignments in St. Agnes Parish (now part of Our

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Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish), Atlantic Highlands, and St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown. In April 1988, he relocated to Burlington County when he was named to his first and only pastorate in St. Clare Parish, Florence, where he served for 20 years. Father Venza treasured his time in St. Clare Parish, especially in knowing he was providing for the pastoral needs of the parishioners and having the opportunity to develop close relationships with many of the families. He also found his ministerial experience to be enriched when his parish engaged in ecumenical efforts with area churches of other faith traditions, and through his 🌾 “The priests told service as the spiritual direcmy mother they tor of the Holy Name Society thought I had a in Burlington County. Father Venza left St. vocation and it turns Clare Parish in 2008, when out they were right.” the parish was merged with neighboring Holy Assumption Parish, Roebling, and became the new Sts. Francis and Clare Parish, Florence Township. Following St. Clare Parish, he served as a senior priest in residence in St. Mary Parish, Bordentown, which is now part of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish. “I’ve made so many friends,” he said, then recalled the added blessing it was that once he retired from active ministry, he was able to move into a private residence in southern Mercer County, not far from Bordentown and Florence, and remain close by.

Father Venza said of his 50 years of priesthood, “God has a plan.” John Blaine photo

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Congratulations Congratulations

Fr. Michael Lankford-Stokes, You are a wonderful example of what it means to be a dedicated servant to the Lord. May God continue to bless you! Congratulations for your 30 years of faithful service from the parishioners of St. Catherine’s Parish!

Monsignor Thomas Gervasio Monsignor Thomas Gervasio

May God bless you as you celebrate May 40 God blessofyou as you celebrate years priestly service 40 to years priestly service the of people of God. to the people of God.

Father Tim, Staff and Parish Family Father Tim,of Staff and Parish Family Church St. David the King Princeton Church of St.Junction, David theNJ King Princeton Junction, NJ

St. Catherine’s Church Middletown | stcathek.org

Congratulations! Msgr. Thomas Gervasio on the 40th Anniversary of your Ordination to the Priesthood. Thank you for your devoted service and commitment to our Lord and His Church. “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.” John 15:16 22 LIVES of FAITH 

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July 2022

Congratulations Rev. Walter Quiceno! Felicitaciones! Happy 10th Anniversary of Ordination Fr. Walter! St. Mary’s Parish is so blessed, honored and fortunate to have you as our Parochial Vicar. We thank you for all your service, wisdom, compassion, strength and dedication to our Church and our parishioners. God’s Blessings to you always as you continue your priestly journey.

Message to the Bishop On behalf of St. Mary’s Church, Barnegat ~ Clergy, Deacons, Staff and Parishioners ~ we wish Bishop O’Connell our sincerest congratulations on this most blessed occasion of his 40th anniversary. We thank him for all his service, guidance and dedication to the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Trenton.

St. Mary’s Church is proud to honor and congratulate Clergy of past. Rev. George Deutsch – 65th Anniversary Retired Weekend Assistant Rev. Erin Brown – 15th Anniversary Former Parochial Vicar of St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Parish Barnegat | Manahawkin

A Perpetual Adoration Parish July 2022

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 23

Lessons from St. Teresa Father Manning strives to ‘do everything for Jesus Christ’ BY DR. CARLY YORK 

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 Then-Dr. Michael Manning, a seminarian at the time, greets Mother Teresa of Calcutta during her June 18, 1995 visit to St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. At left is Father Pablo Gadenz, priest of the Diocese and associate professor, Mount St. Mary Seminary and University, Emmitsburg, Md. Monitor file photo

Correspondent

ore than 25 years ago, during his later seminary days, Father Michael Manning was given a front seat for a special Mass at which Mother Teresa of Kolkata was present. “I had expected some profound advice from her, but what she gave was very simple, very direct and very important for everything that happens in ministry and life … ‘Do everything for Jesus Christ.’” Now celebrating 25 years of priesthood in the Diocese of Trenton, Father Manning acknowledged that his care and service for others began before his call to priestly ministry. For 17 years, Father Manning served as a medical doctor, having graduated SUNY Downstate Medical School in 1975 and worked as a gastroenterologist in Staten Island until 1992. Father Michael At some point he recognized his restManning lessness with his career choice, and with some reflection realized, “It wasn’t more of what I had that I wanted, it was something that I didn’t have and I really needed.” Shortly thereafter, Father Manning responded to the call of the priesthood, entering St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore. He was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Trenton

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by Bishop John C. Reiss in May of 1997. An outgrowth of his studies was his book, “Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Suicide: Killing or Caring,” published by Paulist Press in 1998. During his seminary studies and the early years of priesthood, Father Manning admitted missing some aspects 🌾 “I became very of his medical career, namely much called to “the responsibility and gravitas Respect Life the of being a doctor. And I longer I served in missed the patients.” Father Manning chanthat ministry.” neled that desire for leadership and patient care into his work as the Respect Life coordinator for the Diocese, a post he said he, “didn’t feel prepared for.” But then, he said, “I realized that a lot of what I had done in medicine was helpful in dealing with issues of life and resuscitation and beginning of life. I became very much called to Respect Life the longer I served in that ministry.” Father Manning’s skill in healing and human nature helped him lead recovery in two parishes – St. William the Abbott, Howell, where he served as temporary administrator and, later, as pastor, and in Holy Cross, Rumson, where he was named pastor in 2004. Previous financial scandals there had made national news headlines. He recalled, “people were so

