Our Faith

The celebration of our Savior’s birth has acquired a long and rich tradition. Part of this tradition is manifest in the fact that the Church does not assign only one set of prayers and Scripture readings for the Masses on Christmas, but rather four different sets. The Gospel readings provided for these liturgues — Vigil Mass, Mass during the Night, Mass at Dawn and Mass during the Day — each illuminates a particular facet of the “tidings of great joy” that graced humanity the day that Jesus was born.

The Gospel chosen for the Vigil Mass is St. Matthew’s account of the genealogy and birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-25). Sometimes regarded only as the dull incantation of a series of so-in-so begot so-in-so’s, the genealogy actually provides a complex and fertile setting in which to situate the Savior’s birth. The list of Jesus’ ancestors is not intended so much to provide an exact family history, but rather to demonstrate that Jesus is the long-awaited fulfillment of God’s promises and actions from the beginning of creation. Included in this list are holy people and scoundrels, women and men, Jews and gentiles, the famous and the obscure — a genuine cross-section of those who would be called and blessed by the awaited Messiah. The genealogy highlights the fact that the coming of Jesus was not only a radically new event in the history of salvation, but also the fulfillment of a longheld set of hopes and dreams for the betterment of the world. In Jesus, not only the promises made to Abraham and David (to have descendants as numerous as the stars of the sky and to rule over God’s people forever), but also the promises made to every person who ever trusted in their God would be fulfilled in a way more wonderful than anyone could have ever imagined.

At the conclusion of the genealogy, Matthew presents his account of the birth of Jesus: Joseph is very much the key subject. His fears about Mary’s pregnancy are allayed by an angel in a dream and he is instructed to name the child “Jesus,” which means “God saves” — an important clue as to the identity and mission of the baby.

The Gospel chosen for the Mass during the Night is St. Luke’s proclamation of the savior’s birth — “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus . . .” (Lk 2:1-14). In this text, we learn so many things about the Messiah. First, his birth in Bethlehem, the ancestral city of King David, further reinforces the hope that the child will be the eternal heir to David’s throne. Next, the poverty of his birth — the setting of the cave or stable, his placement in the manger (feedbox for the animals), being wrapped in ragged bands of cloth — all emphasize that the Son of God has truly become one with his people — and the lowliest of his people, too! This child’s majesty will be shown in his love for his Father and people, not in the pomp of his lifestyle. But lest we forget that this is truly the Divine Son of the Eternal Father, the skies are filled with angels proclaiming this child to be the “savior . . . Christ the Lord!” (Lk 2:11), and singing “Glory to God in the highest . . ..” (Lk 2:14).

The Gospel for the Mass at Dawn is the continuation of St. Luke’s presentation of the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:15-20). In this scene, the glory of the angelic choirs is replaced by the coming of the shepherds to witness the child’s birth. In this story, the shepherds represent the common folk — all who work to support their families and build a better life for themselves and their communities. These are the people who are not particularly famous or influential over large groups of people — this child in the manger came for them as well. God’s love would not be restricted to the powerful, but would be lavished on each and every human being — an extension of the good news of the Messiah’s coming that could scarcely have been imagined before Jesus.

In this reading, we also get a glimpse of the depth of Mary and Joseph’s love for the child. We learn that Mary “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart” (Lk 2:19). Because we know this story so well, we can easily lose sight of the human drama that was involved. Mary and Joseph’s love and care for the child amidst all the tumult of his birth and life is a testimony to how pleasing to God the love of parents is for their children. In Mary and Joseph all parents are raised up and united with the Lord for their goodness to their offspring.

Finally, the Gospel assigned to the Mass during the Day proclaims the fullness of the divine majesty that surrounds Jesus. Taken from the exalted Preface of St. John’s Gospel (1:1-18), the text reveals that the child in the manger is none other than God’s word made flesh, the eternal Son of the Father. And it is this fact that makes the rest of the story so important — this is not simply the story of a young boy born in lowly circumstances that made good, nor of a man who was able to weave together a compelling human philosophy — in this child in the manger we see our God’s fullest revelation to his people. We acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, as our most complete picture of what our God is like — a God who shows himself to be the fulfillment of humanity’s most noble hopes and dreams, a God who reaches out to the mighty and to the lowly, a God who sent his Son to draw all humanity into the embrace of his love. It is the coming and the presence of such a God made manifest in Jesus that we gather to celebrate this Christmas. And, in this time of Eucharistic Revival, we rejoice that it is this Jesus who becomes present to us — body, blood, soul, and divinity — in the Eucharist at every Mass. May we resolve to come and adore him this Christmas to be sure, but on each and every Sunday when he deigns to come among his beloved people — us!

