Monitor Mag Sept 2022 In Focus Back to the Classroom by Diocese of Trenton

growth in the Catholic faith of their Baptism; one that helps form and shape their developing world view, through a curriculum appropriate to their age and consistent with their Catholic faith; one that that teaches the difference between right and wrong and supports healthy interactions with peers; one that provides opportunities for prayer and the Sacraments and nurtures their relationship with God. Catholic schools are a “package deal” that, in addition to deepening the Catholic faith of their students, strive for Continued on 8  They offer a clear alternative in the educational marketplace where ... it seems “anything goes.”

The role of the school is to build upon, complement and enhance, develop and nurture what has already been learned at home, especially from parents, in a child’s first few years of life. Parents trust schools to continue the process of educating their children, teaching about and introducing them to the wider world. “Trust” is the word that describes the relationship between parents and the schools they choose for theirInchildren.thosehomes and families where the Catholic faith is present and active, trusting children to a Catholic school education and environment not only seems reasonable but preferable for them. While public schools are readily available everywhere and generally do a good job, the opportunity for children to attend a Catholic school requires parents to trust and choose a “differ ent” educational experience for them – one that includes and fosters their

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Truth in advertising

Home is the first and areschool.primaryParentsthefirstand primary teachers. By the time children enter the doors of a school, substantial education and formation has already taken place. Chil dren bring with them to school all that they have learned in the family home: language and basic vocabulary, behaviors and social skills, attitudes and values.

September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 7 From the Bishop

A Message from BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

A student in St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, repots a plant. St. Ann School Facebook photo

Catholic schools do not embrace such points of view or other perspectives inconsistent with Catholic teachings. If parents prefer such perspectives and practices in the learning environment they seek for their children, they should not choose a Catholic school. At the end of the day, the concept of “truth in advertising” validates an upfront presentation of what Catholic schools consider themselves to be and what they have to offer – and what they do not. Catholic schools do not see their role and mission as “accommodating the culture” and its preferences. Rather, Catholic schools, like all Catholic institutions, seek to evangelize the culture with the preferences of the Gospel, consistent with the Catholic Church’s teachings.Fewthings sadden me as much as when declining enrollments and insufficient resources render a Catholic school unsustainable, forcing a Catholic school to close. Parents considering a school for their children do have a choice. I hope and pray they consider all that a Catholic school has to offer when making that choice.

The Breakers in Spring Lake was the perfect setting for an end of summer gathering of New Jersey alumni/ae of The Catholic University of America the evening of Aug. 30. Some 130 men and women from across the state registered for the Cardinals (CUA’s mascot) at the Shore event this year with a special purpose in mind: to welcome CUA’s new president, Dr. Peter Kilpatrick. Accompanied by 2021 graduate from the CUA School of Canon Law, Father Jean Felicien, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., CUA’s 14th president and himself a double alumnus, opened the evening’s activities with a prayer and enthusiastic remarks about his “second successor.““Letus pray for our national Catholic university,” Bishop O’Connell began, “so important to all Catholics in the United States as the place where ‘the Church in our country does its thinking’’.” Asking God’s blessing upon the university community, all its alumni/ae and its students, especially those from the Garden State, Bishop O’Connell continued, “we pray for our new president, Dr. Peter Kilpatrick. Give him the grace and wisdom he needs to lead our university to even greater heights for our Church and American society.” This alumni/ae event coincides with the Labor Day weekend’s annual National Collection for the Catholic University of America. Though there are many other Catholic colleges and universities in the U.S., only CUA is the subject of a national Catholic higher education collection because of the pledge that dates back to its founding. When the U.S. bishops approached Pope Leo XIII for permission to establish a “national Catholic university,” the Holy Father asked for their commitment to provide financial and moral support for the institution. The bishops accepted that condition and founded CUA in 1887. Their promised commitment continues to the present day and annually provides several million

Relationship between parents, Catholic schools built on trust academic excellence across the curriculum. These are the things parents trust and choose when they trust and choose a Catholic school with the education of their children, a trust and a choice that requires their faith, commitment and sacrifice.There is no question that the times and culture in which we live argue strongly – albeit unconvincingly in my opinion – against the teachings, practices and values of the Catholic Church. Catholic schools – precisely as Catholic – attempt to counter those arguments. They offer a clear alternative in the educational marketplace where, more and more, it seems, “anything goes” – all choices, values and opinions are considered equally valid; all truths are personal, relative, and defined by the moment and the subjective situation.

Bishop addresses CUA alum at Jersey shore

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Photo courtesy of Father Jean Felicien Continued on 22

Continued from 7

8 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., addresses a gathering of fellow CUA alumni Aug. 30 at the Breakers, Spring Lake.

otherscasionDay.placewhichSchoolsannualwayoredwillandCatholicdisplayedorativecommem-posterbeineachschoolparish.BlessedCarloalsobehon-inaspecialduringtheCatholicMass,willtakeonhisFeastOnthisoc-andmanythrough-

“To always be close to Jesus: that is my life plan.” Blessed Carlo Acutis 1991-2006 Patron of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Trenton

Two important initiatives that aim to inspire a greater sense of holiness and understanding of the faith will distinguish this school year from many others. The first, the National Eucharistic Revival, which launched in the Diocese in June, is a response on the part of the U.S. bishops to the finding that belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist was lacking among Catholics. A special emphasis on the Eucharist in all aspects of parish life, and especially in religious education, is a hallmark of this effort underway across the country this year.

Diocese of Trenton Mass in Honor of the Beatification of Blessed Carlo Acutis St. Dominic Church, Brick April 28, 2022 Prayer for the Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis (1991 - 2006) God, Our Father, provider for the poor, champion of the oppressed, defender of the widow and orphan, you called your servant, Blessed Carlo Acutis, to be an apostle of the Holy Eucharist and model of Christian youth and holy industry. Through the example of his life and virtue may we follow your Son, Jesus Christ, fulfilling his commandment of charity more closely and building up his Body which is the Church. Let the inspiration of Blessed Carlo Acutis inspire us to greater confidence in your love so we may continue his work in spreading your love for us in your Eucharistic Presence. We humbly ask that you glorify Blessed Carlo Acutis on earth according to the design of your holy will. Through his intercession, grant the favor I now present (make your request), through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Added to that is the compelling example provided to young people in the Diocese of the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the faith-filled Italian teen who died of leukemia and was later beatified by the Church. Last April, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., formally received a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis during a Mass in St. Dominic Church, Brick. The Bishop commemorated the Oct. 10, 2020 beatification of Blessed Carlo and placed all Catholic schools and young people in the Diocese of Trenton under his special patronage.

“. . . the life and holiness of Blessed Carlo Acutis inspire young people of similar age to recognize that holiness is as possible for them as it was for (him),” Bishop O’Connell said. “He was a ‘normal kid’ in every way, but he developed a deep and profound spirituality centered upon the Holy Eucharist from a very early age which lasted throughout his brief life.”

Toward that end and in anticipation of Blessed Carlo’s Feast Day on Oct. 12, Bishop O’Connell directed that a prayer card for the beatified teenager be distributed by the Diocese to all students in Catholic schools and parish youth programs, and that a

Blessed Carlo Acutis 1991-2006 Patron of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Trenton BY RAYANNE BENNETT  Associate Publisher

September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 9

The Bishop encouraged all Catholic schools and parishes to share information about Blessed Carlo in order “to promote and foster devotion to him as he moves closer to canonization, and to pray for his intercession on behalf of our Catholic schools and all young women and men who strive for holiness in their lives.”

Every new school year comes with a sense of hopeful anticipation, no matter how old the student, or where they pursue their education. But for the tens of thousands of children and teens who will attend Catholic schools and parish religious education programs in the Diocese of Trenton, the 2022-23 school year holds great promise to be an extraordinary year.

_________________ _________________

“To always be close to Jesus: that is my life plan.”

 Participation in the annual Catholic Schools Mass, which will be celebrated by Bishop O’Connell, is reserved for student representatives selected by their schools. The Mass will be livestreamed from St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, by the Diocese. To view the Mass, tune in to youtube.com/trentondiocese Oct. 12, beginning at 10:15 a.m. extraordinary year centered on holiness, the Eucharist

out the school year, young Catholics of the Diocese will be encouraged to pray for the canonization cause of Blessed Carlo, who is on track to be the Church’s first millennial saint.

