Monitor Mag Lives of Faith July 2023

Lives of Faith

ESPECIALLY THOSE SERVING THE FAITHFUL OF OCEAN COUNTY:

Fr. Robert Grodnicki • St. Luke, Toms River • 35 years

Fr. Joseph Hlubik • St. Pio of Pietrelcina/Sacred Heart, Bay Head • 30 years

Fr. Marian Kokorzycki • St. Dominic, Brick • 25 years

Fr. Dean Gaudio • St. Theresa, Little Egg Harbor • 20 years

Fr. Evarist Kabagambe • St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Whiting • 20 years

Fr. Mark Kreder • St. Justin the Martyr, Toms River • 20 years

Fr. David Swantek • St. Martha, Pt. Pleasant • 15 years

Deacon Edward Buecker • St. Dominic, Brick • 20 years

Deacon Robert Pladek • St. Luke, Toms River • 10 years

Religious Milestone

Anniversaries 4 -7

Priest Retirements 8-17

Priest 50TH

Anniversaries 20-33

Priest 25TH

Anniversaries 34-39

Priest Milestone

Anniversaries 40-45

Deacon 25TH

Anniversaries 48, 49

Deacon Milestone

Anniversaries 49-52

Bishop sends blessing to all jubilarians

Represented in this stained glass window by a dove with wings outstretched, the Holy Spirit is invoked during the ordination of priests and deacons and remains a guiding presence among those who have taken religious vows. The Monitor is privileged to recognize the anniversaries of the priests, deacons and religious who serve in the Diocese in this keepsake issue. Cathopic image

The priests – diocesan and religious – deacons and consecrated religious women and men serving the People of God throughout the Diocese of Trenton are a great source of joy and pride to me as Bishop.  I join the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the four counties in congratulating those celebrating anniversaries of ordination or of religious profession.  Our prayers and best wishes accompany these greetings.

May God bless you for many years to come!

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

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

Sister Marcia Hall addresses the parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, July 16 during a Mass for her 25th jubilee in religious life.

Religious Anniversary 25 years

Rooted in Faith

Trenton native Sister Marcia Hall celebrates silver jubilee with joy, thanksgiving

Lives of Faith Religious MILESTONES

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

On July 16, Sister Marcia Hall returned to her native Trenton and together with family, friends, colleagues and fellow parishioners, commemorated her 25th jubilee as a member of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first U.S.-based religious order of black women that was founded by the now-Venerable Mother Mary Lange in 1829.

A Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated in Holy Cross Church, Trenton, part of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, where Sister Marcia renewed her vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

“My life has radically changed since I’ve been in the convent,” said Sister Marcia.

“They certainly nurtured my faith and the traditions that I had learned there have held me in good stead,” she said.

Sister Marcia’s vocation story began as a student in Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Grammar School, Trenton, where she was inspired by the Oblate Sisters of Providence who staffed the school. Her pursuit of entering religious life, however, did

Joe Moore photo

We in the Diocese of Trenton are blessed with the vocations of religious men and women from various orders, who have carried out years of selfless service in our parishes, schools, healthcare institutions and charitable programs, as well as their steadfast lives of prayer. This listing joyfully recognizes our gratitude to them for their gift and presence in our lives.

special education program in St. Patrick School, Jersey City.

70 years

Filippini Sister Dolores Bianchi

Sister Dolores Bianchi celebrates the 70th anniversary of her novitiate as a member of the Religious Teachers Filippini.

Sister Dolores, who currently serves as an assistant in St. Joseph by the Sea Retreat House, South Mantoloking, was born in June, 1937, in Jersey City. She grew up in Union City near St. Anthony of Padua Parish where the Religious Teachers Filippini ministered. She entered the community’s postulancy Sept. 2, 1951; became a novice Aug. 17, 1953, and made her perpetual oblation Aug. 26, 1956.

Sister Dolores holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Seton Hall University, South Orange, as well as special education certification from Cardinal Stritch College, Milwaukee, Wis., and Jersey City State College, Jersey City.

Sister Dolores’ professional services have included teaching kindergarten, first and second grades before moving into what would be the hallmark of her ministry – special education.

For 25 years, she taught special education through the Catholic Community Services of Hudson and Essex Counties, and she also served as principal of the

For more than 15 years, her ministry through Catholic Community Services consisted of preventing child substance abuse. She eventually served as program supervisor of the Catholic School Substance Abuse Prevention Program. She was also appointed superior of Villa Walsh, the motherhouse of the Religious Teachers Filippini in Morristown, a post she served for three years.

Since 2012, Sister Dolores has been on staff at St. Joseph by the Sea where she enjoys encouraging retreatants in deepening their relationship with the Lord.

Sister Mary Patrice Feeney

Franciscan

Sister Mary Patrice Feeney, who is celebrating her 70th anniversary, was born Imelda Bernadette Feeney in Ireland, where her family attended St. Joseph Parish, Sligo. She entered the order of St. Francis of Philadelphia Sisters in September, 1949. She made her first profession of vows in August, 1953, and made her final vows in August, 1959.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English from Neumann University, Aston, Pa., in 1972, and a Master of Arts degree in elementary education in 1982 from Villanova University, Villanova, Pa.

Sister Mary Patrice’s ministry in the Diocese of Trenton included serving as pastoral associate from 1991-1997 in St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold. Over the course of her ministry, she was awarded the George Washington Medal of Honor from Valley Forge for the Shelter Freedoms Foundation; and the Regina Nostra Award for outstanding

service to the Diocese of Metuchen.

Sister Mary Patrice is currently a volunteer in Assisi House, Aston, Pa.

Sister Eileen Hennessy

Franciscan Sister Eileen Hennessy, formerly Sister Felicine Marie, who is celebrating her 70th anniversary, grew up in Ireland, and attended St. Lactain Parish, Kilkenny. She entered the order of St. Francis of Philadelphia Sisters in January, 1951. She made her first profession of vows in August, 1953, and made her final vows in August, 1959.

Sister Eileen earned a certificate of training in radiologic technology from St. Francis Hospital, Trenton, in 1959. In 1977 she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Neumann University, Aston, Pa.

Her ministry in the Diocese of Trenton included teaching in Immaculate Conception School, Trenton, from 1953-1957. She is currently assigned to the health office of Our Lady of the Angels Convent, Aston, Pa.

Sister Elizabeth O’Hara

Mercy Sister Elizabeth O’Hara, who is celebrating her 70th anniversary, was born in Philadelphia in 1935 to Michael and Catherine (Callahan) O’Hara. She entered the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey Sept. 24, 1953; made her first profession Aug. 17, 1956, and her final profession Aug. 17, 1959. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from Georgian Court College (now University); a Master of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and a doctorate in chemistry from Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

After professing her vows Sister

Elizabeth spent more than 20 years in the ministry of education in grammar schools and high schools in the Dioceses of Trenton and Camden, followed by two terms as an instructor in Georgian Court College.

In 1976, she began working in parish ministry, serving on the pastoral team in two parishes including St. Robert Bellarmine (now Co-Cathedral), Freehold. She also served three years as director of religious education in St. Peter Parish, Riverside, which is now part of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly.

She also served on the regional leadership team for her community as well as the support staff for Epiphany House, Asbury Park; was a case manager for Catholic Charities in the Metuchen Diocese, and was director of archives for the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey.

Sister Mary Agnes Walsh

Franciscan Sister Mary Agnes Walsh, formerly Sister Philomene, who is celebrating her 70th anniversary, was born in New York City and grew up in Dromtariffe, County Cork, Ireland. She entered the order of St. Francis of Philadelphia Sisters in September, 1948. She made her first profession of vows in August, 1953, and made her final vows in August, 1959.

Sister Mary Agnes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Neuman University, Aston, Pa., in 1970, and a Master of Arts degree in pastoral counseling from Emmanuel College, Boston, in 1982.

Her ministry in the Diocese of Trenton included teaching in St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold, 1970-1973, and in St. Raphael School, Trenton, for nine months in 1982. She ministered in St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, from 1989-1993; in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, from 1993-1995; and in Holy Angels Parish, Trenton, for six months in 1995.

Sister Mary Agnes is currently an associate in the Franciscan Spiritual Center, Aston, Pa.

Religious Anniversary

65 years

Filippini Sister Lillian Picco

Filippini Sister

Lillian Picco, who marks the 65th anniversary of her novitiate as a member of the Religious Teachers Filippini this year, has a lengthy history with the Trenton Diocese.

Born in Jersey City in December 1938 and raised in North Bergen and Union City, she entered the postulancy of the Religious Teachers Filippini July 16, 1957; became a novice Aug. 31, 1958, and made her perpetual oblation Aug. 27, 1961. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Seton Hall University, South Orange, and certification as a teacher of art for grades K-12.

Sister Lillian’s professional services include teaching in elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Newark from 1959-1973, before arriving to the Diocese of Trenton to teach eighth grade in Holy Innocents School, Neptune, from 1973-1978.

From 1978 until she retired due to declining health in 2014, Sister Lillian ministered in Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, where she served in the high school art department. She is best remembered for her tireless work in the theatre program and the costumes and sets created under her guidance. In 1994, she earned a second-place trophy in a national contest for her theatrical set of “Brigadoon.”

Sister Lillian currently resides in St. Joseph Hall Infirmary at Villa Walsh, Morristown.

Religious Anniversary

60 years

Sister Carole MacKenthun

Mercy Sister Carole MacKenthun, who is celebrating her 60th anniversary, was born in Hamilton Township. She attended St. Anthony Grammar School, Hamilton, and Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville. After graduating from Georgian Court College, (now Georgian Court University), Lakewood, she received her master’s degree in elementary education at Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey), Ewing.

Sister Carole made her first profession of vows Aug. 17, 1966, and her final profession Aug. 15, 1971. She taught for 55 years in schools of the Metuchen and Trenton Dioceses, including St. Mary Academy, Lakewood; St. Mary School, Perth Amboy; Sacred Heart School, South Plainfield, and St. Matthias School, Somerset. She has been a teacher and spirituality coordinator at St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, for 30 years.

Sister Carole is the author of more than 20 religious education and language arts books for children and teachers. She also publishes yearly books on her spiritual reflections entitled “Meditations on Ice.” She has received numerous national and local awards for teaching, including Outstanding Educator Award from the Diocese of Metuchen and Diocese of Trenton, the Miriam Farrell Award for Distinguished Teaching from the NCEA, the Guardian of Life Award and the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for service to the Girl Scouts.

In 2001 Sister Carole started a Mission of Mercy Organization raising funds for the sick and orphans in Uganda. She has traveled to Uganda for 12 years during the

summer months to bring aid and financial support for education and health care services to the people there, with the active support of St. Catharine School and the parishioners of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish and other benefactors.

Sister Carole hosts a children’s Rosary prayer group in St. Catharine School and also an adult Rosary prayer group at St. Catharine Convent.

Filippini Sister Brunilda Ramos

Filippini Sister Brunilda Ramos, who is celebrating her 60th anniversary, and is the current director of St. Joseph by the Sea Retreat House, South Mantoloking, was born in May, 1947, in the Harlem section of New York City. She entered the postulancy of the Religious Teachers Filippini Dec. 27, 1960; became a novice Aug. 25, 1963; made her temporary oblation Aug. 28, 1966, and her perpetual oblation Sept. 7, 1969.

Sister Brunilda holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Seton Hall University, South Orange. Her professional services include teaching for 28 years in Catholic schools in the Archdioceses of Newark and New York. She spent 36 years in the field of addiction services, earning certifications as an addiction prevention specialist and certified drug and alcohol counselor.

Her experiences include detox/case manager in St. Francis Hospital, Jersey City; senior counselor in St. Michael’s Medical Center, Newark; counselor with the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Program for men on parole/probation; ministry to women in prison through the Ocean County Department of Corrections; and retreat director for Matt Talbot Retreats for men and women in San Alfonso Retreat House, West End.

Since 2007, Sister Brunilda has served as director of St. Joseph by the Sea Retreat House, where in addition to nurturing the spiritual lives of the retreatants, she is responsible for the day-to-day oper-

ations, management and maintenance of the retreat house. Sister Brunilda oversaw the rebuilding of the retreat facility after Hurricane Sandy made a direct hit on the area in October 2012.

Father George Sabol, OFM, Conv.

Father George Sabol celebrates the 60th anniversary of his first profession of vows as a member of the Conventual Franciscan community.

Father George was born Aug. 3, 1944, in Trenton. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from St. Hyacinth College and Seminary, which he earned in 1967; a master’s degree in counseling from Rider University, Lawrenceville, which he was awarded in 1989, and a doctorate in pastoral counseling from the Loyola University of Maryland in 1996.

Since his first profession of vows on Aug. 30, 1963, and his ordination as a priest in 1971, Father Sabol has served in numerous ministries including a mission assignment in Brazil; parish assignments as parochial vicar and pastor in St. Bonaventure, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Seaside Heights, now part of St. Junipero Serra Parish, Seaside Park; St. Peter Parish, Riverside, now part of Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly; St. Catharine of Siena Parish, Seaside Park, now part of St. Junipero Serra Parish; St. John Vianney Parish, Staten Island, N.Y., and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer Parish, Baltimore. He currently provides pastoral assistance in St. Junipero Serra Parish, Seaside Park.

Sister Elizabeth Margaret Tierney

Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth Margaret Tierney, formerly Sister James Margaret, was born in Glen Ridge. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School, Montclair; entered religious life Sept. 6, 1963, and made her final profession of vows May 23, 1971.

