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This collage of photos represents people from various walks of life residing in the Diocese of Trenton. All faithful have been called to engage in the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops, a global process that was inaugurated by Pope Francis earlier this year and was started on a diocesan level on Oct
The ‘getting’ in giving thanks
BY FATHER WILLIAM LAGO
Special Contributor
Quick, take a moment and think of five things you are thankful for.
Before the rest of the article, I ask you to reflect on your experience for a few moments. What kinds of things were you thankful for? What motivated you to be thankful for them?Most importantly, do you see God as the source of each of these five things?
We read in Scripture: “Do not be deceived, my beloved: all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1, 16-17).
Two more questions: What does giving thanks to God mean to you? How does it affect you?
Giving thanks to God is foundational to the Catholic faith. Thanksgiving is one of the prayer types in our faith (To remember them, I use the acronym ACTS: Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication). “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving.” St. Gianna Beretta Molla said: “The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what he is sending us every day in his goodness.”
We get so much more than we give in thanking God – we get happiness for starters. The “attitude of gratitude” lifts us up to God, who is active and present to me in all moments of my day. At Mass, my giving thanks leads to “getting” (really receiving) Jesus in the Eucharist. We really get more than we realize in the prayer of thanksgiving.
God is perfect and doesn’t need my thanks. As one prayer at Mass offers: “Our thanksgiving is itself your gift, since our praises add nothing to your greatness but profit us for salvation.” In giving thanks we get salvation! In practicing the virtue of thanksgiving, God’s grace becomes apparent to me. It’s like a treasure hunt.
In knowing I have to have a list of five things at the end of my day, I go through my day with much more awareness of God’s action, God’s providence. My prayer of thanksgiving leads to a deeper appreciation for God and leads to closer union with God. That union is salvation.
A landmark study in the “Journal of Personality and Social Psychology” stated: “Gratitude is effective in increasing well-being as it builds psychological, social and spiritual resources. Gratitude inspires prosocial reciprocity, and indeed is one of the primary psychological mechanisms thought to underlie reciprocal altruism. … Gratitude is a form of love, a consequence of an already formed attachment as well as a precipitating condition for the formation of new affectional bonds. Gratitude is also likely to build and strengthen a sense of spirituality, given the strong historical association between gratitude and religion. Finally… it also facilitates coping with stress and adversity. Gratitude not only makes people feel good in the present, but it also increases the likelihood that people will function optimally and feel good in the future” (Robert A. Emmons and Michael E. McCullough, “Journal of Personality and Social Psychology” 2003, Vol. 84, No. 2, 377-389).
Like any virtue, the virtue of thanking God needs time to develop and be experienced over the course of a few weeks. Pick a time that is good for you and your family, perhaps at dinner or at the end of the day before the kids go to sleep. You can each think of five things and each share one or two, along with a reason why, and then all can join in a common “Thank you, God” as a prayer response.
After each week, ask yourselves how
Unsplash image
Walking with Afghan refugees who have come to the United States
BY MATTHEW GREELEY
Guest Columnist
Refuge.
The word itself might conjure up a scene from a survival show on TV, where a contestant seeks shelter from an oncoming storm. It is not a word used in common conversation in our society. It connotes a oasis or way station that might not look pretty, but gets the job done. The job? A safe place to rest.
More than one month ago, news outlets shared overwhelming images of people from Afghanistan taking any means they could muster to escape a nation that would soon be ruled by the Taliban. The world watched the gut-wrenching scenes from Kabul that filled TVs and smart phones with intense fervor and emotion.
The United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that 82 million people were/ are in desperate need of refuge across the world, and many seek it in the United States. The latest crisis in Afghanistan has exacerbated that need exponentially.
More than 10,000 Afghan families are now in New Jersey, guests who now find themselves in the drawn-out process of getting documentation to then be sent somewhere to build a home and a new life in the U.S., all the while reconciling what has happened to them and their country.
They are shell-shocked, trying to gauge what might be next for their families as they catch glimpses into what U.S. culture looks like. Glimpses, though, can be deceiving, because they do not offer the full picture of what their new reality will be.
The U.S. Catholic Church is at the forefront of assisting people as they begin steps to start new lives. The Center for FaithJustice, a Catholic service and educational nonprofit in Lawrenceville, immediately sought ways to plug in and help. They made it possible for some people to volunteer for a day and let me join the effort in offering some sort of dignity, respite, “refuge” to people whose lives have been turned upside down.
There are so many details and moments that come to mind as I reflect on my limited opportunity to walk with our Afghan guests, but one situation really grabbed my attention. Taking a walk at lunch time, we’d passed four adult men, greeting them with a slight bow of the head and a hand over our heart. Shortly after they walked by, a boy about five years old approached us crying.
We tried to ask what was wrong and, despite the language barrier, he saw our concern and pulled up his sleeve, showing us his upper arm and then pointed at the group of men we had just passed. It seemed to us that he was indicating that someone had squeezed his arm hard, hurting him. Walking with him toward the military barrier the men had passed, I motioned to them, asking in English if one of them was this boy’s father, mentioning that he was hurt.