10 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022 In Focus A t long last, we are poised to start a normal Catholic school year after two full years of unprecedented upheaval. But we have made good use of that time, and I am happy to say that our “new normal” finds us on an even stronger footing than what was seen prior to 2020. Our schools have grown more in the last two years than perhaps in any recorded period in our 140 years of service to the children of the Diocese of Trenton. Pre-pandemic, of course, our schools didn’t look like our schools circa 1881, but in 2022 they have grown substantially compared to just a few years before. As an example, school safety, in all its forms, continues to be a top priority. Our Catholic school environments are now even more secure, more conscious of threats to student health, and concerns can be communicated quickly and concisely.Ourschools have not only adapted but also led the way in the integration of technology to deliver academic content to all our students more effectively in order to maximize their achievement levels. Catholic schools are now able to individualize the academic programming for students in ways only imagined just a few years ago. Individualization of content now can positively impact all of ourCatholicstudents.school teachers have shown their capacity to be mission driven and live a vocation to educate in a truly and intentionally Catholic environment. Nationally, schools are experiencing teacher shortages due to many abandoning the profession. COVID has had a significant impact on the classrooms. Teachers move on every year from our Catholic schools, as well, but not near the levels our public-school counterparts have experienced. Catholic schools are strong and continue to be staffed by the dedicated, certified, and professional women and men expected to grace our halls. Catholic school enrollment levels are not only stable, but also show real signs of growth. The Diocese of Trenton is not only attracting Catholic students back to our rolls, but also new students of diverse backgrounds who would like to experience a faith-filled community that is perhaps lacking in their other options. Perhaps most importantly, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has given the Diocese of Trenton a true gift by his adoption of Blessed Carlo Acutis as the patron of our local Catholic schools. This young man of deep Catholic faith will not only become a role model for our students, but also be easily identifiable as a contemporary of our students based on his age and interests. He was a young man who played soccer, enjoyed Sony PlayStation, and developed websites as a teenager. He was a wonderful young man whose deep faith and prayer led his daily life and choices. Above all, Carlo had a great devotion to Christ present in the Eucharist. This is especially significant as the Diocese of Trenton begins the Eucharistic Revival. What a great role model for our Ourstudents!ferventhope is that having Blessed Carlo Acutis as our patron will deepen our students’ faith and continue to define our rich Catholic identity. Like Blessed Carlo, may our students also grow to love Christ Jesus in the Eucharist, his most precious gift. I invite you to investigate our Catholic schools and see all that is happening to bring real growth and achievement to the students we are blessed to serve in our Catholic schools. You can follow what is happening in our schools at: www.catholicschoolshaveitall.org Please keep our students in your daily prayers and may Blessed Carlo Acutis guide our schools.

Giving thanks for the bright start of a new school year

Students from Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, hone their engineering skills in the Ro botics Club. Courses in STEM and Robotics are offered in a number of elementary and secondary schools in the Diocese of Trenton. Facebook photo  Catholic school enrollment levels ... show real signs of growth.

A Message from DR. VINCENT DE PAUL SCHMIDT ofSuperintendentCatholicSchools

Diocese is getting ready for the new academic year

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, diocesan superintendent of Catholic Edu cation, left, and Daniel O’Connell, associate director for curriculum and instruction in the Department of Catholic Schools, give presentations to new Catholic school teachers during an Aug. 17 meeting in St. Greg ory the Great Academy, Hamilton Square. Staff photo Bonnie Milecki, associate director for school development and opera tions, addresses the new Catholic school administrators who gathered at the Chancery for orientation on August 16. Staff photo

Specially planned meetings and orientation sessions were in full swing during the month of August as the Diocese gears up for the new academic year, 20222023. The first gathering on Aug. 4 brought staff from the diocesan Department of Catechesis, including Denise Contino, director, and Michelle Angelo, associate director, together with parish catechetical leaders for a Nuts & Bolts meeting in the Diocesan Chancery, Lawrenceville. The PCLs heard a presentation by staff from the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools as well as reviewed logistics involved with running parish religious education and faith formation programs, and information on the Diocese’s participation in the three-year Eucharistic Revival. On Aug. 16, the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools, met with the 12 new principals who will begin their tenures in Catholic high schools and grammar schools in September. Held in the Chancery, the orientation session included presentations by Catholic Schools’ staff – Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, superintendent; Daniel O’Connell, associate director for curriculum and instruction, and Bonnie Milecki, the newly named associate director for School Development andTheOperations.following day, the Catholic Schools staff headed to St. Gregory the Great Academy, Hamilton Square, where they met with teachers who will begin new assignments.

BACK to the CLASSROOM September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 11 Parish Catechetical Leaders (PCLs) gathered in the Chancery Aug. 4 for “Nuts and Bolts” where they received updates and information to prepare their catechists for the upcoming year. . Staff photo

ofVocationTeaching

BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent They are not just teachers in a Catholic school. They are Cath olic school teachers. That is the way that many of the education professionals serving in Catholic schools around the Diocese think of their vocation and life’s work. It helps to remind them of what they are called to do and be on behalf of the Church and in the spirit of the Gospel. And it makes all the difference in the world in the Christ-centered education that Catholic school students experience in ourFollowingschools.are reflections shared by four Catholic school teachers who, although hailing from various backgrounds, share the common thread of how they go about bringing the gift of the Catholic faith to the students they serve.

“I think every teacher I worked with felt an immense loss that year,” she recalled. “Having our Catholic faith to help Elizabeth Sunkel, teacher in St. Gregory the Great Academy, Hamilton Square, happily antic ipates new students in her classroom. Courtesy photo

When she was looking to return to her profession and learned the school had openings for elementary teachers, Mielo said, “Something was calling me to work at St. Mary’s … I can say that it was one of the best decisions I have made.”

BOTH SIDES OF THE TEACHER’S DESK

12 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022 The

Mielo admitted that the challenges posed by the COVID-19 lockdown helped her to strengthen her bonds with both the St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, where she is a member, and the school.

As a Catholic school parent, Cynthia Mielo was impressed with the experience her own children had in St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford, where her family felt they were “part of a very special, faithfilled, community family.”

Now in her sixth year as a second-grade teacher, Mielo believes that “there is a reason these students were placed in my care. It’s my job to find a way to serve them, help them find their gifts and overcome their challenges. It is my job to help them grow and find their purpose.”

Meeting schoolsinmakeprofessionalsfaith-filledwhoadifferenceourCatholic

Sunkel, the English language arts instructor for students in grades one through four, said it’s been through her teaching experiences that she learned that “faith and language arts need not be mutually exclusive.

my classroom family feel safe and protected was another one of God’s gifts.

“I never felt so loved by my students, parents and coworkers. We all stayed strong together and thought of creative ways to keep our little community near and dear to our hearts, whether it was virtual Masses, timed prayer, drive-by birthday wishes, lawn signs or virtual meetings, we all worked so hard to make sure everyone felt loved and safe,” she said.Of her Catholic school experience, Mielo said what she enjoys most is knowing that she can speak openly about her faith and “that helps me lead by example. I have so much joy seeing my students at Mass, participating with their families, watching my second grad ers grow in their faith and receive two Sacraments [and] being an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist to my students and friends,” she said. “Everyone has a purpose and I believe that I found mine,” Mielo acknowledged.

“After attending Catholic schools for my entire life, I knew I wanted to teach in Catholic education,” said Sunkel, who attended Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, for high school and then received her college education in the University of Scranton, Scranton, Pa. “It felt like home,” Sunkel said when she was able to return to her grammar school alma mater to teach.

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September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 13

NO PLACE LIKE HOME St. Gregory the Great Academy is very near and dear to Elizabeth Sunkel’s heart. She graduated from the Hamilton Square Catholic school and is now an alumni who is proudly among its faculty.

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“I make it a point to include our faith in my ELA lessons,” she said. “I have done writing assignments where the students will include faith elements. They may write a reflection on the Sacraments or various holidays. They are given opportunities to share traditions their own families have revolving around religious holiday or events.” Cynthia Mielo poses for a photo with last year’s second-grade class in St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford. Courtesy photo Patrick Smith, front row right, accompanies Father Thomas Vala, pastor of St. Clement Parish, Matawan, and a student group from St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, to see the recently released film, “Father Stu.” Courtesy photo

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Putting the ‘Catholic’ first as a Catholic teacher

‘PAYING IT FORWARD’

PRAYER, ABOVE ALL ELSE Eileen Baglivio said what she enjoys most about teaching in a Catholic school is “working with children and making their faith come to life. “Our religion helps shape every aspect of the children I teach,” she said, emphasizing that a Catholic school education is more than academics. “Being able to share Bible stories and using examples of how Jesus lived to help develop good character and acceptance of all people – these skills teach children how to deal with many experiences they will have in their lives.”

With a total of 28 years of service in Catholic education, five of which were spent as a fifth-grade teacher in a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of New York and the past 23 years as a kindergarten teacher in St. Peter School, Point Pleasant Beach, Baglivio believes serving as a Catholic school teacher is a vocation.“Weare helping to teach prayers and develop an understanding of attending Mass,” she said. “Bringing kindergartners to the [school] chapel to say a prayer are very special moments in my day. I use visits to the chapel as a reward for my students.” Among the ways she tries to enrich her students’ knowledge of the Catholic faith is by keeping them updated on Church and world events and sharing experiences with other Catholic schools on social media “so that we all benefit from new ideas.” An added blessing for her students is interacting with the Franciscan priests from St. Peter Parish and hearing their vocation experiences as missionaries.

Sunkel added that the “blend between the two arenas” has enabled her to enjoy sharing faith with even her youngest charges – her own “Teachingchildren.inaCatholic school has strengthened my own faith life,” she said, noting she makes it a point to share things the school has done with her four-year-old daughter and that her son, who is a second grader in St. Gregory the Great Academy, shares what he learns in his religion classes. “Seeing my students grow and recognize the talents God has given them is what brings me the most joy in the classroom,” Sunkel said. “We are able to work together to overcome our weaknesses by using the strengths God gives us.”

A highlight of his long and storied career was when Smith taught and coached a handicapped student athlete. The story was retold in an award-winning film, “A Shot in the Dark.”

 thatandhas“Everyoneapurpose,IbelieveIhave found mine.”

Baglivio noted that it’s a personal joy when her vocation as a Catholic school teacher and her vocation as a parent and grandparent intersect in her classroom.

Eileen Baglivio enjoys a St. Patrick’s Day party with two students in St. Peter School, Point Pleasant Beach. Courtesy photo

“My most memorable experience was having my grandson grow in faith during the past year when he was in my class,” she admitted. “This year, three grandchildren will be attending St. Peter’s. I feel so thankful, not only in this full circle moment, but with all the ways that Catholic education has impacted my family.”

