Monitor Mag September 2023 issue

MONITOR

THE

Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

Vol. 4 • No. 14 • SEPTEMBER 2023

MAGAZINE

OUR COMMON

HOME

Wildfires, hurricanes, flash floods and droughts are just some of the many climatedriven crises that have impacted “our common home.” As we begin the Season for Creation, we are called to prayer and action on behalf of our brothers and sisters and this planet we share. See pp 40, 41.

INSIDE… FROM THE BISHOP: A pastoral response to the epidemic of suicide IN FOCUS: Catholic schools and parish religious education programs prepare to go Back to the Classroom

2023 Catholic School Principal’s Convocation

2023 ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL

“We were blessed to gather with our principals, pray with and for them, support them with resources, plan the year ahead, and build our sense of community. We hope that every time we gather, they learn from, and are supported by, one another.”

25 Elementary Schools 5 High Schools

— BONNIE MILECKI, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDANT SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT & OPERATIONS

GOAL: $6.5 MILLION EYES OF CHRIST

FEET OF CHRIST

HANDS OF CHRIST

Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world.

Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.

Yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world.

$1,750,000

$2,250,000

$2,500,000

• Families, Youth & Young Adult Ministries

• Finding and Forming Priests (Vocations Recruitment & Seminary Preparation)

• Evangelization and Communications Outreach

• Catholic Social Services (Mount Carmel Guild)

• Retired Priest Care

• Pastoral Care (Prison Ministry, Respect Life, Grief )

• Preparation of Deacons

• Religious Education for Children and Rite of Election of Adults

• Support of Religious Women and Men

• Catholic School Programs

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Send check, cash, or money order payable to Annual Catholic Appeal to Diocese of Trenton, PO Box 70170, Newark, NJ 07101

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• Outreach to the Poor and Vulnerable

WAYS TO GIVE

Call 609-403-7197 2 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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September 2023

• Professional Development for Educators

ON THE COVER A collection of images represents climate effects on God’s creation as the Season of Creation approaches.

Clockwise from top left: Maui’s fire-ravaged Lahaina, Hawaii, in 2023 (OSV News photo/Mike Blake, Reuters); Drought-stricken Graaff-Reinet, South Africa, in 2019 (CNS photo/Mike Hutchings, Reuters); Widespread flooding in Montpelier, Vt., 2023 (OSV News photo/Brian Snyder Reuters); Hurricane Eta approaches Tela, Honduras, in 2020 (CNS photo/Jorge Cabrera, Reuters). See Care for Creation, pages 40-41.

MONITOR

THE

Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

MAGAZINE

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Parents walk their children to the entrance of St. Gregory the Great Academy, Hamilton Square, to begin their first day of school Aug. 31.

Mike Ehrmann photo

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Contents 34 ¡ Viewpoints Farm Bill before Congress vital to supporting food insecure communities and countries

39 ¡ Respect Life Month October to host scores of pro-life events around Diocese

42-44 ¡ We Believe Diocesan parishes mark Feast of the Assumption of Mary; Blessed Carlo Acutis’ Marian apparitions display planned in Barnegat

51 ¡ Family Life How to start a family journal to aid faith journey

52-54 ¡ In the Parishes Parish teams compete in annual Pastor’s Cup soccer tourney; child inspires parish’s Marian garden refurbishing

56-57 ¡ Arts & Media Teacher compiles Facebook posts into book; DCM concert returns; retreat planned with author, genocide survivor

REGULAR FEATURES 46 ¡ Church

48-50 ¡ Insight from Father Koch, Mary Morrell; Question Corner

47 ¡ World & Nation

62 ¡ Fun & Games

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Peces

Nada puede separarnos del amor de Dios UN MENSAJE SOBRE EL SUICIDIO DEL OBISPO DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M. Cada año, las organizaciones que trabajan para promover la salud pública y el bienestar observan septiembre como el Mes Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio. El relato del Obispo O’Connell sobre este tema es el siguiente: Leí con alarma y profunda preocupación el reciente informe de los Centros para el Control de Enfermedades de que el número de suicidios en los Estados Unidos alcanzó un nivel más alto el año pasado.

Aproximadamente 49,500 estadounidenses se quitaron la vida, haciendo del suicidio una de las principales causas de muerte en nuestro país. Las estadísticas nacionales indican que una persona se suicida cada 11 minutos. Solo

en Nueva Jersey, se reportaron 688 suicidios el año pasado.

Especialmente preocupante es la medida de suicidio entre los jóvenes de 14 a 24 años.

Es la segunda causa principal de muerte entre los estadounidenses en ese grupo de edad.

Las causas del suicidio son complicadas, como señaló el periodista Mike Stobbe de The Associated Press en un artículo del 11 de agosto: Los expertos advierten que el suicidio es complicado y que los aumentos recientes podrían ser impulsados por una variedad de factores, incluidas medidas más altas de depresión y disponibilidad limitada de servicios de salud mental. Lee el mensaje del Señor Obispo en español en TrentonMonitor.com.

Ministrare Non Ministrari

¡Ha llegado el momento una vez más!

Un mensaje de regreso a clases del

Estos estudiantes de la escuela Nuestra Señora de Monte Carmelo, Asbury Park, ya están trabajando duro el 30 de agosto, el primer día de clases.

OBISPO DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

T

res palabras se ciernen en esta época cada año: ¡VUELTA A LA ESCUELA! ¡Parece que fue ayer cuando la radio estaba haciendo sonar el clásico de 1972 “Schools Out for Summer” de Alice Cooper para deleite de los niños (¡y maestros!) en todas partes! Eso no duró mucho.

A mediados de junio, las tiendas ya se jactaban de “Ahorros de regreso a la escuela” cuando comenzaron a abastecer sus estantes una vez más con mochilas elegantes, cuadernos, bolígrafos y lápices y todo el equipo necesario para enfrentar un regreso a las aulas.

Es realmente difícil para mí creer que han pasado más de 50 años desde que mis hermanos y yo abordamos el autobús escolar amarillo para dirigirnos a Our Lady of Grace Parish Grammar School en Penndel, Pensilvania.

Nuestras vidas nos han llevado en muchas direcciones diferentes desde entonces, pero todos compartimos con

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Foto de Facebook

gratitud una gran base que fue posible gracias a la lectura, (es)critura, ‘ritmética y religión que aprendimos “de las monjas” que nos enseñaron en lengua católica. ¡escuela! ¡Me encantaron las hermanas IHM! El verano parece ir más y más rápido cada año, ¿no? ¿A dónde va el tiempo?

Los viajes a la costa o las montañas, los juegos de béisbol, los campamentos de verano, los carnavales, los picnics y simplemente “pasar el rato” con amigos se desvanecen demasiado rápido a medida que llega el Día del Trabajo.

Cuando lo piensas, somos muy bendecidos de vivir en un país que da prioridad a la buena educación primaria

September 2023

y secundaria, los componentes básicos de comunidades y vecindarios saludables. ¡Las buenas escuelas hacen buenos ciudadanos! ¡Y las buenas escuelas católicas ayudan a apoyar el desarrollo de una vida activa de fe, dentro y fuera de la clase! Lo veo de primera mano cuando, como obispo, visito las escuelas católicas de nuestra diócesis.

Es cierto que el número de “monjas” – hermanas religiosas dedicadas – enseñando en nuestras escuelas católicas ha disminuido a lo largo de los años, pero los valores católicos que trabajaron tan duro para impartir siguen siendo vibrantes en las filas comprometidas de Sigue en 63

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Peces

Clase de formación en español planeada para ministros de RICA POR EMMALEE ITALIA  Editora Colaboradora Un curso fundamental en el Rito de Iniciación Cristiana de Adultos se presentará en español durante un taller de un día para aquellos involucrados en el ministerio de iniciación cristiana.

“Una introducción al RICA: La visión de la iniciación cristiana” – está planeada para el 4 de noviembre de 9 a.m. a 4 p.m. en la Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia – un sitio parte de la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe – 1139 E. County Line Rd., Lakewood.

Sigue en 63

Tradición Mariana Ecuatoriana Durante 25 años, la comunidad de la parroquia de San Antonio de Padua, Hightstown, ha mantenido una devoción ecuatoriana especial a la Santísima Madre bajo el título de La Virgen del Cisne. La celebración de este año, celebrada del 24 al 27 de agosto, concluyó con una procesión con docenas de feligreses, acompañados por una gran estatua de La Virgen del Cisne, caminando desde una escuela cercana hasta la iglesia donde la misa fue celebrada por el Padre Marcelo López, un sacerdote visitante, y el Padre Arian Wharff, vicario parroquial, concelebrante. Foto de Hal Brown

Fiesta del Divino Salvador El Padre Javier Díaz y la comunidad católica salvadoreña de la parroquia Cristo Rey, Long Branch, celebraron la Fiesta del Divino Salvador del Mundo el 5 de agosto. El Obispo Constantino Barrera de la Diócesis de Sonsonate, El Salvador, fue invitado a celebrar la misa con un festival que incluyó cena y baile. La celebración de "El Divino Salvador del Mundo" se basa en la historia bíblica de la Transfiguración cuando Jesús llega al pie de la montaña y elige a tres discípulos: Pedro, Santiago y Juan, para acompañarlo y presenciar uno de los momentos más gloriosos de su vida como humano. Foto de Mike Ehrmann

¡Celebrando la Vida!

El internacionalmente reconocido como músico católico y evangelista Martín Valverde presenta un concierto para unas 700 personas el 26 de agosto en el gimnasio de la Capilla de la Sagrada Familia, Lakewood. El concierto se llevó a cabo como parte de un esfuerzo para crear mayor conciencia sobre Respeto a la Vida entre los fieles hispanos de toda la Diócesis y para conmemorar el 10º aniversario del ministerio Respeto a la Vida en la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Lakewood. Foto de Mary Stadnyk

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¡Lee más en línea! Visita trentonmonitor.com/ peces para ver más historias en español de toda nuestra diócesis y del mundo. El evento de fútbol “Torneo de los Párrocos” comunitaria continúa creciendo Fe en Casa- El diario es efectivo para registrar las experiencias de Fe Laudato Si’ 2.0: El Papa anuncia un nuevo documento antes del ‘Tiempo de la Creación’

Readers' Corner

Building a brighter future A message from

RAYANNE BENNETT Associate Publisher

W

e probably can all agree – that which is most precious to us today is worth preserving and advancing for the future. So, we might take an inventory: What do we consider to be most precious in our lives? Our families?

Our values? Our way of life? Our faith?

Typically, The Monitor Magazine informs readers about what is happening now in our local parishes and schools and well beyond. And so we do this month as well. But often, much of the content we publish is forward-thinking, seeking to address problems we face now in order to build brighter futures for our children, grandchildren, and generations of children around the world to come.

This month’s cover is a powerful example. The images depict the utter devastation of wildfires; the terrifying power of hurricanes and tropical storms; flash floods that submerge whole communities, and crushing drought that leads to famine in the most vulnerable countries. We all need to know these are happening in real time, so that we might do something to help. So that we are equipped if we face such adversity ourselves.

But more than that, we need to understand that these climate-driven crises grow more intense and frequent because our earth is warming. That is why Pope Francis and other Church leaders, including our own Bishop O’Connell, has called upon us to care for “our common home,” which the Holy Father defines as the earth and our human family. What happens somewhere to some of us should be a concern to all of us.

It is the effort to preserve a future for

those who are struggling with their lives that prompts Bishop O’Connell to take on the very difficult topic of suicide and present the pastoral heart of the Church toward all who suffer. We hope that you will not only read it but also share it with everyone you love.

Our annual Back to the Classroom section is yet another reminder that Passing on the Faith and equipping our children with a love for Jesus Christ is among the most fundamental responsibilities that we have as parents, catechists, educators and faith leaders.

These are dynamic times, burdened with tragedy and heartbreak, but also filled with opportunities to impact our world and the human family in positive ways. We hope you will join in this effort and take steps today that will help to bring about a future where our love of God guides us and inspires us to serve in his name.

LATE BREAKING NEWS:

AS ‘HANDS AND FEET OF CHRIST,’ CATHOLIC CHARITIES HELPS FLORIDIANS RAVAGED BY IDALIA PERRY, Florida (OSV News) • Catholic aid workers are rolling up their sleeves to help tens of thousands after Tropical Storm Idalia slammed into the nation’s Southeast. “I just feel horrible for residents, that they had to go through this,” Matthew Knee, president and CEO of Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, told OSV News. Initially a Category 4 hurricane, Idalia made landfall Aug. 30, hitting Florida’s Big Bend area – where the state’s panhandle meets its peninsula – as a Category 3 tropical storm, and the largest to touch down in the Big Bend area in more than 125 years.

Although few fatalities as yet have been reported, Idalia caused flooding, wind damage and record-level storm surges, leaving more than 400,000 customers in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina without power. Knee, who spoke with OSV News by phone as he visited affected communities, said Catholic Charities was working to provide both immediate emergency

People wade through floodwaters in St. Petersburg, Fla., Aug. 30, 2023, after Hurricane Idalia passed to the north. OSV News photo/Joey Roulette, Reuters

assistance as well as long-term recovery, as part of “(keeping) people in their homes and in their communities” and “serving the poorest of the poor.” That work is “in our blood; it’s who we are and what we do,” said Knee. “We are the hands and feet of Christ.”

CORRECTION: In the August issue of The Monitor Magazine, the website link to register by Sept. 15 for the Bishop’s Anniversary Blessing Masses was mistyped. The correct link is dioceseoftrenton.org/bishops-anniversary-blessing. The Monitor regrets the error.

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LATE BREAKING NEWS:

Blessed Carlo Shrine to be dedicated as mother of beatified teen visits Brick parish The following announcement was confirmed as the new issue of The Monitor Magazine was going to press. TrentonMonitor.com will report further details as they become available.

All are invited to attend the 9 a.m.

Mass Oct. 1 in St. Dominic Church, 250 Old Squan Rd., Brick, where the Diocese of Trenton will welcome Antonia Salzano, mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis. On that occasion, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will dedicate the Shrine to Blessed Carlo Acutis whom he named “Diocesan Patron of Youth, Especially Those in Catholic Schools and Religious Education Programs” in St. Dominic Church.

Created by pastor Father Brian Woodrow and his team of supporters, the Shrine

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will hold the relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis obtained for the Diocese by Father Marian Kokorzycki during a pilgrimage to Italy in 2021.

Recognized the world over for his deeply spiritual life, Blessed Carlo developed a website catalogue of all Eucharistic miracles throughout history as a young teenager. Blessed Carlo died of leukemia at the age of 15 on Oct. 12, 2006, and he was beatified by Pope Francis on Oct. 10, 2020. His remains are displayed at the Church of Saint Mary

September 2023

Antonia Salzano and her son, Blessed Carlo Acutis. Facebook photo Major in Assisi.

It is especially appropriate that the Shrine is being dedicated in the Diocese of Trenton during the final year of the United States’ “National Eucharistic Revival.” An exhibit featuring the Eucharistic miracles catalogued by Blessed Carlo Acutis is currently traveling throughout the parishes of the Diocese.

From the Bishop

‘Nothing can separate us from the love of God’

We need to act with compassion, not judgment, and to beg

Freepik image

God for his

Each year, organizations that work to promote public health and well-being observe September as National Suicide Prevention Month.

Bishop O’Connell’s essay on this topic follows:

I

read with alarm and deep concern the recent report of the Centers for Disease Control that the number of suicides in the United States reached A Message from an all-time high last BISHOP DAVID M. year.

O’CONNELL, C.M. Approximately 49,500 Americans took their own lives, making suicide one of the leading causes of death in our country. National statistics indicate that one person commits suicide every 11 minutes. In New Jersey alone, 688 suicides were reported last year.

Especially concerning is the rate of suicide among young people ages 14-24. It is the second leading cause of death among Americans in that age group.

The causes of suicide are complicated as noted by the journalist Mike Stobbe of the Associated Press in an August 11 article: Experts caution that suicide is complicated, and that recent increases might be driven by a range of factors, including higher rates of depression and limited availability of mental health services.

Another main driver of suicides in the U.S. is “the growing availability of guns,” according to Jill Harkavy-Friedman, senior vice president of research at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Suicide attempts involving guns end in death

infinite mercy. far more often than those with other means.” Another big driver, especially among the young, is the ready availability of drugs.

Suicide cuts across every level of American society. Studies indicate that males are more likely to take their own lives more frequently than females; Caucasians more than other racial or ethnic groups; ages 25 to 64 more than other age groups with elderly (ages 65 and older) and youth (ages 10-24) numbering in the thousands.

Both people with or without religious affiliation commit suicide with Catholics and Protestants in higher percentages than other religious groups. Most experts across the board would agree that suicide is the result of untreated mental illnesses, depression, pain or some other personal suffering, regardless of its circumstance.

In my pastoral experience, few occasions are READ MORE ON THE WEB: as sad as meeting with Visit TrentonMonitor.com families who have lost a for these related stories: family member or loved one due to suicide, esu Responding to suicide pecially a young person. risk factors with education, They are often underresources standably inconsolable u In mental health care, and many blame themfaith can help, say therapists selves as they question and those coping with what more could they depression, anxiety have done, should they Continued on 10

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From the Bishop

Suicide prevention: Watch for signs, reach out, offer support Continued from 9

have done to prevent these deaths among loved ones.

Confronting death is never easy for anyone – the experience of death of those we love hurts – but death from suicide brings its own unique heartache, even desolation.

GUIDANCE FROM THE CHURCH

Shutterstock image

With due regard for the respect for human life enshrined in the Fifth Commandment of the Decalogue’s “you

action. No one, therefore, can judge a person whose choice we cannot fathom, whose life we can remember, but cannot restore, and whose pain we cannot understand.

This is how the Church tends to look upon suicide today. Pity, not condemnation, is the response of the Church. … Prayers are offered for the deceased. Mass is celebrated. Burial with dignity, in consecrated ground, is provided for one who dies this way. … So, for those of us who remain, the Church encourages paying attention to the pain that produced the action. Then, look forward, not back, to pain within ourselves and pain in others, especially when we see no signs and hear no calls for help. The Church teaches through liturgy, and the liturgy on occasions like these stresses divine mercy.

I am no expert on these matters. I am not a psychologist or behavioral scientist or therapist. I am simply a man of faith who has lived long enough in a variety of pastoral contexts to cherish God’s gift of life, no matter how long or short it may be, and to encourage others to consider that gift through the eyes of faith.

When a person has decided to end their lives, whatever the reason or set of circumstances, we need to act with compassion not judgment and to beg God for his infinite mercy.

As a man of faith, I take great encouragement from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans: For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be

shall not kill,” the contemporary Catholic approach to suicide is expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide (CCC, 2282).

We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives (CCC, 2283).

In a 2014 article on suicide published in The Catholic Digest, Jesuit Father William Byron wrote: No one can appreciate the unimaginable pain that is the ultimate explanation for such a tragic 10 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

COMBATTING SUICIDE The CDC notes: Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families and communities. …The good news is that suicide is preventable. Preventing suicide requires strategies at all levels of society.