July 2022

polarized, and hurt, and disappointed.” Thinking back, he felt he was able to turn the trauma into triumph by relying on a sense of persistence and call. In September of 2015, Father Manning experienced one of the major highlights of his priesthood when the new church building at Holy Cross was dedicated. Though the building project had been in the works for many years, Father Manning was pleased to have had an integral part in the building process. Reflecting on the priesthood, Father. Manning said, “It is still something that in a lot of ways a dreamer has to do. You can do things that never looked possible. If you do it for the right reasons – which is for Christ –then things are possible, not because of your efforts but because of the efforts of the Holy Spirit.” With all of the wisdom he gleaned from both a career in medicine and now the priesthood, Father Manning reflected, “Things don’t last. The only thing that lasts is the Word and the

Following the Mass he celebrated for his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination, Father Manning was honored with a reception by his Holy Cross Parish community. Here he looks at photo displays with parish pastoral associate Lori LaPlante. Rich Hundley photo Eucharist.” His counsel to any man considering a vocation to the priesthood is, “You have to really love Jesus Christ and his Church. If you dedicate yourself to those things, you are becoming part of something that will last. It is not a

building, or a legacy, or one way of doing things. There is a humility in the face of everything that makes you want to be part of something that lasts forever but is not of your own making. I think that is a blessing that comes later in life.”

With grateful hearts, Holy Cross Church, Rumson, wishes Congratulations and Continued Blessings to Father Manning on 25 Years of Priesthood. Well done, good and faithful servant. July 2022

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Congratulations Congratulations

We Celebrate with you

Monsignor Casimir Ladzinski Monsignor Casimir Ladzinski

BISHOP O’CONNELL

60th Anniversary 60th Anniversary May God bless you for your priestly Mayservice God bless you for your priestly to the people of God. service to the people of God.

40 Years of Priesthood

“I will always welcome joyfully any opportunity that comes my way to be of service to you.” St. Vincent dePaul

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July 2022

THE YEAR OF JUBILEE Celebration Prayer Starters by Br. Mickey McGrath

Clear Faith Publishing Congratulates all Priests, Deacons and Religious Celebrating an Anniversary this Year!

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 27

David O’Connell competes as a senior on the debate team in 1973 at St. Joseph Preparatory High School, Princeton, run by the Vincentians. Courtesy photo

Father O’Connell is ordained a priest of the Congregation of the Mission in Mary Immaculate Seminary May 29, 1982, by Bishop Joseph McShea of the Diocese of Allentown. Courtesy photo

A Priestly Path

Since growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, David M. O’Connell wanted to be a priest. That desire became a reality, when, after attending a Vincentian-run high school, college and seminary, he was ordained a priest of the Congregation of Priest the Mission May 29, 1982. Anniversary In the decades that followed, then-Father O’Connell served as a teacher and administrator in several different institutions of Catholic education, eventually taking him to The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he served years as the 14th president. He led the university for 12 years, until June 4, 2010, when he was named by Pope Benedict XVI as Coadjutor Bishop of Trenton. He became the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton in December 2010, and has since passed on to the faithful – through his homilies, writings and personal visits – a fidelity to Church teaching and a deep abiding love for Christ and his Church. In marking this year’s milestone, Bishop O’Connell said: “It’s been 40 great years of service as a priest. It’s something I always wanted to do and something I am very happy doing. It’s been a real joy.”

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40 

During their first meeting in 1994, then Father O’Connell shakes hands with Pope John Paul II. In the years to follow, Bishop O’Connell will also have met Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis several times. Courtesy photo 28 LIVES of FAITH  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

The Catholic University of America students enjoy a conversation with then-Father David O’Connell, who, as the 14th president of the university, served for 12 years, prior to being named a Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton in June 2010. Photo courtesy of Catholic University of America 

July 2022

Father O’Connell, center, is pictured with his family members, clockwise from top left: brother Daniel O’Connell, brother Arthur O’Connell, Jr., father Arthur J. O’Connell, mother June O’Connell, and brother Dennis O’Connell. Courtesy photo

Just after his episcopal ordination July 30, 2010, the new Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese blesses the congregants who filled St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral.. Craig Pittelli photo

Bishop O’Connell sings with the students of St. Jerome School, West Long Branch, during his Catholic Schools Week visit Jan. 27, 2014. The image became a central element in the diocesan Catholic Schools Have It All school development campaign. Craig Pittelli photo

As he processes into St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral at his episcopal ordination Mass, Bishop-elect O’Connell stops to greet his mother seated in the front pew. Craig Pittelli photo July 2022

 LIVES of FAITH

Bishop O’Connell delivers his homily during a Mass he celebrated for married couples celebrating milestone anniversaries in October 2021 in St.Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Hal Brown photo 

THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 29

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Priest

Anniversary

65 years



Father George E. Deutsch  Retired 1999  Born 1929 in Philadelphia  Attended St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md., and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, South Orange  Ordained May 25, 1957 in St. Anthony Church, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr  Parochial vicar in parishes of St. Edward, Milford; former Blessed Sacrament, Trenton; St. Leo the Great, Lincroft; Our Lady of Peace, North Brunswick; St. Barnabas, Bayville; administrator in St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor; founding pastor, St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River, pastor, St. Pius X Parish, Forked River

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Priest

Anniversary

60 years



Msgr. Casimir H. Ladzinski  Retired in 2012  Born in Cambridge (Delran) in 1937  Attended St. Charles College Seminary, Catonsville, Md.; St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, and Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, Mich. 30 LIVES of FAITH 

