November 17, 2022

Bishop James F. Checchio, front row, fifth from left, poses with clergy from the diocese after Mass at St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake. The Mass was celebrated during the annual Priest Convocation, Oct. 13-16. The event gives clergy time to renew their vocation in a relaxed atmosphere. See more photos on page 9. Mike Ehrmann photo

Despite challenges, much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This edition of “The Catholic Spirit” is published a week before Thanksgiving and this year we indeed, have so many reasons to be thankful! We just recently finished our 40th anniversary celebration of the diocese, which was a time to re member the graces that have come to us throughout these 40 years. The diocese has grown so much over the years as the population increased and generations of faithful responded by building parishes, new churches, and parish centers to serve their spiritual and pastoral needs. Re cently, I also participated in some parish celebrations for anniversaries, 175, 150 and 100 years, parishes that existed well before our diocese, and 40 years at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Skillman, the first parish established after our dio cese was founded. They were wonderful, spirit-filled and crowded celebrations. Times to thank God!

I always enjoy reading and learning more about the parish’s history when I am going for such a celebration and hence come to know the good people who contributed so much to establish the parishes and keep them flourishing.

It is literally an army of dedicated lay people who love the Lord, the Eucharist and His Church, and it is always so en couraging and inspiring to me to learn more about how they helped our clergy and religious over the years. As I thank God for all of them, I also thank Him for all of you, who are so generously lighting a fire in the heart of our world through your dedication to our parishes now, so thank you! You and I cannot forget that we join a long line of faithful disciples of Jesus who just like them, face the chal

lenges of our day in continuing Jesus’ mission right here, now! The parishes are the heart of the diocese where worship, education, evangelization, service and so much more takes place. Our 90 parishes are a blessing that I thank God for this Thanksgiving as united, our parishes make our beautiful diocese the wonder ful place it is. They are a light on a hill in our day!

As you will read in this issue, we re cently had our annual diocesan convoca tion of our priests. It is always so good to spend these days together in prayer and fraternity, but especially now as we con tinue to emerge from the pandemic. Our priests have been through a lot with this pandemic and I know how grateful you are for them, as am I, so this Thanksgiv ing is a good time to thank God for them, too. Please pray for our priests who need your support and encouragement, even as they strive to continue to serve your spiritual and pastoral needs.

We also recently had our Hispanic Heritage Mass at the Cathedral, which was filled with our Hispanic brothers and sisters, priests, religious and deacons from all over our diocese. There was a real joy as we gathered to thank God for the blessing of our Hispanic commu nity in our diocese, which is growing and young!

I was also recently blessed to cel ebrate with our Hungarian and Hispanic communities at Mass at St. Stephen Protomartyr Church in South River for the 100th anniversary of their parish. Catholics of Hispanic descent are now the predominant community that gathers for worship each weekend, warmly wel comed by our older Hungarian brothers and sisters in the faith. It was a wonder ful celebration and a reminder about this growing, beautiful community in our diocese and the opportunity for different ethnic groups to work together as one in Christ, another reason for thanks!

Our diocesan offices at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center in Piscataway are a blessing, too, as they organized the

Hispanic Heritage Mass as well as so many other initiatives, which cannot be done on the local parish level. So, as we thank God for our Hispanic community in the diocese, I am also reminded to thank God for those who work so hard in our pastoral center and Chancery to keep our local Church moving forward. It is often hidden, thankless work, as they support our parishes and diocese. But by their diligent and dedicated service, orga nizing our schools, pastoral services, eth nic communities, evangelization efforts, family life ministries, our tribunal, our clergy and religious life — the list goes on and on — they also allow me to be out and about our diocese, so I am very grateful for that!

Finally, by combining our talents, en ergy, resources and especially our prayers, we exceeded the 2022 Bishop’s Annual Appeal goal by more than one million dollars! This is a great tribute to all of you, as we close out our 40th anniver sary celebrations as a diocese. The needs have become greater and greater, and so the appeal is needed now more than ever! The pandemic and the recent infla tion issues we are suffering from have increased the number of people coming for help to Catholic Charities for the basic necessities of life and counseling. Sadly, the number of people coming has

tripled during the past two years. We are able to respond to their needs in the name of Christ, thanks to your overwhelming generosity. What a blessing! This is not something we can do alone, and you came together to respond as a diocesan community in a beautiful way. Thank you and I thank God for this blessing and for all of you who made it happen!

Yes, we have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving even as we face significant challenges in our country and Church, but we never face them alone. Our Lord and His Mother accompany us each day, holding us in the palm of their hands. What a blessing that is for us to never be alone! Certainly, in my Mass of Thanksgiving this year I will be praying for all of you, so grateful that God has brought us together on this journey back to Him. Know of my love and prayers for you, from a very grateful heart. Blessed Thanksgiving to you, your families and all your loved ones! God bless you all!

JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen

Most Reverend James F. Checchio

Youth lead way to recommit Church to missionary activity

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

METUCHEN — “You [youth] are her alds to the Gospel. You are today’s new missionaries,” said Father John G. Hillier at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Oct. 23.

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the Mass on the next to last Sunday in October, World Mission Sunday, the day when the faithful recommit to the Church’s missionary activity. The bishop was assisted by Father Hillier, director, diocesan Office of Pontifical Mission So cieties, and priests who have ministered to missionary populations worldwide.

Before the Mass, students from Catholic schools in the diocese exhibited their missionary spirit through recitation of the rosary and walking a mile. They left from the parish’s Catholic Youth Organization building following a large banner that proclaimed, “Called to be Missionaries – Heralds of the Gospel.”

They also carried painted crosses and photos of children from around the world, as they processed to the front steps of the Cathedral where they were met by Bishop Checchio, who joined them in prayer.

In his homily, Father Hillier told the children seated before him that one was never too young to have a mission ary spirit, saying, “When you join your prayers, it becomes much more special and beautiful than just a gift. It is lifegiving, not only for another person, but for God.”

He noted this year marked the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Pon

tifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith by a French teenager, Blessed Pau line Jaricot.

“This was the first group founded to help missionaries,” Father Hillier said, “and it inspired others to make a sac rifice, join her in prayer and contribute money… Back then, the U.S. was mis sion territory, so it helped build churches here. Pauline was beatified last May and

example for all of us.”

Reflecting the fact missionaries come in all ages and also serve locally, children of the diocese were bestowed awards for their works and prayer.

Ava Viola, an eighth-grader at St. Bartholomew School, East Brunswick, was recognized for her artistic talents by Bishop Checchio. Viola’s watercolor and marker-drawn portrayal of the Magi’s

At top left, as part of the diocese’s celebration of World Mission Sunday, Oct. 23, young people, emulating mis sionaries, walk a mile from St. Francis of Assisi’s CYO building to the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. At top right, Bishop Checchio poses with Ava Viola who holds her picture of the Magi’s journey which was one of the 24 winners in the Missionary Child Association Christmas Artwork Contest. Below, Father John G. Hillier, director of the diocesan Office of Pontifical Mission Societies, delivers the homily at the World Mission Sunday Mass. — John Batkowski photos

was recognized nationwide as one of the 24 winners of the 2021-2022 Missionary Child Association Christmas Artwork Con test, the only such winner in the diocese.

“The story of the Three Wise Men following the star to Bethlehem has always been one of my favorites,” Viola said.

Discovering her artwork will be available as shareable digital greetings through the MCA beginning the first week of Advent, Viola continued, “I was shocked and a little overwhelmed to learn so many people will see my picture. It’s an honor.”

Bishop Checchio presented the Pontifical Mission Societies’ Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Awards for outstanding commitment, generosity and sacrifice to the Church’s missionary activity. The schools of St. Helena, Edison; St. Matthew, Edison, and St. Stanislaus Kostka, Sayreville, were honored for their contributions, as were the religious education programs of St. Elizabeth-St. Brigid, Peapack; Our Lady of Fatima, Piscataway, and Holy Trinity, Helmetta.

“You [youth] are heralds to the Gospel. You are today’s new missionaries.”

Father John G. Hillier

Saint can serve as model on how to treat migrants, immigrants

of the United States in December 1917. Almost 30 years later, Mother Cabrini became the first naturalized citizen of the U.S. to be canonized a saint with a capital “S.”

On November 13, we celebrated the feast of a woman who left a comfortable life in Lombardy, the most prosperous area of Italy, in order to help others on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. I’m talking about Francis Xavier Cabrini, the youngest of 13 children in her fam ily who became a religious sister and, in fact, founded an order of nuns known as the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Mother Cabrini, as she was known, weathered the rough waters of the North Atlantic to minister to the needs of migrants and immigrants in the United States and South America. Over the course of 28 years, she established almost 70 institutions — including many schools, hospitals and orphanages. She died in Chicago, a naturalized citizen

What would Mother Cabrini think about the recent busloads of immi grants who crossed the Rio Grande into Texas from Nicaragua, Venezuela and Guatemala, all of which are countries where political oppression and poverty run rampant? Many of these individu als had to leave behind everything they knew and loved, including family and culture. Many had to traverse jungles, the heat of the Sonoran desert, disease, bad water and wild animals. Some had to pay exorbitant amounts of money to “Coyotes,” Mexicans who assure safe passage across the Rio Grande into the United States for a hefty fee. She would feel happy that they arrived in a country where freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion make for a melting pot of many cultures. She would be grateful that these immigrants escaped political oppression in their quest for asylum.

Like immigrants before them, they ventured to this land of opportunity for the same reason as did our ances tors: to realize the American dream. In a word, they wanted to build a better life for themselves and for you, their children and grandchildren.

In this month in which the feast of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, Patron Saint of Migrants and Immigrants is observed, let us pledge to welcome the strangers among us, those migrants and immigrants who, like us, are made in the image and likeness of God. Like Mother Cabrini, let us pray for the grace to see in each of them, the face of Jesus. If the words at the base of the Statue of Liberty are no longer what we, as a nation, believe, why does Lady Liberty still stand in the waters of New York Harbor?

For Mother Cabrini, these words were a prescription for her impending mission in America. For countless other`` immigrants, including my own grandparents and great-grandparents, these words were the welcome they needed to see and feel, the pledge given

by all Americans, that our country was not restricted to the wealthy, to peoples of any one nation, but the home of all who desire to live and pursue a new life of freedom and the prospect of a better life in the United States of America. For many, their first language was not English, but maybe Polish, Greek, Ger man, Russian, French or Spanish. Like immigrants before them, they ventured to this land of opportunity for the same reason as did our ancestors: to realize the American dream. In a word, they wanted to build a better life for them selves and for you, their children and grandchildren.

Mother Cabrini ministered to im migrants primarily of Italian descent, not just in New York City but also in Chicago and Denver, teaching cat echism, opening schools and orphan ages. Had she still been alive today, I am convinced that she would be fluent in Spanish and would be ministering to migrants and immigrants in the border towns of Texas, Arizona and California.

Father Comandini is managing editor of “The Catholic Spirit.”

Remember presence of Jesus in tabernacle, poor in our own souls

too easily by distractions and my lack of love?

The Eucharistic Revival will help us to renew our appreciation for many as pects of Jesus’ ultimate gift to us, begin ning with the centrality of the Mass as the representation of Jesus’ saving sacrifice on the Cross.

she had with the poor.

When I was a kid, I was fascinated by magnets. I loved to watch the little mag netic skaters glide across a mirror in our family’s Christmas village at the flip of a switch and I enjoyed doing science experiments with magnets and iron shav ings in school.

I recall a comparison then-Pope, now St. John Paul II made between the Eucharist and the force of a magnet’s pole.

“The presence of Jesus in the taber nacle must be a kind of magnetic pole at tracting an ever-greater number of souls enamored of him, ready to wait patiently to hear his voice and, as it were, to sense the beating of his heart,” he wrote six months before he died.

These words of John Paul II came to mind when I heard about the National Eucharistic Revival launched by the U.S. bishops earlier this year. It is a beautiful, powerful image – the idea of Jesus acting as a magnet drawing people to himself in the Blessed Sacrament.

I have begun to ask myself, do I al low myself to be drawn to Jesus in the tabernacle? Do I cling to him the way iron shavings cling to a strong magnet? Or do I allow myself to be pulled away

But it seems to me that when all is said and done, our devotion to the Eucha rist will be proportionate to our faith in what we call “the real presence” — our unwavering conviction that Jesus is re ally and truly present on the altar during every Eucharistic sacrifice and in every tabernacle around the world.

Our foundress, St. Jeanne Jugan, was not a highly educated woman, but she was a person of profound faith and committed action. She often told the young Sisters to remember the presence of Jesus in the tabernacle, in the poor and in their own souls. And she gave them this very practical advice:

“Jesus is waiting for you in the cha pel. Go and find him when your strength and patience are giving out, when you feel lonely and helpless. Say to him: ‘You know well what is happening, my dear Jesus. I have only you. Come to my aid ...’

“And then go your way. And don’t worry about knowing how you are going to manage. It is enough to have told our good Lord. He has an excellent memory.”

Jeanne Jugan didn’t have an easy life.

As a young person and then the foundress of a religious congregation, she worked hard and shared everything

Although she chosen to be superior by the young women who joined her and she even achieved a measure of public notoriety, she was treated unjustly by a priest who had been appointed to assist the nascent religious community and stripped of all authority in it, until, 27 years later, she died in total anonymity. But Jeanne Jugan possessed something no one could take from her – a very real, strong and intimate relationship with Je sus, whom she knew was always waiting for her “in the chapel.” Jesus Christ was real to her — more real than anyone or anything else.

No doubt St. Jeanne Jugan often told Jesus everything that was happening in her life, in both good times and bad.

Pope Francis recently spoke to seniors about how they should pray. I think his words would resonate with our foundress.

The pope said, “If you have some

wound in your heart, some pain, and you want to object, object even to God. God will listen to you. God is a Father. God is not afraid of our prayer of protest, no! God understands. … Prayer should be like this: spontaneous, like that of a child with his father, who says everything that comes out of his mouth because he knows his father understands him.”

I believe that St. Jeanne Jugan was like a child with her father. She shared with him from the depths of her heart because she knew that God heard and understood her.

May her example, and the words of Pope Francis, convince you that it’s okay to be honest with Jesus, truly present and waiting for us in every chapel or parish church!

Sister Constance is the communica tions director for the Little Sisters of the Poor in the United States and an occupa tional therapist.

How to report abuse

If you were sexually abused by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to local law enforcement, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency at 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873) or 1-800-835-5510 (TTY/TDD for the deaf), and also the Diocesan Response Officer at (908) 930-4558 (24 hours/7 days a week).

abuse accusations

WASHINGTON -- A study of U.S. priests released Oct. 19 details clerics’ “crisis of trust” toward their bishops as well as fear that if they were falsely accused of abuse, prelates would immediately throw them “under the bus” and not help them clear their name. The study “Well-being, Trust and Policy in a Time of Crisis” by The Catholic Project, written by Brandon Vaidyanathan, Christopher Jacobi and Chelsea Rae Kelly, of The Catholic Uni versity of America, paints a portrait of a majority of priests who feel abandoned by the men they are supposed to trust at the helm of their dioceses. And while the study says priests overwhelmingly sup port measures to combat sex abuse and enhance child safety, the majority, 82%, also said they regularly fear being falsely accused. Were that to happen, they feel they would face a “de facto policy” of guilty until proven innocent. The study, unveiled at The Catholic University of America in Washington, documents the environment between priests and their bishops in light of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young Peo ple” instituted in 2002 by the U.S. Con ference of Catholic Bishops. The study says 131 bishops also participated in the study, which analyzed attitudes about priests’ well-being, trust and the policy related to the sex abuse crisis. The study

Brandon Vaidyanathan, associate pro fessor and chair in the department of sociology at The Catholic University of America in Washington, speaks at the university Oct. 19, 2022, during a pre sentation on the findings of a national study of Catholic priests titled “Well-be ing, Trust and Policy in a Time of Crisis.”