“Sports, teaching and religious belief are not mutually exclusive” has been the mantra of retired wrestling coach Patrick Smith during his tenure in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel.Smith, who currently serves as the assistant athletic director, and in campus ministry, has taught high school theology for more than two decades. He recalled how his vocation as a Catholic school teacher was planted during the time he was in the seminary, discerning his call from God.

“I believe religion is all about life and enters into every fabric of our lives,” said Smith. “I believe God wants to meet us where we are. I believe that when I said ‘Yes’ to God, I meant yes. My vocation has led me to a life of service. I believe that God has put people in my life when I was younger to catch me when I was falling. I try to be that person to others now.”

In Focus 14 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022 Continued from 13

BACK to the CLASSROOM September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 15

Building community a key goal of new associate director of school development and operations

One of the initial ways that effort will get underway is with a program recently developed as the Catholic Leadership Academy meant to assist the cohort of 12 new principals as they begin their journeys, she said.

Throughout her two decade-long career in education, Bonnie Milecki has gained wide recognition as a visionary leader for her innovative and effective leadership work with students, faculty and administration.Hercareer has run the gamut of Catholic, public and independent schools in elementary, middle, high school and college classrooms as both a teacher and administrator. Through it, she’s developed a track record for creating programs and successful initiatives that focus on building a strong sense of community.Asthisschool year opens, Milecki, serving as new associate director of school development and operations, said she’s looking forward to expanding that record in the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools working in collaboration with superintendent Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt and the staff (administration). His positive vision of Catholic school community, she said, overlapped with a lot of her experience and skill set, making it an inspirational career move. Duties in her new position, under the supervision of the superintendent, will include implementing strategic prior ities, securing non-public school funding from the district, state and federal government, supporting school boards and PTA development and coordinating the re-accreditation process.Shehas described the sense of Catholic school commu nity “proudly” in her background information, noting that she is a product of K-12 education in the Diocese of Tren ton, having attended (the now closed) Incarnation School, Ewing; Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, and Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, where as an alumna, she taught English and film for 15 years.

Milecki holds a master’s of educational management leadership and policy from Seton Hall University, South Orange, among her many academic accomplishments. She and her family are longtime members of St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville, where she is a parishioner and reader and member of the Magdalene Circle at the Center for FaithJustice. After two years of working under the “safe but separated” mandates of the pandemic, Milecki said she was excited by the possibility of all the schools “coming back together” as a community, “making sure we are utilizing the gifts and talents of all the schools we have together.”

BY LOIS ROGERS  Correspondent

“It’s meant to support them, creating opportunities for them to grow together. Some are new to the role of principal. Some are new to the Diocese and some are just new to their schools. But each has perspectives that can enhance the success of the “Withinothers. the leadership academy,” she said, “they will have the opportunity to focus on topics that are unique to Catholic school leadership and we will be asking our seasoned leaders to advise“Additionally,them.” we’ll be focusing on future leaders of our schools,” she said. “To that end, we’ve invited schools to recommend aspiring leaders, most of whom would be in graduate programs, to join the leadership group. We have amazing teachers in this Diocese, and we want to show them they can develop those skills here.”

Bonnie Milecki  “We’ll futurefocusingbeonleaders of our schools.”

WHILE? One of the best ways to form a firm foundation of faith and bring it A s the 2022-2023 school year begins, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton will welcome 12 new principals, each bringing strong academic credentials, a wide range of career experiences and a desire to lead communities of education in the Catholic faith tradition. They are each profiled below:

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT/WORTH WHILE? As a Catholic educator, I find myself responsible to foster and devel op our students’ relationship with God and guide them on their own unique journey in faith. The opportunity at SRHS excites me to have the chance to positively impact the lives of young men and women at such a critical moment within their lives while also embracing a new challenge where I can drive even further positive growth for Catholic education.

PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: St Rose High School, Belmar, where for 21 years served as an English teacher and English Department Supervisor

The College of New Jersey, Bachelors of Science in Edu cation; Seton Hall University, South Orange, Master’s in Educational Leadership, Management, and ADDITIONALPolicy

EXPERIENCE: School supervisor and principal at Mill Pond Elementary School, Lacey Township School Dis trict; principal of St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, for six years, during which time the school was honored in 2018 as an Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon School.

Robert Dougherty St. Rose High School, Belmar

PARISH: St. Rose, EDUCATION:Belmar

16 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022 In Focus

PARISH: St. Leo the Great,

PREVIOUS SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Principals take the helm in their new assignments

Jennifer Magrini-Conover St. Rose Grammar School, Belmar PARISH: St Rose, EDUCATION: Belmar

EXPERIENCE: St. Leo the Great School counselor, second grade PREVIOUSteacher.SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

Caroline Fitzgerald St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft

EXPERIENCE: St. Leo the Great School, vice principal, three years WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT / WORTH

CERTIFICATION: Principal Certification, Supervisors Certification.

EDUCATION:LincroftIonaCollege,NewRochelle,N.Y.,Bachelor’sdegreeinbusinesswithamarketingconcentration;Monmouth University, West Long Branch, Master’s degree in Education/School Counseling; Seton Hall University, South Orange, Master’s degree in educational leadership and PREVIOUSadministrationTEACHING

Elon College, Elon, N.C., bachelor of arts, English Edu cation; Georgian Court University, Lakewood, master of arts in Education Administration, Supervision and Curriculum Design

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATH OLIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT/ WORTHWHILE?: Catholic education is an amazing community of people who are all working towards the same goal: students who are strong in a founda tion of faith and academics. There is a special atmosphere in Catholic schools where we can give all we can and have the support of our community to do what is best for our children.

PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Lacey Township High School, five years as a teacher and coach

WHYyearsSERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC

EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT/WORTH

Maria M. Spirito-Iavarone St. Paul School, Burlington

EDUCATION:N.Y. UniversityofScranton,Scranton,Pa.,Bachelor’sand

PREVIOUS SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

EXPERIENCE: Campus Ministry, St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, 16

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION: (In Process) Villanova Certificate in School Management in Villanova University, Villanova, Pa.

WHY SERVING IN THE MINISTRY OF CATH OLIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT: The ministry of Catholic education is a spe cial vocation that I am blessed to have received the call and the opportunity to live my faith every day serving as a leader while being a witness to the Good News. The simple joys of starting the school day with a prayer makes all the difference in my life as the princi pal of Donovan Catholic.

PARISH: St.

WHILE: I’ve always been inspired by a quote from Benedict XVI’s encyc lical, “Deus Caritas Est.” In the very beginning of the document he says, “Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but an encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction.”

Master of Science degrees in Education

BACK to the CLASSROOM September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 17 forward to a new generation. It made me who I am. I have been at St. Leo’s since the fifth grade, and made my Sacraments here, and I have deep roots here. Catholic education reminds us of the calling of Jesus.

QUOTE: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all” Aristotle Jeff Johnson St. Charles Borromeo School, Cinnaminson

Donovan Catholic, Toms River PARISH: St. Clare Parish, Staten Island,

PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Eigh teen years of teaching experience that includes Our Lady of Fatima Grammar School, Piscataway, and St. James Grammar School, Woodbridge, in the Diocese of Metuchen and three Cath olic high schools in the Archdiocese of New PREVIOUSYork.SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION: Cosmetolo gy License State of New Jersey

PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Tomorrow’s Stars Preschool, Hamilton Pre-k, 2 years; Trenton Public Schools, 20 years experience in a K-8 elemen tary school. Mentored and given administrative duties by principal: chairperson of the school leadership committee, facilitated events for the school social committee, started a conflict resolution program, turnkeyed professional development, filled in as acting school principal in the absence of principal.

EDUCATION:HamiltonAngels,TrentonStateCollege,Ewing,BachelorofScienceDegreeinEducation withaminorinPsychology, 1992; The College of New Jersey, Ewing, Master’s of Education Degree in Educa tional Leadership, 2008

Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy; Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, N.Y., Master of Arts, Theology; Seton Hall University, South Orange, Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership

Christopher McCarrick Holy Cross Academy, Rumson

EDUCATION:Middletown Mary,WadhamsHallSeminaryCollege,Ogdensburg,N.Y.,

PARISH: St. Rapha el-Holy

PARISH: Holy Cross, Rumson EDUCATION: Kean University, Union, Bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Sciences with Teacher Certification; Montclair State University, Montclair, Continued on 18

EXPERIENCE: Our Lady of Fatima School: Director of Advancement and Development and assistant to the principal for curriculum; St. James School: NJ - AdvancEd Coordinator for Leadership and Governance, Professional Learning Committee coordinator, report card committee for the Diocese of Metuchen, and Safety Drill Coordinator; Moore Catholic High School, Staten Island: Campus minister, religion department chair, Cognia chairperson, and volleyball coach. 2 years; Donovan Catholic High School: vice principal, 2 years.

PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: The ology teacher, St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, 16 years

For me, that means that true disci pleship – which is what we strive to foster in our students – only comes when students have a genuine en counter with Christ which transforms the values and purpose in their life. Catholic schools have unbelievable potential to become privileged places of encounter with God for our stu dents – through our prayer and liturgy, the content we teach, the relationships between teacher and student, and the overall school environment. In my estimation, Catholic schools – in everything they do – are touchstones to our living God!

Jillian Grace Kelly

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT / WORTH

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION: Principal and superintendent certificate, NJEX CEL, PREVIOUSMonroeTEACHING

EDUCATION: UniverDiocese)(CamdensityofDelaware,Newark,Del.;RowanUniversity,Glassboro,bachelor of science degree in elementary education; pursued graduate work in math, science and technology through an Eisenhower Grant; Wilmington University, Wilm ington, Del., where she earned a mas ter of education in school leadership.