 Ordained May 26, 1962, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr  Earned master’s degrees in pastoral counseling from Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y., and Princeton Theological Seminary; further studies in Jangellonian University, Krakow, Poland; Notre Dame University, South Bend, Ind.; Theological Institute, American College, Louvain Belgium, and Vatican II Institute for Clergy Formation, Menlo Park, Calif.  Parochial vicar, St. Hedwig Parish, Trenton  Member of diocesan Liturgical Commission  Served parishes of Holy Trinity, Helmetta; Sacred Heart, South Amboy; St. Justin the Martyr, Toms River; Holy Innocents, Neptune; St. Stephen, Perth Amboy, former Blessed Sacrament, Trenton  Pastor in parishes of St. Joseph, Toms River; St. Aloysius, Jackson; St. Rose, Belmar; Sacred Heart, Bay Head  Served Diocese of Trenton as diocesan vicar general; director of priest personnel; episcopal vicar of Ocean and Burlington Counties; president of the diocesan council of priests; seminarian recruitment board of vocations  Appointed Prelate of Honor to his Holiness with title of monsignor in December 1983, invested March 1984

Father Joseph A. Radomski  Retired in 2006  Born in 1935 in Manville  Attended seminary in St. Thomas College Seminary, Bloomfield, Conn., and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington  Ordained May 26, 1962, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr  Served as pastor in parishes of Ss. Peter and Paul, Great Meadows; St. Mary, Perth Amboy; former St. Elizabeth, Avon; parochial vicar in parishes of St.

THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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July 2022

Joseph, Trenton; St. Mary, South River, and Sacred Heart, South Amboy  Rebuilt, restored and enlarged St. Elizabeth Parish after 1986 fire



Priest

Anniversary

55 years



Father Joseph Gnarackatt  Parochial vicar, St. Dominic Parish, Brick  Born in 1939 in Muttom-Thodupuzha, Idukki, Kerala, India  Attended Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, and St. Albert College Seminary, Ranchi, India  Ordained Nov. 26, 1967, in Ranchi, India, by Bishop Pius Kerketta, S.J.  Ministered in Catholic churches in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, and in “Homes of Hope” outreach service community  Arrived in Diocese of Trenton in 1991  Served as parochial vicar in parishes of the former St. Anthony, Hamilton; former Our Lady of Sorrows, Hamilton; St. Pius X, Forked River; St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford  Incardinated into the Diocese of Trenton Dec. 13, 1996

Father Edwin J. Mathias  Retired in 2018  Born in 1942 in Mangalore, India  Attended Allahabad University and Christ the King Seminary, Karachi, Pakistan; joined seminary at 15 and ordained Jan. 8, 1967, at age 24  Ministered in Pakistan and Diocese

of Bhopal, India, including as mission director in the city of Ashta, India  Incardinated a priest of the Diocese of Trenton Sept. 23, 1993  Served as a parochial vicar in parishes of the former Our Lady of Sorrows, Hamilton, and St. Joan of Arc, Marlton  Served as pastor of St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills, 1995-2018  Served three-year term on the diocesan Incardination Board, 1999-2002

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Priest

Anniversary

45 years



Father Silvano B. Amora  Retired in 2020  Born in 1950 in province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines  Attended seminaries in Philippines 1968-1977  Ordained in Philippines by Bishop Felix S. Zafra in St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Labson, Zamboanga de Notre, Philippines  In Diocese of Dipolog, Philippines, served as missionary, parish pastor, vicar forane and consulter for diocesan community-based health program  Arrived in Diocese of Trenton in 1987  Served in parishes of Visitation, Brick; St. Theresa, Little Egg Harbor, and St. Justin the Martyr, Toms River  Incardinated into the Trenton Diocese in 2003  Parochial vicar of St. Ann Parish, Keansburg; transferred to St. Dorothea Parish, where he remains in-residence

Father Cesar R. Anson  Parochial vicar, Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown  Born in Libmanan, Camarines Sur Philippines

 Prepared for the priesthood in Philippines seminaries  Ordained April 15, 1977, in Real, Quezon, Philippines, by Bishop Julio Xavier Labayen  Immigrated to the United States in 1987; assigned to St. John the Baptist Parish, Jersey City  Arrived in Trenton Diocese in 1990  Served in parishes of St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford; St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold  Incardinated into Trenton Diocese in 2000  Served in parishes of the former Blessed Sacrament, Trenton; Epiphany, Brick; the former St. Paul, Burlington, St. Joseph, Toms River  Ministered in Community Medical Center, Toms River

Father John P. Czahur  Pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly  Born in 1951 in Trenton  Attended St. Mary’s Seminary College, Catonsville, Md., and The Catholic University of America, Washington  Ordained May 21, 1977, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton  Served as parochial vicar in parishes of St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford; Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown; Our Lady Queen of Peace, Hainesport; Sacred Heart, Riverton.  Served as assistant director of the diocesan Office of Religious Education  Taught in St. Mary Seminary and University School of Theology  Served as director of the Office of Evangelization and director of the Office of Liturgy  Appointed pastor of Sacred Heart, Mount Holly, in 2004 July 2022

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Priest

Anniversary

40 years



Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio  Diocesan vicar general; pastor, Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton since 2005  Born in Trenton in 1956  Attended St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, and Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md.  Ordained Oct. 30, 1982, by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton  Served in parishes of St. James, Red Bank; St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton Square; former Holy Trinity, Long Branch; former St. Joachim, Trenton; former St. Anthony, Hamilton.  Named a Chaplain of His Holiness with the title of reverend monsignor in 1997; when appointed diocesan vicar general, named a “Prelate of Honor” by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012  Served Diocese of Trenton as director of the Office of Family Life-Respect Life; director of Catholic Relief Services-Catholic Campaign for Human Development; member of the diocesan board for vocations

Father Michael G. Lynch  Retired  Born in New Brunswick  Studied for priesthood in Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md.  Ordained Oct. 30, 1982, by Bishop John C. Reiss in

LIVES of FAITH

Continued on 32

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 31

Continued from 31

St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton  Served in parishes of Sacred Heart, Riverton; St. Dominic, Brick; St. Veronica, Howell; St. Justin the Martyr, Toms River; St. Gabriel, Marlboro; St. Anthony of Padua, Red Bank.  Served as parish pastor of former St. Joseph, Beverly; St. Alphonsus, Hopewell; St. Leo the Great, Lincroft; former St. Agnes, Atlantic Highlands; and St. Denis, Manasquan

