Monitor Magazine February 2021 Cause for Celebration by Diocese of Trenton

MONITOR

THE

Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

Vol. 2 • No. 5 • FEBRUARY 2021

MAGAZINE

Cause for Celebration Creating thankyou cards and breakfast-to-go for first responders, painting flower pots for assisted living residents and learning about vocations were just some of the ways students of Catholic schools around the Diocese of Trenton celebrated Catholic Schools Week. In a year of many challenges, the spirit of Catholic schools remains strong and vibrant.

 INSIDE… FROM THE BISHOP: This Lent . . . pray more, fast, care YOUNG CATHOLICS: First virtual DYC speaks to need for connection EL ANZUELO: Cuaresma, la campaña anual católica y recetas cuaresmales

With profound gratitude, the Diocese of Trenton would like to acknowledge the following parishes who have reached or surpassed their goal for the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal! Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven Church of the Visitation, Brick Town

“God gives where he finds empty hands.” - St. Augustine

Holy Family Church, Union Beach

...So should we

Holy Innocents Church, Neptune

2020 Annual Catholic Appeal

Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown

The power to choose the ministries you want to support.

Resurrection Church, Delran Sacred Heart Church, Bay Head Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton St Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Hightstown St. Benedict Church, Holmdel St. Catharine Church, Holmdel St. Catherine Church, Farmingdale St. Catherine Church, Middletown St. Charles Borromeo Church, Cinnaminson St. David the King Church, Princeton Junction

St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Toms River Ann Seton St. Michael Church, West End Church, Whiting DIOCESE of TRENTON Gifts to the Appeal are used to support the ministries dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal St. Paul Catholic listed and will not be usedChurch, to defray legal fees or to fund St. Gabriel Church, Marlboro the Victim Compensation Program. 609-403-7197 • develop@dioceseoftrenton.org Princeton St. Hedwig Church, Trenton St. Peter Church, St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, Pt. Pleasant Beach New Egypt St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette St. James Catholic Church, Red Bank St. Pius the Tenth Church, Forked River St. John Church, Lakehurst St. Rose Church, Belmar St. Justin Church, Toms River St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, St. Leo the Great Church, Bradley Beach Lincroft St. Thomas More Church, St. Mary Church, Barnegat Manalapan St. Mary of the Lakes Church, St. William the Abbot Church, Medford Howell St. Denis Church, Manasquan FIND OUT St. MORE... Elizabeth

2019 2020

 See pages 32-33 for information on the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal

Since 2017, more than $2 million has been rebated to parishes who meet their annual goal. Go to dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal and make your gift today. Thank you, and God bless you! 2 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

ON THE COVER A student in St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford, makes a thank-you drawing for a first responder. Students in the school were giving grab-andgo breakfast bags and hand-drawn messages of appreciation to first responders in their community as part of Catholic Schools Week. Hal Brown photo Coverage begins on page 12

Pope Francis meets with members of the Catholic News Service Rome bureau at the Domus Sanctae Marthae at the Vatican Feb. 1. The meeting was in recognition of the 100th anniversary of CNS. See story, page 29. CNS photo/Vatican Media

Contents 5-6  From the Bishop

This Lent, renew confidence, hope, love in the Lord

7-11  Lent COVER PRICE: $3

MONITOR Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

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

For the latest news, scan this QR code with your mobile device and visit The Monitor’s mobile site.

Recipes for the Lenten family table; CRS Rice Bowl, how to participate fully in faith over next 40 days

12-21  In Focus Catholic Schools Week focuses on creative celebrations, service, new programs and reflection on unprecedented year

22-27  Respect Life High schools help mothers and babies; prayers, Masses and marches commemorate Roe v. Wade 48th anniversary

34-36  Vocations Diocese launches new vocations website; consecrated life needs prayerful support of faith community

42-45  El Anzuelo Que esta Cuaresma sea diferente; Campaña Anual Católica se arranca para el 2021; Recetas de casa para Cuaresma

50-54  Diocesan Youth Conference Virtual offerings of prayer, discussions and games connect Catholic teens across digital space

REGULAR FEATURES 28  Viewpoints 37  Pope Francis 40  World & Nation 46-48  Insight from Fathers Koch & Doyle February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 3

Reader’s Corner The Caseys4Life pro-life group of Red Bank Catholic High School, Red Bank, led some 50 students in their own March for Life Jan. 29 around the school and parish campus, followed by a collection of baby supply donations for local charities. Rich Hundley photo

A message from

RAYANNE BENNETT Associate Publisher

Faith always finds a way A

crippling snowstorm of historical record. A devastating number of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and deaths. A struggle to produce, deliver and find vaccines so that lives can return to normal.

 “ ... our mission, given us in the Gospel, remains the same.” These are just some of the difficulties that emerged over the last month, any one of which is serious enough to deter everyday life and the best laid plans. But thankfully, our parishes, schools and families managed to persevere, continuing to serve those in need and stand

up for the vulnerable. COVID-19 precautions might have prevented an in-person March for Life in Washington, but members of the diocesan family committed to stay focused with a month of prayer, advocacy and service on behalf of unborn children. Catholic Schools Week, already scaled back because of the virus, was dealt a further setback by the snowstorm that impacted the first part of the week. But our community members were resilient and found other ways to demonstrate the special character of their schools. Because of COVID, the Diocesan Youth Conference, an annual event that typically draws hundreds of teens to a day-long celebration of faith, had to move to a virtual platform where it still

🗱 LATE-BREAKING NEWS

Go to TrentonMonitor.com for these late-breaking stories and expanded coverage on local, national and global Catholic news:  U.S. Senate again fails to pass Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act  Bill would block taxpayer funding of abortion, make Hyde Amendment permanent  Catholic Health Association outlines broad policy goals for new Congress  Vatican releases program for papal trip to Iraq  Kelly to succeed Anderson as Knights of Columbus CEO 4 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

managed to engage thousands of young participants. Despite the many significant challenges, faith continues to find a way. This reality is also reflected in the message that Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued about the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal. Acknowledging the adversity faced by so many this year, the Bishop emphasized, “Through it all, we can thankfully say that we, the Church, are still here, and our mission, given to us in the Gospel of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago, remains the same.” The pages of this issue of The Monitor Magazine are filled with stories that underscore that truth, and we hope that they will provide inspiration to our readers. There is so much to be thankful for in this Church that we call home, and we at The Monitor are privileged to report on it. In closing, I would like to mention that February is Catholic Press Month, a time to recognize the contributions of Catholic publications and the many ways that they serve the faithful. Please support the Catholic press by letting your friends and family know about our work and how they too can access the content that we provide. Many thanks!

COMING IN MARCH . . . It was announced in early January that Trenton Catholic Academy in Hamilton will close this June due to financial difficulties. In the next issue of The Monitor Magazine we will look back at the school’s 15-year history and legacy.

From the Bishop

This Lent, ‘give God more time to speak to us’

he season of Lent has arrived, and with it the importance of prayer and penance become a special focus of our attention once again as we “journey to Jerusalem” with our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Holy Father Pope Francis, in his “2021 Lenten Message,” asks us to spend these 40 penitential days of Lent “renewing our faith, hope and love.” Such Lenten renewal invites us to “fasting, prayer and almsgiving,” the traditional Lenten paths to conversion. I recommend that all Catholics take a few moments to read and reflect upon the Holy Father’s beautiful Lenten Message this year. As your Shepherd, I humbly offer you some simple thoughts for Lent. ON FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE.

FAITH. The Letter to the Hebrews gives us a profound description of faith: “confident assurance concerning what we hope for and conviction about things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1).” Confidence and hope! Let’s make that disposition of faith our own this Lent, especially as we continue to face the A Message from COVID-19 pandemic. BISHOP DAVID M. HOPE. St. Paul wrote to the O’CONNELL, C.M. Ephesians: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people (Ephesians 1:18).” Let’s open the “eyes of our heart” this Lent to see beyond the limits of this world to the glories that are ours in Christ and share that vision with one another. LOVE. Our Lord’s greatest command was/is that we “love one another.” This Lent, let’s remind ourselves, “greater love than this no one has, than to lay down one’s life for his/her friends ( John 15:13).” Let’s be willing to sacrifice for others.

Freepik image

ON FASTING, PRAYER AND ALMSGIVING.

FASTING. 800 years before Christ, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed: “Fasting will loose the bonds of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free and break every yoke (Isaiah 58:6).” This Lent, let our fasting create the empty space in our lives that only Christ can fill. PRAYER. No moments in my life are as important as those I spend with the Lord. Whether alone before the Lord ever-present in the Blessed Sacrament in the silence of my little chapel or in a parish church; whether quietly enjoying the beauties of nature and God’s creation; whether reciting the Rosary or reading the Word of God; whether celebrating Mass or praying with others, my prayer is fundamentally an act of faith in and thanksgiving for the presence of God in my life and in my world. This Lent, let’s give God more time to speak to us and give ourselves more time to listen. ALMSGIVING. The old saying rings true: “Don’t tell me that you love Continued on 6

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 5

From the Bishop

Lenten Regulations Observing Lent Continued from 5

me, show me.” This Lent, let’s make a real, concerted effort to show our love for God by sharing our love for others. Give up something. Give something. Put your faith and hope into loving action. Spiritual writer, Catholic social worker and foundress of “Madonna House,” Catherine de Hueck Doherty (1896-1985), wrote, “Lent is a time of going very deeply into ourselves. ... What is it that stands between us and God? Between us and our brothers and sisters? Between us and life, the life of the Spirit? Whatever it is, let us relentlessly tear it out, without a moment’s hesitation.” As Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, permit me to suggest three things for you to consider this Lent: First, pray more and pray more deeply. Don’t make excuses. You can do it.

 “Show genuine kindness as part of your Lenten resolutions.” Second, sacrifice. Lent is a season of penance. Let it hurt a little in reparation and amendment for sin. As Archbishop Fulton Sheen used to say, “If there is no Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday!” Third, care. Let someone else know they matter. Show genuine kindness as part of your Lenten resolutions. Let me conclude with a prayer of Catholic spiritual writer Henri Nouwen (1932-1996): “O Lord, make this Lenten season different from the other ones. Let me find you again. Amen.”

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

uring the days and weeks of penance that lie ahead — from Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021 until Holy Thursday, April 1, 2021 — the Catholic Church throughout the world commemorates the penitential season of Lent ending with the Sacred Triduum of Holy Week. The model Jesus gave us for “these forty days” was his own experience in the desert and the temptations that followed him there where he encountered Satan face to face. And yet, Jesus, there in the desert — alone, fasting and in intense prayer — beat back the devil and triumphed over temptation, as strong and as unrelenting as it was throughout those forty days. We enter the desert of Lent like Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit, to face our devils, our temptations head on. But we are not alone. The Lord Jesus Christ is with us. And so, too, is the Church, the entire community of faith observing Lent. Here is what the Catholic Church in the United States requires of us as baptized Catholics: 1. The days of FAST (only one full meal) and ABSTINENCE (no meat) are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. All other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence (no meat). No dispensations are granted on these solemn days except for reason of sickness or those provided in canon law below. The pastor of a parish has the authority to give a dispensation to individual parishioners in his parish. The Bishop alone has the authority to dispense groups of Catholics but only for a serious reason. 2. Those who are automatically dispensed from fast and abstinence regulations outside the age limits noted below include: the physically or mentally ill, especially individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes. Also included in the dispensation are women who are pregnant or nursing. In all cases, common sense should prevail and ill persons should not further jeopardize their health by fasting (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). Those between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to FAST (only one full meal) as above. From the age of 14, people are also obliged to ABSTAIN (no meat: this obligation prohibits the eating of meat, but not eggs, milk products or condiments of any kind, even though made from animal fat). The obligation to observe the laws of fast and abstinence is a serious one for Catholics. Failure to observe one penitential day in itself is not considered a serious sin. It is the intentional failure to observe any penitential days at all, or a substantial number of penitential days, that must be considered a serious matter. The obligation, the privilege really, of receiving the Eucharist at least once a year — often called “Easter duty” — for those in the state of grace should still be fulfilled during the period from the First Sunday of Lent, February 20-21, 2021 to Trinity Sunday, May 30, 2021. However, the Church’s law does permit this precept to be fulfilled at another time during the year when there is a just cause. I want to encourage all Catholics, especially those conscious of serious sin, to go to confession and to make use of the sacrifices and traditions that have always been part of our Lenten practices in the Church. We do, indeed, fast and pray with the Lord Jesus and with our fellow Catholics. May this Lent be a time of penance leading to grace and joy for us all at Easter. Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, C.M.; Bishop of Trenton

ASH WEDNESDAY WITH THE BISHOP  Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will lead a videotaped liturgical service and deliver a homily for Ash Wednesday Feb. 17. The video can be viewed beginning at 6 a.m. on Youtube.com/trentondiocese.

6 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

Lent  Father Garry Koch, pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, and longtime Scripture columnist for The Monitor, has provided a special column for Ash Wednesday 2021. To view Father Koch’s regular Sunday columns for February, see page 46.

‘Turn Away From Sin’ ASH WEDNESDAY  FEB. 17

Our Lenten journey begins with hope

A woman kneels in prayer during Mass on Ash Wednesday 2020 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Mike Ehrmann photo

Jl 2:12-18; 2Cor 5:20-6:2; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18

e begin our Lenten journey amid the global pandemic, and we are reminded that it was during the last Lent when all of this got started. While the Lenten season takes us into the wilderness where we can hopefully reflect more deeply and strive to bring about some conversion and correction to our lives, this Lent already seems to be different, perhaps more intense. We have, over the past year, experienced life in different and peculiar ways. In addition to dealing with the stress and anxiety that the pandemic has caused, there have also been some positive side effects resulting from the pandemic protocols. As we begin our Lenten journey and take assessment of our lives and our relationship with the

THE WORD

Father Garry Koch

Lord, we are reminded that the Lord is calling us to redemption, to set aside our sinfulness, pettiness and selfishness and to instead focus on him. He challenges us to set things right with him and certainly also with one another. The Gospel passage for this Ash Wednesday calls us to do almost exactly the opposite of what we are accustomed to doing on Ash Wednesday. Yes, we are embarking on a season of fasting and abstinence, and while many of us might feel that it has already been a yearlong fast from the ordinary ways in which we enjoy life with family, friends and coworkers, this year it is quite different. We are called to set aside the many

hurtful, petty and selfish ways we have responded to this time in our lives and to the people who are important to us. Many of us are not dealing with our frustrations well, and the scowls on our faces are shielded by the masks we wear in public. Jesus is inviting us to accept the challenges of the moment. He wants us not to see this as a time of condemnation and gloom, but as an invitation to grow deeper in our relationship with him, with his Church and with one another as brothers and sisters bound together in love. This time has seen some of us at our best and has also seen some of us at our worst. The Lord calls us, not to wear a false front of fasting, gloom and penitence, but to live a life of penance and fasting with grace and dignity. Father Garry Koch is pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel.

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 7

Lent

‘Heart of the Home’ Pandemic offers chance to regroup virtually at kitchen table during Lent

here have been many unintended consequences of the pandemic that arrived last year during Lent. Most have been painful and hard to bear. But conversations with family and friends during meals since last March have led me to believe that one unintended consequence – the re-establishment of the kitchen as the heart of the home – has been a blessing. Though we may not be able to gather in person, we have relearned how to eat together in the kitchen – by tablet, Smartphone, text and yes – landline. We have been calling at dinnertime, Zooming during meals and watching our screens with joy as little kids smear gravy all over their faces while they eat. In the past year, every phone call from relatives and friends seems to begin with the same question: “What are you making for dinner?” They enjoy hearing my meal plan, and in return, they share treasured memories and cooking traditions of their own. A lot of the conversations lately have revolved around, “What are you cooking for Lent this year?” The dishes here are my answer. In a special way, they are meant as gentle and tasty reminders that we are entering a special period of fasting, spiritual renewal, almsgiving and above all, grace.

SPINACH QUICHE Quiche, a French tart composed of a pastry crust filled with savory egg and cheese custard, is a dish I enjoy serving throughout the year. It’s always on the menu at home during Lent, but, of course, without the usual bacon or sausage.

KEEPING THE FEAST By Lois Rogers

For Lenten meals, I substitute the meats with seafood or more often than not, vegetables. This year’s choice ingredient was spinach, and at a test run, two friends who joined me for a socially distanced meal gave it a thumbs-up. Also, on the recommendation of a fellow home chef, I substituted Jarlsberg cheese for my usual Muenster. This Norwegian cheese is sweet and nutty and melts easily. INGREDIENTS

• 9-inch, good quality, deep-dish pie crust • 10 oz. box frozen spinach • 1 tbsp. olive oil • 1 small sweet onion, finely diced • 3/4 tsp. salt, divided • 4 eggs • 1 cup heavy cream • 1/2 cup milk • 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg • 1/8 tsp. ground cayenne • 1 1/2 cups shredded Jarlsberg cheese • Black pepper to taste DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees with a rack in the center – this is important as the quiche can quickly overbake if placed on a low rack. Follow the package directions on the pie crust for pre-heating and remove from oven. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. To cook the spinach, place it and two tablespoons of water in a microwave-safe, lidded

8 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

PASTA PRIMAVERA container. Cook on high until just hot, about four minutes depending on your microwave. When cool enough to handle, place spinach in a fine-mesh strainer, and press out as much liquid as you can. Warm olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat, adding onion and stirring until soft, about five minutes. Remove from heat and add drained spinach and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the pan and mix thoroughly. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. In a medium bowl, beat eggs well, add cream, milk, shredded cheese, remaining salt and pepper and blend well. Carefully pour the egg mixture onto the spinach in the crust and place the quiche into the oven. Bake quiche until it puffs and is lightly brown (about 40 minutes). Test by inserting a knife to make sure it is set. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving with a tossed salad. Serves 4 generously.