ADDITIONALLeadershipEducationalCERTIFICATION:VillanovaUniversity,Villanova,Pa.-CertificateinCatholicSchool

EXPERIENCE: Over the course of 20 years, served as social studies supervi sor, vice principal, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent, all in the Hamilton Township School

Joseph Slavin St. Raphael School, Hamilton PARISH: St. Rapha el-Holy

EXPERIENCE: Holy Cross Academy, Rumson, Vice Principal, two years

PREVIOUS SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

BACK to the 18 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC

PREVIOUS SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

EXPERIENCE: principal, Our Lady of Per petual Help School, Maple Shade, two years; St. Charles Borromeo School, Cinnaminson, two years. Professional affiliations: National Catholic Educa tional Association; National Association for the Education of Young Children, and the National Education Associa tion/New Jersey Education Associa Continued from 17

EDUCATION:HamiltonAngels,Bachelor’sdegreeinsocialstudieseducation,TrentonStateCollege,Ewing;master’sdegree in education from Trenton State College, Ewing

PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: St. Charles Borromeo School, Cinnaminson, two years, followed by a nearly 30-year career in Camden public schools. Also served as a Priority Schools Consultant for the New Jersey Education Association and as student teaching supervisor for Rutgers University.

PERIENCE: Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park, began working as vice principal in 2015 while also teaching in the classroom; became a full time vice principal in September 2020 and continued until June 2022.

EXPERIENCE: Red Bank Charter School, Red Bank, Math/ STEM, seven years

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park

PARISH: Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury

Katie O’Meara

PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Served in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park, since 2011 as: Kindergar ten Aide for one year; fourth grade teacher for eight years; eighth grade teacher for one year

EDUCATION: NewParkJerseyCityUniversity,JerseyCity,BachelorofArtsdegreesinhistoryandinearly childhood with a concentration in urban education.

PREVIOUS SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION EX

PREVIOUSTownshipSCHOOL ADMINISTRATION

EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT: Being ed ucated in Catholic schools has greatly influenced my life. I have been blessed with some extraordinary teachers, one in particular. She lives her life in service to God and neighbor. Working in Catholic education allows me to follow in her footsteps and provide quality education rooted in our faith to future generations.

EXPERIENCE: Served a total of 13 years as a seventh grade geography teacher in Reynolds and Crocket Middle Schools, Hamilton

Management (in PREVIOUSprogress)TEACHING

QUOTE:systemFaith: it does not make things easy, it makes things possible. (Luke 1:37)

WHILE: There is nothing that can compare to Catholic education – the individualized instruction, the deep connections to students and families, the all-in faculty and staff, and a curric ulum that is rigorous and encompass ing of our Catholic beliefs and virtues. Our students grow academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually, so that they may fully discover the person God created them to be. I am excited to lead Holy Cross Academy as we all work together to educate the next generation of Catholic leaders!

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION: Currently pursuing a master of arts in admin istration and leadership in Georgian Court University, Lakewood

Cynthia Smith Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Moorestown PARISH: St. Teresa of Calcutta, Colling swood

In Focus Master’s degree in

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION: State Cer tificates: Director of Student Personnel Services, Supervisor, Student Personnel Services, Substance Awareness Coordi nator, Elementary School teacher, Teacher of Nursery School, Teacher of Music

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS IM PORTANT/WORTHWHILE: It is so important that we provide a “Christ centered” education for our youth. By doing so, can a deep love of Christ a desire to follow ing His example. are desperately of today’s youth.

live

Donnamarie Wojtoko Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly

PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Served approximately 40 years in education in Sacred Heart School; Lumberton Town ship Schools; Tabernacle Township Schools; Buttonwood Nursery School; Mount Holly Township Schools.

PARISH: St. Catharine and St. Margaret, Spring Lake

PREVIOUS SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION EXPERIENCE: Principal, Conackamack Middle School, Piscataway, 12 years.

PARISH: Sacred Heart, Mount Holly

and

Open HouseOpen HouseOpen House Visit us at ourVisit us at ourVisit us at our 175/177 Leonard Avenue175/177 Leonard Avenue175/177 Leonard Avenue Hamilton, NJ 08610Hamilton, NJ 08610Hamilton, NJ 08610 (609) 586-5888 (Prek-8)(609) 586-5888 (Prek-8)(609) 586-5888 (Prek-8) (609) 586-3705 (9-12)(609) 586-3705 (9-12)586-3705 (9-12)OctoberOctoberOctobertrentoncatholicprep.orgtrentoncatholicprep.orgtrentoncatholicprep.org121212 St. Charles Borromeo School provides a high-quality academic and religious education for children in grades Pre-K3 through 8th grade. faithacademic excellenceservicecommunityfamily Pre-K3 & Pre-K4 programs Extended-Day program (CARES) Supplemental services available Technology-based instruction Faith-based curriculum Hot lunch program Athletic programs (Basketball, Track, Cheer) Music, Art, Library, Computer, Spanish, Phy Ed School activities (Choir, Band, Beta Club, Newspaper, Yearbook, Bus Safety Patrol) After-school activities (Robotics, Art, Theater) “Building a foundation in faith, knowledge, and service.” ST. CHARLES BORROMEO856-829-2778SCHOOLscbpschool.comCinnaminson, NJ

EDUCATION: Rowan University, Glassboro, Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education; Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing; NJ EXCEL, Administrative Certification

instill

These

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS IM PORTANT/WORTHWHILE: Serving in the ministry of Catholic education is important because children learn the faith through prayer, liturgy and service to others. They become members of a community of people with shared values who demonstrate their love of God in all they do.

PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Served for 30 years in public education as a teacher of English, department chair, supervisor and principal in the Buena Regional Schools, Montgomery Township Schools, Monroe Township Schools, Hopewell Valley Regional School District and Piscataway Township Schools.

lacking in many

EDUCATION: Rowan University, Glassboro, Bachelor of Arts degree; Rider Universi ty, Lawrenceville, Master of Arts degree

CLASSROOM September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 19 tion/Camden Education Association.

Donna White St. Catharine School, Spring Lake

When Lauren Diaz arrived as girls soccer coach last year, she had a standout goalie in Olivia Bodmer (now at Rutgers) around whom she built a strong defense. The result was an 11-5-2 record and trip to the Mercer County Tournament semifinals.Adozen girls graduated from that team, but Diaz remains optimistic. “We lost a lot in terms of the leadership,” she said, “but we feel our core group of returning varsity players … have a great connection.” The team will share a brandnew soccer-only field with the boys team.

RED BANK CATHOLIC, RED BANK does a football team do for an encore after winning the NJSIAA Non2.

“I am very excited for the upcoming season,” said St. John Vianney field hockey coach Amanda Westerweller. “We are expecting to put on some pretty great field hockey this year.”

ST. JOHN VIANNEY, HOLMDEL

Contributing Editor A s students begin filtering back to their respective high schools, they know there will be much more to student life than classes – including lifelong memories, many centering around athletics. Area Catholic schools all feature teams with potential for a successful season; here is a look at several promising squads: DONOVAN CATHOLIC, TOMS RIVER

The Griffins girls tennis team returns five of seven starters from a team that went 17-2 last year. Donovan Catholic has won four straight Shore Conference B South Division titles and are riding a 56-match winning streak in division matches.TomConnerton, who is coaching his 45th team between girls and boys, feels it is one of the nicest groups of players he ever coached, noting, “They are truly family. I’m equally proud of them on and off the Seniorcourt.”captain is Emma Conroy (57-6 career, 2 Ocean County Tournament titles). Junior Bella Ayres will move from first doubles to singles and junior Gianna Rao will remain at first doubles after she and Ayres were Ocean County finalists last year. Also returning are juniors Caitlin Piazza and Jess Placa and sophomores Sheryll Tamakloe and Kat Shuler. Talented freshman Stephanie Stulic could also crack the lineup.

Back to Sports: Student athletes return with gusto an expanded version of this story and more photos, visit TrentonMonitor.com > News

> Sports

A solid, experienced group of backs return in seniors Meg Reuter and Ryan Carr and juniors Hannah Neville and Brynn Fitzpatrick. Returning in the midfield and up front are senior Juliana Lynch, juniors Cam Beetel and Emily Javick and sophomore Isabella Lynch.

 For

Senior captain Sabino Portella, a run ning back/safety, rushed for 845 yards and nine touchdowns last season and had 75 tackles and two interceptions on defense. Portella’s brother Lorenzo and fellow ju nior Tyler Burnham are returning starters on the offensive line. Lorenzo is also back at defensive tackle, while junior Davin Brewton and senior Michael Palmieri return at linebacker. Torin Harmon is a returning starter at safety.

“Having that many scoring threats is certainly a challenge to defend,” Wester weller said. “We have a lot of experience … [and] exciting developments from our freshmen and sophomore class.”

Public Group B championship? Try to win another one, of course. “Last year was one of those once-in-alifetime experiences,” coach Mike Lange said. “But … we have to turn the page.”

The Lancers bring back a formidable trio in seniors Katarina Villa (32 goals, 10 assists last season), Cat Schienvar (15 goals, 9 assists) and Fiona Drew (5 goals, 12 assists).

The team began by triumphing Aug. 27 with a season-opening 33-7 over St. John Vianney in the Battle at the Beach in Ocean City. “We have an opportunity to be very good,” Lange said. “It’s gonna be a collective effort.”