CNS photo/Bob Roller

says that the “erosion of trust between a priest and his bishop” affects the level of well-being of a priest, and those with more trust fare better than others

Without water, gas, electricity in Ukraine bishop warns of ‘huge new wave of refugees

WARSAW, Poland -- A Ukrainian bishop has warned of a humanitarian disaster caused by Russian attacks on his coun try’s power and water supplies and pre dicted a “huge new wave of refugees” desperate to survive winter. “While frontline fighting continues, we now face con stant attacks from Russia’s S-300 mis siles and Iranian kamikaze drones – it’s worst at night, when people go to sleep not knowing if their apartment block will be hit,” said Auxiliary Bishop Jan Sobilo of Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia. “Many who never previously considered leaving are now in western Ukraine or have left the country, and I think another huge wave of refugees will soon converge on Poland and other countries. If there’s no water, gas or electricity in their homes, how can they stay there?” The Zaporizhzhiabased bishop spoke as Russian strikes continued against civilian targets in Kyiv and other cities, wrecking infrastructure and energy supplies in the approach to winter. In an Oct. 21 Catholic News Service interview, he said some parts of his eastern city were already experienc

ing power and water cuts, sometimes for hours, while many residents left the city at night for safety, to sleep in makeshift facilities. “Multistory buildings have been smashed, with people blown to bits in their homes as they slept,” Bishop Sobilo told CNS.

VATICAN CITY -- Media outlets that identify as Catholic must live “in a spirit of communion” with the pope, especially at a time of “overly dramatic debates, also within the church, which do not even spare the person and the magisterium of

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, is pictured in a Jan. 1, 2021, photo. Media outlets that identify as Catholic must live “in a spirit of communion” with the pope, Cardinal Parolin said during a gala dinner for EWTN’s Europe-based staff in Frascati, Italy, Oct. 19, 2022.

CNS photo/Vatican Media

the pontiff,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin told employees of EWTN and its affiliated outlets. “Communion is in the DNA of communication and is fundamentally its greatest aspiration,” the cardinal said. “A communication that instead fans the flames of polarization or builds walls instead of breaking them down, betrays its very nature.” Cardinal Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, spoke Oct. 19 at a dinner with Michael Warsaw, CEO of EWTN, and with the Europe-based employees of its television, radio and print media. Vatican News and the Vati can press office published the cardinal’s full text after ACI Prensa, the Spanishlanguage news service owned by EWTN, ran a story under the headline, “Cardinal Pietro Parolin defines EWTN as ‘a work of God at the service of truth.’” Instead, according to the text, the cardinal prayed that a “spirit of communion” with Pope Francis would be “the distinctive sign of your work” and that viewers and readers would be able to “recognize EWTN as a work of God at the service of the truth, ecclesial communion and the good of humanity.”

ACCRA, Ghana -- Religious leaders called for a week of fasting and prayer for the environment because of the dev astation that illegal mining, or “galam sey,” is causing, including adversely af fecting people’s health and the economy.

“We are calling for a week of fasting and prayers to pray for change of hearts and for God’s mercy upon our nation for the destruction we have caused the environ ment,” said Archbishop Philip Naameh, president of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Oct. 17. He spoke on be half of the Christian ecumenical bodies, which include Christian and Muslim leaders, among others. “With immediate effect, we call on religious leaders to wear red armbands to show our deep concern

for the destruction of our environment through galamsey,” he said. “For many years now, our sovereign country Ghana has been witnessing, under our very naked eyes, the saddest environmental coup d’état ever unleashed upon our na tion, heralding a programmed and com plete ecological disaster or destruction.”

Archbishop Naameh said that in pastoral and social visits around the country, “we see, denounce and cry over the wicked and greedy destruction of our forest re sources.” He decried the cutting down of cash crops on a massive scale, degrading of the land and polluting the rivers with mining chemicals like mercury, chlorine and cyanide, which kill aquatic life.

A demining specialist of the State Emer gency Service stands next to a part of an intercepted Russian missile stuck in a residential building in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Oct. 8, 2022.

CNS photo/Vitalii Hnidyi, Reuters

Religious leaders asked to wear red armbands to show deep concern about ecological disaster

Communication that fans flames of polarization betrays its very nature, cardinal tells EWTN staff

Prospectors are pictured in a file photo panning for gold at a mine found in a cocoa farm near Bouafle, Ivory Coast. With high prices for the precious metal fueling a gold rush in Ivory Coast and Ghana, diggers are scurrying to cash in. CNS photo/Luc Gnago, Reuters

Study of US priests reveals distrust of bishops, fear of no help to clear false

Parish in Watchung with long past looks with hope to future

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor

Since it was founded in 1847, members of St. Mary’s-Stony Hill Parish, Watc hung, have been witnesses to monumen tal and mundane events in the history of New Jersey and the United States.

In the parish’s infancy — during the administration of President James K. Polk — the United States increased in size by a third; fought a war with Mexico; and Pope Pius IX was in the second year of the longest pontificate in Church history (32 years). In addition, the country’s first postage stamps were issued: 5 cents (Benjamin Franklin) and 10 cents (George Washington), and the American Medical Association was or ganized in Philadelphia.

On Oct. 15, a bell in the narthex at St Mary’s-Stony Hill Church with its own history called the congregation to worship at Mass as part of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the par ish and the 50th of the dedication of its present house of worship.

After the procession and a greeting from Bishop James F. Checchio, who presided at the Mass, Msgr. William Benwell, pastor, welcomed the shep herd of the diocese and visiting priests, including Father Brian J. Nolan, former pastor and now pastor of Blessed Sac rament Parish, Martinsville; and Msgr. Eugene Prus, weekend assistant.

“The bell that called us to worship this evening was cast in West Troy, New York, 156 years-ago, in 1866,” Msgr. Benwell said from the ambo. “It was likely part of the first St. Mary’s church, which after it had become too small for the area’s growing population, was replaced by a second church. That bell continued to call St. Mary’s parishioners to worship for another 90 years. What

better way to begin our celebration of 175 years as a parish.

“In the narthex, you will also see the beautifully restored altarpiece that graced the altar of the parish’s second church for decades.

“But filling our church tonight are ‘living stones’ (1 Pt 2:5), representing several generations and many back grounds and experiences that speak to the vibrancy of our parish today and the well-founded hope for our future.

“So, tonight, we give thanks for past blessings and renew our com mitment to make Jesus Christ and his Gospel an even more vital part of this portion of his vineyard.

St. Mary’s-Stony Hill is the spiri tual home to 951 registered families and 251 children in its religious education program, he said.

As for any plans for the near future, Msgr. Benwell said, “We are currently seeking to implement Pope Francis’ frequent emphasis on ‘spiritual accom paniment,’ i.e., asking ourselves how as a parish we can better accompany our parishioners on a journey to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

“To this end, we have been looking at how to better welcome new parishio ners to the parish and, in the aftermath of the pandemic, how to rebuild and strengthen a sense of community.

“One example of addressing the latter goal is monthly gatherings of pa rishioners, where they can share a meal, receive some spiritual formation and share faith experiences.”

Regarding his current assignment, which began three years ago, he noted, “Being pastor of St. Mary’s has been a wonderful experience. I work with a dedicated staff who care about the parish and each other. I serve a congregation that is welcoming, generous, rightfully

proud of their heritage and Catholic faith, and wants to deepen that faith. I am inspired by the stories and example of so many of them.”

According to parish archives, by the middle of the 19th century, the Catholic community in Watchung had grown to where it was recognized as a parish by Bishop John (“Dagger John”) Hughes, Bishop of New York. The first settlers were mostly German immigrants who worked in a brickyard.

St. Mary’s was established in 1847 and the first church was built the same year where its cemetery is now. The area was then called Stony Hill and the Re demptionist Fathers of Brooklyn, N.Y., sent Father Peter Hartlaub to celebrate Sunday Mass.

As the area grew, a second larger church was built on the same site in 1877. The territory lines were re-drawn with surrounding towns, Watchung incorporated the area known as Stony Hill. The legal name of the parish be came St. Mary’s-Stony Hill.

In 1958, Father Charles P. Platt came from Mount Saint Mary Academy, where he was the chaplain and said Mass at the old church. He was soon named pastor. A few years later, the church bought a two-story colonial house on the corner of Mountain Boulevard and Brookdale Road. Parishioners worked to renovate the house to become the rec tory and chapel where daily Mass was celebrated. Soon, the garage was fixed so there was more room for parishioners

to worship on Sunday. All funerals, first holy Communions and confirmations were held at neighboring churches.

Parishioners soon outgrew their “little garage church” and were given permission to have Sunday Mass and re ligious education classes at Valley View School.

As the town and parish continued to grow at a rapid rate, Father Platt found land at the top of a nearby hill off Mountain Boulevard in 1964 and the bishop gave permission to build a church on that site. Following a long capital campaign and a loan from the diocese, St. Mary’s-Stony Hill Church was built. Construction was completed in 1971.

Father Platt continued until his re tirement in 1985. Father Tom Dzurenda was installed as pastor in 1985 and cele brated the parish’s 150-year anniversary in 1997.

Father Brian J. Nolan was assigned as an administrator in 2000 and was in stalled as pastor in 2001.

In order to accommodate the grow ing needs of the parish that includes space for the religious education pro gram, parish staff, and parish commu nity meeting space — St. Mary’s-Stony Hill completed the construction of the 13,000-square-foot Pope John Paul II Parish Center in September

Father Nolan served as pastor until June 2019, when Msgr. Benwell was as signed as pastor and

2007.

installed as pastor in October 2019.

Left, Bishop James F. Checchio (third from right) listens as Msgr. William Benwell, pastor, St. Mary’s-Stony Hill Parish, Watchung, welcomes him and visiting priests at Mass Oct. 15. Bishop Checchio presided at the liturgy, celebrated as part of the parish’s 175th anni versary. Middle, Msgr. Benwell poses with Mercy Sister Mary Jo Kearns and Mercy Sister Eileen Smith, who serve at the Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, Watchung. Far right, parishioner Joe Ebler rings a bell in the narthex to begin the Mass. Ebler built the frame for the bell, which was cast in West Troy, N.Y., in 1866. Marlo Williamson photos

‘Small parish with big heart’ celebrates major milestones

By Teresa Murphy Correspondent

On Oct. 16, St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish celebrated major milestones at a Mass: its 115th anniversary; the 100th anniversary of the current church edifice, and the 15th anniversary of the founding of its Hispanic ministry that has revital ized the faith community.

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the Mass and gave the homily.

“The people of St. Stephen’s knew that the needed the Eucharist if they were going to be the disciples Jesus called them to be, and hence sacrificed much to start this parish” the bishop said in his homily.

“The Eucharist is so important in helping us to be persistent in prayer and to be disciples who take on the eyes and heart of Jesus in responding to those in need. I certainly want to thank you for persever ing in prayer and for your continuing to strive to pass on the faith and build the kingdom of God here in South River.”

St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish was formed in 1907 to meet the needs of Hungarian immigrants to the South River area. The original all-wooden church was dedicated in April that year at the first Mass celebrated in it.

Fourteen years later, the original church burnt down. But that same year, the present church building was com pleted at a cost of $19, 987.

In 1961, the parish was at its larg est until now, with 451 families and 298 children enrolled in religious education.

The Sisters of Divine Charity from Hungary served at the parish from 19421955.

In 1956, the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul came to the parish, where they served until 1976.

In 1978, as the influx of immigrants from Europe slowed, Mass in the Hun garian language was discontinued.

In 2007, John J. Szczepanik, a na tive of Poland who was ordained to the priesthood in 1988, was named pastor. Prior to that, he had served as a parochial vicar at parishes in the diocese.

In a telephone interview several days after the Mass, Father Szczepanik said when he arrived St. Stephen’s was “a dying parish.” At the time, 195 fami lies still attended Mass, many of them el derly, and only 23 children were enrolled in its religious education program.

Within a few months of his arrival, Father Szczepanik created a ministry to serve Spanish-speaking parishioners because he was aware of the number of immigrants of Hispanic descent in the town. When he celebrated the first Mass in Spanish, only one person attended. But he persisted, walking around the neigh borhood to talk with people and visiting homes, inviting Hispanic immigrants to attend Mass at St. Stephen Church, where they found a welcoming home.

Remarkably, he had begun prepar ing for this ministry well in advance, thanks to a spiritual experience he had a few years after his ordination. On pil grimage to the Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia in Higüey, Dominican Republic, Father Szczepanik was praying silently when he heard “a strange voice in my heart” urging him to turn toward the Hispanic community.

He taught himself Spanish and earned a master’s degree in the history of the Church from Seton Hall University, South Orange. He went on to study at Oxford University; University of Wash ington, D.C., and in Salamanca, Spain, earning a doctoral degree in the history of the Church, particularly the history of

The parish was reinvigorated by the presence of Spanish-speaking Catholics, increasing membership from 195 active families in 2007 to 455 active families in 2021. Currently, 121 children are en rolled in religious education.

About 70 percent of the parish con sists of Spanish-speaking parishioners, Father Szczepanik said.

“By having introduced the Hispanic ministry at the same time, I think I was doing the will of God and saving the par ish from disappearance,” he said.

In 2016, Bishop Checchio blessed a shrine to Our Lady of Mariapocs next to the church. The shrine honors the Hungarian roots of the parish. Our Lady of Mariapocs is the title given to a Mar

miraculously while in the town of Mar iapocs, Hungary, in 1696.

“With God’s help and with the help of many good people, both American pa rishioners and Hispanic parishioners, we have been able to bring this parish back to life and make it continuously grow,” Father Szczepanik said.

In 2018, the church underwent a ma jor renovation paid for by the Spanishspeaking community of St. Stephen’s, including new flooring, repainting, new kneelers and refurbished pews. Many parishioners have shared their skills, working to complete renovations with their own hands.

“God works in great ways,” said Father Szczepanik. “It is a very small

Above, Bishop James Checchio offers the Eucharistic Prayer. At his left is St. Stephen’s pastor, Father John Szczepanik. Below, left, is the facade of St. Stephen Protomartyr Church. To its right is a shrine to Our Lady of Hungary. At right, Bishop Checchio greets one of the young parishioners. Over the years, the demographics of the parish have changed. What was once a pre dominantly Hungarian parish, staffed by Hungarian pastors and sisters, later included an influx of Italians and Slovaks. During the past ten years, Father Szczepanik has reached out to the Spanish-speaking Catholics of South River and they have come to see St. Stephen Protomartyr as their parish.

— John Batkowski photos

Parochial school honors law enforcement personnel at liturgy

BASKING RIDGE — On Oct. 26, St. James School honored and prayed for local police officers in Bernards Town ship and surrounding areas at its annual Blue Mass at St. James Church.

Students, teachers, staff and admin istration of the school, parents, repre sentatives of the police department, and relatives of students who work in law enforcement worshiped at the Mass.

Msgr. Sylvester J. Cronin, pastor, St. James Parish, presided at the liturgy and gave the homily. Deacon Peter J. DePrima assisted.

In his homily, Msgr. Cronin said, “Being part of this wonderful country and abiding by its laws is for our own good and safety. If we do what is right, good, and true — we will live a life of happiness.”

Msgr. Cronin also spoke of the im portance of police officers in local com

munities stating, “We must hire people to enforce our laws. They are there to help us on our journey through life.”

After Mass, members of the Ber nards Township Police Department and family members who work in law enforcement stood before the assembled students, teachers, staff, and parents to be honored. A representative of the eighth grade read the “Policemen’s Prayer, student song leaders and the school choir sang “Let There be Peace on Earth,” and then class representa tives gave the police officers cards of gratitude and banners.

The law enforcement personnel also received a prayer card with the Po licemen’s Prayer on it.

Following this, the police officers received a standing ovation and the choir led the assembly in singing “God Bless America.”

Top of page, Msgr. Sylvester J. Cronin, pastor, St. James Parish, prays for local police officers at its Blue Mass. Afterwards, students from St. James School thanked the of ficers and gave them cards of gratitude and banners. Each officer also received a card with the “Policemen’s Prayer” on it. — photos courtesy of St. James Parish

Scores of students raise money, awareness for homeless youth

More than 180 students from Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, par ticipated in the Covenant House Interna tional’s “Sleep Out” fundraiser to raise awareness for youth homelessness.