VEGETABLE COD SOUP Cod is a white fish that’s low in fat and high in vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty acids. While best known as the main ingredient in classic fish and chips, the mild-tasting fish is easy to cook and offers a lighter side that makes it a prime candidate for a variety of healthy dishes, including the soup featured here. Dishes featuring cod have always been Lenten favorites in our family, and this year a good friend with fond memories of her own sent a recipe for Vegetable Cod Soup. It was so good and sounded so healthy that once I tested it, it seemed only right to add it to this year’s Lenten recipes. It is a bit labor

VEGETABLE COD SOUP

over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook until softened, two to three minutes. Add asparagus, mushrooms and squash; cook until tender. Add tomatoes, carrot, garlic, oregano, black pepper, salt and red pepper flakes; cook until tomatoes begin to soften, about one minute. Drain penne, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Stir into vegetable ESCAROLE and CANNELLINI mixture along with pasta water BEAN SOUP if needed and 1/4 cup of Romano cheese. Top with remaining Romano Add fish to saucepan, and return to boiling. cheese and serve with lemon wedges for the adults. Reduce heat and simmer covered until fish flakes Serves 6. easily. Serves 4.

PASTA PRIMAVERA

with mushrooms, asparagus, squash and tomatoes

SPINACH QUICHE intensive, as all of the vegetables are chopped. But the end result is more than worth it. It is possible to save time by using one of the really good vegetable broths readily available in the supermarket. INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. cod fish fillet, skin removed • 1/2 cup sweet red pepper, chopped • 1/2 sweet onion, chopped • 1 tbsp. butter • 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth • 1 cup frozen cut green beans (defrosted) • 1 cup cabbage, coarsely chopped • 1 cup carrot, sliced • 1 cup zucchini, chopped • 1/4 tsp. dried basil, crushed • 1/4 tsp. dried thyme, crushed • 1/8 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed • 1/4 tsp. teaspoon pepper

DIRECTIONS

Thaw cod, if frozen; cut into 1-inch pieces. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook red sweet pepper and onion in margarine or butter until tender. Stir in vegetable broth, green beans, cabbage, carrot, basil, thyme, rosemary and pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for five to eight minutes, or until vegetables are nearly tender.

This pasta dish was concocted by a good friend who saw it as a way to get as many vegetables as possible into the mouths of her children – who didn’t always enjoy their “greens.” She found the onion added a lovely amount of sweetness to the dish, and the cherry tomatoes were especially appealing to younger diners. Any shape of pasta can be used, but small pasta – such as penne or bow ties – is preferable. Varying the vegetables according to the tastes of children is certainly OK! INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups penne pasta • 1 tbsp. olive oil • 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped • 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces • 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms • 1 small yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced thin • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved • 1/2 cup shredded carrot • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper • Salt to taste • Lemon wedges

DIRECTIONS

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally until firm, about 11 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in an extra-large skillet

ESCAROLE and CANNELLINI BEAN SOUP This is a recipe adapted over the years from memories of the escarole soup my grandmother Mae used to make. I can still recall watching the huge bunch of greens seemingly melt down to small shavings in the steaming pot of broth. INGREDIENTS

• 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil • 2 chopped garlic cloves • 1 small sweet onion, diced • 1 medium carrot, chopped • 4 cups vegetable broth • 2 15-oz. cans cannellini beans, drained • 1 14-oz. can diced tomatoes with liquid • 1 lb. torn escarole

DIRECTIONS

In a large Dutch oven over a medium-high flame, add the oil, onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic is just about to brown. Add the broth and carrot; simmer over medium-high heat for five minutes or until carrots are almost tender. Stir in tomatoes with their juice. Add white beans and escarole; cover and cook until escarole is tender and the flavors blend. Top with hearty amounts of grated Romano cheese and serve with crusty bread. Serves 6. The Holy Season of Lent is a time when folks may be looking for tasty, easy-to-prepare meatless meals. Over the years, The Monitor’s freelance writer Lois Rogers has created a library of meals in her Keeping The Feast column. See them at, TrentonMonitor.com/ Keeping-the-feast.

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 9

Lent

ONLINE TEMPLATES, GIVING AVAILABLE FOR CRS RICE BOWL PARTICIPATION As part of the Lenten traditions of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, Catholic faithful are encouraged to participate in the Catholic Relief Services’ annual Rice Bowl program for those in poverty throughout the world. The official relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, CRS’s Rice Bowl Lenten collection has helped faith communities in dioceses throughout the nation put their faith into action. Many Catholics can remember the cardboard collection boxes of their childhood for families to collect spare change throughout the Lenten season and learn about how our sisters and brothers across the globe overcome hardships like hunger and malnutrition, and how through Lenten alms, we have the power to make the world a better place for all. Because the pandemic has changed parishes’ and schools’ abilities to distribute boxes, participants can instead visit www.CRSRiceBowl.org/families, and find templates to create a rice bowl at home, as well as meatless recipes, “Stories of Hope” that highlight CRS’s impact across the globe, Lenten calendars, prayers and other Lenten resources. Also listed are options for how to send donations to

CRS. The resources may also be accessed through the diocesan website: https:// dioceseoftrenton.org/catholic-social-services. Since its inception in 1975 in Allentown, Pa., CRS Rice Bowl has raised nearly $300 million in donations. The program came about as a response to the famine in Africa, as Catholics looked for a way to provide aid. Lenten alms donated through this program support the work of CRS in more than 100 different countries each year. Additionally, 25 percent of donations to CRS Rice Bowl remain in the local diocese, supporting poverty and hunger alleviation efforts. In 2019, nearly 14,000 Catholic parishes and schools across the U.S. participated in CRS Rice Bowl.

VIRTUAL LENTEN RETREAT FOR CATECHISTS, FAMILIES FEB. 16 Catechists and families can enrich their Lenten experience by learning how to carry out the three pillars of prayer, penance and almsgiving during a virtual retreat Feb. 16. The webinar will give families guidance on navigating the six weeks of Lent, especially during the pandemic, as well as offer suggestions for resources, online inspiration and ways to connect their homes to parish life. The webinar, which will run from 6 to 7 p.m., is being presented by the William H. Sadlier Publishing Company. The presenter will be Kathy Hendricks, a national catechetical consultant. She is the author of several books, including “Seeking Spiritual Balance in Off-Kilter World” and “Forming Families in Faith: Catechesis in the Home.” For more information, contact Lauren Marchesini, Sadlier representative, at 201966-8625 or lmarchesini@sadlier.com. To register online, visit https://dioceseoftrenton.org/lenten-retreat-2021. By Mary Stadnyk, associate editor 10 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

ASH WEDNESDAY COLLECTION FOR CENTRAL, EASTERN EUROPE The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops take up a special collection every year on Ash Wednesday through its Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. This year the USCCB is highlighting the Catholic community of the former Soviet-controlled country of Kyrgyzstan as its beneficiary. The collection will take place in most parishes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17. Those unable to attend Mass in person are encouraged to contact their local parish for giving options, including online donations. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, countries in Central and Eastern Europe have been laboring to rebuild religious life as well as governments, social welfare activities and economies. Catholics of that region endured decades of religious persecution under Soviet rule, and are in urgent need of help. Each year the Collection for Central and Eastern Europe helps to support seminaries, youth ministry, social service programs and pastoral centers, as well as church construction and renovation in 28 nations once under communist control. Kyrgyzstan, an impoverished nation compared to Switzerland for its beauty, was used as a Soviet gulag. Brutal communist dictator Joseph Stalin inadvertently revived the Catholic Church there when he used it as a prison for ethnic Poles and Germans who were deported from western Russia for refusing to abandon their faith. In 2020, the Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe awarded $6.1 million in funding for 323 projects in 25 countries. By EmmaLee Italia, contributing editor

Lent

ANNUAL CATHOLIC MEN’S RALLY TO HOLD VIRTUAL WEEKEND FEB. 19-21

“Simon the Cyrenian Compelled to Carry the Cross with Jesus” by 19th century French painter James Tissot – one of his 14 Stations of the Cross in watercolor. Brooklyn Museum, public domain image

Stream the Stations with Bishop O’Connell this Lent

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will lead a special, multimedia experience of the Way of the Cross, which will be available for streaming on the Diocese of Trenton’s YouTube channel beginning Friday, Feb. 19. The presentation will feature the watercolor portrayal of the 14 stations by popular 19th century French painter James Tissot, one of Bishop O’Connell’s favorite artists. After experiencing a spiritual vision while visiting the Church of St. Sulpice in Paris, Tissot dedicated his artistry to portraying the life of Christ in 350 watercolors based upon the Gospels – 14 of which depict the Stations of the Cross. The entire collection was purchased by and remains on display with the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Bishop O’Connell observed that the Stations’ portrayal has been “selected to help us prayerfully envision the Passion and Death of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Leading prayers first composed by St. Alphonsus Liguori, the Bishop invites the faithful to join him in commemorating the Way of the Cross this Lent. To stream the Stations, visit youtube.com/trentondiocese.

COMING UP IN MARCH Look for the March issue of The Monitor Magazine that will include personal Lenten reflections from four clergy serving in parishes in the Diocese. Each share how they have come to regard their experiences with COVID-19 as part of their Lenten journey and how they relied on their Catholic faith as they dealt with isolation, sacrifice, recovery, quarantine and mourning the loss of life.

When men from around the Diocese gather for the annual Catholic Men for Jesus Christ Rally this year, it won’t be for just a day, but an entire weekend. This year, because of the pandemic restrictions, the rally will not be held in-person but virtually from Feb. 19-21. Highlights of the event, according to organizers, include more than 50 speakers, many of whom are nationally and internationally known, who will address topics including “The Idolatry of Sports;” “Leaving Boyhood Behind: Rights of Passage and the Crisis of Maturity,” and “Your God Is Too Boring.” Participants will also have an opportunity to attend a virtual pre-recorded Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.  For more information, visit catholicmenforjesuschrist.org. To register for the rally, visit go.virtualcatholicconference.com/NCM2021?r_done.

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856-461-5400 In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools admissions@hcprep.org In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools the past you provided giftsYou to ensure for the nextIngeneration ofhave Catholic faithful. knowthe theviability impactofofour schools for the nexteducation generation of ICatholic faithful. You know impact of 5035 Rt. 130, Delran, NJ 08075 for the nextand generation Catholic faithful. Youthe know the of a Catholic wouldoflike to thank you profoundly forimpact offering a Catholic education and I would to thank you profoundly for offering www.hcprep.org a Catholic education andlike I would like to thank you profoundly for offering this incredible gift to others. this incredible to others. thisgift incredible gift to others. One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school One wayduring of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school One way ofdirectly giving time of the year is “Giving Our school programs benefit this 100% from all gifts during the Tuesday.” “Giving Tuesday” campaign. programs directly benefit 100% from during all giftsthe during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org forTuesday a Giving gift Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org The websiteThe forwebsite a Giving is: www.leadinfaith.org During COVID, support for our schools more is important than ever. have During COVID, support for our is schools more important thanWe ever. We have During COVID, support forfinancial our schools is more than ever.Our Weschools have have students that need more nowimportant than in than past years. students that need more support financial support now in past years. Our schools have students that more financial support costs now than in years. Our schools have had to step upneed spending health-related due topast COVID protocols. As a result had to step up for spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets arebudgets tight. are tight. budgets are tight. Your support, our Catholic here and today and tomorrow. Your support, will ensurewill ourensure Catholic schools schools are hereare today tomorrow. Catholic Schools Have It All... Your support, will our generation. Catholic schools arethe here today andvalues tomorrow. Educating the next Imparting same Gospel that formed Educating the nextensure generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your your life. life. Educating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life. and our students take it with Thank you forthe allowing the youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity Thank you for allowing youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity youallowing had beenthe gifted. Thank you for youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity them wherever they go. Catholic you had been gifted. you had been gifted.

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Your support, will ensure our Catholic schools are here today and tomorrow. Catholic Schools Have it All • 701 Lawrenceville Road • Trenton NJ 08648 • 609-403-7127 Educating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life. 12 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

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hasisnever because we are faith filled community.” During COVID, support for our schools morewavered, important than ever. Weahave VISIT WWW.LEADINFAITH.ORG has neverthis wavered, because we are a faith filled community.” Let’s work together to preserve students that need more financial support now thanNEW! in past Our to schools haveto make a gift! Textyears. leadinfaith 609-403-3323 vital part of our Church. had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY. budgets are tight.

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One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school “ ARE open and living our mission EVERYDAY... just as you programs directly benefit 100% all giftsWe during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. With the impact of from the coronavirus rely and forEVERYDAY... so many years. Our “We AREhave opencome and to living ourexpect mission just enthusiasm as you The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org “We ARE pandemic, our Catholic schools open andwavered, living our mission EVERYDAY... just as you” has never because we are a faith filled community. have come to rely and expect for so many years. Our enthusiasm

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Catholic Schools

Week 2021

In Focus

‘Let’s work together to become holier people’ The following is Bishop O’Connell’s homily for Catholic Schools Week, which was Jan. 31-Feb. 6. The Catholic Schools Week Mass was celebrated by the Bishop in the diocesan Chancery, Lawrenceville, and pre-recorded amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It was streamed Feb. 1 across all diocesan media. To watch the Mass, visit youtube.com/trentondiocese.

A Catholic school student displays what she likes about attending St. Joan of Arc School, Marlton. Staff photo

ust a little over one month ago, all Catholics and Christians celebrated the Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem on Christmas Day. Most families have figures of Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus in the manger in their homes. These are not just Christmas decorations … they represent and show A Message from something that really BISHOP DAVID M. happened: God sent his O’CONNELL, C.M. Son, born of Mary, into our world to save the world and to teach us how God wants us to live. But baby Jesus did not stay a baby. He grew up in Nazareth, obeyed his Mother Mary and foster-Father Joseph, learned from them and went into the world to follow God’s plan, what we call his “mission.” A very important part of his mission after he became an adult involved preaching and teaching others to look for God’s will; performing miracles; praying to God his Father and teaching others to pray and how to live in this world with others. His life and lessons, recorded in the Four Gospels, are meant for us to follow. In today’s Gospel from St. Mark, the first Gospel written in the New Testament, the Lord Jesus tells his disciples that his message was NOT just for grownups and adults. The Lord Jesus’ message was for young people as well. He wanted the young to come to him, to learn from him, to come to know him. The Kingdom of God was for them, too. St. Paul tells us that the Church Jesus founded was a place where our fellow Christians prayed for one another that we all – young and old – would come to know God’s will, God’s wisdom and understanding so we could live our lives in a way worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, growing in our knowledge of God and strengthened by his grace and power so that we might be filled with joy and gratefulness to God who gives us his light and forgiveness. As I thought of these things from the Bible, I thought about our Catholic schools. What is said in these Bible readings today describe Catholic schools and Catholic education. Catholic schools really represent your parents bringing their children – YOU – to the Lord Jesus so that he might embrace and teach you and lead you to his Kingdom where, like St. Paul tells you today, you can live lives worthy of the Lord, doing what is right. So let’s all work together – parents, teachers, staff, volunteers, supporters, parish priests and me, your Bishop – to become stronger, better, smarter, kinder, more prayerful, holier people, always eager to do God’s will, to do good, to love our Catholic Church and to love God and one another as Jesus taught us. February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 13

In Focus

Schools like Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, have been particularly concerned with spiritual and emotional well-being of their students. Courtesy photo

Catholic Schools surviving COVID

innovation, ded BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

n a year like no other, presenting unforeseen challenges with COVID-19, Catholic schools in the Diocese are finding ways to persevere with the heroic help of teachers, school staff, and parish and school community support. “Everything is going well, but I say to God, ‘We made it through another day,’” reflected Craig Palmer, principal of St. Mary School, Middletown. “I honor our teachers every chance I get. It’s a tough situation; they’re giving it their best.”

professional practice and support each other on every level is truly inspiring.” All that was accomplished so far this year in Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, “was possible due to the diligent work of our Reopening Leadership Team, faculty, staff, students and their parents,” said vice principal Jillian Kelly. “It is very important they know they are appreciated and thanked.” ADJUSTING EXPECTATIONS Trying to anticipate the needs of a

school community in a pandemic is no mean feat, as all principals and teachers can attest. Naturally, some unexpected situations arise as a result. Palmer gave the example of one of St. Mary’s teachers who has four of her own children in first grade and below. “Now you have her at her kitchen table trying to teach with her kids there,” he said. “I try to ask those who complain, ‘How is YOUR life going now?’ I never hired a single teacher who thought they would be teaching from home with their

 “I think we all expected that we would be spending more money this year.” In Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly, principal Kathryn Jensen said, “I have seen the staff really come together and bond, both personally and professionally. The way they share ideas for their

Teachers at St. Mary School, Middletown, are thinking outside the box – literally – to keep students healthy and engaged in their education. Courtesy photo

14 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

Week

Catholic Schools

PreK students in St. Joseph School visit the Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine in the Toms River church. The school has a monthly Wednesday Community Day with at least one activity related to Catholic identity. Courtesy photo

with

ication children.” Jensen found that some surprising positives of the adjustments have been getting to know students and parents better. “We’ve always said that Catholic schools are families, but this experience has really brought us all together on a new level,” she advo-

cated. “This year has also cemented the partnership we have with parents … whether it’s picking up materials, helping to navigate a Google Meet, or even just communicating their child’s needs with the teacher because a student is learning at home, the parents have been instrumental in making this year a success for their child more than ever before.” Jensen pointed out the challenges of staffing during COVID, with a constant rotation of staff members quarantining. “Finding coverage often means another teacher is losing a prep period or myself going into a classroom,” she said. “I think we are all happy to do this … but that always means that something else isn’t getting done. In general, everything takes longer, even the simplest of tasks.” In St. Joseph School, Toms River, principal Madeline Kinloch said that one of their big staffing challenges includes finding substitutes. “Having them be able to teach the virtual portion is challenging.” To help meet the need, professional development was given to four or five substitutes to learn Zoom and Google Classroom digital platforms. “There are times I’m subbing as a pre-K aide, and the vice principal is covering other classes,” she added.

Courtesy photo

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Red Bank Catholic High School announced a new program Feb. 3 that seeks to give students both flexibility and pre-college preparation in one of several subject areas. Called “Academic Pathways,” the program offers Red Bank students the opportunity to enhance their learning experience, allowing for customization in specific concentrations – much like declaring a major in college. The program begins with the 2021-22 academic year. Karen M. Falco, RBC associate principal, describes the program as “a flexible exploration of opportunities within the academic program and practical experience to guide students in an area of interest.”