 Served in parishes of St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton Square; former Jesus the Lord, Keyport; Holy Family, Hazlet; former St. Stanislaus and former Holy Cross, both Trenton; former St. Stephen, Trenton; St. Ann, Browns Mills; former Blessed Sacrament-Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd, Trenton, and former St. Mary, Deal

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Priest

Anniversary

Father Rogatus L. Mpeka  Parochial vicar, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Yardville  Born in Morogoro, Tanzania  Attended Stony Brook University, N.Y.; Maryknoll School of Theology, Ossining, N.Y.; St. John University, Queens, N.Y.; New York University  Prepared for priesthood in Tanzania  Ordained Nov. 26, 1982, by then-Bishop Adrian Mkoba, Diocese of Morogoro  Arrived in the United States in 1997  Served in parishes of the former Blessed Sacrament, Trenton, and St. Justin the Martyr, Toms River  Appointed parochial vicar in St. Vincent de Paul in 2000  Incardinated into the Diocese of Trenton in 2012

Father Stanley T. Polczyk  Retired in 2008  Born in Deggendorf, Germany; immigrated to Perth Amboy  Attended Mother of the Savior Preparatory Seminary, Blackwood; St. Mary’s College and Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, both Orchard Lake, Mich.  Ordained May 22, 1982, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop John C. Reiss 32 LIVES of FAITH 

Tagaytay City, Philippines  Ordained Dec. 19, 1987  Served in the provincial house in Manila; chaplain in Divine Word College on the island of Mindoro  Assigned to Chicago Province of Society of Divine Word briefly in 2003  Served in St. Anthony Claret Parish, now part of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood

years



Father George A. Medina  Retired  Born in 1948 in Manhattan, N.Y.; returned to Colombia  Studied for priesthood in Bolivia and Ponce, Puerto Rico  Worked as lawyer and researcher for Vatican library  Ordained in Puerto Rico Sept. 27, 1987, by Bishop Juan Fremiot Torres Oliver  Served in Puerto Rico for four years;  Arrived in U.S. in 1990 to work in Kansas City and Sacramento, Calif.  Relocated to Diocese of Trenton in 1993; incardinated in 2007  Served in parishes of former St. John the Baptist, Long Branch; St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton; former Sts. Peter and Paul, Trenton; St. Joseph, Trenton; St. Mark, Sea Girt; Sacred Heart and former Divine Mercy, Trenton; weekend assistant in Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton

Divine World Father Pelagio J. Pateño  Parochial vicar, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood  Born in 1949 in Philippines  Attended the Divine Word Seminary,

THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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July 2022



Priest

Anniversary

30 years



Father Joy T. Chacko  Parochial vicar, Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head, and St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette  Born 1960 in Kallara, Kerala, India  Attended the Khrist Premalaya, Bhopal Regional Theolgate Ecclesiastical Institute, Ashta, Sehore District, India, and Osmania University, Hyderabad, India  Ordained May 7, 1992, in St. Thomas Church in Kallara, India, by Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulagara of Nagpur  Came to the U.S. in 1994  Served as nursing home chaplain in Diocese of Rockville Center, N.Y., while awaiting Trenton Diocese assignment  Served in parishes of St. Catherine, Middletown; former Blessed Sacrament, Trenton; former Incarnation, Ewing; former Holy Name, Delran; St. Ann, Keansburg, St.Veronica, Howell; St. Gabriel, Marlboro  Incardinated into the Diocese of Trenton in 2000

Congratulations

Father Michael P. Lang  Pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Millstone Township  Born in Philadelphia in 1957  Attended St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore  Commissioned as lieutenant in U.S. Air Force; spent two summers as Air Force chaplain candidate  Ordained May 16, 1992, by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton  Served in parishes of St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton Square; parochial vicar in former St. Raphael, Hamilton; chaplain in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville; and master of ceremonies to Bishop John C. Reiss  Served as pastor in parishes of Holy Eucharist, Tabernacle, and former St. Mary of the Lake, Lakewood

to all the priests and deacons celebrating a milestone year. IN PARTICULAR:

Father Michael G. Lankford-Stokes

Bishop O’Connell Fr. Michael Manning Fr. Richard Villa Fr. Albert Tamayo Deacon Thomas DiCanio Deacon Glen Mendonca Deacon Richard Tucker

 Chaplain, East Orange VA Medical Center  Born in Athens into Episcopalian faith  Attended Pontifical College Josephinum Seminary, Worthington, Ohio.  Ordained May 16, 1992, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop John C. Reiss  Served in parishes of St. James, Red Bank; former St. Anthony, Trenton, former St. Jerome, West Long Branch; Nativity, Fair Haven; St. Catherine Laboure, Middletown  Chaplain for Department of Veterans Affairs (Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA) in 2005

AND ESPECIALLY: Father Jeffrey E. Lee  Pastor, St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck  Born 1964 in Trenton  Attended St. Meinrad College of Liberal Arts and St. Meinrad School of Theology, St. Meinrad, Ind., and Princeton Theological Seminary  Ordained May 16, 1992, by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton  Served as parochial vicar in the parishes of former St. Mary of the Lake, Lakewood; St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson.  Served as pastor of St. Joachim, Trenton, and Immaculate Conception, Trenton, now Our Lady of the Angels Parish  Diocesan appointments include director of the Office of Research and Planning; director of the Office of Family Life-Respect Life; director of the Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs; episcopal vicar of Mercer County; director of pilgrimages; member of Diocesan Presbyteral Council

Fr. Matthew Pfleger

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LIVES of FAITH

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 33



Priest

Anniversary

years



years



years



Father Joe M. Noche

pastor, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport, and respect life chaplain for Burlington County