What

NOTRE DAME, LAWRENCEVILLE

SJV also has three key performers back on defense, including senior defenders

20 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022 In Focus BY RICH FISHER 

The Purple Roses girls soccer players went 9-10-2 last year without a senior on the roster – a nice situation for first-year coach Mike Hurley, who takes over for EmilyTheTiernan.59-year-old former Lafayette University assistant has coached high-level players, and owns and operates Jersey Shore Soccer Training. He has decided to coach in high school “to give something back” to the community. “Their technical acumen is very good,” Hurley said of his team. “[Many] have played high level club play … and they are formidable defensively.” A key returnee is Isabelle Levy (226 saves, 5 shutouts last year). Sophomore Ava Gialanella is back at attacking center having fun is an objective too. Learning the fundamentals are paramount. There are some players that have demonstrated that they have the potential to be competitive tennis players.” 4. 3.

From left: Bella Ayres, Caitlin Piazza, Kat Shuler, Gianna Rao, Jess Placa, Sheryll Tamakloe, Emma Conroy, Emma Courtney. Courtesy photo

3. In forground, senior Katarina Villa of St. John Vianney, Holmdel, prac tices Aug. 26 with teammates behind, from left, freshman Jill Terzulli, senior Katerina Karendrikas and junior Marissa Rivelli. Hal Brown photo 4. Matt Mastroly, senior at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, returns to the award-winning cross country team for his senior year. Courtesy photo 5. Notre Dame senior Ryan Carr concentrates on her defense during prac tice Aug. 27 on the Lawrenceville school’s new soccer turf. Hal Brown photo 5. Olivia Militello and Katelyn Boyer, and senior goalie Taylor Schlein (101 saves).

The Hamilton Township school has added girls tennis to its athletic program this year, and coach John Hapes was encouraged by a turnout of 11 players. He feels that seniors Briana Chaperon, Hecybel Morales and Ashley Garrido have all looked“I oftenpromising.askthe players ‘What is the biggest room in the world?’” Hapes said. “The answer is ‘The room for improvement.’ Since most of our players have very little experience our main goal is to become better tennis players. Certainly,

CBA graduated top runner Jack Moran, who “ran so well for us last fall [and] showed our other athletes how to run hard and care about each other,” said Coach Sean McCafferty, adding that “[Senior] Nick Sullivan has filled in the leadership role nicely.” He is joined by fellow returning seniors Matt Mastroly and Lucas Ward; juniors Jack Falkowski and Alex Kemp and sophomore Joe Barrett.

September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 21 midfielder (9 goals, 14 assists last year), and returning up front is senior Adriana Dalia (19 goals last year, 32 career.)

TRENTON CATHOLIC PREPARATORY ACADEMY, HAMILTON

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY, LINCROFT

The CBA cross country team is coming off winning its 36th Shore Conference Championship and 57th Monmouth County Championship. The Colts extended their streak of undefeated dual meet seasons to 48 straight. They finished second in both the NJSIAA Non-Public A state meet and the Meet of Champions.

1. An aerial shot captures the new soccer field at Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville. Hal Brown photo 2. Donovan Catholic girls tennis team members pause for a team shot.

Defensively, seniors Sofia Gialanella (Ava’s sister) will be a center back and Julia Whesper will be at defensive center-midfield. Junior Reese Losecar will be up front on the wing. Samantha Brett, a transfer from Wall, is an all-around player who gives the Roses some versatility.

ST. ROSE, BELMAR

Continued from 8 Bishop O’Connell shares reflections of his days as CUA president with the university’s newest leader, Dr. Peter Kilpatrick. Photo courtesy of Father Jean Felicien

“Providing the highest quality Catholic higher education,” Bishop O’Connell reflected, “is so hugely expensive today. And it’s not going in the other direction. Every contribution makes a difference.” He added, “President Kilpatrick is the right person at the right time to lead CUATheforward.”evening’s emcee, New Jersey CUA alumnus Steve Westhoven, provided highlights of the many accomplishments of Bishop O’Connell’s 12-year tenure as president of CUA (1998-2010), which included: construction of a student center and three new dormitories; renovation of many existing buildings; steadily increasing undergraduate enrollments; the acquisition of 50 additional acres of property for future use, and planning for multiple improvements in the northeast Washington neighborhood “to name a few.”

A new clergy appointment in the Diocese of Trenton also has CUA connections. Conventual Franciscan Friar Father Robert Schlageter has been appointed pastor of St. Peter Parish in Point Pleasant. Father Robert was CUA’s Director of Campus Ministry and University Chaplain during Bishop O’Connell’s entire presidency. “Father Robert was an amazing, omni-present priest chaplain. He was the ‘soul’ of CUA’s spiritual life,” recalled Bishop O’Connell. “I could not imagine life at CUA during my tenure without him.”

Offering his enthusiastic encourage ment to Dr. Kilpatrick, Bishop O’Connell shared with him and the alumni/ae, “My years at Catholic University were among the happiest of my 40 years as a priest. I hope they are as wonderful for you.”

22 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022 In Focus dollars in much needed support for the national university of the Church in this country.Bishop O’Connell and President Kilpatrick both gratefully noted in their remarks that, over the years, the Diocese of Trenton contributes the largest amount to CUA of any U.S. diocese. They also noted that the Diocese of Trenton annually sends the largest number of students to CUA, many of whom benefit from the proceeds of the collection through scholarship assistance. The alumni/ae of the New Jersey Dioceses of Trenton and Camden recently contributed over $1 million to CUA’s capital campaign “Light the Way.”

Acknowledging Bishop O’Connell’s presence and presidency, Dr. Kilpatrick shared his intention to continue to build upon his predecessor’s legacy and “greatest contribution” to CUA, “the restoration and strengthening of its Catholic identity and mission.” He then shared some impressions of CUA and outlined some plans for his administration. “Of all the universities where I have served or visited, I have never been in a place where the sense of community is so strong, so warm and welcoming.” President Kilpatrick described his plans to share the CUA story all over the country. Spirits were high during the twohour event as “old CUA friends” got reacquainted or made “new CUA friends.” Several of the alumni/ae noted that their children attended or are currently attending the university. “They loved/ love it” was a common theme.

Bishop, CUA alumni/ae meet at the Breakers

CUA’s Vice President for Advancement Scott Rembold, Executive Director for Alumni Engagement Chris Johnson, Dean of the School of Engineering John Judge and several other members of the university’s administration were on hand to greet the alumni/ae present.

Westhoven then introduced Dr. Kilpatrick, noting that he came to CUA from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago where he served as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Westhoven went on to say that President Kilpatrick, who also taught at Notre Dame University, has an impressive background as “an accomplished administrator, educator and scholar.” An engineer by academic profession, he holds 12 patents and has a lengthy list of scholarly publications. “I am so happy to be with you here ‘at the Jersey shore’ tonight,” the President began. “I look forward to meeting each of you.”

Saint Leo the Great School 550 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft BACK TO BACK U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AWARDS  2012 & 2018 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence  2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School  2020 National School of Character State of the Art STEAM Wing Character Development Program for all Preschool through 8th-grade students Surface tablets provided for 5th through 8th-grade students 2, 3, and 5-day preschool programs for 3 and 4 year olds Tours available on request, please call Admissions at 732-741-3133 ext. 225 September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 23 BACK theto CLASSROOMHOUSE OPEN October 22, 2022 9 a.m. October 27, 2022 7 p.m. 35+ 15:1 TeacherStudentRatio 30+ Athletics SAINT JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL For more information, contact the Office of Admissions (732) 739-0800 X 155 or 117 or email gilmartin@sjvhs.org Saint John Vianney High School 540A Line Road, Holmdel, NJ 07733 AcademyCollegeEarly 70+ AcademyBusinessAdvancedCourses Scan register!to For tickets and more information, visit: With thanksgiving on 60 years ofCatholic School Education Jacques Reception Center 500 Palmer Ave, Middletown, NJ 7pm-12midnight Join St. Benedict in celebration on Friday, November 4, school.stbenedictholmdel.org/gala2022

24 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE September 2022 BACK theto CLASSROOM Paul VI High School • www.pvihs.org 901 Hopkins Road, Haddonfield, NJ 08033 Paul VI Scholarship Test Saturday, Oct. 22nd, 9 a.m. forREGISTERthetest 7662 PVI Back to School Monitor.indd 1 8/26/22 12:54 PM

tobelongBLEDSSE OpenHouse October Thursday,20|7 PM 60% Athletic Teams 90% Clubsor Activities 70% or Performance VisualArts 100% Spiritual Retreats StudentParticipation September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 25 BACK theto CLASSROOMYou care about your children. You love them with all of your heart. You want to give your children the best that you can give them, today and forever. You want a world-class education with qualified administrators and teachers. You want a stimulating atmosphere of academic excellence, of varied co-curricular and athletic activities, and of service to the community. DEAR [FIRST NAME], Please consider Above all, you want these things in an environment of Faith based on the Gospel values imparted to us by Jesus Christ. In today’s disconcerting world, you have a choice for your children. There is “somewhere else” for the children whom you love so much… a Catholic school. Faith. Academics. Love. Tradition. Come and see what the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Trenton can offer your children, and you will find that Catholic schools TRULY have it all. CatholicSchoolsHaveItAll.org