There are many events on Saint Joe’s campus that are done to benefit the lives of others, but there are few as unique as Cardboard City.

Every year, students Sleep Out in Cardboard City on the basketball courts to bring awareness and understanding of the plight of homeless youth. Addition ally, students raise money to benefit Cov enant House, whose president and chief executive officer is Kevin Ryan, a 1985 graduate of Saint Joe’s.

“Our Campus Ministry Council works extremely hard to find organiza tions to support,” said Tracey Coudriet, director, Campus Ministry. “We try to find organizations that not only lineup with the mission of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart and the Catholic Church, but also ones that can provide an experi ence that our students will never forget. Covenant House International’s Sleep Out checks both of those boxes and more.”

This year, 180 students participated in the event, which is not only the most ever for a Saint Joe’s Cardboard City event, it set the record for the largest New Jersey Student Sleep Out.

In addition, led by student organiz ers Owen Blake and Alejandro Ruiz, both

seniors, Saint Joe’s has raised $23,388, which is also a record for Cardboard City events on campus.

“I am very excited for Saint Joe’s to be recognized as the largest Sleep Out event in New Jersey,” Blake said. “The students are always very excited for the Sleep Out event. To us, it’s more than just a night out with our friends. Not only are we making an immediate impact, but we are experiencing a different part of life that we would not be able to do elsewhere. For one night, we are experi encing the hardships that so many around the world live with every single day. It’s an eye opening experience and one that I will never forget.”

For the students, much of the night was spent building their shelters out of cardboard and tape and doing necessary repairs when the inevitable structural failures occurred. Students also par ticipated in a Student-led Prayer Service, created chemo bags as a service project for local hospitals and spent time chat ting (and keeping warm) around the fire.

“Covenant House is a good cause because it does everything in the lens of Christianity,” Ruiz said. “It aligns with our school values. While helping the less fortunate, it is doing things the way Jesus commanded them to be. This event made me fall in love with Campus Ministry, so I wanted to make sure others, including the new freshman, experience the same love as I do.”

Below are five of the 180 Saint Joseph High School students who participated in Covenant House International’s “Sleep Out.” The students slept in a Cardboard City they built for the fundraiser. — photo courtesy of Saint Joseph High School

Clergy rekindle ministry at annual gathering

One hundred and seventeen priests from the diocese gathered with Bishop James F. Checchio to enjoy some days of brotherhood Oct. 11-13 at The Breakers, Spring Lake. Capuchin Father David Songy, president, St. Luke’s Institute, Silver Springs, Md., was the presenter. Father Songy, who is also a psychologist, spoke about the importance of clergy establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries for themselves and their ministry with their parishioners. In addition, staff from the mobile health unit from St. Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, gave flu shots and other medical guidance to the clergy. A representative from Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, offered counseling resources to the clergy and through them, to their parishioners. Top of page, Bishop Checchio presided at a special Mass at St. Catharine Church, and, below left, after the liturgy posed with priests celebrating significant ordination anniversaries. From left, Redemptorist Father Eugeniusz Fasuga, 25 years; Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan, 50, Msgr. Raymond L. Cole, 50, Father John R. Pringle, 50, and Father Guy W. Selvester, 25, were honored at a dinner. Below right and above, a priest prays after receiving Communion; Father Abraham Orapankal distributes the Eucharist.

Mike Ehrmann photos

By Monika Szmul

FLEMINGTON -- In June, Bishop James F. Checchio launched the yearlong Na tional Eucharistic Revival for the diocese at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.

In his homily, Bishop Checchio said that the revival will be “a chance to renew the Church by enkindling a rela tionship with the Lord, Jesus Christ in the Eucharist,” a renewed awareness of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the importance of it the daily lives of the faithful.

From June 2023 to June 2024, the revival will focus on the parish level, culminating in Indianapolis for the first National Eucharistic Congress in the United States in almost 50 years.

At Mass Oct. 21 at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church, Father Matthew Marinelli, parochial vicar, St. Magdalen de Pazzi Par ish, gave the second in a series of lectures sponsored by the diocese. He first spoke about the liturgy of the Eucharist and then celebrated a votive Mass for the Holy Eu charist. (Stmagdalen.org, livestreaming, October 21 Eucharistic Revival).

Father Marinelli’s goal was to pro vide insights that the faithful may have overlooked in the past. Three points caught the attention of the listeners: the times of silence, the three sections of the

Preface prayer, and thadt the paten and cup raised together after the consecration represent the resurrection.

Throughout the Mass, there are sev eral times of silence or silent prayer, which Father Marinelli explained that the faithful may be tempted to relax when in actuality, they should be paying attention and be a part of the dialogue, even if it is silent.

During the presentation of the gifts, as the bread and wine are brought to the altar, the faithful should offer to God the Father all that we are and thank God for what he has done for us. A few minutes later, when a drop of water is added to the wine, the water is consumed by the wine and becomes a part of it, so too, the faith ful should ask that they may become con sumed into Christ’s divine nature as he took on human nature and become man.

After the Lamb of God prayer, as the priest prays quietly, the faithful should be praying to remain connected with Our Lord and to acknowledge that the Eucha rist leads to eternal life.

The Preface prayer is different for each Mass, yet has three similar sections. The first section encourages the faithful to focus on what is taking place on the al tar and to lift up their hearts to God. The middle section mentions the doctrine or reality of the faith that is being celebrated in the particular Mass and how it ties in

that are often overlooked by the faithful. — Monika Szmul photo

Divinity of Christ. A few seconds later, when the priest raises both the Host and Cup together, we are to remember Jesus’

and wine, Jesus will be in our midst.

Finally, Father Marinelli noted that there are two consecrations; first of the Body and then the Blood of Christ, symbolizing his death on Calvary, while we see the living Body, Blood, Soul and

tery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church,” is scheduled to be presented by Father Timothy Christy, Cathedral rector, Jan. 17, 2023. (DioceseofMetuchen.org, Eucharistic Revival).

Szmul is a member of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish

Father Matthew Marinelli, parochial vicar at St. Magadalen dePazzi Parish, delivers the second talk of the diocese’s Eucharistic Revival Lecture Series. He spoke about the nuances at Mass

Parishioners welcome Father Antony Arockiadoss’ leadership

By Anthony Salamone Correspondent

PHILLIPSBURG – St. Pope John Paul II, in his homily Oct. 22, 1978, marking the inauguration of his papacy, urged Catho lics to serve humankind and love God.

“Do not be afraid,” the pontiff said. “Open wide the doors for Christ.”

Father Antony L. Arockiadoss im parted the late pope’s words in accepting his role as pastor of St. Philip & St. James Parish – on the same date commemorat ing John Paul’s initiation as head of the Catholic Church.

Speaking before the recessional hymn, the new pastor also said he was humbled to be at the Warren County parish.

“I am grateful for your love and friendship,” Father Arockiadoss said, before the congregation broke out in applause.

Bishop James F. Checchio formally installed Father Arockiadoss during the 4:30 p.m. Mass. He became just the 13th pastor of the more than 150-year-old Warren County parish. He succeeded Father John Barbella, who spent 13 years as leader of the church and its 2,000 families, and who was transferred to be come pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Colonia.

During the Rite of Installation, Bishop Checchio reminded the new pastor to “always be a loving father, a gentle shepherd and a wise teacher of your people, so that you may lead them to Christ, who will strengthen all that you do.” Father Arockiadoss was then intro duced to parish members who serve as trustees, the pastoral council and finance committee. The new pastor then gave his Oath of Fidelity to the Church and Bishop Checchio.

Before the Rite, Bishop Checchio preached from the gospel of Luke (18: 9-14) about Jesus’ parable of the pride ful, selfish Pharisee and the humble tax collector, both of whom were praying in the synagogue.

“The Pharisee used his prayer and religious practice to justify himself,” the bishop said. “He didn’t use it for conver sation with God. The Pharisee’s ultimate concern was himself.”

The bishop said in Father Antony, the parish is getting a humble clergy em blematic of the humility exhibited by the tax collector.

“We pray that Father Antony, who has begun his time as your new pastor, will be one who leads us all through prayer, leads us all to live the faith more, touching us, teaching us by his example,” Bishop Checchio said.

The bishop also lauded parishioners for welcoming their clergy. “Our priests

always enjoy being at (Sts.) Philip and James, and that says something about you. It’s hard for them to leave.”

The bishop added it’s also difficult to arrive as a new pastor. “But your love makes it easier, and (so do) your prayers,” he said.

Before Mass, Father Arockiadoss acknowledged becoming pastor at a par ish used to long-tenured leaders is chal lenging.

“At the same time,” he said, “it’s a positive for the people to see the uni versality of the church.” By that, Father Arockiadoss means as an Indian-born priest who has lived in the U.S. about 20 years, he brings a different perspective related to living today in a global Catho lic community while serving parishioners and the local community.

Father Patrick D. Boyle, one of about a dozen clergy who assisted at Mass, grew up in Phillipsburg and attended St. Philip & St. James, knows what it is like replacing a pastor who has spent many years among the congregation.

“I’ve done it twice,” he said. “It’s one of the most difficult things I’ve ever encountered in my priesthood, because you’re the new kid on the block. You have to sell yourself, basically, knowing that everybody is scrutinizing you.

You’re getting to know them; they’re getting to know you, and they’re sizing you up doing that.”

Parishioners said they welcome Fa ther Arockiadoss’ leadership.

“We know that Father Antony needs a lot of help, because this is probably the biggest parish he’s been pastor of, and he’s never been in a parish with an elementary school,” said lifelong mem ber William Casey, 78, who serves in several parish ministries, including as the school’s business manager.

Father Arockiadoss, who last served about five years as pastor of Assumption of Mary Parish in Hackettstown, said he was humble and grateful to be the head of a church and its school. St. Philip & St. James School, whose enrollment is from pre-K through eighth grade, is the only one in the county.

“So there are a lot of challenges,” Casey said, “and we’re here to support him, because we want him to be success ful. Because if he is, we will be, and the church will continue to grow.

“He’s a very holy man, and he’s go ing to be a great pastor.”

Founded about a year before the Civil War, St. Philip & St. James became incorporated as a parish Sept. 20, 1864, according to its online history, mak ing it one of the oldest parishes in the Metuchen Diocese.

At top, some of the dozen clergy who assisted at the Mass of Installation for Father Antony L. Arockiadoss, Oct. 22, process to the altar. At left, Bishop James F. Chec chio poses with Father Arockiadoss, the new pastor of St. Philip & St. James Parish, Phillipsburg. Father Arockiadoss said he was humbled to be at the Warren County Parish.

— Tony Salamone photos

New head of Evangelization, Communication ready for challenges

By Joanne Ward

In July, when the Lawrenceville School’s Summer Scholars program ended, a new beginning opened up for one of its teachers, Adam Carlisle. With extensive experience in the education field, including nearly 15 years as an Advanced Placement instructor, Carlisle decided to leave teaching and serve the Church.

“My faith has always been im portant to me,” stated Carlisle. He has always had a personal relationship with God, and a prayer life.

“I have always tried to find ways to share my faith as best as I could even when I was working at a secular boarding school.”

Now, as the secretary for the dioc esan Secretariat for Evangelization and Communication, Carlisle is in a position where, he said, he can “help build up the kingdom of God.” He added it is a posi tion he should have pursued for the past 20 plus years, but instead took a massive ‘detour’ into a teaching and coaching career.

The son of Theresa Buonpane and Dale P. Carlisle, he was raised in Ber nardsville, where his mother grew up and still lives. He graduated from Bernards ville High School in 1991.

Carlisle was baptized and raised in the Methodist Church. In his sopho more year of high school, however, his faith was to change. Carlisle had become friends with two evangelical Protestant boys who were involved in a car acci dent. One of them died. Recalling that time, Carlisle said it opened his eyes to the reality of life and death. It led him to become a more outspoken advocate for his faith.

Being a three-sport athlete in high school also changed Carlisle’s life. He played football and baseball and wanted to go professional. However, he broke his collarbone wrestling, which put an end to him ever playing organized sports again. “My whole life changed,” Carlisle said.

At the suggestion of his guidance counselor, in his junior year he turned to acting and singing. He became serious about school and as he noted, “pretty serious about my faith,” which led him to attend Houghton College, a Chris tian liberal arts college in upstate New York.

It was as an undergraduate studying history that started Carlisle on the road to the Catholic faith. St. John Henry New man, who had a huge influence on him, once stated, “to be deep in history is to cease to be Protestant.” Carlisle agreed. “In studying the early history of the Church I began to ask questions and when I started to answer those questions I started moving closer and closer to Rome. By the time I received my Bache lor of Arts degree in history from college, I was basically Catholic,” Carlisle said.

He then began postgraduate stud ies at Princeton Theological Seminary, where he converted to Catholicism. At Princeton University, Carlisle worked with Albert J. Raboteau, a renowned scholar whose life was dedicated to studying Christianity among enslaved Black people. With his professor, Carl isle conducted research on the “Ameri can Catholic Tribune,” the nation’s first Black Catholic newspaper.

In 1998, Carlisle was ready to pur sue his next degree and learn more about his faith. He enrolled at The Catholic

He had moved to Virginia to work for the company and now needed to find another position.

Soon after leaving Christianity.com, Carlisle began teaching at Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach. “From that time until last year, I was teaching in secondary school systems,” Carlisle said.

In 2001, he accepted a position at the Highlands School in Irving, Texas. It was a small, Catholic, co-educational school and a year after starting at the Highlands, he decided to enroll at the University of Dallas, a Catholic institution also in Ir

in 2008. Being close to family became a priority. The opportunity to do so came in 2019. One of Carlisle’s aunts called to tell him Delbarton School, a private all-male Catholic college-preparatory school in Morristown, was looking for a history teacher. He applied and was of fered the position.

At Delbarton, a Benedictine Catho lic school for boys, Carlisle once again accomplished much. He coached the school’s nationally ranked Speech and Debate Program, started a mock trial team, led a successful Thanksgiving Food Drive, and served as a retreat leader on a KAIROS retreat for juniors.

At the end of this past July, how ever, Carlisle decided it was again time for a change. He said he wanted to return to teaching in a co-educational school with a diverse student population. At Sem, he explained, there were 23 coun tries represented and dozens of states. As he had done a number of times before, he contacted the Lawrenceville School to inquire if they were hiring. On its website, it states the school’s mission is to challenge a diverse community of promising young people to lead lives of learning, integrity, and high purpose. Its three-week Summer Scholars Program, held in July, is designed to introduce scholars to the school’s Harkness teach ing method. Carlisle was accepted as a faculty member and said Lawrenceville was interested in hiring him to coach its

Providentially, when he found the job description for the Diocese of Metuchen’s Secretary for Evangelization and Communication, he said he realized, “That’s what I should have been doing. This is the type of job I should have ap plied for in 2000 when I graduated from Catholic University.”

University of America, Washington, D.C. His classes were held at the university’s Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Stud ies on Marriage and Family. He earned his Master of Theological Studies degree from Catholic University in 2000.

While in graduate school, through a professor at the John Paul II Institute, Carlisle secured a part-time position as an editorial assistant at “Communio,” a federation of theological journals founded in 1972 by then-Father and fu ture Pope, Joseph Ratzinger, and many others. In his position, Carlisle edited, proofread, and formatted manuscripts for the journal.

Just before he graduated from Cath olic University, Carlisle was recruited by Christianity.com, an ecumenical website for different religions to be the compa ny’s Catholic editor. He was responsible for populating the Catholic channel and worked with authors throughout the country. However, six months later, like many .coms at the time, Christianity.com went out of business and he lost his job.

ving. There he pursued part-time a Mas ter of Arts in American Studies degree, which he received in 2004.

When Carlisle and his wife, Kath leen, moved to Texas, they had planned to stay for only five years, but with the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth, in 2004, they decided it was time to move back to where most of their family lived. Carlisle sought a position in a private school within two hours of New Jer sey. After interviewing at a number of schools, he chose Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School (Sem) in Kingston, Pennsylvania. He taught there for 15 years and said he achieved his greatest success there, especially with the school’s Mock Trial program, which, under Carlisle’s guidance, was among the top programs in the country.