Father Stephen M. Piga pastor, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River

Father Guilherme Andrino, SVD

Father Neiser Cardenas Barros

pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood

parochial vicar, St. Joseph Parish, Toms River

Father James F. O’Neill

pastor, St. John Parish, Lakehurst, and respect life chaplain for Ocean County

Msgr. Joseph L. Roldan rector, St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton

Father Carlos Castilla

Father Erin J. Brown

parochial vicar, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River

pastor, St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach

Father Alberto W. Tamayo

pastor, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank

Father Richard C. Vila

pastor, St. Ann Parish, Keansburg

34 LIVES of FAITH 

Father Doug A. Freer

St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center/Morris Hall, Lawrenceville

THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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July 2022

Father Andres Serna

parochial vicar, St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, and Precious Blood Parish, Monmouth Beach



Priest

Anniversary

years



Father Matthew J. Pfleger

Father Thomas J. Barry

pastor, Holy Family Parish, Union Beach

in residence, Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands

Father Roy Aris B. Ballacillo Father Daniel E. Kirk

parochial vicar, St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford

pastor, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson

Father Michael Kennedy

Father Michael A. Gentile

parochial vicar, St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan

McDERMOTT SISTERS Continued from 4

Father Walter A. Quiceno parochial vicar, St. Mary Parish, Barnegat

parochial vicar, Visitation Parish, Brick

While Sister Peg went on to become a director of religious education in the Newark Archdiocese, Sister Rose pursued teaching in higher education including serving as a canon law professor in The Catholic University of America. Sister Rose was a CUA faculty member during Bishop O’Connell’s tenure as the university’s president. Years later after becoming Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, he invited Sister Rose to join him in the Diocese. He later invited Sister Peg to join the Chancery staff following her retirement as a director of religious education in Newark. The Chancery celebrated the sisters with

a brunch and presentation of gifts that included a video tribute from the entire Chancery family. “You can be assured that you will be in our prayers as we pray daily for all those who we appreciate and love. So Trenton has been a very good experience for us, ” Sister Peg said. Sister Rose agreed, “Yes it has for both of us. I simply can say ‘Amen to that!’” In commemoration of the sisters’ combined decades of ministry, the diocesan Department of Multimedia Production produced a six-part video series in which Sister Rose and Sister Peg share stories about their family, vocations in religious life and various work experiences. The six videos can be found on youtube.com/trentondiocese and will play on diocesan social media and TrentonMonitor.com over the coming weeks.

Additional copies of this commemorative magazine are available from The Monitor at a cost of $5 per copy to cover printing and postage. To place your order, call the Circulation Desk at 609-403-7169 or email us at Monitor-Business@dioceseoftrenton.org. This keepsake booklet is also available digitally at TrentonMonitor.com July 2022

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LIVES of FAITH

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 35

Congratulations to Bishop O’Connell and all priests and deacons celebrating their ordination anniversary in 2022

Bishop O’Connell, For your selfless dedication and the holy work you do, may God bless and reward you on your 40th Anniversary. Congratulations from the parishioners of St. Catherine’s Parish!

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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July 2022

Congratulations Congratulations

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Teresa Director,N.J. N.J.Lic. Lic.No. No.3438 3294 Paula Intelisano, De John, Manager, 732-255-6363 PaulaIntelisano De John, Manager, N.J. Lic. No. 3438 Rudolph Sr., Director, N.J. Lic. 2316 Teresa Intelisano, Director, N.J. Lic. No.No. 3294 www.silvertonmemorial.com Teresa Intelisano, Director, N.J. Lic. No. 3294 Paula De John, Manager, N.J. Lic. No. 3438 Gregory De John, 4261 Rudolph Intelisano Sr., Director, N.J. Lic. No. 2316 Paula De John, Manager, N.J. Lic. No. 3438 Burial &Gregory Cremation options • Prearrangement &N.J. Prepayment plans available Rudolph Intelisano Sr., Director, Lic. No. Teresa Intelisano, Director, N.J. Lic. No. 3294 De John, 4261 Gregory De John, Director, N.J. Lic. No. 42612316 Gregory De John,Sr., Director, N.J. Lic. No. 4261 Rudolph Intelisano Director, N.J. Lic. No. 2316 Paula Intelisano-DeJohn, Manager, N.J. Lic. No. 3438 Gregory John, Director, No.4261 4261 Gregory De G. DeJohn, Director,N.J. N.J. Lic. Lic. No.

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Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals would like to congratulate all priests and deacons celebrating an anniversary and all retiring priests in the Diocese of Trenton. Wishing you God’s abundant blessings

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732-505-1900 • www.ryanfuneralhome.com Mark L. Sarin, Senior Director, NJ License No. 4134

July 2022

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Bishop David M. O’Connell ~ 40 years ST. MARY PARISH, BARNEGAT Fr. Walter Quiceno ~ 10 years SACRED HEART PARISH, BAY HEAD and ST. PIO OF PIETRELCINA PARISH, LAVALLETTE Fr. Joy Chacko, Parochial Vicar ~ 30 years ST. BARNABAS PARISH, BAYVILLE Deacon Stanley D. Kendrick ~ 10 years EPIPHANY PARISH, BRICK Deacon Luis Commisso ~ 35 years ST. DOMINIC, BRICK Fr. Joseph Gnarackatt ~ 55 years VISITATION PARISH, BRICK Fr. Michael Kennedy ~ 5 years ST. PIUS X PARISH, FORKED RIVER Deacon Anthony Martucci ~ 35 years Deacon Anthony Repice ~ 15 years ST. JOHN PARISH, LAKEHURST Fr. James O’Neill ~ 15 years OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH, LAKEWOOD Fr. Pelagio Pateno ~ 35 years Fr. Guilherme Andrino ~ 15 years ST. JOSEPH, TOMS RIVER Fr. Neiser Cardenas Barros ~ 10 years Deacon Frank Babuschak ~ 40 years ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE, TOMS RIVER Fr. Stephen Piga ~ 20 years Fr. Carlos Castilla ~ 10 years ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON, WHITING Fr. Pasquale Papalia ~ retired