26 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022 BACK theto CLASSROOM JOURNEY EXCELLENCETO at our Open House Sunday, October 16 14511:30am-2pmPlainfield Avenue, Metuchen, NJ, 08840 code:usingPre-RegistertheQR CHERRY HILL, NJ Open Thursday,HouseOctober 27 at 6:30PM The best way to catch the Irish spirit. Tour the school, meet our faculty & coaches. See arts, lab and activity presentations. Scholarship & Placement Test* Saturday, November 5 at 8:30AM *Required as a part of the admissions application process SCAN HERE TO REGISTER FOR ADMISSIONS EVENTS Irish Experience Visit Day Visit CCHS in action, attend classes and participate in labs and service activities. Register online: www.camdencatholic.org/visit-apply

September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 27 BACK theto CLASSROOM IMPORTANT DATES for the Diocesan High Schools For more information visit: WWW.DIOCESEOFTRENTON.ORG/CATHOLIC-SCHOOLS OPEN HOUSE DATES: ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL, HOLMDEL Saturday, October 22 @ 9:00 am–12:00 noon Thursday, October 27 @ 7:00–9:00 pm RED BANK CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, RED BANK Sunday, October 16 @ 2:00–4:00 pm NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL, LAWRENCEVILLE Thursday, October 20 @ 7:00–9:00 pm ST. ROSE HIGH SCHOOL, BELMAR Wednesday, October 19 @ 6:00–8:00 pm DONOVAN CATHOLIC, TOMS RIVER Sunday, October 16 @ 2:00–4:00 pm Monday, October 17 @ 6:00–8:00 pm UPCOMING SPOTLIGHT DATES: RED BANK CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, RED BANK Application-Financial Aid Assistance: October 5 @ 7:00–8:30 pm Academic Excellence: October 19 @ 7:00–8:30 pm Athletics, Arts and Activities: October 26 @ 7:00–8:30 pm NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL, LAWRENCEVILLE Fall Shadow Days: October 1 • October 27 • November 10 UNIVERSAL DATES: HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST: Saturday, November 5 ACCEPTANCE LETTERS: Thursday, December 22

FAIT H A C A D E M I C E X C E L L E N C E S E R V I C E C O M M U N I T Y TA SCITELH Catholic Schools Have It All... and our students take it with them wherever they go. Catholic schools provide hope in a secular world that makes little room for faith. There is no substitute for the value that strong Catholic schools have to offer our Church. – Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. With the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, our Catholic schools need support more than ever. Let’s work together to preserve this vital part of our Church. PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY. ANNUAL FUND PHOTOSPRE-PANDEMIC Catholic Schools Have it All • 701 Lawrenceville Road • Trenton NJ 08648 • 609-403-7127 100% of donations will go to your school of choice or you can designate the Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools for broader tuition or program assistance. DONATE  PRAY  VOLUNTEER VISITWWW.LEADINFAITH.ORG NEW! Text leadinfaith to 609-403-3323 to make a gift!

During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever. We have students that need more financial support now than in past years. Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets are tight. Your support, will ensure our Catholic schools are here today and tomorrow. Educating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life. Thank you for allowing the youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity you had been gifted.

a Catholic education and I would like to thank you profoundly for offering this incredible gift to others. One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org

Dr. Vincent Schmidt Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Trenton “We ARE open and living our mission EVERYDAY... just as you have come to rely and expect for so many years. Our enthusiasm has never wavered, because we are a faith filled community.”

28 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022 DISCOVER THE NU YOUTHEINSPIREDYOU. CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN THE FRANCISCAN TRADITION College of Distinction Ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges 2022, for Social Mobility, #9 Pennsylvania and Regional Universities, North 23 NCAA DIII teams All Catholic high school students receive a $3,000/yr Catholic High School Grant www.neumann.edu/applyMM Discover our 48 Undergraduate Programs Monitor Magazine_7.5x5__September2022.indd 1 8/25/22 1:12 PM BACK theto CLASSROOM Dr. Vincent Schmidt Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Trenton DONATE AT WWW.LEADINFAITH.ORG DONATE PRAY VOLUNTEER “We ARE open and living our mission EVERYDAY... just as you have come to rely and expect for so many years. Our enthusiasm has never wavered, because we are a faith filled community.” FAIT H A C A D E M I C E X C E L L E N C E S E R V I C E C O M M Y TA SCITELH DEAR [FIRST NAME], Pleasepreviousrenewingconsideryourgiftof

“We ARE open and living our mission EVERYDAY... just as you have come to rely and expect for so many years. Our enthusiasm has never wavered, because we are a faith filled community.”

Dr. Vincent Schmidt Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Trenton

In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools for the next generation of Catholic faithful. You know the impact of a Catholic education and I would like to thank you profoundly for offering this incredible gift to others. One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org

In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools for the next generation of Catholic faithful. You know the impact of

“In addition to parents having the duty to educate their chil dren, the Catholic Church also teaches that parents should have access to government resources to successfully meet the educa tional needs of their children.”



September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 29

The USCCB encourages Catholics to contact legislators and urge them to support the legislation through co-sponsoring the bill. As of mid-August, the Senate version of the bill had nine co-sponsors, and the House version had 27.

USCCB

In its current form, the legislation stipulates that scholarship funds could support tuition, fees, curriculum needs, technology and special education services, among other expenses, to be determined by the organizations granting scholarships. The federal bill defines eligible students as those in elementary or secondary institutions, including home school, who reside in households with incomes at or below 300% of the median income level in their area.

BACK to the CLASSROOM

Fall Open House - Oct. 26th, 6-8pm

 institutionsreligiousprivateensureprotections“Thesethatand can participate ...”

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is urging support for a federal school choice bill that is poised to aid families whose children attend Catholic schools.

PREPARATORYCROSSACADEMY856-461-5400admissions@hcprep.org5035Rt.130,Delran,NJ08075www.hcprep.org

To learn more, visit the USCCB’s Action Center at www. votervoice.net/USCCB/Campaigns/96808/Respond, where you can view additional details about the proposed legislation and use the online platform to send a message to your elected federal representatives. urges support for federal school choice bill

Bishop Daly underscored that parental rights are upheld by the courts, writing, “Since 1925, [with the Supreme Court decision in Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510 (1925)] parental rights in education have been the law of the land in the United States. At a time when all ‘common schools’ had religious instruction, Catholic families desired their own schools.

The legislation, which has garnered support from entities like the Invest in Education Coalition, has been praised as a measure that will expand educational freedom and opportunity for youth across the country.

“After being required to attend common schools with Protestant religious instruction as a part of the daily curriculum, the United States Supreme Court ruled that Catholic families have a right to send their children to Catholic schools and cannot be forced by the government to attend a government school. Additionally, the high court has upheld the use of public tax dollars for tuition vouchers given to parents, even if they use the scholarship to send their children to a religious school” (Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, 536 U.S. 639, 2002).

The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) – S. 4416 and H.R. 8137 – would create a new tax credit for donors who give to scholarship awards, which would increase available scholarship funding.

The Bishop expressed support for federal policy that will provide families across the county with access to the school of their choice. “The Educational Choice for Children Act does not create a new federal education program, nor does it compel states to create a new program. Rather, the act provides students opportunity for scholarships exclusively through individual or corporate philanthropy,” he pointed out, noting, “These protections ensure that private and religious institutions can partici pate, including almost six thousand U.S. Catholic schools.”

HOLY

BY DAVID KARAS Correspondent MARY CLIFFORD MORRELL  Contributing Editor

In a letter to the bill’s sponsors, Bishop Thomas A. Daly, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Catholic Education, pointed to the teaching of the Church, which maintains “that parents are the first and primary teachers of their children and therefore have the right to select the best educational environment for their children. Whether that is public, homeschool or private school, parents know the needs of their children.

HSPT - Nov. 5th & Dec. 3th

“Since the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), several terms have appeared with increasing frequency in our Catholic vocabulary, among them ‘catechesis’ and ‘evangelization/new evangelization.’ Although they are not actually new to the Catholic lexicon, their meaning and application within contemporary Catholic life and experience have developed and taken on greater significance. …

“There is no question that contemporary culture pushes back constantly and hard with lights and messages contrary to his. It attempts to convince us of the reasonableness of its messages with all kinds of clever suggestions that appeal to the emotions, even to the intellect. …

In a new three-part catechetical series, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., addresses the importance for the Church and her faithful to undertake both catechesis and evangelization in meeting the challenges of contemporary culture. He writes, “One thing became clear in the discussions and deliberations reported from the Trenton Diocesan Synod this year: We need to deepen our life of faith through an ongoing ‘re-acquaintance’ with the truth and teachings of our Catholic Church in a deliberate effort at every level. Only in this way can we Catholics respond to the allure and enticements of contemporary culture to ‘turn off the light.’” What follows are excerpts: ‘KEEP THE LIGHT ON’ “It is the mission of the Catholic Church to address and reform contemporary culture, not the other way around. That mission is rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ and his Gospel. He has called the Catholic Church to be the ‘light of the world’ (Matthew 5:14). …

‘WORDS MATTER’

Bishop pens catechesis on deepening faith life in response

30 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022 In Focus

“The Catholic Church has to function in this world and respond to this culture. To do so effectively, it needs leadership and direction, rules and structures to accompany and translate truth and faith into a convincing, compelling and inviting institution and Gospel community. “Itneedsbelievers who are commit ted to truth and faith come what may. It needs a life of prayer that permeates all that it is, says and does and that sustains its mission by never losing or compromis ing its relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It needs the Eucharist as its ‘source and summit’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324), its ‘sum and summary.’”