Sister Elizabeth Margaret earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary educa-

tion from The College of St. Elizabeth, Morristown, and a master of divinity degree in pastoral ministry from Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington.

During the course of her ministry, Sister Elizabeth Margaret taught in Immaculate Conception School, Montclair, and St. Peter School, Belleville. Her work as a pastoral care minister includes 19 years in Immaculate Conception Parish, Montclair, and then her current assignment as director of pastoral care in St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake, where she’s served for the past 22 years. Her work in pastoral care includes preparing funeral liturgies for the parish and training extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion for area assisted living facilities, hospitals and the homebound.

Mercy Sister Linda Travostino

Mercy Sister Linda Travostino, who is celebrating her 60th anniversary, was born in Perth Amboy in 1945 and grew up in Woodbridge. She attended St. James Grammar School, Woodbridge, and St. Mary High School, Perth Amboy.

She entered the Sisters of Mercy in September 1963, made her first vows in 1966 and her final vows in 1971.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in French from Georgian Court University, Lakewood, and a master’s degree in French from Rutgers University, New Brunswick. Her teaching assignments included teaching world languages in schools of the Dioceses of Trenton and Metuchen: Holy Spirit High School, Absecon; Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, and St. Mary Academy, Lakewood. She also taught in Georgian Court University and was department chair for World Languages in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel.

Lives of Faith Priest MILESTONES

PurposeDriven Priesthood

Father Capewell sought to listen well, be ‘present and productive’

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

Father Timothy J. Capewell had been a teacher and worked on the New York Stock Exchange, but he received “an ever so subtle yet gentle whisper/nudge/ push from the Divine.”

“I now know that I would not have been happier doing anything else,” said Father Capewell, who retired as pastor of St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction, July 1, after a 40-year vocation as a priest.

“If you seek direction, a more meaningful and purpose-driven life, priesthood provides all that and more,” he said.

Born in 1946 in Trenton, he attended Cathedral Grammar School, Trenton Catholic Boys’ High School and Cathedral High School, all in Trenton. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Northeast Missouri State University, (now Truman State University), Kirksville, Mo., and a master’s in education from Monmouth College (now Monmouth University), West Long Branch.

Father Timothy J. Capewell waves as parishioners of St. David the King, Princeton Junction, applaud following his final Mass as pastor June 25.

Father Timothy J. Capewell

Before he entered the seminary, Father Capewell taught history in the Missouri and New Jersey public school systems and worked for a Wall Street brokerage firm. He entered Immaculate Conception Seminary, Mahwah, in 1979, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained to the priesthood Nov. 12, 1983, by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Father Capewell served as parochial vicar in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade; St. Paul Parish (now part of St. Katharine Drexel Parish), Burlington; St. Paul Parish, Princeton; and St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor. He was named pastor of St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction, Nov. 4, 1994.

In addition to his parish duties, Father Capewell serves as dean of the Northern Mercer County deanery and is former chairman of the diocesan building commission.

GOALS AND CHALLENGES

Counting among his goals as a priest a desire to “be present and productive” to people, he said he has worked “to be a good listener, yet challenge and invite others to look for and employ the power of God’s grace in their lives.”

“Most importantly, I am forever aware that I have five to 10 minutes each Sunday to touch people’s hearts,” he said. “Therefore, it is incumbent upon me to deliver contemporary, meaningful, pertinent and heartfelt homilies that give people hope [that] makes life worth living. That’s quite a challenge; hopefully, I’ve fulfilled that.”

Embracing challenges as they came, Father Capewell was pastor during the 2010 expansion of St. David the King Parish’s facility, with the addition of the Great Hall — a feature he called “a dream come true,” which helps to “serve the spiritual, educational and societal needs of our

community of faith. Mission accomplished — paid in full.”

The pandemic and aftermath brought its own unique challenges, “which are still going on as we are down in attendance, which correlates to decline in revenue compounded by high inflation and economic uncertainty.”

Perhaps the greatest test, however, was the 9/11 terrorist attack. “It deeply affected the psyche of our parish, having lost three parishioners and seven relatives of parishioners,” he recalled. “The challenge was clear: to surrender to the dark side of society with its suspicion and fear or to see the power of grace and healing in the midst of smoke and ashes. We chose grace and healing, and we now walk by faith, live in hope and serve with love more than ever.”

A VOCATION WELL-LIVED

Priest Anniversary

40 years

Priesthood has been rewarding for Father Capewell in even the simplest ways, particularly “sharing in various joys and sorrows, the peaks and valleys in the lives of the faithful,” he said. “And through them all, hopefully, I was giving witness to the power of the Divine at work in their lives — and mine, too.”

Although he plans to focus on more reading and writing in his retirement, he quipped, “I’m sure you’re familiar with the ancient adage: ‘If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans!’”

“Here’s what I’ve learned and re-learned from the good people of David the King,” Father Capewell said. “Never give up hope. Always be generous, for when you give it away, you get it back. Watch and see for yourself as Scriptures come alive as you get back 30-, 60- and 100-fold when you give your life to Christ and his Church.

“What a beautiful life priesthood has been for me,” he added. “I am truly blessed and so unworthy of it all.”

Father Capewell’s family gathers with him for a photo. From left are Art Forman, wife Taylor and son John; Father Capewell’s sister Patty; Art Forman, Jr., and Leslie and Paul Mayer.

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

After nearly five decades as a priest, Msgr. Sean P. Flynn retired from a vocation he has loved, among people whose “faith, dedication and commitment to Jesus and to his Church has often put my own faith to shame.”

“While my 48 years as a priest may not have always been

Inspired by the People

easy, I have experienced great satisfaction and fulfillment. I have absolutely no regrets about my decision to become a priest,” he said before his July 1 retirement. He has served in the Diocese of Trenton since 1976, most recently as pastor of St. Mark Parish, Sea Girt.

FROM IRELAND TO AMERICA

Born on a small farm in Monaghan, Ireland, as the oldest of six children, he was inspired to the priesthood by the example of his parents and nearby clergy.

“My parents were devout Catholics. We said the Rosary every night and attended Mass regularly,” he noted. “I was very impressed by a young priest in the parish who frequently visited our grade school, as well as our home. I thought that I would like to be a priest just like him.”

At the time Ireland had an abundance of priests, he recalled, one of whom had joined the Trenton Diocese and became Msgr. Flynn’s connection to New Jersey.

Msgr. Flynn prepared for the priesthood in St. Patrick College, County Caslow, and was ordained on June 8, 1975, in Ireland by Bishop Patrick Mulligan.

Priest

RETIRED 2023

In 1976, he was first assigned as parochial vicar in Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, and then as associate pastor in Blessed Sacrament Parish, Trenton, followed by the same role in St. Denis Parish, Manasquan. In 1984, Msgr. Flynn was appointed as the bishop’s representative for Catholic hospitals. He also served as an Engaged Encounter Team priest, and diocesan coordinator for AIDS programs. In 1989, he was appointed parochial vicar of St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, before being named pastor there in 1990.

In 1993, Msgr. Flynn was appointed dean of the Central Monmouth Deanery and, several months later, was invested as a Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of monsignor.

He was named as pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, in 1996, and served on the Committee on Ministry in Non-Correctional and Health Care Institutions in the Diocese of Trenton. In 2008, Msgr. Flynn was named pastor of St. Mark Parish.

TO BE AN INSTRUMENT

“With the help of God’s grace, I wanted to be the best priest that I could be,” Msgr. Flynn said. “I wished to be as effective an instrument of God’s love and mercy as possible to those whom I was privileged to serve. I wanted to always be there for them in their times of joy and sorrow, to be a sign of God’s presence and love. With the constant help of God’s guidance and grace, I feel that I have been reasonably successful.”

Rewarding aspects of Msgr. Flynn’s priestly ministry have included working with youth, particularly in St. Joseph School and Donovan Catholic High School.

“I went on over 20 ‘Kairos’ retreats with the senior high

Msgr. Flynn sought to learn from those to whom he ministered

Msgr. Sean P. Flynn speaks to the congregation in St. Mark Church, Sea Girt, during his retirement Mass June 25. Mike Ehrmann photos

school students,” he recalled. “This was a wonderful, spiritually uplifting experience. Their openness and honesty in their sharing during the retreat helped me to be a more open priest. I still have some of them call me to perform their weddings or to baptize their babies.”

He also considered it important to work with Project Rachel, an outreach program for women who have procured an abortion. “To be able to bring Jesus’ mercy, compassion and healing to them, especially in the Sacrament of Penance, I found very rewarding.”

Capital Singers Of Trenton

Hospital visitation, too, was a beautiful experience for Msgr. Flynn. “There you meet people who were alienated from God or no longer practicing their religion,” he said. “Facing their immortality, I often found them to be very open to God’s mercy and love.”

His said his greatest challenge was “being the pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Toms River … [it was] the largest parish in the Diocese with over 7,500 families and two large schools.”

Msgr. Flynn served there from 1996 to 2008 and said he was faced with frequent mediation among parents, teachers and

students – but he credits the nearly 180 employees with being his constant support.

“I could not have succeeded … without the great assistance of my pastoral associates and of a very dedicated staff,” he affirmed. “All this experience helped me to grow as a person and as a priest, especially my interaction with the youth.”

LOOKING BACK …MOVING FORWARD

Msgr. Sean P. Flynn

Parishioners of St. Mark, Sea Girt, congratulate Msgr. Flynn after his June 25 retirement Mass.

Welcoming New Adventures

Father Grodnicki not deterred by age in trying new ministries, endeavors

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

For Father Robert Grodnicki, newly retired pastor of St. Luke Parish, Toms River, the priestly life has been a bit unconventional, assisting those on the margins struggling with addiction and working with foster care and adoptions before his role of pastor. And yet, if anything, it encourages his perspective that anyone can do something new, no matter their age.

“A lot of people think they’re too old to do something,” he said. “If they haven’t been married [I suggest] the seminary … I was 37, and they were happy to have me!”

This bodes well for the priest of 35 years who now looks to embrace retirement.

“I told Bishop I have a job offer from DeLorenzo’s (Pizza); he told me to take it,” Father Grodnicki joked.

“I’m open to anything.”

Born in 1945 in Trenton, his family belonged to St. Joseph Parish before moving to Morrisville, Pa. He attended Catholic schools, where he

“remembered every nun and priest I ever had as a teacher — even at Bishop Egan High School in Levittown.”

After graduation from Villanova University, Villanova, Pa., he spent four years in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, Wrightstown. He studied accounting at Rider University, Lawrenceville, and worked as an accountant in New Jersey and Fort Lauderdale,

Priest RETIRED 2023

Priest Anniversary

35 years

Fla. It was there that he felt his calling.

“I was not really thrilled with my life … I loved my education, and Villanova was Augustinian,” he recalled. “I thought, ‘maybe I should try this, I’ve tried everything else.’”

Father Grodnicki applied to the seminary in 1982, received his Master of Divinity degree from Washington Theological Union, Washington, and was ordained an Augustinian priest April 23, 1988, in his home parish of Holy Trinity, Morrisville, by Archbishop Eugene Marino of Atlanta.

VARIED EXPERIENCE

Following ordination, Father Grodnicki worked for a year in Minnesota with the Hazelden Foundation, a center for addiction and addiction studies affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous. He earned a master’s degree in social work from Loyola University, Chicago, in 1991, then was stationed in St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, N.Y.

He served as a social worker from 1991-1996 for New York Foundling Hospital — founded by three Sisters of Charity to empower struggling children and families — where he assisted in foster care and adoptions. Subsequently, he pursued doctoral studies in sociology from Fordham University in New York. In 1998, Father Grodnicki returned to Chicago to work with the Department of Children and Family Services for the state of Illinois as well as Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago in child welfare.

“It was interesting … dealing with the legal system of child welfare,” he reflected. “I think my priesthood affected people around me because they finally got to know a priest on their own terms. … I went out into the world and worked with

Father Robert Grodnicki

Father Robert Grodnicki, center, stands surrounded by fellow clergy members as they gathered to celebrate his retirement Mass in St. Luke Parish, Toms River. Mike Ehrmann photos

other people.”

Upon his return to New Jersey in 2006, Father Grodnicki was incardinated into the Diocese of Trenton by Bishop John M. Smith. He was assigned as parochial vicar of St. Luke Parish and assumed the role as parish pastor in 2009.

ANSWERING COMMUNITY NEEDS

Because of his background in addiction social work, Father Grodnicki was asked to begin a chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous in St. Luke Parish.

“Hurricane Sandy hit, and all these places [nearby] … that had AA groups got washed out,” he explained. Although the church had very little space and the power was out for a while, “they were all so desperate at the time … so we took them in.”

After completing a large addition during his pastorate, the parish now hosts almost 25 separate AA groups. “They never went home, they stayed with us,” Father Grodnicki said. “Our doors are open all the time; most nights you see the parking lot full of cars … all related to help with addiction. That was the need we saw.”

He found his priesthood has helped him learn how to deal with different types of personalities and disorders.

St. Gabriel’s Mausoleum Expansion

St. Catharine’s Mausoleum named after the Holmdel Church, formerly the Mission Church of St. Gabriel’s 549 Route 520 (Newman Springs Road) • Marlboro, New Jersey

SPECIAL PRE-CONSTRUCTION PRICES

“Faith helps you to see the Gospel in a whole different way and see what Jesus was really talking about,” Father Grodnicki explained, pointing out the Lazarus story for guidance in helping people with grieving and hospice. “You try to apply it to the experiences you have in life.”