One man spoke some English and said that they did not know the boy. That’s when we began piecing together what had happened. The boy had had a tussle with one of their sons and, in separating the two, the other boy’s father, one of these four men, had grabbed his arm roughly, hurting him.
The men came over to us, keeping the barrier between us. The other boy’s father showed himself by stepping forward to speak directly with this little boy, still crying. He spoke fast in either Farsi or Pashto, smiling, but seemingly dismissing the child. What was clear is that there was obvious tension.
Then another man offered the boy a bag of potato chips. The child, still crying, took the bag and walked away. I looked at the four men and started to
Afghans ride aboard a bus taking them to a refugee processing center upon their arrival at Dulles International Airport. Refugees have been arriving at sites across the country, a first step on a long road to find a
new home. CNS photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters
eyes of a child
walk slowly after the boy, who disappeared into one of the dormitory buildings. It was a disconcerting scene for me. I was told by a volunteer organizer later during our debrief with staff who had spent a lot of time with the guests, that it was important and good that we had stood with that boy; that the act of doing so gave a glimpse into a part of what U.S. culture should entail for those who would be making their home here. We are called to be people of love who stand with the vulnerable.
What does “refuge” look like for a child? The eyes have always told me
a lot. When a child feels insecure or disconnected, it comes through their eyes. The same holds true when they feel connected, safe.
It is hard to say when they will reach that point, these children in donated clothing, some barefoot, some in flipflops or sneakers or shoes that do not seem to pair well with their daily lives or activities. They are learning vocabulary words: articles of clothing, greetings, colors and numbers, small phrases. And they know the word “line” in English because they spend much of their time in lines; lines formed by people who are not from the same place.
During my day with them, we played Red Light, Green Light, taking advantage of the game to practice the names of colors, as well as the words: stop and go. But the biggest hit was playing Rock, Paper, Scissors, which we turned into a team-building activity using hoola-hoops. I had to break up a lot of fights, mostly over cutting in line. They were kids after all, but kids fresh from a war zone.
I was given a glimpse into another part of the world and another reality. I’d never heard of the language Pashto. “Manana” is the word for thank you. I said it many times that day. I am thankful for my time with them. They will need time to learn what refuge here can mean for them.
How long will it be until these
Afghan refugees arrive at Dulles International Airport amid a widespread effort, organized in large part by the U.S. Catholic Church, to welcome them. Volunteers are doing what they can to offer glimpses into U.S. culture and language. CNS photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters
children “feel” the refuge they’ve been offered, when it stops being refuge and becomes home? How long to learn the culture of the United States? Which culture will sink in first, as we have many, and they do not all always get along. What will the eyes of these children say five years from now?
For my part, I want to be sure that my eyes say welcome and manana.
Matthew Greeley is associate director of the Diocese’s Office of Communications and Media and coordinator of Spanish-language media.
Access to abortion widens in NJ as new rules approved
BY MARY CLIFFORD MORRELL
Contributing Editor
When, on Jan. 4, 2021, the N.J. Board of Medical Examiners published proposed regulatory changes to abortion rules in New Jersey, the New Jersey Catholic Conference, along with other pro-life advocacy groups, including some medical professionals, submitted their opposition.
In spite of this significant opposition, the proposed rule changes were approved by the SBOME on Oct. 13.
In January, the Board had proposed repealing an existing state rule which ensured abortions after 15 weeks of gestation would only take place in licensed ambulatory surgical centers or hospitals, depending on methods used and the gestational age of the unborn child, and which permitted only licensed physicians to perform abortion procedures.
The now-approved amendments allow non-physicians to perform abortions after 14 weeks of gestation, permit abortions in office-based settings, and eliminate the requirement of hospital-admitting privileges to medical professionals performing these procedures.
In a March letter to the Board and comments submitted contesting the proposed changes, James King, NJCC executive director who speaks on behalf of the state’s Catholic bishops, challenged the justification for the proposed amendments, writing, “As proposed, the Board asserts that the current health and safety regulations for abortions in New Jersey present an undue burden that limits access to these procedures. However, recent statistics on the number of abortions performed in New Jersey suggest otherwise.”
King’s letter cited the most recent data available, which found that in 2017 more than 48,000 abortions were performed in New Jersey, accounting for 5.6 percent of abortions performed in the United States. Additionally, between 2014 and 2017, New Jersey experienced a 9 percent increase in abortions while the remainder of the country witnessed an 8 percent decrease in the abortions.
“This data, as well as the absence of any major restrictions on abortions [including parental notification and mandated waiting periods] and the continued allocation of New Jersey tax dollars for these services, suggests that the Board’s decision to amend these rules is nothing more than an arbitrary and capricious change of regulations for reasons other than medical necessity. For this reason, I am asking the State Board of Medical Examiners to not adopt the amendments proposed in PR 2021-002,” wrote King.