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

Crosiers

John the Apostle

first century December 27

John and his brother, James, Galilean fishermen called the “sons of thunder,” were chosen to be among the Twelve Apostles. John was with Jesus at the Trans-figuration, in the Garden of Gethsemane and on Calvary. It was to this “beloved disciple” that Jesus entrusted his mother’s care. John evangelized in Ephesus (Turkey), was exiled to the island of Patmos, and according to tradition lived to be 100. John and his community of followers are credited with writing the fourth Gospel, three epistles and the Book of Revelation.

Saints

SCRIPTURE SEARCH®

Gospel for December 25, 2022 Luke 2:1-14

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for Christmas, the Mass During the Night: the angelic announcement. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

DECREE AUGUSTUS JOSEPH

GALILEE BETHLEHEM DAVID

CHILD BIRTH FIRSTBORN SON

THE INN SHEPHERDS FIELDS

WATCH ANGEL THE LORD

AFRAID GREAT JOY A SIGN MULTITUDE PRAISING PEACE

BETHLEHEM

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

Catholic Charities Receives Grant from Saint Peter’s Healthcare System to Feed Community

By Tiffany Workman

According to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, more than 650,000 people face hunger in our state, and that number includes over 175,000 children—stats that most New Jersey residents would likely find surprising. Unfortunately, New Jersey has a very big food insecurity issue. The sad part is that most of those suffering, don’t know where to turn to get help.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, provides many services to those in need and one of those services is providing food to those who need it. One Catholic Charities location that helps feed the community is Unity Square located at 80 Remsen Ave. in New Brunswick. With food distributions happening at 11:30 am every Friday and a more personal Choice Food Model happening every Tuesday, clients are being offered between 20 and 30 pounds of food each week. The demand for food is growing, and thanks to Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, Unity Square will be able to reach more people than ever before.

Saint Peter’s Healthcare System recently awarded a $25,000 grant to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Metuchen specifically for food pantry programs. Saint Peter’s knows that among the various social determinants of health, food insecurity has one of the most extensive impacts on the overall health of individuals. People who are food insecure are disproportionally affected by chronic disease.

“The funds provided by Saint Peter’s will add to our food insecurity efforts at Unity Square in New Brunswick,” says Krista Glynn, service area director at Catholic Charities. “Healthy food options and wellness items are often in limited supply, but thanks to Saint Peter’s, we can now expand our ability to include such items.

What prompted Saint Peter’s to award this money to Catholic Charities? Jim Choma, vice president for Catholic Mission and chief development officer at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, says, “We wanted to give back to the community that gave us so much during the pandemic.”

Choma explained that during the coronavirus pandemic, healthcare workers were working around the clock, including those at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick. Doctors, nurses and hospital staff were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community which displayed its appreciation in many ways including sewing masks and donating them to those in need, and providing meals. (From left to right) Jim Choma VP For Catholic Mission & Chief Development Officer Saint Peter’s Healthcare System; Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, President and CEO, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System; The Bishop; Julio Coto, LCSW, Executive Director, Catholic Charities, and Anthony P. Kearns, Esq., Chancellor, Diocese of Metuchen.

—Michael Castronova photo (Saint Peter’s Healthcare System)

Saint Peter’s is extremely thankful for the prayers and donations from the Diocesan community that helped sustain their healthcare team. “It is a true blessing to have Saint Peter’s Healthcare System partner with us to serve those area residents who are experiencing food insecurity,” says Julio Coto, executive director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen. “During the season of giving, we’ll be able to give so much more thanks to the generosity of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.”

Saint Peter’s Healthcare System has awarded one-time grants to 13 community organizations to address social determinants of health and enhance the lives of residents in the communities served by the healthcare system, many of whom are among the most vulnerable. They believe that good health is a sound investment to improve quality of life for individuals and the community at large.

For more information about Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, please visit ccdom.org. LIKE and visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ccdom1 to stay updated on upcoming events and ways we help clients get the services and assistance they need.

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

Other Happenings Around Catholic Charities

• The Catholic Charities LifeSet program held a Bowling and Budgeting event where young adults about to age out of the foster care system received education on creating and managing a budget. • The Social Service Center in Philipsburg received an abundance of turkeys, non-perishable food items, money and gift certificates to help others who are experiencing hard times have food on their tables on Thanksgiving. • The YES Early Learning Center at St. Ladislaus represented Catholic Charities at “It Takes a Village” Covid-19 Free Fall Festival, which brought together residents and community resource providers to expand access to healthcare, as well as raise awareness of and provide information on the importance of Early Childhood Education.

Prayer is the living relationship of the children of God with their Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit

Article 169 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series

Paragraphs 2558-2567

The Catechism asks: “What is prayer?” The great Doctor of the Church, Saint John Damascene (675-749), defines prayer as “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (ccc 2559). Another Doctor of the Church, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (1873-1897), defines prayer as “a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy” (ccc 2558).