To view more photos visit: trentonmonitor.smugmug.com

Congratulations

55th Anniversary

Fr. Michael Vona, Retired

50th Anniversary

Fr. Edward Griswold, Retired

Fr. Robert Kaeding, Retired

45th Anniversary

Fr. James Conover, St. Rose of Lima, Freehold

35th Anniversary

Fr. Damian McElroy, St. Catharine-St. Margaret, Spring Lake

30th Anniversary

Fr. Brian Butch, St. Anselm, Wayside

Fr. Eugene Vavrick, OLPH-St. Agnes, Atlantic Highlands

25th Anniversary

Fr. Javier Diaz, Christ the King, Long Branch

20th Anniversary

Deacon George Kelder, St. Denis, Manasquan

Deacon John L. Little, St. Catharine, Spring Lake

Deacon John Orlando, St. Catherine, Middletown

Deacon Donald M. Policastro, Our Lady of Fatima, Keyport

15th Anniversary

Fr. Pat McPartland, St. Catharine, Holmdel

Deacon Henry Cugini, St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold

Deacon Kevin M. Smith, St. William the Abbot, Howell

10th Anniversary

Fr. Garry Koch, St. Benedict, Holmdel

Deacon Louis Esposito, St. Veronica, Howell

Deacon Michael Lee Foster, St. Thomas More, Manalapan

Deacon Matthew Nicosia, St. Thomas More, Manalapan

Deacon Richard G. Roenbeck, St. Gabriel, Marlboro

5th Anniversary

Fr. Nicholas Dolan, St. Anthony of Padua, Red Bank

Father Grodnicki happily poses for a photo with parishioners in St. Luke Parish who attended his retirement Mass.

Following God’s will

Father Jamieson enters retirement filled with joy, gratitude

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

When Father Andrew J. Jamieson retired July 1 and moved across the Diocese from Tabernacle to his new home in Manasquan, the greatest belongings he took with him were the memories of his 35 years of priesthood.

Kept close in his mind and dear to his heart are the many people he’s encountered along the way: from his early days as a Capuchin Franciscan friar ministering to the poor in Delaware and the inner-city parishes in New York and northern Jersey, to those who guided and prayed with him as he discerned a new path of service as a diocesan priest, and those he served in the Diocese of Trenton.

MOVING FORWARD

“I’m looking forward to retirement,” said Father Jamieson, who was born in October 1948 and grew up in Jersey City.

“I really feel that I’ve done all that the Lord had asked of me,” he said, especially during his 20 “wonderful years” as pastor of Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle. “Now I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the Church wherever help is needed.”

Father Jamieson exudes joy while reflecting on how his priestly calling began as an eighth grader at St. Anne’s School, Jersey City, and was supported by his devout Catholic family, especially his grandmother, whose continuous prayer strongly

influenced him to pursue his vocation.

When Father Jamieson’s mother died during his senior year at Holy Family High School, Union City, his father asked his son to wait two years and further discern his vocation. Young Andrew worked in an accounting firm during that time, but his thoughts of priesthood never wavered.

In 1968, he entered the Capuchin Franciscan community as a postulant. Ten years later in 1978, he became director of a food program feeding the poor in Wilmington, Delaware. He earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, in 1982, and a master of divinity degree from St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, in 1988.

Father Jamieson was ordained a Capuchin Franciscan priest May 7, 1988, by then-Bishop Seán O’Malley in St. Hedwig Church, Wilmington. The new priest served as his community’s vocation director for the New Jersey province of Capuchin Franciscans. From 1990-1991, he was associate vocation director for Immaculate Conception Friary, Bronx, N.Y., and from 1991-1992, he was the provincial secretary. In 1992, he became pastor of St. Ann Parish, Hoboken; six years later he was assigned as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Hackensack.

Though he treasured the charism of his Franciscan community, Father Jamieson, who was inspired by his parish experiences, began thinking about serving as a diocesan priest. After visiting several dioceses, he chose Trenton, where the need for priests was great.

His first assignment in Trenton was as parochial vicar of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, where he remained until he was named administrator of Holy Eucharist Parish in July 2002. Five months later, he was incardinated as a priest of the Trenton Diocese and was installed as pastor on Christmas Eve 2002.

Father Andrew J. Jamieson

Deacon Patrick Mann, left, applauds Father Jamieson during one of the last Masses he celebrated in Holy Eucharist Church before his July 1 retirement. Hal Brown photos

TWENTY GOOD YEARS

“Holy Eucharist is an absolutely exciting and very dynamic parish that’s filled with a lot of energy and where people are extremely welcoming,” he said of the parish that has about 2,500 registered families and scores of ministries, including the successful LIFT — Living in Faith Together, a family catechesis program where religious instruction is provided to both children and their parents. The parish also offers the HERO youth ministry for students in grades 8-12 and various liturgical and outreach ministries that assist those in need.

Along with the joys, there were challenges to being a pastor, Father Jamieson admitted, especially when it came to making changes that were not readily understood or agreed upon by the wider community. He proudly speaks about the team leadership approach he developed in which he and five individuals serving in various capacities worked together to determine decisions concerning the parish.

“They have been great supporters in helping me to reach final decisions,” he said, “but it was always the Holy Spirit who guided us in our discussions and our decisions.”

In retirement, Father Jamieson has been asked to assist in area parishes, and he looks forward to having more time for traveling and visiting the shore, “which I love.” He said he has a special fondness for Belmar, where he regularly vacationed with his family while growing up.

“I want to thank the Diocese of Trenton for allowing me to serve here. It’s a wonderful Diocese,” he said.

He extended a special message to the Holy Eucharist Parish community, saying it’s his prayer that “you continue to grow in faith, hope and love, worshipping the Lord with your whole heart, mind, body and soul, and remember to do everything for the glory of God. ... And I loved being your pastor!”

The Parish Community of SAINT DENIS in MANASQUAN welcomes the retired priests who will reside at VILLA ST. DENIS: Msgr. Sean Flynn, Rev. Andrew Jamieson, and Rev. Robert Kaeding

Father Jamieson poses for pictures with parishioners following a Mass in Holy Eucharist Church.

To view more photos visit: trentonmonitor.smugmug.com

Here I Am, Lord

Father Pfleger eager to continue ministry in retirement

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

Although newly-retired, Father Phillip C. Pfleger, pastor of St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton, and of St. John Neumann Parish, Mount Laurel, emphasizes it’s not a retirement from the priesthood. “I tell people it’s only retirement from administration, not from ministry,” he said. “Now I can be the priest I want to be. Any place in our Diocese that I’m needed, I’ll be there.”

RESPONDING TO THE CALL

The Jersey City native was born in 1953 to parents Joseph and Lucille, and had one older brother, Joseph; the family were members of the city’s St. Ann Parish. Father Pfleger attended Immaculate Conception Grammar School, Secaucus, and St. Mary High School, Rutherford.

“I gave myself one month between college and seminary,” he said, although his decision to pursue the priesthood began much earlier in observing both his parents. “My mother was a convert, and my father had this really deep faith,” he recalled. “He never pressured my mother, but she saw something in him – and I did too.”

When it came to answering that prompting of the Holy Spirit, Father Pfleger said he responded with “I’ll try. … I guess I’m still trying!” he said ruefully.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Jersey City State College in 1975 before seminarian studies in Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington. He began his service to the Diocese of Trenton as a transitional deacon in St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant, and was ordained by Bishop George W. Ahr May 19, 1979, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

He has served as parochial vicar in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, and St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville. He has also spent time as chaplain at Rider University, Lawrenceville, and Mercer County Community College, West Windsor. Additional assignments have included diocesan director of vocations; temporary administrator of St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro; pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Seaside Heights (now part of St. Junipero Serra Parish, Seaside Park); and episcopal vicar of Burlington County. Father Pfleger was assigned in 1996 to serve as founding pastor of the newly-formed St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton. In 2014, he was also named administrator of St. John Neumann Parish, Mount Laurel, then in 2017 was appointed pastor.

His service to the Diocese has included time on the priest personnel board; the council of priests; the building commission; the Episcopal council; the college of consultors, and the committee of Expansion and Restructuring. He also served as

Father Phillip C. Pfleger

Father Phillip C. Pfleger poses for a photo with well-wishers after his retirement Mass June 25 in St. Isaac Jogues Church, Marlton. Hal Brown photos

master of ceremonies for Auxiliary Bishop Edward U. Kmiec.

BUILDING COMMUNITY, CONNECTION

The most fulfilling part of his vocation, Father Pfleger said, “is probably the pastoral part of it. The other night I was sitting in St. Isaac Jogues Church by myself, just looking at the aisle, seeing all the Communions, all the Confirmations, all the funerals … and looking out on the weekend at all the people, realizing how I became a part of their lives, and they became a part of mine.”

His goal was “to do whatever I was asked to do, and to do it to the best of my ability… It was good; people had problems, especially here in [Burlington] county, and I would really try to be there – not just to help the clergy, but also the people.”

He had what he considers “a very interesting priesthood,” having ministered in so many varied capacities. “You name [the assignment], and I was on it at one time or another … The beauty of that was that now I can go anywhere and hear ‘Hey, Father, how are you?’”

Father Pfleger said one of his vocational challenges is that the Church today “is not the Church I was ordained to – I think with the change of society, and then COVID-19 changed so much. People are much more vocal … which is good, but … there’s less understanding of the faith than a couple of generations ago, and getting parents involved is challenging.”

The people have taught him much along the way, too. “[Being a priest] makes you more human,” he said, “and it always goes back to the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.”

For those on the journey to priesthood, he offered, “Let your people get to know you first. Once you build that relationship, you can work together to do anything … that’s the way the Lord is trying to teach us, too.”

To view more photos visit: trentonmonitor.smugmug.com

TO FR. LEANDRO DELA CRUZ ON HIS 40TH ORDINATION

TO FR. LEANDRO DELA CRUZ ON HIS 40TH ORDINATION

ANNIVERSARY AND DEACON JIM SCOTT ON HIS 20TH DIACONATE ANNIVERSARY!

Father Pfleger gives a homily during Mass in St. Isaac Jogues Church, of which he was founding pastor.

ANNIVERSARY AND DEACON JIM SCOTT ON HIS 20TH DIACONATE ANNIVERSARY!

GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!

GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!

Many blessings from the Church of St. Ann, Deacons Frank

Wherever the Spirit calls you in the Church, may you always strive to do the will of the Father and bring more souls to Christ.

Father Garry Koch HOLMDEL, NJ

God's choicest blessings on your ten years of faithful service to the Church.

Rev. Canon Dr. Jacek W. Labinski

We are very proud of you and extend our best wishes for continued success in your devotion and commitment to the Sacred Order of Priesthood and dedication in serving God, your Church and the Diocese of Trenton so faithfully.

May our heavenly Father shower an abundance of His special graces upon you and may He continue to watch over you, guide you and keep you well as you serve Him and His People.

God’s blessings upon Father Michael S. Vona for 55 years of faithful service.

IN PARTICULAR:

Fr. James Conover

Fr. Damian McElroy

Fr. Javier Diaz

Fr. Pat McPartland

Fr. Nicholas Dolan

Deacon James R. Davis

Deacon John L. Little

Deacon Donald M. Policastro

Deacon Henry Cugini

Deacon Kevin M. Smith

Deacon Louis Esposito

Deacon Michael Lee Foster

Deacon Matthew Nicosia

Deacon Richard G. Roenbeck

AND ESPECIALLY:

Fr. Eugene Vavrick

Fr. Garry Koch

Deacon George Kelder

Deacon John Orlando

On behalf of Rev. Angelito I. Anarcon and the Parish Family of St. Catherine of Siena Church, Farmingdale, NJ, congratulate and asks

Priest Anniversary

50 years

Walking the Walk

Father Michael J. Burns’ 50 years of following God’s path

BY THERESA SHUBECK  Correspondent

In the spring of 2022, Father Michael J. Burns walked 150 miles over the course of 12.5 days on the El Camino de Santiago, following the trek that pilgrims have traced for more than 1,000 years. Similarly, through his 50 years of priesthood, he has followed in the faithful steps of his parents, received encouragement from prominent priests in the Diocese of Trenton and been open to the path to which God has called him.

The oldest of five siblings, Father Burns – known as Mike in childhood – and his brother and sisters grew up in a family where faith and the Church were at the forefront, with parents Joseph and Anne bringing them to Sunday Mass and praying together as a family before meals and bedtime. They were all called to “helping professions:” Two sisters became librarians, one a teacher and one brother worked for the federal government. Father Burns followed God’s call to the priesthood, largely influenced by his maternal grandmother, whose piety and practices took root in her young grandson.

MODEL MENTORS

As a student in Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, he came into contact with two priests, Msgr. Leonard R. Toomey and Msgr. William J. Capik, who influenced his path to the priesthood. Msgr. Toomey was then pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, when Mike worked as a counselor in the Mercer County CYO Day Camp in Yardville. Msgr. Capik was the athletic director at Notre Dame and Mike, following his passion

for athletics, was the sports editor of the student newspaper, The Coronet.