King wrote: “The New Jersey Catholic Conference strongly opposes these amendments because any attempt to advance policies that threaten the right to life is an attack on the very foundation of all other human rights.” To read the full letter, go to njcatholic.org> ISSUES>RESPECT LIFE.
Wider availability of services that could lead to a further increase in the state’s abortion rates was not the only rationale to oppose the rule changes. Their impact on the health and safety of women seeking abortions was also a point of concern. Dr. Gerald Burke,
“... any attempt to advance policies that threaten the right to life is an attack on ... all other human rights.”
ADVOCATING FOR LIFE
Continued from 20 president, South Jersey Catholic Medical Guild of the Diocese of Camden, and a doctor of reproductive endocrinology, infertility and gynecology, expressed concern that “the easing of current medical standards would result in great harm and injury to the women of New Jersey.”
In a letter opposing the proposed amendments, Dr. Burke wrote, “The justification for extending surgical privileges to these non-surgeons are ‘journal articles’ based on data from the California and New York State experiences (other states where this policy has been instituted) suggesting that, when these surgical privileges are extended to non-surgeons, there is no increased risk of injury or death to the patients. Unfortunately, medical articles, and the statistics upon which they are based, can be molded to justify a position and not reflect the reality of the situation.”
Though this was a battle not won, moving forward, said King, “We must continue to pray for a change of hearts and minds regarding abortion and come to a firm understanding that we have a responsibility to build a culture of life.” As part of that undertaking, stressed King, “We need to ask ourselves, ‘How are we working to youth representatives. We are very strong in our faith,” offered Kitty Vernon, a senior at Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, and member of the school’s campus ministry.
Her sister, a junior at Notre Dame added, “We are very honored to be here.”
Fellow Notre dame senior Nora Convoy shared her thoughts as well.
eliminate the racial, social, and economic issues that lead mothers to think abortion is a viable choice?’”
DIOCESAN PHASE OF SYNOD BEGINS
Continued from 13 Synod process progresses.
The youth in the Diocese were also proud to be part of the historic event.
“I feel special because of how many people there are in our Diocese, we were chosen to be a part of it,” said Zach Adomski, 11, of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt.
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PRACTICING GRATITUDE thanks very simply, and you can help them along with learning the skill of Continued from 17 self-reflection and valuing all good as thanking God is making a difference a gift from God. in your life. For example, a child can Hopefully, this article has “whet say: “One thing I’m thankful for was your appetite” to see what effect a my friend sharing a snack with me. purposeful listing of five things you are It made me happy that they are my thankful to God for will have in your friend. And thanking God made me life. We do get so much more than we see friendship as a gift and it makes may realize – thanks be to God. me want to be a good friend.” Perhaps Father Willliam Lago is pastor of just the young ones can express their St. Denis Parish in Manasquan.
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Many of the faithful are asking, “Am I a Christian if I don’t believe everything the Church teaches?” Silently or openly, people today are frequently replying in the negative, especially numerous former Roman Catholics. There is no doubt that dogma, official teachings, and the meaning of the Bible need reformulation as the Church regroups after a terrible pandemic. Fr. Bausch’s aim is not to discredit the Bible, but to reset it. His hope is to provoke better answers—and, as you will discover, “provoke” is the right word! | $20 The title of this book “From No to Yes” reflects the age-old beckoning to conversion. The 72 all new homilies are drawn from everyday news ranging from the inspirational to the challenging, with a distinct bias in theme towards the conflict of culture and faith. If you are looking for something to help you make your faith more meaningful this volume is sure to satisfy the hungriest of hearts and minds. | $20 More and more Catholics, determined to reclaim their Church, are rallying for change. This book offers that change at its source: the Mass and its concomitant imperative of the formation of intentional Catholics. Try to be mindful of the subtle subtext that slowly sneaks up on you and ultimately invites you to a new mantra to live by, to reform by: don’t leave. Lead. | $20
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Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., spent time chatting with the diaconate community during lunch. Here the Bishop visits with Deacon Sal and Jen Petro of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish,
Hamilton. Joe Moore photos
At convocation, deacons reminded theirs is a ministry centered on Christ, Eucharist
There was a genuine and renewed spirit of camaraderie among the deacons of the Diocese who gathered in Princeton for a deacon convocation Oct. 22-23.
Given that, for many of them, it had been two years since they last assembled together due to the global pandemic, the 104 deacons, some accompanied by their wives, were happy to reconnect and be affirmed in their ministry.
“It’s a blessing to join together to be nurtured spiritually, intellectually and through opportunities for good conversation and fellowship,” shared Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar for clergy and consecrated life, in his opening remarks to the deacons.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C. M., extended his thanks to Msgr. Mullelly, St. Joseph Sister Rose McDermott, diocesan delegate for religious, and Tanya Taylor-Norwood, diocesan archivist, for their work in planning the convocation.