This includes prevention and protective strategies for individuals, families and communities. Everyone can help prevent suicide by learning the warning signs, promoting prevention and resilience, and committing to social change (https://www.cdc.gov/ suicide/index.html).

Those who have committed suicide are in the hands of a loving and merciful God. I truly believe that with all my heart. Their families and loved ones deserve and need our understanding, respect, prayer, support and compassionate care. For those contemplating suicide, help is available. Talk to someone.

Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org.

In the meantime, whether prompted by religious faith or just human concern, we need to listen carefully and to watch out for signs of mental illness, depression, pain and despair in those whom we love or to whom we are near – family members, especially the young; friends; neighbors; classmates; co-workers; bosses; even people with professional responsibilities.

Don’t ignore these signs. Do something. Reach out or encourage others to reach out. No one is alone. We are all part of the human family; we are all part of God’s precious family. Reach out, lend an ear or a hand or a heart. And pray.

Our efforts can and might just save a life.

In Focus

Passing Down

the

Faith

Students head for their classrooms on the first day of school Aug. 31 in St. Gregory the Great Academy, Hamilton Square. Catholic school communities and parish religious education programs are embracing the mission at hand: imparting the teachings of Jesus Christ while continuing to stand out as institutions of excellence and integrity.

Schools in the Diocese of Trenton continue to thrive and, like their counterparts across the nation, are holding strong on enrollment.

Mike Ehrmann photo

IN THIS SECTION:  Messages from superintendent Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt and Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14  National Catholic school report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16  New Catholic school principals, Mass with Bishop . . . . 18-19  Back to Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21  Diocesan PTA scholarship winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25  Catechetical Sunday overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27  Opportunities for catechetical formation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28  Message from Denise Contino, director of catechesis . . . . 29  New parish catechetical leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-32

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In Focus Donovan Catholic students gather for the start of a new school year in this Monitor file photo.

Mike Ehrmann photo

Building on past successes in the new school year

S

ummer 2023…Blink and you missed it!!

The students of the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Trenton may have enjoyed the shore, with its sandy beaches or a day of relaxation spent at the swimming pool, but the Department of Catholic A Message from Schools has been DR. VINCENT DE busy. There have been PAUL SCHMIDT meetings to plan, reSuperintendent of Catholic Schools port cards to redesign, summer enrichment programs to support, new platforms for our teachers to work within for their respective professional development needs and more.

Whew!! Much going on…

In reality, that is what summer in the Diocese of Trenton is all about: reflecting on what has happened over the past nine months and planning to build on these successes. To be sure, our schools have had many successes upon which to build.

The Catholic identity of our schools remains such a powerful element of our programming. Each and every time I enter a Catholic school in the Diocese of Trenton, I am amazed by the overwhelming feel of the Catholic environment of the school.

There are always displays of projects and opportunities for students’ participation, so as to live as servants of Christ.

More impactful are the relationships I see forming between classmates, staff members and the communities of the faithful within the parish. There is just a “feel” to our schools that does not seem present in other schools I visit around the state. We are blessed to have this cultivated by our staffs, school administrators and priest leaders.

Our academic achievement is strong when considering the national test scores released by the U.S. Department of Education. Catholic school performance continues to eclipse the national averages of our public school counterparts. Again,

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a point of pride for our schools, but it is also in line with the expectations of our parents for their investment in our Catholic schools.

Lastly, I would mention the personal development that I see within our Catholic schools. Our programs simply improve with all the opportunities. Whether it is our summer enrichment programming that was newly available in 14 of our elementary schools, the summer camps programs that our high schools offer, the Orton-Gillingham training program for our teachers, and other opportunities for professional development and growth. Our schools are continuing to grow at each and every opportunity. Life-long learning to be sure!

And lastly, a note about the strides our schools have made to ensure that all campuses remain safe places of learning. We’re able  Our schools to report that substantive security measures and safety protocols have are continuing been successfully established in our schools. But that is not something to to grow at rest upon as the new year begins. each and every The Diocese of Trenton and the Department of Catholic Schools opportunity. have made school safety and security a continued focus and priority. The safety of our students is critical. Our schools have invested financially in the resources necessary to make this assurance to our parents. Furthermore, our schools are investing the time to be certified in school safety by the State of New Jersey. All of these efforts underscore that the schools are doing everything possible to keep our students safe while they focus on learning.

The DCS is looking forward to building on the shoulders of our past successes. In so doing, Catholic schools are confident that they will continue to grow and become the communities our parents expect, and our parish communities deserve.

Thank you and have a wonderful start of the year.

Back to the Classroom

It’s that time again!

A Back-to-School Message from

BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

T

hree words loom large around this time every year: BACK TO SCHOOL! It seems like just yesterday the radio was blasting the 1972 classic “School’s Out for Summer” by Alice Cooper to the delight of kids (and teachers!) everywhere! That didn’t last long.

By mid-June, stores were already boasting “Back to School Savings” as they began stocking their shelves once again with fancy backpacks, notebooks, pens and pencils and all the equipment necessary to face a return to the classroom.

It is really hard for me to believe that it’s been over 50 years since my brothers and I boarded the yellow school bus to make our way to Our Lady of Grace Parish Grammar School in Penndel, Pa. Our lives have taken us in so many different directions since then, but we all gratefully share a great foundation made possible by the readin’, (w)ritin’, ‘rithmetic and religion we learned “from the nuns” who taught us in Catholic school! I loved

the IHM sisters!

Summer seems to go faster and faster each year, doesn’t it? Where does the time go? Trips to the shore or mountains, baseball games, summer camp, carnivals, picnics and just plain “hanging out” with friends fade all too quickly as Labor Day rolls around.

When you think of it, we are so blessed to live in a country that places a priority on good primary and secondary education, the building blocks of healthy communities and neighborhoods. Good schools make good citizens! And good Catholic schools help support the development of an active life of faith, in and outside the classroom! I see that firsthand when I, as Bishop, visit the Catholic schools of our Diocese.

True enough, the number of “nuns” – dedicated religious sisters – teaching in our Catholic schools has diminished over the years but the Catholic values they worked so hard to impart are still vibrant in the committed ranks of incredible lay women and men administrators, teachers and staffs who have generously accepted the call to serve in our Catholic schools and classrooms. They truly deserve our gratitude and support day in and day out.

When a child is baptized a Catholic,

the baptismal ritual states that “parents are the first teachers in the ways of faith.”

Building upon that sacramental assertion and parental responsibility, the Catechism of the Catholic Church rightfully explains that “parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children” (CCC, 2223).

 “Parents are the first teachers in the ways of faith.”

Sending a child to Catholic school is not a surrendering of that “first responsibility.” No, it is rather the beginning of a deep and abiding partnership of faith and moral formation between parents and the Catholic school teachers to whom they entrust their most precious gift. Faith, trust and sacrifice are words which characterize that relationship and the work of our Catholic schools – especially now with parents’ ever tightening resources – and are what makes Catholic education possible when other options are available.

Catholics are all “stakeholders” in Continued on 14

Students from St. Dominic School, Brick, lead the music during the Mass for Catholic school celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., last fall. In his 2023 Back to School message, Bishop O’Connell reflects on how Catholic schools “give parents and families a choice that dares to be different.” Mike Ehrmann photo September 2023 

THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 13

In Focus

Blessings of a Catholic school education Continued from 13

this tremendously important enterprise of building a Catholic school community of faith and relying on that faith throughout our lives.

Religious instruction makes a genuine difference in the educational experience of primary and secondary Catholic school students, not only in the strengthening and deepening of the Catholic faith, but also in the approach our Catholic schools take toward instruction in all other subjects.

Research and data readily back that assertion up. Catholic schools strive for and achieve general academic excellence while at the same time enhancing their students’ experience of prayer, respect and concern for peers and development of moral character and good citizenship.

In the agenda-driven times in which we live, the general educational landscape and curriculum have been affected by the insertion and advocacy of opinions and perspectives that can be difficult to counter.

While Catholic schools bravely try to resist such impulses, the broader academic society has given them freer reign. Catholic schools give parents and families a choice that dares to be different. It is not an easy effort. But it is worth considering when

choosing a school. The choice becomes clearer every day.

Society benefits from good public schools and their dedicated teachers, no question and no criticism here. Two of my brothers attended public high schools and they were no worse for the wear. But society also benefits from the difference that good Catholic schools and their committed Catholic school teachers have to offer.

So, as summer wanes and our children board their school buses to head “back to school,” let’s all strive to provide them with the very best education possible. That’s a worthy and noble goal we all can share.

President John F. Kennedy once declared, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”

True and wise words! Permit me, however, to make a slight change and say, children are not only the world’s “best hope for the future” but also, the world’s best hope for the present!

Annual Catholic Schools Mass scheduled for Oct. 12

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 September 2023

ishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and Catholic school students from around the Diocese will commemorate the feast of Blessed Carlo Acutis during an Oct. 12 Mass in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold.

The feast day coincides with the Diocese’s Catholic Schools Mass, an annual event in which the Bishop celebrates Mass for students, along with their teachers, principals and family members. Last year, Bishop O’Connell placed all Catholic schools and young people in the Diocese under the patronage of Blessed Carlo, a faithfilled teenager who died in 2006 at the age of 15. Blessed Carlo was beatified by Pope Francis in 2020.

Soon after his appointment as Bishop of Trenton in 2010, Bishop O’Connell has made it a priority to host the annual Mass for Catholic Schools, giving the young people an experience to visit the diocesan Cathedral (St. Mary of the Assumption, Trenton) or the Co-Cathedral and attend Mass with him.

The Oct. 12 Mass is not open to the public but will be livestreamed on the diocesan Youtube channel, www. youtube.com/trentondiocese. The Mass will begin with a procession at 10:15 a.m. in which students will carry flags or banners representing their respective schools. Also participating in the procession will be two participants from St. Mary Academy, Manahawkin, who will carry a portrait and relic of Blessed Carlo in commemoration of his feast day.

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 15

In Focus

 “When you create the type of Catholic culture that people want to be part of, you don’t have to worry about enrollment.”

OSV News photo/courtesy St. Agnes School, St. Paul, Minn.

U.S. Catholic schools see strong growth, forming children ‘who love Jesus Christ’

BY GINA CHRISTIAN  OSV News

A

s they open their doors for a new academic year, the nation’s Catholic schools are enjoying overall strong growth, along with a firm commitment to mission, experts told OSV News.

“Our school system has grown two years in a row,” said Lincoln Snyder, president and CEO of the National Catholic Educational Association.

Based in Leesburg, Virginia, the NCEA, an organization which traces its origins to a 1904 conference held in St. Louis, represents close to 140,000 Catholic educators serving 1.6 million students.

Snyder told OSV News that Catholic schools in the U.S. on balance experienced a bump in enrollment amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 3.8% growth from 2021-2022 and 0.3% growth during the 2022-2023 year.

In addition, “most retention rates are pretty high,” said Snyder. “Dioceses last year retained 93% to 98% of students who came (during) COVID.” Snyder attributed sustained growth to factors that transcended the pandemic.

“By all indications, families who came to Catholic schools were very happy with the community and they established relationships” with the schools, he said.

“Once people have children in a positive environment, they tend not to change it.”

At the same time, some Catholic schools saw an uptick in numbers due 16 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE



to straightforward demographic shifts, he said.

While declines “tended to be in the Northeast and the Midwest ... most of our growth was seen in southeastern Florida, and some in the (U.S.) Southwest,” said Snyder.

Making Catholic education accessible to students with disabilities also is key, said Andrew McLaughlin, secretary for elementary education at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

“We are really pushing for full inclusion for children with disabilities,” said McLaughlin, whose schools have seen strong growth and – in contrast to national trends – little learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by standardized testing.

Along with expanding access, school administrators with whom OSV News spoke are focused on addressing both mental health and school security concerns.

While their students are not immune from national increases in mental health challenges – a trend highlighted by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in a 2021 advisory – Catholic schools, equipped with psychological and spiritual resources, can provide a strongly supportive environment for students and families navigating such issues.

“Often we hear families say, ‘Thank God this happened in a Catholic school, because there is a community of care,’” said Rigg. “(The) community will rally around a family in crisis.”

September 2023

But the biggest draw at many schools is the fundamental nature of Catholic education itself, said experts.

“When you create the type of Catholic culture that people want to be part of, you don’t have to worry about enrollment,” said Kevin Ferdinandt, headmaster of St. Agnes School in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The preK-12 school draws students from “a really broad area,” functioning “a lot like a regional school,” he told OSV News.

Admitting that St. Agnes had “almost closed in 2007” due to financial struggles, Ferdinandt said the school revisited its roots – and bore fruit as a result.

“We’ve got a very clear mission, and we serve Catholic families that are really serious about engaging their kids in education, and making sure their kids get a chance to learn what we as Catholics really believe,” he said. “If we’re going to call ourselves a Catholic school and not be serious about teaching the faith ... then we’re just private schools with a religion department. We worked hard for a lot of years to establish an extraordinary student and faculty culture (of Catholic education), and with that came the success of our school.”

“Our first role as Catholic schools is forming disciples,” said Snyder. “We are a ministry of the Church, and we want to form children who love Jesus Christ.”

Gina Christian is a national reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X at @GinaJesseReina

Back to the Classroom

September 2023



THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 17

In Focus

Principals take helm of Catholic schools

N

ew principals of schools in the Dioceseof Trenton come to their positions with a wealth of knowledge, education and experience, ready to assume the awesome responsibility of guiding students through many formative years of Catholic education.

Joanna Barlow Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly PARISH: Mary Mother of the Church Bordentown FAMILY: husband Eric Barlow – married 26 years; two children: Claire, 23, and Owen, 19 EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts in literature and language, Stockton University, Galloway; Master’s in Educational Leadership, Seton Hall University, South Orange ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION: New Jersey Secondary Education Teacher of English, New Jersey Elementary Education Certificate, both Georgian Court University, Lakewood; New Jersey Supervisor Certificate, New Jersey Principal Certificate, both Seton Hall University PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Howell High School – English, eight years; Georgian Court University – supervisor for student teachers, two years; Piscataway High School – English department chairperson, English teacher, two years; Notre Dame High School – assistant principal for curriculum, seven years, and principal, five years WHY SERVING IN THE MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT TO YOU: The ministry of Catholic education is important to me because it affords me the opportunity to share my personal faith journey. As the principal of Sacred Heart School, I am called to lead by example teaching our young people the importance of our faith. What sets Catholic schools apart is the spiritual experience and the development of a faith-based community.

18 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

I am beyond excited to work alongside the talented teachers and staff at Sacred Heart School to share my love of God and my Catholic faith with our amazing students and extraordinary community.

Nick Cammarano St. Benedict School, Holmdel PARISH: St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel FAMILY: wife Piedad; two children: Nicholas, 20, and Sofia, 17 EDUCATION: Post-graduate studies in educational leadership, Monmouth University, West Long Branch ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION: Principal and supervisor; history and education, Monmouth University PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: 20 years teaching grades 4-6 in Frank Antonides School, West Long Branch; Teacher of the Year, 2008 WHY SERVING IN THE MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT TO YOU: Returning to St. Benedict School, where I first began my teaching career in 1997, has been a dream come true! As a Catholic school leader, it is imperative that the entire school community is “faith filled and committed” to provide our students with a Catholic education that will serve as a “Foundation of Life.”

Children acquiring the Catholic values and knowledge through this foundation will be prepared and ready for future success when they leave St. Benedict School. I am so fortunate to serve the St. Benedict School community!

 September 2023

Ameriquin Dalmasy-Laccetti St. Ann School, Lawrenceville PARISH: St. John the Baptist, Allentown FAMILY: Married for 31 years to Mark Laccetti; three children: Isabella, 25, AnaMaria, 23, and Victoria, 20 EDUCATION: bachelor’s degree in business administration, master’s degree in business administration (MBA), both Rider University, Lawrenceville; pending certificate in Catholic school management from Villanova School of Business, Villanova, Pa. PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Spanish teacher and world language curriculum coordinator for St. Mary School, Bordentown, 2001-2013; Spanish teacher and world language curriculum coordinator for St. Ann School, 2013-present WHY SERVING IN THE MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT TO YOU: All Christians are called to serve their brothers and sisters. It is my mission to live in the manner that most follows this calling to serve. I believe that educating our youth, academically and spiritually, is a means of service. I believe that by spreading and living the Gospel we help guide our students and families to put their Faith into action every day. This is why this calling is important to me.

Michele Martinez Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville PARISH: St. Claire of Assisi, Gibbstown FAMILY: four daughters, three granddaughters EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology, Continued on 19

JoAnn Giordano, left, principal of St. James School, Red Bank, and Filippini Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio, principal of St. Jerome School, West Long Branch, converse during the Catholic schools meeting. Mary Stadnyk photo

 Bonnie Milecki, diocesan assistant superintendent of Catholic schools, second from left, sits with principals during Mass celebrated by Bishop O’Connell. From left are Marissa Marcille, financial analyst in the diocesan Department of Finance, and principals Caroline Fitzgerald, St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, Christopher McCarrick, Holy Cross Academy, Rumson, and Robert Dougherty, St. Rose High School, Belmar.

Mary Stadnyk photo

Diocese’s principals prepare for the new academic year

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

I

n anticipation of the 2023-2024 school year, the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools hosted a convocation for Catholic school principals Aug. 21 in the Diocesan Chancery, Lawrenceville.

The daylong event began with Mass celebrated in the Chancery chapel by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., followed by a meeting with the diocesan staff.

“As Catholic leaders – me as the Bishop and you as principals – our work, our ministry if you will, is to evangelize NEW PRINCIPALS Continued from 18

minor in Spanish; master’s degree in education/School Leadership, Wilmington University, Del. PREVIOUS TEACHING EXPERIENCE: Educator 30+ years; vice principal of academic affairs in Camden Catholic High School; additional positions include high school vice principal of student activities and discipline, high school principal of alternative education; elementary school principal, district director of special education, adjunct professor for graduate studies in instruction, diagnostics/ assessment, education and special education law, and mentor for new NJ administrators; member of NJ Advisory Committee for Special Education

together in everything we say and do,” Bishop O’Connell said in his homily.

“We are called by the Lord Jesus and the Church to evangelize society and culture – not the other way around. No excuses, no apologies,” the Bishop said.

“Evangelization begins in the Catholic home and family and continues in Catholic schools.”

During the meeting that followed, the principals heard presentations on diocesan policies and procedures by Catholic Schools staff – Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, superintendent; Daniel O’Connell, associate director for curriculum and instruction, and Bonnie Milecki, WHY SERVING IN THE MINISTRY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT TO YOU: Faith has always been a constant in my life. I attended Catholic school all 12 years, so it’s what I know and love. As educators, love is a major component to ensure success as a leader and success for our students. To love ourselves, to love our students and colleagues, and to love our God allows us to teach and lead with grateful and faithful hearts. Love of God is as important as the wisdom we bestow on our students. As Catholic school leaders, we guide our students to become wonderful productive citizens with a strong conviction to the Catholic religion. I am very proud and appreciative to be able to integrate messages of faith to both staff and students.

associate director for School Development and Operations.