Remembering time spent with his father listening to the University of Notre Dame games on the radio, Mike dreamed of attending the college in South Bend, Ind. Through a combination of a partial academic scholarship and a student loan, Mike was able to realize his goal to attend the university, where he subsequently encountered the Fathers of the Congregation of Holy Cross. At the time, a significant portion of the brothers were young, and that fact firmed it up for Mike “to give it a try.”

Father Burns first studied at St. Meinrad Seminary, South Bend, Ind., and was subsequently ordained a priest May 26, 1973, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Beginning with his CYO camp days, Father Burns wanted to work with young people, and in his first assignment at Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, under the tutelage of Msgr. Toomey, Father Burns taught eighth grade religion in the parish grammar school.

Proximate to Trenton State Prison while at Sacred Heart, Father Burns was named the prison’s chaplain and, as he described, “learned as I went along.” At the prison he interacted with hardened criminals, including one imprisoned for murder

Father Michael Burns celebrates Mass in Assumption Church, worship site of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt.

Concelebrating at right is Redemptorist Father Dariusz Paszynski who presented a mission appeal in that weekend. Mike Ehrmann photos

Father Michael J. Burns

who was subsequently paroled and with whom Father Burns kept in touch.

His most notable event at Trenton State was one in which he believed that he was protected by God. On a January day in 1976 when he was scheduled to go into his office at the prison, he instead celebrated a funeral Mass; meanwhile that same day, inmates rioted and took over the education wing of the prison where Father Burns was typically stationed.

LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Following Sacred Heart, parochial vicar assignments followed in St. Paul Parish, Burlington (now part of St. Katharine Drexel Parish) and St. Hedwig Parish, Trenton. From 1990 to 2017, Father Burns was pastor of St. Mary Parish, Bordentown, now part of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown.

Looking back, Father Burns related that each parish had its challenges, which provided opportunities for him to develop a variety of skills that served him well when he later became a pastor. Upon his arrival in St. Mary, he discovered the need for significant renovations and restoration and the requirement to raise $1.5 million. He found the entire process “a real eye opener.”

Common among all his assignments has been the “wonderful priests and deacons, and the faith and inspiration of people in support of their parish and their pastor,” he said. Initially frightened at preaching a homily in his early days, he learned to adapt. And he felt that although he was shy as a kid, it taught him to be a good listener. This openness inspired parishioners to bring to him ideas for new ministries, including a community food pantry begun in St. Mary’s, which continues to feed 100 families weekly.

Grateful to remain active in retirement as a weekend assistant in St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt, he advises those considering the priesthood to “always be open to where God leads you.”

Father Burns receives a warm greeting following Mass in Assumption Church, Wrightstown.

To view more photos visit: trentonmonitor.smugmug.com

Prayerful Presence

Father Cahill hopes his Masses inspired parishioners

BY DOROTHY K. LAMANTIA  Correspondent

On June 11, Father Daniel G. Cahill and more than 40 friends and family members traveled to Killarney to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest. The way he sees it, he had come full circle, returning to Ireland, his native homeland and birthplace of his vocation.

Born in 1948 in Killarney, he was the third of five children of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Cahill, who created a Catholic home, where, he said, “Church, God and prayer all went hand in hand.” Every evening his parents recited the Rosary with their children, and the family received the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly. Every Sunday the family attended Mass, where young Daniel served as an altar boy.

At age 18, “feeling drawn to that way of life,” he decided to enter the seminary after graduating high school. He entered the University College Dublin and All Hallows College. The seminary, All Hallows College, was one of five in Ireland associated with the Diocese of Trenton, where he would minister

after his ordination.

VOCATION DRIVEN

As a seminarian, he spent the summer of 1971 in New Jersey, working as a landscaper and getting used to life in the towns within the Diocese, making some friends and developing a good feeling for America. He recalled, “I felt it was meant to be.”

50 years

In 1973 the newly-ordained priest was assigned to St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, where he remained for six years. His next assignment took him to St. Anthony Parish (now part of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish), Hamilton, where he served as chaplain, taught religion and Gaelic, and, for 10 years, coached golf and soccer at McCorristin Catholic High School — now Trenton Catholic Academy. In 1989, he was appointed pastor of St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills, where he remained for six years. He was named pastor of St. Ann Parish, Keansburg, where he ministered for 23 years before retiring in 2018.

Reflecting on his 50 years of priesthood, Father Cahill said his greatest joy was giving “spiritual uplift to people in the pews so they leave Mass having made meaningful connection with God. Hopefully, my words inspired them in their daily lives.”

He said he treasured his role in the sacramental lives of his parishioners and was sensitive to the influence he had in their lives.

“It’s important how a priest carries himself in the sacramen-

Priest Anniversary

Father Daniel G. Cahill

Following Mass July 15, Father Daniel G. Cahill greets parishioners of St. Paul Parish, Princeton, where he assists on weekends. Hal Brown photos

tal life of the Church. In the priesthood, you deal with peoples’ happiness and sadness and help them deal with that,” said Father Cahill. “There is joy when couples exchange their love before God at the altar or when their children are baptized. At funerals, you help them deal with their grief.”

ENJOYING CAMARADERIE

Father Cahill said retirement has endowed him with two gifts — freedom and time to minister to people without having the responsibilities of running a parish, and the fellowship and support he receives from his fellow residents at Villa Vianney in Lawrenceville, the diocesan home for retired priests.

Of his current assignment as regular weekend assistant in St. Paul Parish, Princeton, he said, “Celebrating weekday and Sunday Mass is my first and foremost joy.” He added that he frequently celebrates funeral Masses in St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, and St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown. He still presides over weddings, Baptisms and funerals upon request.

“I love Villa Vianney,” he said. “I love the camaraderie and wonderful support system among us. It’s inspiring. We’re all still committed to what we did at our parishes. Most of us here are still helping in parishes. Thank God I’m healthy to still help in ministry.”

The joy he experiences as a retired priest makes him concerned for his brothers who remain leading parishes with little or no assistance.

“My heart goes out to priests who don’t have the number of priests I had to help when I was young,” he said, then spoke with optimism about the future of the Church.

“There’s a lot of positive growth in the Church and strength going forward,” he said. “The diaconate is growing. As a pastor, I’ve had many deacons, and all of them have been a blessing. The growth of lay participation has been a blessing.”

Though the Church has had ups and downs in its history, Father Cahill maintains that it has “survived and will continue to do that. We will never lose sight of the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Father Cahill distributes Holy Communion during Mass in St. Paul Church, Princeton. He considers the growth of the diaconate vocation and lay participation in the Church “a blessing.”

Sharing God’s Word

Father Griswold shares his love of homiletics in retirement

BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent

Celebrating 50 years as a priest, one might find it difficult to decide which of the many ministries inherent in that role is most important. Father Edward J. Griswold, a retired priest of the Diocese, is crystal clear about his choice.

“I feel strongly that preaching is the primary ministerial responsibility of priests and deacons,” he said. “Continuing growth in preaching skills should be a lifelong goal of every preacher.”

Father Griswold was born in Newark in 1946 to Edward and Dolores Griswold; six years later, the family moved to Union Beach, where they joined the congregation of Holy Family Par-

50 years

ish, and young Edward was an altar server. His Catholic education in St. Joseph School, Keyport, followed by Red Bank Catholic High, led him to be inspired by the priests he encountered there, and he set his sights on joining the seminary upon his high school graduation.

The future priest attended St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md., then St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1968 and a licentiate in sacred theology in 1972. Father Griswold was ordained for the Diocese of Trenton by Bishop George W. Ahr April 7, 1973.

While serving seven years as a parochial vicar in St. Matthias Parish, Somerset (now the Diocese of Metuchen), Father Griswold was assigned part time with the diocesan Office of Vocations. In 1979, he was named director of the program. He earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, in 1983.

SOUND ADVICE

Father Griswold reflected upon his time counseling those discerning the priesthood, recalling, “I found that young men … should be advised to work with a spiritual director in discerning God’s will for them. It is important they and their faith are mature enough to make a solid commitment to Christ and the Church. A deepening of faith is what they should be striving for.”

Priest Anniversary

Father Edward J. Griswold celebrates Mass July 2 in St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville. Mike Ehrmann photos

Father Griswold greets Massgoers at St. Barnabas Parish July 2.

In addition to his work with the Diocese of Trenton, Father Griswold served as parochial vicar, then temporary administrator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, then as temporary administrator of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson.

In 1987, Father Griswold became executive director of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors in Chicago, then associate dean of formation at Mundelein Seminary, Chicago, for four years.

In 1995, he returned to the Diocese of Trenton to serve as pastor of St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck; diocesan director of continuing education and formation of priests; and president of the Priest Presbyteral Council. Twelve years later, Father Griswold became pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square.

The priest’s study of homiletics led him to earn a doctorate degree in preaching in 2008 from the Aquinas Institute of Theology at St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo., and serve as president of the Catholic Association of Teachers of Homiletics. Father Griswold also pursued studies in the U.S. and around the

The Family of the

world in such fields as the Spanish language, Church management, the Bible and spiritual direction. He is a skilled presenter and published author.

SHARING HIS WORD

Upon his 2009 retirement from pastoral duties in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Father Griswold was invited to join the faculty of St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, as a homiletics professor. Later, he was named the Catholic institution’s vice rector and director of pastoral formation, concluding his duties there in May 2020. Father Griswold moved to St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, as senior priest in residence, where he assists in parish ministries while teaching homiletics on the team of the Institute of Homiletics at the University of Dallas.

The homiletics course, a hybrid continuing education program for priests and deacons, is an integral part of a priest or deacon’s repertoire, he stressed.

“Preaching preparation should receive the highest priority in their weekly schedules. The people of God deserve the best we are capable of providing as preachers,” Father Griswold said. “They look to us to facilitate the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in their lives. That is the reason why they continue to gather to celebrate the Eucharist. This is a great responsibility for priests and deacons.”

Congratulations and best wishes to:

ST. MARY, BARNEGAT

Deacon Joseph A. Vivona~40 years

ST. PIO OF PIETRELCINA/SACRED HEART, BAYHEAD

Fr. Joseph Hlubik~30 years

ST. BARNABAS, BAYVILLE

Fr. Edward Griswold, Retired~50 years

Deacon Peter M. Clausen~40 years

ST. DOMINIC, BRICK

Fr. Marian Kokorzycki~25 years

Deacon Edward Buecker~20 years

ST. THERESA, LITTLE EGG HARBOR

Fr. Dean Gaudio~20 years

ST. MARTHA, POINT PLEASANT

Fr. David Swantek~15 years

ST. JOSEPH, TOMS RIVER

Deacon Michael Taylor~45 years

Deacon Robert M. Barnes~15 years

Deacon Gerard C. Luongo~15 years

Deacon Patrick J. Stesner, Sr.~15 years

ST. JUSTIN THE MARTYR, TOMS RIVER

Fr. Mark Kreder~20 years

ST. LUKE, TOMS RIVER

Fr. Robert Grodnicki~35 years

Deacon Robert Pladek~10 years

ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON, WHITING

Fr. Evarist Kabagambe~20 years

Father Edward J. Griswold

Meeting the Needs

Outreach and service are at the heart of Father Kaeding’s priesthood

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

As Father Robert F. Kaeding reflected on the golden jubilee of his priestly ordination, he cited two blessings that have given him the greatest joy — serving the people in the parishes where he was assigned and building, from scratch, a viable ministry for people living with HIV/AIDS.

“It’s so important that I thank the people who joined me along the way and nourished me,” said Father Kaeding. “They are the ones who made my 50 years of priesthood possible for me.”

Father Kaeding admitted the path he’s traveled since his May 26, 1973, ordination in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, has been quite different from what he envisioned when he began his service as a priest.

PATH OF SERVICE

Born in 1944 in North Plainfield to William and Elizabeth Kaeding, Father Kaeding attended Seton Hall University, South Orange, and Assumption University, Worcester, Massachusetts, earning both a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and a graduate degree in French literature.

Commenting on how “God speaks to us in strange ways,” Father Kaeding said while he had fleeting thoughts about being

50 years

a priest, the thought became more persistent during a visit to New York City and when he met an acquaintance from college who had become a seminarian.

“This time around, the thoughts weren’t fleeting,” he said. “I thought the idea of being a priest would go away, but it didn’t.”

When Father Kaeding began his formation, he considered the Paulist community, but instead chose to remain at home and serve his own Diocese. He began studies in St. Francis Seminary, Loretto, Pa.

After his ordination, he served as chaplain of St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, and as parochial vicar of St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville, and St. Veronica Parish, Howell. He was then named to his first pastorate in St. Anselm Parish, Wayside, during which he was also the chaplain for the Monmouth County Detention Center. For three years he was also director of the new diocesan Office of Parish Life.

During his 20 years in St. Anselm, Father Kaeding saw the parish grow to more than 2,000 families and expand the number of ministries, especially in community outreach efforts.

ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE

In the early 1990s, Father Kaeding was approached by friends who worked in the AIDS clinic in Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune; they asked if the parish could assist with the growing number of people with HIV. Father Kaeding responded by saying the parish would host an information

Father Robert F. Kaeding

With Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., at left, Father Robert F. Kaeding concelebrates Father Brian Butch’s installation Mass June 25 in St. Anselm Parish, Wayside.

Vic Mistretta photos

session, in which about 60 people expressed interest in wanting to help. In 1992, Father Kaeding and volunteers established The Center in Asbury Park to serve people living with HIV/ AIDS in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Father Kaeding was executive director of the agency, eventually located on Third Avenue with expanded services that included 25 housing units for formerly homeless people and those with HIV/AIDS.