 “Today's academic preparation must include innovation.”

Whether in person, fully remote or a hybrid model, schools have adapted to ensure all students can attend classes and learn safely. That has meant classroom modifications like distance between desks and desktop transparent shields, as well as upgrades in technology and

The goals of the program are to engage students beyond the classroom, enable them to adapt to a rapidly changing global landscape, and promote Catholic-based, hands-on learning by doing and exploration. Subject concentrations include Engineering and Design; Criminal Justice and Law; Medical Science and Health; Entrepreneurship and Business; Humanities and Social Sciences, and Entertainment, Arts and Media. A standing school committee will enable the program to evolve current curriculum with use of faculty input and student feedback. The committee, studying documents on new “21st Century Trends,” recognized that today’s academic preparation must include innovation, flexibility and adaptability as they prepare RBC students for ongoing societal changes and their future career goals, committee members said. While students can start sooner than their

Continued on 54

Continued on 55

SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY

“The way they [staff] share ideas for their professional practice and support each other on every level is truly inspiring,” the principal of Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly, says.

RBC’s new Pathways initiative to help develop students’ career interests

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 15

In Focus

In this pre-pandemic photo, children from Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly, pray during the 2020 Catholic Schools Mass. Catholic schools are encouraged to think of themselves as a business as well as a place of education – highlighting what sets them apart from others. Mike Ehrmann photo

Business guru urges Catholic school leaders to focus on experience, purpose BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

hen it comes to bolstering Catholic schools and retaining families, understanding value and purpose goes a long way. That was the message Catholic school principals from throughout the Diocese of Trenton and beyond learned during a webinar featuring Stan Phelps, certified professional speaker, marketer and author of the Goldfish Series on business success. Phelps’ goal was to get administrators thinking about Catholic schools as a business as well as a place of education, and to use strategies to attract and keep school families. Those lessons came in the form of “Red Goldfish” and “Purple Goldfish,” after Phelps’ most recent publications. “The ‘Purple Goldfish’ is the experience you provide; the ‘Red Goldfish’ is the way you leverage your purpose to stand out,” Phelps explained. Noting that research has indicated that 80 percent of how people view one another has to do with “what is this  “Great person’s intent toward me, and what is their ability to carry out that intent,” brands don’t he pointed out that “social psycholoexist just in gists say it breaks down to warmth and competence.” “That’s over 50 percent of how peo- the brain; ple view your school,” he emphasized. they exist in “Great brands don’t exist just in the the heart.” brain; they exist in the heart.” The Catholic school brand is something Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, diocesan superintendent of Catholic schools, wants to highlight in the Diocese. “We have to be competitive, have to be sure [our schools] are of high quality, which we do, but it may not be well-known,” he said. “The message is sometimes as important as the product.” Dr. Schmidt stressed that Catholic schools are naturally mission-driven, which shines through in every aspect of school life. “Mission drives the program … rooted in 2,000 years of 16 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

history and doctrine,” he said. Phelps explained the reasoning behind the colors: purple for experience and red for purpose. “Purple is a metaphor for being able to do the little things to demonstrate warmth and confidence,” he said. “You really need to focus on the experience,” since success as a business is often “based on what others tell people about your school,” he said. Red represents the idea behind the RED campaign started in 2006 by rock group U2’s lead singer Bono and activist/journalist Bobby Shriver. They Stan Phelps partnered with for-profit companies to sell items from which a portion of profit would go to charity. Himself a product of Catholic schools in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, Phelps realizes the unique position administrators are in when deciding how best to promote their schools. “‘Red Goldfish’ is a great fit for Catholic education,” he explained. “[In 2020], millennials became 51 percent of the workforce … they put purpose as one of the main things they look for in a business – a for-purpose versus a not-for-purpose business. How do you stand out by embracing your school’s purpose?” Phelps stressed how marketing is changing rapidly, particularly in social media. “The customer now has a much bigger voice,” he noted. “Our brand is not what we tell people it is; our brand is what our customer experiences, how they feel about that experience, and what they tell others about who we are and what our brand is.” When choosing education for their children, parents can read reviews of others’ experiences online, Phelps pointed out. “Catholic schools have a great opportunity with their foundation and purpose that makes them different,” he said. “They have to find ways to bring that to light.”

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February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 17

In Focus

Catholic Schools find new ways

to mark CSW BY EMMALEE ITALIA 

Contributing Editor

s Catholic schools across the Diocese of Trenton joined the 2021 national observance of Catholic Schools Week, three took time to visit with The Monitor about how their school was marking a rewarding, if unusual, year in Catholic education. Maria Sobel, principal of St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford, believes the significance of Catholic Schools Week this year cannot be understated. “We’ve been here every day in person,” said the first-year principal, “and we have a lot to celebrate – the fact that a lot of our Catholic schools have children learning in person every day, while many of our neighboring public schools don’t. There’s just such joy for all of us to be here … celebrating our faith … and pushing the pause button.” St. Mary of the Lakes’ marketing and events manager, Kimberly Tabler, said that CSW is “a wonderful time for students to give back to their community, to celebrate themselves and the school they’re so lucky to attend.” Lizanne Coyne, principal of St. Mary Academy, Manahawkin, said that “Catholic Schools Week provides the children and schools [an opportunity] to focus on the benefits of a Catholic education and have some fun doing so.” Fourth grader Julianna Bak, who attends St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, finds CSW important “because it gives me a chance to appreciate my wonderful school and my faith … I look forward to Catholic Schools Week every year.”

“I think that a national week-long celebration of Catholic schools is so important to allow everyone to see what we do within our walls,” said Merry Socha, PreK-4 teacher in St. Ann’s. “It’s not just a submersion in our faith, but also top-notch academics, competitive sports, community outreach and so much more.” Typical CSW celebrations involve parents and the wider community coming to school campuses and participating in various activities; the COVID-19 pandemic has forced Catholic schools to creatively reimagine plans. The snowstorm at the beginning of CSW also caused some event rescheduling to the following week. “There aren’t the large gatherings or events to which they have become accustomed,” Coyne reflected. “But the children have learned to accept the changes because they are still together, sharing these experiences, work-

Showing appreciation, a student of St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, displays a thank-you picture for a first responder. Courtesy photo 18 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

Week

Catholic Schools

As part of a Catholic Schools Week service project, students in St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford, hold up their sign thanking first responders for their service. Hal Brown photo  For more CSW coverage, including photo galleries, visit TrentonMonitor. com.

ing through the disappointment.” This year’s celebration has changed in means, but not meaning, says Kelly Meyer, St. Ann’s integrated language arts teacher for fifth through seventh grades. “Although we can’t have the traditional activities … as a Catholic school we adjust,” she explained. “This year we will continue to send our thoughts, prayers, hope, and thanks to our community as well as our first responders, and we will celebrate our awesome students and their creativity through safe, fun activities.” St. Ann School seventh grader Jessiah Stephenson said that during CSW, “our bond with Christ becomes stronger through our experiences in learning about the Catholic faith … It’s important to celebrate the mission of Catholic education … because it teaches the love of Christ and good morals that will help you to build your integrity, develop healthy family values and care for others.” Jude Tabler, a second grader in St. Mary of the Lakes School, said that Catholic Schools Week is important “because we are celebrating how lucky

we are to be a Catholic student.” He enjoyed a break from homework and said that he and SML schoolmates viewed a video featuring their pastor, Father Daniel Swift, speaking about vocations. His class’s service projects included making coupons for their parents, helping to make breakfast bags for first responders and singing a song for them. “It’s important because the first responders work almost every day, and we’re repaying that job,” he said. “This is the best school community!” Meredith Daniel, middle school science teacher in St. Ann’s, said that “by giving students opportunities to participate in good works, such as making cards for first responders, students learn that showing appreciation for those around us should never be in short supply. … It’s through working together and through God’s grace that we can overcome any obstacle.”

A dapper young gentleman enters the gym for the PreK-K Prom, in its second year at St. Mary Academy, Manahawkin. This year, the students stayed within the boundaries of their individual hula hoops on the floor to maintain social distancing. Courtesy photo “This year, I know things will be different,” said St. Ann’s seventh grader Aubrey Davis, “but as part of St. Ann School, I also know we will adapt and make the best of it. Our faith teaches us to look for opportunities to shine in the darkness.”

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 19

In Focus

St. Benedict School faculty members, students and their families feed the fish in the Great Outdoor Learning Center pond. Mary Stadnyk photos

The Great Outdoor Learning Center includes a number of flower beds to help students learn about different types of plant life and harvesting, as well as a playhouse for children in younger grades.

Outdoor learning center a breath of fresh air for Holmdel school BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

“

f there’s one good thing to come out of COVID, this is it,” Principal Kevin Donahue says of the new Great Outdoor Learning Center at St. Benedict School, Holmdel. The learning center is a 7,000-square-foot outdoor classroom geared to enhance the school’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education. It includes five garden spaces for planting and

harvesting; an area with a balance beam, geo-dome and playhouse; and a pond with several goldfish and a frog that the kindergarten class named “Prince.” In addition, each PreK3-5 grade level – the center’s target age group – has a specialized project that explores the question: “How can we care for God’s creation?” “With the addition of the GOLC, we are able to teach multiple classes outside in a safe, socially distanced setting while dealing with COVID,” Donahue said, noting that except when the weather is

20 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

harsh, the school plans to have students outside as much as possible. “This unique outdoor classroom setting allows us to safely operate classes and help differentiate our  “This is school community from neighboring schools and a labor of districts,” he continued, citing the benefits of love.” outdoor learning such as increased activity and health; broadening child development; advancing civic attitudes and behaviors, and engaging Continued on 41

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1/25/21 1:05 PM February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 21

Respect Life

Organized Effort Catholic high schools take on challenge to collect baby supplies for local BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

iming to rally youth around the pro-life message, Catholic high schools around the Diocese asked their students to take part in drives to collect items for mothers and fathers in need. From diapers and wipes to food, clothing, baby bottles and more, 10 schools hosted their own community collections and chose the grateful recipients of their drives. The effort was organized by the diocesan Department of Catholic Schools, which wanted to engage students across the Diocese’s four counties the week leading up to the March for Life since they could not travel to Washington due to the pandemic. “Being pro-life is more than speaking against abortion,” said Trenton Catholic Academy sophomore Arthur Huggins. “If we want mothers to keep their babies, we have to help them care for those babies. Our baby drive provided items that they might not have afforded otherwise.” The Hamilton school ran its baby item drive for El Centro, Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton. In St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, donations were collected for two specific young mothers as well as Project Paul, Keansburg. “The pandemic has made it difficult for many. Supporting these young families … ensures that they will have one less thing to worry about,” said senior George Anderson, president of the school’s Lanc-

Students from St. Rose High School, Belmar, march Jan. 29 around the school campus in support of life. The march included students carrying U.S., Vatican and school flags as well as a giant Rosary. Photo courtesy of Rachel Hendricks ers for Life and Students for Life clubs. Leia Kadelak, senior in Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, said the school combined its collection for Good Counsel Homes with a “Life is a Gift” awareness week Jan. 22-29. “By combining both the educational aspect and the service component … the students became even more aware of how valuable life is, no matter the stage,” she said. Mater Dei Prep, Middletown, partnered with Madonna House in Neptune, which serves infants, women and children. “The drive was set up as a competition between grades and homerooms to see who could bring in the most items,” said junior Isabelle Hoadley. “We created a point system for items donated; diapers were 20 points, baby wipes, children’s socks and underwear were 5 points each, and everything else was 1 point … in total we collected over 5,500 points worth of items.”

22 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

The Caseys4Life prolife group of Red Bank Catholic High School led an effort not only to collect donations, but also to conduct their own March for Life of some 50 students, who walked with pro-life signs around their school and parish campus Jan. 29. The day concluded by loading trucks with donations received for numerous organizations, including Catholic Charities, Red Bank. Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, Delran, adopted four families from Helpers of God’s Precious Infants NJ, located in Gloucester City. The effort was headed by Holy Cross Pro-life Club. Five clubs at the Burlington CBA students load up a truck with baby items to be given to the Child Care Resources of Monmouth County, Inc. Hal Brown photo

agencies

From left, Hope Blanch, who teaches theology in Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, Delran, takes a photo with students Colin Elliot, Megan Curtin and Samantha Ferguson. The school adopted four families from Helpers of God’s Precious Infants NJ, located in Gloucester City, as their way to recognize pro-life efforts. Photo courtesy of Hope Blanch

MORE ONLINE Read student reflections as they talk about their school’s pro-life efforts, TrentonMonitor.com>News>Schools

TCA student Arthur Huggins sorts through donated baby items. Courtesy photo

From pro-life marches to school-wide collections, check out photos at TrentonMonitor.com>Photo Galleries County high school took part in adopting the families. “Students know that as Christians they are called to go out and do God’s work by helping those who are less fortunate than them and promoting God’s precious gift of life,” club members said. In Toms River, Donovan Catholic High School students had a different

approach in collecting donations for Open Door Pregnancy Center, targeting its Catholic Athletes for Christ chapter members. Each player of the winter sports teams were asked to donate five dollars. “[Purchased] items will be shipped directly to the site via orders placed by our Cathletes with Amazon,” said Wil-

liam Duddy, Donovan Catholic senior and member of the Cathletes Leadership Team. Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, prayed a Rosary for Life on Jan. 22 both in person and virtually via the school’s YouTube channel. The school also set up a flag display loaned from the diocesan Respect Life Ministry, with 970 blue and pink flags representing unborn children whose lives are lost every eight hours. A Bundles for Babies drive was also taking place through Feb. 12. Edward and Nathaniel Massell, brothers and seniors in Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, said that their school’s collection Jan. 22 for the Child Care Resources for Monmouth County was “a great success.” “We were astonished seeing the countless donated items outside the CBA entrance,” he reflected. “Our eyes were opened to the generosity of our classmates and the care they had for those less fortunate. It was also great to work with students from other schools in our Diocese on this project. We were proud to see our fellow Catholic school students doing their part to help those in need.”

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 23

Respect Life Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrates the Mass of Thanksgiving to God for the Gift of Human Life in the diocesan Chancery. Staff photo

Prayer

arking the 48th anniversary of the 1973 legalization of abortion in the United States, prayer campaigns issued throughout the Diocese of Trenton by Bishop O’Connell, C.M., and the bishops of New Jersey helped guide the Catholic faithful in expressing their spiritual solidarity with the unborn. Bishop O’Connell entreated the faithful to join with him in several prayer and fasting opportunities: a monthlong Rosary for life, prayed each day of January; a Novena to St. Joseph to End Abortion Jan. 14-22, which the Bishop led on daily broadcast through all diocesan media outlets; and a Day of Prayer and fasting to end abortion on Jan. 22 – joined by all (arch)dioceses of New Jersey.

Bishop preaches

On the day historically reserved for the March for Life in Washington, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., reminded the faithful that being pro-life is more than a label. It is a “pre-eminent priority,” as asserted by “the bishops of our country.” “Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use violence to get what they want,” Bishop O’Connell said during the Mass of Thanksgiving to God for the Gift of Human Life. “That is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion. ... If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” The Mass was pre-recorded and aired on diocesan media outlets Jan. 29. Terry Ginther, diocesan chancellor, reflected on why those who are pro-life continue to mark the Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion 48 years later. “Each year, it causes me to think about the impact that this decision has had on society,” she said, explaining that while attending the national 2020 March for Life, she saw signs stating how many lives had been lost to abortion. “Sixty million,” she said. “That’s an entire generation of people lost. So I do think it’s important that we take the time to mark this anniversary each year ... to be the voice that says, ‘No, life is not disposable, that life is a great gift from God.’” For a related news video and the Mass, visit youtube.com/trentondiocese. By Jennifer Mauro, managing editor

Middletown faithful celebrate life with Eucharistic Procession

Michele Gonzalez knelt in adoration as Father Richard Osborn led a Eucharistic Procession inside St. Mary Church, Middletown, the afternoon of Jan. 29. “Today is such a great day to pray for respect for life, to pray for an openness to life from conception to natural death and all its stages,” said Gonzalez, one of many parishioners who attended a respect life Mass celebrated by Father Osborn. The procession, which was moved from outside to inside the church due to fierce winds, took place at the same time as the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. “The need to pray and exercise our faith this day does not change because of the pandemic,” said Father Osborn, parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish and diocesan respect life chaplain for Monmouth County. “No matter what’s going on in our world, it’s more important for us to pray for God’s guidance, blessing and protection … for all human life, especially the most innocent in the womb,” he said. By Mary Stadnyk, associate editor

24 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

Hal Brown photo

at the forefront of diocesan response to Roe v. Wade anniversary

Greatest destroyer of love is abortion,

Courtesy photo

Pro-life activists participate in a day of prayer Jan. 29 on the property of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport. The 2,900 pink and blue flags represent the number of babies who lost their life to abortion each day.

Bells toll in Hainesport for lives lost to abortion

More than 80 parishioners from Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish and persons serving on the Burlington County Respect Life Committee prayed in peaceful protest as they paid tribute to the lives lost to abortion over the past 48 years. “Every year during the month of January, we recall the sad reality of the anniversary of the Supreme Court Roe v. Wade decision,” Father Joe Noche, pastor, said as he reflected on the Jan. 29 prayer service he led on the grounds of the Hainesport parish. “Sometimes we may feel defeated, but this is not a reason for us to stop from continuing our mission to protect and fight for the lives of the unborn.” Following an opening prayer, a moment of silence was observed as the church bell tolled 48 times. In front of the new parish center, 2,900 pink and blue flags were placed – representing the number of babies who lost their life to abortion each day. “As Christians and people who believe in the sanctity of all human life, we should stand for our faith and in what we believe and hope that through our persistence, patience and determination, we may one day change the laws of our nation with regard to abortion and build a culture in which every human life, without exception, is respected and defended,” Father Noche said. By Mary Stadnyk, associate editor

Bishop O’Connell spoke about Jeremiah in his respect life message to youth. YouTube photo

Bishop talks to youth about

respecting life

In observance of January’s commemoration of the legalization of abortion in the United States, Bishop O’Connell released a video message to the youth of the Diocese about the importance of protecting the sanctity of human life in the womb. In it, the Bishop tells his young audience, “Every one of us is a gift of God, and there are no exceptions, no mistakes and no accidents.” The message was shared with all Catholic high schools and parish youth groups in the Diocese. To view the message, go to youtube.com/trentondiocese.