Despite his success at Sem, Carlisle and his wife talked many times about returning to New Jersey. They had been married in 2000, and besides Elizabeth now had two sons, Stephen, who was born in 2006, and Patrick, who was born

He began his new career for the Church this past September. As secretary, Carlisle oversees the diocesan Office of Communications and Public Relations including “The Catholic Spirit,” the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, the Office of Evangelization, the Office of RCIA, and the Office of Pontifical Mission Societies.

“We have monumental challenges ahead of us,” Carlisle said. He mentioned the need to get Catholics back to Mass and finding ways to communicate the faith especially to young people. He said he was inspired by how Bishop James F. Checchio combined Evangelization and Communication.

“There is a symbiotic relationship between the offices,” he continued. “We need to be forward thinking and innova tive on the Communications side, but also use those innovative techniques and new platforms, whether it be social me dia, YouTube, or podcasts to spread the Gospel message and, as Bishop Chec chio said, ‘to light a fire in the heart of our world.’”

Adam Carlisle the new Secretary for the Diocese of Metuchen’s Secretariat for Evange lization and Communication oversees the Office of Communications and Public Relations including “The Catholic Spirit,” the Office of Evangelization, the Office of RCIA, and the Office of Pontifical Mission Societies. — Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo

Concerts of sacred music to benefit needy children in Africa

Caritas Chamber Chorale, directed by Barbara Sanderman, will present two concerts of a cappella Christmas music, entitled “Born to Set Thy People Free,” for the benefit of Adorno Fathers’ African Mission.

The concerts will be held: Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, Middlesex Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m., at Blessed Sacrament Church, Martinsville

Through the music, “Born to Set Thy People Free” recounts the birth of Christ — considering the anticipation

of his coming, pondering the fiat of his mother, and commemorating his birth.

It also presents celebratory perspec tives of the birth of Christ from around the world.

In addition to classics like Has sler’s “Ave Maris Stella” and Victoria’s “O magnum mysterium,” the program includes works such as Todd Smith’s “Noel” in the African Kituba dialect; the “Huron Carol,” with text by St. Jean de Brébeuf, and the 16th century Spanish carol “Ríu, Ríu, Chíu” (a Caritas favorite).

Arrangements of familiar carols will

be performed

The concerts are free and open to the public. The entirety of a freewill of fering will benefit the Pierluigi Fabbiani Nursery School, the Gianni Diurni Pri mary School and the Foyer de l’Enfance Paolo Di Nardo Orphanage, run by the Adorno Fathers’ St. Francis Caracciolo Mission in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa.

In addition to the concerts listed above, Caritas will present “Born to Set Thy People Free” for the Sisters of Chris tian Charity, Mendham, Dec. 11.

For the health and safety of the sis ters, this concert is not open to the public.

Caritas Chamber Chorale is dedi cated to serving the poorest of the poor through the art of sacred music. Since its founding in 2005, the Chorale has sung for the benefit of the Adorno Fathers’ St. Francis Caracciolo Mission in DRC, Africa.

For more information, visit www. caritaschamberchorale.org or call (732) 718-0775.

New director of music seeks to connect faithful to truth, reality of word

Christina Leslie Correspondent

Veteran pilgrims from the diocese may have noticed a different musician at the keyboard of the massive Möller pipe organ high above the sanctuary of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Im maculate Conception, Washington, D.C.

The Mass celebrating the diocese’s 40th anniversary served as an out-oftown introduction to its newest director of sacred music, Christopher M.C. De ibert, who had taken up the baton and donned the organ shoes this June.

Deibert, 51, was born and raised in New Jersey as the eldest of four siblings, “with strong, Catholic family values,” he stressed.

He was raised in then-St. Paul the Apostle Parish and attended its nowclosed parochial school, Highland Park, then worshipped at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, while attend ing Saint Joseph High School, both in Metuchen.

In addition to singing in church choirs since boyhood, he developed his musical acumen playing jazz piano. De ibert earned a bachelor of arts degree at the University of Scranton (Pa.) in busi ness and foreign languages (he speaks English, French, Italian, Spanish and Latin), then continued his musical stud ies in piano and organ performance at Marywood College, also in Scranton.

He has studied church music, organ, choral conducting and harpsichord at Westminster Choir College, Princeton;

the Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y., and McGill University, Montreal.

Prior to his arrival at the Cathedral, Deib ert served as organist in St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, then St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick, before serving more than 23 years as di

rector of sacred music and organist at St. Mary Parish, South Amboy.

As the Cathedral’s newest musical leader, he plans to build upon the musical legacies of his predecessors, serve as a resource to other diocesan liturgical musi cians, and build upon the diocesan Mother

Church’s classical music concert series.

In his role as diocesan director of liturgical music, Deibert will be respon sible for planning the hymns, antiphons and instrumental music for such diverse diocesan liturgies as the pilgrimage to Washington; the Blue Mass, which honors law enforcement personnel; the Chrism Mass, which gathers faithful from the diocese at the beginning of Holy Week; the Silver and Gold Evening Prayer, which attracts long-married cou ples to celebrate their union, and priest hood ordinations, among other events.

His goal is to inspire musicians and members of the Diocesan Festival Choir to “elevate the minds, spirits and souls of the assembled worshipping community, and ensure that the true purpose of sacred music within the liturgy is met for the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful,” he said.

Deibert’s philosophy on the impor tance of music in the Catholic liturgy echoes that of the Second Vatican Coun cil’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, that is, “The purpose of sacred music is the glory of God and the sanctification of the faithful.”

He added, “Singing brings together the reality and truth of the word, which is interpreted by the human intellect, with the beauty of the human voice, which is an outward expression of the body. When these two fundamental elements are brought together in sacred song… [it] becomes a more intimate experience, uniting us with our Eucharistic Lord, and creating for us a closer connection to him.”

St. Therese ‘Little Flower’ continues to lead faithful to Christ

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor

RARITAN TOWNSHIP – Almost 150 years after Marie-Francoise-Therese Martin was born in Alencon, France, the girl who would become St. Therese of Lisieux remains an example that one can pursue holiness in ordinary life despite suffering from ill health or other challenges.

On Oct. 1, the feast day of St. Therese or ‘Little Flower,’ her followers packed the chapel at the Carmel of Mary Immaculate and St. Mary Magdalen, home of the Discalced Carmelite nuns, to seek her intercession at the annual Bless ing of the Roses prayer service.

The service included exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, liturgy of the word, adoration, novena prayers, bene diction and the blessing and distribution of roses along with a chance to venerate a relic of St. Therese.

St. Therese was the youngest of nine children in her family -- five of whom died in early childhood – who became a Carmelite nun like her four sisters. She died of tuberculosis in 1997.

According to Mother Mary Eliza beth, prioress of the monastery, her feast day is an important date because she is invoked by the religious community’s novices “as ‘Our Heavenly Novice Mis tress,’ and the Church has given her an official title of Doctor of the Church be cause her writings contain solid teaching to foster a life of simple prayer and union with God, which is open to everyone.”

“St. Therese desired to spend her heaven in doing good on earth saying that she would send a ‘shower of roses’ upon those who invoke her help in any need. The rose is a symbol of the blessings she

obtains from God for us,” Mother Mary Elizabeth said.

As he has done for the past sev eral years, James Beach, a benefactor, donated about 650 roses in memory of his “beloved mother” for the service, Mother Mary Elizabeth said. Each year, the garland of roses on the statue of St. Therese is given to one of the Carmel’s benefactors as a prayerful expression of their gratitude, she added.

Auxiliary Bishop Manuel A. Cruz of the Archdiocese of Newark presided at the liturgy. He was first invited to the Carmel more than 40 years ago and noted in his opening remarks he has a special place in his heart for the Carmelites, a community of cloistered, contemplative religious under solemn vows.

Carmelite Father Eugene J. Bet tinger, priest in residence, Church of the Assumption, Emerson, gave the homily.

In his homily, Father Bettinger noted that 2023 is not only the 150th anniver sary of St. Therese’s birth, but the 200th of her father, Louis. He and his wife, Zelie, were canonized on the same day by Pope Francis, the first time in Church history that a husband and wife received the declaration together.

Her relics and those of her family are scheduled to visit the shrine of St. Therese in Darien, Ill., Sept. 16-Oct. 1, 2023. ext year will also be the 100th anniversary of her beatification and The Society of the Little Flower.

In preparation for the liturgy, Father Bettinger said he read the sworn testi monies of St. Therese’s sisters, Pauline, Marie and Celine, which were given to the Commission on the Servant of God in 1910. Their testimonies to 30 questions were included in the book, “St. Therese

of Lisieux, By Those Who Knew Her.” The subtitle led him to share how he came to know St. Therese and asked the faithful how they came to know her. She entered his life when he was 22 days old in 1947.

“On my baptismal day, my godpar ents posed for a photo in my bedroom, where they held me in front of the de votional picture of St. Therese that was above my bed, where it was during my childhood,” he said.

“Fast forward into my teen years and I accompanied my pastor as his serv er on his Silver Jubilee pilgrimage that he led in Europe in 1965… to Lisieux to the Carmel there, where we were granted a tour of the cloister and Therese’s room.

“Two years later, I joined the Car melite Friars in Niagara Falls, Ontario, the Canadian Shrine of St. Therese. I was one of the postulants at 20 years old known as ‘A Little Flower’ seminarian supported by the Society of the Little Flower.

“Then, 50 years ago this month, I became the first intern in the oldest church dedicated to Therese that opened the year she was beatified, 1923.”

Father Bettinger asked the congre gation if they have ever received “her famous spiritual flowers confirming her promise of showering us with her rose?”

“Think about her in your life as a member of the communion of saints,” he

said. “When have you felt she has been attentive to you in your needs? If it has been notable, share that with others.

“Today, you will receive a rose. May it signify for you her promise of be ing present on earth even as she is in the heavenly realm.

“Relationships are meant to grow closer in the communion of saints. We can all get to know Therese more by pon dering her sayings in her autobiography, poems, and plays that she wrote; her let ters, and through those, like her sisters, who knew her.

“We can invoke her help and give thanks for prayers answered. She loved praying for priests like me and fellow believers like you.”

According to the Carmelites’ web site, “By their style and way of life, they express their call to follow the Lord ever more closely in silence and solitude. Prayer, both communal and solitary, is the center of this life.

“The Carmel chooses to maintain strict enclosure, wear the full habit as a sign of poverty and consecration to God, and preserves many of the traditional monastic observances. The lifestyle is simple and austere, but not excessively so. Two daily hours of recreation enrich and enliven community living. In the words of St. Therese herself… ‘Lord,

Below left, Auxiliary Bishop Manuel A. Cruz of the Archdiocese of Newark blesses the doz ens of roses brought to the Carmelite Monastery for the prayer service celebrating the feast day of St. Therese or ‘Little Flower, Oct. 1. Auxiliary Bishop Cruz presided at the an nual Blessing of Roses liturgy. At left on top are some of St. Therese’s followers who filled the pews of the Carmelites’ small chapel. At left below is Carmelite Father Eugene J. Bet tinger who delivered the homily. He noted that in 2023 will be the 150th anniversary of St. Therese’s birth, and the 100th anniversary of her beatification.— Mike Ehrmann photos

AWARENESS WEEK

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A special section of The Catholic Spirit November 17, 2022

Please consider amazing call Christ may be bringing to you

Jesus Christ himself — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity — comes to be with us under the appearances of bread and wine.

The sublime honor bestowed upon every ordained priest is to be empowered to serve as the minister who represents Christ himself and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, effects the change of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The priest stands in the place of Christ among his people making Christ himself present right there in their midst.

The sublime honor bestowed upon every ordained priest is to be empowered to serve as the minister who represents Christ himself and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, effects the change of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Writing about the Priesthood during the Eucharistic Revival now occurring with in the Church quite naturally focuses my mind on the intimate tie between the Eu charist and the priest. Catholic Christians believe that the Eucharist is the “Source and Summit of the Christian life.” The Eucharist, Holy Communion, is recog nized as holding such an exalted place in our Church and life of faith because it is, after all, Our Lord Jesus Christ himself. The Word made flesh, the Eternal Son of the Eternal Father becomes present, via the miracle of Transubstantiation, on the altar table each time we celebrate Mass.

The role of the priest is thus to fur ther unite humanity and divinity, heaven and earth. Then-Pope, now St. John Paul II called the priest a “bridge” between Christ and his people. He does that most exceptionally during the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Mass but also in so many other ways. I have had the opportunity to be present to two very different moments of priestly bridge building over the past week or so.

The first experience of bridge building between Christ and his people occurred at a funeral Mass. During the Mass, the priest was called upon to unite people who were grieving at a particu larly difficult moment of their lives with Jesus Christ, the Supreme Source of hope and comfort. The priest was called upon to give voice to the sorrows, emptiness, and doubt of the people before the Lord, while at the same time, assuring those people, in the name of Christ, that the Savior who died and rose to save human

ity was eternally, assuredly, and uncon ditionally with them and their deceased love one. The supreme love of God is given voice among his beloved people through the ministry of the priest.

The second experience of priestly bridge building, connecting God with his people and vice versa, occurred at a Vo cations Volleyball game at the Cathedral. Perhaps this is less of a classic example of heaven and earth coming together, but as I reflected upon the experience, I real ized that that is exactly what was going on there. The priests were present bring ing their humanity and manifestation of Christian community, along with their time, talent (some of them were pretty good volleyball players!), and faith to a group of young people and their families — the message was that Christ is pres ent and loving them at every moment — at play, work, wins, losses, and so on. Another example of the supreme love of God being made manifest among his

beloved people.

And so to all the guys out there — please consider the amazing call that Jesus may be bringing to you. Might you offer your life — your time, talent, and faith to further the bridge building between God and his people. The Lord who brings love, comfort, consolation, and joy among his people wills to do that through you! Parents, grandparents, friends — might you have a young man among you who God might be calling to carry his presence, love, and message more deeply to his people? At Mass, and during volleyball games, in the sacra ments and schools, at home and work and at play, we need the Lord so much; could it be you, or your sons, grandsons, or friends who further carry our Lord to a world which so desperately needs him? Please pray about it.

Msgr. Fell is a Scripture scholar and director, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel

FEBRUARY 3-5, 2023

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Union native professes first vows for cloistered, contemplative order

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

FLEMINGTON – At the end of a long driveway in rural Hunterdon County, framed by peaceful, rolling hills and towering trees, sits a stone monastery in which a dozen religious women have taken up the mission to lead others to the Lord through their fervent prayer.

On Sept. 16, the ranks of that com munity — the Carmel of Mary Immacu late and St. Mary Magdalen — were blessed by the addition of Sister Talitha of the Trinity at a Mass where she pro fessed her first vows as a discalced Car melite nun.

Befitting their choice to live a clois tered, contemplative religious life, the nuns who live there were separated by a steel grate from the congregation of family and friends. Though they were, by choice, unseen by their visitors, the joy in the nuns’ prayers, music and professions of faith during the Mass was clearly au dible and reverberated against the stone walls and floor.

Dominican Father Ignatius John Schweitzer, a New York City-based cleric who had acted as Sister Talitha’s spiritual advisor, presided at the Mass and gave the homily.

In his homily, Father Schweitzer reminded Sister Talitha, “With this profession, building on your consecra tion which began at your baptism, and strengthened at your confirmation, you make a new step to give all of your mind, body and spirit with faith and love.

“The queen of your old self has died, and the handmaid of the Lord is coming to life,” he continued. “The Carmelites are spiritual mothers who lay down their lives for others through their prayer, penance, and their whole life offered to the Lord, just like Our Lady did… As you begin this next important step as a Carmelite nun, allow the fragrance of the bridegroom to draw you. God wants a love that endures. You will bear fruit that will last.”

The first profession of vows cer emony began with Sister Talitha placing her hands in those of the Mother Mary Eliuzabeth, prioress, saying, “With all my heart, I give myself to this family begun by St. Teresa with the grace of the Holy Spirit and the help of the Mother of God. May I serve the Holy Mother Church in continual prayer and evangeli cal self-denial [and] glorify the blessed trinity for all eternity.”