In order to direct full attention to The Center’s operation, Father Kaeding was permitted to resign as pastor of St. Anselm Parish in 2004. Seven years later, he returned to parish life, when he was named pastor of Precious Blood Parish, Monmouth Beach, in addition to his duties at The Center.

Father Kaeding witnessed growth in Precious Blood Parish, which reported having 1,182 families and about 400 students in religious education in 2016, the year the parish observed its 125th anniversary. He said he was pleased at how the parishioners willingly became involved in social outreach.

Four years ago, Father Kaeding retired as pastor of Precious Blood Parish but continued to work at The Center until January of this year, when he retired as executive director. Though he still has an office at The Center and he works on occasion, he is more than pleased to let the “great staff and volunteers do their thing.”

In retirement, Father Kaeding celebrates Mass for the Catholic residents of Seabrook, a senior community in Tinton Falls, and is getting ready to move from his Asbury Park apartment to

Villa St. Denis, the Diocese’s newest residence for retired priests in Manasquan.

Reflecting on the challenges he’s encountered in his 50 years, Father Kaeding smiled when he said that the seminary does not provide training on handling the administrative and financial aspects of a parish. And for any men who are considering a vocation, he strongly encourages them to take the time to find out what it all entails.

Congratulations to Deacon William Sepich, (Retired) and Deacon William Gallagher for 35 years of service and Msgr. John Dermond (Retired) for 55 years of service (native son)

Congratulations to Deacon William Sepich, (Retired) and Deacon William Gallagher for 35 years of service and Msgr. John Dermond (Retired) for 55 years of service (native son)

With Best wishes!

With Best wishes!

Fr. Dan Kirk and the Parish Community of St. Charles Borromeo Cinnaminson, New Jersey

Fr. Dan Kirk and the Parish Community of St. Charles Borromeo Cinnaminson, New Jersey

on his 30-year anniversary, and Fr. Bob Kaeding on his 50-year anniversary!

Father Kaeding visits with Bishop O’Connell after Mass June 25 in St. Anselm Church.

Lifelong Learner

Priest Anniversary

50 years

BY DOROTHY K. LAMANTIA  Correspondent

Father Patrick McDonnell has spent 50 years as a priest, and, he says, “I’m still learning.”

Since his retirement in 2019, “Maybe I learned to be more of a listener — some of that has come in retirement,” he said. “I’m no longer calling the shots or seeking approval, so maybe there’s humility.”

Father McDonnell, who worked in parishes in the Dioceses of Paterson and Trenton as well as with migrant farmworkers in Texas, said he continues to learn from gardening, his new passion, and from his fellow priests at Villa Vianney, the diocesan home for retired clergy.

In the company of elderly priests, he said, “You’re looking clearly at the wounds of Christ in the Church ... we see how important people are and to treat them with dignity and care.”

Working in the yard and garden, he said, gives him satisfaction; he likes to plant to bring out things of beauty.

“Weeding and planting is my therapy,” he said. “I pay attention to little things, to birds. People and nature are waiting to be nourished and nurtured. I now have more time to pay greater

attention to God.”

VARIED MINISTRIES

On June 3, Father McDonnell celebrated the golden anniversary of his ordination as priest in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Hightstown, where he served as pastor from 2000 until he retired in 2019.

Born in 1944, Father McDonnell was one of three children of Margaret and Patrick McDonnell, immigrants from Ireland. Of his family home in Elizabeth, just two minutes away from their parish, St. Catherine of Siena, he said, “The seeds were there” for sprouting a vocation to the priesthood.

“There were so many factors — not one thing — which led to my vocation. There was the culture of priests, the parish, the sisters,” as well as “Catholic schooling, Bing Crosby in ‘Going My Way’ contributing to it,” he said. As he matured, frequent participation at Mass and receiving the Eucharist amplified the calling.

He prepared for the priesthood in Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington, and earned a master’s degree in education from St. John’s University, Queens, N.Y.

On May 5, 1973, Father McDonnell was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Paterson by Bishop Lawrence B. Casey. He served as parochial vicar in St. Paul Parish, Prospect Park, and St. Therese Parish, Succansunna.

Looking to be proactive in serving the marginalized, Father McDonnell worked among migrant farmworkers in Texas from 1986 through 1997.

In retirement, Father McDonnell has ‘the gift of paying attention to God’

Father Patrick McDonnell

Father Patrick McDonnell concelebrates Mass with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi June 10 in St. Anthony of Padua Church, Hightstown. Hal Brown photo

In 1997, he returned to New Jersey and served as parochial vicar in Our Lady of Sorrows (now Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony) Parish, Hamilton, and St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Later he was temporary administrator of St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, and St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown.

Incardinated into the Diocese of Trenton in 2001, he was named pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish.

CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE

Reflecting on his half century of service, Father McDonnell shared that his connection with people in his assigned parishes was the foremost source of joy.

“In my first parish, I led the ministry for senior members of the parish. They became like grandparents to me. We got to know and care for each other,” he recalled. “Sometimes the young priest in a parish becomes like a grandson. They were wonderful — a real joy.”

He treasures the memories of his work in southern Texas, where he experienced connection and fellowship with itinerant farmworkers as well as farmers and teachers who resided there.

“[Priests] remember the affirmation of the faithful,” said Father McDonnell. “How they respond to God’s grace is encouraging. In a good faith community where people care for you and you for them, you’ve got family.”

In retirement, he enjoys not having the responsibilities of being a parish administrator and being more available to celebrate Mass for his former parishioners in St. Anthony of Padua or the residents at Morris Hall in Lawrenceville.

He said one challenge of priestly life has been balancing his relationship with people and God.

“Our degree of sharing has limits. It is important to keep healthy friendships with other priests to avoid isolation,” he said.

When advising someone considering the priesthood or religious life, he said he would recommend that the man “talk to a priest or a sister who is happy.

“We all need validating people who love the Lord,” Father McDonnell said. “The best advice I received was, ‘Love the people, and let them love you.’”

The Sacred Heart Parish Family Prayerfully Congratulates

Reverend Monsignor Dennis A. Apoldite

Father McDonnell finds working in the garden at Villa Vianney satisfying, focusing on bringing out “things of beauty.”

Mary Stadnyk photo

On his 45th Anniversary of Ordination and priestly service to the people of God. Thank you for the blessing you are to us.

“The priesthood is the Love of the Heart of Jesus.”

-Saint John Vianney

The People of Sacred Heart Parish Trenton, New Jersey

Learning to listen

Family’s faith, counseling degree helped guide Msgr. Stansley’s life, work

BY THERESA SHUBECK  Correspondent

Parents who wonder about the influence they have over their children’s faith should consider the family life of Msgr. Ralph W. Stansley, who celebrates the 50th anniversary of his ordination this year.

In the Stansleys’ home in Manville, young Ralph’s mother and father always showed concern for family members and others, helping out whenever they could. Their parish life “was part of our family life,” he said, noting that his mother was a Rosarian, and his father was an usher. His parents’ example of being attuned to others’ needs, and their desire to do what they could to help, instilled in Ralph the sensitivity and empathy toward others, which became central to his future priesthood.

Reflecting on his 50 years as a priest, Msgr. Stansley said: “I found joy in being able to help people, whatever their problems might be. It was certainly one of the biggest things for me.”

Inspired by his parents’ model of giving to others and encouraged by priests they knew, he decided to dedicate his life to God. Although he began his journey as a Jesuit novitiate, he realized he’d rather live locally and serve the people of the community where he grew up.

Following his May 19, 1973, ordination by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, his first assignment was as a parochial vicar in Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton, where parishioners found in the priest attentive and attuned, someone who sought to understand and be there for them. It was in this counseling role that he also found his biggest challenges as a priest.

“People came in with problems that I just couldn’t deal with,” he said, noting that, frequently, people’s problems were familial — dealing with elderly parents or siblings.

This challenge of giving sound advice was a prime motivator for him to get

Msgr. Ralph W. Stansley

 Msgr. Ralph W. Stansley distributes Holy Communion in St. James Parish, Pennington. Hal Brown photos

To view more photos visit: trentonmonitor.smugmug.com

 Msgr. Stansley finds that getting to know people first is key to helping them.

his master’s degree in counseling from Iona College, (now Iona University), New Rochelle, N.Y.

“A number of the guys from the Diocese went to Iona as well … We thought it would be beneficial to us helping others.” However, he was surprised to find that his studies “helped me to understand myself better.”

“That really helped us. It’s where I learned how to be a better listener,” he said.

Msgr. Stansley feels that “listening” is a prime factor in truly being able to help someone. “When you see someone in counseling you realize that everyone is so different. Their reasons for coming are so different. You can’t put one thing on it,” he said, noting that even if their problems were similar, they as people were different, making each circumstance unique.

“There is no one that has it all. The important part is being able to listen and, when you have a question, ask it. You really need to get that person talking so that you hear what they are looking for,” he said.

Although Msgr. Stansley did not expect to be appointed director of the diocesan Office of Permanent Deacons in 1995, a role he held for 16 years, he said being a counselor proved fruitful in helping him guide diaconate candidates through their formation.

Other assignments Msgr. Stansley has held include serving as parochial vicar in St. Paul Parish, Princeton, and St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, where he would later serve as pastor, and administrator of St. Pius X Parish, Forked River. As pastor he also served in Our Lady of Sorrows (now part of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony) Parish, Hamilton; St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell, and Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, West Trenton.

Fr. Michael Dunn

Congratulations to your exemplary service of 20 years to the Lord from the parishioners of St. Catherine’s Parish. May God continue to bless you!

Deacon John Orlando

For your dedication and the holy work for our Church, may God bless and reward you on your 20th Anniversary as Deacon. Congratulations from the parishioners of St. Catherine’s Parish!

Fr. James Conover

On this blessed milestone of 45 years of religious service to our Lord, we the parishioners of St. Catherine’s Parish wish you our deepest congratulations and best wishes. God bless you!

The

Family of

Parish Joy

BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent

Just two months after becoming a priest, Father Michael J. Walsh realized his native Ireland had plentiful vocations and his talents were needed elsewhere. A priest friend with a connection in Trenton, as well as his aunt living in Elizabeth, led him to the Garden State and his first American assignment: a six-year term as parochial vicar in St. Raphael Parish (now part of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish), Hamilton.

This July, Msgr. Walsh marked 50 years of being able “to bring God’s message to people in all circumstances of life,” which he called his favorite responsibility during the course of his more than 18,200 days of his priestly service. “God is speaking to us in all those circumstances.”

Born in Limerick in 1949, young Michael’s family lived on a farm and fit prayer into their daily lives. His vocation to the priesthood was a gradual journey, inspired by those his path intersected. One such fellow journeyman was Frank Duff, the founder of the Legion of Mary, who connected him to faithful priests and inspired his enrolling in St. Patrick’s College, Thurles, to study for the priesthood. He was ordained June 9, 1973, and several

months later arrived in Hamilton.

VARIED ASSIGNMENTS

In 1979, just five years after the Second Vatican Council’s restoration of the permanent diaconate, Father Walsh became associate director, and eventually director, of the diocesan office that oversaw these men eager to take their place as God’s servants. He also served as chaplain of Morris Hall Home for the Aged, Lawrenceville, where he said he felt blessed with the priest residents’ stories of faith and inspiration.

He was made a monsignor in 1995 and continued his service to the Diocese, first as pastor of Holy Angels, Hamilton, and St. Mary of the Lake (now part of Our Lady of Guadalupe), Lakewood. The pastorate of St. Mary Parish, Middletown, in 2002 was next; there, he oversaw the construction of a new $12 million physical plant that included a 1,200-seat church, parish offices and a rectory, all to better enable God’s message to flourish among the area’s growing Catholic population.

Msgr. Walsh’s next assignment resembled a shamrock from the land of his birth: three separate parts better served as one. He became pastor of three distinct yet linked communities — St. James, Pennington; St. George, Titusville; and St. Alphonsus, Hopewell. Indicating to all the triune faith congregations were indeed linked and shared one leader, they became known as the “Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley.”

While shepherding the three parishes, Msgr. Walsh also served as episcopal vicar of Mercer County, representing Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., at various events such as celebrating

Msgr. Michael Walsh has shared God’s message for 50 years

Msgr. Michael J. Walsh

Priest Anniversary

50 years

the Sacrament of Confirmation.

When asked to reflect upon the challenges he has encountered during his priesthood, Msgr. Walsh looked to his fellow active brother priests.

CHANGES ABOUND

“There are fewer priests than when I started,” he said. “It didn’t happen overnight, but over the course of my ministry. Now, retired priests still are active; the responsibilities are greater and energy is less.”

Msgr. Walsh’s retirement is in name only: He assists in both St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, and St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, by celebrating daily Mass and alternating weekends. “I love being part of parish life, sharing in the life of the people,” he explained.

As for his counsel to men considering making their own 18,200 days (or more) of a priestly journey, the monsignor advises them to take a measured step.

“I’d encourage them not to feel it’s an impossible mission,” Msgr. Walsh said. “It can be lived, and it is an opportunity to serve God’s people, but do not decide too quickly or too easily. (They should) talk to priests they know, then give it their best shot.”

Msgr. Michael J. Walsh celebrates Mass in St. Catharine Church, Holmdel, where in retirement he has become a weekend assistant. Hal Brown photo

‘Whatever God Wants’

God’s will is focus of Father Alabré’s priesthood

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

Father Pierre-Michel Alabré initially quips that his arrival to the United States from his native Haiti came by way of a vacation, “and I never left.”