When in the 19th century Lord Alfred Tennyson of England wrote the words “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of,” little did he know that more than 100 years later people worldwide would continue to invoke his words, the meaning of which transcend time. They remind people of every age how prayer helps enhance, transform and accomplish a myriad of circumstances and situations when all natural efforts fail.

Prayer is God’s gift, the Catechism teaches, and “humility is the foundation of prayer. Only when we humbly acknowledge that ‘we do not know how to pray as we ought,’ (Rm 8:26) are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer” (ccc 2559).

Have you ever observed a deer or other wild animal quench its thirst near a stream or other water source? This is a biblical image of prayer. The Catechism provides a similar image: “The wonder of prayer is revealed beside the well where we come seeking water: there, Christ comes to meet every human being. It is he who first seeks us and asks us for a drink…prayer is the encounter of God’s thirst with ours. God thirsts that we may thirst for him” (ccc 2560). It is most appropriate that the psalmist writes: “Like a deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul yearns for you, my God” (Ps 42). Prayer, then, “is the response of faith to the free promise of salvation and also a response of love to the thirst of the only Son of God” (ccc 2561).

The next few paragraphs consider “Prayer as Covenant” and “Where Does Prayer Come From?” Sacred Scripture speaks of the “soul” and the “spirit,” but the “heart” is mentioned much more often. “According to Scripture, it is the heart that prays. If our heart is far from God, the words of prayer are in vain” (ccc 2062).

The Catechism continues: “The heart is the dwelling-place where I am, where I live…the heart is the place ‘to which I withdraw.’ The heart is our hidden center, beyond the grasp of our reason and of others; only the Spirit of God can fathom the human heart and know it fully. The heart is the place of decision… It is the place of truth, where we choose life or death. It is the place of encounter, because as image of God we live in relation: it is the place of covenant” (ccc 2563). In short, Christian prayer “is a covenant relationship between God and man in Christ” (ccc 2564).

In discussing “Prayer as Communion,” the Catechism says that in the New Covenant, “prayer is the living relationship of the children of God with their Father…with his Son Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit” (ccc 2565). Living a life of prayer is being in the presence of the Holy Trinity and in communion with him whom we have become united through the sacrament of baptism. “Prayer is Christian insofar as it is communion with Christ and extends throughout the Church, which is his Body. Its dimensions are those of Christ’s love” (ccc 2565).

The final theme explored in this section of the Catechism is “The Universal Call to Prayer.” Prayer is for everyone. God calls us all to prayer, because he calls and invites us all to a personal relationship with him. The Catechism tells us that “in the act of creation God calls every being from nothingness into existence” (ccc 2566). Following the lead of the angels in Heaven, we humans are capable of acknowledging “how majestic is the name of the Lord in all the earth” (ccc 2566). Although we have forfeited our “likeness to God” through sin, we remain an image of God our Creator, and continue to desire him. The Catechism affirms: “the living and true God tirelessly calls each person to that mysterious encounter known as prayer” (ccc 2567). God always takes the initiative in prayer, an initiative always of love. “Our own first step [in prayer] is always a response” (ccc 2567). Prayer thus becomes a “reciprocal call, a covenant drama… [a drama that] engages the heart” (ccc 2567).

The very notion that the Creator of the universe, the God who always was and always will be, would have reason to initiate a conversation with a mere human being, is unimaginable. Why would God desire such communication? What would God have to converse about with such a creature? The answer can only be found within the mystery of God’s love for each and every human person, all people of all times and places. “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 Jn 4:8).

Our love for God can only be true if it is authentic, because God’s love for us is always authentic, insofar as God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son to be born of a woman, Mary. He revealed Himself to the world,

Life Affirming

Supporters of Life Choices Resource Center, Metuchen, participated in the agency’s annual “Walk BIG for LIFE!” at Merrill Park, Iselin, Oct. 22. The prayerful event was highlighted this year by the new and growing Student Ambassador youth as they “Walk with Moms in Need.” Donations to the agency support its ministry of promoting and defending the sanctity of all human life, born and unborn. Life Choices offers sonograms and pregnancy tests, and provides parenting education and other services, as well as diapers and material needs. Life Choices Resource Center is celebrating more than seven years as a faithbased Christian ministry. The agency provides loving help, hope and healing recognizing that each human being is made in the image and likeness of God and each life is a gift from him.

— photos courtesy of Life Choices Resource Center

but revealed Himself to Mary first: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Lk 1:35). This is unimaginable love – a love that seeks us and provides us the necessary grace that we may never stop seeking him!