LIVES of FAITH

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 37

Deacon Lawrence W. Finn  Retired, serving in Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown  Born in Philadelphia in 1943  Wife: JoAnn; three children – Lawrence W. Finn, Jr. (deceased), Jeanne M. Finn and Joseph W. Finn – and four grandchildren  Attended LaSalle University, Phila., Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and apprenticed for IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers)  Employed by IBEW until 1999 retirement; board member of the Apprentice/Electrical Contractors Assoc., chaired various committees  Ordained May 10, 1997, by Bishop John C. Reiss  Formerly deacon in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade; ministered as member of various councils, initiated and led youth ministry, led charismatic prayer groups and Scripture studies, and chaired the RENEW and Censes programs; certified as spiritual director in July 2005, and was associate director of deacons for the Diocese 2009-2014 “Serving the Lord with gladness was definitely the right choice,” he reflected. “It was always a joy and privilege to offer spiritual direction to other deacons and parishioners, as well as others who asked to see me.”

Deacon Benito DeJesus Torres  St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton  Born in 1953  Wife, Shariffa Torres; five children, Stephen, Christopher, Michel, Rafael and Christine; 19 grandchildren and four great grandchildren  Attended Mercer County Community College and Trenton Tech  Employed at The College of New Jersey as a senior repairman  Ordained May 10, 1997, by Bishop John C. Reiss  Served in pastoral care for the Diocese of Trenton and St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton; Cursillo and the Charismatic Movement

LIVES of

Faith

DEACON MILESTONES

When reflecting on what has been most meaningful about serving as a deacon, Deacon Torres said that, “Because the gift of love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that was put in my heart, I had to share it with others. I want to help the people of God.”



Deacon Barry J. Zadworny

Deacon

 Retired, St. Hedwig Parish, Trenton  Born in Trenton in 1944  Wife, Dorothy; two children, Kenneth Richards and Pamela Richards; two grandchildren  Attended Rider University, Lawrenceville  Retired, worked as senior vice president of Investors Bank and prior to that Roma Bank

Anniversary

25 years



Continued on 40

38 LIVES of FAITH

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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July 2022

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Ewing, N.J. 08618

Deacon Thomas James DiCanio St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel Deacon Glen Mendonca Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Keyport

40th Anniversary Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. Diocese of Trenton Retired in 2022 Father William Dunlap St. Catharine-St. Margaret, Spring Lake 45th Anniversary Father Silvano Amora St. Dorothea, Eatontown 30th Anniversary Father Michael Lang St. Joseph Parish Millstone Father Jeffrey Lee St. Mary Parish, Colt’s Neck 25th Anniversary Father Michael Manning Holy Cross Parish, Rumson 20th Anniversary Father Richard Villa St. Ann’s Parish, Keansburg 15th Anniversary Father Erin Brown St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach Father Alberto Tamayo St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank Deacon Robert Cerefice Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune

July 2022



LIVES of FAITH

10th Anniversary Father Andres Serna St. Dorothea Parish, St. Dorothea, Eatontown & Precious Blood Parish, Monmouth Beach Father Matthew Pfleger Holy Family Parish, Union Beach Deacon John J. Franey St. Veronica Parish, Howell Deacon Louis E. Jakub Our Lady of Hope Parish, West Long Branch Deacon Paul Lang Nativity Parish, Fair Haven Deacon Sean Patrick Murphy Nativity Parish, Fair Haven Deacon James Neubauer Holy Family Parish, Hazlet Deacon Richard W. Tucker St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft 5th Anniversary Father Thomas Barry Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands Father Michael Gentile St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan



THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 39

Continued from 38

 Ordained May 10, 1997, by Bishop John C. Reiss  Served in prison ministry at Trenton State Prison; annulment advocate with the diocesan Tribunal; visit hospitalized and homebound St. Hedwig parishioners; spiritual director of St. Hedwig Altar-Rosary Society “It has been quite a journey over the last 25 years,” Deacon Zadworny said. “I have met many fine, good and caring people since my ordination day. Most of all, I am grateful to God for watching over me and making me a cancer survivor for more than 20 years. I consider myself blessed, because without the grace of God, I would not be one of the members of the diaconate class of 1997.”



Deacon

Anniversary

years



Deacon Sam Sciarrotta

Deacon Louis Commisso

retired from St. James Parish, Pennington; St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell, and St. George Parish, Titusville

Deacon Joseph Hannawacker

Epiphany Parish, Brick

Deacon Roger Dinella

Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing

 Deacon

St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction

Deacon Robert Tharp

Anniversary

St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton

years

Deacon



Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle

Anniversary

20 years

Anniversary



Deacon Thomas Rivella

years

Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing



Deacon Frank Babuschak

Deacon Miguel Adorno

Deacon Anthony Martucci St. Pius X Parish, Forked River

40 LIVES of FAITH 

Deacon Joseph DeLuca

Deacon



St. Joseph Parish, Toms River

Deacon Richard Arcari

St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton

THE MONITOR MAGAZINE



retired from Christ the Redeemer Parish, Mount Holly (now closed)

July 2022

Deacon Joseph Tedeschi Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing



Deacon

Anniversary

15 years



Deacon Matthew Fung

St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington

Deacon Glen Mendonca

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Keyport

Deacon Anthony Repice

Deacon Frank Golazeski

Deacon David O’Connor

Deacon Michael Riley

St. Pius X Parish, Forked River

Deacon Robert Cerefice Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune

St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville

St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton; diocesan director of Cemeteries