Then, with sincerity and gratitude, he speaks about all he’s learned in his almost 25 years of priesthood, the greater part of which has been spent serving in the Diocese of Trenton and among the Haitian Catholic community in Mercer County.

“I want to thank the Diocese of Trenton for allowing me to work as a priest here,” he said, extending appreciation to Bishops John M. Smith and David M. O’Connell, C.M., for their leadership and support of his ministry.

Father Alabré, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, said that, over the years, “I’ve learned many good things. Most important, I learned that the Church is of Jesus Christ” and that the Church addresses many needs as it strives to bring the Gospel into the world.

“It’s not easy today to be a priest and do pastoral work,” he said, “but it’s very good work.”

PRIESTLY JOURNEY

Father Alabré was born in September 1965 in Les Irois, Haiti, and was the oldest of five children. He attributes his decision to become a priest to his upbringing in a devout Catholic home in the Diocese of Jérémie, his Catholic schooling and having a family that was close to the church and active in many minis-

tries. He recalled being an altar server for an Easter Vigil and how inspired he was watching his the pastor preside over “the most beautiful ceremony.”

Priest Anniversary

25 years

“It was then that I knew that was what I wanted to do, I wanted to be a priest,” he said, then admitted that the differing reactions of his parents came as a surprise. While his mother wanted him to be a doctor, his father was encouraging and said that Pierre should do whatever he wanted.

Father Alabré attended a minor seminary for high school, but when his mother died, he was advised by many people to return home to help his father care for his siblings. After several years, his father insisted that he could manage the household on his own and encouraged his son to return to his studies for priesthood.

“My father had always supported me 100%,” he said.

In 1989, at age 24, he joined the Voluntas Dei Institute, District of Haiti. The organization was founded in 1958 in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, by Father Louis-Marie Parent. From there he went to Notre Dame Seminary of Haiti and was ordained a priest Nov. 21, 1998, by Bishop Joseph Willy Romelus.

Following his ordination, the new priest was assigned to head the house of formation for the District of Haiti followed by three years serving in the Diocese of Jacmel. While in Jacmel, he went on vacation to visit a priest-friend in New York who was familiar with the Diocese of Trenton and its Haitian populations.

Upon receiving approval from his home diocese to relocate to the Trenton Diocese, Father Alabré was assigned as parochial vicar to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in inner-city Trenton where, for 11 years, he served with Msgr. John K. Dermond, the parish’s longtime pastor, “who taught me well” as he adapted to

Father Pierre-Michel Alabré, parochial vicar in Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton, celebrates Mass in St. Anthony Church. Hal Brown photos

Father Pierre-Michel Alabré

a new culture and to learning English. After St. Francis closed, Father Alabré was named parochial vicar of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, which became the Haitian community’s new spiritual home.

In 2014, Father Alabré was appointed parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, during which time he attended the graduate school of religion and religious education at Fordham University, New York. The following year, he was transferred to the Diocese of Palm Beach, Fla., serving Haitian communities for five years in two parishes before returning to the Trenton Diocese and resuming his ministry in Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish.

HIS SILVER JUBILEE

“As a priest, I’ve experienced different challenges everywhere I’ve been, but that’s a part of life,” he said. A personal challenge included dealing with the loss of his youngest brother, sister-inlaw and nephew, who died in the magnitude-7 earthquake that devastated Haiti in 2010. His three remaining siblings and their families have since relocated to Massachusetts.

“The time has gone by so fast,” he said of the past 25 years of priesthood. Along with his silver jubilee he said another highpoint this year was his incardination as a priest of the Diocese of Trenton.

Extending appreciation to a host of people “who helped and prayed for me” – priests including Msgr. Dermond and Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony

Parish; the Institute Voluntas Dei; his siblings and the faithful he has encountered, Father Alabre said, “I’m sure they’ll continue to pray for me so that I can fulfill my mission with love and zeal.

‘I want to do whatever God wants,” he said of his vocation.

“Being a priest is a good thing,” he added. “It’s beautiful to serve the Church and to serve God’s people.”

Recently incardinated into the Diocese of Trenton and celebrating 25 years as a priest, Father Alabré greets parishioners following Mass in St. Anthony Church.

To view more photos visit: trentonmonitor.smugmug.com

Father Pierre-Michel Alabré, Parochial Vicar

strengthened his calling.

“I started to realize that God was calling me toward something deeper, and I began surrendering to it,” he said.

TIME OF DISCERNMENT

He was part of a group of Eudist Fathers, the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, which he described as a wonderful experience. Although he loved that community very much, he began to doubt the priesthood was his calling. At one point the rector of the congregation, Father Bernardo Vergara, advised him to go to the United States, where the need for priests was greater –especially for bilingual and Hispanic priests.

Priest Anniversary

25 years

Unending Love of Priesthood

Father Diaz’s 25 years of falling in love with Trenton Diocese

BY AMERIQUIN LACCETTI  Correspondent

When Javier A. Diaz was 17, he attended the “Journey of Life” retreat and came back transformed. Although initially he had agreed to attend only to please his older brother, Father Diaz told The Monitor this was the moment when God made a specific and resounding call to him to be a priest. His mother, a widow of great faith, as well as his brother were instruments of God in his vocational journey, he said when speaking about his first steps toward the priesthood.

Born in Puerto Colombia, Colombia, in 1967, he studied for the priesthood at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá. But long before his studies, he discovered that God, through his various services to the community, was planting in him a desire to serve. He also met priests from his parish whom he admired for their youth group mission works, which greatly

“Javier, don’t waste your vocation. You have a vocation. Go and try,” Father Vergara advised him. This, Father Diaz considers, was an act of God, because “for a Colombian to come to this country is quite difficult. And visas were not easily granted to 20-something Colombians with no money and nothing to offer, with only a few philosophical and theological studies.

“But all the doors opened so easily for me that I can only think that it was God who allowed everything to happen as he wanted,” Father Diaz said. He came to Trenton, and Bishop John C. Reiss listened to him and advised him to keep in touch with the vocation director of that time. The seminarian returned to Colombia, but loved the experience in Trenton.

“Ever since, I have been falling more and more in love with this Diocese. I am happy working in the Diocese of Trenton: Till death do us part,” he said.

Father Diaz made special mention of Msgr. Sam Sirianni, who was pastor of Holy Angels Parish (now part of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish), Hamilton, at the time Fr. Diaz arrived to the U.S.

Father Diaz, who was appointed to serve in Holy Angels Parish, recalled, “At that time, I didn’t know English and he didn’t know Spanish,” Father Diaz said, “but he was very warm and welcoming. …We’ve remained good friends and I will always be grateful to him.”

Once in the U.S., he pursued seminary studies at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md. Bishop John M. Smith ordained him to the priesthood May 16, 1998, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

RICH IN DIVERSITY

Currently, Father Diaz is the pastor of Christ The King Parish in Long Branch, a community where he thoroughly

Father Javier A. Diaz, pastor of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, elevates the Precious Blood during Mass in Our Lady, Star of the Sea Church, one of the parish’s two worship sites. Mike Ehrmann photos

Father Javier A. Diaz

enjoys the diversity. He celebrates Masses in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian, which he loves, but he also admits it can be challenging.

“The difficulty is not so much in learning the languages, because, thank the Lord, he has given me that ease of understanding languages and cultures, but rather in unifying such a diverse community,” he said. “It is not easy, but it is possible, and it fills me with satisfaction to see this unity in the parish. It is very nice, very beautiful, because that is the Kingdom of God. In that diversity one finds great wealth.”

Father Diaz’s past assignments have included serving as parochial vicar of the Trenton cathedral and St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown. He was pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Trenton, before he was assigned to Christ the King Parish.

Father Diaz also pursued graduate studies in canon law at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, Rome, and serves on the diocesan Tribunal.

Father Diaz said he considers what he gives to his community very small compared to the superabundant generosity of God in his life.

“Something that fills me with great satisfaction is when I see the spiritual growth of a person that perhaps I am helping, advising and guiding, and I see in the process of his life the difference from when he began to what he has come to,” he said. “When I see the transformation of a person by the grace of God through the

instrument of my priesthood, that is something incredible.”

Reflecting on those discerning a vocation to priesthood, Father Diaz noted that each person’s call is different.

“God calls to us through the needs of his Church. God places those needs in front of us, and we discover how we want to serve. Do not be afraid,” he said.

From the parishioners and the Parish Staff  of the Church of St. Martha, Point Pleasant

Father Diaz poses for a photo July 2 with a parish family outside Our Lady, Star of the Sea Church, Long Branch.

To view more photos visit: trentonmonitor.smugmug.com

‘pray for them’

Father Marian loves to serve

BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent

Father Marian F. Kokorzycki, while sharing stories from his duties as chaplain in Ocean University Medical Center, Brick, revealed the perfect, one-size-fits-all care package he brings each hospital patient he visits: “Bring your smile and your love, and pray for them.” The Polish cleric has utilized those gifts of cheer and comfort for the past 25 years, both in the Diocese of Trenton and internationally.

Born in Poland in 1959, Father Kokorzycki didn’t immediately hear God’s call to the priesthood, instead working for a newspaper company. “But I met bishops and good priests,” he recalled, “who showed me what being a priest was all about.” Due to his delayed vocation, he was sent to study in Rome; he was ordained at age 39 on May 24, 1998, in Santo Spiritu by Cardinal Zenon Grocholewski.

WEARING MANY HATS

Father Kokorzycki’s introduction to ministry in the United States was at the invitation of then-director of vocations for the Diocese of Trenton, Msgr. Ronald Bacovin. The transition was relatively rapid, he said, recalling, “[The Diocese] was looking for a Polish priest for Lakewood, so I applied for a Visa. I was here for Easter, returned to Poland, then I was back again in June.”

Father Kokorzycki served a total of 14 years in Lakewood as parochial vicar in St. Mary of the Lake Parish (now part of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood) and was incardinated into the Trenton Diocese April 8, 2010. He has held his current position as parochial vicar in St. Dominic Parish, Brick, for three years, and refers to the pastoral staff as “a beautiful team of priests doing God’s work.”

25 years

Learning to juggle parish ministry and chaplain work was a challenge at first, he admitted, “but now I am used to it. It is very important for the patients, for sometimes their friends and family are far away, but the priest can be someone to talk to. I like it. It is an incredible vocation from God.”

SERVICE AND PRAYER

Father Kokorzycki shared two short phrases describing his philosophy on the priesthood: “to love is to serve,” and “no prayer, no priesthood.” He elaborated, “We need saints today to renew the Church again; they are examples of the way to go.

The Internet can be a beautiful thing if you look in the right places. [Reading about] the lives of the saints can help us show the way.”

Father Kokorzycki assists in Sacred Heart Church, Trenton, celebrating Mass in the Polish language three times a month. He spoke joyfully about one of his newest ministries: outreach

Priest Anniversary

Father Kokorzycki, left, is pictured following his May 5, 2019 admission as an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral Basilica of Czestochowa by Archbishop Waclaw Depo, center. Courtesy photo

to the people of El Salvador that have begun to worship in his Brick parish.

“I help them with their Sacraments,” he stated. “One family comes to baptize their child, and then another comes for Confirmation or [to validate] their marriage. I do this with love; I become one of them and sit and listen.”

Father Kokorzycki now flies to El Salvador two or three times a year, each time bringing Rosaries for those in the Central American country. “They are beautiful people in the mountains, and the Church is very strong there. They have a chapel, but sometimes don’t see a priest for months.”

His advice to a man considering the priesthood is to “go on retreats and listen to older priests. The Eucharist is the highway to heaven; don’t be afraid. Always pray for your priests.”

An added joy Father Kokorzycki noted occurred in 2019 when he was bestowed with the title of Honorary Canon of the Chapter of the Cathedral Basilica of Czestochowa by Archbishop Waclaw Depo of Czestochowa, Poland. An honorary canon is a title given by an archbishop or bishop to a priest who has served or is associated with a cathedral or basilica church. The title grants special privileges, including wearing clerical garb that reflects its status, similar to what is worn by a monsignor.

Father Marian Kokorzycki

For 25 years of Faithful Service

Deacon Edward Buecker

For 20 years of Faithful Service Thank

THE PARISH OF St. Elizabeth Ann Seton WHITING

M ay the years ahead be filled with joy and many graces.