Expressing how pleased she was for the opportunity to gather with colleagues for Mass with the Bishop and Catholic Schools staff, Donna White, principal of St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, reflected on how excited the school community is about the numerous capital improvements made to the building, enhanced educational programs and staff “setting us up for success as we enter the next 100 years.”

Lizanne Coyne spoke about the recent completion of the seven-week summer program in St. Mary Academy, Manahawkin, and that “we are looking forward to having the children and teachers back in the building on a regular basis” with the start of the 2023-2024 academic year.

“We continue to be committed to our Catholic school mission of providing enhancements to our academic programs, our STREAM activities, the social-emotional learning aspects and, most importantly, our Catholic faith,” Coyne said.

As St. Rose High School, Belmar, also prepares to enter its 100th year, Robert Dougherty, principal said the students, faculty and families look forward to marking the milestone that “not only celebrates our enduring legacy but also marks the beginning of another exciting chapter in our community’s shared pursuit of faith, knowledge and personal growth.”

September 2023

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 19

In Focus

Several Catholic school teams poised for outstanding seasons

BY RICH FISHER 

each other, they will be tough to beat.”

Contributing Editor

W

ith high school athletics returning, here is a look at several area teams in the Diocese of Trenton that have potential for a big season.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY CROSS COUNTRY The Lincroft school regained its state dominance last year by winning a record 25th Meet of Champions title along with its 31st Non-Public A championship, 37th Shore Conference crown and 53rd Monmouth County trophy.

Junior Joe Barrett returns after winning the Shore Conference and NJSIAA Non-Public A Group championships. His time of 14:59.8 in the Shore meet was the second best 5000 time in New Jersey last year. Other key returnees are seniors Jack Falkowski and Alex Kemp.

“The boys have worked extremely hard this summer,” coach Sean McCafferty said. “I believe they have the potential to be better than last year and one of the best teams in CBA history. If they stay healthy and continue to care about

DONOVAN CATHOLIC GIRLS TENNIS The Toms River school lost its first and third singles players, but talent remains from last year’s 17-2 Ocean County Tournament champions.

Senior Bella Ayres is at first singles, senior captain Gianna Rao moves from second doubles to second singles, and sophomore newcomer Stephanie Stulich is at third singles. Three doubles players return in seniors Kat Schuler and Jess Placa and junior Sheryll Tamakloe.

Sophomore Emma Cookson completes the doubles teams, while Audrey Barrett, Sophia Wall and Mia Bagabaldo could also make an impact.

“I still think we will be in contention for a conference title and I am hoping we can repeat as Ocean County Champs,” said Connerton, whose team has won 70 straight Shore Conference matches. “We will be pushed, but our scrimmages have looked encouraging.”

NOTRE DAME FIELD HOCKEY The Lawrenceville squad returns its top three scorers from a 12-6 team and

if some young defenders step up, look out for the Irish. Offensive firepower will come from Amanda Dressel (11 goals, 6 assists), junior Ellie Marrone (10 goals, 10 assists) and sophomore Clementine Bowden (9 goals, 5 assists).

“Those three were wonderful last year as they were willing to play different positions depending on the needs of the team and what would work best against each opponent,” coach Cheryl Harris said. “Amanda’s got great stickwork, Ellie is my rebounder and Clem has a great final touch.”

Also back is senior goalie Adeline Ihlefeld, who made 108 saves last year.

Senior Mia Wallace is the lone starting defender back, while senior Kalyn Rosica is a returning All-Conference performer who led the Irish with 11 assists.

RED BANK CATHOLIC GIRLS VOLLEYBALL The Caseys went from 7-13 in 2021 to 15-9 last year, and with seven seniors returning the wins could grow this season.

RBC returns its statistical leaders in juniors Katherine Bauman (141 kills, 186 digs) and Kennedy Miller (32 blocks) and senior Kailie Zebick (339 assists). In assessing the trio coach Jessica Redmond said “Katherine is showing dominance in her offensive game and has also improved her defense greatly. Kailie has been connecting well with our hitters and controls the court. Kennedy has an impressive presence on the court eating up overpasses and making each one count.”

Senior middle blocker Madeleine Carpenter, junior libero Talia Snedeker and sophomore middle blocker Charlotte Haynes will also contribute.

ST. ROSE BOYS SOCCER

The CBA cross country team reclaimed its Non-Public Group A and Meet of Champions titles last year, and with some tough runners returning coach Sean McCaffery feels this could be one of the best Colts teams ever. Courtesy photo 20 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE



September 2023

With the top three scorers returning from an 11-4-3 squad, the Belmar-based Purple Roses will look to build on the success they had last year as Non-Public South Group B champion. The three-

Kalyn Rosica earned All-Conference honors for Notre Dame field hockey last season and will be counted on as a key part of the Irish attack this year. Courtesy

Katherine Bauman (33) and Kailie Zebick (17) are two of the key returnees to a potentially dangerous Red Bank Catholic volleyball team this fall. Jen Harms photo pronged senior attack features Diego Nieves (9 goals, 5 assists), Aidan Bonczek (8 goals, 2 assists) and Jack Tiernan.

“Everybody knows about the players you’ve got so it’s like ‘We have to deal with them,’” coach Simon Muckle said. “But the lads we’ve got are capable, dynamic and very talented, so they’ll be able to deal with that extra attention.”

Also back is senior goalie Jack Harmon, who had 10 shutouts last year.

Harmon, Matt Alexis and Andrew Restiano are all four-year varsity performers.

Junior Henry McClean is in his third year on varsity.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY GYMNASTICS The Holmdel squad graduated three standouts, including NJSIAA Individual All-Around champion Kylie Sitty, but coach Tracie Vaz still says “I think this is the best team we’re gonna have yet. I’m extremely excited.”

Part of that optimism stems from the return of high-level sophomore Christina Fallon from injury. Also back are sophomore Reese Albano and junior Lillian Murphy. Vaz is especially excited about an incoming freshman class that features high-level gymnasts Kate DeSimone, Dayton Stringer, Mia Giordano and Francesca Patino. Other newcomers are sophomore Giovannina Beltra and senior Victoria Fitlin, who attend Ranney, Tinton Falls but can compete for the Lancers because Ranney doesn’t have a program.

photo

The Donovan Catholic tennis team suffered two key losses but also return plenty of talent from a squad that won the Ocean County Tournament and finished 17-2. Team members are (from left) Jess Placa, Sheryll Tamakloe, Kat Schuler, Bella Ayres, Stephanie Stulich, Gianna Rao, Mia Bagabaldo, Emma Cookson. Courtesy photo

The St. John Vianney gymnastics team lost three key performers but coach Tracie Vaz feels that this could be the Lancers best year yet with some solid returnees and outstanding newcomers.

Courtesy photo

September 2023

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 21

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22 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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September 2023

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 23

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September 2023

Back to the Classroom

This poster, created by Yzabel Cayetano – first-grader in St. James School, Red Bank – was selected as the Diocesan PTA Scholarship Contest winner for Kindergarten through third grade in Monmouth-Ocean schools. Courtesy photo

Catholic elementary school students awarded tuition scholarships from DOT PTA

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

T

he Diocese of Trenton PTA has announced the winners of its second annual tuition scholarship contest, to the delight of school representatives.

“When one school was notified, the principal was almost in tears,” said Jessica Jarmer, diocesan PTA vice president.

“She told me how much winning this scholarship will mean to the student … [who] ‘works so hard, and it is so amazing that her efforts are going to be acknowledged.’”

Begun in 2022 during Catholic Schools Week under current DOT

Yzabel Cayetano

Ariel Lezanna

PTA president Elia Landino, the tuition scholarship contest awards $500 to six students in Catholic elementary schools across the Diocese. Students were invited to submit their contributions to their teachers by mid-February, with the final judging taking place in May. The essays are first judged by the classroom teachers, then by the school principals before moving on to the DOT PTA. The DOT PTA board, along with Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, reviews them and picks the winners.

“Approximately 80 percent of our grammar schools contributed,” Jarmer affirmed. She explained that kindergarten Continued on 28

Evangeline Laneville

Julianna Payne

WINNERS OF THE 2ND ANNUAL DIOCESE OF TRENTON PTA SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST GRADES K-3 MONMOUTH-OCEAN Yzabel Cayetano – 1st Grade, St. James School, Red Bank BURLINGTON-MERCER Ariel Lezanna – 2nd Grade, Our Lady of Sorrows School, Hamilton GRADES 4-5 MONMOUTH-OCEAN Evangeline Laneville – 5th Grade, St. Catharine School, Spring Lake BURLINGTON-MERCER Julianna Payne – 4th Grade, Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly GRADES 6-8 MONMOUTH-OCEAN Lillian Jenks – 6th Grade, St. Dominic School, Brick BURLINGTON-MERCER Isadora Iwamoto – 6th Grade, St. Paul School, Princeton

Lillian Jenks

September 2023



Isadora Iwamoto

THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 25

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In Focus

Catechetical Sunday Masses to include commissioning of catechists Sept. 17

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

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hose designated by their parish communities to serve as catechists will be commissioned for their ministry Sept. 17, marked worldwide as Catechetical Sunday, when the Catholic Church recognizes the essential role of catechists in passing on the faith and witnessing to the Gospel.

During Masses that weekend, catechists will be called forth and given the opportunity to recommit themselves to their mission, as their congregations pray over them and ask for God to bless their work.

Catechesis – “the act of resounding or bringing the Church’s teachings to the world” as described on the website for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops – receives special distinction

in the Church. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Catechesis is intimately bound up with the whole of the Church’s life . . . her inner growth and correspondence with God’s plan depend essentially on catechesis” (no. 7).

The word “catechesis” has roots in Greek, meaning “to echo, or resound.” It is the act of bringing the Church’s teachings to the world; a catechist is one who teaches in the name of the Church.

“This ministry of teaching in the name of the Church has a profound dignity, which is why catechists are formally commissioned by the Church,” the USCCB website states. “It is only fitting that we set aside a day to highlight this ministry and invite the entire church community to think about our responsibility to share our faith with others.”

Parents, too, are included in the Catechetical Sunday celebration as the primary catechists for their children, as

they “prepare the soil and plant the first seeds of faith,” the USCCB describes. “On Catechetical Sunday, we not only highlight the work of catechists in parishes and schools, but we also commend parents and guardians and encourage them to take seriously their role of making their Catholic households a place where faith is passed on to the next generation. This is why the rite of blessing of catechists used on Catechetical Sunday includes an optional blessing of parents and guardians.”

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.

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 27

In Focus

Catechist formation opportunities available

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he Diocese offers opportunities for catechists and persons serving in parish catechetical ministry programs to receive proper formation and certification in an accessible, affordable and comfortable fashion.

The Certificate in Catechesis program is centered on methodology and theology. A catechist is awarded a certificate in catechesis after successful completion of both components.

Focused on methodology, the Art of Catechesis program provides participants with the basic understanding of the role of the catechist, the sources and methods used in catechesis and the tools and skills that can help them effectively engage their learners. The program can be completed in-person or virtually in one-, two- and three-day formats. Classes include live instruction and time for discussion. For more information, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/artof-catechesis-1.

Catechists can complete the theology component by participating in one of the following diocesan-based partnerships: The University of Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute of Church Life offers “Foundations of Catholic Belief,” which is a seven-week online course that includes lectures, supplemental readings, written assignments and facilitator-moderated chat sessions. Participants can receive a 50% discount with diocesan partnership. For more information, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/ndstep. The Catechetical Institute at the Franciscan University at Steubenville, Ohio, offers a “Catechist Track,” in which participants can complete the program at their own pace and opportunities for in-person group learning and mentoring exist. The program is free for participants. More information may be found at dioceseoftrenton. org/the-catechetical-institute-francican-university-1.

A Catechist’s Prayer

Father of all families, you have called me to serve the family in truth and love as a catechist.

May I be faithful to this call, rooted in your Word, and open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

May I use these gifts, especially the gifts of faith, hope, and love, to serve the family as a witness to you, who are love and life and the source and destiny of all families.

Let your Spirit enlighten my mind and strengthen my

PTA SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS Continued from 25

through third grade students answer a question with a poster illustration, fourth and fifth grade write 300-500-word essays based on another question, and yet another essay question is posed to sixth through eighth graders, who write 500-750-word responses. Two winners – one from Burlington-Mercer schools and one from Monmouth-Ocean schools – are awarded in each age category.

Topics were based on the National Catholic Schools Week theme “Catholic Schools: Faith.

28 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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heart so that I can be a path of Christ’s love to families, especially those in need, the homebound and aged, the disabled and disheartened.

Through the intercession of Mary and Joseph, I pray for the Church, the Bride of Christ, whose mission to build a civilization of love passes through the family. Amen.

Come to Me,

– United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Excellence. Service.” Kindergarten through third grade illustrated the question “What does service mean to you?” Fourth through fifth grades wrote a response to the question “What does faith mean to you?” Sixth through eighth grades reflected on “What does excellence mean to you?”

The $500 scholarships, given directly to the winners’ schools on behalf of the students, “are offered by the DOT PTA to promote Catholic identity in the schools,” Jarmer noted. “They will receive a certificate and tuition voucher at the PTA Diocesan Fall Conference in September to help with their tuition. Winners must be continuing with Catholic education in the Diocese to

September 2023

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receive the scholarship.”

Fees collected from all Catholic school PTA chapters in the Diocese help contribute to the scholarship fund, as well as other education support, such as continuing education for teachers © and additional help for students who qualify for academic support.

“The DOT PTA contributes to the Orton-Gillingham Training Program that the Diocese offers,” Jarmer explained. “It is a literacy training program to teach students when reading, writing and spelling don’t come easily. Orton-Gilliangham is specifically useful to our students with dyslexia.”

In Focus

‘Come to me all you who labor and are burdened’ Denise Contino, diocesan director of Catechesis, shared the following message for Catechetical Sunday, which the Church observes this year Sept. 17.

Persons serving in catechetical ministry attend a daylong workshop on the Eucharistic Revival in March. Denise Contino speaks of how passing on the faith to young people is a priority in the Diocese. Mary Stadnyk photo

e can all agree that passing on the faith is a necessary element to the mission of the Church.

Who is passing on the faith in your parish?

Most likely we think about the parish catechist or the Catholic school teacher, and yes, these folks are passing on the faith. Many other people pass on the faith too: RCIA teams; baptismal ministry teams; youth and young adult teams, Marriage Ministry teams, Parish leaders, Parents, GrandparDENISE CONTINO ents, and many more Director of Catechesis faithful servants.

Annually the Church celebrates all catechists, those passing on the faith, on Catechetical Sunday. This day provides an opportunity to recall that all the baptized have a role in handing on the faith. Passing on the faith can happen in our daily lives, within our families, the larger community, and in the work in the local parish.

Each year the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops decide on a theme for this day. This year the theme is from the Gospel of Matthew, “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened” (Matthew 11:28). This theme helps us see that the Lord Jesus is inviting us to follow him and provides us with the promise that passing on the faith is not to add to our burdens, but to lighten them. The 2023 theme helps us to remember that Catechesis is Jesus himself. It all is from HIM! A catechist is someone who first is a disciple, a follower of Jesus. A catechist trusts in Jesus, finds rest in him, will witness the faith and accompany others on their journey to know Jesus.

All catechists who pass on the faith require faith formation, to be engaged in a life of prayer and continually develop the skills and tools needed to pass on the faith effectively.

The task of passing on the faith, especially to young people, is a priority for the Diocese of Trenton. This task is taken seriously to ensure that all catechists serving in parishes and schools are properly trained and formed in the faith. The Department of Catechesis provides formation opportunities for all catechists, whether it is basic training for a new catechist  God does or ongoing formation for the catechist not call the seeking to develop advanced skills.

The “Certificate in Catechesis” is for qualified; catechists in parishes and schools that will provide them with the basic trainhe qualifies ing needed to pass on the faith to our those he calls. young people. In addition, the Diocese supports ongoing formation through formation days, partnerships with both the University of Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute of Church Life and The Catechetical Institute of Franciscan University.

Take a moment this year as we celebrate Catechetical Sunday and pray for all the catechists passing on the faith. Perhaps God is calling you to pass on the faith in your parish. Contact your local parish and ask how you can assist them with the responsibility of passing on the faith. In my experience, a wise pastor would always say ‘many hands make light work.’ You may be thinking “but I am not qualified to be a catechist.” But remember God does not call the qualified; he qualifies those he calls.

W

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In Focus

Ten parish catechetical leaders poised to hand on the faith in new assignments

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arishes 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 eight women and two men as they begin new assignments serving as parish catechetical leaders.

Christopher Carlo St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: St. Anthony of Padua, Red Bank EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts in theology, DeSales University, Center Valley, Pa. RESPONSIBILITIES AS CATECHETICAL LEADER: Oversee the parish religious education program, train and support catechists PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: Religion teacher in St. Mary Parish, Middletown WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATECHESIS IS IMPORTANT / WORTHWHILE: Catechesis is the work of evangelizing and teaching the faith to children. Parents are primarily responsible for this, yet catechists also play a critical role in nourishing and supporting the faith of the youth. In this work, catechists follow in the footsteps of Jesus and the apostles as teachers and evangelists for the faith.

Stephanie DeCrescenzo St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: St. Barnabas, Bayville EDUCATION: Received parish catechetical leadership training through diocesan leadership formation program; received diocesan training in 30 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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youth ministry RESPONSIBILITIES AS CATECHETICAL LEADER: Oversee eighth grade religious education program with more than 1,000 students; oversee eighth grade Confirmation prep PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: At St. Barnabas, was hired as the Confirmation secretary in 2005. Over the years, worked as a junior high youth ministry leader until becoming an assistant to the parish catechetical leader for the religious education program.

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATECHESIS IS IMPORTANT/WORTHWHILE: “This is all about the kids. Sharing with them about Christ and teaching them about ways to find Christ in themselves and each other.”

Lynda Fiorenza St. James Parish, Red Bank PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: St. James, Red Bank EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.; master’s in teaching, Monmouth University, West Long Branch PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: More than 14 years teaching religion as well as science and English for sixth through eighth grades in St. James School, Red Bank ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATION: STEM certified science teacher; a Google certified educator and a certified catechist. In 2019, she became the head of the youth ministry

September 2023

program in St. James Parish WHY SERVIN IN MINISTRY OF CATECHESIS IS IMPORTANT/WORTHWHILE: I am blessed to share my love of our faith by encouraging the young people of the parish to express their faith in service and fellowship.