“‘Catechesis’ comes from a Greek word translated as ‘echo or teaching by word of mouth.’ ‘Evangelization’ comes from a Greek word, too, meaning ‘good message, good news’ translated into the Latin verb ‘evangelizare,’ rendered as ‘to bring good news.’ …

“There is so much more that has been and can be said about evangelization and catechesis as understood and experienced in the Catholic Church. In our bottom line, bullet point world, we might summarize these words and expressions this way: Evangelization describes and defines our encounter with and experience of the Lord Jesus Christ, his Gospel and the Catholic Church. Catechesis is

the process used by the Catholic Church to understand, teach, communicate, encourage and apply what that encounter and experience mean in the faith life of the Catholic individual and Catholic community.”

about the Eucharist. If that is true – and it may be – the occasion for targeted catechesis on the ‘source and summit’ of the Catholic life is opportune.

Pastors, priests and deacons might also consider presenting catechetical homilies – catechesis – in their parishes as a way of renewing Eucharistic understanding among all the faithful, not only young people in religious instruction classes.”

Bishop O’Connell’s catechetical series will be available at trentonmonitor.com/ bishops-corner

“Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. … Catechists are commissioned in our parishes to lift up and hand on to young people what they/ we believe in our heart of hearts about the God who created and loves us, about God’s presence among us, about God’s desire to hold us close and never let us go, no matter what happens around us. …

“Earlier this summer, the USCCB began what it calls a Eucharistic Revival, focusing the attention of the entire Catholic community on the Holy Eucharist, one of the central mysteries of the Catholic faith. Recent studies conducted among Catholics have suggested that there is a wide misunderstanding imageCanva Fallsphoto/KenfileMonitor

‘THE OPPORTUNITY OF CATECHETICAL SUNDAY 2022’

“This year, the theme chosen by the USCCB for Catechetical Sunday is: ‘This is my body given for you,’ with the expectation that catechetical programs offered in parishes will promote a true, full understanding of the Eucharist to the young throughout the coming year.

“For the past 40 years, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has highlighted the importance of catechesis and the ministry of teaching in the Catholic Church by establishing an annual event on its calendar known as Catechetical Sunday, celebrated on the third Sunday of September.

September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 31 to contemporary culture

September is by far one of the most energizing months in the year, providing us with the sense of a restart, a fresh beginning and new opportunities. These possibilities exist for approximately 35,000 young learners in grades one through eight, their families, and the numerous catechists, parish leaders and priests who participate in religious education programs in parishes across the Diocese of Trenton. As we begin 2022-2023 year of faith formation, there is a sense of hope and excitement, having come a long way from the great pause in March of 2020 due to the St.pandemic.JohnPaul II wrote a timeless apostolic exhortation, “Catechesi Tradendae (Catechesis in Our Time)” in which he states, “The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion, in intimacy, with Jesus Christ: only he can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Holy Trinity.” Parish religious education programs provide this quality faith formation to all those entrusted to them, helping them grow into missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. Program goals lead youth in getting to know Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Gospel, provide opportunities for liturgical and sacramental experiences and engagement with the parishThecommunity.faithformation of the youth in our parish communities is the responsibility of the entire parish, as we are all called to ministry through our Baptism. You may be asking, “What can I do?”

You can start by praying for the faith formation program provided at the parish and for the formation of these young people. Programs are always seeking new volunteers – a catechist, classroom aide, special needs catechists, hall monitor, program nurse, or office assistant. There are always opportunities to serve. Coming out of the pandemic, some of the catechists and volunteers took a step down for personal reasons. Faith formation programs are constantly recruiting the faithful to share the message of Jesus Christ with learners. To help you feel confident in this ministry, the Diocese is committed to training and providing faith formation opportunities for both leaders and catechists who serve in parish programs.Forparish leaders, we offer a twoyear formation program for new leaders and those who are discerning a leadership role in a parish religious education program. In addition, scholarships are available to support parish leaders who wish to continue their education and acquire a higher education degree in theology, pastoral or religious education from an accredited Catholic university or college.Forparish catechists, who are vital to the mission of faith formation, the Diocese offers several opportunities for catechist training to assist with the preparation of effective sessions, being confident in their approach and developing skills to engage students. Growing in knowledge of the faith is also vital for catechists, who must know the truth in order to teach the truth. Courses are available for the catechist to grow in knowledge of the faith to serve the parish communities with conviction.

Religious education programs lead young learners to Christ

Pictured are the religious education students from St. Joseph Parish, Millstone Township, who were confirmed this past spring. Denise Contino, director of the diocesan Department of Cat echesis, offers a reflection as parish catechetical programs gear up for the 2022-2023 year. Photo from St. Joseph Parish Facebook page Continued on 37

 Faith formation ... is the responsibility of the whole parish.

DENISE CONTINO Special Contributor

32 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022 In Focus

This is my body given for you Luke 22:19

Celebrated this year Sept. 18, Catechetical Sunday is “a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel,” as described by the website for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

 “Catechesis

The USSCB website offers many additional online resources for Catechetical Sunday, available free of charge to all interested individuals and to serve the needs of diocesan leaders, at cal-sunday-2022.mittees/evangelization-catechesis/catechetiwww.usccb.org/comneeds to become evangelistic.more”

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

Catechists to be commissioned

Catechetical Sunday traces its roots to 1935, when the Vatican published a document (“On the Better Care and Promotion of Catechetical Education”) urging every country to recognize the importance of passing on the Catholic faith and honor those who teach it. In the early 1970s, the USCCB began publishing materials to aid and encourage parishes to celebrate Catechetical Sunday at the local level.

graphicUSCCB

Following the initiative of the National Eucharistic Revival begun in June, the theme for 2022’s celebration is: “This is my body given for you.” “We all agree that such a revival is needed today. And we know that we catechists will be vital to the revival’s success,” wrote Dr. James Pauley in a document “The Eucharist and Kerygmatic Catechesis,” available for download on the USCCB website.

UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS

CATECHETICAL SUNDAY | September 18, 2022

BACK to the CLASSROOM September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 33

Sept. 18 during Catechetical Sunday Masses

The observance of Catechetical Sunday begins the catechetical year throughout the nation and world, and affirms the work of those who impart the faith: parish religious education teachers, religion teachers in Catholic schools, leaders of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and adult faith formation leaders. During Masses that weekend, parishioners designated as catechists by their parish communities throughout the Diocese and the nation will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry, and rededicate themselves to this mission. Parish congregations are invited to say a prayer over the catechists, asking for God’s blessing on their critical work.

Dr. James Pauley is professor of

theology and catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, and has been appointed to the executive team of the Eucharistic Revival. He is editor of the Catechetical Review and an author on catechetical renewal. “Alongside the need for the Eucharistic Revival, there is considerable enthusiasm these days for the idea that catechesis needs to become more evangelistic,” Dr. Pauley wrote. “Catechists today know that merely explaining the Faith is insufficient, considering the cultural challenges in which we live.”

34 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  September 2022

Katie Bodnar St. Denis Parish, Manasquan

PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: St. Bene dict, EDUCATION:HolmdelSt.John’sUniversity,Jamaica,Queens,N.Y.,BachelorofArtsinFrenchwith a minor in Sec ondary Education; Master of Arts in Theology with an emphasis in Pastoral

LEADER: Children’s Religious Education and Family Catechesis, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults/Adult Confirmation Preparation, Adult Faith Formation (Bible Study, etc.)

Parishes around the Diocese are looking forward to the start of a new catechetical year on Sept. 18, which this year is observed as Catechetical Sunday. That day will also mark a milestone in the ministry experiences for six women as they begin new assignments serving as parish catechetical leaders.

Six parish catechetical leaders ready to hand on the faith in new assignments

PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: Director of Faith Formation in Sacred Heart & St. Stephen Parish, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Director of Adult Faith Formation, Most Precious Blood Parish, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Director of Religious Education/ Parish Renewal, St. Patrick Parish, Brooklyn, N.Y. WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CAT

ECHESIS IS IMPORTANT/WORTHWHILE: With all the noise and confusion in the world today, it is more and more difficult to hear and embrace the Good News of Jesus Christ, for young and older alike. Yet it’s exactly the medicine we need and what will bring us true joy, peace and ultimately the glory of eternal life with Him. St. Paul reminds us that “faith comes through hearing,” (Rom. 10:17) and so the gift of the “great commission” has been given to us, to proclaim that Good News “until the whole world hears.”

Michelle Abi-Yaghi St. Joseph Parish, Toms River PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: St. Jo seph, Toms River EDUCATION: New York NewAdministration,Master’sUniversity,ofPublicYorkUniversity, New York, N.Y.; Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Polit ical Science, St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, ADDITIONALInd. CERTIFICATION: Spanish High Proficiency Certificate, Maryknoll Instituto de Idiomas, Cochabamba, RESPONSIBILITIESBolivia

PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: St. Denis, PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: Holy Cross Congregation, Santiago, Chile, 4 years; St. Joseph Parish, Green wich Village, New York City, 3 years; Archdiocese of New York, 3 years; St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, 6 years

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CAT ECHESIS IS IMPORTANT/WORTHWHILE: Using our individual gifts and talents He gave us, it is a true blessing to work directly with God for the sanctification of souls.