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

ACROSS

1 Legend says St. George was this, vis-à-vis a dragon 4 City to which Paul was traveling when he was blinded 9 There are three from John 11 Woman saved by Daniel 12 Second word of a Latin hymn 13 Our Lady of ___ 15 Father of Jehoshaphat 17 The Crown of ___ 18 Brought by a wise man 21 According to Psalms, he says there is no God 22 Patron saint of jewelers 25 Bk. of the Pentateuch 27 The Holy Land 28 Prophet in Luke 31 Supreme ___ 32 Thomas Aquinas is patron saint of these

Catholic institutions 33 These commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion 34 Longest of the prophetic books of the Old

Testament

DOWN

1 “You are the ___ of the earth” (Mt 5:13) 2 The table 3 Bread and Wine 5 Fast and ___ 6 Patron saint of Scandinavia 7 Jesus healed his servant 8 Garden tempter 10 Third of HIS 14 The golden ___ 16 Got a toothache? Try this saint 19 Ordinary ___ 20 A high priest 23 Author of Black Like Me who became a

Third Order Carmelite 24 Abbr. for two NT epistles 26 Italian city of St. Clare 27 John, Paul and John Paul 29 She renamed herself Mara 30 OT book about a Jewish heroine

Answers can be found on page 35

9 01 11

21

41

15 61 17 31

21

27 26 22 32 24

31 32 20 81 91

52

28 92

33 43

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Holiday has deep spiritual roots in U.S.

For the Missionary Families of Christ New Jersey (MFCNJ), the two most important aspects of Christian life are the renewal of families and the work of evangelization.

In the spirit of inviting others to a seat at the table of the Lord around the celebration of Thanksgiving, MFCNJ invited the diocese to send a speaker to a gathering of the group at St. Anne Parish, Fair Lawn, Nov. 19.

In his Thanksgiving message, Adam Carlisle, Secretary of Evangelization and Communication, reminded everyone that the first Thanksgiving was actually Catholic.

On September 8, 1565 — fifty-six years before the “first” Thanksgiving — Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and 800 Spanish settlers founded the city of St. Augustine (in Spanish Florida). As soon as they were ashore, the landing party celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving. The celebrant of the Mass was St. Augustine’s first pastor, Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales, and the feast day in the Church calendar was that of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. As Carlisle noted, while we tend to think of Thanksgiving as a secular holiday, it is important to realize that, from the very beginning, thanksgiving and evangelization were linked.

“We must never lose sight of the fact that our faith is a gift and that those of us who are blessed with the gift of faith have an obligation to share that gift — much like the missionaries who came to North America nearly 500 years ago — with the whole world, making disciples of all nations,” Carlisle said.

MFCNJ, a nonprofit Catholic lay organization, was founded in the Philippines by Frank Padilla in 1981 as an outreach to couples. It now has several missions around the world and about 15 in the United States, including St. Bernadette Parish, Parlin.

MFCNJ has about 500 members in the Diocese of Metuchen and more than

Adam Carlisle, center, Secretary of Evangelization and Communication, poses with members of the Missionary Families of Christ after speaking at a gathering for the lay community at St. Anne Parish, Fair Lawn, Nov. 7.

—photo courtesy of George Santos

Charity Sister Joan Eileen Butler, 88, who taught at the now-closed St. Peter the Apostle Elementary School, New Brunswick, died Dec. 10 at Bay Shore Medical Center, Holmdel.

Sister Joan Eileen was born in Jersey City, the daughter of John and Josepha (Kayet) Butler. She entered the Sisters of Charity Sept. 6, 1955.

Sister Joan Eileen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education at the College of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station. Sister Joan Eileen was an educator and served in health ministry in New Jersey and Massachusetts.

In addition to Saint Peter’s, she taught at Our Lady of Grace School, Hoboken and Our Lady of Lourdes School, West Orange.

She also ministered as a Nurse’s Aide at Saint Anne Villa, Convent Station; Elizabeth Seton Residence, Wellesley, Mass.; and Omna Health Care, Montclair. She retired in 2006.

After her retirement, Sister Joan Eileen continued to live at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent where she continued to volunteer. In June 2022, Sister Joan Eileen moved to the Convent of Saint Elizabeth, Convent Station. Sister Joan Eileen had an uplifting and positive spirit. Her quick-witted manner brought laughter to those around her. She had great generosity and was always ready to help anyone in need. She was an avid reader and correspondent to many by mail and phone.

Her diverse interests brought her many friends and acquaintances. As a faithful Sister of Charity, she strove to make God’s love known in the world.

Sister Joan Eileen was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Gloria Giaimo; nephews Stephen Verheul, Frank Verheul and niece Judith Giaimo. She is survived by her Sister of Charity family, her sister Dorothy Verheul (Mukilteo, Wash.), many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews and many friends.

A funeral Mass for Sister Joan was celebrated at Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, Dec.15. Burial was at Holy Family Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Steven J. Priola Funeral Services, Parsippany.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Sisters of Charity Development Fund, PO. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ, 07961-0476.

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