Judith Garifine St. Peter Parish, Point Pleasant Beach PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: St. Peter Parish EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in art education, K-12, Monmouth University, West Long Branch; Master’s in educational administration, supervision, curriculum design at Georgian Court University, Lakewood ADDITIONAL CERTFICATION: Teacher certification in Genesis to Jesus at Franciscan University at Steubenville, Ohio; pastoral care certification, Diocese of Trenton RESPONSIBLIITIES AS CATECHETICAL LEADER: Catechetical formation for public school students in grades first through eighth PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: Catechist for third, fourth and sixth grades as well as adults in Holy Trinity Parish, Long Branch, now part of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch; grief support, women’s faith sharing groups WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATECHESIS IS IMPORTANT / WORTHWHILE: I/We have been called to surrender all of ourselves, in love and gratitude to our heavenly father through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us the power and Gifts of the Holy Spirit. This ambassadorship necessitates continual prayer, study of sacred Scriptures and writings, the Catechism and resources related to our area of ministry. As a lifelong learner, I

Back to the Classroom am grateful for this opportunity to draw closer to Jesus and to share the gift of his love with others.

Angela McAvoy Nativity Parish, Fair Haven PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: Nativity, Fair Haven EDUCATION: Master of Science in elementary education, St. John’s University, Staten Island, N.Y.; Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, University of Albany, N.Y. RESPONSIBILITIES AS CATECHETICAL LEADER: I develop and implement our religious education curriculum and oversee all sacramental preparation for our students.

I also help train our catechists to become familiar with our curriculum and students.

PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: I have been teaching religious education classes in Nativity Parish for the past 17 years.

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATECHESIS IS IMPORTANT / WORTHWHILE: I believe it is important to teach young people about our Catholic faith so that they can embrace their membership in our Church community and live their lives as disciples of Jesus.

Todd Nolan St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: St. Mary of the Lakes, Medford EDUCATION: Master of Arts in theology, Catholic Distance University, Charles Town, W.V.; Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts, Villanova University, Villanova, Pa. RESPONSIBILITIES AS CATECHETICAL LEADER: Coordinate the religious education programs for both St. Mary of the Lakes Parish and School

PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: Youth ministry coordinator/catechist, St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Wayne, Pa., and St. Patrick Parish, Mich.; high school theology teacher, Villa Maria Academy High School, Malvern, Pa., and Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School, Mich.

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATECHESIS IS IMPORTANT/WORTHWHILE? I am passionate about Catholic identity and inspiring others to live their faith in every aspect of life.

Theresa Pasqua St. Veronica Parish, Howell PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: Corpus Christi, South River EDUCATION: Master of Science in educational leadership, and Master of Arts in elementary education, both Georgian Court University, Lakewood; dyslexia coach, Wilson Reading System Certification; public speaking, IBM Corporation RESPONSIBILITIES AS CATECHETICAL LEADER: Coordinate Religious Education which entails helping to build a solid spiritual foundation for each our students through leading by example; sharing your love of God, Scripture readings, works of service, and actively participating in the life and mission of the Church.

PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: Taught religious studies at various grade levels throughout my teaching career WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATECHESIS IS IMPORTANT/WORTHWHILE? This role is important so that we may assist in the nurturing of a child’s faith journey through the various stages in the hope they will develop a passion and love of God and continue to be active members in the Christian community.

Suzanne Pfirrman St. Mary Parish, Middletown PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: St. Mary, Middletown

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in business administration with concentration in finance, Marywood University, Dunmore, Pa.; Bachelor of Arts in history, Rowan University, Glassboro; currently pursuing Certificate of Catechesis and enrolled in Parish Catechetical Leader Program with the Diocese RESPONSIBILITIES AS CATECHETICAL LEADER: Responsible for the implementation of the religious education of the parish from first to eighth grade (1000 students); coordinating and planning the summer Vacation Bible School; coordinate sacramental preparation, retreats and liturgies for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation; planning and organizing family catechesis; working with parents, students, teens and volunteers to share my faith and love of the Lord with all in our parish PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: The last nine years, I was the St. Mary Parish faith formation assistant. The previous CRE, Peggy Dunne, was instrumental in teaching me everything about running a religious education program. She also taught me how to go to Adoration and ask Jesus to take care of all the details in everything we did during those nine years – something I still do today. Also volunteered with the Sunday Scripture program that taught children ages 3-7 about the Gospel reading for that day; taught fourth and fifth grade religious education in the summer Radiant Joy Program; have been a leader in the vacation Bible school, and substituted all grades during the school year.

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATECHESIS IS IMPORTANT / WORTHWHILE: I do not know where I would be today if I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I want everyone to know that God loves us always and that if we truly believe in Jesus and trust in him, he will guide us through his Holy Spirit. The world is in chaos these days and the children need to feel God’s love and presence.

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 31

In Focus

New parish catechetical leaders Continued from 31

I pray I can make a difference and that I bring parents, children and teens to have a personal encounter with Christ.

Laura Randazzo

beautiful memory of their local parish, bringing everyone closer to Jesus and his ministry.

Mary Kate Sternik Mother of Mercy, Asbury Park

St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Farmingdale PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: St. Catherine of Siena, Farmingdale RESPONSIBILITIES AS CATECHETICAL LEADER: Currently, to serve on behalf of the Church, overseeing the parish religious education program for students in grades 1-8 and building up family faith formation through parish programs and events; my work in the parish is to welcome and support all who seek to know Christ and his Church.

PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: Pastor’s associate in St. Catherine of Siena for six years, collaborating on all aspects of parish life with responsibilities based on the parish’s needs. Over 20 years as a catechist serving in the Dioceses of Scranton, Pa., Camden and Trenton. Over the years, led Mommy & Me programs and Children’s Liturgy of the Word, and was classroom catechist for grades K-6.

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATECHESIS IS IMPORTANT / WORTHWHILE: Serving in the ministry of catechesis is a vital part of the parish’s mission. It is meaningful and builds relationships with the community we serve, a community with a beautiful mosaic of gifts offered to the Church. The students and their families will meet Jesus in Word, Truth and Sacrament through the parish.

The program aims to pass on the joy of the Gospel, and create a

PARISH WHERE YOU ATTEND: Mother of Mercy, Asbury Park EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in elementary and special education, Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, Md. RESPONSIBILITIES AS CATECHETICAL LEADER: Helping the catechists and students grow closer to God through instruction and programming PREVIOUS CATECHETICAL EXPERIENCE: This is my first time coordinating a parish religious education program, but I have taught religion throughout my entire career as an educator. This included creating lessons in line with diocesan curricula, while also supporting students preparing to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation.

WHY SERVING IN MINISTRY OF CATECHESIS IS IMPORTANT/WORTHWHILE? I am blessed to work with a very diverse community, where it is obvious that God’s love and mercy are the same no matter where you come from or what language you speak.

Helping others find the beauty and joy in a relationship with God brought significant meaning to my life as an educator, so I am excited to use this passion in my new role. Now more than ever, it is so important for the youngest members of our community to understand why a relationship with God is important. It’s hard to feel close to someone who feels far away, so it is our job to help them know the presence of God in their everyday lives.

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September 2023

Back to the Classroom

Catechist formation webinars begin Oct. 5 Offered by the diocesan Department of Catechesis, the webinar series, “CATechist CHATS” features topics suggested by catechists based on feedback received from previous formation event evaluations.

During the one-hour webinars, experts in the field will provide a brief practical presentation about a specific topic in catechetical ministry. The presentation is followed by an opportunity for catechists to network, share thoughts and ask questions.

The first webinar, “Making Scripture Come Alive,” scheduled for Oct. 5 from 7 to 8 p.m., is designed to help catechists discover practical ways to make learning the Bible engaging and meaningful for their learners. Presenter is Allan Wright, who is a husband, father and author of 20 books, national speaker and former academic dean of evangelization for the Diocese of Paterson. He is currently an adjunct professor at Seton Hall University, South Orange, and the executive director of the NJ Family Policy Center. He has also authored books including the “New Catholic Bible for Youth,” “First Catholic Bible Stories,” “Jesus the Evangelist: A Gospel Guide to the

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 33

Viewpoints

Farm Bill provides critical funding for fight against hunger in developing countries the fertility of their land, enable farmers to provide food for their families and their local communities, increase the atholic Relief Services, an officapacity of local farmers to consistently cial agency of the U.S. bishops, provide nutritious food in the necessary advocates for the vulnerable quantities, promote local economies, and in developing countries. For implement sustainable practices that lead members of the Diocese of Trenton people to independence and resiliency.

Chapter of CRS this advocacy takes The Farm Bill contains four major many forms. Since last year, we have been programs that have cut hunger in the contacting and meeting with the staff of developing world: Food for Peace, the our members of Congress, writing letters McGovern-Dole Food for Education to the editor, and educating the public Program, Food for Progress and Farmabout the importance of the Farm Bill in er-to-Farmer. Together these programs helping those suffering food insecurity provide emergency assistance during throughout the world. disasters and help promote sustainability The current Congress has the opand resiliency in the local economies portunity to take critical action in the where farmers are struggling to respond fight against world hunger through the to prolonged droughts, shortages of ferre-authorization of the Farm Bill. While tilizer and the effects of conflict. the majority of the Farm Bill focuses on An overview follows: domestic spending, there is an important  Since 1954, Food for Peace has one percent that provides funding for provided emergency food assistance and international programs directed at food worked with communities to improve production and alleviation of hunger and sustain their food and nutrition sein developing countries. Far from being curity through non-emergency programs. handouts that never move people out of  McGovern-Dole Food for Educapositions of dependency on international tion has ensured that children are not assistance, these are programs that assist struggling to learn on empty stomachs. farmers and communities to improve In Fiscal Year 2021, this program reached more than 4 million children, women and families.  Food for Progress works to train farmers in animal and plant health, improve farming methods, develop road and utility systems, establish cooperatives for farmers, provide microcredit or small loans at low interest and develop agriculA Kenyan farmer tills and plants tural systems. his farm in Machakos in this 2022  Farmphoto. CNS photo/Fredrick Nzwili er-to-Farmer uses volunteer farmers

BY CAROL L. OLIVIERI  Guest Columnist

C

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September 2023

and agricultural experts from the U.S. to work with local farmers to work out the best solutions to their problems and help them implement best practices.

The current Farm Bill was re-authorized in 2018 when no one could foresee the challenges that have been caused

by COVID-19, the grain and fertilizer shortages caused by the war in Ukraine, local political conflicts that jeopardize people’s ability to remain in their communities and carry on their livelihoods, or natural disasters and changes in climate that have affected agricultural conditions.

After decades of progress in decreasing hunger and promoting the independence of farmers in developing countries, these events are making progress harder to achieve. They underscore the importance of ensuring that the U.S. continues to provide funding for programs that foster sustainability and resiliency and are capable of responding to the challenges the next five years will present.

Some might look at this international assistance as a convenient place to cut funding and decrease the size of the Farm Bill. This is shortsighted in a number of ways. If the achievements of these programs do not continue, the result will be an ongoing need to provide emergency assistance to these countries when they are experiencing crop failures, famine, disease outbreaks, water shortages and the instability brought about by conflict.

New waves of migration will occur as people move from their homes seeking food for themselves and their families.

The re-authorization of the Farm Bill is a critical opportunity for us to bring lasting change to families and communities. The Farm Bill allows U.S. funding for international humanitarian and development work to reach vulnerable communities as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Congress needs to ensure that this funding is available for the next five years.

Olivieri serves as co-leader, Diocese of Trenton Chapter of CRS.

Diocese

George Rose, Catholic Men’s conference organizer, recalled as man of strong faith

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eorge Rose, a board member and organizer of the Diocese of Trenton’s annual Catholic Men for Jesus Christ conference died Aug. 27 in his home in Yardley, Pa. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 2 with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., serving as principal celebrant.

Homilist was Father Jeffrey Kegley, pastor of St. Mary Parish, Middletown, former pastor of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, and close friend of Mr. Rose.

“George Rose was an exemplary Catholic man, husband and father,” said Bishop O’Connell. “He suffered greatly with Christ but never gave in to discouragement. With great faith, George Rose touched the lives of countless numbers of people in so many ways. He will be deeply missed by all of us in the Diocese.”

Born in Queens, N.Y., Mr. Rose graduated from Maria Regina High School, Uniondale, N.Y., attended the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass., and earned a master of business administration degree from Columbia University, N.Y. Since 1998, he was a member of the N.Y. Yankees organization, currently serving as N.Y. Yankees executive advisor, Pacific Rim Operations. He was fluent in Japanese.

In a statement released Aug. 27 by the N.Y. Yankees,

George Rose, left, Catholic Men for Jesus Christ conference organizer, died Aug. 27 following a lengthy illness. He is pictured with Bishop O’Connell and Bill Maher, Catholic Men for Jesus Christ conference president. Jeff Bruno photo Mr. Rose was hailed as “the driving force in building out our operations in Japan, utilizing an incredible ability to facilitate cross-cultural understanding. …A man of great faith and the rare person about whom no one could say a bad word. He will be deeply missed by his friends at both the Yankees and Yomiuri and by all who had the privilege of spending time with him.”

An active member of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Mr. Rose was a member of the school board, the parish financecouncil and the leader of the parish men’s group who helped to establish the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration chapel there.

Continued on 59

CONVOCATION FOR PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS SEPT. 30

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first-time ever convocation that will give persons serving on parish pastoral councils and their pastors the opportunity to come together to pray, network and learn ways to enhance or revitalize their ministry is planned for Sept. 30 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold.

The 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. convocation is scheduled to coincide with the “Together – Gathering of the People of God” Ecumenical Prayer Vigil being held in Rome on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Keynote speaker will be Dominican Sister Donna Ciangio, chancellor in the Archdiocese of Newark, who will focus on the key elements of the XVI Synod and “Building up Communion, Participation and Mission.”

The day will follow with Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. During Mass, participants will pray for the intentions of the XVI Ordinary Synod of

Bishops that will begin several days later.

After lunch, a series of breakout sessions will be offered. Presenters include: Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor of St. Rose Parish, Belmar, and Kathy Brady, co-chair of the parish pastoral council at St. Rose; Linda Dickinson Pancila, business manager in St. Veronica Parish, Howell; Denise Contino, director of the diocesan Department of Catechesis and Josue Arriola, director of the diocesan Department of Evangelization and Family Life.

Also speaking are Gary Maccaroni, pastoral associate and director of religious education in St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville; and Milissa Else, who works for the chancellor in the Newark Archdiocese and is coordinator for parish strategies and small group ministry. A listing of topics may be found on TrentonMonitor.com.

“We will pray in solidarity with those gathered in Rome and other places in the world and ask the Holy Spirit to inspire and guide the Synod participants,” noted Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor and executive director of the Office of Pastoral Life and Mission, which is hosting the convocation. u To register, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/ convocation-9-30-23. For questions, call 609-403-7175. St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral is located at 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold.

By Mary Stadnyk, associate editor

September 2023

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 35

Diocese

Catholic Charities Sept. 21 gala to highlight outstanding service to others FROM STAFF REPORTS

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he selfless and longstanding efforts of individuals and organizations who work to help those in need will be recognized during the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton’s 34th annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance Sept. 21 in The Merion, 1301 Route 130 South, Cinnaminson.

The Guardian Angel Dinner Dance serves as Catholic Charities’ signature fundraising event and is a celebration of community partners who share the vision and support of the agency’s mission of eliminating poverty, trauma and adversity among the most vulnerable neighbors regardless of religious affiliation.

“It is the dedication of our honorees, sponsors, and supporters that makes what we do possible,” said Mar-

lene Laó-Collins, executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton.

“The Guardian Angel Dinner Dance is not only a celebration of these generous individuals, it is a testament to their devotion to our mission of promoting recovery, strengthening families, and reducing poverty.

“Proceeds from this event directly fund the services we provide in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties, and every thoughtful donation, no matter the size, supports the most vulnerable people in our communities,” she said.

The evening will include the presentation of awards to people and organizations in recognition of their work on behalf of the region’s most vulnerable citizens. The awards and recipients are: Michael Herbert, the Richard J.

Hughes, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton Humanitarian Award. Msgr. Dennis A. Apoldite, Light of Hope Award for Mercer County. The Woman’s League of Mount Holly, Light of Hope Award for Burlington County. Dr. Eric Schwartz, Corporate Citizen of the Year Award. “Brandon,” Client Achievement Award.

To learn more about the awards and the recipients, go to TrentonMonitor. com>News>Diocese.

Persons wishing to attend the GADD, sponsor a table, advertise in the event program, donate auction items or otherwise support Catholic Charities can contact Leslie Anne Alpaugh at 609-394-5181, ext.

1154 or email lalpaugh@cctrenton.org.

Cyclists to mark 20th anniversary of CCHD ‘Brake the Cycle of Poverty’ tour

T READY TO DEPLOY Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shares this selfie with Father Rafael Esquen during an Aug. 25 visit. Father Esquen, a United States Army chaplain and captain, departed the Diocese two days later for his next assignment in which he will serve in the 15th Engineer Battalion on the Grafenwöhr Army Base, Vilseck, Germany. Father Esquen was ordained by Bishop O’Connell May 31, 2014, and recently has been in residence in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. Staff photo 36 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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he diocesan Office of Catholic Social Services will host a 20th anniversary ride commemorating the 2003 “Brake the Cycle of Poverty” tour Oct. 7.

The event aims to spread the word about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the domestic anti-poverty campaign of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The tour will begin with 8 a.m. Mass in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 137 W. Upper Ferry Rd., West Trenton, and culminates at 6:15 p.m. at Visitation Parish, 730 Lynnwood Ave., Brick, stopping at seven parishes along the way.

The bike tour is about raising awareness of poverty in communities and the Catholic Church’s work to combat it through the work of the CCHD. This is work that strives to end poverty through “hand-ups” in which CCHD works toward long-term systemic change, fur-

September 2023

thering Catholic Social Teaching’s goal of authentic human development.

The cyclists from across the Diocese include a representative from a CCHD-funded organization, some parishioners, and Brenda Rascher, diocesan executive director of Catholic Social Services, diocesan CCHD director and a participant of the 2003 Brake the Cycle of Poverty Tour. The group will stop roughly every hour at a parish within the four-county Diocese and parishioners are encouraged to join the cyclists at the parish and time they find most convenient. For more information about the parish stops, to view an interview with the original Cycle of Poverty organizer and Catholic Social Teaching videos, and to read about a current diocesan staff member’s 2003 ride experience, visit https://dioceseoftrenton.org/catholic-campaign-for-human-development.

Diocese

DIOCESAN

DATEBOOK

To learn more about these upcoming events in the Diocese of Trenton, visit TrentonMonitor.com and click on NEWS>DIOCESE.

MOUNT CARMEL GUILD 28TH ANNUAL GALA OCT. 20 The gala serves as the Guild’s annual fundraiser and enables the organization to assist those in need of home health nursing, food, utilities and rental assistance and general community support.

During the event, to be held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Trenton Country Club, 201 Sullivan Way, West Trenton, several individuals and entities who have been of great assistance to the Guild’s mission will be recognized and presented with awards.  More information on the honorees will be posted to TrentonMonitor.com. To learn more about the gala or to purchase tickets, visit www.MtCarmelGuild.org/gala, or call 609-392-5159 ext. 111.

