Bishop encourages faithful to bring ‘Gospel of Life to others’

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

METUCHEN — Though most of the faithful seated before him may never have cast a fishing net into the sea for food, Bishop James F. Checchio assured them they were still responsible for a valuable catch.

“Just like the first disciples, we too are called to be fishers of men,” the bishop said in his homily at the annual Respect Life Mass in Thanksgiving for Life, held Jan. 22 in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. “People should be able to see in us — in our families, friends, workplaces or schools, wherever we are — they should be able to see something in us that they can recognize that person is a disciple of Jesus, can tell we are disciples.”

Bishop Checchio, who also presided at the liturgy, reflected on the Gospel (Matthew 4:12-23), in which Jesus invited brothers Peter and Andrew, then brothers James and John, to leave their lives as fishermen to become his first disciples.

Jesus asked the men “to redirect their natural talents and professional skills to accomplish important work,” the bishop began. “We, too, are asked to place these at Jesus’ use… We must not just concentrate on ourselves, but also love others and share him with others.”

Early Christians were asked to leave their property, possessions and family behind to follow the lord, Bishop Checchio continued, not knowing what Jesus would ask from them before uttering their “yes.”

“You are here with other fellow disciples in a world where many have turned away from God. We are grateful for you,” the bishop said. “In New Jersey, things are still full steam ahead, they are working on legislation which is even worse [than Roe v. Wade]… Our peace and happiness are in his will.”

For the past 25 years, the diocese has held the Mass in celebration of life and presented Pro-Vita Awards to those who have performed tirelessly in defense of the respect for, and protection of, life at all stages. A number of past recipients of the award were recognized by the congregation with resounding applause; this year’s winners were numerous teens from throughout the diocese who assist at pregnancy centers as ambassadors and perform other pro-life endeavors.

Jennifer Ruggiero, Secretary for the Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life, declared, “Because of their hard work, we are able to celebrate that historic moment when Roe v. Wade was overturned. We still have much work to do in New Jersey.

“Youth: I pray that you continue to be missionary disciples and bring the gospel of life to others, especially those in need. Thank you for your witness.”

At top, altar servers lead the procession into the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, at the beginning of the diocese’s annual Respect Life Mass, Jan. 22. Below, lectors Gabrielle Cruz (left), a student at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, and Timothy Haklar, a student at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, read from the ambo. Both volunteer at the Life Choices Resource Center, Metuchen. Below them, Bishop James F. Checchio distributes holy Communion. Bottom left, past Pro Vita Award recipients were recognized during the liturgy for their ongoing support of pro-life efforts across the diocese. Bottom right, Bishop Checchio poses with the Student Ambassadors who were recognized and affirmed for their volunteer service at Life Choices Resource Center. At right in the second row is Jennifer Ruggiero, Secretary for the diocesan Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life. The Respect Life Mass was first celebrated in 1998.

— Mike Ehrmann photos