‘Justice for all’ must include baby in womb, N.J. congressman says

Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, is a regular pro-life champion during the national March for Life, and this year was no different. Smith, a native of Hamilton, pointed out that over the years, there have been “significant pro-life setbacks – but pro-lifers absolutely refused to quit or go away.” He said that same spirit continues today as the movement faces many obstacles. “Today, we again face enormous challenges and recommit to persevere through prayer, fasting and good works – and respect, including for those with whom we fundamentally disagree – even when it’s not reciprocated,” he said. Smith stressed that the unborn need the president of the United States «to be their friend and advocate, not another powerful adversary.» Referring to President Biden’s remarks at his inauguration that “the dream of justice for all will be deferred no longer,” Smith said those words can only have true meaning if the lives of unborn children are included. “Mr. President, the dream of ‘justice for all’ cannot be achieved if a whole segment of society is legally ignored and discriminated against because of where they live – in their mothers’ wombs – and how small and defenseless they are,” he said. Compiled from reports

CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn

National March for Life small but message

strong as ever

WASHINGTON • It was the coldest national March for Life in some years, it was the smallest, and it also may be remembered as the bravest. A little over 200 people, tightly flanked by members of the Knights of Columbus, endured subfreezing temperatures and wind as they sang hymns and trudged a zigzag route with Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Continued on 63

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 25

Respect Life

Faithful attend Day for Life in Mount Laurel church

In the weeks leading up to the March for Life in Washington, Father Christopher Colavito wondered aloud to another priest what could be done to commemorate the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision since those in the Diocese would not be traveling to Washington due to the pandemic. The decision: to hold a Day for Life on the local level, he said. The Day for Life took place in St. John Neumann Church, Mount Laurel, where Father Colavito serves as parochial vicar. The daylong event, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., began with the celebration of Mass. Throughout the day, the faithful were welcome to visit the church – which remained dark except for the use of candlelight – to pray before the Blessed Sacrament; join in the recitation of the Rosary for Life; pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and attend Vespers and Benediction. “We had over 100 people for Mass and between 60 and 70 people at each event,” Father Colavito said. “It was a great day for praying and reflection for the protection of innocent life.” Parishioner Vidya Olivarez said she was pleased with the support the Day for Life received and the participation of the parish’s Altar-Rosary Society members who led in praying the Rosary. She added how meaningful it was to have four seminarians join Father Colavito for Benediction. “What could be more beautiful than that?” Olivarez said. “We were truly blessed.” By Mary Stadnyk, associate editor A woman attends the Right to Life rally Jan. 22 in Trenton. Mike Ehrmann photo

Rally for Life turnout

strong despite pandemic

Pro-life supporters from across the state gathered for a peaceful, outdoor rally coordinated by New Jersey Right to Life at the State House Annex, Trenton, Jan. 22 – the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children in the United States. Among those in attendance were clergy from various faith traditions; Chris Bell, founder of Good Counsel Homes; Marie Tasey, director of New Jersey Right to Life; numerous lawmakers and more. The rally followed prayers at the nearby St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, where Alma Santiago, an annual participant of the Respect Life Mass, said, “We have to remember that every child has his or her own identity. They come into this world for a purpose. And when you think about all the lives that have been aborted, we really don’t know who we lost.” By EmmaLee Italia, contributing editor

During Mass, faithful pray for lives lost to abortion

Faithful came to St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton – or watched via livestream video – on Jan. 22 to pray for all human life, especially the more than 60 million babies lost to abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. Msgr. Joseph Roldan, Cathedral rector, was principal celebrant of the morning’s Respect Life Mass. “I wish to ask: ‘Why do the numbers matter for these 400,000 lives lost because of the pandemic,” he preached, “but the lives of the more than 620,000 innocent lives reported lost [each year] Msgr. Joseph Roldan celebrates a Mass because of abortion do not matter?’ for Life Jan. 22 in St. Mary of the Assump“Innocent lives matter,” Msgr. tion Cathedral, Trenton. Mary Stadnyk photo Roldan continued. “Words matter, science matters and love matters – and that’s because God matters … We must demand that agencies not take advantage of desperate mothers who are often lost, alone and confused … We must teach sons to be responsible men that take honor in their duty of fatherhood. … There is no reason why we cannot have a more perfect world where God’s truth is spoken and God’s love is lived.” By EmmaLee Italia, contributing editor

26 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

It is with great pride that the

Trenton Diocesan Federation Knights of Columbus congratulates Supreme Knight Carl Anderson in receiving the 2021 March for Life Pro-Life Legacy Award, as he continues

to carry on our mission to establish a culture that celebrates, welcomes, and defends human life. The Trenton Federation includes over 11,000 members in 66 local councils from the counties of Mercer, Burlington, Ocean and Monmouth.

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February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 27

Viewpoints

not do today? First, we should not bracket civility and legitimize disrespect and demonization; but we should also not be unhealthily passive, fearful that speaking our truth will upset others. We may not disregard truth and let lies and injustices lie comfortable and unexposed. It is too simple to say that there are good people on both sides in order to avoid having to make real adjudications vis-à-vis the truth. There are sincere people on both sides, but sincerity can also be very misguided. Lies and injustice need to be named. Finally, we must resist the subtle (almost impossible to resist) temptation to allow our righteousness morph into self-righteousness, one of pride’s

What is love asking of us now? “You can safely assume you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.” Anne Lamott

FATHER RON ROLHEISER

hose are words worth contemplating. We live in a time of bitter division. From our government offices down to our kitchen tables, there are tensions and divisions about politics, religion and versions of truth that seem irreparable. Sadly, these divisions have brought out the worst in us, in all of us. Common civility has broken down and brought with it something that effectively illustrates the biblical definition of the “diabolic” – widespread lack of common courtesy, disrespect, demonization and hatred of each other.The polarization around the

Freepik image

recent U.S. elections, the storming of the Capitol building by a riotous mob, the bitter ethical and religious debates about abortion, and the loss of a common notion of truth, have made clear that incivility, hatred, disrespect, and different notions of truth rule the day. Where do we go with that? I am a theologian, so what I say here has more to do with living out Christian discipleship and basic human maturity than with any political response. Where do we go religiously with this? Perhaps a helpful way to probe for a Christian response is to pose the question this way: “What does it mean to love in a time like this?” What does it mean to love in a time when people can no longer agree on what is true? How do we remain civil and respectful when it feels impossible to respect those who disagree with us? In struggling for clarity with an issue so complex, sometimes it can be good to proceed by first asking what should we avoid doing. What should we

28 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

 “What does it mean to love in a time when people can no longer agree on what is true?” most divisive modalities. What do we need to do in the name of love? Fyodor Dostoevsky famously wrote that love is a harsh and fearful thing, and our first response should be to accept that. Love is a harsh thing, and that harshness is not just the discomfort we feel when we confront others or find ourselves confronted by them. Love’s harshness is felt most acutely in the (almost indigestible) self-righteousness we have to swallow in order to rise to a higher level of maturity where we can accept that God loves those we hate just as much as God loves us – and those we hate are just as precious and important in God’s eyes as we are. Once we accept this, then we can speak for truth and justice.

Oblate Father Ron Rolheiser is a theologian, teacher and author. He can be contacted at www.ronrolheiser.com.

Issues & advocacy

Pope thanks CNS for century of service, urges continued focus on honest communication, truth BY CAROL GLATZ  Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY • Pope Francis praised Catholic News Service for its work in supporting the Church’s mission of proclaiming the Gospel and in making the truth known, particularly in an era of misinformation. “We need media that can help people, especially the young, to distinguish good from evil, to develop sound judgments based on a clear and unbiased presentation of the facts, and to appreciate the importance of working for justice, social concord and respect for our common home,” he said in written remarks. During a private audience in the Domus Sanctae Marthae Feb. 1, the Pope thanked the news service for its work and said, “I encourage you to continue fostering dialogue and honest communication between individuals and communities.” The Pope handed his prepared speech to a delegation representing Catholic News Service, which was celebrating its 100th anniversary. The United States bishops founded CNS in 1920, and today, with headquarters in Washington, offices in New York and Rome, and correspondents around the world, CNS continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the Church. The CNS delegation was led by Cindy Wooden, Rome bureau chief, and included the Rome bureau’s five other staff members. The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions kept the delegation limited to those already residing in Rome. As is often his custom, Pope Francis said he preferred handing out – rather than reading out loud – his written remarks to allow for a more informal encounter, which lasted 45 minutes. In his written message, the For more on the legacy Pope said, “I am pleased to greet of Catholic News Service you who represent the many othand its contribution to er journalists of Catholic News Service on the occasion of the the Church in the United centennial of its establishment. States, visit trentonmon“Over these past hundred itor.com/catholic-news years, Catholic News Service has provided an invaluable contribution to the English-speaking world through its coverage of the Church’s mission of proclaiming the Gospel and witnessing to the love of God revealed in Jesus Christ.” Citing an issue he underlined in his message for the 2021 World Communications Day, the Pope said, “In an age when news can be easily manipulated and misinformation spread, you seek to make the truth known in a way that is, in the

Pope Francis looks at the “Council Daybook,” produced by Catholic News Service covering the Second Vatican Council, during a meeting Feb. 1 with members of the Catholic News Service Rome bureau at the Vatican. The special audience was in recognition of the 100th anniversary of CNS. CNS photo/Vatican Media

MORE ONLINE

Continued on 61

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 29

Diocese

CLERGY APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTING FROM THE DIOCESE

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has announced the following clergy appointments:

Each year, the Diocese of Trenton undergoes an audit of its financial statements by an independent public accounting firm. The financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, were audited by WIPFLI LLP. The 2020 audit report included an opinion that the financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, are fairly presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. For fiscal year 2020, the Diocese of Trenton reported a decrease in total net assets of $0.6 million, compared to a decrease of $11.8 million in fiscal year DIOCESAN SUPPORT 2019. The net decrease in AND REVENUE fiscal year 2020 was due primarily to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations. The net decrease in fiscal year 2019 included approximately $10.9 million from increased insurance program expenses, most of which relate to potential costs for misconduct cases, compared to a decrease in insurance program expenses of approximately $9.0 million in fiscal year 2020. The Diocese has effectively managed operational costs, with an increase in net assets not related to FISCAL YEAR 2020 insurance programs of $0.5 million in fiscal year 2020, which is an improvement over the $0.9 million decrease in fiscal year 2019. The Diocese is committed to exercising good stewardship by carefully managing the funds provided for its ministerial and administrative responsibilities. In accordance with the early Christian community, the Department of Finance strives to safeguard the assets of the Diocese of Trenton in a responsible manner to benefit the common good of all the people of the Diocese. Our Services In order to accomplish our mission, we provide numerous services in the areas of collection & distribution of financial resources; preparation of operating budgets & financial statements (certified with unqualified opinion by external public accounting firm); compliance of all required state and federal filings related to Diocesan finances; banking assistance to parishes/schools; financial auditing of parishes, schools and other entities of the Diocese (internal controls provided); assistance in transition to accounting software upgrades; financial analysis in the planning of future expansion/consolidation of Church operations and, the wise and prudent investment of diocesan and parish assets (guidelines provided).  To view the Diocese’s Financial Report, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/finance.

Rev. Juan Rojas Hernandez, parochial vicar, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, requested transfer to the Archdiocese of Newark, effective Jan. 15, 2021. Rev. Eugene K. Savarimuthu, military reserve chaplain, additionally to resident, St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, effective Jan. 5, 2021.

BISHOP REISS EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE The diocesan Department of Catechesis is currently accepting applications for the annual Bishop John C. Reiss Religious Education Scholarship. Named for the eighth bishop of the Diocese, the Scholarship Fund is intended to foster the continuing education of those persons who serve in the catechetical ministry of the Diocese. Grants are open to those actively participating in the religious education ministry, which includes parish catechetical leaders; elementary or secondary Catholic school principals; catechists who have served at least one year in a parish religious education program and/ or a Catholic elementary school; religion teachers who have served at least one year in a Catholic secondary school; leaders or team members of adult faith formation or Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults programs, and youth ministers. Scholarship monies may be used for course work in religious education/theology or related fields at recognized Catholic institutions of higher learning. Courses should be beyond catechist certification. For more information or an application, email ddagos@dioceseoftrenton.org. Applications are due by April 2. By Christina Leslie, correspondent

A STATEMENT FROM THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON:

30 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

Diocese

Catholics initiated during pandemic offer advice to 2021 RCIA class Elect and candidates from Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton – who were initially supposed to receive their Sacraments at last year’s Easter Vigil – are welcomed into the Church during a Sunday Mass in October. John Batkowski photo

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

rittany Bevilacqua admits being disappointed at first about not being able to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist at last year’s Easter Vigil due to the pandemic lockdown. But with time, she came to appreciate “continuing the process for a little longer,” using those additional months to continue to develop her prayer life. “I think [the lockdown] gave us all something to look forward to and a reason to celebrate during these challenging times,” said Bevilacqua, who, along with seven other elect and candidates from St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, were received into the Catholic Church July 24. Women and men who were welcomed into the Church in 2020 agreed

that in the midst of the many uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, their journeys were graced with unexpected blessings, namely their learning to rely even more heavily on their trust in God. And that’s a message they wanted to share with others, especially those who are preparing to be welcomed into the Church this year. When parishes were preparing to reopen in June after a three-month lockdown, one of the directives that Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., issued was that those who were scheduled to receive the Sacraments at the 2020

 “RCIA not only showed me the importance of

BISHOP DELEGATES RITE OF ELECTION TO BE HELD IN PARISHES

God but also friendship.”

This year’s Rite of Election on the First Sunday of Lent, Feb. 21, will be different than in past years. But the Rite will continue to remain a significant major milestone for those who participate. Because of the restrictions surrounding the novel coronavirus pandemic, the Rite of Election will not bring the catechumens – those women and men who are preparing to become Catholic at the coming Easter Vigil – together with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., for a diocesan celebration. Instead, Bishop O’Connell has delegated that the Rite of Election be celebrated at the parish level and presided over by the pastors. The Rite of Election is a liturgical rite that is essential in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the Church’s process for preparing unbaptized persons who are seeking to become in full communion with the Church through educational and spiritual formation. At the Rite of Election, the catechumens declare their intentions to become fully initiated Catholic Christians when they receive the Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist – at the Easter Vigil, which this year falls on April 3. During the Rite of Election, the Bishop formally acknowledges the readiness of the catechumens and calls them to the reception of the Sacraments. Once accepted by the Bishop, the catechumens are publicly declared as “the elect.” By Mary Stadnyk, associate editor

Easter Vigil had to be initiated no later than Nov. 29. “I was very sad for them during the lockdown,” Nancy Breese, the RCIA coordinator in Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, said of the parish’s two elect and two candidates as well as the three adult Confirmation candidates. “But everyone understood the seriousness of the pandemic and appreciated the steps taken to keep us safe,” Breese said, noting that the group remained in touch throughout the lockdown

and “our communications were always upbeat and prayerful.” Breese recalled when she was able to tell her RCIA group that they were going to be received into the Church Oct. 11. “They were joyful,” she said. “I have so much respect for their strong faith and commitment, which continued through the pandemic. They are an inspiration to me.” Elect Zachary Evans of Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, didn’t mind having to wait more than five months to receive his Sacraments on Sept. 27. “RCIA not only showed me the importance of God but also friendship and that God is most present when we are together,” he said. Alex Spalding, who was baptized, confirmed and received First Holy Continued on 61

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 31

Annual Catholic Appeal

TOG

‘We are still here for you,’ BY JENNIFER MAURO  Managing Editor

ith February comes the launch of the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal, and in asking for support, the Diocese of Trenton’s shepherd recognizes that the past year has been unlike any other.

“I’m mindful that I am coming to you during a time that has been and remains very challenging. The toll that the coronavirus has had on so many of our families … has been immeasurable,” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., says in this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal video, which will be launched diocesan-wide Feb. 13 and 14. “Through it all, we can thankfully say that we, the Church, are still here, and our mission, given to us in the Gospel of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago, remains the same.” That mission is highlighted in the Appeal video, which focuses

on extraordinary catechesis and evangelization efforts over the past year such as improved technology for livestreaming Masses; video conferencing in schools and parishes for religious education; the sanitization of churches and schools during COVID-19, and the continued good works of Catholic social service agencies around Diocese’s four counties. In times of such need, the Bishop says, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta comes to mind, whose words are the theme for the 2021 Appeal: “I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot; but together we can do

Staff photo

In this screenshot from the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal video, Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor of St. Rose, Belmar, and parishioner Michael Yuschak review the parish’s livestreaming equipment. Rebates from the past Appeal were used to provide this technology as well as other projects. 32 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

great things.” As such, this year’s Appeal goal is $6.5 million. Similar to the 2020 campaign, the faithful can again designate their gifts to a specific ministry: priests, deacons and religious; community outreach; teaching the faith, or the ministry where it is needed most. Last year, an overwhelming majority gave to the ministries in need category, said Steve Nicholl, director of the diocesan Department of Development. There are multiple ways to donate – online, mail or phone – and new tools to help expedite the process. The 2021 Appeal postcards, for example, carry a QR code that takes the faithful directly to the Annual Catholic Appeal website, dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal. Potential donors can also text catholicappeal to 609-403-3323. Checks, debit and major credit cards are accepted as well as payment systems such as PayPal, Apple Pay and Venmo. “We are very excited to be offering three forms of digital wallets this year for accepting gifts, along with traditional forms of payment,” Nicholl said. Nicholl is optimistic for the 2021 Appeal, especially since the 2020 campaign raised $5.6 million of its $7 million goal during the pandemic year. This is $150,000 less that the $5.7 raised in 2019 and $500,000 less than the 2018 appeal – only a slight decrease considering the challenging pandemic year. “We are extremely pleased with the results of the 2020 appeal,” he said. “When the pandemic shut down much of our Diocese, we could not imagine the generous response by the loyal parishioners.” In addition, 38 of the Diocese’s 98 parishes exceeded their 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal goal. Parishes that

GETHER Bishop stresses in 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal

“I can do things you cannot;

you can do things I cannot; but

TOGETHER we can do great things.”

