Faith Into Service ANNUAL REPORT | 2021-2022
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
A year ago, we emerged from the pandemic to face financial struggles and the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Many people desired to give witness to hope and hungered for something even more in life. For us as disciples of Jesus, this hope and hungering found comfort in encountering and embracing our Eucharistic Lord.
In September, as we made our diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. for the close of the 40th Anniversary of our Diocese of Metuchen, I witnessed how our loving God impacts so many of us. In the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio, our Holy Father’s representative to the United States, faces from all four counties glanced at our Eucharistic Lord in the stillness of the celebration while joyfully celebrating our diverse charisms and lives all rooted in Him—indeed, a great moment to thank God for what He has done in our lives and in our local Church.
One of my joys as your Bishop are the visits I am able to make to our parishes and communities; I certainly am blessed and grateful to see you living your discipleship and witnessing to Jesus through lives of faith and service. Your witness and sacrifices have made our Eucharistic Lord known and loved in our communities and throughout New Jersey. That is such a wonderful blessing.
This Annual Report is a reflection of that Eucharistic encounter we all share and the results of it. As you will see and read, our mission continues to grow and impact many lives. By the movement of the Holy Spirit and our sacrificial works in evangelization, we have begun to carry out the National Eucharistic Revival and renew our devotion to the great gift given to us in the Blessed Sacrament. Yes, we, too, face continued challenges, but gratefully our Lord continues to stay with us and renew us.
Your fidelity to our Lord and His Church and your attentiveness to the movement of the Holy Spirit in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties is so encouraging and makes a difference. Indeed, through our Blessed Mother's intercession and the sacrificial love of each of us, our world discovers the true hope of the world – Jesus Christ.
As I, too, return to the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, know that I bring you all to the celebration of the Mass and the quiet moments of adoration. As our revival moves into our parishes and communities, may we each respond to the gift of the Eucharist in our own way and continue to give witness to our Lord and His beautiful works. Thank you for all you are and do. Please keep our diocesan priorities of prayer, vocations and the works of Mercy in mind as we embrace the Eucharistic Revival, and know of my love, prayers and gratitude for you.
With renewed best wishes, I remain
Yours in Christ
DIOCESE OF METUCHEN | 2021-2022 | 2
Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen
At A Glance:
The Heart of Our Mission
The Diocese of Metuchen proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ, celebrates His Sacraments and exercises His works of mercy so that all might participate in His salvation and discover the lasting joy of a relationship with Him.
The Diocese of Metuchen encompasses the New Jersey counties of Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren. Here is an ‘at a glance’ view of the Diocese in 2022
636,728
CATHOLICS
DIOCESE
METUCHEN BAPTISMS 3,287 FIRST COMMUNIONS 2,880 CONFIRMATIONS 3,084 MARRIAGES 640 PARISHES 90 SCHOOLS 26 CHARITY & JUSTICE CENTERS 9 CATHOLIC HOSPITALS 1 NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS 1 TRANSITIONAL DEACONS 1 SEMINARIANS 21 MEN ORDAINED TO THE PERMANENT DIACONATE 15 MEN IN FORMATION FOR THE DIACONATE 16 STUDENTS IN PARISH FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS 24,663 CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS 1,862 CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM PRE-K-8 5,246
IN THE
OF
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What’s New
Our Mission in 2021-2022
NATIONALEUCHARISTICREVIVAL:
Launched in June 2022, the National Eucharistic Revival is a three year movement to deepen our relationships to the Eucharist. The first year (June 2022- June 2023) the diocesan phase, witnessed a series of lectures and other events sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen.
In the second year, the parish phase, which will begin in June 2023, each parish, having turned to the Holy Spirit for prayer and guidance, will foster Eucharistic devotion in our own communities, strengthening our liturgical life through reverent and faithful celebration of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, parish missions, and providing catechesis through talks, resources, and preaching.
STEWARDSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT:
The Office of Stewardship and Development converted to Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, as the main database for the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. This system will help the Diocese of Metuchen manage our parishioner records. Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge is also a data analysis and reporting tool, which will help the Office of Stewardship and Development be more transparent with the parishes regarding the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
Furthermore the Office of Development has increased its focus on marketing planned giving, for the Diocese of Metuchen and the individual parishes.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS:
The mission of our schools is to form Disciples of Christ in a Catholic atmosphere where children can grow in faith, excel in academics and serve others. Our students have reaped the benefits of consistent, rigorous, in person instruction over the past few years and perform above the national average in reading and mathematics as seen in standardized testing results. Our dedicated teachers and administrators work tirelessly to ensure the growth of all students in mind, body and spirit by providing an education that combines Catholic faith and teachings with academic excellence.
CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION:
After undergoing an extensive independent audit of its compliance with child and youth protection policies, the Diocese of Metuchen was found to be compliant with all audited Articles within the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for the audit period of July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021. The Diocese submits to an onsite audit by an independent auditing firm every three years and submits yearly to a data collection audit by the USCCB. The audit report for the time period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022 has been submitted to both the USCCB and the independent auditors and is currently under review.
THE DIOCESAN PHASE - SYNOD ON SYNODALITY:
Beginning in January 2022, a Diocesan Synod Planning Committee began the journey of planning and conducting local meetings as part of the diocesan phase of the Synod on Synodality. In addition to the 25 deanery and parish listening sessions, 8 sessions were held for the Spanish-speaking community with 245 people participating. Listening sessions were also held for teachers in 17 of the 23 Catholic elementary schools and both diocesan High Schools with approximately 422 participants. High School students, college students and youth group members had approximately 256 participants. There were 128 on-line questionnaire respondents.
A total of approximately 1800 people from across the diocese participated in the diocesan phase of the synod process resulting in over 3000 pages of results which the Planning Committee synthesized into a Diocesan Report. Many ideas and thoughts were expressed during the local phase of the synod process. The Diocesan Report was submitted to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in June 2022.
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Financial Summary
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022
ASSETS 2022
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Accounts and loans receivable from parishes, net
Contributions receivable, net
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Notes Receivable, net
Investments held primarily for parishes, cemeteries, perpetual care, insurance reserves and donor restricted funds
Inventory of Crypts Property and equipment, net
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 2022
LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Deferred revenue and support
Custodial Funds
Clergy retirement & post retirement obligations
Loans payable
Self-Insurance Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) reserves
Obligation due under split-interest agreements
Funds held for parishes, parish cemeteries and affiliates
TOTAL LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
Without donor restrictions
With donor restrictions
TOTAL NET ASSETS
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
TOTAL
23,801,743 13,470,738 432,854 3,095,926 13,060,571 204,570,135 7,557,620 16,705,186 282,694,773 $ $
ASSETS
5,831,086 175,654 1,566,746 24,469,565 17,327,320 22,549,734 46,816 85,575,863 157,542,784 123,306,060 1,845,929 125,151,989 282,694,773 $ $ $ $ $
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OPERATING SUPPORT & REVENUE 2022
FY 21-22: Program Revenue Assessments
Bishop’s Annual Appeal Cemeteries Investment Income Donations
Net Unrealized Investment Lossess
OPERATING SERVICES
FY
Paid
Parish/Cemetery/Affiliate Interest on Deposits, School and Catholic Spirit Subsidies
Parish, Cemetery & Diocesan Support Services
Priestly Ministry and Formation Diocesan Properties Operations,
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS 2022
Operating support and revenue
Operating services
Decrease in unrestricted net assets from operations
Non-operating revenue
Decrease in net assets
Net assets, beginning of the year
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 2022
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net cash used by investing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Supplemental Data:
Paid
& Bequests
30,484,790 8,157,200 8,368,216 4,098,580 12,055,307 1,045,598 64,209,691 (51,240,717) 12,968,974 $ $ 47% 13% 13% 6% 19% 2% 100%
2022
21-22: Health Insurance and Property & Liability Insurance Claims/Premiums
Pastoral Cemeteries
Maintenance and
Catholic Charities Development 27,519,904 7,920,998 2,471,526 2,876,775 3,068,338 5,625,630 4,270,098 1,700,000 1,234,494 56,687,763 $ $ 49% 14% 4% 5% 5% 10% 8% 3% 2% 100%
Depreciation
12,968,974 56,687,763 (43,718,789) 7,741,489 (35,977,300) 161,129,289 125,151,989 $ $ $ $ $
Interest
22,083,201 (20,237,644) 2,087,588 3,933,145 19,868,598 23,801,743 2,978,986 $ $ $ $ $ DIOCESE OF METUCHEN | 2021-2022 | 7
Healing, Truth and Hope: A Pastoral Response to Past Abuse
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Through our procedures, through our outreach, and through our prayers, the Diocese of Metuchen continues to work to prevent abuse and to facilitate healing for survivors of abuse.