Father Kokorzycki poses for a photo with parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, where he celebrates Mass for members of the Polish community. John Batkowski photo

To view more photos visit:

Father Marian F. Kokorzycki

Priest Anniversary

 Ordained May 25, 1968 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr

 Served as parochial vicar in Sts. Philip and James Parish, Phillipsburg; St. James Parish, Pennington, and St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel

Father Antony Poovakulam

 Retired in 2004

 Born 1934 in Kerala, India

 Attended St. Joseph’s College, Kerala, and Dharmaram College Major Seminary in the Archdiocese of Bangalore

 Ordained May 17, 1963, by Bishop Sebastian Valloppally

 In India, he served in the prior general’s house in Kerala

 Incardinated into the Diocese of Trenton Dec. 24, 1988

 Parochial vicar in the parishes of St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Metuchen; Corpus Christi, Willingboro; Immaculate Conception, Spotswood; St. Ann, Browns Mills, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Whiting

60 years Priest Anniversary

55 years

Father Anthony Carotenuto

 Retired in 2013

 Born in 1942 in Freehold

 Prepared for the priesthood in St. Charles College Seminary, Catonsville, Maryland.; St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore. He also pursued further studies in Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington

 Served as pastor of Assumption Parish (now part of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish), New Egypt, St. Anthony of Claret Parish (now part of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish), Lakewood, and St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank

 Other assignments include serving as vocations director in Warren County; director of Pre-Cana in Hunterdon and Warren Counties, and a member of the Priests’ Continuing Education Committee

Msgr. John K. Dermond

 Retired in 2013

 Born in 1942 in Camden and raised in Riverton

 Prepared for the priesthood in St. Charles College Seminary, Catonsville, Md., and St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, and earned a bachelor’s degree and bachelor’s degree in sacred theology; holds a licentiate in canon law from The Catholic University of America, Washington

 Ordained May 25, 1968, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr

 Served as parochial vicar in the parishes of Our Lady of Mount Virgin, Middlesex; Blessed Sacrament, Trenton, and St. Ann, Lawrenceville

 Served as pastor of St. Francis of Assisium, Trenton; administrator of St. Joseph Parish, Trenton, and rector of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton

 Served in Diocesan Tribunal for more than 40 years, 33 of which was as diocesan judicial vicar.

 Other appointments include chaplain of the diocesan Catholic Committees on Scouting; chaplain of the Court Columbus, Catholic Daughters of the Americas; diocesan marriage preparation program; member of the diocesan committee for the Common Policy on Marriage Preparation; diocesan Engaged Encounter and Pre-Cana teams; diocesan presbyteral council; a canonical advisor at the Fourth Diocesan Synod;

diocesan ecumenical commission; spiritual assistant to Secular Franciscan fraternities in the City of Trenton; priest-moderator of the Mercer county Federation of Holy Name Societies

 Named a Prelate of Honor to His Holiness by Pope John Paul II in 1983

 After retiring from full-time ministry as judicial vicar in 2013, he continues to work part-time on the Tribunal staff and helps with Masses and other sacramental celebrations in area Trenton parishes

 Has held various positions on the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, including his active membership of the group’s advisory board. Is also a member of the Region III Catholic Committee on Scouting and the diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, and has served on the board of Cathedral Square Senior Citizens Housing

Father Michael S. Vona

 Retired in 2011

 Born in 1932 in South Amboy

 Served in U.S. Army during the Korean War

 Prepared for priesthood in Mount St. Mary College and Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md.,

 Ordained May 25, 1968 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr

 Pursued graduate work in Princeton Theological Seminary

 Served as parochial vicar in the parishes of St. James, Jamesburg; Sacred Heart, Trenton; St. Dorothea, Eatontown; Holy Cross, Rumson, and Sacred Heart, Riverton

 Served as temporary administrator in the parishes of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Maple Shade, and Ascension (now part of St. Teresa of Calcutta), Bradley Beach, before he was named pastor. Also served as pastor of St. Catherine of Siena, Farmingdale

 Other appointments include director of the Monmouth County CYO; the Diocesan Liturgy Commission

 Also taught in St. Leo’s College in Florida

Msgr. Dennis A. Apoldite

 Currently, pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, and episcopal vicar of Mercer County

 Born in 1951 in Trenton

 Attended Mount St. Mary University and Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md.

 Earned an undergraduate degree in social welfare and a master’s degree in theology

 Ordained May 20, 1978, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr



Served as parochial vicar in the parishes of Our Lady of Sorrows (now part of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony), Hamilton; St. Ann, Lawrenceville; St. Veronica, Howell, and Sacred Heart, Trenton

 Served as pastor of Sacred Heart, Trenton; St. Mary, Middletown; St. Alphonsus, Hopewell; returned to serve as pastor of Sacred Heart, Trenton, which merged with other area parishes – Divine Mercy, Trenton, and Blessed Sacrament-Our Lady

of the Divine Shepherd, Trenton

 Other appointments include member of the Council of Priests, chaplain of Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville; Catholic chaplain of the Trenton Police Department and New Jersey State Prison; director of Recruitment for Vocations for the Diocese; member of the Episcopal Council and secretary of the Mercer County CYO board of trustees

 Appointed episcopal vicar of Mercer County in July, 2021

 Named a Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of Monsignor by Pope Francis in November 2021

Father James A. Conover

 Currently, pastor, St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold

 Born in 1949 in Neptune

 Attended Monmouth College (now University), West Long Branch, and Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood

 Prepared for the priesthood in Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md.

 Holds masters’ degrees in theology and in dogmatic theology

 Ordained May 20, 1978, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr

 Served as parochial vicar in the parishes of St. Mary, Middletown; St. Veronica, Howell; St. Raphael (now part of St. Ra-

Gracious and loving God, we

thank you for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in the Sacraments. Help our priests to be strong in their vocation. Set their souls on fire with love for your people. Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom. Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel. Allow them to experience joy in their ministry. Help them to become instruments of your divine grace. We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest. Amen. –USCCB

phael-Holy Angels), Hamilton, and St. Joseph (now part of Our Lady of Fatima), Keyport

 Served as pastor of St. Catherine Laboure, Middletown

 Served as administrator of St. Rose of Lima Parish before he was named pastor

 Other appointments include the diocesan Liturgical Commission, Engaged Encounter team, chaplain in Mater Dei High School, Middletown, and St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel

 Served as organist for the Diocesan Festival Choir for more than 25 years

40 years

Trinitarian Father Stan DeBo e

 Currently, pastor, Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing

 Born September 1956

 Profession of First Vows in the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives, August 1978

 Final Vows September 1978

 Priestly Ordination June 4, 1983

 Education, undergraduate studies, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, Pa; undergraduate degree, Towson University, Towson, Maryland 1979; master’s degree, theology, Washington Theological Union, 1987



Assignments: Faculty at DeMatha Catholic High School, Hyattsville, Md., 1978-1984; director of religious education/youth minister, Holy Redeemer Parish, College Park Md,1982-1984; faculty, McCorristin Catholic High School, Hamilton, 19841985; Holy Rosary Parish, Perth Amboy,

Continued from 41

1985-1986; director of the Ministry to the Persecuted Church, 1987; Staff of Rep. Christopher Smith, Foreign Affairs, 19921998; Catholic Charities, USA. Bernardin Fellow, 1998-2000; Justice and Peace Director, Conference of Major Superiors of Men, 2000-2005; Praesidium, Inc., Safety Specialist, 2005-2007; pastor, Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Victoria, Texas 2007-2013; Vocation Director for the Trinitarians, 20132016; chaplain, St. Martin’s Home, Little Sisters of the Poor, Baltimore, 2014-2020; pastor, Incarnation-St. James, Ewing-Trenton, 2020-present

 Formation director and on the Trinitarian Leadership Team at various times

Father Leandro Dela Cruz

 Currently, pastor, St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville

 Born in 1955 in Gubat, Sorsogon, Philippines

 Attended St. Gregory the Great Minor Seminary in the Philippines; Divine Word College of Legazpi and Divine Word Seminary, Tagatay City

 Earned licentiate in canon law from the Universita della Santa Croce (University of the Holy Cross), Rome, Italy

 Ordained Oct. 23, 1983, in St. Gregory the Great Cathedral, Albay, Philippines, by Bishop Concordio Ma. Sarte

 In the Philippines, served as parochial vicar in four parishes, as pastor in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, and rector of the St. Gregory the Great Minor Seminary. For the Diocese of Legazpi, he served for

six years as judge in the metropolitan tribunal and as a member of the diocesan commission for liturgy, the laity, the synod, evangelization and canon law and the presbyteral council

 Arrived in the Trenton Diocese in 2004 and served as an adjunct priest or parochial vicar in the parishes of Holy Name (now part of Resurrection Parish), Delran; St. Mary of the Lake (now part of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish), Lakewood; St. Raphael (now part of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish), Hamilton; St. Jerome, West Long Branch, and St. Mary, Deal (both are now part of Our Lady of Hope Parish, West Long Branch), and St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton Square

 Incardinated into the Diocese in 2010 and named administrator of St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville

 Served as regional representative of the National Association of Filipino Priests in America and an officer in the Filipino Clergy Association of the Americas

 Appointed Vicar Forane (Dean) of Northern Mercer County, July 1, 2023

Father Jacek W. Labinski

 Currently, pastor, St. Hedwig Parish, Trenton

 Born in 1957 in Zielona Gora, Poland

 Attended the seminary at Goscikowo-Paradyz

 Ordained May 29, 1983, by Bishop Wilhelm Pluta in Zielona Gora, Poland

 Following his ordination he served as parochial vicar in Christ the King Parish, Gorzow, Poland

 Arrived to the Trenton Diocese in August 1985

 Former parochial vicar in All Saints Parish (now part of St. Katharine Drexel Parish), Burlington; St. Mary of the Lake Parish (now part of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish), Lakewood; St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown

 Former administrator then pastor of All Saints Parish (now part of St. Katharine

Drexel Parish), Burlington

 On April 1, 2005, he was bestowed the tile of Honorary Canon in the Co-Cathedral Church of St. Hedwig in Zielona Gora by Bishop Adam Dyczowski

 Holds a master’s degree in theology from Georgian Court University, Lakewood, and a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of Opole, Poland

 Other appointments included chaplain for the St. Hedwig Council, Knights of Columbus, Trenton; the Diocesan Presbyteral Council and vice dean of the North Trenton Deanery; member of College of Consultors; chaplain in the Polish organization, Good Samaritan, helping children orphans in Uganda and Cameroon; chaplain of the Polish organization, Polish, Children’s Hotline, helping children with heart problems in Poland

35 years

Father Stanley W. Krzyston

 Currently, pastor, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Yardville

 Born in 1953 in Philadelphia

 Attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Va.; earned a bachelor of arts degree from Temple University, Philadelphia

 Taught in Bergen County program for socially disadvantaged boys; was a physical education instructor in St. Joseph Preparatory Seminary, Princeton; was a gym teacher in St. Paul School, Princeton

 Prepared for the priesthood in Pope John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, Pa.,

where he received a Master of Divinity degree

 Ordained May 14, 1988, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop John C. Reiss

 Served as parochial vicar in St. Joseph Parish, Toms River; Holy Angels Parish (now St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish), Hamilton, and administrator of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, before being named pastor

 Diocesan appointments include Scouting chaplain for Ocean County; a pro-life chaplain for Ocean County; a county youth spiritual director for the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry; the board of recruitment for vocations; master of ceremonies for Bishop John C. Reiss; chaplain for the Serra Club of Mercerville

Father Damian J. McElroy

 Currently, pastor, St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake

 Born in Newry, Northern Ireland in 1963

 Attended Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland where he studied educational theory and philosophy

 Prepared for priesthood in Gregorian University, Rome

 Ordained June 26, 1988, in Newry Cathedral of Sts. Patrick and Colman by Bishop Francis Gerard Brooks

 Assignments in Ireland included vicar for education in St. Colman’s College; St. Peter’s, Lurgan; St. Colman’s Newry

 Arrived to the Diocese of Trenton in 1996 and served as parochial vicar in St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant, and St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square

 Incardinated a priest of the Diocese in 2004

 Served as administrator and then pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown

 Other appointments include serving as dean of the Southern Burlington Deanery for a three-year term

Father Brian Butch

 Currently, pastor, St. Anselm Parish, Wayside

 Born in Jersey City in 1961

 Attended Monmouth University, West Long Branch, received a Master of Arts in criminal justice; Fordham University, New York, Master of Social Work, individual and family social work; George Mason University, Fairfax, Va., Bachelor of Science in social work

 Prepared for priesthood in Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., master of divinity degree

 Ordained May 15, 1993, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop John C.

Reiss

 Served as parochial vicar in St. Ann Parish Keansburg; St. Paul Parish, Princeton, and St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold

 Served as pastor of Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune

 Diocesan positions include director of Catholic Relief Services/Catholic Campaign for Human Development

 Earned state certification as a licensed clinical social worker and school social worker

 Work experience includes therapist in The Samaritan Center at the Jersey Shore Manasquan; director, Neptune Township Department of Senior Services and Senior Center; associate parole board member, New Jersey State Parole Board; board of trustees chair and vice chair of the board of trustees, Brookdale Community College, Lincroft

 Social work/teaching experience includes adjunct faculty member, Monmouth Uni-

versity, West Long Branch; social worker for Counseling Services and Beacon House

Father Joseph G. Hlubik

 Currently, pastor, St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette, and Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head

 Born in 1954 in Trenton

 Attended Rutgers University’s Cook College and Michigan State University

 Prepared for the priesthood in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore

 Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Pa., May 15, 1993, by Bishop Joseph Adamac

 Served in Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown parishes of Our Lady of Victory and St. Rose of Lima, as well as Catholic chaplain in Pennsylvania State University

 Other appointments include: a year with the Marianist community in Boston where he was chaplain in Massachusetts General Hospital and New England Baptist Hospital and Bentley College, Waltham, Mass.