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

2021 Annual Catholic Appeal

DIOCESE of TRENTON 609-403-7197  dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal

Your help is needed. Please give what you can.

reach their goal receive a 15 percent rebate; those that surpass it receive half the amount collected over goal as an additional rebate.  “I’m mindful Overall rebates to parishes are estimated to be $475,000. that I am Funding from these rebates often go toward parish ministries or coming to you maintenance needs, community during a time outreach and more. “I am profoundly grateful that has been for your past generosity and for whatever support you can pro… challenging.” vide for the significant work that lies ahead,” Bishop O’Connell says in the 2021 Appeal video. “We are the Church … we are still here for you.”

DEAR SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN CHRIST:

Every year at this time, I reach out to the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton to ask for your help and support of the Annual Catholic Appeal. I am mindful that I am coming to you during a time that has been and remains very challenging. The toll that the coronavirus pandemic has had on so many of our families over this last year has been immeasurable. In times of need, I often think of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who committed her whole life to serving the most dire needs of the poor, the homeless, the sick she found in the streets. She was known to have said: “I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot; but together we can do great things.” Since this pandemic last March, the Diocese and our parishes have remained steadfast in serving our communities in spite of the challenges, perhaps even more so. And so I come to you, again, during these extraordinary days, and ask you to give what you can to the Annual Catholic Appeal. I am profoundly grateful for your past generosity and for whatever support you can provide for the significant work that lies ahead. I need your help. Know that I pray each day for you, the faithful, for your health, safety and well being. May God bless you always.

Most Rev. David M. O’Connell, C.M. Bishop of Trenton

 Watch the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal video at youtube.com/trentondiocese

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 33

Vocations

New interactive vocations website invites men to explore priestly calling BY JENNIFER MAURO  Managing Editor

hen it comes to discerning a call to the priesthood, Rev. Mr. Rjoy Ballacillo has some advice. “Let God work in you and through

The diocesan Office of Vocations is launching a postcard campaign to help draw people to its new website dedicated to the vocation of priesthood. Courtesy photo

DID YOU KNOW? The Diocese’s new vocations website is just the newest initiative in a long line of projects aimed to foster a priestly calling among men ages 15-40. Others include the Called by Name campaign in which parishioners were invited to submit names of young men whom they thought might have a vocational calling. Some 200 individuals were identified and invited by the Diocese to seek more information.  Learn more at godiscallingyou.org.

you,” said Rev. Mr. Ballacillo, a transitional deacon who is expected to be ordained a priest for the Trenton Diocese later this year. The seminarian’s discernment story is among the highlights of the Diocese’s new vocations website – godiscallingyou.org – which aims to not only

encourage men considering the priesthood, but inform the faithful who may be providing a helping hand along the way. “One of the best reasons to visit the website is to look at the content, the whole seminary process and what seminary formation is all about,” said Father Jason Parzynski, diocesan director of vocations, encouraging those ages 15-40 to consider a priestly path. For parents, friends and others, the site can be eye-opening, too. “Seminary is a great mystery to most people, and it’s hard to encourage vocations to those you think might have one if you don’t really know what it’s all about,” he said. “Think about how much easier it would be if you walked up to a young man in a parish who you thought might have a vocation and were able to say, ‘You have good qualities to be a priest.’

34 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

And mention some of the information you came across on the website,” he said. Among the guidance found on the new site are webpages dedicated to becoming a priest; what life is like as a priest; discernment opportunities; a contact form, and an area dedicated to meeting the Diocese of Trenton’s 17 seminarians, and others. “Whatever the circumstance of your life, you can be sure of this: God created you, God loves you, and God has something special, something important, something awesome in store for you. Maybe, just maybe, God is inviting you to be one of his priests in the Catholic Church here in the Diocese of Trenton,” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., says in a video on the site’s homepage. The Bishop’s message, in addition to the seminarians’ firsthand account of their vocation call and seminary life, are among the features Father Jason hopes others will find inviting. “‘One of the things I have often heard from people in the parishes is, ‘We would like to pray for our seminarians, but we don’t know who they are. With the website, we have not only their name, photo, parish and where they are in seminary, but also a short sentence of advice for the men who are discerning,” Father Jason said.

 “Maybe, just maybe, God is inviting you to be one of his priests.” “There are also four videos of the seminarians talking about their own discernment journey and their experience in seminary. I think that whole page is a unique highlight,” he continued. Another highlight: A priestly life page, with videos of priests across the Continued on 41

Vocations

Consecrated men, women ‘deserve our grateful prayer and support’

ach year, the Catholic Church celebrates World Day for Consecrated Life, a celebration instituted by Pope John Paul II in 1997. This observance coincides with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on Feb. 2, also known as Candlemas Day, commemorating the coming of Christ, the Light of the World, through the symbolic lighting of candles. Similarly, consecrated men and women are called to spread the light and love of Jesus Christ through their unique witness of selfless service, such as caring for the poor, the contemplative work of prayer, or through their professional careers.

 “The Church must be attractive. Wake up the world!” Parishes in the Diocese of Trenton were invited to celebrate consecrated life during the weekend of Feb. 6-7 in recognition of the essential role of consecrated persons in the life of the Church. As engaged members of their local communities, consecrated men and women bring the presence of Jesus to all they encounter throughout their day, allowing his Spirit to live and move within them so that the truth of the Gospel can

be proclaimed to all. Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., marked the occasion by quoting Pope Francis: “Religious life ought to promote growth in the Church by way of attraction. The Church must be attractive. Wake up the world! Be witnesses of a different way of doing things, a different way of acting, of living! It is possible to live differently in this world.” The lives of consecrated women and men are proof of that, the Bishop observed, recognizing the immeasurable impact that consecrated persons have had on the Church of Trenton. He said, “Since its establishment in 1881, the Diocese of Trenton has grown and flourished in countless ways thanks to the presence, prayer and apostolic works of scores of religious women and men who have generously served here in our four counties. We are profoundly in their debt. Our Catholic schools and programs of religious education, our hospitals and nursing homes, our works for the poor, the needy and the elderly, our parishes and diocesan offices could not have succeeded in their mission without the contributions of sisters, brothers and priests in consecrated life. “Along with the prayers and service of consecrated virgins and widows, women and men religious have given the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Trenton a legacy of love and light that endures to the present day. They deserve our grateful prayer and support. With God’s grace, may our Diocese be a source of new vocations to consecrated life, of new and dedicated laborers in the vineyard of the Lord.”  The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate is commissioned annually by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations to conduct a survey of the men and women who solemnly professed in the United States in the past year. Some of the major findings of this year’s report can be found in the graphic at right.

ABOUT... the men and

women who solemnly professed in the United States *Responding religious of the Class of 2019 & 2020

38%

Catholic high school

45%

ATTENDED CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

38%

Catholic college

50%

AGE 34 or younger Ages from 24 to 71

AVERAGE AGE OF PROFESSION CLASS

75%

both parents are Catholic

84%

CATHOLIC SINCE BIRTH

74% HAVE

MORE THAN ONE SIBLING

25%

one sibling

35%

two or three

39%

four or more

89%

WERE ENCOURAGED TO CONSIDER A VOCATION

Encouragement most often received from parish priest, friend, or from a religious sister or brother.

Monitor archive photos / freepik graphics

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 35

Vocations

All consecrated persons called to be

‘present-day Samaritans’

n Feb. 2, 2021, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the World Day of Consecrated Life in the Catholic Church. In his Jan. 18, 2021, letter to consecrated persons marking this occasion, Cardinal João Braz de’Aviz, Prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, called on all consecrated women and men of religious and secular institutes, societies of apostolic life, consecrated virgins and hermits “to be today’s Samaritans – to move beyond ourselves, embracing the pain, suffering, and poverty of so many men and women throughout the world.” A Message from

SISTER ROSE MCDERMOTT, S.S.J. Delegate for Religious

Cardinal de’Aviz further requested consecrated persons to place the recent encyclical of Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, at the center of our lives in order to respond through our witness and service with a “new vision of fraternity and social friendship, in the face of present-day attempts to eliminate or ignore others” (FT 6). These entreaties from Cardinal de’Aviz and Pope Francis call to mind the impassionate opening of Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World: “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these, too, are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ” (GS 1). This is no easy task, as our nation, along with others, faces months of the pandemic, the spread of infection, and the loss of lives – to say nothing of human failings and economic difficulties – while our own institutes lack vocations and suffer the deaths of beloved members. As I reflected on these exhortations, I came to the realization that this is a clarion call not only to those of us in the various forms of “consecrated life,” but to all of our brothers and sisters, the Christian faithful, consecrated through Baptism and made sharers in Christ’s three-fold ministry. While the term “consecrated life” applies in a more specific way to those following Christ through the evangelical counsels, all Christians are consecrated and sent forth through Baptism to build up the Church and bear witness to the world. Yes, we are all called to be present-day Samaritans responding to others with “a new vision of fraternity and social friendship” (FT 6). Let us make this entreaty our witness and mission. 36 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

As I reflected on those that prompted my vocation, I begin with my parents. Never, never can I recall my parents being disrespectful of any person. Somehow (not through courses in theology), they recognized all persons as created in God’s image. I also recall the outstanding women religious who taught in our grade and high schools. I received a first-rate basic education and was grounded for life in my faith and Christian principles through their witness and service. Not only did they teach long hours in our schools, but they found time after school and on Sundays to embrace the public school children, proffering the same witness and service. Today, on behalf of Bishop O’Connell, I am privileged to serve those in “consecrated life” in the Diocese of Trenton. I join with Cardinal de’Aviz and our Holy Father in asking not only those I serve, but all baptized, consecrated persons in our Diocese, to make this entreaty their own commitment: to be Samaritans, embracing the pain, suffering, and poverty of so many throughout the world. If we cannot reach these good people personally or share resources with them, we can certainly pray for them. In this way, we Christians, consecrated persons, will make Christ’s prayer our very own, “…that all may be one as you, Father, are in me, and I in you… ” St. Joseph Sister Rose McDermott serves the Diocese in the Office of Clergy and Consecrated Life as the Delegate for Religious.

Poor Clare sisters residing in the Monastery of St. Clare, Chesterfield, greet Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., at the end of the 2017 convocation that was held for those serving in consecrated life. Joe Moore photo

Pope Francis

World must realize common humanity or fall apart MORE FROM POPE FRANCIS ONLINE: Pope Francis meets with Sheik Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of United Arab Emirates, during a 2019 interreligious meeting in the United Arab Emirates. CNS photo/Paul Haring CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE VATICAN CITY  The world must begin to realize its shared humanity in order to live peacefully, otherwise it risks falling apart in endless conflicts, Pope Francis said. “Today, there is no time for indifference,” the Pope said Feb. 4 at a virtual event commemorating the first International Day of Human Fraternity. “We cannot wash our hands of it, with distance, with disregard, with contempt. Either we are brothers and sisters, or everything falls apart. It is the frontier, the frontier on which we have to build; it is the challenge of our century, it is the challenge of our time,” he said. The Pope was among several world and religious leaders who took part in a virtual event Feb. 4 commemorating the first International Day of Human Fraternity. The event was hosted in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Among those taking part in the online global meeting were Sheikh Ahmad el-Tayeb, grand imam of al-Azhar Uni

versity. The date chosen for the event marks the day in 2019 that Pope Francis and Sheikh el-Tayeb signed a document on promoting dialogue and “human fraternity” during his apostolic visit to the United Arab Emirates. The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity was established after the Pope’s visit to implement concrete proposals toward fraternity, solidarity and mutual understanding. Fraternity, the Pope said, not only means respecting and listening to others “with an open heart,” it also means remaining firm in one’s own convictions; otherwise “there is no true fraternity if one’s own convictions are negotiated.” “We are brothers and sisters, born of the same father, with different cultures and traditions, but all brothers and sisters. And while respecting our different cultures and traditions, our different citizenships, we must build this fraternity, not negotiate it,” the Pope said. Pope Francis said the International Day of Human Fraternity was a moment of listening, of sincere acceptance and “of

 Pandemic can spark needed change toward better world, Pope says  Pope adds Martha, Mary and Lazarus, Church doctors to universal calendar  Pontiff: Christianity without liturgy is absent of Christ

 Let us ask for the grace that our eyes might see the drama of our brothers and sisters who are the victims of trafficking in persons.

@PONTIFEX FEB. 8, 2021

certainty that a world without brothers and sisters is a world of enemies.” “It not only takes a war to make enemies,” the Pope said. “It is enough with that technique – it has become a technique – that attitude of looking the other way, of getting rid of the other as if he or she didn’t exist.”

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 37

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VATICAN CITY • Pope Francis is celebrating Ash Wednesday Mass Feb. 17 in St. Peter’s Basilica rather than making the traditional walk from the Church of St. Anselm to the Basilica of Santa Sabina on Rome’s Aventine Hill, the Vatican said. Because of ongoing concerns about drawing a crowd and the potential that could have for spreading the coronavirus, the Mass and distribution of ashes will take place with a congregation of about 100 people at the Altar of the Chair in the Basilica as has been the practice for the past several months, the Vatican press office said Feb. 5. Pope Francis will not hold his weekly general audience that day. The “pilgrimage” from the “station church” of St. Anselm to the “station church” Santa Sabina is an ancient Rome tradition revived in the early 1960s by St. John XXIII. A church was designated as a “station church” because of its prominence in early Christianity or because it was constructed on the burial site of a saint or martyr of the early church. In long-ago Lents, popes would gather with the faithful of Rome at a different church each day and then walk together to another church for Mass, making a pilgrimage from one stop or station to another until Easter.

NAMING UNDERSECRETARIES FOR SYNOD, POPE GIVES A WOMAN A VOTE VATICAN CITY • Xaviere Missionary Sister Nathalie Becquart will not be the first woman undersecretary of a major Vatican office, but she will be the first woman with a right to vote at a meeting of the Synod of Bishops. Pope Francis named the French sister one of two undersecretaries of the Synod of Bishops Feb. 6. The other undersecretary is Augustinian Father Luis Marin Sister Nathalie de San Martin, whom Pope Francis also Becquart named a bishop Feb. 6. Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, was asked by Vatican News if Sister Becquart having the right to vote at the synod would open the possibility to other women as well. Although the issue has been raised increasingly in the synod hall, until now only bishops and a few priests and brothers belonging to religious orders have had a vote. Pope Francis, Cardinal Grech responded, has “highlighted several times the importance that women be more involved in the processes of discernment and decision-making in the Church,” and in recent synods, the number of women participating as nonvoting experts or and observers has increased. “With the appointment of Sister Nathalie Becquart and the opportunity that she will participate with the right to vote, a door has been opened,” Cardinal Grech said. “We will then see what other steps could be taken in the future.” –Catholic News Service

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February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 39

World & Nation

Church leaders respond to Biden’s executive actions, legislative priorities

n the first few weeks of his Administration, U.S. President Joseph R. Biden issued a flurry of executive orders and proposed legislative measures to support the priorities he established during his campaign and post-election messaging. Many of these actions deal with issues of morality and Catholic teaching, eliciting responses from a host of Church leaders speaking on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The USCCB officers and committee chairmen who have responded to Biden’s early actions include Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez, USCCB president; Auxiliary Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville of Washington, chairman of the Committee on Migration; Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities; Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development; Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, Illinois, chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace; Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, Louisiana, head of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. Highlights from some of their statements follow. (To access reporting on each of the Biden Administration moves, and the reaction from Church leaders, go to TrentonMonitor.com/News/World & Nation.) --compiled from Catholic News Service reports JAN. 20  STRENGTHENING DACA PROGRAM

Executive action ordering the federal government to keep in place and strengthen the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, as well as a pledge to produce immigration reform legislation drew praise from Archbishop Gomez and Auxiliary Bishop Dorsonville. The prelates said, “For years, DACA youth have been enriching our country. They are contributors to our economy, veterans of our military, academic standouts in our universities and leaders in our parishes and communities. They and their families deserve certainty, compassion, generosity and justice.” JAN. 20  REJOINING THE PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT This action would allow the U.S. to work to reach the goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for, and position the country to become a global leader in addressing climate change. In a joint statement,

Archbishop Coakley; Bishop Malloy, and Sean Callahan, president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, announced their support for Biden’s plan. JAN. 20  LBGTQ EQUALITY’S IMPLICATIONS FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

This wide-ranging executive order to extend existing federal nondiscrimination protections to LGBTQ people exceeds the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2020 ruling on the issue in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, said the chairmen of five U.S. bishops’ committees. In so doing, they said, the Jan. 20 order has implications for religious freedom. “Every person has a right to gainful employment, education and basic human services free of unjust discrimination. That right should be protected,” the committee heads said in a joint statement. However, Biden’s order “threatens to infringe the rights of people who recognize the truth of sexual difference or who uphold the institution of lifelong marriage between one man and one woman.”

40 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

JAN. 20 AND 22  FEDERAL ACTIONS ON HOUSING, HUNGER AMID PANDEMIC

The Centers for Disease Control announced Jan. 20 that it was extending its order temporarily halting residential evictions until at least March 31. On Jan. 22, the Department of Agriculture announced a 15 percent increase in food stamp benefits at least through June under the coronavirus aid package passed by Congress in late December. About 29 million people, including as many as 12 million children, live in households struggling to afford food, the department said. Archbishop Coakley welcomed the extension of the federal eviction moratorium and an increase in nutrition assistance to families struggling through the coronavirus pandemic. JAN. 22  PLAN TO CODIFY ROE IN FEDERAL LAW The U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling “denies unborn children their most basic human and civil right, the right to life, under the euphemistic disguise of a health service,” said Archbishop Naumann. Catholic teaching affirms “the moral evil of every procured abortion, and this “has not changed and remains unchangeable,’” the Archbishop said in response to a statement by Biden, a Catholic, and Vice President Kamala Harris. They said their administration “is committed to codifying Roe v. Wade and appointing judges that respect foundational precedents like Roe.” JAN. 22  COUNT ALL RESIDENTS IN U.S. CENSUS

This executive order reverses a policy of the previous administration that excluded unauthorized immigrants from the census count. “We welcome this return to more than a century of American precedent that ensures all residents will be Continued on 60

OUTDOOR LEARNING CENTER IN HOLMDEL Continued from 20

families and the community. “We want to make the most of our resources and give our families the highest quality Catholic education,” he said. The learning center project began with kindergarten teacher Tara Guido, who was inspired by a similar idea she heard about years ago while teaching in a private school in North Jersey. It took three years to develop the unused property behind St. Benedict School into the outdoor classroom. The finished project was officially unveiled in November. Vice principal Christine Keeling praised members of the school

community who helped with fundraising and donating supplies and manpower toward the project. “This is a labor of love,” Keeling said. “This is a real community effort.” In addition, Donahue noted that the National Wildlife Federation – America’s largest wildlife conservation and education organization – also recognized the Great Outdoor Learning Center for successfully creating a Certified Schoolyard Habitat through its Garden for Wildlife program. St. Benedict School is one of more than 5,000 schools throughout the country to transform a schoolyard into a habitat that provides natural food sources, clean water, cover and places for animals to raise their young. Erin Michels, who has a second-grader and pre-K3 student

enrolled in St. Benedict School, said the learning center is a blessing to the school and parish community. “This place is not just for the school,” she said, sharing that she often sees parishioners visiting the learning center after Mass on weekends.