Sister Talitha’s emphatic, yet peacefilled answer to what she sought — the mercy of God, the poverty of the order, and the society of the sisters — left no listener in doubt that she had found her life’s goal, the avenue to her soul’s rest and fulfillment in Christ.

The prioress held the vows penned by Sister Talitha, then placed them

atop the altar. Still kneeling, the newlyprofessed nun’s white headpiece was adorned with a flowered crown to signify the order had welcomed another spiritfilled traveler of faith.

One might wonder how a 28-yearold native of Union and self-proclaimed “Jersey girl through and through” decided to serve the Lord as a discalced Carmel ite nun. In a telephone call preceding the ceremony, Sister Talitha recalled how she decided to earn a degree in biochemistry at Seton Hall University, South Orange, then postpone medical school.

“I wanted to become more involved with my faith, so I went to Rutgers [Uni versity, New Brunswick], learned about St. Paul’s Outreach and became a mis sionary for three years,” she explained.

“As I grew to feel more involved in my faith and love of the Lord, the more I wanted to share it. I read about St. Teresa of Avila and investigated the Carmelites.”

She soon realized traditional mis sionary work could not serve everyone.

“I can’t serve the poor in all areas. If I am in India, I cannot serve also in China, but I can save the whole world [from the monastery,]” she said.

Though prayer is the centerpiece of the Carmelite, Sister Talitha insisted, “I am not on my knees all day. Life consists of serving one another. We model our selves after Jesus, who came to serve, not to be served.”

The nuns’ daily schedule is full — arising at 5:30 a.m., followed by the Lit urgy of the Hours and Mass; individual, silent and group prayer; chores, meals, recreation and spiritual reading until they retire at 11 p.m. The sisters may meet with family and friends for 12 hours each year.

Not surprisingly, the former premed student explained her deep sense of joy and fulfillment in life as a discalced Carmelite nun in both physical and spiri tual terms.

“The heart of the Church can’t stop beating, like the heart in a body would die if it stopped,” Sister Talitha said. “We have constant faithfulness to our Lord… So may we search for life and love. Where else can be find it but in the Lord? I will give my whole life to Him.”

Top of page, Sister Talitha of the Trinity reacts with joy after she professed first vows as a discalced Carmelite nun at Mass in the chapel at the Carmel of Mary Immaculate and St. Mary Magdalen Monastery, Flemington. Left, after pronouncing her vows, Sister Talitha of the Trinity kneels before Mother Mary Elizabeth, prioress, to receive a blessing wearing a crown of miniature white roses and yellow daffodils, a traditional bridal wreath for a religious profession. Above, family and friends of Sister Talitha listen as she professes her vows.

First Rank

John Batkowski photos

Auxiliary Bishop Gregory J. Studerus, left, of the Archdiocese of Newark, institutes Dawid Malik (right), a seminarian for the Diocese of Metuchen, into the Ministry of Acolyte in the Chapel at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, South Orange, Oct. 17.

— Joseph Ho photo

Community Servants

On Aug. 15, the Solemnity of the As sumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sisters of Christian Charity Regina Bathalon, Monique Eloizard and Luiza Simon made their perpetual profession of vows at Mass at the Chapel of Mary Immaculate, Mallinckrodt Convent, Mendham. Bishop Alfred A. Schlert, shepherd of the Diocese of Allentown, Pa., presided at the Mass. The Sisters made their vows into the hands of Sis ter Maria del Rosario Castro, general superior. Sister Monique served at St. Elizabeth-St. Brigid Parish, Peapack, and

is now ministering as a guidance coun selor at Bishop McDevitt High School, Harrisburg, Pa. Posing for a photo at Mallinckrodt Convent following Perpet ual Profession of Vows, from left: Sister Maria del Rosario; Sister Joann Marie Aumand, provincial superior, Eastern Province; Sister Monique; Sister Luiza; Bishop Schlert; Sister Regina and Sister Mary Joseph Schultz, general councilor and tertianship director.

photo courtesy of Sisters of Christian Charity

Sacred Oaths

Convent, Mendham, Aug. 14, the Vigil of the Solemnity of the As sumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Father Lawrence Lewis presided at the liturgy. The Sisters renewed their vows into the hands of Sister Maria del Rosario Castro, general superior. Posing for a photo are, from left: Sis ter Joann Marie Aumand, provincial superior; Sister John Paul Thorley, math teacher, Morris Catholic High School, Denville; Sister Graciela Co lon, immigration attorney, Catholic Charities; Sister Elena Pearce, fifth-

School, Basking Ridge; Sister Maria Pia Arca, Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry, Diocese of Metuchen; and Sister Maria del Rosario Castro. Sisters of Christian Charity who renew their vows have completed the pre-novitiate (one to two years) and novitiate (two years) and have professed first vows. They renew vows annually for four or more years after first profession before en tering the period of preparation for perpetual profession of vows.

photo courtesy of Sisters of Christian Charity

Elderly religious need your help.

Like those pictured, nearly 25,000 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests have devoted their lives to prayer and ministry—educating the young, tending the sick, aiding the needy, and more. Yet years of serving for little or no pay have left a profound shortage in retirement savings. Your support of the Retirement Fund for Religious helps furnish care, medicine, and other necessities. Please give generously.

Please donate at your local parish December 10–11 or by mail at:

National Religious Retirement Office/MET 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194

Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

Student retreat combines spiritual activities, fellowship, fun

By Kyra Stevko Correspondent

Connecting with God and each other, the biannual Rutgers University, New Brunswick, Catholic Student Asso ciation (CSA) Retreat is an escape from day-to-day life and the stressors of school.

This year, about 80 students at tended the event, which was held Oct. 14-16 at Camp Tecumseh, Pittstown. The retreat was organized through Rutgers CSA by Brother Joseph Dono

a director for the retreat, he replied, “I had felt strongly convicted beforehand that the Lord was calling me to serve him in some way, and after being asked to lead the retreat, it felt like this was where the Lord wanted me.”

Students began the retreat with din ner and fun activities, received a booklet of the weekend’s events with a cover drawn by Elaina Phillips, a sophomore at Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of Arts. This was followed by a talk from senior Iza Bigos, titled “Awe for Life” fol lowed by witness from Brother Patrick

hood of Hope who is director of the

Attendees started the next morning with prayer and breakfast, games, a talk

The day ended with all-night adora tion and fellowship.

“Seeing this conversion [in Chris tian life] made manifest on retreat dur ing Saturday night adoration is always the highlight of retreat,” Cruz said, “es pecially when we can enter into prayer and then be with each other for the rest of the night enjoying bonfires, conversa tions, and an abundance of joy.”

The retreat concluded the follow ing day with a talk by Eula London called “Christian Virtue Fully Alive!” and a witness by Jesus Our Hope Sister Lorraine Doiron, campus minister.

After Mass, there was a Eucharistic healing procession and lunch.

“This [retreat] should lead to an en counter with the person of Jesus and his Church, and seeing how the Church is his mystical body,” he added. “It is then that we have an opportunity to enter more fully into life together as brothers and sisters in Christ, a relationship that has the potential for unity the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world, much less at Rutgers.”

For more information, see the web site www.rutgerscatholic.org.

hood of Hope, followed by witness from senior Francisco “Cisco” Almachi-Vera.

After Mass and some personal time, there was an exposition of the Eucharist followed by a talk entitled “Oath” by

According to a recent Lifeway Re search Study, up to 66 percent of regular church goers stopped attending church in college. When asked about this and the goal of retreat, Cruz said, “Having a weekend to understand the glory of God and who he is, all of this means everything, because in the midst of our other responsibilities we can share with each other the love that we have and the joy of who we are as beloved sons and daughters without any distractions.”

Above, students and staff of the Catholic Center at Rutgers University, New Bruns wick, pose for a photo at their biannual retreat. Below (left), the St. Paul’s Outreach Group at Rutgers pose during the retreat, from left: Josue Reyes Diaz, Hannah Cun ningham, Evan Markel, Giovanna Pessa, Brother Brennan Robinson, Gretchen Behrens, and Preston Richter; Father Ja son Pavich blesses the retreatants with the Blessed Sacrament; Erin Haney places her hand on Hannah Cunningham as she prays for her; Jesus Our Hope Sister Lorraine Doiron, campus minister, gives a witness talk.

photos courtesy of The Catholic Center at Rutgers

Polish postulator of saint, his parents preaches at church in diocese

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor

A parish steeped in devotion and rever ence for St. John Paul II recently wel comed back Msgr. Slawomir Oder, the postulant for the cause of his sainthood who is now seeking the canonization of the former pope’s father, Karol Joseph Wojtyla, and mother, Emelia Kaczorowska.

Father Robert G. Lynam, pastor, St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, said Msgr. Oder was scheduled to go to Chicago for the Oct. 22 feast of St. John Paul II, but at his invitation, agreed to celebrate Mass at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church Oct. 16, the 44th an niversary of the saint’s election as pope.

In his homily, Msgr. Oder said: “During the beatification process of St. John Paul II, one of the witnesses, when talking about the Marian aspect of the spirituality of the Pope, used a beautiful and eloquent expression: ‘John Paul II learned to look at the world with the eyes of Mary. His love for the mother of God and intimacy with her has allowed him to see the world with her eyes. What does it mean? How to understand it?’”

Msgr. Oder reminded the faithful that John Paul II, who served the Church as pope from 1978 to 2005 and was can onized April 27, 2014, made his life a gift for the Church and for his brethren.

“He never preserved himself, but when, after the attempt against his life, on May 13, 1981, he realized that his life was given to him for the second time, he gave it completely to God through Mary.”

Msgr. Oder said St. John Paul II, like all saints, became a vessel of mercy and its source. “He used to breathe the spirit of God!”

“Your community is so blessed,” he continued, “that because of the leader

ship of your pastor, Father Canon Bob Lynam, you are constantly invited to fol low the example of this great pope…

“My dear friends,” he concluded, “let us pray to the Lord, through the in tercession of the Blessed Mother and St. John Paul II, so that we too may continue to experience that we are loved. Let us open our eyes and hearts to a world in which we can give good gifts to repay the debt of love!

“Let our life be a vessel filled with grace and a source from which good comes forth! Let us breathe with the spirit of God! Let our lips speak of the abundance of our hearts so that our life will take the form of love. Amen.”

St. Augustine of Canterbury is home to a first-class relic of the saint, born Karol Józef Wojtyła in Wadowice, Poland; and a reliquary containing a life-like replica of him in its Chapel of Saints; pictures; signed papal blessings; and his zuchetto.

Father Lynam had attended five Masses in the private papal chapel, and was later present for the pope’s funeral, beatification and canonization Masses.

In August 2015, Father Lynam was appointed a canon of the Church for his dedication and honor to the life of St. John Paul II, and assigned to the Basilica of St. Florian in Krakow, Poland. St. Florian’s was the pope’s second parish as a priest.

On May 1, 2012, at the invitation of Father Lynam, Msgr. Oder served as prin cipal celebrant of a Mass of thanksgiving at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, the first anniversary of the Beatification of St. John Paul II.

Msgr. Oder, a judicial vicar who served for about 30 years in the Vicariate in the Diocese of Rome and as president of its Ordinary Court, recently returned to serve in the Diocese of Toruń in Poland, after 36 years.

Above, Msgr. Slawomir Oder, the postulant for the cause of St. John Paul II who is now seeking the canonization of the former pope’s father and mother, poses next to photos of the couple after Mass at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Kendall Park, Oct. 16. Top of page, Msgr. Oder raises the cup during the consecration watched by Father Robert G. Lynam (right).

Strong Support

Cardinal Gregorio Marengo, who was elevated to the rank by Pope Francis at the consistory of cardinals in Rome in August, poses with, from left: Carol Mayer, her husband, Deacon Denis F. Mayer, of St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park; Father Robert G. Lynam, pastor, and Barbara Corio, a member of the parish, af ter the ceremony at the Pope VI Audience Hall, also known as the Hall of Pontifical Audiences. Three years ago, Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, nuncio to South Korea/Mongolia, during a visit to St. Augustine’s, asked Father Lynam to adopt a parish run by the Consolata Missionar ies — Mary, Mother of Mercy, in Mongolia. The founding pastor was then-Father Marengo. In July 2019, Deacon Denis Mayer and Barbara Corio went to visit the parish as representatives of Father Lynam and presented a donation of $15,000 to Father Marengo to complete refur bishing its offices, add guest rooms and build a new seminary. Cardinal Marengo, 48, who became the youngest bishop in the Church in 2020, is now its youngest cardinal.

photo courtesy of Barbara Corio

Barbara Corio photos

Team turns tragedy to triumph by dedicating season to late coach

Head coach Brian Meeney, who had pulled the program up from barely enough players to form a team his first season to a 9-1 record in 2021, died of a heart attack March 22. Meeney, a mar ried father of two children, was 46.

In the months since his death, the team showed how suffering, while pain ful, can turn tragedy into triumph. The players not only had to deal with the emotional impact of his passing, but af ter time to grieve, hire his replacement.

Jerry Smith, St. Thomas Aquinas’ ath letic director, hired Tarig Holman, who had been coaching at John F. Kennedy Memorial High School, Iselin.

Holman knew he had a challenge in front of him, not just in terms of continu ing Meeney’s success, but in helping his players transition past their grief.

“I think when I started off here, I looked at the foundation that had been laid by Coach Meeney,” said Holman. “I also looked at the staff. I look at myself as a person who is big on relationships. At the end of the day, that is what it is about. The kids had established a tremen dous relationship with Coach Meeney. So did the staff. The last thing I wanted to do was break the relationships. I wanted to enhance the relationships and build on the foundations.

“We have a tremendous coaching staff,” he continued. “I’m surrounded by great people who are all headed in the same direction. We all want to help these young men rise up and meet their great

other. Football is an emotional game and life is emotional, too. I think this was a tremendous amount of adversity for these young men to be able to handle, especially at this age when it comes to losing someone who was part of their family. At the beginning of the year, we talked about committing ourselves to the cause and Coach Meeney was a big part of that.”

Senior Jayden Young, a four-year starter at quarterback, said he and his teammates initially reacted to Meeney’s death with shock, disbelief and sadness.

“But the people at the school were incredibly nice,” Young said. “There was always someone to talk to, always some one asking if you were OK. It was like everyone was going through it together.”

Senior teammate Najee Lovejoy, who had played for Meeney for three years, said hearing about his death was “my first time dealing with loss.”

“I felt like he was family. The school provided lots of support for us in how we dealt with it,” he said.

Under Holman’s guidance, the St. Thomas Aquinas Trojans showed they could deal with it. After losing its season opener to Timber Creek, the Trojans won eighth consecutive games, including a 17-14 victory over Edison by scoring two touchdowns late in the fourth quarter to improve to 8-1. The Trojans finished first in their inaugural season in the United Gold Division of the Big Central Confer ence with a 4-0 record.

No. 5-ranked St. Thomas Aquinas fell to host and No. 4-ranked Holy Spirit, Absecon, 50-21 after trailing 29-7 lead at halftime.

No. 2-ranked DePaul, Wayne,

Above, Bishop James F. Checchio, sec ond from left, poses with the St. Thomas Aquinas High School marching band and color guard after supporting the Trojans football team to victory at home in Edison. Below, Tarig Holman was hired to guide the team after the death of head coach Brian Meeney in March. After an opening-season loss, the Trojans won eight consecutive games and outscored opponents 313-115 in the process. The Trojans also finished first in the United Gold Division, Big Central Conference

New Lord’s Table at hospital chapel blessed at Mass by Bishop Checchio

NEW BRUNSWICK — On Sept. 22, Bishop James F. Checchio (in photo sprinkling holy water) presided at a Mass at Saint Peterq’s University Hospital and blessed a new altar in the its newly reno vated chapel.

Deacon William Webber Jr. assisted Bishop Checchio in the blessing.

In addition to the new altar, the reno vated chapel features a new ambo in the sanctuary, along with a new tabernacle. Renovations also include a new floor and pews, upgraded lighting and fresh paint. Refurbished statues of St. Joseph and the Blessed Mother adorn the sides of the sanctuary.