SPANISH-LANGUAGE FORMATION CLASS FOR RCIA MINISTERS NOV. 4 “Una introducción al RICA: La visión de la iniciación cristiana” – An Introduction to RCIA: The Vision of Chris-

tian Initiation – is a foundation class for Spanish-speaking RCIA leaders and team embers and will offer an in-person basic training to help them understand the RCIA process. The course will include an overview of the four stages of initiation and the rituals that accompany them. In addition, the course will exaine the pastoral principles associated with the ministry as well as the role Oscar Cruz Lia García of the baptized faithful.

Presenters include Oscar Cruz, director of the Catechumenate in the Archdiocese of New York and Lia Garcia, director of Hispanic ministries in the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Sponsored by the diocesan Department of Catechesis, the class will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Holy Family Church, worship site of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 1139 E. County Line Rd., Lakewood. Cost is $25 per person or $100 for a parish group of five people.  To register, visit https://dioceseoftrenton.org/una-introduccion-al-rica. For more information, contact Jossie Ramos, 609-403-7151, jramos@dioceseoftrenton.org.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES INVITED TO APPLY FOR CCHD GRANT The Catholic Campaign for Human Development-Diocese of Trenton is currently accepting grant applications throughout September from Catholic agencies and parish social service outreach programs located in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Grants are usually awarded in amounts ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, and priority will be given to new or continued initiatives taken up by parishes or agencies that enhance or provide a foundation of self-sufficiency for those persons served by the program, and have a mission that focuses on social services with an emphasis on basic human needs such as food, clothing, shelter and employment. Applications will only be accepted from recognized Catholic social service agencies and parish social service outreach programs within the Diocese of Trenton.

The 2023 CCHD awardees will be announced in early November, funded by the 2022 collection. The annual CCHD collection – sponsored by the U.S. Catholic Bishops and taken up each November before Thanksgiving – allocates 75 percent of the collected funds to the USCCB’s national CCHD office for programs across the country; 25 percent of the collection is retained by each Diocese to support local

anti-poverty projects.

Interested organizations or parishes must submit the completed application with all requested information by Oct. 2. An end of the year report is due by grant recipients; grant monies must be used within a year of receiving the grant and grant recipients must publicize how the grant was used by the Diocese of Trenton.

Grants will be reviewed and awarded by Brenda L. Rascher, diocesan executive director for Catholic Social Services and acting diocesan director for CCHD-DOT, along with a grant review committee. Grant recipients must be willing to publicize how the grant was used and grant monies must be used within a year of reception.  For more information and to access the grant application form, visit: https:// dioceseoftrenton.org/catholic-campaign-for-human-development.

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Diocese

‘CUA at the Shore’ brings Bishop and alumni together for summer event During the CUA alumni gathering, Bishop O’Connell, center, chats with Scott Reimbold, the university’s vice president for development, left, and Dr. Peter Kilpatrick, president, at right. Staff photo

Bishop O’Connell addresses the more than 80 CUA alumni during an Aug. 7 gathering in Spring Lake.

Staff photos

FROM STAFF REPORTS

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ore than 80 New Jersey alumni of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., gathered at the Essex and Sussex Club in Spring Lake the evening of Aug. 7 for the annual “CUA at the Shore” alumni event.

Dr. Peter Kilpatrick, 16th president of CUA, welcomed the alumni and provided an update of the state of the university as well as his vision and aspirations for its future. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., 14th president of CUA (1998-2010) and double alumnus of its School of Canon Law, addressed the gathering and opened the event with a prayer and blessing.

“Twenty-five years ago this year,” Bishop O’Connell remarked, “I began my 12-year tenure at CUA as president.

They were among the happiest years of my life as a priest, filled with many challenges and opportunities. The greatest

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joys were my interactions with so many wonderful students. I keep in touch with many of them.”

In a conversation between President Kilpatrick and Bishop O’Connell before the evening began, CUA vice president

 “The greatest joys were my interactions with so many wonderful students.” for development Scott Rembold noted that the Diocese of Trenton is among the greatest supporters of CUA in the country both in the annual national collection conducted for the university each Labor Day weekend as well as in the number of students from the Diocese enrolled there.

Father Jean Felicien, priest secretary to the Bishop and a 2021 canon law

September 2023

alumnus, enjoyed mixing and meeting with his fellow alums. Barbara Andres, ’59 CUA alumna, told Bishop O’Connell that the friends she made at the university remain among her closest and most cherished friends.

Founded in 1887, The Catholic University of America is a comprehensive Catholic research university offering both undergraduate and graduate programs through its 12 schools. Chartered by the Holy See, CUA was established by Pope Leo XIII at the request of the U.S. bishops with the commitment that the dioceses of the country would financially support the university. That promise is the foundation for the annual collection conducted throughout the United States.

“I am very impressed by President Kilpatrick and his team,” observed Bishop O’Connell. “He has mapped out a truly innovative and inspiring academic and spiritual vision for the national university of the Catholic Church in our country, worthy of our support.”

Respect Life

A month for life

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ctober marks the Catholic Church in the United States’ celebration of Respect Life Month, with the first Sunday of October designated as Respect Life Sunday. This year Respect Life Sunday falls

on Oct. 1.

Aimed at recognizing in a special way the integral value of the human person at all stages of life, Respect Life Month is both an opportunity for prayer, and for local pro-life organizations and ministries to inspire people to respond with generosity of spirit and resources to community needs.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities provides materials that can assist in educating about the sanctity of life and ways to encourage that perspective in the wider culture. Their efforts are guided by the Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, which calls upon the Church to pursue this effort via prayer and worship, public information and education, public policy and pastoral care.

Materials are available at www.respectlife.org/respect-lifemonth.

USCCB graphic

Opportunities to donate, witness and pray abound for Respect Life Month

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s October approaches, pro-life ministries around the Diocese of Trenton are planning events to celebrate life and bear witness to the value of human life in all its stages, and to support women and their children: u Sept. 9 – Memorial Prayer Services for Unborn Children • Held on the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children. St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown: 10 a.m. in the parish’s Mary’s Prayer Garden at 156 Maxwell Ave.; Shore Catholics: 8:30 a.m. at Memorial to the Unborn at the Fatima Shrine, St. Catharine Church, 215 Essex Ave., Spring Lake; St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro: 12:15 p.m. in the church hall at 100 N. Main St.; St. Isidore the Farmer, New Egypt: 10 a.m. in the parish’s Memorial to the Unborn in Assumption Cemetery, 76 Evergreen Rd. u Beginning Sept. 27 – 40 Days for Life • This peaceful 40-day prayer vigil outside of clinics that provide abortions has been adopted by many parish pro-life ministry groups throughout the Diocese.

The Cherry Hill vigil will take place outside Cherry Hill Women’s Center, 502 N. Kings Highway, Tuesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Contact Claire Howson for more information, 856-3139861, claire@helpersnj.org. The Shrewsbury vigil will take place outside Planned Parenthood, 69 E. Newman Springs Rd., Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday at will. For more information contact monmouth4life@ hotmail.com. u Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Baby Bottle Campaign, St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton • A representative from Good Counsel Homes New Jersey will speak at all the Masses that weekend at 3500 S. Broad St., and hand out Baby Bottle donation pledges. The parish Respect Life Committee also prays a prolife Rosary together every second Sunday of the month following the 11:30 a.m.

Mass and plans to conduct a month-long Respect Life Committee recruitment in October.

Continued on 55

SAVE THE DATE: STANDING TOGETHER FOR LIFE JAN. 19 The second annual Standing Together for Life Jan. 19 will begin with Mass at 11 a.m. celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold. A luncheon seminar will follow in the parish hall from 12:15 to 4 p.m. and will include a panel of guest speakers with engaging and actionable information and resources that participants can take back to their parishes and neighborhood communities.

All are welcome to attend the Mass without registration. The Mass will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.

Both the Mass and the seminar will be recorded and posted online.  Registration is required for the luncheon seminar, limited to the first 200 registrants. Check https://dioceseoftrenton.org/march-for-life for registration in mid-October.

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Care for Creation A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M., ON THE SEASON OF CREATION

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ur Holy Father Pope Francis has announced that he will publish an apostolic exhortation on the environment on Oct. 4, the memorial feast of St. Francis of Assisi, as a follow up to his landmark encyclical on Care for Creation, Laudato Si’ (May 24, 2015).

PreK students from St. Joseph School, Toms River, plant flowers for Earth Day, April 22, 2023. Facebook photo

‘Let Justice and Peace Flow’ In the meantime, Pope Francis has invited the Church to participate in a Season of Creation throughout September, as part of a global ecumenical initiative to raise consciousness about our responsibility to care for the earth and its resources.

Sept. 1 is the date first set aside by the Holy Father in 2015 as an annual World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

In his yearly message for the occasion, Pope Francis has chosen the theme, “Let Justice and Peace Flow.”

 “Pope Francis has asked all people . . . to respond to the environmental crises we face, precisely as people of faith.”

While making this announcement in his weekly audience on Aug. 30, the Holy Father remarked: “Let us join our Christian brothers and sisters in the commitment to care for creation as a sacred gift from the Creator.

It is necessary to stand with the victims of environmental and climate injustice, striving to end the senseless war on our common home, which is a terrible world war. I urge all of you to work and pray for it to abound with life once again.”

Concern for the environment has been a consistent special intention throughout the pontificate of Pope Francis, although not exclusively so.

In his 1971 apostolic letter Octogesima Adveniens, Pope St. Paul VI wrote that ecological concern is “a tragic consequence of unchecked human activity.

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Due to an ill-considered exploitation of nature, humanity runs the risk of destroying it and becoming in turn a victim of this degradation.”

Pope St. John Paul II saw environmental concerns only within the larger context of human good. His claim was that the lack of peace in the world and the lack of environmental stability spring from the same root, which is human sin.

In other words, the ecological crisis is, at its root, a moral problem.

Like Pope St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI placed ecology in the context of a larger Catholic worldview, and he proposed the only ecology that will ultimately save planet earth: one that follows God’s plan for creation (Brother Ignatius Schweitzer, OP, “The Green Popes,” 2010).

The Diocese of Trenton was among the very first in the United States to publicly respond to the challenges posed

by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’. It was then that clergy and faithful from our many parishes gathered in the beach chapel of St. Denis Parish in Manasquan for a Mass to mark the first World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

In my Sept. 1, 2015, homily to mark the occasion, calling to mind the memories of the then-recent Superstorm Sandy, I reminded those gathered that: “Pope Francis has asked all people, especially Catholics and the Orthodox with whom we share so much in common, to respond to the environmental crises we face, precisely as people of faith.”

I noted that the complexities of these issues are “multifaceted” and very real,

September 2023

and many reject the Pope’s concern as … … “inflammatory, merely an invitation to enter into the politicized debate over climate change and global warming. The Holy Father is calling all people of God — believer and non-believer alike — but especially Christians and Catholics, to be good, responsible stewards of creation and of our ‘common home.’

“That call is not a negligible part of our faith and morality, regardless of what the Pope’s critics may say. He is our spiritual Father and our Teacher of faith and morality, roles that are uniquely his as the Vicar of Christ on earth. If the believer ignores responsibility for the world in which we live, the resources it provides and the people with whom we share them, what can we possibly expect from those who do not believe? If we show no regard or respect for the divine plan for creation, what can we say of human plans, human possibilities, human hopes for a sustainable future?”

As we commemorate and celebrate World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, let’s listen to this year’s message of Pope Francis: “In this Season of Creation, as followers of Christ on our shared synodal journey, let us live, work and pray that our common home will teem with life once again. May the Holy Spirit once more hover over the waters and guide our efforts to ‘renew the face of the earth’” (cf. Ps 104:30). Scan here to read Pope Francis’ message on the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

Care for Creation A St. Jerome School student waters the vegetable garden.

Courtesy photo

Students plant flowers in the St. Jerome School butterfly garden. Courtesty photo

St. Jerome School cultivates learning with nature in new gardens FROM STAFF REPORTS

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aking education beyond the classroom this past year, St. Jerome School created a beautiful butterfly garden and a lush and productive vegetable garden.

“Each of these gardens was created and tended by a small group of students, led by school parent volunteers,” said Filippini Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio, principal. “These projects aimed to teach students about the wonders of nature, the importance of sustainable practices

See related story on the In the Parishes page 54.

and the joy of growing their own food.”

The Butterfly Garden was designed

by Janna Montague, parent of a St. Jerome third grade student. Students in grades two through eight worked together to build the garden carefully designed to attract and support local butterfly species, providing a haven for their growth Continued on 58

Social justice ministry at Hightstown parish focuses on ‘our common home’

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

M

embers of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, have a new initiative to help parishioners who want to learn more about the Catholic Church’s views on the environment.

Under the leadership of Terrence Thompson, the parish’s social justice committee has set out to raise awareness about Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home” through forming partnerships with other parish ministries and by planning learning opportunities for the congregation.

Continued on 58

Youth group members from St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, during their visit to the Tulpehaking Nature Center in Abbott Marshlands where they learned basic techniques about studying aquatic ecology. Courtesy photo September 2023

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 41

We Believe

Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Lorentsen, pastor of St. Junipero Serra Parish, Seaside Park, blesses the ocean. Hal Brown photo

‘Arrayed in Gold’ Assumption celebrated with prayer, pilgrimage, special blessings

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atholics throughout the world joyfully observed the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Aug. 15, commemorating Mary’s body and soul being assumed into heaven at the end of her earthly life.

Faithful of the Diocese marked the day with Masses and processions scheduled from morning to night including Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who celebrated the Diocese’s feast day with a Mass in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Following the celebration of Masses, several par-

Congregants pray during the Mass for the Assumption in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Mike Ehrmann photo

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September 2023

ishes along coastal Monmouth and Ocean Counties upheld the traditional Blessing of the Sea ceremonies, in which the priest would bless the ocean and then invite parishioners to take jars of water home.

In Trenton, Father Jacek Labinski and parishioners of St. Hedwig Parish, Trenton, participated in the annual walking pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, Pa., Aug. 12-13. The pilgrimage replicated the centuries-old Polish tradition in honor of Mary in which people from throughout the country make pilgrimages on foot to Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa to honor the Black Madonna.

Parishioners from St. Hedwig participate in the walking pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, Pa. Courtesy photo

A statue of the Blessed Mother was carried in procession from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Seaside Heights, to the ocean where pastor, Father Michael Lorentsen, blessed the water. Hal Brown photo

t Father Jacek Labinski,

pastor of St. Hedwig Parish, celebrates the candlelight Mass for parishioners who participated in the walking pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, Pa. Mary Stadnyk photo

For expanded stories and a photo gallery, visit TrentonMonitor.com

Bishop O’Connell blesses a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the Mass he celebrated in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral. Mike Ehrmann photo

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We Believe

Barnegat parish to host Marian exhibit designed by Blessed Carlo

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

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esigned by Blessed Carlo Acutis, the exhibit “The Appeals of Our Lady: Apparitions and Marian Shrines in the World” will be hosted in September

by St. Mary Parish, Barnegat – its first appearance in the United States.

The display will be available to view from 12 – 6 p.m. on Sept. 9 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sept. 10 in the parish center, on the campus of St. Mary of the Pines Church, at 100 Bishop Ave., Manahawkin.

People who have seen the panels have been struck by their beauty, said parishioner Michelle Bockin, who assists with parish evangelization and faith formation. “Just the sheer joy, receiving each message that Mary has given [through this exhibit] ... what an incredible gift, and so filled with grace!’”

Blessed Carlo, the beatified Italian teen who also designed the Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibition – hosted now on five continents – was named in 2022 by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., as patron of Catholic schools and young people  “What an of the Diocese of Trenton. The Eucharistic Miracles continues to incredible gift, be hosted at parishes throughout and so filled the Diocese, including St. Mary’s; more information can be found at with grace!” dioceseoftrenton.org/eucharistic-miracles-exhibit.

Blessed Carlo began The Appeals of Our Lady exhibit in 2006 but was unable to complete the project before he succumbed to fulminant leukemia. It was completed in 2014 by his supporters.

With encouragement from St. Mary pastor, Msgr. Kenard Tuzeneu, and the evangelization committee, Bockin researched

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September 2023

Introductory panel from The Appeals of Our Lady apparitions exhibit, which will go on display in St. Mary Parish hall Sept. 9-10. Courtesy photos the exhibit and connected with its coordinator, Patrick Brueggen, of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse, Wisc., to have it make its first U.S. apperance at St. Mary’s.

“Anyone can have the display panels printed for a fee,” Bockin explained. “We looked into purchasing through the parish … in the meantime, one of our parishioners stepped up and offered to pay for it as a gift to the parish.”

Msgr. Tuzeneu intends to allow other parishes of the Diocese to borrow the exhibit, once a means of transportation can be determined. “I thought as long as we have them, it would be nice to share them with other parishes,” he explained. “Like everyone else, we’re trying to evangelize and [bring attention to] the National Eucharistic Revival.”

The 150-some printed panels differ in size, similar in format to the Eucharistic Miracles exhibit. “People can walk through at their leisure for no charge,” Msgr. Tuzeneu said. “It’s a beautiful exhibit ... people will absolutely be impressed.”

The apparition exhibit website states, “We hope, like [Blessed] Carlo, that through this exhibition, many will find their way to God so that they can become light bearers to all those who are still in darkness.”

Parishes interested in hosting the exhibit can call St. Mary Parish, 609-698-5531.

Pope Francis Visitors gather in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican to pray the Angelus with Pope Francis Aug. 27, 2023.

CNS photo/Vatican Media

Jesus, the living God, helps believers on path to holiness

BY CINDY WOODEN  Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY • If Jesus were just a great teacher or prophet or even hero from the past, imitating him and following him on the path to holiness would be impossible, Pope Francis said.

But because Jesus Christ is the son of the living God, “we are not alone on the path of life; because Christ is with us, Christ helps us to walk,” the Pope said Aug. 27 before reciting the Angelus prayer with visitors in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis told an estimated 10,000 people gathered for the midday prayer that they should ask themselves the same question Jesus asked the disciples in the day’s Gospel Reading, Mt 16:13-20, “Who do you say that I am?”

In the Reading, St. Peter replies, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” The apostle recognizes that Jesus “is not a character from the past, but the Christ, that is, the Messiah, the awaited one,” the Pope said. He is not “a dead

hero, but the son of the living God, made man and come to share the joys and the labors of our journey.”

When living the Christian ideals seems too difficult, “the path too steep,” he said, “let us look to Jesus, always; let us look to Jesus who walks beside us, who accepts our frailties, shares our efforts and rests his firm and gentle arm on our weak shoulders.”

If Jesus “were merely a historic figure, to imitate him today would be impossible,” the Pope said, and not just because “we would find ourselves faced with the great chasm of time,” but also because his way of living and acting would be “like a very high, unscalable mountain; we would want to climb it, but lack the ability and the necessary means.”