The two-day program included a keynote address by Deacon Andrew Saunders, director of the Diaconal Formation Program in Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, South Orange; Mass celebrated by Bishop O’Connell, who also addressed the deacons, and time A highlight of the convocation for the deacons and their wives was attending Mass with Bishop O’Connell on Oct. 23. for prayer and fellowship.
In his homily, Bishop O’Connell reminded the deacons, “We live and walk in the Spirit of the Lord Jesus,” a teaching they would be brought back to throughout the convocation.
“That is a humbling and powerful message, all the more profound for those who have intensified our baptismal consecration through Holy Orders as deacons,” Bishop O’Connell said. “In all you do, in every path you trod, remember the Spirit of God dwells in you. Live and work for the Lord with that realization.” Following Mass, Bishop O’Connell spoke with the deacons, taking time to explain the process in which the Diocese is currently involved for the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops. He stressed the importance of “encounter” as defined by Pope Francis, and “listening” in faith Continued on 67
On World Mission Sunday, faithful reminded that supporting missions is a way to follow Jesus
Gina Selah, a winner in the 2021 Society of the Propagation of the Faith and the Missionary Childhood Association’s annual National Christmas Artwork Contest, is shown with her parents, Robert and Michelle Selah, along with Father Peter James Alindogan, left; pastor Father Daniel Swift, back, and visiting missionary priests. Dubravka Kolumbic-Cortese photos
BY DUBRAVKA KOLUMBIC-
CORTESE Correspondent
Tying together the Gospel Reading for Oct. 24 and the observance of World Mission Sunday, Father Peter James Alindogan reminded the faithful gathered for the diocesan World Mission Sunday Mass that supporting missions through prayer and funding is, indeed, a way to follow Jesus.
“When God calls to you, you have to let go of your cloak,” Father Alindogan said, referring to the faith of the blind man Bartimaeus who threw aside his cloak when he encountered Jesus and asked Jesus for the ability to see. And after Bartimaeus’ wish was granted and he could see, Bartimaeus continued to follow Jesus’ path.
“We follow Jesus on the way by sharing what we have through prayer and financial support,” said Father Alindogan, adding, “and, by lifting up the many Bartimaeuses who are probably sitting in the basements of life.”
The 2021 diocesan World Mission Sunday Mass was celebrated in St. Mary of the Lakes Church, Medford, with Father Alindogan, diocesan missions director, serving as principal celebrant and homilist.
“The missionary spirit is alive and well in St. Mary of the Lakes in Medford,” Father Alindogan said.
Along with contributing to a collection for the Society of the Propagation of the Faith, an international organization
“The missionary spirit is alive and well...”
A display of artifacts, along with Gina Selah’s winning Christmas artwork entry, are exhibited in St. Mary of the Lakes Church, Medford, where World Mission Sunday Mass was celebrated.
that works to support the religious and lay persons in mission areas throughout the world, the parish’s mission efforts were acknowledged when it was announced that it donated its former altar and pulpit to a parish in Haiti.
In addition, Father Daniel Swift, pastor, acknowledged the tireless efforts of the guest missionaries in attendance including: Father Simon Assogba and Father Eliecer Sandoval of the Society of African Missions; Sylvia Allen of Sylvia’s Children, and Maryknoll Brother John Blazo.
The Mass was also an opportunity to recognize parishioner Gina Selah, a student in the parish religious education program, and one of 24 winners nationwide in the Society of the Propagation of the Faith and the Missionary Childhood Association’s annual National Christmas Artwork Contest for 2021-22. The contest is open to Catholic school, religious education and homeschool students. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Diocese had a finalist in the contest.
According to diocesan Office of Missions coordinator Maryanne Roman, the Trenton Diocese alone received more than 400 entries this past year.
“So this is quite an honor,” Roman said about Selah’s win.
Participants in the contest were asked to depict images that proclaim the Good News of Jesus’ Birth. Selah, 13, and the other winners will have their original artwork displayed throughout
Continued on 26
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., visits with two Religious Sisters Filippini prior to the Mass for the opening of the 16th
Ordinary Synod. Hal Brown photo
Annual fund for retired religious more needed than ever
Early December will be the opportune time for faithful to consider the positive impact a priest, religious sister or brother made on their lives, and to respond generously with a financial gift of thanks.
Supporting the retired religious of the Diocese of Trenton and dioceses throughout the country, the annual Retirement Fund for Religious has been crucial to allowing those who dedicated their lives to forming and teaching Catholics to retire assured that their most basic needs will be met.
The fund will be collected Dec. 1112 in parishes across the United States and will go toward health care and living accommodations – vital to these dedicated and faithful servants who have no lifetime income from which to draw Social Security nor personal savings.
St. Joseph Sister Rose McDermott, delegate for Consecrated Life for the Diocese of Trenton, stressed that religious recognize how difficult the past two years have been financially for donors, and that “any small amount is acceptable” when considering a donation to the fund.
Approximately 300 religious women and men from nearly 30 different orders are currently living and serving in the Diocese of Trenton. When members of these communities retire, they rely completely on donations from the laity, primarily through the annual fund.