AS CATECHETICAL LEADER: Coordination of 1,200-student Summer Religious Education Acade my and monthly continual education activities; Coordination of monthly sacramental preparation for religious education students

CATECHETICAL

Ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville, RESPONSIBILITIESOhio AS

Nancy Arkin St. Benedict, Holmdel

The former Christ the Redeemer Parish, Mount Holly, 17 years; the former St. John the Baptist Parish, Long Branch, 12 years; Christ the King Parish, Long WHYBranchSERVING

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION: Rider University, Lawrenceville, Elementary Education (Grades K–8) and Bilingual Education (Spanish- English-Portu RESPONSIBILITIESguese)

CATECHETICAL

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CAT ECHESIS IS IMPORTANT/WORTHWHILE: Serving in this ministry is an amazing opportunity to play a small part in passing on the beautiful story of our faith to the next generation as they grow in their relationship with God. I’m very excited to be able to serve the families of St. Denis in this role!

LEADER: I will be overseeing religious education for Grades 1-8

EDUCATION:ManasquanThe College of New Jersey, Ewing, Bachelor of Science, Law & Justice and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; University of Notre Dame Law School, South Bend, Ind., Juris

PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: Christ the King Parish, Long EDUCATION:BranchUniversityofFariasBrito,SaoPaulo,Brazil,SchoolofEducation; Bachelor’s degree in School of Administration, Teacher of Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology

WHYyearsSERVING IN MINISTRY OF CAT ECHESIS IS IMPORTANT/WORTHWHILE: To whom much is given, much is ex pected. I can’t think of a better way to make a difference in the world than to teach the youngest among us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.”

PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: This is my first role as a catechetical leader. I formerly took on a part-time role as a secretary in the religious education office at St. Denis. I’ve also served as a catechist in the program for 5 years

AS CATECHETICAL

Laura Sarubbi St. Paul Parish, Princeton PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: St. Paul, EDUCATION:Princeton Bach elor of Science in MasterSystemsInformationandaofArts

Stacey Ann Schear St. Veronica Parish, Howell PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: St. Veronica, EDUCATION:HowellThomasEdisonStateUniversity,Trenton,BachelorofArtsinReligion;

Pursing a Master of Arts degree in Catholic Studies at Fran ciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION: NJ Certifi cate of Eligibility: P-3; Currently pursu ing Villanova University’s course work for a Certificate in Catholic School RESPONSIBILITIESManagement AS CATECHETICAL

September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 35

RESPONSIBILITIESDoctorAS

IN MINISTRY OF CAT ECHESIS IS IMPORTANT/WORTHWHILE: I am only answering the Lord’s Call to serve in this community. I made a promise to the Lord that I would not say no to his request. I have to say to him every single day that, “I did not say no. Now you do your part and come to my aid.” I remind him every day that I am here, and I put all the students, families, catechists and staff in his care. It is important that we are educating the future of the Church.

LEADER: Be responsible for religious education needs of the parish that includes planning, implementing and evaluating the parish catechetical program; Oversee the Rite of Chris tian Initiation of Adults processes for both adults and youth; Coordinate intergenerational family catechesis; Initiate new adult catechesis classes for PREVIOUSparentsCATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE:

in Child Development

LEADER: Religious Ed only, which includes classes, sacramental prepa ration, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Youth PREVIOUSMinistryCATECHETICAL

EXPERIENCE: St. Paul Parish, Princeton, 7 years, serving as a religious education catechist for grades 3 and 5; Catholic school teacher for grades 2, 6, 7 and 8. (Teaching included second and sixth grade religion, sacramental prep); St. Cyril and Methodius Parish in the Arch diocese of N.Y., first grade catechist, 5

Sister Maria Gloria Cunha Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION: Completed Continued on 36

WHY SERVING IN MNISTRY OF CAT ECHESIS IS IMPORTANT/WORTH



PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, served as catechist for 6 years in providing religious instruction of all grades in cluding working in Sacramental Prep and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; Spiritual Advisor to the parish’s St. Vincent DePaul Conference for 4 years; volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul conference for 9 years; served as extraordinary minister of Holy Communion to the homebound

PRIMER CURSILLO PARA

CATECHETICAL LEADER: Religious Education Program Management for Children; Sacra mental Program Management (First Eucharist, First Penance and Confirma tion for religious education students; Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults processes for children and for adults; Supervise Youth Ministry Program; Faith Formation Program Planning, Vision and Evaluation; Develop faith formation support systems within the community -Intergenerational evan gelization and catechesis; Organizing Bible Study programs and retreats; Formation of catechists and other religious education volunteers

New catechists begin mission

WHILE: It is my calling as both important and worthwhile to spread the Gospel message to everyone. Catholics need to be properly formed to participate in the Church and to understand how to best live their faith.

Dios, pude reforzar en muchas cosas y aplicarlo a lo que estoy enseñando, entonces fue muy fructífero. Siempre, uno va aprendiendo”. Forero apenas ha empezado como ayudante de catequista precisamente por el problema del idioma. “Yo estoy muy motivada, yo quiero hacer lo mejor por estos niños y tan pronto me dijeron que iba a haber este curso inmediatamente me registré. Si hubiese sido en Inglés hubiese venido pero no sé qué tanto hubiese EneidaPastorrepresentantespresentesEntreconectado”.otrasparroquiasestuvieronvariosdeJesus,elBuenenBurlington.AnaReyes,PerezyCeliaPleitez expresaron el querer servir a su comunidad quienes no solo se comunican en español sino también en inglés y portugués. “Estos cursillos nos ayudan a refrescar la memoria y a recargar baterías. También a aprender cosas nuevas con la esperanza de traerlas a estos jóvenes de nuestras parroquias y a seguir levantando a nuestras parroquias y ayudando a nuestros párrocos. Constantemente a nuestra comunidad siempre está llegando gente nueva, inmigrantes, gente que necesitan los sacramentos ya sea bautismo, confesión, comunión y confirmación. Estamos siempre en la espera de esa gente que trae esa sed y ganas de aprender, para nosotros enseñarles. Por eso esto nunca termina” comentó Perez “La catequesis es algo que usted vive y que lo transmite por que lo ha experimentado” comentó English translation of this story is available at TrentonMonitor.com. Click on NEWS>DIOCESE. Para más fotos visita TrentonMonitor.com Galleries CATEQUISTAS

 An

36 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  June 2022

Continuación de 4 Los catequistas escuchan a un presentador en español durante la primera sesión de Arte de catequesis en español del 26 al 27 de agosto en la Concatedral de San Roberto Belarmino, Freehold. Foto de Ameriquin Dalmasy-Laccetti

> Photo

Continued from 35 Celia Pleitez. Durante este primer cursillo de catecismo en español se hizo evidente el compromiso que la diócesis y su equipo tienen en preparar a la comunidad en este nuevo año catequético. Al mismo tiempo se manifestó la devoción y entrega de la comunidad de catequistas hispanos que estuvieron presentes.

the Diocese of Trenton’s two-year Parish Catechetical Leadership pro gram, two-year Pastoral Care program; three-session Adult Faith Formation program; Two-part Certificate in Cat echesis RESPONSIBILITIESprogram AS

September 2022  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 37 Parish religious education programs are a priority in our Diocese. With the diocesan Religious Studies Curriculum and Sacramental Guidelines, the truth of Jesus Christ is being passed on through promoting knowledge of the faith, providing liturgical education, moral formation, education in prayer and an introduction to community life by the countless parish teams across the Diocese. On Sept. 18, we celebrate Catechetical Sunday, a time to recognize the faith formation programs, leaders and teams of catechists who pass on the faith. This year’s theme is, “This is my body given for you” (Luke 22:19). We are a Eucharistic people, and in Jesus comes hope, the hope for quality faith formation programs that lead to missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. As this new year begins, let us welcome this time as an opportunity to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ. Are you being called to something greater? Is there someone you know that you could invite to serve in the parish religious education program? Whether you are currently involved or if this is Continued from 32 CATECHISING THE YOUNG something you are thinking about, take the next step and find out more about training opportunities for catechists.Forinformation on the Parish Catechetical Leadership Program visit Dioceseoftrenton.org/parWe tomorrowstransform wtwco.com 2821 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) www.lawrencevillehomeimp.com882-6709 DOORS I SIDING I WINDOWS FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1952 LIC#13VH00230500 VISIT OUR SHOWROOM2821 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) www.lawrencevillehomeimp.com882-6709 DOORS I SIDING I WINDOWS FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1952 LIC#13VH00230500 VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 2821 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) www.lawrencevillehomeimp.com882-6709 DOORS I SIDING I WINDOWS FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1952 LIC#13VH00230500 VISIT OUR SHOWROOMVISIT OUR SHOWROOM: 2821 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 609-882-6709 FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1952 • LIC#13VH00230500 www.lawrencevillehomeimp.com Jeff Benfer Senior Account 609.598.4162Executive Jeff Benfer Senior Account Executive Jeff Benfer Senior Account 609.598.4162Executive Have your business card appear here... call: 609-403-7153 or email: Monitor-advertising@dioceseoftrenton.org Personal Injury • Real Estate Wills and Estates Business & Corporate Law Land Use Law • Employment Law Guardianships 3131 Princeton Pike, Bldg. 5 – Suite 114 Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 609-396-8257 • 609-844-0300 www.backesandhill.com Backes & Hill, llp counselors at law Serving the Diocese of Trenton for over a century The MarketplaceMonitorThe The place to find the services you’re looking for! burlingtoncountytimes.com WINNER arships.ceseoftrenton.org/catechesis-schol-availablegram.ish-catechetical-leadership-pro-FormoreinformationonscholarshipsgotoDioTo learn more about catechist training opportunities visit mangelo@Dioceseoftrenton.org.trenton.orgContinocate-in-catechesisDioceseoftrenton.org/certifi-orcontactDeniseatdcontino@Dioceseof-orMichelleAngeloat Contino serves as director of the diocesan Department of Catechesis.