“Instead, Jesus is living,” the Pope told the crowd. “Remember this, Jesus is living, Jesus lives in the Church, He lives in the world, Jesus accompanies us, Jesus is by our side, he offers us his Word and his grace, which enlighten and refresh us on the journey.”

FROM POPE FRANCIS ON TRENTONMONITOR.COM:  ‘Rigidity is bad, but firmness is good’  Christians called to heal ‘epidemic of enmity’

 “The sign of encountering the Lord is joy. Sadness, or fear, on the other hand, are signs of distance from God. Those who distance themselves from the Lord are never happy, even though they have an abundance of possessions and possibilities at their disposal.” @PONTIFEX August 28, 2023

Jesus, “an expert and wise guide, is happy to accompany us on the most difficult paths and the steepest slopes,” Pope Francis said.

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 45

Church u Dozens of long-stemmed roses will be donated for the livestreamed Blessing of the Roses Oct. 1 in the Carmelite monastery of the Discalced Carmelite Sisters of Flemington. Courtesy photo

Carmelite community’s Blessing of Roses, Year of Preparation Mass to be livestreamed

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

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nticipating a milestone anniversary, and in an effort to build interest in vocations, the Discalced Carmelite Sisters of Flemington will host two livestreamed celebrations this October.

The Blessing of Roses will take place on Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m., with Bishop James

VATICAN RELEASES LIST OF PAPAL LITURGIES IN SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER VATICAN CITY (CNS) • Pope Francis’ trip to Mongolia Aug. 31-Sept. 4 will lead into a series of important liturgies at the Vatican and abroad.

Archbishop Diego Ravelli, master of papal liturgical ceremonies, published the September-October calendar of papal liturgies Aug. 29.

The list includes: • Sept. 22-23: Papal trip to Marseille, France.

• Sept. 30: Consistory for the creation of new cardinals at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica.

• Sept. 30: Ecumenical prayer vigil at 6 p.m. in St. Peter’s Square for the assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

• Oct. 4: Mass at 9 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square concelebrated with the new cardinals and all members of the College of Cardinals to open the assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

• Oct. 29: Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica to close the assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

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F. Checchio, Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, presiding. A Mass to begin a Year of Preparation for the community’s 75th anniversary will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Oct. 14, with Bishop Manuel Cruz of the Archdiocese of Newark as the main celebrant and homilist.

Links for the livestreams will be published on the community’s website: flemingtoncarmel.org/livestreaming-events.

 “People come an hour ahead of time to be sure of a seat ...”

The cloistered contemplative nuns – formerly a part of the Diocese of Trenton before the Diocese of Metuchen was formed – still keep the priests of the Diocese of Trenton in their intentions during a Holy Hour for priests. They have begun to livestream some liturgies for friends across the United States, as far as Hawaii.

“We want to make our life known because … there is a tremendous hunger in many people of different or of no religion for a spiritual meaning to their life,” said Discalced Carmelite Sister Gabriela of the Incarnation. “We want to show that to devote oneself to God opens oneself to a life of deep meaning and tremendous joy!”

September 2023

The Year of Preparation Mass will begin the preparation for celebrating the Carmel of Mary Immaculate and St. Mary Magdalen’s founding in New Brunswick in 1949. The community moved to its first monastery on Leffler Hill in Flemington in 1956, then to its current location in 1972.

The Blessing of Roses, Sister Gabriela explained, honors St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Carmelite nun and Doctor of the Church, also known as “The Little Flower,” whose feast day is Oct. 1.

“Before her death, Therese had promised, ‘My mission — to make God loved — will begin after my death. I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses,’” Sister Gabriela said. “In memory of this promise, Carmelite Monasteries around the world honor her with the traditional Blessing of Roses, a liturgy of prayers of thanksgiving to God and Therese, and the distribution of blessed roses or rose petals.”

This popular ceremony, interrupted by the pandemic, is made possible by benefactor Jim Besch, who provides several dozen long-stemmed roses each year.

“People come an hour ahead of time to be sure of a seat, and it is not uncommon for the aisles and corridor to be filled with devotees,” Sister Gabriela said. “Often the sanctuary is filled with priests.”

World & Nation A banner for the National Council of Churches is seen among hundreds of signs carried by participants in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom Aug. 28, 1963. OSV News

estimated 11,010 registrations for assistance.

Some $14.6 million in federal housing and individual assistance has been provided to date. Help from the neighboring islands continues to grow. Catholic Charities Hawaii, Knights of Columbus, EPIC Ministry and parishes are reaching out to their brothers and sisters in need.

photo/courtesy Library of Congress

CHURCH DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR FAMILIES OF MEXICO’S MISSING PERSONS

60 YEARS AFTER MARCH, PANEL SAYS MLK’S DREAM YET UNFULFILLED WASHINGTON • Sixty years after the March on Washington, there is still work to be done to make the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream a reality, a Georgetown panel said Aug. 28. On Aug. 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, marking a turning point in the Civil Rights movement seeking greater racial and economic justice in the United States.

Civil rights leaders including Dr. King organized the march to call for an end to segregation, and racial discrimination, and to call for protections for things like voting rights. At that event, Dr. King delivered his now-famous “I Have a Dream” address, challenging America by saying, “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’”

Kim Daniels, director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University and an adjunct professor in Georgetown’s department of theology and religious studies, noted then-Washington Archbishop Patrick O’Boyle delivered the invocation at that event, and encouraged Catholics to participate and host participants who traveled in from out of town. “He called on everybody to live in dignity, justice, charity and peace,” Daniels said. “We know it’s just as vital

today as it was 60 years ago. It can also be just as heart-wrenching.”

AMID WILDFIRE RECOVERY, GETTING CHILDREN BACK TO SCHOOL A PRIORITY HONOLULU • As recovery efforts continue on Maui after wildfires destroyed the historic town of Lahaina, one of Tonata Lolesio’s priorities as the principal of Sacred Hearts School there has been to get the children back in school. “Parents are desperate to return their children to school.

They learned from COVID that distance/virtual learning is impractical for their children.

They are looking for a more stable learning environment,” Lolesio told the Hawaii Catholic Herald, Honolulu’s diocesan newspaper.

She said getting the children back to school is the right next step after the trauma they experienced. Unfortunately, students cannot return to Sacred Hearts School, the parish school of Lahaina’s Maria Lanakila Church, which was miraculously left unscathed by the flames, but half of the school was burned down in the fire. Lolesio also was working to get classes up and running by Aug. 28, hopeful that a lease with Maui Land and Pineapple Company Inc. could be secured to reestablish Sacred Hearts School in Kapalua. Those families who have moved to South Maui were instructed to enroll at St. Anthony School in Wailuku. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said more than 6,000 people are now being temporarily housed in hotels and Airbnb units. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it has received an

MEXICO CITY (OSV News) • Alicia Trejo clutched a missing person poster of her son Francisco Albavera Trejo as she spoke to reporters. She affectionately remembered him as ambitious, a stellar student completing an engineering degree and fond of his family. She also bitterly recalled 11 years of fruitless searching – along with the crushing indifference of the authorities at all levels of government. “It’s been nothing but promises,” she said of the authorities while attending an ecumenical service at a monument for the missing in Mexico City.

“Sometimes the authorities tell us that (our children) are away by choice. I have total certainty that he is not absent by choice because my son loved his family … and his family loved him.” The service offered a rude reminder of the national tragedy of the disappeared as more than 110,000 Mexicans remain missing, according to a federal registry that dates back to 1962. Priests and activists for families of the disappeared say the Catholic Church was slow to respond to the missing persons’ crisis, but prominent Church leaders have been raising their voices and accompanying families. “We’ve been close with families,” Jesuit Father José Francisco Méndez told OSV News. That closeness, he explained, includes celebrating the Eucharist on important dates and developing a prayer for the families. “Many of them approach their parishes,” he added.

“They’ve sought support from their parish priests or priests in their parishes, and also religious who are close by.” Mexico’s bishops celebrated a Mass for the missing June 18 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Cardinal Francisco Robles Ortega of Guadalajara also celebrated Mass on Aug. 27 for the collectives of families searching for their relatives.

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 47

‘Love One Another’ THE WORD

Father Garry Koch

SEPT. 3  WE TEND TO VEER FROM OUR GIVEN PATH Jer 20:7-9; Rom 12:1-2; Mt. 16: 21-27

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ith full determination and purpose, Jesus now sets his face to Jerusalem. With the disciples having expressed the insight through Peter that Jesus is the Christ, Jesus now explains to them the meaning of his mission. This is not what they expected. The warning that they were going to Jerusalem where he would be handed over to be put to death was not how they understood the messianic mission. It is Peter who again speaks for the disciples, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” Jesus rebukes Peter here, even calling him Satan; in the not too distant future, Jesus will himself exclaim: “Father, take this cup from me.”

SEPT. 10  ALL ACTIONS MUST BE GROUNDED IN LOVE Ez 33:7-9; Rom 13: 8-10; Mt. 18:15-20

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t. Paul instructs the Romans that love is the fulfillment of the Law.

Indeed, if we loved one another as Jesus taught us, there would be no need for other Commandments. All sin is a failure of love. Sin is a multi-layered experience, covering a wide range of experiences. While some of our sins are committed against God directly, or are an offense against nature, most of our sins involve other people. Such sins are those of commission or omission.

Here we are called to be forgiving and to seek forgiveness. Jesus offers clear instructions as to how we confront those offenses in charity leading to forgiveness.

SEPT. 17  WE CAN’T PUT A MEASURE ON FORGIVENESS Sir 27:30-28:7; Rom 14: 7-9; Mt. 18: 21-35

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he call to fraternal correction leading, ideally, to conversion and forgiveness that we heard in the Gospel last week seems to have left Peter wondering. Perhaps Peter speaks for each one of us when he asks Jesus just how many times he must forgive his brother before he can just write him off. Surely there must be a limit to forgiving those constant offenses from the people in our lives. Jesus is clear and direct. The

seven times that Peter proposed is not even close to the 77 times that Jesus responds. Forgiveness of one another is at the heart of the Gospel and sometimes the hardest command to fulfill.

SEPT. 24  FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE ARE SELDOM THE SAME Is 55: 6-9; Phil 1:20C-24, 27A; Mt. 20:116A

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esus tells a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven that doesn’t sound fair to most hearers. A landowner offers the same wage – the usual daily wage – to those who worked anywhere from one hour to a full day. The full-day workers, as they saw others coming into the vineyard throughout the day, expected more.

While it doesn’t sound fair to us, it is, nonetheless, just. That which is just and that which is fair do not often overlap, and this is one of those times. The vinedresser is free to do with his money as he wishes and no one has a right to expect any more. The Lord is always just, even if at times it doesn’t seem that he is treating us all fair.

Father Garry Koch is pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel.

 To read extended versions of Father Koch’s columns, visit TRENTONMONITOR.COM>FAITH & CULTURE>YOUR FAITH 48 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

 September 2023

Freepic image

Spirituality

Spirituality

Hidden saints:

The legend of the lamed vavniks

O

ne of the things I love about my home is the small library created for me by my husband, a gifted carpenter.

Whitewashed shelves and crown molding wrap around three walls, giving me a lovely place to house my oversized and often-unwieldy collection of books.

THINGS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME Mary Morrell

ness is enrolling one’s self in the ranks of the lamed vavniks.

“The tipping point for maintaining human life on this planet is thirty-six people practicing the sacred art of lovingkindness at any given moment,” he writes.

“These need not be the same thirty-six people at each moment, however. I believe that people step into and out of the lamed-vavnik role, and that at any given moment thirty-six people are stepping in.”

 “Without their acts of lovingkindness life on this planet would implode under the weight of human selfishness, anger, ignorance and greed.”

Rabbi Shapiro calls us to a similar mission and offers some sage advice. He writes, “Once you realize that the whole world depends on you for its very survival, you will not lack in opportunities to serve. Just remember that you are a hidden saint. While it is fine to invite others to join with you, make sure you don’t advertise your own saintliness. While being a lamed-vavnik may be good for your soul, it doesn’t belong on a resume.”

Mary Morrell serves as editor-in-chief of The Catholic Spirit, the Metuchen Diocesan newspaper.

Zac Durant/Unsplash photo

Over the years, I’ve developed a habit of writing notes, poems and prayers and saving them in some of my favorite books.

Recently, as I was reorganizing, a small piece of paper fell from between the pages of a long-untouched volume.

Unfolding the paper, I saw a circle within which were two letters of the Hebrew alphabet – lamed and vav. I have no recollection of why I wrote them unless it was one of my rushed attempts to simply practice the Hebrew alphabet for school.

Curious, I decided to Google the letters to find out what they meant and soon discovered the Jewish “legend of the lamed vavniks.”

The heart of this legend is meaningful for people of all faiths and is reflective of the lives of so many saints — men and women — who lived with a knowledge of God’s presence, humble servants of all God’s children with a desire to be God’s

love for a wounded world and wounded people.

To understand the legend, one has to first know a bit about Hebrew numerology, where each letter has a numerical value – lamed is 30 and vav is six. Together, the two letters equal 36 – the number, so the legend goes, of the righteous in every generation whose virtue keeps the world from destruction.

If the concept sounds familiar it’s because the legend is based, in part, on the story of Abraham who beseeched God to save Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of a small group of righteous people.

God replied to Abraham, “I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

So, what is the work of the lamed vavniks? They are fonts of lovingkindness, pouring compassion on the world and using the gifts and talents they were given by God to raise up those around them. They see the image and likeness of God in every person and choose to live their lives in that divine calling.

“Without their acts of lovingkindness,” writes Rabbi Rami Shapiro, “life on this planet would implode under the weight of human selfishness, anger, ignorance and greed.”

In his book, “The Sacred Art of Lovingkindness,” Rabbi Shapiro explains that cultivating the sacred art of lovingkind-

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Spirituality

A priest with grandchildren, and a question on tattoos new parish priest’s wife died before he became a priest. He Q. My sometimes even talks about his grandchildren during the

homily. Why is this allowed? He obviously wasn’t always celibate, and I thought priests had to be celibate? (Portland, ME) (a.k.a. “Roman”) Catholic priests are indeed A. Latin expected to be celibate. As canon 277, 1 of the Code of

Canon Law tells us, they are “obliged to observe perfect and perpetual continence for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven and are therefore bound to celibacy. Celibacy is a special gift of God by which sacred ministers can more easily remain close to Christ with an undivided heart and can dedicate themselves more freely to the service of God and their neighbor.” (A quick note on terminology: in canon law, “continence” means refraining from all sexual relations, while “celibacy” refers to being unmarried.

“Chastity,” a term not mentioned in this canon, means expressing one’s sexuality in ways appropriate to one’s state in life.)

However, priestly celibacy is not a retroactive requirement.

Provided that he is otherwise suitable, a man can be ordained to the priesthood if he is currently unmarried and willing to commit to a life of chaste celibacy going forward – even if he had been previously married or is a father to children. Of course, if a

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previously married man aspires to the priesthood, genJenna Marie Cooper erally during his OSV News formation period there will be additional, careful discernment concerning any possible family obligations he may have. E.g., men with minor children are generally not admitted to seminary formation, since in such a case he would already have serious preexisting obligations as a natural father.

Incidentally, married Catholic clergy are not quite as extraordinary as you might expect. Permanent deacons, while not priests, have still received the Sacrament of Holy Orders and are therefore still considered clergy; and most of the permanent deacons we have in the Unites States are married men. And the various Eastern Catholic Churches have a tradition of married priests. There is also a pastoral provision that allows former Anglican priests who have converted to Catholicism to discern a vocation to the Catholic priesthood, allowing for the possibility of their ordination even if they are married.

But one major caveat in this discussion is that while it can be possible to ordain already-married or once-married men, a man cannot validly marry after he had been ordained. This means that married Eastern Catholic priests, permanent deacons, etc. cannot re-marry if their wife dies. And in the case of your pastor, a widowed man who later becomes a priest obviously would not be allowed to marry again.

QUESTION CORNER

a tattoo a good way to develop a devotion to Our Lady?

Q. Is(Madison, WI) are certainly not one of the Church’s first line, A. Tattoos go-to recommendations for deepening any sort of devotion. And as far as I have been able to tell, the Church does not have any specific teaching regarding tattoos in general.

That being said, whether or not a tattoo could be useful for a specific person to develop a devotion to Our Lady depends on that particular individual, their particular life circumstances and cultural context, their personal spirituality and unique spiritual needs. While there needs to be sufficient reflection for any permanent decision, in theory I would imagine that a tasteful and artistically beautiful tattoo in a Marian theme could help some people further love and honor Our Lady.

Interestingly, although the Church doesn’t have any official doctrine on tattoos, there are a few instances where tattoos are part of a broader cultural Catholic tradition. One custom, dating back to the Middle Ages, where Catholic pilgrims to the Holy Lady get a religious tattoo to commemorate their pilgrimage.

Questions about the Catholic Faith will be addressed on The Question Corner. To view the feature, visit TrentonMonitor.com>Commentary>Columns

50 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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September 2023

Family Life

Journaling is effective for recording faith experiences

BY NANCY ARKIN  Special Contributor

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here did the time go?” It’s everybody’s question when another summer has flown by. As the school year begins and family schedules fill up, juggling schoolwork, extracurricular activities, family time, etc., The the school year can fly by just as quickly.

“Sunday When schedules are packed and stress book”: Prepare is on the rise, it’s easy to lose track of the ahead by creating a page special moments and even the milestones for each Sunday of the coming month. we’re experiencing along the way. It can be Then set aside a time, as little as five minespecially difficult to carve out the time utes, maybe after Mass or before going to that’s needed to keep God at the center bed, and record one special prayer, act of of it all and to nurture the faith life of our kindness or family moment that helped children. Keeping a family faith journal you experience, share, or celebrate God’s can help to slow you down, to cherish and love. record the special events and spiritual Family Milestones: At the front of highlights of the year, building into your your journal, write a list schedule a time to pause of all the milestones you and reflect, so that daily life AT expect to encounter in the doesn’t just go by in a blur. year – a notable birthStarting a journal might day, a Baptism or other seem daunting at first and Sacrament, graduation, etc.

Making Faith Come yet another task added When the special moment Alive for Your Family to an already busy family arrives, be sure to record to-do list, but the benefits some memories of the day, are lasting, producing something concrete and include a prayer of blessing or petithat records and preserves your family’s EN tion for the family member who’s being faith journey with Jesus. Journaling can celebrated. even – according to Psychology Today – Observe the Liturgical Year: Journrelieve stress and help build relationships. aling Haciendo que lathe fe whole year ahead can be dauntThere are many different approaches se mantenga ing,viva so try narrowing it down to special one can take in journaling. Keeping it en tu familia occasions, the holidays and holy days that simple is probably best, at least the first you’ll be celebrating. Prepare the journal time around. Blessedcatholicmom.com by having the children decorate/illustrate suggests starting with a blank notebook, the pages for the different holidays/seabut there are also a great variety of keepsons – Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent, sake journals on the market, as well as Christmas and so on. When the holiday many online resources to help craft your arrives, simply record together a special own. Here are some suggestions to help memory, event, or prayer that you offered get you started:

FA IT H HOM E

FE CA SA

Faith at Home is a monthly column coordinated by the Diocese of Trenton’s Departments of Catechesis, Evangelization and Family Life, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. For additional Faith at Home resources, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/faith-at-home.