The fund began in 1988, with the efforts of a layman who witnessed religious sisters paying for groceries with food stamps. Upon conversing with them, he discovered that while they received small stipends for their ministries in teaching, social service and nursing, they had no health or retirement benefits.
Out of that concern was created the National Religious Retirement Office in Washington to help address the deficit. More than 32,000 religious nationwide now receive financial support solely for retirement through the fund – which also offers financial counselors to assist religious in planning their retirement.
“I do think [the fund in] Washington, D.C., does a very good job,” Sister Rose said of the Retirement Fund for Religious’ effort to treat financial support responsibly. “The money is not given out indiscriminately, but according to need; the religious have to open their books and show what they are setting aside for retirement … it’s very equitable and honest.”
According to the fund’s website, only 27 of the 531 religious communities reporting data to the NRRO are
“Any small amount is acceptable.”
Continued on 27
CLERGY APPOINTMENT
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has announced the following clergy appointment:
Ministrare Non Ministrari
Rev. Jang Jae Myung (Patrick),
priest of the Diocese of Busan, South Korea, to pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Eatontown, effective immediately.
YOUTH PROMOTE FAITH
Continued from 25 the Advent and Christmas seasons at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. They will also receive a commemorative plaque and be recognized at a ceremony at the Basilica in December. All winning entries will be made available digitally. Selah’s entry will be used for the Diocesan Missions Office Christmas Cards.
“It’s so exciting,” said Selah, an eighthgrade student at Medford Memorial Middle School. “I’m really proud and honored to be a part of this. I feel overwhelmingly happy.”
The parish’s religious education program was also applauded for its efforts in supporting the Missionary Childhood Association’s outreach efforts through the 2020-21 school year. The MCA is an international organization of Catholic youth, proving that no one is ever too young to promote his or her faith and help others in need.
Roman also acknowledged the top three elementary schools and religious education programs in the Diocese with the highest mission contributions. The Catholic schools are: St. Jerome School, West Long Branch, first place; St. Joan of Arc School, Marlton, second place, and Our Lady of Sorrows School, Hamilton, third place. The parish religious education programs are Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood, first place; St. Veronica Parish, Howell, second place, and St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, third place.
Workshop aims to help educators, parishes teach to all abilities
BY EMMALEE ITALIA
Contributing Editor
Aday-long in-service workshop designed to assure the Church can reach all people with its teaching will be offered Nov. 18, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, 61 Georgia Rd., Freehold.
“Encountering All God’s Children: Adapting catechetical and sacramental preparation for people with disabilities” will benefit Catholic faith communities and educators in the Diocese of Trenton who encounter families with many different disabilities and special needs.
“Many families here in our Diocese include a member with a disability,” said Denise Contino, director of the diocesan Department of Catechesis. “Keeping this in mind, the mission of the Church is to offer each family – and every member within each family – an opportunity to grow in faith, participate in the Sacraments and to be integrated into the life of the parish community.”
The in-service is open to pastors, priests, parish and school leaders, catechists and teachers of the Diocese. The speaker for the work- Sister Kathleen shop will be Servant Schipani of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Kathleen Schipani, director of the Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate, Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
“This workshop will provide a theological and ecclesial perspective of the mission of inclusion in parish religious education and Catholic school,” said Sister Kathleen. “The new Directory for Catechesis and Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments will be used as a spring board to explore a variety of models of inclusion, universal design for learning, effective teaching methods and resources that create an environment where all learn and flourish in their faith and in the community.”
The workshop is sponsored by the Department of Catechesis, the diocesan Holy Innocents Society and the Tom and Glory Sullivan Foundation, Inc. – a fund that awards grants for various projects of the Catholic Church, with an emphasis on education.
“The Diocese is committed to assist-
“The Diocese is committed to assisting those who minister among people with special needs.”
PROVIDING FUTURE CARE FOR RETIRED RELIGIOUS
Continued from 26 adequately funded for retirement. Part of the challenge is lack of an influx of new vocations to the religious life, with retired religious severely outnumbering those in active ministry. Without adequate numbers of new religious to care for the ever-aging retired population, care has been shifted to healthcare providers, where the average cost of care for women and men religious past age 70 is over $49,000 per person, and upwards of $79,000 for skilled care.
To learn more about the Retirement Fund for Religious, visit: retiredreligious.org/
To donate, contribute to the special collection at Masses Dec. 11-21, send contributions to your parish office or mail to: Retirement Fund for Religious, P.O. Box 96988, Washington, D.C. 20090-6988
ing those who minister among people with special needs,” Contino continued, “especially among school-aged children in parish catechetical programs, Catholic schools, or regional Holy Innocents Society Chapters. We want to be certain that [they] are equipped with the necessary tools to offer faith formation and sacramental preparation to families.”