NEW VOCATION WEBSITE Continued from 34

Diocese sharing about their lives. Plus, more content will be coming, including a page for parents of young men discerning the priesthood. “The more information we put out there and stories these men can teach through videos will hopefully give younger men the courage to

contact us so that we can begin putting them on a discernment path – whether it leads to seminary or not. Because it should be something you discern, come to a conclusion about and then move forward, one direction or another,” Father Jason said. To that end, the diocesan Office of Vocations is launching a postcard campaign to help draw people to the website. The postcards are being sent to priests, campus ministers, youth ministers and others on vocation discernment lists. The back of the cards read, “Why Not You? Why Not Now?” and ask those interested to fill out the contact form found at godiscallingyou.org/contact-us. “We want to know who they are and what we can do to help them in their discernment,” Father Jason said.

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February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 41

Misa de Miércoles de Ceniza en la Catedral Metropolitana de Managua, Nicaragua, el 26 de febrero, 2020, durante la pandemia del COVID-19. Este año, Miércoles de Ceniza, que marca el comienzo de la Cuaresma, es el 17 de febrero, iniciando el tiempo de ayuno, sacrificio y oración para la Iglesia mundial, Foto/Oswaldo Rivas, Reuters

Que esta Cuaresma sea diferente que las anteriores

l tiempo de Cuaresma ha llegado, y junto a él, nos enfocamos de manera especial en la importancia de la oración y la penitencia al encontrarnos de nuevo en el “camino a Jerusalén” con nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Nuestro Santo Padre Papa Francisco, en su mensaje para Cuaresma del 2021, nos pide pasar estos cuarenta días penitenciales de Cuaresma “renovando nuestra fe, esperanza y amor”. Tal renovación cuaresmal nos invita a “ayunar, orar y dar”, los caminos cuaresmales tradicionales hacia la conversión. Recomiendo a todos los católicos tomar unos momentos para leer y reflexionar sobre el mensaje del Santo Padre para Cuaresma este año. Como pastor humilde, comparto unos pensamientos simples para Cuaresma. SOBRE LA FE, ESPERANZA Y AMOR.

LA FE. La Carta a los hebreos nos ofrece una descripción profunda de la fe: “Es, pues, la fe la certeza de lo que se espera, la convicción de lo que no se ve” (Hebreos 111:1). ¡La certeza y la esperanza! Hagamos que esa disposición sea la nuestra esta Cuaresma, especialmente mientras seguimos afrontando la pandemia del COVID-19. LA ESPERANZA. San Pablo escribió a los efesios: “Pido también que les sean iluminados los ojos del corazón para que sepan a qué esperanza él los ha llamado, cuál es la riqueza de su gloriosa herencia entre los santos” (Efesios 1:18). Abramos “los ojos del corazón” esta Cuaresma para ver más allá que los limites de este mundo y ver las glorias que sean nuestras en Cristo y compartamos esa visión uno con el otro.

Reflexión para Cuaresma 2021

OBISPO DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M.

EL AMOR. El mandato más grande del Señor era/es que “nos amemos uno al otro”. Esta Cuaresma, recordemos a nosotros mismos que “Nadie tiene amor más grande que el dar la vida por sus amigos” (Juan 15:13). Estemos dispuestos sacrificarnos por los demás. SOBRE EL AYUNO, ORACIÓN Y LIMOSNA.

EL AYUNO. Unos 800 años antes que la venida de Cristo, el profeta Isaías proclamó, “El ayuno que he escogido, ¿no es más bien romper las cadenas de injusticia y desatar las correas del yugo, poner en libertad a los oprimidos y romper toda atadura?” (Isaías 58:6). Esta Cuaresma, ayunemos para crear un vacío en nuestras vidas que solo Cristo puede llenar. LA ORACIÓN. Ningunos otros momentos de mi vida son más importantes que aquellos que paso con el Señor. Esté a solas ante el siemprepresente Señor en el Santísimo en el silencio de mi capillita o en alguna iglesia parroquial; leyendo la Palabra de Dios; celebrando la Misa u orando con otros, mi oración es fundamentalmente un acto de la fe y una acción de gracias en y por la presencia de Dios en mi vida y mi mundo. Esta Cuaresma, demos más tiempo para escuchar lo que Dios nos tiene que decir. LA LIMOSNA. La dicha antigua suena cierta: “No me digas que me amas, demuéstramelo”.

42 REVISTA EL MONITOR  Febrero 2021

Esta Cuaresma, hagamos un esfuerzo concertado y verdadero de demostrar nuestro amor por Dios a través de compartir el amor con los demás. Dejemos algo. Demos algo. Pongamos en acción la fe y esperanza de manera consciente. El escritor espiritual, trabajadora social católica y fundadora de la “Casa Madonna”, Catherine de Hueck Doherty (1896-1985) escribió que la “Cuaresma es un tiempo de introspección profunda… ¿Qué se pone de obstáculo entre nosotros y Dios? ¿Entre nosotros y nuestros hermanos y hermanas? ¿Entre nosotros y la vida, la vida del Espíritu? Lo que sea, que lo quitemos de una vez, sin hesitar”. Como el obispo de la Diócesis de Trenton, permítanme sugerir tres cosas esta Cuaresma para su consideración: Primero, orar más y orar más profundamente. No demos escusas. Podemos lograr hacerlo. Segundo, sacrificarnos. La Cuaresma es un tiempo de penitencia. Que nos duela un poco para restaurar y arreglar el pecado. Como decía el arzobispo Fulton Sheen, “Si nos falta un Viernes Santo en nuestra vida, ¡jamás habrá un Domingo de Pascua!” Tercero, dejar que nos importa el prójimo. Dejemos claro que las personas a nuestro alrededor nos importan. Demostremos un cariño autentico como parte de nuestras resoluciones cuaresmales. Quisiera concluir con una oración del escritor espiritual católico Henri Nouwen (1932-1996): “Oh Señor, haz que esta Cuaresma sea diferente que las anteriores. Déjame encontrarte de nuevo. Amén”.

El Anzuelo

“Puedo hacer cosas que tú no puedes y tú haces cosas que yo no.

Campaña Anual Católica se arranca para podemos alcanzar grandes metas”. el 2021

JUNTOS

Santa Madre Teresa de Calcuta

2021 Campaña Anual Católica

DIÓCESIS de TRENTON 609-403-7197  dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal 701 Lawrenceville Road, Trenton, NJ 08648 Hace falta su aporte. Gracias por colaborar con lo que puede.

 Tu Iglesia te necesita. Visita dioceseoftrenton. org/catholicappeal para colaborar lo que puedes.

Juntos, alcanzamos grandes metas

urante estos días cada año, me comunico con los fieles de la Diócesis de Trenton para pedir su ayuda y apoyo para la Campaña Anual Católica. Como todos reconocemos, este año no es cualquier año común. Reconozco que me encuentro con ustedes durante un tiempo que ha sido, y sigue siendo, muy difícil. En los momentos de necesidad, suelo pensar en la Santa Madre Teresa de Calcuta. Ella dedicó su vida entera a responder a las necesidades más fundamentales de los pobres, los indigentes, los enfermos con quienes ella se encontraba en las calles. Se le atribuye a ella el dicho: “Puedo hacer cosas que tú no puedes y tú haces cosas que yo no. Juntos podemos alcanzar grandes metas”. Todo este trabajo requiere de recursos. Nada puede ocurrir sin ustedes y su apoyo. Pero como la Santa Theresa nos recuerda: “Juntos podemos alcanzar grandes metas”. Entonces, me comunico de nuevo con ustedes en medio de estos días extraordinarios para pedirles dar lo que puedan a la Campaña Anual Católica. Estoy profundamente agradecido por su generosidad en el pasado y por cualquier apoyo que puedan proveer ahora para el trabajo significante que queda por delante. Necesito de su apoyo. Somos la Iglesia y nunca les hemos dejado, a pesar de la

Mensaje del

OBISPO DAVID M. O’CONNELL, C.M. pandemia. Seguimos aquí para ustedes y nuestra misión sigue igual también. Espero que sepan que oro por ustedes cada día; por su salud, seguridad y bienestar. Gracias por lo que pueden aportar. Que Dios me los bendiga siempre. Suyo en Cristo,

El reverendísimo David M. O’Connell, C.M. Obispo de Trenton

ALÍSTESE PARA EL 2021 AHORA Nos encargamos de:  Preparar el cortacésped para el tiempo invernal Vaciar el tanque

Cambiar el aceite y las bujías Reemplazar filtros de aire Afilar los filos

NUESTROS TRES ESTABLECIMIENTOS SE ENCUENTRAN EN

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El Anzuelo

Comida para el alma esta Cuaresma Argentina: Tarta de Pescado o “Empanada Gallega”

“TARTA DE PE EMPANA SCADO D A G ALLEGA O Ingred ientes ” :

2 tapa s de e tarta mpan

ada g rande 1 paqu s, tipo ete/ 2 “ Pie” grand t o a pas co es ngela d a POR VIVIANA BASTONE  Ajíes R s Cebo ojos / lla, 2 grand Chiles Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Fátima, Keyport e (dulce s, no p 1 o 2 la icante tas de s, 1 s a p lm e scado María Esther Damiano, ón o a cocido tún. , como Aceite de pie, preparaba caball a, “Empanadas gallegas” Oréga n o , s a Cocció l y pim para Viviana y su familia n: ienta durante Semana Santa, 1. En e algo que, para Vivi, le l horn de em o prepanad c conecta ahora con su a (com ocinar 1 cap como a de la o piso base u madre además del de la t tapa n mold apto p arta), e “Pyr camino de Cuaresma. ara ho usand e x r n ” c e o o ongela a algún Su madre María das qu r (mi mamá otro m de alu e ya v u o s lde a b Esther falleció hace a enían minio las tap ) - deja en sus as 25 años pero los r p e r 2. Mie opios nf riar. ntras molde recuerdos de ella (¡cuid la tap s ado q a de m u e a siguen. sa se c no se ajíes e quem ocina n re e!), co Foto de cortesía Condim banadas fi rtar ce nas y entar bolla y dor con sa l, pimie ar en poco 3. Abr aceite ir, esc n ta y or urrir y de la la . égano desm ta(s) d a gust enuza e pesc cualq o. r el co ado (a uier e ntenid spina segur o arse d o hue 4. Usa so visib e quit ndo la ar le). coloca tapa c rle en o c in c a im d desm a a una enu capa d como base , el pes y ají. (O zado, segu cado ido po pcion POR FLORY SANIC r a u l: rodaja na cap una c s finas apa d a de la PARA JUEVES SANTO  e hue ). ceboll vo du a 5. Por ro en Catedral Santa María de la Asunción, Trenton ú lt imo, c por en olocar cima y la seg horne unda Sopa caldosa de pollo ar has 6. Sac tapa d t a que ar del e mas se dor horno a 7. Disf e. Lleva pollo, fideos (pasta corbata), y d ejar en rutar a f r ia t empe r. güisquil (chayote), zanahoria, ejotes ratura ambie ntal o Se pone a cocinar el pollo en Ensalada rusa f ría. una cacerola con agua, se le agrega La ensalada rusa lleva: zanahoria, cebolla y chile pimiento cortados. ejotes, güisquil, alverja, chile Se doran los fideos/pasta. Cuando pimiento, cebolla, mayonesa y sal al el pollo ya está un poco cocido, se le gusto. Salsa verde agregan al caldo. Se cosen por separado los Miltomate, chile chiltepe o Se saca el pollo del caldo, se pone vegetales porque algunos se cuecen cualquier chile verde, cebolla, ajo a escurrir… en un sartén con aceite más rápido que otros. Se escurren y sal. Se ponen a cocer todos los se dora el achiote, (después que y cuando están fríos, se mezclan ingredientes y cuando ya está cocido, despide su color y el sabor se retira con la mayonesa. Se le agrega chile se licua con orégano y perejil. Se del sartén) y se dora el pollo. pimiento en pedazos larguitos, le agrega unas gotitas de vinagre. Se puede acompañar de: cebolla en rodajas y sal al gusto. Pruebe si está bien de sal.

Guatemala: Sopa Caldosa de Pollo

44 REVISTA EL MONITOR  Febrero 2021

El Anzuelo

Guatemala: Pan de Semana Santa POR SANDRA LÓPEZ  Catedral Santa María de la Asunción, Trenton

Visita pecesdetrenton.org para más recetas y unas historias detrás de estos platos.

Panamá: Habita de pescado POR JENNY CONCEPCIÓN  Parroquia Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, Trenton Se cocinan las habas (blancas secas) con sal al gusto. Cuando se han cocinado un poco, se les agrega el pescado o sardina (puede ser mojarra, pargo, trucha, pescado de río) en un sartén. Se fríe cebolla, tomate y ajo y se le agrega al guacho/asopado/sopa. Se puede acompañar con arroz blanco y maduros (tajaditas de plátano maduro).

Ingredientes: Harina, huevos, azúcar, Manteca, mantequilla, pasas, levadura, (la levadura casera se prepara con anticipación, esta se prepara con harina, levadura y agua) agua y sal. Se revuelven los ingredientes a mano o se puede utilizar una batidora de panadería (con fuerza) ya que la masa no queda muy suave y es pesada para revolver. Ya cuando se han mezclado todos los ingredientes se deja reposar por varias horas y después se hacen bolas de la masa según el tamaño del pan que se desee. Se deja reposar y cuando la masa ha crecido un poco

se les dan forma a los panes dependiendo la figura que se desea. Pueden ser mestizas que son los panes redondos con adorno, retorcidos, molletes (llevan harina en la parte de arriba y se ven como volcanes) biscochos y muchos más. La masa es la misma, pero es sabor es diferente según la figura del pan. Según el diseño que se quiera hay algunos panes que llevan betún (mezcla de huevo) y se adorna con ajonjolí y a quienes les gusten los anisillos (dulcecitos de colores). Cuando ha llegado a su tamaño se pone al horno…

República Dominicana: Habichuelas con Dulce COMPARTIDA POR MARÍA GÓMEZ  Parroquia San José, Trenton

HABICHUELAS CON DULCE

Direcciones: Ingredientes y ) chuela (f rijoles 1 libra de habi nden. sta que se abla Se hierven ha r la crema licuarlas y cola n, íe fr en se Cuando la. de la habichue agua un caldero de Poner a parte nelas, una 5 estilas de ca a cáscara por mitad, con avos dulces, un cl l, sa de ita cucharad lor, echarle el do tome su co de limón. Cuan uela. ema de habich licuado de la cr entera, ro o 2 de leche a Seguido un lit che evaporad rle 2 latas de le ar úc az , también echa co de co 1 lata de leche “carnección”, s, batatas sa pa o, st a al gu morena, vainill oviendo hasta as, y seguir m ta dulces corean a. Ya estará lis e la dulce crem le se que se especi al fin , al ando se enfríe y para comer. Cu che redondas le de as tit lle ga es lc du echa las OVECHO ! ma. ¡BUEN PR ci en r po s ita pequeñ

María Gómez de la Parroquia San José, Trenton, prepara un plato de habichuelas con dulce. Ella comparte la receta para la comida cuaresmal que aprendió de su madre, Ofelia Peralta, en la República Dominicana. Foto de cortesía

Febrero 2021  LA REVISTA MONITOR 45

Spiritual Life

‘Thy Will Be FEB. 14  SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – GOD ACTS TO RESTORE US TO WHOLENESS Lv 13:102, 44-46; 1Cor 10:31-11:1; Mk 1:40-45

“

f you wish, you can make me clean.” This request of Jesus from an unnamed leper provides the hearer of the Gospel with a further look into the ministry of Jesus. We are still in the first chapter of Mark’s Gospel, so in a sense we are still becoming familiar with Jesus and his work. As such, we should be startled by this encounter. Given the socio-religious restrictions on the activities and movements of lepers, it is almost unimaginable that one would have the courage to approach a stranger, even one who is already earning a reputation as a miracle worker, to speak with him. The leper’s plea takes us beyond the healings that Mark reports already performed. He connects his quest to Jesus’ will, a recognition that Jesus is acting in the person of God. We have been seeing clues throughout this chapter that Jesus is God and now, another clue is set before us. The immediate response of Jesus – here translated as “moved with pity” – carries many different potential meanings. Jesus is not merely feeling sorry for this man. As he often does, Jesus takes upon himself the sin and the affliction of the leper and moves to exorcise the evil which surrounds him. It is possible to see in this passage a response similar to that of Jesus’ response to the faithless crowd gathered around Martha and Mary at the death of Lazarus. A healing from leprosy is always deeper than a physical restoration, and it is the multi-dimensional elements of such a healing that Mark seems to emphasize in telling this event. Along with whatever physical pain and disfigurement this man suffered, he was ostracized and treated as an outcast and as a great sinner. He suffered the indignity of permanent separation from the religious community, and from his family, as he was permanently “unclean” according to the Mosaic Law. Anything or anyone he touched took on a temporary state of being unclean.