Unsplash image

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as a family. You can even take time to print (!) just one of the many photos you’ve taken and add that to your journal as well.

Prayer Journal: If tracking particular days or occasions seems too overwhelming, consider a simple prayer journal.

From time to time during family prayer, record a prayer of petition or thanks for a particular need or grace you’ve received.

When you look back over the prayers, you might be surprised at how much they chronicle the movement of God’s grace in the life of your family.

Whichever method you choose, there are plenty of online resources to help you along. You can find a basic how-to for getting started, here: www.typecalendar. com/prayer-journal-template.html.

For journaling through the liturgical year, here’s a sample resource for Holy Week: www.looktohimandberadiant. com/search?q=journal. On her website, Sarah Titus offers helpful suggestions on journaling with your children, and even provides lots of colorful journal pages to help you along: www.sarahtitus.com/ how-to-start-a-kids-prayer-journal/.

Any memories you capture are treasures in themselves, so don’t stress if you miss a week, a month or even a season.

Just start again, record what you can, and remember the promise of Scripture in Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to count our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.”

Nancy Arkin is director of faith formation in St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel.

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In the Parishes

 Soccer team members from St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, and St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold, battle for the ball in the Pastor’s Cup.

Community-building ‘Pastor’s Cup’ soccer event continues to grow

Young people in native Hispanic dress participate in the closing of the 2023 Pastor’s Cup.

Women of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, and St. Joseph Parish, Trenton, vie for the championship trophy in the Pastor’s Cup. Mike Ehrmann photos

BY RICH FISHER 

River. “It has been a great opportunity to connect faithful people of our diocesan churches with non-practicing Catholics and non-baptized people.

“Unity and fraternity are difficult values to cultivate among people; they require the commitment and collaboration of many,” he continued. “But certainly, the tournament has the potential to gather people from all cultures and languages around soccer. It is setting up the foundations for unity and fraternity.”

Father Cardenas began the competition when assigned to St. Joseph Parish in 2020. That summer men, women and children from sister parishes St. Joseph, Trenton, and St. Mary of the Assump-

Contributing Editor

I

n just four years, what started as a two-parish competition with no official name has evolved into a 14team tournament of parishes and ministry groups known as “The Pastor’s Cup.” Its founder and organizer, Father Neiser Cardenas, could not be happier as he continues to unite people of faith through soccer.

“The slogan of the tournament has been ‘Promoting Unity & Fraternity,’ and it has been growing,” said the parochial vicar of host parish St. Joseph, Toms

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tion Cathedral, Trenton, did battle “and we had a good time playing soccer.”

The field expanded to five in 2021 and was titled the St. Joseph’s Cup. Last year it was renamed The Pastor’s Cup and eight parishes of men and women participated.

This summer’s competition featured the parishes of St. Joseph, Trenton; St. Joseph, Toms River; St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral; St. Mark, Sea Girt; Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lakewood; St. Anthony of Padua, Hightstown; St. Rose of Lima, Freehold; St. Barnabas, Bayville; Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park; Charismatic Renewal Movement; Cursillo de Cristiandad Movement;

In the Parishes

For more photos on the visit TrentonMonitor.com>More Galleries

Father Arian Wharff, parochial vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, joins the crowd of soccer fans watching and recording the game.

Two players from the men’s teams of St. Anthony of Padua Parish and St. Rose of Lima Parish grapple for possession.

teachings,” he said. “During heated moments we gather the group and pray with them.”

A knowledgeable soccer fan, Father Cardenas praised the talent he has watched and noted, “it is easy to identify happiness and joy among the people and participants.”

Moro, who played travel soccer, is

also impressed by the quality of play.

“It’s some really tough competition because there are some very good players who take it a lot more seriously,” she said. “It does get competitive. But in the end, you congratulate the other team for trying their best, they congratulate you.

It’s a game, it’s fun, and in the end we all celebrate and have a good time.”

Members of Children of Mary, and St. Paul, Princeton.

Games were played Aug. 6, 13 and 20.

St. Anthony of Padua defeated St. Rose of Lima, 3-0, in the men’s championship game while St. Joseph, Toms River, defeated St. Joseph, Trenton, 1-0, in the women’s final.

Monmouth University sophomore Marilyn Moro, a member of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, has played in all four tournaments since she was a junior at Central Regional High, Bayville.

“It’s fun to get together and have this experience,” Moro said. “You see other churches come together and root for a different church in the final, even though it’s not their church. You just want to see good soccer and people getting along in the end.”

Father Cardenas, whose Colombian heritage lends a deep connection to soccer, noted that while friendly and competitive games are centered on good sportsmanship participation, there are “moments of verbal and physical aggression.”

“Those moments are the perfect opportunities we had to teach them about sports’ moral behavior and Jesus Christ’s

The women’s team of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, celebrates their championship victory.

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In the Parishes Father Christopher Picollo, pastor of Nativity Parish, Fair Haven, leads a prayer service in which he dedicated the Marian garden on the parish grounds. Courtesy photo

Inspired by a child, Fair Haven parish refreshes Marian garden

BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent

A

little girl’s dismay at finding “Mary in the weeds” led members of Nativity Parish, Fair Haven, to overhaul a courtyard garden, honoring the Blessed Mother while exercising the Franciscan tenets of Laudato Si. Earlier this year, while exploring a little-used corridor between the church and the parish office, Elaine Eadon and her six-year-old granddaughter, Lizzie, happened upon the overgrown interior courtyard where a large statue of Mary was, indeed, “in the weeds” as the youngster noted. “Since Mary loved and cared for Jesus, we should do the same for her,” wrote the youngster in a note to the pastor, Father Christopher P. Picollo.

Thus began months of work by many helping hands.

Once the landscaping design was complete, Eadon and her husband, Tom, consulted with the parish’s Franciscan Earth Care Ministry to select the best plants for the interior courtyard. Knights of Columbus Council 3187 positioned a new five foot tall, 555-lb. statue of Mary upon a pedestal, while others planted 54 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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native pollinators, and added a birdbath to welcome avian visitors.

“We wanted Mary in her rightful place,” said Elaine Eadon. “It is awesome.

I didn’t know the impact would be so great.”

The rejuvenated garden made its debut Aug. 15, the Solemnity of the Assumption, during a ceremony following Mass. Readings from Scripture, Marian hymns, the recitation of the Rosary and a blessing from Father Picollo introduced the space which will be used as an outdoor classroom for the religious education program.

“Our parishioners did a great job in transforming an area of our campus that needed some attention into a truly beautiful area honoring Our Blessed Mother who is always pointing us to her Son,” said Father Picollo. “To dedicate and bless the Marian garden on the Assumption after Mass with a good number of people coming together in prayer was special.”

Members of the parish’s Franciscan Earth Care Ministry played an integral part in the project, noted Kathleen Hendrick. Its professed goal is to “always be good stewards of God’s creations by caring for and protecting the environment, our home, and all living things to ensure

September 2023

that our children will inherit a safe and sustainable Earth…[it] works to foster environmental awareness and sensitivity, promote sustainable practices, and inspire thoughtful action and community service efforts.”

“I like to refer to it as the learning/ teaching garden,” said Hendrick of the group’s first project, an area outside the parish center replete with plants and grasses native to the Garden State.

Beginning last spring during the pastorate of then-pastor Father James Grogan, Hendrick and fellow Franciscan ministry members Terry Flynn, Dianna Kumar and Maryann O’Neill relied upon research and the assistance of a local garden center to beautify the Fair Haven campus. “l try to influence, not preach,” continued Hendrick as she explained the ways native plants and insects promote beneficial biodiversity. “With a small effort on each of our parts, we can make a difference.”

For further information on the Franciscan Earth Care Ministry at Nativity Parish, including a list of plants and insects native to N.J., see nativitychurchnj.org/Franciscan-earth-care-ministry/, or contact Kathleen Hendrick at khendrick78@gmail.com.

WHITE MASS PLANNED FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS OCT. 15 IN TOMS RIVER In honor of St. Luke, patron saint of physicians, the 10th annual White Mass will be held for all healthcare workers on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. in St. Luke Church, 1674 Old Freehold Rd., Toms River.

Co-sponsored by St. Luke Parish, Toms River, and St. Michael Parish, Long Branch, the celebration is open to those of all faiths in the healthcare profession, their families and friends. The White Mass is so named for the traditional white coats and uniforms worn by medical personnel and is a special way to recognize all healthcare staff.

Attendees may feel free to wear their white lab coat or other work attire as desired. The Mass will include a blessing of the hands and will be followed by a reception.

RESPECT LIFE EVENTS Continued from 39

u Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Oct. 21-22 – Baby items drive, Life Chain and Respect Life Breakfast, St. Mary Parish, Barnegat • Baby item donations will be collected after all Masses Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at the worship sites of St. Mary of the Pines, 100 Bishop Way, Manahawkin, and St. Mary, 747 West Bay Ave., Barnegat. A Life Chain will take place at 3 p.m.

Oct. 1 at the Barnegat address. On Oct. 21 a Respect Life Breakfast will be offered at the Barnegat worship site with guest speaker from Good Counsel Homes; both Manahawkin and Barnegat sites will take up second collections Oct. 21-22 for Good Counsel Homes. For more information contact Mary Anne Moresco, maryannemoresco333@gmail.com. u Sept. 30-Oct. 1 – Baby Bottle Campaign, Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley • A Baby Bottle Campaign for donations will take place the weekend of Respect Life Sunday, including a speaker from Legacy of Life Foundation at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses

in St. James Church, 115 E. Delaware Ave., Pennington. For more information contact Kris Khan, krismkhan@gmail.com. u Oct. 1 – Holy Hour for Life, Baby Item Collection, St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson • St. Charles Borromeo Parish will have a Holy Hour on Respect Life Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Additionally, on the first weekend of every month there will be a collection of diapers, formula, clothing and money for 1st Way of Burlington County. For information contact Peg Campbell, hearttx87@comcast.net, 856-296-4440. u Oct. 1 – Rosary for Life, St. Veronica Parish, Howell • Participants will pray the Rosary for the respect of all human life at 1:15 p.m. (following noon Mass) at the Blessed Mother Grotto, located on St. Veronica Church grounds, 4219 U.S. Rt. 9. u Oct. 1-30 – Variety of pro-life events, St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft • The parish at 50 Hurleys Lane will host several Respect Life Month events: Oct. 1 – Life Bottle program; Oct. 4 and 30 – Respect Life Mass in St. Leo the Great School; Oct. 6 – Respect Life Rosary; Oct. 12 – faith service for couples hoping to conceive a child, 7 p.m. in the church, with relics displayed for veneration; Oct. 20-22 – Respect Life display during parish carnival; Oct. 25 – Respect Life prayer service; Oct. 29 – Spiritual Adoption sign-ups. For more information contact Joe Manzi, JoeManzi@stleothegreat.com. u Oct. 14-15 – Baby Shower for Birthright of Freehold, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown • A baby shower collection is planned after all Masses Oct. 14-15 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 156 Maxwell Ave. For more information contact Tom McGeachen, tjmcgeachnj@hotmail.com. u Oct. 14, 22 – Public Square Rosary, St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro • Rosary for life at 12 p.m. Oct. 14 at 100 N. Main St. A Shower for Life will be Oct. 22 after the 11 a.m.

Mass with speaker from Good Counsel Homes.

Additional events at the parish include a Knights of Columbus Respect Life display Oct. 15 after Masses and a pro-life flag display Sept. 30-Oct. 28. For more information contact Elizabeth Normandia, lizn79@aol.com.

u Oct. 29 – Champion for Life Awards Dinner, Spring Lake • The Jersey shore-area parishes represented by Mary’s Child Pro-Life Ministry will hold the 34th annual Champion for Life awards dinner at Spring Lake Manor, 415 Hwy. 71, Spring Lake Heights, beginning with a 5 p.m. reception followed by 6 p.m. dinner. This year’s honorees will be Deacon Rich Weber of St. Rose Parish, Belmar, as 2023 Champion for Life; and Father Jim Whelan, weekend assistant in St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach, with the 2023 Lifetime Achievement award.

Reservations must be made no later than Oct. 15. Cost is $70 for adult dinner and $35 for child’s dinner. For more information contact Cynthia Wagner, 732-718-0876, or Catherine Minall, 732-749-3090. u Spiritual Adoption Program, Toms River • The Toms River parishes of St. Joseph, St. Justin the Martyr and St. Luke, all Toms River, are planning a Spiritual Adoption program, similar to one just completed by St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. They will also hold a workshop on living wills and advanced directives, and learning what Ocean County is doing about human trafficking.

For more information contact Al Kozikowski, alkozikowski@aol.com.

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September 2023



THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 55

Arts & Media

Second grade teacher Kim Reddan stands with her book outside her classroom in St. Benedict School, Holmdel.

Courtesy photo

101 Angels

Holmdel teacher pens book of life-changing encounters

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

A

lthough Kim Reddan has no idea what inspired her almost a decade ago to begin recognizing the abundance of friendly influences in her life, she is certain her self-imposed assignment made her see the world differently.

An educator in the Diocese of Trenton for 28 years, the last seven as second-grade teacher in St. Benedict School, Holmdel, Reddan was inspired in 2014 to begin posting each day on her Facebook page about a different person— someone who helped or encouraged her. And she continued that activity for more than 100 days.

“I decided to pick a person who had made a difference in my life,” she explained, “someone I met for five minutes, or someone I’ve known for years ...

I even included a few pets in there.”

As the project continued, Reddan was encouraged by those who enjoyed her writing to turn her post series into a book. In December 2022 she self-published the compilation “101 Angels.”

The simply covered book with an illustration of angel’s wings “looks like a yearbook,” Reddan joked, because she 56 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE



wanted to keep production costs low.

But the contents inside turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

“It really does make you realize [that] you don’t know the impact you are having on others — it really made

 “You found more than 100 people – and you could have found more.” me think,” Reddan said of the collection of encounters. “This person I interact with could really remember [my actions].”

The stories include several teachers who were kind and supportive of her as a shy and quiet schoolgirl, and who ultimately inspired her to become a teacher.

“If I didn’t have some of them, school would have been a lot rougher,” she said. “Another angel was a little boy in my class who lived down the street from me. I was afraid to talk to most of the other students, but I could talk to him, and I would ask him to get things for me.”

September 2023

One woman she met briefly as a teenager, “and she told me I was beautiful … That really stuck with me.” And of special importance was her grandfather, who earned the final spot of honor in the book.

Reddan emphasized that “there are so many people in our lives — we are so busy and don’t always stop to think about those who got us through the hard times.” She remembered in particular those who assisted with recovery following the death of her father, and Hurricane Sandy the day afterwards in 2012, “people who cleaned up the park, and a neighbor who gave me bread and a landline phone.”

With other ideas in mind and in production, including a children’s book awaiting illustration, Reddan is also considering a sequel about those whom she never met in person who inspired her.

“I hope that people think about the blessings in their lives,” Reddan said of her writing’s impact. “If I’m having a bad day, I’ll think back to the book and remind myself, ‘you found more than 100 people — and you could have had more.’” “101 Angels” is available for $25 plus postage via email: berleybooks@yahoo. com.

Arts & Media

Benefit concert for DCM Sept. 10 promises ‘pure fun and entertainment’

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

T

he sounds of the Great American Songbook will return to the stage for Domestic Church Media’s second annual benefit concert Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. in the auditorium of Notre Dame High School, Law-

renceville.

“We received so much positive feedback from last year’s concert, we thought we’d try it again,” said Jim Manfredonia, co-founder and CEO of the Catholic media apostolate. “We were told that many people wanted to attend last year but didn’t want to drive at night. So, this year we’re having it on a Sunday afternoon, Angela Manfredonia sings a Judy Garland fahoping that it will vorite. Elizabeth Italia photo enable more folks to come.”

Manfredonia will once again delight audiences with pieces

by Frank Sinatra, accompanied by the Summer Swing Orchestra of Flemington. His wife, Cheryl Manfredonia, will also offer piano accompaniment, and his daughter, Angela Manfredonia, will sing standards made popular by Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli and more.

“When you’re singing songs made famous by Frank Sinatra there is a wide catalogue to draw from,” Manfredonia explained, “so I’m adding some songs that we didn’t do last year in addition to the standard hits that are most associated with him. This year Cheryl has prepared a special piece on the piano with the orchestra that I’m sure will be a real crowd-pleaser.”

Domestic Church Media not only operates four radio stations, covering large areas of the Diocese, but also streams programs live on its website and other online platforms like YouTube. Programming includes EWTN syndicated broadcasts as well as local content, such as “The Shepherd’s Voice” by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and “Friday LIVE with Jim and Cheryl.”

The DCM fall benefit concert is one of two major fundraisers that help support the Catholic media entity; the Spring Radiothon raises much of the operating costs, while the concert acts as a much-needed supplement.

“Our radio stations are listener and benefactor supported,

Jim Manfredonia performs in the 2022 Domestic Church Media benefit concert with the Summer Swing Orchestra. Courtesy photo and it’s been a challenge for us since the pandemic, so we’re always trying to find creative and different ways to fundraise,” said Manfredonia. “A special patron has underwritten the production costs, so all the proceeds from the concert will go to support DCM.” u Reserved seat tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at domesticchurchmedia.org/2023-benefit-concert. Notre Dame High School is located at 601 Lawrenceville Road.

GENOCIDE SURVIVOR, AUTHOR TO LEAD RETREAT IN NEPTUNE PARISH Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculee Ilibagizia will deliver a message of forgiveness, healing and hope during a two-day retreat she will lead Oct. 20-21 in Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune.

Ilibagiza, the New York Times best-selling author of “Left To Tell,” will share her witness to the life-saving power of faith and praying the Rosary during the 91 days she, along with seven other women, Immaculee Ilibagiza, a were huddled in a bathroom while Rwandan genocide surkillers lurked outside the door. vivor, will lead a two-day The retreat will be held Oct. 20 retreat in Holy Innocents from 5 to 9 p.m. and Oct. 21 from 10 Parish, Neptune, in October. a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $57 per CNS file photo person or $76 for one person plus a guest. u To register, visit immaculee.com or contact Annette Micek at annette@immaculee.com For more information, contact Kim DiBiase at 732-997-9002 or bibleholyinnocents@gmail.com or Brenda Sternik at 732-9224242, ext. 127 or parishoffice@holyinnocentschurch.net.

Holy Innocents Parish is located at 3455 W. Bangs Rd., Neptune.

September 2023

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 57

TENDING THE GARDEN

EDUCATING THE MANY

Continued from 41

Continued from 41

and development. The transformation from caterpillar to butterfly was witnessed by students in Pre-K and Kindergarten in their classrooms, followed by release of their butterflies directly into the butterfly garden.