Brenda L. Rascher, who represents the Bishop in her work with the Holy Innocents Society as part of her role as diocesan executive director of Catholic Social Services, said, “For decades, the members of the Holy Innocents Society (HIS) have ministered to the catechetical needs of parishioners with special needs … [but] the HIS was created to do even more.”
Adaptive programs from Loyola Press will be made available at the workshop to each attending parish, school and Holy Innocents Society Chapter.
“Disabilities and special needs are so vast, and publishers like Loyola Press are ahead of the times,” she pointed out. “This in-service will offer resources and tools that offer modern catechesis and sacramental preparation that is uniquely modified to the person with a disability or special need ... and will result in an easier and more inclusive experience here in the Diocese.”
Sister Kathleen has a master’s degree in special education from The College of New Jersey, Ewing; a certificate in American Sign Language Studies from Gallaudet University, Washington, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Theology and English from Immaculata University, Pa. She has 40 years of teaching experience with children and adults of all abilities, and for the past 30 years has been a catechist for children and adults who are Deaf.
For more information on the workshop, visit dioceseoftrenton.org/all-godschildren-11-18-21, or email Debbie D’Agostaro, ddagos@dioceseoftrenton.org.
Statewide conference provided virtual formation to diocesan PCLs and catechists
BY ROSE O’CONNOR
Associate Editor
“ As a first-time catechist, I came eager for insight, instruction, communion, and inspiration from these incredible speakers,” said Joanne O’Donnell, an instructor of religious education in St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville. “I was not disappointed.”
O’Donnell was among the more than 350 parish catechetical leaders who attended, “Say the Word / Una Palabra Tuya,” Southeast Catechist Conference held virtually Oct. 21-24. The Diocese of Trenton joined the other dioceses in New Jersey to offer this conference at no-cost for 1,314 participants who were registered in the Garden State.
The conference featured both pre-recorded and live events in English and Spanish on topics such as prayer, creating engaging lessons, the RCIA process and the Directory for Catechesis. Among those included in the roster of speakers were Josue Arriola, diocesan director of evangelization and family life, who led the presentation, “Experience the Good News – The Importance of the Kerygma” in Spanish, and Dan Waddington, diocesan director of youth and young adult ministries, who led a discussion on community service, describing it as a “gateway to help young people put their faith into practice.”
Featured speakers also included Julianne Stanz, director of the new evangelization for the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisc.; Anne Masters, director, pastoral ministry of persons with disabilities for the Archdiocese of New York; Mark Hart, executive vice president for Life Teen International; Joe Paprocki, national consultant for faith formation at Loyola Press; Father Mike Schmitz, director, youth and young adult ministries in the Diocese of Duluth, Minn., speaker and author; Jesuit Father Robert Spitzer, Anne Masters, director, pastoral ministry of persons with disabilities at the Archdiocese of New York, led the discussion, “A Catechist’s Task: Accompanying Individuals with Disabilities”.
Josue Arriola, diocesan director, evangelization and family life, led the presentation, “Experience the Good News – The Importance of the Kerygma” in Spanish.
president, Magis Center for Reason and Faith; Dr. Hosffman Ospino, professor of theology and religious studies, Boston College, and Jose “Pepe” Alonso, host, “Nuestra Fe En Vivo,” Spanish EWTN network.
Lori McCahill, director of school religious education and marriage ministry in St. Benedict Parish and School, Holmdel, was particularly interested in hearing the presentation by Dr. Joseph White, consultant for Our Sunday Visitor, clinical child psychologist and former parish catechetical leader who spoke on the new Directory for Catechesis.
“I feel the Directory of Catechesis will be extremely helpful, not only for catechists and teachers, but for parents as well. It covers a myriad of topics that are relevant in expanding our teachings of the Catholic faith. I am looking forward to reading the section that covers the Catholic faith and science working harmoniously,” she shared.
Similarly, John McGuire, director of religious education in St. Paul Parish, Princeton, appreciated the livestream presentations by Waddington and Dr. White as well as Julianne Stanz, who hosted “An Evening of Q &A.”
“They were able to speak to the hope of Jesus Christ with the perspective of the events that shape our faith experience at this time, particularly the release of the Directory for Catechesis and ministry in light of the pandemic,” he explained.
Margaret Zola, coordinator of religious education in Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown, is looking forward to implementing ideas from Sadlier publishing representative Laurel Marchesini who led a session on “Making the faith lesson come alive – engaging students in the classroom.”
“I enjoyed the different hands-on activities where the children are able to move out of their seats and take an active role in the lesson,” said Zola.
In addition to the live presentations, registrants were able to view pre-recorded, on-demand seminars.
Denise Contino, diocesan director of catechesis, was pleased to offer these presentations to parish catechetical leaders, catechists and others serving in parish ministry around the Diocese.
“The hope for the conference was to offer a place for anyone serving in a parish or Catholic school that is passing on the faith to grow in their pastoral skills and to gain practical information to bring to their ministry. The live presentations over the three days gave participants a time to listen and ask questions. These spaces of dialogue around methods, theology, and evangelization are all essential as we pass on the faith to those in our care.”