St. James Parish, Pennington; St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell; St. George Parish, Titusville

Deacon Thomas James DiCanio St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel



Deacon

Anniversary

Deacon Kenneth S. Domzalski

Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle

10 years



Deacon John J. Franey

St. Veronica Parish, Howell

Deacon Louis E. Jakub

Our Lady of Hope Parish, West Long Branch

Deacon Stanley D. Kendrick

St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville

Archive photo

Deacon Paul Lang

Deacon William R. Palmisano

Nativity Parish, Fair Haven

St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton

Deacon Joseph Moore

St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square

Deacon Gary Schmitt

Deacon Sean Patrick Murphy

Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly

Nativity Parish, Fair Haven

Deacon Richard W. Tucker

Deacon James Neubauer

St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft

Holy Family Parish, Hazlet July 2022

 LIVES of FAITH



THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 41

ST. BENEDICT CHURCH HOLMDEL, NJ

Happy

Anniversary

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

40 years of faithful service

40 years of love

Blessed by God above. With prayers of gratitude and joy for all your faithful work, Father Garry, Father Al, and parishioners of

40 years of ministry

With sincere congratulations to

Fr. Joy Chacko PAROCHIAL VICAR

Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Lavallette

Congratulations on your 30

ordination anniversary.

Thank you for your dedicated service to God’s people, may God bless you as you have blessed others! 42 LIVES of FAITH 

THE MONITOR MAGAZINE



July 2022

The clergy, staff and parishioners of St. Veronica Parish extend their sincerest Congratulations to Deacon John Franey on the 10th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Diaconate.

Blessings on the Anniversary of your Diaconate Ordination

Deacon Michael Riley 15 years

Deacon Sam Sciarrotta 40 years

We are grateful for Deacon John’s many years of service. May God’s blessings continue to be upon him.

We are grateful for your holy ministry and service to the Church.

HOWELL

THE THE

Catholic Community Catholic Community Catholic Community THE

of HOPEWELLVALLEY VALLEY of HOPEWELL of HOPEWELL VALLEY St. St.George GeorgeSt. James St. St.James James St. George

St. Alphonsus St. St. Alphonsus Alphonsus Hopewell, Hopewell, NJ Hopewell, NJNJ

Titusville, NJ Titusville, NJNJ Titusville,

Pennington, NJ Pennington, NJNJ Pennington,

ST. MARK’S PARISH FAMILY SEA GIRT

Congratulates BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., on his 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PRIESTLY ORDINATION. May God continue to Bless you for Your Faithful Service to us and all His Church.

AD MULTOS ANNOS! July 2022



LIVES of FAITH

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 43

Continued from 7

Sister Beverly Policastro

 Religious Anniversary

60 years



Sister Mariann Mahon Mercy Sister Mariann Mahon is celebrating her 60th anniversary as a religious determined to bring Christ closer to secondary and college-aged students. A native of Newark, the former Sister Mariel attended St. Michael Elementary School, Union, and Mount St. Mary Academy, Watchung. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1962. Sister Mariann graduated from Georgian Court University, Lakewood, in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in French and earned a master’s degree in religious education from Boston College in 1974. She taught or served as principal of schools which are now part of the Metuchen Diocese – Mount St. Mary Academy; St. Mary High School, South Amboy, and Phillipsburg Catholic High School, Phillipsburg. Administrative terms for the Sisters of Mercy included appointments as director of candidates in and election to the leadership team in which she served two four-year terms. Sister Mariann served as Georgian Court University’s director of Campus Ministry where she took students on mission trips to Honduras to improve the nation’s quality of life for the poor living there. She also served as campus minister in Trinity Hall, Tinton Falls, an all-girls high school in the Catholic tradition from 2013 to 2020. 44 LIVES of FAITH 

Sister of Charity Beverly Policastro, formerly Sister Marie James, entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, on Sept. 6. 1962, and went on to earn her bachelor of science degree in elementary education. She also earned a master of arts degree in elementary education from Seton Hall University, South Orange. Sister Beverly taught at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Maplewood; Sacred Heart School, Bloomfield; St. Joseph/St. Anthony School, Pensacola, Fl.; Holy Name School, East Orange; St. Aloysius Child Care, Elizabeth; St. Mary Elementary School, Elizabeth; and St. Mary’s Child Care, Elizabeth. She also served as principal and director of St. Anthony School, Elizabeth, and as principal of Perth Amboy Catholic Primary, Perth Amboy (formerly part of the Trenton Diocese, now Diocese of Metuchen). Presently, she volunteers at St. Vincent Academy, Newark.

school teacher in schools in New York, North Carolina, Connecticut and New Jersey in the Diocese of Camden. She also served as regional coordinator of DARE, the Office of Substance Abuse in the Archdiocese of New York; was a training program administrator for the National Council on Alcoholism in White Plains, N.Y., and founder and administrator of Maxtrain, an alcoholism counselor training program at The Maxwell Institute in Tuckahoe, N.Y. Now retired, Sister Marianne is a member of Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park, and lives in Asbury Tower where she sets up for weekly Mass and is involved with the racial relations group. She is also active with the Word (word.OP.org), a service of the Order of Preachers, offering audible daily reflections on the Christian Scriptures.