Sister Elizabeth noted that the benefits of the garden extend beyond the academic realm.

“It serves as a peaceful retreat for students, offering a tranquil environment where they can connect with nature and take a break from their daily routines,” she pointed out. “The garden will serve as a gathering space for outdoor lessons this coming school year, and for potential community events and parent workshops.”

The Vegetable Garden Club, a project developed by Suzanne Marcantonio, St. Jerome school nurse, consisted of 16 students from fifth through seventh grades.

“The goal of this club was multifold,” Sister Elizabeth explained, “to provide an opportunity to learn about the lifecycle of plants firsthand, to learn the steps in planning out a new garden from ground up, to learn how to maintain a vegetable garden throughout the season, to encourage healthy eating and to harvest delicious, nutritious vegetables.”

Garden preparation began March 30 when the middle school boys filled the five raised garden beds with a rich soil-compost mixture from Molzon Landscape Nursery in Lincroft. Planting for the vegetable garden began inside in early spring, with the students sowing tomato, cucumber, eggplant, pepper, parsley, basil and rosemary seeds in small greenhouses that were then maintained in the science lab over the following eight weeks. This was

Thompson’s vast interest in environmental issues led him and his wife, Cheryl, to pursue training with the Laudato Si’ s Animators online program which is coordinated by the Laudato Si’ movement. The program aims to educate and enable people to inspire others to address the concerns about the environment through conversation and dialogue.

In the spring, he said, the social justice committee hosted its first activity by showing the youth group “The Letter,” a film that tells about Pope Francis’ call to care for the earth.

Then during the summer, the youth visited the Tulpehaking Nature Center in the Abbott Marshlands, where they learned basic techniques about studying aquatic ecology.

The teens saw how the wetland ecosystems are affected by their surrounding communities, and the benefits that communities derive from environmental resources like the marshland, he said, adding that one message of Laudato Si’ is that all things in nature are interconnected, and that message is well illustrated in the complex web of flora and fauna in the marshlands.

Thompson said the social justice commitee chose to work with the youth group based on previous collaborative experiences. Before the pandemic, the committee had hosted environmental fairs and other activities such as environmental poster competitions for the youth and now wants to reconnect with the youth group. “Our recent activities around Laudato Si’ concepts naturally progressed from the good work that had been done before,” he said.

This year, after a three-year pandemic hiatus, Thompson said ” an

58 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

Students of St. Jerome School harvest cucumbers in the school’s vegetable garden. Courtesy photo

followed by the direct sow of lettuce, pea, radish, and carrot seeds into the garden beds in early April.

“While all the seedlings were happily growing, the students used this waiting time to build several bamboo structures that would eventually be used to support the cucumbers and beans,” said Sister Elizabeth. “Students were able to enjoy the fruits of their labor prior to summer recess with the first harvest of radishes and lettuce in mid-May. Indoor seedlings were successfully transplanted into the garden beds soon after, in early June, and were maintained throughout the summer by garden club members.”

As goals were met, the students “beamed with pride,” she said, with vegetables harvested by club members, and distributed to family, friends, and school faculty and staff.

“The club looks forward to expanding next year and creating some new goals,” Sister Elizabeth continued. “Our vegetable and butterfly gardens have become an invaluable resource for our students.

They not only enhance academic learning, but also instill a sense of responsibility and appreciation for nature. We are proud to offer such a unique and enriching experience to our students.”

The gardens are “empowering their students to become environmentally conscious citizens and fostering a lifelong connection to the natural world,” she said.  September 2023

environmental poster contest will be held for the youth during this year’s Season of Creation with the theme centering on “The Letter” and focusing on the four main threads: voice of the poor, voice of the Indigenous people, voice of youth and voice of science and nature.

“We hope that the youth group members will reflect upon Pope Francis’ call for individuals to engage in a process that he calls ecological conversion, including prayer and contemplation, learning more about nature, observance of the Sabbath day of rest and reduced participation in materialistic forms of consumer culture,” he said.

The first collaborative effort on the environment was well received by the youth, said Nancy Solarski, a social justice committee co-chair.

“Although we are in the beginning stages, our hope is that we can show ‘The Letter’ on a parish level and then have small group discussions on how we might be able to care for our common earth,” said Solarski. “Many of the youth were not aware of the issues with the environment or the Pope’s view on this,” Solarski said.

Kimberly Jaramillo, a youth group adult leader, concurred, saying that “It’s important to teach our young people about Laudato Si’ because many, including myself, may still be unaware of issues relating to the environment and climate change.

“Most importantly, we may not know that it is our responsibility as people of faith to protect and take care of our common home, the earth,” Jaramillo said. “ We have the power to make a meaningful change and shape a more sustainable future for generations to come. It’s time for us to get to work.”  See TrentonMonitor.com for a story by Our Sunday Visitor on the Laudato Si’ Animator program.

In Memoriam

OBITUARY INFORMATION  Additional obituaries will be posted to TrentonMonitor.com as information becomes available.

George Rose, CMJC leader Continued from 35

Father Kegley, who kept vigil with Mr. Rose during the last week of his home hospice care, reflected, “in every area of George’s life, Christ has been the center.” Father Kegley went on to describe Mr. Rose as a “great example of a godly husband” to his wife, Carrie, and father to his son, Sean. “George was an evangelist, a true disciple.

“He loved being enrolled these last two years in the Encounter School of Ministry – New Jersey Campus,” Father Kegley continued, stating that the school “draws from the richness of our Catholic heritage as it seeks to teach, equip and activate disciples to demonstrate the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in their spheres of influence. In conformity with the teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church.”

In addition to his parish involvement, Mr. Rose was also a founding member of Tabor House in Trenton, a three-quarter house that assists men in addiction recovery.

Mr. Rose was predeceased by his parents, George and Mary Ann Rose. In addition to his wife and son, he is survived by his sister, Kathleen ( James) Sweeney; his brother Michael (Kristi); several nieces and nephews and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and many friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tabor House at taborhouse.org.

DEACON CHRISTOPHER HANSEN, SERVED IN FARMINGDALE AND HOLMDEL PARISHES

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 24 in Ascension Church, Bradley Beach, for Deacon Christopher L. Hansen who died Aug. 21 at age 76.

Deacon Hansen was ordained a deacon May 8, 2004, by Bishop John M. Smith in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Prior to becoming a deacon, he was an owner of a small business in Neptune City for more than 25 years which he operated with the help of his wife and two of his children. He was a former councilman in Neptune City and he helped to found the city’s environment committee. He was active in local business and served as the president of Wall Chamber of Commerce.

His advocacy led to his being named the recipient of the 2003 Home Based Business advocate of the year.

During his diaconate, Deacon Hansen served in St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Farmingdale, and St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel. Following his retirement from active ministry, he became a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, of which Ascension Parish is a part. Ministries in which he served as a

deacon include the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults; PreCana and religious education.

Deacon Hansen is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lorraine, and three children Christopher P. and Dawn (James) Dayton, and Heather Hansen and her husband, Michael Piccinetti, and four grandchildren.

Burial was in St. Anne Cemetery and Mausoleum, Belmar. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome Mass cards.

ANNA MARIA CARELLA, FORMER NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATOR

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 24 in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Hamilton, for Anna Maria (Lombardozzi) Carella, who died Aug. 19 in Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Serenity Hospice Unit, Hamilton. She was 54.

Mrs. Carella was a former faculty member of Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, where her 15-year tenure included establishing the Italian program, leading the Italian Honor Society, coaching the swim teach, facilitating the construction of the bocce court, serving as chairperson of the language department and serving as a Kairos retreat facilitator.

Mrs. Carella was born in Trenton and was a lifelong resident of Hamilton. She attended Our Lady of Sorrows School, Hamilton; McCorristin Catholic High School, Hamilton, from which she graduated in 1987, and Rosemont College, Rosemont, Pa., where she majored in Italian Studies.

After college, she was a student teacher in North Brunswick before devoting her time to raise her family and with her husband, Paul, launched Step by Step Shoes in Lawrenceville.

After a decade in business, she taught in Robbinsville Middle School, before joining Notre Dame High School. She also taught in Steinert High School and Hamilton High School West.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Carella is survived by her parents, four children and their spouses; her mother-in-law; siblings and numerous other family members and friends.

A private interment followed.

Memorial donations can be directed to Memorial Sloan Kettering, c/o Lung Cancer Research at http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/ AnnaMariaCarella DEACON DANIEL JOSEPH MCNERNY, FORMERLY SERVED IN KEYPORT PARISH

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 29 in Immaculate Conception Church, Goose Creek, S.C., for Deacon Daniel Joseph McNerny, 83, who died Aug. 21.

Deacon McNerny had been a resident of New Jersey and served as a deacon for the Diocese of Trenton before moving to South Carolina in 2009.

Born March 18, 1940, in Sayreville, Deacon McNerny was the son of the late Marie Brennan McNerny and Thomas McNerny. He Continued on 60

September 2023

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 59

In Memoriam

DEACON DANIEL JOSEPH MCNERNY Continued from 59

grew up in South Amboy where he attended St. Mary Elementary School and Perth Amboy Vocational High School and attended Newark State Teachers College. He served in the U.S. Army, primarily in Okinawa during the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his service, he returned home and started his family. He studied air conditioning and refrigeration at Lincoln Technical Institute fulltime while working full-time nights at Fedders Corporation.

After graduating from Lincoln Tech, he began his 35-year career at Johnson and Johnson Ortho Diagnostics in Raritan.

Deacon McNerny was active as a volunteer in his communities as a coach for his children’s sports teams, as a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts, and as a member of the South Amboy and Matawan First Aid Squads, as well as the Keyport Fire Department.

Deacon McNerny was a longtime member of Jesus the Lord Parish, Keyport, and was ordained a Deacon for the Diocese of

Trenton in 2002 by Bishop John M. Smith.

After retiring from J&J, Deacon McNerny and his wife Nancy moved to Summerville, S.C., where they joined Immaculate Conception Parish. Along with assisting at Mass, he conducted weekly Bible study classes, led prayer services and most recently, he was instrumental in the founding and organization of the new St. Francis Caracciolo Mission Church in Cane Bay. Deacon McNerny was predeceased by his parents, older brother and his mother-in-law and father-in-law.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy Yuschak McNerny; children Christine (William) Phillips; Cynthia (Paul) Stacey; James (Nicole) McNerny,and nine grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Francis Caracciolo Mission Church Building Fund, c/o Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 510 Saint James Ave., Goose Creek, S.C. 294452793.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

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“Family Owned & Operated Since 1965”

Member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and Member/Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd and 4th degree

Frederick R. Whiteley, III, KHS, PGK NJ Lic. No. 4116 Manager/Owner

Grace Parks, NJ License No. 5393/Director

501 Highway 79 Morganville, NJ 07751

732-350-1950 ManchesterMemorialFH.com

(732) 566-5300

www.waittfh.com 212 Main Street Matawan, NJ 07747 (732) 566-1962

Looking for a final resting place for yourself or a loved one? Christ the King Mausoleum serves as a sacred place of comfort, faith, & hope where family and friends can gather in prayer and remembrance.

Call for a personal consultation to offer guidance as you make this important decision.

732-914-0300 • www.stmaximiliankolbechurch.com 130 Saint Maximilian Lane, Toms River, NJ 08757

www.BedleFuneralHome.com A L

H O M E

ned & Operated”

2350 Route 516 Old Bridge, NJ 08857 F U N E R A L

H O M E

“Family Owned & Operated”

(732) 607-9500 F U N E R A L

www.oldbridgefh.com &

CREM ATION

H O M E SERVICE

“Family Owned & Operated Since 1965”

Best Customer Service and Best Funeral Home

CUSTOMER REVIEW...

Operated”

“…a difficult time, made easier by every staff member.”

M E M O R I A L

Michael V. Grandi, Manager Nj Lic No 4427

H O M E

“Family Owned & Operated”

When you need family the most...

Call the family you can trust

2925 RidgewayOliverie Rd • Manchester NJ • 732-657-4900 Funeral Home 2925 Ridgeway Rd• Manchester 08759 125 S. Cooks Bridge Rd Jackson NJ NJ • 732-719-7250

(732)Mgr. 657-4900 G. Oliverie, NJ Lic #3833 125 S. Cooks Bridge Rd Jackson NJ 08527 (732) 719 7250 G. Oliverie, Mgr. NJ Lic #3833 September 2023 AP-GCI0811637-03

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 61

Fun & Games

SCRIPTURE SEARCH Gospel for September 10, 2023  Romans 13: 8-10 / Matthew 18:15-20

LOVE

FULFILLED

SHALL NOT

SUMMED UP

NEIGHBOR

SINS

AGAINST YOU

FAULT

ALONE

LISTENS

ALONG

WITNESSES

REFUSES

YOU BIND

EARTH

BOUND

HEAVEN

LOOSE

AGREE

FATHER

GATHERED

© 2023 TRI-C-A Publications \ tri-c-publications.com

Following is a word search based on the Second and Gospel readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A: How to treat each other. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

TEST YOUR CATHOLIC KNOWLEDGE Answers on back page.

ACROSS 4 ___ and Omega 9 Like Esau 10 The root of all evils is the love of this

11 Eve beginner 12 “I will ___ up for David a righteous Branch” (Jer 23:5) 13 Priests’ house 14 Jesus was crucified between

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

28 29

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two of these 17 Heavenly fencing material?

19 “Take and ___; this is my body.” (Mt 26:26) 21 The ___ Room, where the disciples experienced the Holy Spirit 22 President Johnson’s daughter who converted to Catholicism 23 Catholic actor Mineo 25 Liturgical year start 26 Son of David 29 Renaissance Marian art title 31 ___ Novarum 33 Chi ___ 34 Perfume the altar 35 Archdiocese of Portland is here 36 “…many ___ and wonders were being done by the apostles” (Acts 2:43) DOWN 1 “Blessed are those who hunger and ___ for righteousness…”

(Mt 5:6) 2 Number for the last Leo

3 David played one 4 Patron saint of candle makers 5 Law of the Church 6 Lectern 7 Teaching letter from the pope 8 Church council 15 Obstacle to a Sacrament 16 Biblical division 18 Catholic fitness guru, Charles ___ 20 Father of Jehoshaphat 23 Biblical method of execution 24 Jesus raised him from the dead 27 “Joseph of Arimathea, a distinguished ____ of the council” (Mk 15:43) 28 God’s life in us 30 “___ Irae” 31 Priscilla and Aquila left here because the Jews were ordered out

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

WTW – Trusted Insurance Broker Serving the Diocese of Trenton  We would like to thank WILLIS TOWERS WATSON for their sponsorship of this page.

62 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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September 2023

D I R E C T O R Y

BUSINESS

REGRESO A CLASES Continúa de 4

increíbles administradores, maestros y personal laico que han aceptado generosamente el llamado a servir en nuestras escuelas y clases católicas. Realmente merecen nuestra gratitud y apoyo día tras día.

Cuando un niño es bautizado católico, el ritual bautismal establece que “los padres son los primeros maestros en los caminos de la fe”.

Sobre la base de esa afirmación sacramental y la responsabilidad de los padres, el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica explica legítimamente que “los padres tienen la primera responsabilidad de la educación de sus hijos” (CIC, 2223).

CLASE DE FORMACIÓN

Oscar Cruz

Lia García

ministerios hispanos en la Arquidiócesis de Baltimore.

El costo es de $ 25 por persona, o $ 100 para un grupo parroquial de cinco personas. Para registrarse, visite https://dioceseoftrenton. org/una-introduccion-al-rica.

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Jossie Ramos, 609-403-7151, jramos@dioceseoftrenton.org. Lee más en TrentonMonitor.com

APOSTOLATE

Continúa de 6

Patrocinado por el departamento Diocesano de Catequesis, el taller es una clase básica para líderes de RICA que hablan español y miembros del equipo y ofrecerá una capacitación básica en persona para ayudarlos a comprender todo el proceso de RICA. El curso incluirá una visión general de las cuatro etapas de iniciación y los rituales que las acompañan. Además, el curso examinará los principios pastorales asociados con este ministerio, así como el papel de los fieles bautizados.

Los presentadores incluyen a Oscar Cruz, director del catecumenado en la Arquidiócesis de Nueva York, y Lia García, directora de

THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and to its own policies and guidelines in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.

If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan

ABUSE HOTLINE: 1-888-296-2965 or via e-mail at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.

The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities.

RELIGIOUS MERCHANDISE Bibles, Rosaries, See our Patron Saint many First Medals, Statues, Communion Crosses & gifts!

Crucifixes, ALSO Jewelry, Candles, Irish Gifts & ReligiousItems Items Jewelry, Irish Gifts & Religious Candles, Irish Irish Gifts 1669 Highway 33, Hamilton Square 1669 Highway 33, Hamilton Square, NJ 08690 Gifts, Gifts Gifts for Baptism, 609-586-9696 • www.crossandshamrock.com 609-586-9696 for Baptism, Communion, ‘Like us’ on Facebook Confirmation, www.crossandshamrock.com Confirmation, Weddings Mon-Wed. 10-6pm, Thurs. & Fri. 10-7pm, 10-5pm & &Weddings M-W: 10am-6pm • Th-F: 10am-7pm • SatSat. : 10am-5pm

RESTAUR ANT • DINING

Leonardo’s Restaurant family owned and operated Robert Pluta HSG 2012 Brunswick Ave. (Business Rte. 1 South) Lawrenceville • 609.396.4466

Everybody Loves Magda!

To place an ad here, call 609-403-7153 OR email monitor-advertising@DioceseofTrenton.org September 2023

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 63

MONITOR Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

THE

MAGAZINE

701 Lawrenceville Rd. • P.O. Box 5147 Trenton, NJ 08638-0147 www.TrentonMonitor.com

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

Answers to the crossword puzzle.

The Monitor Magazine & TrentonMonitor.com Information and inspiration for your faith journey!

Just $30 for home delivery of the magazine, email delivery of the digital edition and unlimited access to the website.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY:  At dioceseoftrenton.org/monitor-subscriptions  By email: Monitor-Subscriptions@DioceseofTrenton.org  By phone: 609-403-7131

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

T X L A L P H A E S H A I R Y M R M O N E Y I I R I B E B C N R A I S E R E C T O R Y O O E C D S T H I E V E S P E A R L Y M E E A T T I U P P E R S L U C I E E S S A L A A A D V E N T A B S A L O M I O Z E G M A D O N N A R E R U M R E I I R H O A B A C E N S E N U M A I N E E T S I G N S E L R

Guardian Angel Dinner Dance Richard J. Hughes Humanitarian Award Michael W. Herbert

Thursday September 21 6:00 –10:00 pm

The Merion

1301 Route 130 South Cinnaminson

2023

Light of Hope Awards Msgr. Dennis Apoldite The Woman’s League of Mount Holly Corporate Citizen of the Year Award Dr. Eric I. Schwartz

www.CatholicCharitiesTrenton.org/GADD2023

64 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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September 2023

Client Achievement Award Brandon