Peter’s to have the bishop celebrate Mass

and bless our new altar. The newly reno vated chapel will help fulfill Saint Peter’s Catholic mission of ministering to the whole person — body, mind and soul,” said James S. Choma, vice president for Catholic Mission and chief development officer of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.

“We are grateful for the generous support from our hospital community, which funded the renovation,” said Dea con Vincent Brigande, director, Pastoral Care at Saint Peter’s University Hospital.

Quarterly Meeting

The Catholic bishops of New Jersey met Oct. 14 for their quarterly meeting of the New Jersey Catholic Conference (NJCC) at the Diocese of Trenton’s Chancery, Lawrenceville. Bishop James F. Checchio, left, poses with (from left) Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Diocese of Paterson; Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archdiocese of Newark; Bishop Dennis Sullivan, Diocese of Camden; Bishop David M. O’Connell, Diocese of Trenton, and Bishop Kurt Burnette, Eparchy of Passaic. The bishops and James King, executive director of the NJCC — the public policy arm of the state’s Catholic bishops — discussed best practices and issues important to the Catholic Church of New Jersey.

photo courtesy of Rose O’Connor/The Monitor Magazine

A blind man asks Jesus for sight

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service

Jesus and the apostles were traveling to Jerusalem. Along the way, Jesus healed lepers, told parables and predicted his death and resurrection. During their trav els, Jesus and his friends met an official. “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” he asked Jesus. “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone,” Jesus replied. “You know the commandments,” Jesus continued, “You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother.” “All of these I have observed from my youth,” the official said. “There is still one thing left for you: Sell all that you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me,” Jesus said. This made the official very sad, because he was very rich. “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God,” Jesus said. “Then who can be saved?” those who heard asked. “What is impossible for hu man beings is possible for God,” Jesus said. As Jesus and his friends reached Jericho, there was a blind man sitting by the side of the road begging. He heard a crowd going by and wanted to know what was happening.

“Jesus of Nazareth is passing by,” someone in the crowd told him. The blind man started to shout. “Jesus, Son

of David, have pity on me!” he cried. Some people in the crowd rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but the blind man shouted all the more. Jesus stopped. He ordered the blind man to be brought to him. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Lord, please let me see,” the blind man replied. “Have sight; your faith has saved you,” Jesus said.

The blind man immediately received sight and started following Jesus and giving glory to God.

When the people in the crowd saw what happened, they all began to praise God.

Alarming Lessons

During Fire Prevention Month, St. Helena School, Edison, participated in a demon stration hosted by Edison Township Fire Company Engine 12. Students were able to ask the firefighters questions and handle equipment used to fight fires. Father Anthony Sirianni, pastor, St. Helena Parish, also enjoyed the presentation.

Antorino photos

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Puzzle:

fo i glith het lordw ma eht

Presents

Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. St. Brigid Church 129 Main Street Peapack, New Jersey Donations

Roberta

It is important to learn how to read sad ness. We all know what sadness is: all of us. But do we know how to interpret it? Do we know what it means for me, this sadness today? In our time, it – sadness –is mostly considered negatively, as an ill to avoid at all costs, and instead it can be an indispensable alarm bell for life, invit ing us to explore richer and more fertile landscapes that transience and escapism do not permit. Saint Thomas defines sad ness as a pain of the soul: like the nerves for the body, it redirects our attention to a possible danger, or a disregarded benefit (cf. Summa Theologica I-II, q. 36, a.1). Therefore, it is indispensable for our health; it protects us from harming our selves and others. It would be far more serious and dangerous not to feel this, and to go ahead. At times sadness works like a traffic light: “Stop, stop! It is red, here. Stop”….

If we know how to traverse loneli ness and desolation with openness and awareness, we can emerge strengthened in human and spiritual terms. No trial is beyond our reach; no trial will be greater than what we can do. But do not flee from trials: see what this test means, what it means that I am sad: why am I sad? What does it mean that in this mo ment I am in desolation? What does it mean that I am in desolation and cannot go on? Saint Paul reminds us that no-one is tempted beyond his or her ability, be cause the Lord never abandons us and, with him close by, we can overcome every temptation (cf. 1 Cor 10:13). And if we do not overcome it today, we get up another time, we walk and we will overcome it tomorrow. But we must not remain dead – so to speak – we must not remain defeated by a moment of sadness, of desolation: go forward. May the Lord bless this path – courageous! – of spiri tual life, which is always a journey.

A world without even tacit rules?

Let us stipulate that the terms “inter national community” and “rules-based international order” have often been re duced to meaningless word-salads. Let’s further stipulate that some who invoke a “rules-based international order” seek the imposition of the Republic of Woke everywhere. Let’s even stipulate that the dream of a conflict-free world governed solely by international law and “dia logue” ignores the enduring effects of original sin in the political sphere.

That being said, there is something aggravating and irresponsible about rhe torical grenades being lobbed from the playpen subdivision of the “New Right” at the “idealistic fantasies” of a “rulesbased” international order — to which no credible alternatives are proposed.

Want to know what a world without order, a world in which even tacit rules are flouted with seeming impunity, looks like?

It’s a world in which a megalomania cal dictator, masquerading as a legitimate president and a defender of Christian civi lization, murders his domestic opponents; crushes all public efforts to manifest dis sent; fouls the communications space with lie after lie; invades a peaceful neighbor ing country and attempts to annex large swaths of its territory; authorizes the de liberate targeting of innocent civilians and willfully destroys kindergartens, mater nity homes, and churches; denies the war crimes (including torture and mass execu tions) committed by his rabble of an army; practices energy blackmail; threatens the use of nuclear weapons; turns the tradi tional religious leadership of his country into blasphemous lapdogs; and disrupts the entire global economy, putting the weakest and poorest at risk of famine.

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A Simple Prayer of Thanks

Dear God, on this Thanksgiving Day, we want to pause and thank you for the blessings surrounding us. For another day, for family, friends, for food on the table. You are the source of all good things and we praise you for the simple things that bring us joy. Help us keep our eyes on you this day and every day so our lives may be filled with praise and joy. Amen.

It’s a world in which another ruthless dictator, who imagines himself to carry the mandate, if not of heaven then at least of “history,” upends the world for well over a year through a pandemic he could not con trol (and may have created); tries to buy his way into world dominance by bribing Third World politicians while colonizing their countries through debt-inducing in frastructure projects that will allow him to project power globally; makes aggres sive military moves against his immediate neighbors; practices ethnic and cultural genocide through “re-education” camps; destroys the freedom of a once-thriving city-state; demands that even approved religious groups kowtow to his “thought;” and imprisons brave men and women who speak truth to power about the freedom that so clearly frightens him.

It’s a world in which yet another manic dictator, this one with a nasty haircut, develops nuclear weapons and brazenly fires ballistic missiles over a neighbor, all the while running his coun try as a vast concentration camp in which starvation is an instrument of state policy.

It’s a world in which apocalyptic theocrats use the state apparatus to en force their concept of the “highest good” by murder, torture and police brutality, while further destabilizing the volatile region they inhabit.

It’s a world in which non-state actors, like terrorist organizations, wreak havoc on others from their bases in failed states.

It’s a world in which an arrested adolescent, now in his mid-seventies, destroys the civil society and economy of a small, impoverished nation; puts his would-be political opponents under house arrest for months; builds torture

prisons for priests; expels the Missionar ies of Charity from the country; defames the Church through his regime-dominat ed media; and arrests a Catholic bishop on completely spurious charges.

That’s what a world without even tacit rules, and leaders willing to enforce them, looks like. Anyone who imagines that this kind of world would not eventually do grave damage to the United States is lost in an ideological fog and blind to reality. What happens to Ukraine; what happens to the Baltic states and Poland if Russian aggression is not defeated in Ukraine; what happens to Cardinal Joseph Zen and Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong; what happens to Taiwan and to the Uyghurs of Xinjiang province; what happens if the mullahs get the bomb or Al Qaeda reconstitutes itself; what happens in the failing states of Cen tral America — all this is having an impact on us now, and surely will in the future.

It is true that America cannot be the policeman who reckons with every crimi nal regime on the planet. But someone must organize the posse when the lawless ones threaten the tacit rules that underwrite the minimum of order necessary to pre vent the world from becoming a circular firing squad: a Hobbesian jungle in which all are set against all. Failing to grasp this elementary point suggests not only his torical ignorance and strategic myopia. It also bespeaks a lack of understanding of the principle of solidarity, one of the four pillars of Catholic social doctrine.

simple prayer for simple gifts of the season

ner, and Advent and Christmas not far behind, there will be no dearth of flags in the coming months, signaling the seasons and some of what we hold dear as a fam ily. Certainly, there is great meaning in the seasons soon upon us, meaning that is deeper than a nod from a fluttering flag.

As I was changing the flag that hangs on our front porch, a little voice from across the street exclaimed, “I love your turkey!”

I smiled and waved to my neigh bor’s young daughter. She doesn’t real ize my faithfulness to putting up a new flag weekly, always seasonal or holy day themed, stems from her dad’s revelation, a few years ago, that she looks for and talks about the various flags. Her favorite is the cartoonish parrot holding a cocktail in his hand that goes up at some point in the summer (soon to be replaced by a child-friendly version). I’m sensing a fondness for birds.

With Thanksgiving around the cor

Though not a religious holiday, I’ve always felt Thanksgiving was the per fect precursor to Advent and Christmas. It struck me deeply one year when our choir rehearsed “Where Your Treasure Is,” based on Luke 12:34, “Where your treasure is, there also will be your heart.”

It had been a difficult year, journey ing with family through serious health prob lems, and I struggled with the thoughts of the holidays ahead, and the prospect of setting a Thanksgiving table when I was losing a sense of gratitude. Then we sang, “Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be, all that you possess shall never set you free; seek the things that last, come and learn from me; where your treasure is your heart shall be.”

Of course, I choked back tears, but I also remembered something I learned as a teacher of religion. The Hebrew term for gratitude is Hakarat Hatov, which means, literally, “recognizing the good.” I was reminded that practicing gratitude means recognizing the good that is al ready ours, and by allowing gratitude to fill our hearts, we make it possible for any moment to be a time of thanksgiving.

A holiday like Thanksgiving, built on gratitude, recognizing the good and the blessings that are ours despite any struggle, or perhaps because of it, is a perfect time to focus on where our true treasure lies — a perfect beginning for Advent, a time of waiting and reflection on the eternal good that became ours on the first Christmas.

This year, let us include “thank you,” among our prayers during the up coming holy seasons. May we pray it often and sincerely and be prepared for the transformation.

Divine glory radiates from Jesus

Solemnity of Christ the King (C)

By Msgr. John N. Fell

This Sunday, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the final Sunday of our liturgical year. Pope Pius XI presciently instituted the feast of Christ the King in 1925 to combat the progressive secular ization of Western civilization. The Holy Father was dismayed by the increasing influence of anti-Christian values in the mainstream of society, culture, and gov ernment; his point was that despite at tempts to find fulfillment in all the wrong places, only when all people “realize that Christ is King, will society at last receive the blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace, and harmony.” His hope was that increased attention to Christ the King would “hasten the return of society to our loving Savior” (Pope Pius XI, Quas Primas, 1925), not because God needed to be further served, but because our love of God is meant to be poured out in seeking the genuine and lasting good of all our brothers and sisters. Pope Francis addressed a very similar message to Catholics of the current era — calling us to remember that “True joy does not come from things or from possessing, . . . it is born from the encounter, from the relationship with others, it is born from feeling accepted, understood and loved, and from accepting, from understanding and from loving . . . it is hearing someone say, but not necessarily with words: “You are important to me”. (Pope Francis, Ad dress at Meeting with Seminarians and Novices,7/6/13). Our readings this day attempt to rekindle our religious ardor by portraying Jesus’ kingship as a matter of loving service poured out for the sake of all of humanity, even at those moments when this is most difficult.

This Sunday’s Gospel reading begins with Jesus looking far from re gal. Hoisted up on the shameful cross, mocked and betrayed by those he had come to save, and largely abandoned by those he loved, Jesus was forced to en dure the further cruelty of being ridiculed by one of the criminals dying next to him, “Are you really the Messiah? Then save yourself and us too!” (Lk 23:39) In response to this taunting, another of the condemned criminals rebuked Jesus’ tormentor, “Have you no fear of God . . . We are only paying the price for what we have done, but this man has done noth ing wrong” (Lk 23:40-41). Then, turning to the Lord, the repentant thief pleaded, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom” (Lk 23:42). At that moment, the true majesty of Jesus shone forth — bereft of every earthly pretense of grandeur, Jesus serenely promised what only God himself could promise; he answered his petitioner, “I solemnly assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk 23:43). Despite all the cruelty inflicted upon him, Jesus was still

able to respond mercifully to the repen tant sinner. Jesus’ promise was not some vague offer of future consideration, but a stalwart commitment that the merciful love of God would break down any bar riers and welcome the contrite criminal into salvation that very day.

St. Luke uses this powerful moment during the passion narrative to emphasize that human salvation is intimately tied to Jesus’ death on the cross. Through his suffering and death, Jesus, the Universal King and Judge of all the World has pro nounced repentant sinners as fit for eter nal life. The cross represents Almighty God’s most profound offer of salvation to all those who will simply receive it in faith. The dialogue between Jesus and the two criminals is, in a sense, a summary of all that had gone before. Jesus’ offer of salvation was humbly accepted by some and scornfully rejected by others. The resounding assurance, though, is that Je sus mercifully bestows eternal life on all those whose hearts are open to receiving it; as St. Paul explains, “Through [Christ] we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins” (Col 1:14)

Lest we forget Christ’s true gran deur, the Church balances this scene of Jesus on the cross with the words of St. Paul’s exalted Christological hymn. In the opening chapter of his Letter to the Colossians, Paul includes this anthem celebrating Christ’s role above all cre ation. The text begins with the assurance of Christ’s share in Divine Majesty, “He is the image of the invisible God . . .” (Col 1:15). Paul continues, revealing Christ as the Agent of all creation, “In him everything in heaven and on earth was created . . . all things were created through him and for him” (Col 1:16a,c) Paul then goes on to commemorate the primacy of being and honor that belongs to Jesus, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col 1:17) Next, he speaks of Jesus’ role with regard to humanity, “He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent” (Col 1:18)

Finally, Paul speaks of the Divine Glory that radiated from Jesus even on the cross, “It pleased God to make abso lute fullness reside in him, and through him to reconcile everything in heaven and on earth, making peace through the blood of his cross” (Col 1:19-20)

May we come to more perfectly worship this Christ as our King, magni fied in glory above all creation and yet mercifully present to every sinner. This is a message that should fill us with a greater sense of the urgency of our mis sion to re-evangelize our material and often cold, uncaring world with abundant proofs of God’s devoted concern for all his people.

Msgr. Fell is a Scripture scholar and director, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel

Blessed Mary Anna Sala

1829-1891 November 24

The fifth of eight children in an Italian family, Mary Anna went in 1842 to a boarding school operated by the Sisters of St. Marcellina. She earned a teaching diploma in four years and wanted to join the order, but had to wait because of her mother’s illness and father’s financial reverses. After assisting her family, she entered the congregation in 1848 and professed her vows in 1852. Over a 40-year teaching career in the order’s schools, she was both popular and successful; one of her students was the mother of Pope Paul VI. She died of throat cancer and was beatified in 1980.

Saints

SCRIPTURE SEARCH®

Gospel for November 13, 2022 Luke 21: 5 19

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Thirty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C: About the end times. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

ADORNED STONES OFFERINGS DAYS THROWN DOWN TEACHER MY NAME I AM HE TIME WARS NATION KINGDOM PRISONS GOVERNORS BEFOREHAND WISDOM PARENTS FRIENDS HATED A HAIR HEAD

BEFOREHAND

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

Keeping the ‘Lights On’ in agency’s Afterschool program

ents of school-age children, and for many the most challenging time comes when the school bell signals the close of the day. The time when mothers did not work and were home to greet their youngsters after school are long gone. Today in most families dads and moms work most times beyond the school day or they have other obligations.

Most professionals will tell you it is not advisable to let school children go to an empty home where there is no

at schools, churches, and other places, afterschool programs are important for children, their families and their commu nities. They can have a major impact on the lives of children, give parents peace of mind, and keep communities safe.