Anti-poverty CCHD in great need for annual collection Nov. 20-21
BY EMMALEE ITALIA
Contributing Editor
Responding to the call of all Christians to remember and care for the poor, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development will conduct its annual collection the weekend before Thanksgiving, Nov. 20-21, in parishes around the Diocese of Trenton and nationwide.
The need, as with many social service programs, has become more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with in-person donations thwarted by restrictions.
“We collected less than half of what we normally do in 2020,” said Brenda Rascher, diocesan executive director of Catholic Social Services and acting director for CCHD. “Financial requests far exceed the amount we can give.”
Known as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ anti-poverty program, the collection will go toward the mission of breaking the cycle of poverty, helping low-income people participate in decisions that affect their lives, families and communities. “CCHD offers a hand up, not a handout,” the USCCB entity advertises on its website.
Of the amount collected, 75 percent is allocated to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops national CCHD office for grants and programs that assist in communities across the country. The remaining 25 percent is used by each diocese to support local anti-poverty projects through grants.
“In 2017 we were able to give six organizations grants, for a total of $33,414,” Rascher explained. “As of Sept. 20 this year, we ended up receiving just $14,849.”
Previous grant recipients in the Diocese of Trenton, for example, have included parish-based St. Vincent de Paul conferences and other diocesan agencies such as Mount Carmel Guild, a Trenton-based outreach agency; the Mercer County CYO, which provides athletic and educational programs for youth of Mercer County, and parish-based food pantries.
“These programs need that money if they’re going to help people to become self-sustaining and get out of poverty,” Rascher stressed. “We can’t help [them] do the significantly important work they’re doing without the encouragement and support of parishioners.”
Founded in 1969, CCHD’s pastoral strategy includes not only empowerment of the poor, but also educating on poverty and its causes. The dual strategy of education and helping the poor speak and act for themselves reflects the principles of Catholic social teaching and the Scriptures.
“We give out 100 percent of the funds we receive,” Rasher said. “It’s not meant to be money for operations, but rather to use to help people lift themselves out of poverty.”
Supported projects include expanding access to affordable housing, promoting access to education, developing worker-owned businesses, and reforming the criminal justice system. The campaign also nurtures solidarity between people living in poverty and their neighbors.
“CCHD does enormously great work because it’s an arm of the Church,” Rascher continued, “and we are the face of the Church: the people.”
#GivingTuesday an opportunity to support Catholic schools
This Nov. 30 the Diocese of Trenton will take part in #GivingTuesday to raise funds in support of Catholic Schools.
As a national day of philanthropy, #GivingTuesday was established in 2012 and has garnered millions of acts of generosity in the form of monetary donations and volunteerism.
In the Diocese, supporters of Catholic education are asked to donate, and/ or commit to volunteer in their local Catholic school. Prayers of support for the mission of the schools are also requested.
Last year more than $130,000 was raised for participating schools through the #GivingTuesday initiative, the most successful effort since the Diocese began participating in 2016.
Christine Prete, associate director of development operations for the
Continued on 66
USCCB image
For more information visit povertyusa. org or usccb.org/committees/catholic-campaign-human-development.
Bishop O’Connell and Mary Inkrot, the Mount Carmel Guild’s executive director, pose for a photo with the student honorees. Joe Moore photo
Mount Carmel Guild celebrates continuing its mission during challenging times
BY MARY STADNYK
Associate Editor
For well over a year, the global pandemic has created unprecedented and challenging times for people throughout the world and affected them in many ways.
But in the midst of the worldwide turmoil, the dedicated staff of the now 101-year-old Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton, persevered in remaining true to its mission to serve and meet the ever-changing needs of the community’s most vulnerable residents, the majority of whom are from the Greater Mercer County area.
So said Jane Chrnelich when she addressed all who gathered Oct. 15 in the Trenton Country Club for the annual gala that serves as the major fundraiser for the inner-city Trenton diocesan outreach agency, including Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., who offered the invocation, Brenda Rascher, diocesan executive director of Catholic social services, along with staff, friends, volunteers and supporters.
“So tonight is a night to celebrate,” said Chrnelich, whose message also reached those viewing the event via livestream.
Proceeds from the annual gala benefit the Guild’s two major programs. The Community Support Program, started in 1921, provides food and other necessities, and offers homelessness prevention services and short-term financial assistance when available. Education and outreach on healthy eating and referrals to partner social services are also provided.
The Guild also has a Home Health Nursing Program that was started in 1941 and provides quality, long-term, home-based nursing care to patients 60 years of age and older with acute or chronic health conditions.
A focal point of the Oct. 15 gala was honoring the generous spirit of young people hailing from Catholic schools and parishes in the greater Mercer County area. They were recognized for their willingness to assist people experiencing tough times, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Tonight, we honor young people who have overcome their own challenges and continued to help the less fortunate in multiple ways throughout the pandemic,” said Mary Inkrot, the Guild’s executive director.