Religious Anniversary

50 years



Sister Marianne Watts

Sister Margaret Sullivan

Dominican Sister Marianne Watts was born in Oswego, N.Y., and entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, N.Y., in September 1962. She made her first profession in June 1964 and final profession in October 1969. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of New Rochelle; a master of arts degree in English Literature from The Catholic University of America, Washington, and her master of letters degree in The Novel from the Bread Loaf School of English of Middlebury College. Sister Marianne was an elementary

Franciscan Sister Margaret Sullivan, formerly Sister Anne William, entered the Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia on Aug. 30, 1969. She professed her first vows on Aug. 11, 1972, and her final vows on Aug. 11, 1979. Sister Margaret earned her bachelor of science and master of science degrees in social work from Temple University, Philadelphia, and her master of business administration in health administration from Widener University, Chester, Pa. In the Diocese of Trenton, she served as vice president of Mission and Ministry

THE MONITOR MAGAZINE



July 2022

for Lourdes Health System, Willingboro., from 2004-2011 Sister Margaret’s home parish is St. Monica, Philadelphia, and she currently serves as executive director of LIFE at Lourdes, Pennsauken.

Sister Fran Vass Poor Clare Sister Fran Vass was born in Abington, Pa. Her family moved to south Florida when she was four years old. She, her sister and twin brother had been raised Catholic but were not baptized as infants. While in high school, Fran and her two siblings were baptized. The following year, a month before her graduation, Fran was confirmed and, as she put it “got zapped” by God and “I felt in my heart that God was calling me to enter religious life somewhere.” Two years later, after a pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes with the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima in 1967, she felt it was to the hidden, cloistered life that to which she was being called. On August 22, 1969, she entered Christ the King Monastery of St. Clare in Delray Beach, Fla., and made her first profession of vows March 25 1972. In addition to regular duties in the monastery, she served on the Monastery council and as novice directress for new members. She also served for nine years on the Holy Name Federation Council. She proudly notes that she was a member of the “Sisters in Song” National Choir and participated in three recordings in California in 1996 and 2000. The proceeds from the recordings went to the National Retirement Fund for Religious - and the Christmas recording was even nominated for a Grammy. In February 2010, Sister Fran transferred from Florida to the order’s Poor Clare Monastery in Chesterfield.

and welcome where all – regardless of their faith, background and ethnicity – will gather to become the Body of Christ visible in the world.”

 Religious Anniversary

40 years



Religious Anniversary

Father Stan DeBoe Trinitarian Father Stan DeBoe, pastor of Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing, entered the novitiate of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives Aug. 15, 1977, and professed simple vows in 1978. He studied in The Washington Theological Union, Silver Spring, Md., and was ordained a priest by Archbishop Eugene Marino June 4, 1983. “I share my anniversaries with two historic moments that have formed my life and ministry,” he said, noting that June 4 is also the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre “and I was in China on a fact-finding and Bible smuggling missing that day.” Then “sharing my solemn profession anniversary with the tragic attacks on the U.S. in 2001 changed the course of my ministry because it came at the beginning of my service as the Justice and Peace director at the Conference of Major Superiors of Men.” Father DeBoe believes his ministry on international human rights, social justice and religious freedom is “fitting for a member of the Trinitarian order.” As pastor of Incarnation-St. James since December, 2020, he said he “feels a special call to the parish since it is in an area of the Diocese where we can be a true neighbor to those who are living amidst the violence and struggles of those living in our area. “I envision a ministry of outreach

July 2022



years



Father Miguel Virella Divine Word Father Miguel Virella, pastor of Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park, was born in Ciales, Arecibo, Puerto Rico in 1956. He first entered the Servants of Mary as a “servite” and was sent to Epworth, Iowa, to study English as a second language in a seminary run by the Divine Word Missionaries. Father Virella earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo. He made his first profession of vows 30 years ago on Aug. 22, 1992, with the Society of the Divine Word in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Ill. He professed his professional vows there Sept. 16, 1995 and was ordained a priest March 23, 1996. His first assignment as a priest in the Diocese was in the former St. Anthony Claret Parish), Lakewood. Additional assignments included St. Rose of Lima, Freehold; the former Our Lady of Providence, Neptune; Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Holy Spirit Parishes, both former parishes in Asbury Park. Mother of Mercy Parish was created from the restructuring of Our Lady of Providence Parish with the Asbury Park parishes – Holy Spirit; Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Peter Claver.

LIVES of FAITH



THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 45

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46 LIVES of FAITH 

THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

 July 2022

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Offers Prayers The Parish Community of and

ST. JOSEPH FATHER MIKE LANG CHURCH on the 20 Anniversary

Congratulations to our Pastor, th

of his Twp. in Millstone Ordination to the Priesthood! Offers Prayers and Congratulations to our Pastor,

and all all priests, priests,deacons deaconsand andreligious religious celebrating anniversary in 2022! oBishop Bishop O’Connell O’Connell and celebrating an an anniversary in 2022! o Bishop O’Connell and all priests, deacons and religious celebrating an anniversary in 2022!

The Parish of St. Theresa, Little Egg Harbor,

FATHER MIKE LANG

Rejoices with

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

on the 30th Anniversay of his Ordination to the Priesthood!

On the 40 th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood All our Prayers and Best Wishes. July 2022



LIVES of FAITH

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 47

MONITOR

THE

Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

MAGAZINE

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Serving the Catholic Community in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

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Congratulations and prayerful best wishes to Bishop David M. O’Connell, and all the priests and deacons of the Diocese of Trenton celebrating a milestone anniversary in 2022. New Jersey State Council

Knights of Columbus www.kofc.org/join

Joining the Knights of Columbus can now be done from the comfort of your computer, through E-Membership. Men, over the age of 18, who are practical Catholics can join the Knights of Columbus, visit www.kofc.org/join. You will immediately become a member, eligible for the insurance benefits and when you are ready, you can join a local Council. Knights of Columbus have a proud heritage. The qualified Catholic man can share in this heritage and build for an even greater future by affiliating himself with this forceful, effective fraternal organization. 48 LIVES of FAITH



THE MONITOR MAGAZINE



July 2022