Afterschool programs provide ac tivities, food, and a safe space where children can learn and grow. They are a great resource for parents who need to work later than the end of the school day or for enrichment purposes. Indeed,

Other Happenings Around Catholic Charities

• In celebration of Hispanic Heritage YES Early Learning Center at St. Ladislaus held a parade. The children and staff were dressed in cultural attire and carrying flags representing their various countries. We also had a lot of parents come out to cheer the students on and join in the festivities. The city firefighters helped block off the street and also participated in the event. This was a great kick off to our Family theme as part of the Tools of the Mind Curriculum.

• Intensive Family Support Services held a Zoom presentation led by Dr. Tobia. Dr. Tobia is a professor of psychiatry at Rutgers RWJ Medical School and Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Uni versity Medical Group. He incorporates various teaching approaches to the field of psychiatry with popular culture. In anticipation of the Halloween holiday, the discussion focused on the character of Dracula and what diagnosis the character would meet criteria for.

• On Saturday, October 8th, Catholic Charities Bridgewater office staff mem bers and volunteers participated in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Middle Earth NJ in Bound Brook. This organization, under the direction of Maria Strada serves the youth in Somerset County who we partner with. There was food, mu sic, games, pumpkins, inflatables and much more. Many community partners were present and the Bound Brook community is rich with services

event celebrating afterschool programs. Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, the program strives to send a powerful message that millions more kids need quality afterschool programs.

Last month Catholic Charities, Dio cese of Metuchen Afterschool Programs joined with more than 9,000 communi ties across the country to celebrate Lights On Afterschool 2022 sponsored by Afterschool Alliance. Programs all over celebrate the event every year in an effort

to bring light to the importance of after school programming for children across the United States.

Catholic Charities afterschool pro grams hosted a variety of events and activities inviting both school personnel and families. Children made light bulbs, had glow in the dark parties, decorated posters, and highlighted what they liked about afterschool to name a few. “After a couple of difficult years, our afterschool programs have been a constant support for families struggling to get back to some normalcy. These types of celebra tions are just a small piece of all the hard work the childcare staff put in each and every day to support the children and families in their schools. This speaks to our mission at Catholic Charities and the effort to provide a safe and supportive environment for the children we serve”, said Krista Glynn, Service Area Director.

Catholic Charities currently serves approximately 650 school age children across four counties. For more informa tion on the child care services offered at Catholic Charities visit http://www. ccdom.org/child-care.

For more information about Catho lic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, please visit http://www.ccdom.org. LIKE & Follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ccdom1 to stay updated on up coming events and ways we help clients get the services and assistance they need.

Workman is the Communications Specialist in the Office of Communica tions and Public Relations

Tenth commandment teaches envy moves minds, hearts to commit even more terrible sins

Article 168 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series, Paragraphs 2534-2550

Many of you may recall, as I do, the cat echetical lessons of childhood. When my mom taught me the Ten Commandments, her explanation was simple: “These are God’s laws,” she explained. “By follow ing them, we are preparing ourselves to be with God forever in Heaven.” I would ask her: “What do we do in Heaven?” My mom would explain: “Oh it is beautiful… We kneel before God and worship Him for all eternity.” My response: “Forever? That sounds boring.” My mom would try to explain that God would make sure it would not be boring for us. I would mostly leave her lap unconvinced about “how” God would make it less boring, but quite convinced that following God’s Commandments would enable us to gain Heaven.

Still, some of the Commandments were quite a challenge, including the Tenth, because I was often fixated on wanting something another child had but we could not afford. One such item was a bicycle with training wheels owned by a boy down the street. It might have been the tassel ribbons and streamers that caught my attention. In any case, I once spotted the bike left unattended near the sidewalk, so I figured I would “borrow” it, at least for a short ride, since the boy didn’t seem to appreciate what he had. My ride was quite short because my mom spotted me riding near our house. The bike was returned without dam age and I learned how to apologize to a young contemporary that day.

The Tenth Commandment, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods” (Ex 20:17; Dt 5:21), teaches that we have a responsibility to respect the rights of others and forbids us from unjustly desiring, taking, keeping or damag ing the property of others. We might understand this Commandment better if we distinguish between wanting our neighbors’ car (and doing everything in our power to take it) OR wanting a car like our neighbors (and doing our best to earn the money to purchase one). As the Catechism teaches: “It is not a violation of this Commandment to desire to obtain things that belong to one’s neighbor, provided this is done by just means” (ccc 2537).

In commenting on the Tenth Com mandment, the Catechism explains fur ther that it “forbids greed and the desire

to amass earthly goods without limit… It also forbids the desire to commit in justice by harming our neighbor in his temporal goods” (ccc 2536). The same paragraph goes on to explain: When the Law says, “You shall not covet,” these words mean that we should banish our desires for whatever does not belong to us. Our thirst for another’s goods is im mense, infinite, never quenched. Hence it is written: “He who loves money never has money enough” (ccc 2536). In short, “the Tenth Commandment requires [thus] that envy be banished from the hu man heart” (ccc 2538). Why? Because, “through the devil’s envy death entered the world” (Wis 2:24).

The next paragraph in the Cat echism discusses “envy” as a “capital sin.” According to Catholic theology, capital sins or deadly sins such as “envy” move minds and hearts to commit even more terrible sins. In one of his homilies, quoted in the Catechism (ccc 2538), Early Church Father Saint John Chryso stom (347-407) observes: “We fight one another, and envy arms us against one another. . .If everyone strives to unsettle the Body of Christ, where shall we end up? We are engaged in making Christ’s Body a corpse.” A few years later, St. Augustine (354-430) describes envy as as “the diabolical sin” (ccc 2539). Fi nally, St. Gregory the Great (540-604) explains: “From envy are born hatred, detraction, calumny, joy caused by the misfortune of a neighbor, and displeasure caused by his prosperity” (ccc 2539). The Catechism concludes: “Envy represents a form of sadness and therefore a refusal of charity; the baptized person should struggle against it by exercising good will. Envy often comes from pride; the baptized person should train himself to live in humility” (ccc 2540).

The next section of the Catechism teaches the “desires of the Spirit.” God’s law and grace “turns men’s hearts away from avarice and envy. It initiates them into desire for the Sovereign Good; it instructs them in the desires of the Holy Spirit who satisfies man’s hearts” (ccc 2541). The next paragraph explains: “The gap between wanting and doing points to the conflict between God’s Law which is the ‘law of my mind,’ and another law ‘making me captive to the law of sin’ (ccc 2542). Therefore, as faith members of Christ’s body, we his children, are ‘led by the Spirit and [are called to] follow the desires of the Spirit” (ccc 2543).

We are to love God above all oth ers; “to prefer him to everything and everyone” (ccc 2544). We are to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Is this easy for us to do? Not necessarily. Is it possible? Absolutely! The Catechism counsels: “All Christ’s faithful are to ‘direct their affections rightly, lest they be hindered in their pursuit of perfect charity by the use

of worldly things and by an adherence to riches which is contrary to the spirit of evangelical poverty” (ccc 2545). As Sa cred Scripture teaches through the words of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Mt 5:3), and the Catechism concludes: “The Beatitudes reveal an order of happiness and grace, of beauty and peace” (ccc 2546).

In his famous book, The City of God, Fourth Century theologian St. Augustine affirms: “God himself will be virtue’s reward…[the] greatest reward that could exist...we shall contemplate him without end, love him without surfeit, praise him without weariness.”

Father Hillier is director, diocesan Office of Pontifical Mission Societies, the Office for Persons with Disabilities, and Censor Luborum

Happy Reunion

Our Lady of Tenderness

95 West Main St. Suite 5-106 Chester, NJ 07930

www.ourladyoftenderness com

Your prayer requests are welcomed and encouraged They shall be placed before the Blessed Sacrament and lifted daily in prayer

The ministr y of this Hermitage is God’s gift, a life of prayer, freely given to our diocese for you. Please accept this free gift. It is a privilege to be united with you in prayer

Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10

Prayer Request:

From left, Father John F. Primich, Father Matthew J. Marinelli, Father John J. Bar bella and Father James De Fillipps pose for a photo Oct. 20 at Magdalen de Pazzi Church, Flemington. The priests were at the church for a presentation by Father Bar bella, pastor, St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia, who served as pastor of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish from 1996-2002. He gave a reflection entitled “Devotions: Substance Matters” as part of the St. Magdalen’s 175th anniversary celebration. In 2009, when Father John Barbella was pastor at St. Philip and St. James Parish, Phillipsburg, thenseminarian De Fillipps was assigned to the parish and Father Marinelli, a parishioner who was discerning a call to the priesthood, all spent the summer in that parish. Father Primich is a parochial pastor at St. Magdalen’s.

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This land is east of Eden Answers can be found on page 31

Religious Teachers Filippini Sister

Anne Marie Pace, 98, who taught at St. Ann School, Raritan Borough, and Perth Amboy Catholic School, died Oct. 14 at St. Joseph Hall Infirmary, Villa Walsh, Morristown.

Born in Dunmore, Pa., Sister Anne Marie entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in 1940. She received the habit in 1941 and made her religious profes sion in 1945.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education at Seton Hall University, South Orange; and a Master of Science degree in social stud ies at Canisius College, Buffalo.

In addition to the Diocese of Metuchen, in her 81 years of religious life, Sister Anne Marie ministered as a classroom teacher in the archdioceses and dioceses of Baltimore, Hartford, Newark, Scranton and Trenton.

The fruits of her love for teaching and guiding children in the faith were evident in the many students who con tinued corresponding with Sister Anne Marie long after they graduated from elementary school.

In 1999, Sister Anne Marie was hon ored by the Diocese of Trenton as an Out standing Catholic Educator in recognition of her faithful and dedicated service to the Catholic community.

Sister Anne Marie retired to the Motherhouse at Villa Walsh in 2020.

One of 10 children, Sister Anne Marie was predeceased by her parents, Domenick Pace and Mary Santarsiero;

grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 19 at St. Lucy Chapel, Villa Walsh Interment was at Ave Maria Cemetery at Villa Walsh.

Arrangements were handled by Bongiovi Funeral Home, Raritan.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Religious Teachers Filippini, c/o Sister Patricia Pompa, MPF, Villa Walsh, 455 Western Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960.

Margaret Josephine Dodd Hillier, 98, of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, passed away peacefully Oct. 30 in St. Patrick’s Mercy Home in St. John’s sur rounded by her loving family. She is the mother of Father John G. Hiller, Director of the Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Diocese of Metuchen and the Office for Persons with Disabilities.

Margaret is predeceased by her hus band Graham, to whom she was married for 64 years, and their infant son, Wayne; parents George and Margaret Dodd (Co ady); sisters, Harriet, Mary, and Theresa; brothers, Thomas and Patrick.

In addition to Father Hillier, Marga ret is survived by her children: Graham (Maxine Webb), Glenn (Shana Hiscock), and her loving daughter, Georgina Hillier; cherished grandchildren: Michael (Claire) Hillier, Justin (Kelly) Hillier and Ryan Webb; and 3 dear little great-grandchil dren: Rachael, Vincent, and Teagan.

Margaret was born in St. John’s. While raising her children, she worked at a facility for the developmentally delayed and loved the children and young adults she was helping. Later she worked at a nursing home where she grew to love so many elderly people and helped them tre mendously.

Margaret was a member of Mary Queen of Peace Parish in St. John’s. She served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary (preparing altar linens for Holy Mass).

For the past nine years, Margaret re sided at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home, where she was cared for daily by her daughter,

Georgina, as well as health care attendants. Margaret will be fondly remembered by a large circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives, especially her cousin and life-long best friend, Marg Roach; and her goddaughter, Tomi Cleal. Visitation was held at Barrett’s Fu neral Home in Newfoundland.

On Nov. 5, Monsignor Edward C. Puleo, Pastor of St. Elizabeth-St. Brigid Parish, hosted a Memorial Mass at St. Brigid Parish, Peapack for Mrs. Hillier and served as one of the celebrants. Fa ther Hillier served as the main celebrant and delivered the homily. Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the Mass as well. Several other priests were also in atten dance as concelebrants.

A funeral Mass will take place at a later date with interment at Mount Carmel Cemetery in St. John’s. Donations in Mar garet’s memory may be made to the Mis sionary Childhood Association c/o Rever end John G. Hillier, Diocese of Metuchen, PO Box 191, Metuchen, NJ 08840.

SAN ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE 755 Ocean Ave., Long Branch NJ 07740 A Redemptorist Spiritual Center overlooking the Atlantic Ocean o ering preached retreats days of prayer and use of the facility for outside groups 732-222-2731 • info@sanalfonsoretreats.org www.sanalfonsoretreats.org

LOYOLA JESUIT CENTER

161 James St. • Morristown, NJ 07960 973-539-0740 • Fax: 973-898-9839

malvernretreat.com · mail@malvernretreat.com

MOUNT ST. MARY

HOUSE OF PRAYER

1651 U.S. Highwa y 22, Wa tc hung, NJ 07069

Retreats, Spiritual Direc tion, Programs 908-753-2091 • www.msmhope.org e-mail: msmhope@msmhope.org

VILLA PAULINE

RETREAT

AND SPIRITUAL CENTER

352 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945

ST. FRANCIS CENTER FOR RENEWAL, INC.

Bridle Pa th Road, Bethlehem PA 18017

ST. FRANCIS RETREAT HOUSE 3918 Chipman Road, Ea ston, PA 18045

Franciscan retreat and confrence center RETREATS FOR MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH, RELIGIOUS, PREACHED, PRIVATE, DIRECTED Phone: 610-258-3053, ex t. 10 • Fax: 610-258-2412 Info@stfrancisretreathouse.org • stfrancisretreathouse.org

ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA 400 Route 35 Nor th, S. Mantoloking, NJ 08738

A Retreat House Sponsored by the Religious Teachers Filippini overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. O ering days of prayer, retreat weekends, spiritual programs, meetings and sta days 732-892-8494 • e-mail: sjbsea@comcast.net www.sjbsea.org

Preached/Direc ted/Guided & Private Retreats, Spiritual Direc tion, day & weekend programs 973-738-4266 e-mail: smpdemek@scceast.org • wwwscceast.org To join

2022 Bishop’s Annual Appeal Parish Results

FINAL REPORT

Celebrating 40 Years

Total % Paid

Parish Name Parish City Pastor Name Goal Raised to Goal Rebate Donors

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Three Bridges Father Serafin $133,000 $214,019 160.92% $40,510 387

Our Lady of Fatima Parish Perth Amboy Father Njobam $14,000 $19,059 136.13% $2,529 73

St. Joseph Parish Bound Brook Msgr. Kerrigan $33,000 $44,061 133.52% $5,530 169

St. Ambrose Parish Old Bridge Father Grimes $84,000 $111,177 132.35% $13,589 386

St. John the Evangelist Parish Lambertville Father Kolakowski $140,000 $180,230 128.74% $20,115 199

St. Catherine of Siena Parish Pittstown Father Zalubski $38,000 $47,947 126.18% $4,974 135

Our Lady of Mercy Parish South Bound Brook Father Lee $35,000 $43,967 125.62% $4,483 137

St. Frances Cabrini Parish Piscataway Father Considine $36,000 $44,194 122.76% $4,097 166

St. Joseph Parish Hillsborough Father Hilton $138,000 $165,895 120.21% $13,948 424

Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish South Plainfield Father Tran $34,000 $40,861 120.18% $3,430 146

St. Joseph Parish Raritan Father Kelly $25,000 $29,985 119.94% $2,493 99

Our Lady of Victories Parish Baptistown Father Kaczynski $40,000 $47,779 119.45% $3,890 98

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish South Plainfield Father Alvarado $99,000 $118,141 119.33% $9,570 354

St. Peter the Apostle Parish New Brunswick Father Pavich $57,000 $67,960 119.23% $5,480 108

St. Mary Parish South Amboy Father Weezorak $49,000 $57,708 117.77% $4,354 260

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish New Brunswick Father Nacarino $37,000 $42,781 115.62% $2,890 355