“This year, the Guild reached out to all the diocesan schools and parish religious education programs and asked each to submit the names of individuals or organizations who they felt were deserving of recognition,” Inkrot said. “Tonight, we are honoring the young people who carry on the tradition passed down to them, a tradition of giving and caring for others.”
As she introduced the award recipients, brief video interviews were shown in which each honoree expressed sentiments about their relationship with the Guild.
One Guild Appreciation Award recipient was Nick Foley of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square. The award is given to individuals for outstanding and consistent dedication to the Guild or their local parish community. Foley was recognized for his membership in the parish’s BOLD youth ministry in which he assisted with drives to help those in need. One of the drives was a food collection hosted by the parish’s Knights of Columbus Council. The Mount Carmel Guild was among the agencies to receive food donations. Foley has also joined his parish in serving with the Loaves and Fishes program in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.
“I want to give back any way I can,” Foley, a sophomore at McDaniel College, Westminster, Md., said, as he noted how grateful he is for his family and his home. “I’ve been blessed with so much.”
To see photo gallery and
expanded version of this story, including write-ups on the honorees, visit TrentonMonitor.com> News>Diocese
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DEAR [FIRST NAME], O Please consider renewing your In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools previous gift of for the next generation of Catholic faithful. You know the impact of a Catholic education and I would like to thank you profoundly for offering this incredible gift to others. One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school HLETI CS L [Ask] programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. A The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever. We have students that need more financial support now than in past years. Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets are tight. Your support, will ensure our Catholic schools are here today and tomorrow. C O M M U N I T Y Educating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life. Thank you for allowing the youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity you had been gifted.
In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools
In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools for the next generation of Catholic faithful. You know the impact of for the next generation of Catholic faithful. You know the impact of for the next generation of Catholic faithful. You know the impact of a Catholic education and I would like to thank you profoundly for offering a Catholic education and I would like to thank you profoundly for offering a Catholic education and I would like to thank you profoundly for offering this incredible gift to others. this incredible gift to others. this incredible gift to others.
One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school
One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org
During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever. We have students that need more financial support now than in past years. Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets are tight. During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever. We have students that need more financial support now than in past years. Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever. We have students that need more financial support now than in past years. Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets are tight. budgets are tight.
Your support, will ensure our Catholic schools are here today and tomorrow. Your support, will ensure our Catholic schools are here today and tomorrow.
Educating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life. Your support, will ensure our Catholic schools are here today and tomorrow. Educating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life.
Educating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life.
Thank you for allowing the youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity Thank you for allowing the youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity you had been gifted. Thank you for allowing the youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity you had been gifted. you had been gifted. Dr. Vincent Schmidt Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Trenton Dr. Vincent Schmidt Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Trenton Dr. Vincent Schmidt Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Trenton N C E “ “ “We ARE open and living our mission EVERYDAY... just as you have come to rely and expect for so many years. Our enthusiasm has never wavered, because we are a faith filled community.” We ARE open and living our mission EVERYDAY... just as you have come to rely and expect for so many years. Our enthusiasm has never wavered, because we are a faith filled community.” We ARE open and living our mission EVERYDAY... just as you have come to rely and expect for so many years. Our enthusiasm has never wavered, because we are a faith filled community.” A C A D E M I C E X C E L L E FAI TH C E I R V E S
TI CS AT HL I T Y Catholic Schools Have It All... and our students take it with them wherever they go. Catholic schools provide hope in a secular C M M U world that makes little room for faith. There is no substitute for the value that strong Catholic schools have to offer our Church. – Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
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Dr. Vincent Schmidt Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Trenton DONATE PRAY VOLUNTEER DONATE AT WWW.LEADINFAITH.ORG
E C N E “ T We ARE open and living our mission EVERYDAY... just as you have come to rely and expect for so many years. Our enthusiasm has never wavered, because we are a faith filled community.” FAI TH A C A D E M I C E X C E L
C E I R V E S
DEAR [FIRST NAME], Please consider renewing your
In the past you have provided gifts to ensure the viability of our schools previous gift of for the next generation of Catholic faithful. You know the impact of a Catholic education and I would like to thank you profoundly for offering this incredible gift to others. E One way of giving during this time of the year is “Giving Tuesday.” Our school programs directly benefit 100% from all gifts during the “Giving Tuesday” campaign. The website for a Giving Tuesday gift is: www.leadinfaith.org During COVID, support for our schools is more important than ever. We have students that need more financial support now than in past years. Our schools have had to step up spending for health-related costs due to COVID protocols. As a result budgets are tight. NYour support, will ensure our Catholic schools are here today and tomorrow. Educating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life. C O M M U N I T Y AT HLETI CS [Ask] Thank you for allowing the youngest of our Catholic family the same opportunity you had been gifted.
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NOVEMBER 30, 2021 DONATE PRAY VOLUNTEER PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY. VISITWWW.LEADINFAITH.ORG 100% of donations will go to your school of choice or you can designate the Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools for broader tuition or program assistance.
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