A depiction of Jesus healing an unknown man with leprosy reflects the Gospel for Feb. 14 in which Jesus is “acting in the person of God.” Photo from Shutterstock.com 46 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

Done’ THE WORD

Father Garry Koch

But then we hear: “[ Jesus] stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, ‘I do will it. Be made clean.’” As his affliction happens on many levels, so does his healing. First, though, we see that because Jesus strongly states: “I do will it,” making this clearly an act of God. The leper sought God’s will and not his own, and God responds by exercising his will to restore this man to health. As we begin our Lenten journey this week, let us strive more earnestly to seek God’s will and not our own. FEB. 21  FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT – LENT CHALLENGES US TO FACE OUR OWN TEMPTATIONS Gn 9:8-15; 1PT3:18-22; Mk 1:12-15

s we enter the Lenten journey, our Gospel passage takes us back to where we have been in Mark’s Gospel, to that moment between the Baptism of Jesus and the onset of his public ministry. Jesus is driven into the wilderness where he is tempted. While in our minds we fill in the details of this temptation from the accounts from both Matthew and Luke, Mark does not provide us with that narrative. As with most parts of the Gospel, he is more terse pointing out instead: “He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.” Jesus has just given up his ordinary life and his work, walked away from it all, and is embarking on a new journey in his life. While this is the mission for which he has been sent, there remains a necessary time of preparation and struggle that goes along with the mission. Here, Jesus is tempted. He struggles between self-aggrandizement and humble service; the lure of worldly power over the Kingdom of God; the very trial between life and death. All of that surely had to sweep through his mind and heart. Assisted by the angels, and with the

Editor’s Note: Due to production scheduling of The Monitor Magazine, Father Koch’s Feb. 7 Scripture column was posted to TrentonMonitor.com. Following are Scripture reflections for the remaining Sundays in February, all of which will be posted in their entirety on TrentonMonitor.com. Also, be sure to check out the special column Father Koch wrote for Ash Wednesday on page 7. deepening awareness of what was just proclaimed at his Baptism: “You are My beloved Son,” Jesus faces down the oppression. We see him struggle with his mission at various times in his public ministry, and no time more than during his agony on the night before the Crucifixion. Yet, we also see that Jesus is nourished by his relationship with the Father, one that he frequently takes to prayer. We all struggle with the meaning of our own lives, our sense of purpose and belonging. This becomes more acute at various critical points in life. Certainly, when we think of the life of faith and understanding not just our will, or our family’s will for our lives, but God’s will, then these times can be daunting indeed. With all that is going on around us, the temptations to give in to despair and hopelessness, to flee, or to lose sight of who we are and what is most important, are very real. We have, all of us, been sent into a wilderness for almost a year now, and the temptations there have been great and overwhelming for so many. We pray, during this Lenten journey, that assisted by the power of our faith and trust in God’s merciful love, that we can be restored and renewed, coming out of this stronger disciples, and the person God has called us to be. FEB. 28  SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT – THE LENTEN JOURNEY IS THE JOURNEY OF ALL OUR LIVES

signifies a sense of completion, accomplishment, of having made it. Imagine, being on the mountain with Jesus, experiencing the Transfiguration, being in the presence of Moses and Elijah, and yet not having to go into the wilderness, without knowing of the Crucifixion. For this reason, among many, Peter and the others cannot stay there. They have to come down from the mountain; Jesus must undergo the Passion and Death that waits him. Peter must undergo the trial of three times denying Jesus. We cannot go to the mountain until we have been to the wilderness. Our entire journey of life, and particularly our journey of faith, it a constant trek from wilderness to the mountaintop. Along the way we pass through lush valleys, rolling hills, and sandy shores, but our ultimate goal is to go to the mountain top and be with the Lord. There, with fresh eyes and magnificent vistas, we discern the call to reverse course, to come down the mountain, and to engage the work of discipleship. Lent is a time to remind ourselves of that journey. Yes, we open in the wilderness and we end on the cross. There are highs and lows in between, but we manage our journey because we are ultimately and fundamentally an Easter people – we are made for the Resurrection and therein lies our hope. Father Garry Koch is pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel.

Gn 2:2:1-2, 9A, 10-13, 15-18; Rom 8:31B-34; Mk 9:2-10

While last week we were in the wilderness with Jesus, this weekend we stand with Jesus atop the mountain of the Transfiguration. Last week Jesus was alone, tempted by Satan and ministered to by the angels. This week, accompanied by the disciples Peter, James and John, Jesus encounters Moses and Elijah. Peter wants to stay atop this mountain. More than the magnificent vista of the valley below, being on the mountain February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 47

Spiritual Life

Who raised Jesus?; consequences of remarriage Something I heard recently at Mass bothered me. The priest, reading from the Scriptures, said: “God raised Jesus from the dead.” While this statement doesn’t exactly dispute Jesus’ divinity, it certainly doesn’t affirm it – and it could easily be construed as a denial of Christ’s divine nature. Could you comment? (Marietta, Georgia)

You heard the priest correctly. He may have been quoting from Luke in the Acts of the Apostles (2:23-24): “This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him. But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it.” Neither this quote – nor any scriptural passage – negates the divinity of Jesus. The belief of the Church is that the Resurrection

QUESTION CORNER Father Kenneth Doyle Catholic News Service

of Jesus involved all three persons of the Trinity. Galatians 1:1 speaks of “God the Father who raised him (Jesus) from the dead”; Romans 8:11 attributes the Resurrection to the Holy Spirit; and in the Gospel of John (2:19), Jesus – speaking of his Body – says:  “the “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” So, the act of raising Jesus Resurrection from the dead was not accomplished by of Jesus only one person of the Trinity but was the work of all three. involved all

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Ready to take the next step?

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?

I recently learned that my ex-wife is three persons going to remarry in a ceremony to be of the Trinity.” officiated by her sister, who is a minister of the Universal Life Church. My children have many questions as to how this affects them and their souls regarding heaven, and I have some questions as well. If we became one during our Catholic marriage ceremony, were later divorced and the marriage was never annulled by the Church, how will this affect our chances for paradise, and what scandal is brought about by this type of behavior? Also, will my wife be considered in good standing by the Catholic Church, and can she receive Holy Communion? (I certainly understand the legal and civil consequences of all this, but it is the sacramental effects that concern me and my children.) (Baltimore) I appreciate your question and your concern, but please put your mind (and especially your children’s minds) at ease. Your wife’s decision to remarry will have no effect on your children’s chances for heaven – or on yours. We are morally responsible only for our own behavior, and neither you nor your children will have prompted your ex-wife’s decision to remarry. As you correctly understand, the Catholic Church’s view is that marriage is a lifelong commitment and covenant. Since your marriage was never annulled by the Church, your former spouse is not eligible in the Church’s eyes to remarry. If she does so, her new marriage will not be recognized by the Catholic Church; therefore, she will not be in good standing in the Church and will no longer be eligible to receive Holy Communion at a Catholic Mass. Finally, I should point out that you and your children do have a continuing obligation to your former wife and your children’s mother – and that is to continue to pray for her, that God will bless her with his grace and draw her more closely to himself. Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@ gmail.com and 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, New York 12203.

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Spiritual Life

hen my sons were growing up, two of their closest friends were young brothers who lived around the corner. One day, one of my youngest and his friend sat down on the curb next to each other laughing about something that was incredibly funny to five-year-olds. The image was so striking I ran for my camera to take their picture. My son – fair-skinned with long white hair and sparkling blue eyes – had his arm around his friend – dark brown skin, tousled black hair and deep brown eyes – both enjoying every moment of their time together and grinning from ear to ear.

 “We have trouble understanding the love of God.” Both boys were being raised in faithfilled homes, though their religions were different. But, being young, they had reached beyond race, religion and culture to find meaning in their sameness as children of God. How I hoped this image would someday be the image of the world they lived in, but so many years later, not much has improved. We have trouble understanding the love of God. Our love is often limited, conditional, doled out to those we feel deserve it. We are hampered when we continue

to immerse ourselves so deeply in the manufactured that we fail to immerse ourselves in the Mystery of God. The result is an emptiness filled too often with doubt, fear and despair, instead of the courage and love that flows from communion with God. Renowned educator, Maria Montessori, wrote, “There are two ‘faiths’ which can uphold humans: faith in God and faith in oneself. And these two faiths should exist side by side: the first belongs to one’s inner life, the second to one’s life in society.” It’s a beautiful insight, I believe, about a state of heart and mind that helps us claim the value in ourselves and in our relationship with others, and encourages us to acknowledge that there is more to heaven and earth than we can see with our limited faculties. Sometimes, we need a particular experience, a moment of awakening that brings us back to the source of it all – love. Only from this vantage point can we truly live our faith – in God, in life, in others and in ourselves, not just from the head, but deeply, from the heart. St. Teresa of Calcutta had such a vantage point, with a profound understanding that God entered into the world in poverty, bereft of common comforts save the love of family. God continues to enter our world in this same way today. The beloved saint once shared an experience of what she described as, “the most extraordinary experience of love of neighbor with a Hindu family.”

unsplash photo

‘Love one another as I have loved you’ THINGS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME Mary Clifford Morrell

She recalled, “A gentleman came to our house and said: ‘Mother Teresa, there is a family who has not eaten for so long. Do something.’ So I took some rice and went there immediately. And I saw the children – their eyes shining with hunger … And the mother of the family took the rice I gave her and went out. When she came back, I asked her: ‘Where did you go? What did you do?’” St. Teresa explained that the mother had shared the rice with a Muslim family, saying, “They are hungry, also.” “And there were those children, radiating joy, sharing the joy and peace with their mother because she had the love to give until it hurts,” said Mother Teresa, adding, “And you see this is where love begins – at home in the family.” What shines through this story from Mother Teresa is a family, struggling with relentless poverty, which finds reason for joy and compassion because they are immersed in the Mystery of God. Faith, as Martin Luther King, Jr., describes it “is the first step when you don’t see the whole staircase.” It is this step that allows us to be fearless in loving one another. Mary Clifford Morrell is the author of “Things My Father Taught Me About Love” and “Let Go and Live: Reclaiming your life by releasing your emotional clutter.”

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 49

Young Catholics

Teens at virtual DYC asked to bring their problems to God STORY BY CHRISTINA LESLIE PHOTOS BY JEFF BRUNO

hough they may not have been standing shoulder to shoulder inside a school gymnasium as in years past, the teens attending the 2021 Diocesan Youth Conference bridged the distance on social media. Teens from throughout the Diocese of Trenton gathered virtually on the diocesan YouTube channel Feb. 6 to search for God’s plan for their lives. This year’s theme was taken from the words of Jesus’ disciples in the Gospel of Mark: “Everybody is looking for you.” (Mark 1:37). The program of prayer, interactive games, discussions, a keynote talk and the airing of a prerecorded Mass celebrated

by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., united the attendees and reminded them to search for Jesus in their lives. “We are never socially distant from God,” the Bishop said in his homily. He implored the teens to search for the Lord and pray “in every moment, in every experience in life, the tough times and also in the good times.” Noting that the pandemic may cause everyone to grieve the loss of time with friends, milestones and the death of loved ones, Bishop O’Connell reminded the youth, “You are not alone in this. You must search for his will, his wisdom, his presence, his grace and power, his guidance to face whatever comes. Jesus comes to those who seek him.”

‘Se

Seek God’s will, guidance, Bishop encourages teens “

earch for the Lord Jesus,” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., urged youth and youth ministry leaders tuning in virtually to this year’s Diocesan Youth Conference. “Pray to the Lord Jesus … in every moment, in every experience in life, the tough times and

also in the good times.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bishop’s homily was prerecorded and broadcast over diocesan media platforms to the more than 800 teens who attended the virtual DYC Feb. 6. That did nothing to lessen the impact or reach of the shepherd’s message:

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrates Mass in this prerecorded video shown at the DYC.

 Watch the Bishop’s homily at youtube.com/ trentondiocese. 50 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

The Scriptures direct one’s lifelong search for the Lord. “Teaching and preaching are among the most important things a Bishop does,” Bishop O’Connell preached. “Not only am I responsible for sharing the Word of the Lord, but I have a responsibility to tell faithful Catholics, young and old – faithful Catholics like you – what the Word of the Lord means and how to apply it to daily life.” The day’s Readings illustrated the need to search for God’s truth, the Bishop explained – the trials of the prophet Job, the encouragement from St. Paul in his letters to faithful, the disciples in the Gospel of St. Mark saying, “Everyone is looking for you (Mark 1:37) – all told the same message: Search for Jesus. Bishop O’Connell said, “Those words are the theme of our DYC. As they were first spoken by the apostles to Jesus, they apply to us. We

arch for Him!’ STAYING CONNECTED From the moment the DYC web link went live, half an hour in advance of the 3 p.m. start time, the chat was almost immediately filled with more than

are ‘looking for’ the Lord Jesus – all Christians are. … [During the COVID pandemic] our world has been searching for peace, for healing, for social justice, for stability in our relationships, some sense of normalcy.” Rather than grieving the loss of time with friends, milestones and the death of loved ones, the Bishop advised the teens to search for the Lord. “You are not alone in this ... you must search for his will, his wisdom, his presence, his grace and power, his guidance to face whatever comes,” he said. “Jesus comes to those who seek him, and with him there is nothing you cannot face. Search for the Lord Jesus, pray to the Lord Jesus, my dear sisters and brothers, in every moment, in every experience in life, the tough times and also in the good times. “Whatever your worst day with the Lord Jesus present in your lives will be better than your best day without him. Search for him!”

1,000 individuals bridging the virtual reality gap by saying hello, answering ice breaker questions and participating in the event. As of Feb. 9, the video link had 3,257 total views. Multiple teens from youth groups throughout the Diocese of Trenton, safely at home, bid their fellow attendees a good time; youth group ministers also chimed in, wishing their teens to “enjoy the search.” From St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel, the DYC was broadcast live with the DYC band, four teens, youth ministers and diocesan staff. “It was a whole different experience than the last two years [I attended] with the high energy and crowd. But it was cool to see what goes on behind the scenes!” said Amanda Ward, of St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, one of those to attend in person. The band, led by Gez Ford, youth minister in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, sang, “Open up the heavens, we want to see you,” then Dan Waddington, director of the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, moderated the two-hour DYC that was part comedic, part prayerful, but all upbeat. “I don’t know why you decided to

A teen from Monmouth County celebrates his correct answer during one of the games played during the Feb. 6 Diocesan Youth Conference, which was broadcast from St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel.

The band, led by Gez Ford of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, performs live at the DYC. come today, but something where you are in your life brought you to this place,” Waddington said, revealing that a total of 1,100 individuals from more than 57 parishes had registered for the event. Continued on 53

 For more photos, visit TrentonMonitor.com>Multimedia>Photo Galleries February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 51

Young Catholics

‘Se arch for Him!’ Jesus is everything you are looking for, speaker reminds youth “

ll of us are trying to see what it means to really be happy,” Chris Padgett said during his DYC keynote address. “It’s simple: everything you are looking for you can find in the person of Jesus Christ. He wants to come with you.” During a keynote speech prerecorded in his book-strewn office, Padgett admitted much of his young years had been spent trying to imitate his peers. As he entered high school, he found his own identity and realized these differences were his unique strengths. His search for happiness echoed the day’s Reading from the Gospel of Mark. “The Scripture we hear today is about searching,” the speaker said. “Jesus knows we have a need; we are seeking for meaning and satisfaction. God wants to satisfy you, needs you and blesses you.

In this prerecorded video, Chris Padgett gives the keynote for the DYC, telling youth that “Jesus knows we have a need; we are seeking for meaning and satisfaction.” YouTube screenshot “God has given you different gifts and talents for a reason,” Padgett continued, revealing he is a married father of nine children, each unique in their own, wonderful way. “Jesus comes to all of us wherever we are. God has never abandoned you. He is there in the storm and is waiting for us to lean on him.” Bring your troubles to the Lord,

bless and love them. “A miracle takes place. At the end of the day, you and I are a miracle because you are unique,” he declared. “Unrepeatable, powerful, a miracle. Bring him all your aches,

 “God has given you different gifts and talents for a reason.”

Nicole Calao, who serves as an adult leader with the youth ministry team in St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, participates virtually in the DYC. Courtesy photo

he urged the teen audience. “Jesus is searching for you because he wants to heal you.” “That’s what the Cross is all about, to free us from our sins so we could be born again,” he said. “We are all wanting to belong. Jesus is telling us, ‘I am coming to bless you, love you, fill you. Will you let me?’” Jesus gives himself to those who partake in the Eucharist, Padgett reminded the audience, to nourish,

52 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

Gavin Palamara of Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle, listens as Dan Waddington, director of the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, reads a question during a DYC game.

The diocesan Department of Multimedia Production gets ready to broadcast the virtual DYC from St. John Vianney High School.

In Their Own Words

all you lack, to that Mass. God is real and he is aching with you. I can show you that your broken heart fits perfectly in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” Padgett recommended the youth use the isolation of the pandemic to their advantage. “Spend a little more time inviting him to you, let him in a little more,” he urged. “It’s a game-changer. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. When God thinks of you, it makes him happy.”

DYC helps the search Continued from 51

“It is not a mistake. God has a plan and a purpose. You have to be open to it.” The four teens who represented the hundreds watching electronically, laughingly rummaged through a large box to find toys then answered questions on pop culture and Scripture, their homebound counterparts participating via the internet. Pre-registered attendees had entered a contest for a free gaming system and DYC T-shirts; winners were announced after the event. “I am so excited to be together through the Holy Spirit and our Catholic faith,” noted Waddington as he introduced the keynote speaker, Chris Padgett. A convert to Catholicism who has earned his master’s degree in theology from Franciscan University, Steubenville, Ohio, Padgett told the audience that Jesus is searching for them because he wishes to heal, bless, love and fill them. “Bring him all your aches, all you lack,” Padgett said in his video keynote. “God is real and he is aching with you. I can show you that your broken heart fits perfectly in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.” Gavin Palamara of Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle, said he would be pondering one of Padgett’s messages long after the DYC. “Something he said really stuck in my head: ‘We all have to be ourselves,’” Palamara said.