St. Ann Parish Raritan Father Odorizzi $59,000 $67,683 114.72% $4,342 205

St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish Bridgewater Msgr. Vashon $141,000 $161,720 114.70% $10,360 448

St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish Watchung Msgr. Benwell $372,000 $424,648 114.15% $26,324 161

Immaculate Conception Parish Somerville Msgr. Celano $179,000 $204,129 114.04% $12,564 408

St. Lawrence Parish Laurence Harbor Father Kehoe $30,000 $34,073 113.58% $2,036 127

St. Luke Parish North Plainfield Father Pringle $36,000 $40,830 113.42% $2,415 71

Our Lady of Fatima Parish Piscataway Father Da Silva $85,000 $96,258 113.24% $5,629 320

Queenship of Mary Parish Plainsboro Father Paderon $168,000 $189,835 113.00% $10,918 194

St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish Kendall Park Father Lynam $146,000 $162,218 111.11% $8,109 439

St. Matthias Parish Somerset Father Orapankal $172,000 $190,757 110.91% $9,378 324

St. Matthew the Apostle Parish Edison Father Targonski $59,000 $65,433 110.90% $3,216 349

St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish Sayreville Father Murphy $48,000 $53,143 110.71% $2,571 184

St. Mary of Ostrabrama Parish South River Father Gromadzki $42,000 $45,958 109.42% $1,979 152

St. Elizabeth - St. Brigid Parish Peapack Msgr. Puleo $255,000 $273,933 107.42% $9,467 230

St. James Parish Basking Ridge Msgr. Cronin $344,000 $368,690 107.18% $12,345 529

Sacred Heart Parish South Amboy Father Gromadzki $55,000 $58,942 107.17% $1,971 229

St. Ann Parish Hampton Father Saharic $33,000 $35,125 106.44% $1,062 198

Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi parish Metuchen Father Christy $338,000 $354,197 104.79% $8,098 654

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Old Bridge Father Johnson $87,000 $89,345 102.70% $1,173 412

St. Jude Parish Blairstown Father Jandernoa $42,000 $42,760 101.81% $380 108

St. Cecelia Parish Iselin Father Nwagwu $64,000 $64,839 101.31% $419 278

Blessed Sacrament Parish Martinsville Father Nolan $150,000 $150,866 100.58% $433 366

St. Joseph Parish Carteret Msgr. Gordon $32,000 $32,175 100.55% $88 179

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Bernardsville Father Siceloff $188,000 $188,000 100.00% 18 Mary, Mother of God Parish Hillsborough Msgr. Curry $166,000 $166,000 100.00% 21

St. Joseph Parish High Bridge Father Kyrpczak $37,000 $37,000 100.00% 4

St. Joseph Parish North Plainfield Father Tabera-Vasquez $33,000 $33,000 100.00% 3

St. Joseph Parish Washington Father Selvester $28,000 $28,000 100.00% 1

St. Theodore Parish Port Murray Father Tomiczek $7,000 $7,000 100.00% 30

Our Lady of the Mount Parish Warren Father Kenney $383,000 $381,069 99.50% 236

St. Cecilia Parish Monmouth Junction Father O’Connor $72,000 $71,636 99.49% 182

Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish Middlesex Father Skoblow $74,000 $72,369 97.80% 266

St. Charles Borromeo Parish Skillman Msgr. Malovetz $131,000 $128,098 97.78% 263 Parish of the Visitation New Brunswick Father Fragoso $46,000 $44,741 97.26% 189

Corpus Christi Parish South River Father Breen $33,000 $31,897 96.66% 185

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Whitehouse Station Father Rusay $110,000 $106,045 96.40% 314 St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish Flemington Father De Fillipps $158,000 $151,731 96.03% 386

St. Anthony of Padua Parish Port Reading Father Smith $24,000 $22,988 95.78% 169

St. John the Evangelist Parish Dunellen Father Kariuki $32,000 $30,530 95.41% 128

St. John Neumann Parish Califon Father Rusk $38,000 $36,129 95.08% 100

St. Mary of Czestochowa Parish Bound Brook Father Stec $33,000 $31,357 95.02% 110

St. Helena Parish Edison Father Sirianni $150,000 $140,928 93.95% 320

St. James Parish Woodbridge Father Naduviledathu $63,000 $59,070 93.76% 288

St. John Vianney Parish Colonia Father Barbella $120,000 $112,100 93.42% 389

Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish Perth Amboy Father Machado $19,000 $17,703 93.17% 151

St. John Paul II Parish Perth Amboy Father Romanowski $23,000 $21,033 91.45% 154

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish / Hackettstown Father Salvania $45,000 $40,912 90.92% 179

St. Rose of Lima Parish Belvidere Father Sabella $11,000 $9,967 90.61% 37

Our Lady of Peace Parish North Brunswick Father Krull $124,000 $112,293 90.56% 191

Holy Family Parish New Brunswick Father Ryan $14,000 $12,639 90.28% 106

St. Bartholomew Parish East Brunswick Father Walsh $173,000 $155,769 90.04% 411

Holy Trinity Parish Bridgewater Father Calia $55,000 $49,394 89.81% 174

St. Mary Parish Alpha Father Wejnerowski $54,000 $48,079 89.03% 260

St. Andrew Parish Avenel Father Kosmoski $41,000 $36,473 88.96% 199

Nativity of Our Lord Parish Monroe Twp. Father Silva $88,000 $77,309 87.85% 433

Immaculate Conception Parish Annandale

Our Lady of Victories Parish Sayreville

St. Philip & St. James Parish Phillipsburg

Father Cervine $167,000 $145,716 87.25% 317

Father Pekola $91,000 $79,386 87.24% 286

Father Arockiadoss $78,000 $67,353 86.35% 266

Ss. Peter & Paul Parish Great Meadows Father Podsiadlo $15,000 $12,844 85.63% 83

St. Bernadette Parish Parlin

St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish South River

Church of Annunciation Bloomsbury

St. James the Less Parish Jamesburg

Immaculate Conception Parish Spotswood

Father Hagerman $58,000 $49,308 85.01% 197

Father Szczepanik $19,000 $16,005 84.24% 29

Father Coruna $13,000 $10,835 83.35% 50

Father Gaviria $75,000 $62,002 82.67% 200

Father O’Kane $85,000 $69,166 81.37% 308

Our Lady of Peace Parish Fords Father Paratore $64,000 $50,992 79.67% 216

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Milltown

Father Czarcinski $59,000 $46,594 78.97% 238

St. Patrick Parish Belvidere Father Sabella $29,000 $22,295 76.88% 121

Divine Mercy Parish Carteret Father Shallow $25,000 $19,150 76.60% 113

Good Shepherd Parish Hopelawn Father Burdzy $24,000 $18,271 76.13% 121

Most Holy Redeemer Parish Matawan Father Carina $65,000 $49,363 75.94% 207

Transfiguration of the Lord Parish Highland Park Father Lotha $48,000 $35,916 74.82% 168

Christ the Redeemer Parish Manville

Holy Trinity Parish Helmetta

Father Slaby $52,000 $37,377 71.88% 229

Father Wieliczko $15,000 $9,880 65.86% 77

St. Edward the Confessor Parish Milford Father Kaczynski $27,000 $16,503 61.12% 86

Totals

$8,398,512

DIOCESAN EVENTS

11/19 Global Celebration of Youth and Young Adults. Every Catholic faith community worldwide is encouraged and invited by Pope Francis to celebrate youth and young adults annually on Christ the King Sunday. Please join the Diocese of Metuchen as we celebrate this great feast! It will be held in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, beginning at 5 p.m. with a vigil Mass followed by dinner in the Parish Hall. At 7 p.m. attendees will move to the Parish CYO Hall where there will be Eucharistic Adoration, music, confession, prayer and reflection. The evening will conclude by 8:30 p.m. The event is geared towards youth and young adults, but all are welcome. For more informa tion contact Megan (Vantslot) Callahan, director of the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Evangelization at: mcallahan@diometuchen.org

12/9 Jim Towey, Advisor to Mother Teresa, to deliver talk at Immaculata High School on his new book, To Love and Be Loved: A Personal Portrait of Mother Teresa. Towney was a trusted advisor and devoted friend of Mother Teresa for 12 years. Following his talk and a brief Q&A, Towney hopes to show “Mother Teresa: No Greater Love,” a documentary film produced by the Knights of Columbus that serves as a tribute to a spiritual icon, a powerful witness of authentic Christian charity, and a guidepost for all who seek hope in out turbulent times.

12/10 Advent Retreat (Spanish) Eucharistic Revival. “Turning our gaze to the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist,” 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The Office of Hispanic Evangelization is promoting an Advent retreat focused on the Eucharistic Revival, following Pope Francis’ invitation to turn our gaze to the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Special Guest: Saulo Hidalgo. Registration fee: $25. For more information and to register click here: https://www.diometuchen.org/retiroadviento

DIOCESAN PROGRAMS

Adoration and Mass at Pastoral Center

On Tuesdays and Thursdays in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center chapel there is adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 9 to 11:45 a.m. followed by Mass. On Wednesday there is Mass at 11:45 a.m. Adorers are needed so Eucharistic Adoration can be offered before Mass begins. For more information, contact Angela Marshall at: amarshall@diometuchen.org.

Women’s Advent Group

Sundays at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom, beginning on Nov. 27. The group will use “Behold” Advent Journal. For more information contact: cdaverso@diometuchen.org

Virtual Book Study for Women

All ladies are invited to join in a study of “Listening for God in Everyday Life,” by Joseph D. White, Ph.D. The group will meet each Sunday at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom. For details or to join, please contact Cristina D’AversoCollins, Director of Family Life, at cdaverso@diometuchen.org

“The Chosen” Study Series

All young adult engaged and married couples are invited to join in a virtual study series based on the hit series, “The Chosen.” A different episode will be discussed each meeting and virtual watch parties will be planned sporadically. Meetings take place every other Monday evening at 7p.m. on Zoom. For details or to join, please contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins at cdaverso@diometuchen.org.

Blue Rosary Guild

The Office of Family Life is pleased to announce the creation of the Blue Rosary Guild. The purpose of the Guild is for community members of all ages to make pocket Rosaries for law enforcement officers, providing them with support and spiritual strength and promoting devotion to the Rosary among all the faithful. All materi als and instructions will be provided and a Zoom virtual tutorial will also be scheduled. Anyone interested should contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins, Director of the Office of Family Life at cdaverso@diometuchen.org.

Essential Service

Thanksgiving season will be brighter for the clients served by Project PAUL food pantry in Keansburg thanks to the generosity of the Mount Saint Mary Academy community in Watchung. A Thanksgiving food drive, sponsored by the school’s Peer Ministers, was held throughout October. Posing, from left are some of the peer ministers: Theresa Morrison, Rachel Castela, Katherine Byrne, Mary Agugliaro, Amelia Benjamin, Ava DeAngelis, Catherine DeCiantis and Brigid Cogan. Mount Saint Mary Academy is a Catholic, independent college-preparatory school for young women rooted in the Core Values of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. . photo courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy

SELLING YOUR HOME?

Willing to buy your home or townhouse in as-is condition. Quick 30 day cash closing. I’m a Licensed realtor in the State of NJ. Eugene “George” Pantozzi 908-392-2677 (call or text) georgepantozzi@hotmail.com

WINDOW & DOOR SCREEN REPAIRS

Installation of Fiberglass screens for your doors and windows. Pick-up and drop off services available. George & Sons: (908) 392-2677

FREELANCE WRITERS

The Catholic Spirit, official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, is seeking freelance reporters to cover events and programs in the counties of the diocese: Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren. E-mail resume and writing samples to: news@catholicspirit.com.

If you think maybe… Contact the Office of Vocations (732) 562-2453 or e-mail: vocations@diometuchen.org

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, seeks a Graphic Designer to assist with the layout and design of its publication. The ideal candidate will have Adobe InDesign and Photoshop experience in a PC environment, be familiar with all aspects of electronic publishing, be well-organized and reliable, and have a proven track record of meeting deadlines. Interested candidates should forward their resume to hr@diometuchen.org.

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE

The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, seeks an Advertising Sales Representative to assist with the sale of advertising space. The ideal candidate will be responsible for initiating, developing, and closing sales of print media advertising in The Catholic Spirit by creating and building effective client relationships with area businesses and organizations. Interested candidates should forward their resume to hr@diometuchen.org.

Phone: 732-529-7934 E-mail: ads@diometuchen.org

“Come, Follow me.”

Is God calling you to serve as a priest, religious sister or brother?

2022 Bishop’s Annual Appeal

Celebrating 40 Years

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With a grateful heart, I am able to share with you today that we exceeded the 2022 Bishop’s Annual Appeal goal by over one million dollars! We raised almost 8.4 million dollars this year. This is a great tribute to you and act of thanksgiv ing as we celebrated our 40th anniversary as a diocese. As you know, the needs have become greater given the pandemic and the recent inflation issues we are suffering from. I am told that many more elderly brothers and sisters are coming for assistance these days and the number of people coming has tripled since the beginning of the pandemic. The extra fund ing available to respond to all these many needs is a great relief. Yes, we are able to respond to so many of these needs in the name of Christ, thanks to your overwhelming generosity. This is a blessing and something we cannot do alone or as an individual parish, so you came together to respond as a diocesan community in a beautiful way. Thank you!

It is an even more significant accomplishment since this was accomplished in a year when so many are still feeling the ripple effects of the pandemic—mourning the loss of loved ones, struggling with long-term health issues and facing job loss or financial uncertainty due to inflation. Your response is clear evidence that we pulled together as a faith com munity and made sacrifices to ensure that our treasured ministries are sustained and the needs of those less fortunate are met. I am most grateful for the enthusiastic support of our clergy, lay leaders and all of our generous parishioners whose contributions made our success possible. The money donated this year is the highest amount the diocese has ever raised for our annual appeal and more people joined in donating this year too, so the total number of gifts rose.

Meeting our financial target allows us to continue to Fan the Flame of Faith into Service. In addition to our sup port of Catholic Charities for providing for basic needs and counseling for the most vulnerable, the successful outcome of the appeal also assists our seminarians in receiving the formation and education needed to prepare them to serve as shepherds of our parishes in the future and allows our hospital chaplains to continue consoling and comforting patients and family members in the hospitals and healthcare facilities within our diocesan boundaries. These are only some of the wonderful benefits that are offered through your goodness in the name of Christ through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

As a bonus, many of our parishes have taken advantage of the parish rebate incentive to raise additional funds for local needs. General repairs, added programs for youth and upgraded safety and computer systems are just a few of the parish-based projects made possible through this appeal. Thank you again for your overwhelming response to the 2022 Bishop’s Annual Appeal, know of my gratitude, prayers and love for you and please remember to pray for me too. May we continue to be steadfast in our efforts to Fan the Flame of Faith into Service, building up this beautiful portion of God’s Kingdom here in our four counties of New Jersey.

With renewed best wishes, I remain

Special Parish

Recognition

Top 5 – Percent to Goal & Highest Rebate

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges

St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish, Watchung

St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lambertville St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge

Top 5 – Dollars Raised

St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish, Watchung

Our Lady of the Mount Parish, Warren St. James Parish, Basking Ridge

Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen St. Elizabeth - St. Brigid Parish, Peapack

Top 5 – Number of Donors

Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen

St. James Parish, Basking Ridge

St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Monroe Twp.

Top 5 – Increase in Donors Over Prior Year

St. Joseph, Raritan: 47.76% increase

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, New Brunswick: 22.84% increase

Immaculate Conception, Somerville: 20.00% increase

St. Ann, Hampton: 18.56% increase

Visitation Parish, New Brunswick: 17.39% increase

Top 5 – Increase in Dollars Raised Over Prior Year

Queenship of Mary, Plainsboro: $71,249 (60.08% increase)

St. Mary-Stony Hill, Watchung: $52,991 (14.26% increase)

St. James, Basking Ridge: $36,787 (11.08% increase)

St. John the Evangelist, Lambertville: $32,593 (22.08% increase)

St. Matthias, Somerset: $30,328 (18.90% increase)

Thank you to all parishes for your extraordinary effort