The Diocese of Metuchen has:
0% OF CREDIBLY ACCUSED PRIESTS IN PUBLIC MINISTRY
*Any accused priest is subject to an extensive and thorough investigation under the scrutiny of Law Enforcement and the Diocesan Review Board, consisting of a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, a former Attorney General and Supreme Court Justice of NJ, a former County Prosecutor, a Superior Court Judge, medical and psychiatric professionals, educators and other qualified professionals
24/7 AVAILABILITY TO REPORT ABUSE
5,480 ADULTS WHO WERE BACKGROUND CHECKED AND TRAINED TO RECOGNIZE AND REPORT SIGNS OF SUPSPECTED ABUSE
*Number reported from July 1, 2021- June 30, 2022 and includes priests, deacons, candidates for ordination, educators, employees and volunteers working or ministering to children and young people.
24,142 CHILDREN WHO RECEIVED AGE-APPROPRIATE TRAINING TO GUARD AGAINST ABUSE. *Number reported from July 1, 2021- June 30, 2022 and includes Catholic school students and students in parish religious education programs.
93 PARISH BACKGROUND COORDINATORS TO FACILITATE BACKGROUND CHECKS
27 SCHOOL BACKGROUND COORDINATORS TO FACILITATE BACKGROUND CHECKS
$2.9 MILLION PAID IN SETTLEMENTS SINCE THE FOUNDING OF THE DIOCESE IN 1981; $1.27 MILLION OF THAT WAS PAID THROUGH THE INDEPENDENT VICTIM COMPENSATION PROGRAM. *No gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, to Catholic Charities, to Catholic Schools, nor monies given for a specific ministry or apostolate are used to fund settlements. The total funds paid reflects all settlements through June 30, 2022.
More information about the measures in place to prevent abuse in the Diocese can be found by visiting: diometuchen.org/healing
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HOW TO REPORT ABUSE
If you suspect abuse by a member of clergy, an employee, or a volunteer for the Catholic Church, please:
•Immediately notify local law enforcement
•Notify the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency by calling 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873) or 1-800-835-5510 (TTY/TDD for the deaf), available 24/7
•Contact the Diocese of Metuchen's Director of Child and Youth Protection by calling (908) 930-4558 or visit diometuchen.org/healing to file a report.
HOW TO REPORT ABUSE BY A BISHOP
In response to Pope Francis' Motu proprio, Vos estis lux mundi, or "You are the light of the world," the U.S. Bishops launched the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service, which ensures all levels of Church hierarchy are held to the same level of accountability. A similar independent reporting structure had already been established by Bishop James F. Checchio in the Diocese of Metuchen. Complaints of sexual abuse and related misconduct by bishops can be submitted to the independent service by visiting ReportBishopAbuse.org or by calling (800) 276-1562.
This third-party service does not replace existing reporting systems for complaints against Bishops, priests, deacons, religious brothers or sisters, or lay persons working or volunteering for the Church, which were established in 2002 with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The reporting of sexual misconduct by anyone in diocesan ministry should continue to be reported in accordance with the Diocese of Metuchen’s child protection policy outlined above .
“The implementation of the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting serv ice reaffirms the commitment of Bishop Checchio and his brother bishops to live according to the Gospel and to place themselves under the same high standards applied to their priests, deacons, and lay personnel,” said Anthony P. Kearns, Chancellor for the Diocese of Metuchen. He further said, “this service is another step forward in ensuring accountability is maintained on all levels and is the latest in a long history of actions taken by the Diocese of Metuchen to ensure to protection of all of the faithful.”
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Our Diocesan Family
“Our mission is to evangelize all people, at all times, and in all places. We are to proclaim the message of Jesus; to teach His truth; to extend His love to people of all ages.” (from the original “Statement of Mission” of the Diocese of Metuchen)
We must ask ourselves: what has God done for us? And what is He asking of me in response to His goodness and love?
Our 40 years as a diocesan Church is a continuation of Christ’s missionary mandate. In Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties, we now take up the ever ancient and ever new call to come and follow after Him, reproducing in our own lives His life, death and resurrection, and thus becoming His witness and invitation to others to the life He came to bring. Every disciple of Jesus Christ is called to act in His name, to reproduce the love shown by Jesus in their own lives. The Church is entrusted with the work of salvation, to carry out the words and deeds of Christ in every place and age. Each day, we, as committed disciples, are offered opportunities to act in the name of Jesus, wherever we may find ourselves. The world needs the touch of Jesus – He touches the lives of those around us, through each of us, each day. This is certainly a time for us to pause and to give thanks for what has been, and while we place our trust in God, we cannot let Him work alone. Rather, we must continue to put into the deep as our Lord commands us in Scripture.
(from Bishop Checchio’s Pastoral Letter on the Occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Metuchen) Learn more about the ministries of the Diocese of Metuchen at www.diometuchen.org
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