“It was nice to listen to the Bishop. He always tries to relate to us; he’s easy to understand when you’re a teen.” ~ Amanda Ward, St. Pius X Parish, Forked River

“DYC was amazing – it really delivered!” ~ Gavin Palamara, Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle

 For video from the DYC, visit youtube.com/trentondiocese

February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 53

Continued from 15

personal hygiene products – all expenses above and beyond a normal operating budget. “I think we all expected that we would be spending more money this year,” Jensen said. “Of course, we have increased the frequency in which desks and bathrooms are cleaned, but we also invested in a disinfecting ‘fogger’ that disinfects the air and everything the solution touches.” Sacred Heart School also put air purifiers in each classroom to reduce viral transmission – an investment of over $450 for each classroom. “But they reduce the risk of transmission by 75 percent and that peace of mind was worth every penny,” Jensen said. “A lot of the cleaning was really

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given to us through the generosity of our parish.” CARES Act funding helped the school fortify its infrastructure and rewire internet, as well as fill two Chromebook carts. “We used our CARES Act funds to purchase thermal imaging thermometers,” said Kinloch. The thermometers are connected to the internet and positioned on a stand at the entrance to each of the school’s four buildings. The school also has hand sanitizing stations as well as static sprayers for the maintenance staff to clean classrooms efficiently. “We didn’t expect, with all the accommodations, just how messy the classrooms become – with our kids in cohort class all day, eating in the classroom, it creates more of a mess – and how often the teachers would have to clean throughout the

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54 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

day,” Kinloch said. “We also revamped our [technology] server and system, and purchased Chromebooks for students,” she continued, noting that an additional private donation helped offset the cost. St. Mary’s School also used every bit of its CARES Act funding, as well as donations from school families. “We had all the bathrooms retrofitted with touchless sinks, flushers and soap dispensers,” Palmer explained, “and automatic hand sanitizers in all classrooms, as well as plastic shields on all the desks.” Additional investment in PPE (personal protective equipment) included face masks for each student, and signage on floors and doors throughout the building to direct foot traffic.

Teaching the Whole Student Catholic schools also have been particularly concerned with the spiritual and emotional well-being of their students, seeking to keep Catholic teaching and social health at the forefront. St. Mary School has adapted in many ways spiritually, Palmer pointed out – praying the Bishop’s COVID prayer each morning, as well as attending Mass once a week, alternating which classes will attend in the large St. Mary Church and which will view from their computers. During Catholic Schools Week, they

chose to focus on a different virtue of St. Joseph for each day: silence, prayer, courage, provide/protect and devotion. “I truly believe that the mission of our school and the fact that we pray every day as a school and we continue to foster spiritual exercises, that God has his hand in our being able to stay open,” Palmer reflected. “I know it helps a lot with the mental anguish we see in young people. Having that unity and social aspect and praying together calms them.” St. Joseph School has its school counselor go into each classroom once a week to discuss various topics on social emotional learning. “As we got into school, we realized how much we needed a social-emotional learning curriculum,” Kinloch said. “We didn’t realize it until we got kids in the building, the extent of the students’ need for that.” Kelly noted that in Donovan Catholic, a day of community engagement was created called WEdays – Wednesday Engagement – on designated Wednesdays every month. St. Joseph School, which shares a campus with Donovan Catholic, has also set aside a monthly Wednesday Community Day with at least one activity related to Catholic identity, and Mass in the afternoon. Overall, parents seem to be pleased with the Catholic school

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In the Parishes

MEDFORD KNIGHTS’ CHRISTMAS TREE SALE REAPS RICHES FOR SCHOOL, COMMUNITY Providing that faith and generosity are stronger than a COVID pandemic, the St. Mary of the Lakes Knights of Columbus Council 6520, Medford, raised $20,500 through its third annual Christmas Dedication Tree fundraiser. The project invited families to purchase Christmas trees and adorn them with cherished heirloom or handmade ornaments. Trees were purchased in honor of first responders, medical personnel, teachers, the military or deceased loved ones. Knights joined in, stringing Christmas lights on the trees which lined the parish grounds and hanging laminated cards indicating the honoree’s name. “Every tree tells a story,” noted project chairman and Knight of Columbus Bill Scheffold. “The feeling you get, and the emotions, especially this year, is important as we’re social beings and need our faith to get us through [the pandemic.] The Church really looked great, and it tells us that we’re keeping Christ in Christmas and sharing our faith with the community.” On Jan. 24, Grand Knight Bill Mazzio and Scheffold presented a check for $10,000 to Maria Sobel, St. Mary of the Lakes School principal. The Medford Catholic school used the funds for refurbishment of additional cleaning supplies due to

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In celebration of the Year of St. Joseph (December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021)

The Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold, is offering a 12 session video series exploring the various titles and attributes of St. Joseph. Join in at 11AM on Facebook and YouTube at: Co-Cathdral of St. Robert Bellarmine on the following dates: February 16: Husband of Mary March 9: The Feast of St. Joseph April 20: Patron of House Buyers and Sellers May 11: St. Joseph the Worker June 15: Father of Jesus July 13: Patron of Immigration August 10: Patron of Travelers September 7: Patron of Families October 12: Patron of Social Justice November 9: Patron of the Dying/Happy Death December 14: Patron of Expectant Mothers 56 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

COVID; technology, and funds to defer tuition costs. The remainder of the sale proceeds were used to fund various Knights of Columbus charities in the community, including the Christian Caring Center in Browns Mills, where homeless low-income families are provided with temporary housing and support. By Christina Leslie, correspondent

PRIESTS FROM VARIOUS PARISHES COME TOGETHER FOR PASTORAL TALKS IN SPRING LAKE St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake, will offer a virtual five-part series of pastoral talks beginning Feb. 22. Sponsored by the parish’s “Fire of Faith” Spirituality Committee, parishioners, fellow Cohort 19 parishes and the public at-large are invited. Scheduled talks include “The Beauty of the Eucharist” by Father Damian McElroy, pastor of the Spring Lake parish, on Feb. 22; “Reclaiming the Truth, the Sacred Liturgy” by Father Richard Villanova, a retired priest of the Newark Archdiocese who serves as a weekend assistant, on March 1; “Renewing of the Mind” by Father Jeffrey Kegley, pastor of St. Mary Parish, Middletown, on March 8; “My Vocation Story” by Father Gregg Abadilla, parochial vicar in St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, on March 15, and “Seven Last Words of Christ” by Redemptorist Father Kevin O’Neil, who ministers in the San Alfonso Retreat House, Long Branch, on March 22. Each one-hour talk will be posted to the parish website, Stcatharine-stmargaret.org, on the morning of the event and will be available for a week, at which time they will be posted to the parish’s YouTube channel. For further information, contact Pat Giles at 908-309-2150. By Christina Leslie, correspondent

Sports

Lack of practice time doesn’t deter DC girls basketball team BY RICH FISHER  Contributing Editor

hile cohesiveness is always important in basketball, talent can often be a difference-maker. Such is the case with the Donovan Catholic girls team this year. Despite playing with three transfers in the starting lineup – and less than adequate practice time to work the newcomers into the flow due to pandemic restrictions – the Griffins got off to their best start under fourth-year coach Glenn Jansen. The Toms River school carried a 4-0 record into their Feb. 9 game at Southern Regional. It marked the first time DC won its first four games since 2016. Donovan Catholic is led by its two returning senior starters, Jordyn Keating and Olivia Conroy. New to the starting lineup are sophomore Gabriella Ross, and juniors Kya Ross and Shelby Barksdale, who all transferred from other schools. Ross was the team’s leading scorer with a 17.5 average through four games, while Keating was averaging 10.5 and Conroy and Joseph were just under 10 per game. Their abilities have enabled them to overcome little practice time together during the pandemic. “It’s just a really good group of girls,” Jansen said, explaining that the team still has “more jelling to do.” “With the shortened preseason, it’s strenuous at times because it hasn’t become instinctual for them to play together yet. But that’s actually encouraging because when we do come

For more photos from the game, visit TrentonMonitor.com> Photo Galleries

Donovan Catholic’s Gabriella Ross dribbles the ball during the Feb. 5 game against Toms River East. Donovan Catholic won 46-41. Richard O’Donnell photo together …” Jansen didn’t finish the sentence, but didn’t have to. Donovan Catholic is a team that will only get better as the season progresses, and it’s already proven to be pretty good. “There has been some excitement,” the coach said. “Gabi Continued on 63

Even without states, playing girls’ basketball for SJV has special meaning BY RICH FISHER  Contributing Editor

ith the NJSIAA basketball state tournament canceled this year due to COVID-19, coaches have constantly been asked

 “They take great pride in wearing the uniform”. what motivation their teams have. St. John Vianney coach Dawn

Karpell has an easy answer when it comes to her girls. They are playing for the honor of their program, which is the most successful in New Jersey’s history, with 16 state championships and seven Tournament of Champions titles. “It’s a shame they can’t prove on the court where they might finish,” said Karpell, who returned every player from a 28-1 team. “But they take great pride in wearing the uniform and just want to go out and

win as much as they can with whatever schedule is in front of them.” It is part of the SJV mystique, which draws players who will battle to win a preseason scrimmage against their JV team, if that’s all that was available. “I’m so lucky to coach kids of that caliber,” said Karpell, whose team was ranked No. 1 in the state by NJ.com in early February. The Lancers’ returning starters are University of Richmond-bound senior Katie Hill and senior Emma Bruin (undecided on college) and juniors Madison St. Rose, Meg Cahalan (Holy Cross) and Ashley O’Connor. Senior Sianna Bradley Continued on 63

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February 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 57

In Memoriam

CLARA MARY AYRER, WIFE OF LATE DEACON Clara Mary Ayrer, a Willingboro resident and a member of the town’s Corpus Christi Parish, died Jan. 6. She was 87. Mrs. Ayrer was the wife of the late Deacon James E. Ayrer, who died in February 2020. She is survived by her children James E. III (Karen); Susan (Keith) Ward; Kevin (Christine); Patty (Teddy) Egley, and Sharon (Ed) Suchora; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, a brother, and other relatives and friends. SISTER AGNES MARIE O’BRIEN, FORMER HOSPITAL PRESIDENT/CEO Franciscan Sister Agnes Marie O’Brien, a former president and CEO of St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, died Jan. 6. She was 94. Sister Agnes Marie entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia in 1955 and professed her first vows in 1957. From Loyola University, she earned a bachelor of science degree in administration in 1969 and a master of business administrative management in 1973. Serving in the fields of healthcare, pastoral ministry and congregational ministry, her work included seven years in the Diocese of Trenton as president and CEO of St. Francis Medical Center from 1977 to 1984. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law; nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan family. DEACON JOHN F. VASSALLO JR., FORMERLY OF WILLINGBORO PARISH Deacon John Francis Vassallo, Jr., formerly of Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, died Jan. 8 at age 78 in Virginia. Born in 1942 in Newark, Deacon Vassallo graduated from Fordham University in The Bronx, N.Y., in 1964, and Fordham Law School in New York City in 1967. In 1969, he served as a captain with the U.S. Army Civil Affairs in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Honor Medal First Class. Deacon Vassallo was ordained a permanent deacon for the Trenton Diocese May 17, 1980, by Bishop John C. Reiss, and served in Corpus Christi Parish until 2015, when he and his wife, Barbara, relocated to northern Virginia. In addition to his wife, Deacon Vassallo is survived by two daughters and their spouses and four grandchildren.

OBITUARY INFORMATION  Additional obituaries will be posted to TrentonMonitor.com as information becomes available. 58 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  February 2021

SISTER CAROL ANN LUBAS, TAUGHT IN ASBURY PARK SCHOOL Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Carol Ann Lubas died Jan. 9 in Scranton, Pa. She was 74. Born in 1947, Sister Carol Ann entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Aug. 24, 1969. She made her temporary profession of vows June 6, 1971, and final profession of vows Aug. 7, 1975. Sister Carol Ann earned bachelor of arts and master of science degrees in education/mathematics from Marywood College, Scranton. Her ministry in Catholic education included teaching in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park, from 1974 to 1975. Sister Carol Ann is survived by a brother, two sisters, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and members of the IHM congregation. FATHER WILLIAM T. SCHNEIDER, PRIEST OF TRENTON DIOCESE Father William T. Schneider, a priest of the Trenton Diocese, died Jan. 16 at age 82 in Jefferson Hospital, Stratford. Father Schneider was born in Riverside and ordained a priest on Dec. 18, 1963, in the North American College in Rome, Italy. He had spent most of his ministry in the Trenton Diocese, serving in many parishes. Father Schneider live in Sicklerville upon his retirement. Father Schneider was the son of the late Herbert and Kathryn (nee Fowler) Schneider. He was predeceased by two sisters and is survived by a sister, Bernadette (Chuck) Smutko, a brother, John Schneider, and nieces and nephews and other close friends. SISTER MARY EDWARDINE BROWN, FOUNDER OF PRESCHOOL IN KEANSBURG PARISH Mercy Sister Mary Edwardine Brown died Feb. 2 in McAuley Hall Health Care Center, Watchung. She was a member of one of the first classes in Holy Cross School, Rumson, and graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung in 1952 and earned her degree at Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, in 1954. Over the next 40 years, she taught primary and intermediate grades in parish schools in Bernardsville, Sayreville, South Plainfield, Bound Brook, Piscataway, Red Bank and Hazlet. When a new ministry was initiated in Keansburg, she was invited to open St. Ann Parish Hansel and Gretel Preschool. In her later years, Sister Mary Edwardine joined two sisters in serving in ministries of spiritual direction, retreats and programs in Mays Landing. Sister Edwardine is survived by many nieces and nephews and member of the Sisters of Mercy community.

 IN REMEMBRANCE, a listing of priests and deacons of

the Diocese of Trenton who have died, can be found on TrentonMonitor.com>News>Obituaries

Funeral Directory

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BISHOPS SPEAK Continued from 40

counted and included in the census and apportionment,” said Archbishop Coakley and Auxiliary Bishop Dorsonville. “This return to our previous policy reflects the inalienable truth that all people matter and are imbued with human dignity,” they said in a joint statement. JAN. 28  ENDING ‘MEXICO CITY POLICY’ Rescinding the so-called “Mexico City policy” is a “grievous” action that “actively promotes the destruction of human lives in developing nations,” wrote Archbishop Naumann and Bishop Malloy. “(It) is antithetical to reason, violates human dignity, and is incompatible with Catholic teaching. We and our brother bishops strongly oppose this action. We urge the president to use

his office for good, prioritizing the most vulnerable, including unborn children,” the chairmen said. The policy, first announced by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, blocked U.S. funding for nongovernmental organizations that perform or actively promote abortion as a form of family planning in other nations. JAN. 29  RESCINDING TITLE X RULE WILL MAKE ABORTION PART OF FAMILY PLANNING The decision to rescind a regulation governing the Title X family planning program has drawn grave concern from Archbishop Naumann. With enforcement of the rule, Title X “draws a bright line between abortion and family planning,” Archbishop Naumann said, adding, “Forcing abortion into a pre-pregnancy program specifically designed to exclude abortion is immoral, impractical and may also be unlawful.”

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USCCB will take up Black and Indian Mission Collection Feb. 21 The parishes of the Diocese of Trenton will take up a second collection the weekend of Feb. 20-21 to benefit the Black and Indian Missions of the United States. Recognizing a need to call the faithful to support missionary work among African American and Native American Catholics, the U.S. Catholic bishops established this charity for the Catholic Missions during the Third Plenary Council in Baltimore in 1884. The first national collection was designed to support missionary work. The Black and Indian Mission Collection (BIMC) exists to help communities build the Catholic Church in the U.S. and preach the Gospel of Jesus among the African American, Native American, and Alaska Native people of God. Funds are distributed as grants to dioceses throughout the country, supporting and strengthening evangelization programs which otherwise would cease. The collection was formerly known as The Black and Indian Home Mission Collection. Funds raised by the National Collection go toward providing grants to dioceses across the country to operate schools and parishes and undertake missionary outreach and evangelization programs. Among the priorities of the Black and Indian Mission Office are enlivening parish life and catechesis, helping educators reach children, encouraging vocations and empowering evangelizers. For further information, see www.blackandindianmission.org.

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.

FAITH JOURNEYS Continued from 31

Communion in Sacred Heart Church, Trenton, said that in addition to loss over the past year, “I’ve also experienced an incredible transformation, growth and renewal in faith while waiting to receive the Sacraments. “In a way, it was like Lent didn’t end until Oct. 11,” he said, adding that upon receiving his Sacraments, he “felt deeply aware that I was a different person from when I first began RCIA. But that was only the first step in a longer journey to live as a faithful Catholic.” RCIA team members like Jen Schlameuss, pastoral associate at the Co-Cathedral, shared a faith-growing experience that resulted from the quarantine. Before the lockdown, she said a young teenager with autism had started RCIA with his sister, but he required a different type of learning environment and did not want to continue. When RCIA sessions began virtually, the teenager returned. “I asked if he wanted to prepare for his Communion and Confirmation, and he excitedly said, ‘Yes.’ This was the venue that he could be comfortable in. In a million years I would not have thought of that,” she said, adding how that experience “heightened my sense of gratitude for Gods’ faithfulness.”

News Service, continue to guide your efforts to serve the truth with humility and responsibility,” he said, assuring the journalists he was praying for them and their colleagues. In remarks prepared by Greg Erlandson, director and editor-in-chief of CNS, and by Wooden, the Pope was given a brief history of the news service and its desire “to be faithful to the vocation of Catholic journalists: to serve the truth” and be “fair, faithful and informed.” Established as a way to respond to the needs of diocesan newspapers and the growing numbers of Catholics, the early news service covered the most pressing topics at the time, and which still receive great attention today, such as, “what the Pope says, immigration, Catholic education, war and peace, and the defense of human dignity,” Wooden told the Pope. The Rome bureau was founded 70 years ago, she added, “years before the start of the Second Vatican Council. After 100 years, our goal remains the same, to serve the Church and the people of God, helping them understand what is happening in the world and in the Church with faithfulness to the truth in a fair and balanced way,” Wooden said.

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CNS MARKS 100 YEARS OF SHARING NEWS Continued from 29

words of your motto, ‘fair, faithful and informed.’ I thank you for your work and I encourage you to continue fostering dialogue and honest communication between individuals and communities.” “May the spirit of communion with the bishop of Rome, which has always been a hallmark of Catholic

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