 Returned to the Trenton Diocese in 2002 and incardinated a priest of the Diocese in 2006

 Served as parochial vicar in Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown; St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown; St. Andrew Parish, Jobstown; St. Clare Parish, Florence; Holy Assumption Parish, Roebling

 Served as administrator of St. Andrew Parish, Jobstown (now part of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt)

 Served as pastor of St. Mary Parish, Bordentown, and Holy Assumption Parish, Roebling (now both part of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown)

 Other appointments in the Trenton Diocese include serving for almost 10 years as Catholic chaplain in The College of New Jersey, Ewing, and Trenton Psychiatric Hospital, Trenton

 Named a “Missionary of Mercy” in 2015 by Pope Francis

30 years

20 years

 Currently, parochial vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual HelpSt. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands

 Born in 1957

 Attended Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

 Prepared for seminary in Moreau Seminary at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind.; Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange

 Ordained May 15, 1993, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop John C. Reiss

 Served as parochial vicar in St. Mary Parish, Middletown; St. Mary of the Lake (now part of Our Lady of Guadalupe) Parish, Lakewood; Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, and St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft

 Served as administrator then pastor in St. Anselm Parish, Wayside

 Other positions include serving as chaplain in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel; vice chairperson of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission and a committee member for the Review of Diocesan Policies

15 years

10 years

Father David Swantek pastor, St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant

Father Evarist Kabagambe pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting

Priest Anniversary

Priest Anniversary

Father Michael Dunn pastor, St. John Neumann Parish, Mount Laurel

Father Patrick McPartland pastor, St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel

Father Carlos Aguirre pastor, Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton

Father Mark Kreder, pastor, St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River

Priest Anniversary

Father Jorge Bedoya pastor, Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly

Father Dean Gaudio parochial vicar, St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor

Father Robert Holtz pastor, St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt

Father Eugene Vavrick

Priest Anniversary

5 years

Deacon George Kelder Deacon John Little Deacon Kevin Smith

Father Christopher Dayton

parochial vicar, St. Paul Parish, Princeton and associate diocesan director for Real Estate and Property

Additional copies of this commemorative magazine are available from The Monitor at a cost of $5 per copy to cover printing and postage. To place your order, call the Circulation Desk at 609-4037169 or email us at Monitor-Business@ dioceseoftrenton.org.

This keepsake booklet is also available digitally at TrentonMonitor.com

Father Garry Koch pastor, St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel

Father Nicholas Dolan parochial vicar, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank

Father James Smith administrator, St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton

Congratulations ON YOUR ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY

5 YEARS

FR. CHRIS DAYTON

Ordained June 2, 2018

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR YOUR TIRELESS MINISTRY TO OUR PARISH AND SCHOOL TO

Ad multos annos!

ST. PAUL PARISH & SCHOOL

THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF PRINCETON

Lives of Faith Deacon MILESTONES

Deacon Anniversary 25 years

Deacon Rene Perez

 Retired, serving in St. Aloysius Paris, Jackson

 Born in Manila, Philippines, in 1951

 Wife: Edna; two children – Ranier, 43, and Rachelle, 41; four grandchildren and five siblings

 Attended Lourdes Catholic School, Manila, Philippines, for both grammar school and high school, graduating in 1969

 Attended Ateneo de Manila University, Manila, Philippines, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 1973

 Attended the Graduate School of Business, Ateneo de Manila University, Manila, earning an MBA degree in 1977

 Arrived in the United States in 1983; lived in Freehold and attended St. Rose of Lima Parish, before moving to Jackson and joining St. Aloysius Parish

 Worked as a Corporate Controller, retiring in 2021

 Ordained May 9, 1998, by Bishop John M. Smith

 Started formation in the diaconate in St. Rose of Lima Parish and School, served in youth ministry, the finance council for St. Rose of Lima School and was parish business manager for St. Rose of Lima in Freehold, St. Joseph Parish in Keyport and St. Jerome Parish in West Long Branch for some years. In St. Aloysius, served in many ministries included the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, marriage prep and the baptismal prep team.

When reflecting on what has been most meaningful about serving as a deacon, Deacon Perez said that it has “brought me to a deeper appreciation of what it means to have a relationship with the Lord. I see serving others as my way of giving back to the Lord for all of the blessings he has given me in my life.”

Deacon Andrew A. Sabados, Sr. (Retired)

 St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square

 Born in Pottsville, Pa., in 1942

 Wife: Grace Ann; three children – Lisa Ann, Michaelene and Andrew; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren

 Attended Mercer County Community College and Trenton State

College (now The College of New Jersey), Ewing

 Employed by The Coca-Cola Company as quality assurance manager

 Ordained May 9, 1998, by Bishop John M. Smith

 Ministered as bereavement ministry facilitator, lector, Eucharistic Minister and youth advisor in St. Gregory the Great Parish

“Throughout my life I have been blessed with opportunities to have a good life,” said Deacon Sabodas. “Being ordained a deacon gave me many chances to make a difference in someone else’s life as I ministered for 25 years to the residents of nursing homes, facilitated the bereavement ministry with my wife and an opportunity to preach God’s Word to my parish family.”

Deacon Eugene A. Somma

 Christ the King Parish, Long Branch

 Born in Orange in 1947

 Never married

 Attended Kean University (Newark State)

 Employed in Long Branch public schools as 5th grade teacher for 54 years

 Ordained May 9, 1998, by Bishop John M. Smith

 Served also in St. Michael Parish, West End, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands; ministered as youth group advisor, head of liturgy, religious education teacher, RCIA leader instructor, St. Vincent de Paul chaplain, liaison to Rosary Altar Society, coordinator of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Baptism class instructor, and producer of fundraising concerts

“My faith has certainly become stronger,” said Deacon Somma. “Being a deacon allows me to assist people and families through their cycle of life from Baptism to burial. I am better able to see the needs of people in my community and better being able to assist them. I have learned a great deal about leadership, Scripture, the Church, and God. I am very lucky to have been able to share tragically sad moments and moments of great joy that the people of God experience.”

45 years

40 years

 Jesus the Good Shepherd Parish, Beverly

Deacon Anniversary

Deacon Eduardo Trani

Deacon Stanley Orkis Sacred Heart, Mount Holly

Deacon Michael Taylor

St. Joseph, Toms River Deacon Anniversary

Deacon Guido J. Mattozzi

Our Lady of the Angels, Trenton

Deacon Peter M. Clausen (retired)

St. Barnabas, Bayville

Deacon James H. Cummings

St. Barnabas, Bayville

Deacon Joseph A. Vivona St. Mary, Barnegat

35 years

Deacon Anniversary

20 years

Deacon William Moore Hank

St.

Deacon Kevin J. O’Boyle

Our Lady of SorrowsSt. Anthony, Hamilton

Deacon Anniversary

30 years

Deacon

St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton Square

Deacon Michael J. O’Brien

St. Ann, Browns Mills

Deacon

St. Catharine-St. Margaret, Spring Lake

Deacon Donald M. Policastro

Our Lady of Fatima, Keyport

Deacon William Sepich (retired)

St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson

Deacon Barry Tarzy St. Joan of Arc, Marlton

Deacon Joseph Hepp St. John the Baptist, Allentown

Deacon John Orlando St. Catherine Laboure, Middletown

Deacon Edward Buecker St. Dominic, Brick

Deacon Michael J. Hagan Corpus Christi, Willingboro

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

Deacon George Kelder

St. Denis, Manasquan

Joseph Latini

John L. Little

Deacon James R. Davis St. Thomas More, Manalapan

Deacon Thomas Watkins (retired) St. Hedwig, Trenton

Deacon James J. Knipper St. Paul, Princeton

Deacon James Scott, III St. Ann, Lawrenceville

10 years

15 years

Deacon Gerard C. Luongo

St. Joseph, Toms River

Deacon Charles Moscarello (retired) Sacred Heart, Mount Holly

Deacon Kevin M. Smith

St. William the Abbot, Howell

Sacred Heart, Riverton

St. Joseph, Toms River

Deacon George Prevosti (retired)

St. William the Abbot, Howell

Deacon Patrick J. Stesner, Sr. St. Joseph, Toms River

Deacon Richard Benner (on leave) Jesus the Good Shepherd, Beverly

Deacon David Colter St. Raphael-Holy Angels, Hamilton

Deacon Anniversary

Deacon Anniversary

Deacon Robert M. Barnes

Deacon Henry Cugini St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold

Deacon Robert J. Bednarek

SISTER MARCIA HALL

Continued from 4

not happen until almost four decades later when it was the mid-1990s and she was in her 40s. Her experiences after grammar school included graduating from Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Princeton, where she attended high school, and leaving the Trenton area to pursue studies in sociology at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. She worked in the education field, both teaching and in administrative positions, and spent several years as a college professor.

While serving on the faculty of Simmons College in Boston, Sister Marcia said thoughts of becoming a sister resurfaced and she began the discernment process, spending time in prayer and making weekly commutes to the motherhouse in Baltimore. In 1997, she realized the only way she would definitely know if she had a vocation was if she moved to Baltimore and lived and worked among the sisters.

For her, the biggest challenge she found was relinquishing her independence after having lived on her own for almost 20 years. “When you live by yourself you can do what you want. …You can’t do that in community life,” she said, then noted that among the challenges she encountered was transitioning from teaching at the college level to teaching grammar school students.

Sister Marcia entered the community as a postulant in 1998; became a novice in 1999; made her first profession of vows in 2001, and final vows in 2006. Since then, she’s held various positions including serving as principal of St. Frances Academy, Baltimore, the oldest black Catholic school in the country, founded in 1828 by Mother Mary

Lange. Sister Marcia’s current duties include serving on the community’s leadership team, as motherhouse coordinator and liturgy coordinator, and as vocation director. She also serves as a guide for Venerable Mary Lange tours and pilgrimages.

She noted that there are currently five women who entered the congregation during her time as vocation director and that there are other sisters in various stages of formation, one of whom will profess final vows on Aug. 14 and a postulant who will become a novice on Aug. 25.

“We pray for all the women who are discerning a vocation with our congregation,” she said.

For any woman who is discerning a call to religious life, Sister Marcia advises that she prays unceasingly and asks others to pray with and for her; finds a spiritual director who can aid in the discernment process; reads VISION magazine, which has helpful articles written in English and Spanish by religious men and women; listens regularly to the podcast, “A Nun’s Life,” and talks with/visits as many communities as possible.

“Being in community has provided the most enjoyment, many blessings and the most challenges,” said Sister Marcia, adding how humbling it was for her to be an Oblate Sister of Providence as the community celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2004 and processing into the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary to a standing ovation.

More recently, she said, “I was proud to be a daughter of Mary Lange on June 22 when Pope Francis declared her Venerable.

“It means that after 30 years, she is one step closer to sainthood,” Sister Marcia said, “and now more people want to know who she is and why she is important.”

Deacon Michael Lee Foster St. Thomas More, Manalapan

Deacon Thomas J. Knowles

St. John Neumann, Mount Laurel

Deacon Matthew Nicosia

St. Thomas More, Manalapan

Deacon Robert B. Pladek

St. Luke, Toms River

Deacon Charles Raylman, III St. Ann, Browns Mills

Deacon Richard G. Roenbeck St. Gabriel, Marlboro

Deacon Louis Esposito St. Veronica, Howell

The clergy, staff and parishioners of St. Rose of Lima Parish extend their sincerest congratulations to Fr. James Conover on the 45th anniversary of his priestly ordination.

Riverton, NJ extend their sincerest

Riverton, NJ extend their sincerest

Thank you for your dedicated service to God’s people and may God bless you as you have blessed others.

Congratulations to Deacon Robert Bednarek on the 10th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Diaconate.

Congratulations to Deacon Robert Bednarek on the 10th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Diaconate. We are grateful for Deacon’s Bob’s many years of service. May God’s blessing continue to be upon him.

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

St. Catharine- St. Margaret Parish Family

his 35th

Father Chuck, staff and parishioners of Sacred Heart Church

Father Chuck, staff and parishioners of Sacred Heart Church

Reverend Damian McElroy on

Anniversary Deacon John Little on his 20th Anniversary &

Several cakes with meaningful messages were part of the June 17 social for Msgr. Sean Flynn who retired as pastor of St. Mark Parish, Sea Girt. Mike Ehrmann

Time To Party!

There was quite a bit of partying going on around the Diocese during May and June as parishioners celebrated milestone anniversaries and retirements with their beloved priests. Check out this sampling of photos.

Following the Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus on June 11 in Holy Eucharist Church, Tabernacle, an outdoor gathering was held on the parish grounds during which Father Andrew Jamieson, shown right, was honored on his upcoming retirement as pastor. Here he is greeted by his successor, Father Michael McClane, who became pastor as of July 1. Jessica Garrett photo

Michael J. Walsh was feted on his 50th anniversary of priestly ordination June 11. Following a Mass of Thanksgiving he celebrated in St. James Church, Pennington, a gathering was held in the parish hall.

Scores of parishioners from St. Issac Jogues Parish, Marlton, and St. John Neumann Parish, Mount Laurel, attended a special dinner honoring Father Phillip Pfleger who retired as pastor on July 1. Facebook photo

photo

Msgr.

Courtesy photo

OF LIFE.”

With much gratitude, the Saul Family and Staff of Saul Funeral Homes extend

Monsignor Dennis Apoldite

Father Timothy Capewell

Father Leandro D ela Cruz

Father J ac e k Labinski

Father Stanley Krzyston

Father Damian McElroy

Father Robert Holtz

Deacon Guido Mattozzi

heartfelt congratulations to:

Deacon Joseph Hepp

Deacon Joseph Latini

Deacon Kevin O'Boyle

Deacon David Colter

and to all of the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton who are celebrating milestone anniversaries of devotion in 2023.

“GRATITUDE UNLOCKS THE FULLNESS