ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021 RENEWED, RECOMMITTED AND REIGNITED for the Mission Entrusted to Us
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It seems providential that Pope Francis invited the global Catholic Church to participate in a Synod - to walk together and to listen to one another but above all to the Holy Spirit - the same year that our local Church of Metuchen is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of our Diocese. During this important moment for both our local and universal Church, we are offered an opportunity to reflect on where we have been and, more importantly, to journey together in communion, participation, and mission, looking forward to where we are going and opening ourselves more fully to listen to the Spirit. I certainly consider myself blessed and grateful to be on this journey of faith with you and with the many who labor in this vineyard to build up the Kingdom of God in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties, just as our beloved Diocese has done for the past 40 years. This Annual Report is a great testament to the good work happening here in our diocese. Gratefully, the Holy Spirit continues His work amongst us, as you will see in this report. Your efforts are bearing fruit, even though we have been faced with significant challenges in these last couple of years. I am grateful to you, too, for your commitment as we travel on the road before us, striving to spread God's mercy and love. Yes, my brothers and sisters, the work of carrying out the Mission entrusted to us is not always easy, but we do not do it alone. Indeed, God is working through us and with us, and we know our Blessed Mother is beside us. Please know of my love and prayers for you, and certainly my continued gratitude for you. I ask that you please pray for me, too. May this year, as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary and engage in this process of listening and encounter, be for us a time of renewal, a time to recommit ourselves to the Lord in the Eucharist, and a time for us to reignite the Light of Christ here in these beautiful four counties of the Diocese of Metuchen. With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen 2
DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
ANNUAL REPORT
2020-2021
AT A GLANCE: The Heart of Our Mission
BAPTISMS
3,092
FIRST COMMUNIONS
The Diocese of Metuchen proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ, celebrates His Sacraments, and exercises His works of mercy so that all might participate in His salvation and discover the lasting joy of a relationship with Him. The Diocese of Metuchen encompasses the New Jersey counties of Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren. Here is an ‘at a glance’ view of the Diocese in 2021.
HOUSEHOLDS
143,824
3,697
31
MARRIAGES
MEN STUDYING IN THE HISPANIC DIACONATE PROGRAM
620
PARISHES
90
15
SCHOOLS
27
CATHOLIC HOSPITALS
SEMINARIANS MEN IN FORMATION FOR DIACONATE
CONFIRMATIONS
9
1
21
3,593
CHARITY+JUSTICE CENTERS
NEWLY ORDAINED DEACONS
CATHOLICS IN THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
636,725
1
STUDENTS IN PARISH FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS
18,024
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
1,831
CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM PRE-K - 8
NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS
4
5,332
DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
ANNUAL REPORT
2020-2021
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WHAT'S NEW 2020-2021:
ADVANCING THE MISSION ENTRUSTED TO US
SECRETARIAT FOR CHARITY
On February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Bishop James F. Checchio announced the establishment of the Secretariat for Charity. Created in response to the pandemic and to meet expanding needs, this Secretariat further integrates the mission shared by Catholic Charities, parishes, schools and other institutions throughout the Diocese of Metuchen and has already worked to respond to immediate needs, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Even when faced with challenges from the pandemic, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Metuchen adapted, offering in-person learning to those families who preferred to have their students in school and virtual learning to those families who preferred their students to remain at home. Thanks to pastors, principals, teachers and Catholic school families, our students continued to receive an excellent education in a safe environment, all the while deepening their friendships with Christ.
RETURN TO IN-PERSON MASS
On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, all Catholic faithful in New Jersey were welcomed to return to regular participation in the Sunday Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith. The weekend of June 5-6 marked the lifting of the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Days Mass obligation and launched for us a new beginning to proclaim His transforming love made present in our midst.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Adding to the reporting systems already in place, the Diocese of Metuchen - at the direction of Bishop James F. Checchio - implemented an independent third-party reporting system. EthicsPoint allows any person who suspects financial malfeasance to file an anonymous and confidential report. Coupled with the diocesan Office of Parish Financial Services, this reporting tool strengthens those systems already in place. 4
DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
ANNUAL REPORT
2020-2021
CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION
After undergoing an extensive independent audit of its compliance with child and youth protection policies, the Diocese of Metuchen was found to be compliant with all audited Articles within the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for the audit period of July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021. The Diocese submits to an onsite audit by an independent auditing firm every three years and submits yearly to a data collection audit by the USCCB.
"FOR A SYNODAL CHURCH: COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION, AND MISSION" MISSION"
In communion with the global Catholic Church, the Diocese of Metuchen opened the local phase of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 16, with a Solemn Opening Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. The first of three phases, the diocesan phase includes increased prayer, a series of listening sessions, and opportunities to more intentionally listen to the Holy Spirit. The Synodal journey began in Rome on Oct. 10, when Pope Francis opened the Synod with the celebration of the Holy Mass, which Bishop James F. Checchio concelebrated as one of two U.S. Bishops invited to serve as delegates for our country.
40TH ANNIVERSARY
On Nov. 19, the Diocese of Metuchen marked the beginning of a year-long celebration of its 40th Anniversary with an inaugural Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. The milestone anniversary celebrates the Diocese's "Forty Years of Building the Kingdom of God in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties" and is being remembered with a year-long celebration that will include a diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 24, 2022.
PASTORAL LETTER
Five years after his ordination and installation as Bishop of Metuchen, and nearly four years after he penned his first pastoral letter, Bishop James F. Checchio published his second pastoral letter, "Answering the Lord's Call through Prayer, Works of Mercy and Vocations," on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Metuchen. In it, he outlines the three priorities he asks us to embrace in order that we may answer the Lord's call to us. DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
ANNUAL REPORT
2020-2021
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FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021 ASSETS
2021
Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts and loans receivable from parishes, net Contributions receivable, net Prepaid expenses and other assets Notes Receivable, net
$
Investments primarily from parishes, cemeteries, perpetual care, insurance reserves and donor restricted funds Inventory of Crypts Property and equipment, net
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
2021
LIABILITIES: $ Accounts payable and accrued expenses Deferred revenue and support Custodial Funds Clergy retirement & post-retirement obligations Loans payable Self Insurance Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) reserves Obligation due under split-interest agreements Funds held for parishes, parish cemeteries and affiliates
3,779,994 277,334 1,278,522 28,750,529 19,825,913 13,470,964 64,340 78,859,488 $146,307,084
TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS: Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions
$
159,217,053 1,912,236 $161,129,289
TOTAL NET ASSETS
$307,436,373
TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
235,803,280 7,992,013 16,150,411 $307,436,373
TOTAL ASSETS
6
19,868,598 10,078,222 433,066 3,198,083 13,912,700
ANNUAL REPORT
2020-2021
OPERATING SUPPORT & REVENUE
2021
FY 20-21: Program Revenue
REVENUE: $ 30,460,836
PERCENT: 27%
Assessments Bishop's Annual Appeal Cemeteries Investment Income Donations & Bequests
$ $ $ $ $
8,466,883 7,819,222 4,225,190 62,372,977 756,793
7% 7% 4% 55% 1%
$
114,101,901
100%
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
2021
Operating support and revenue Operating expenses
$ $
114,101,901 59,371,372
Increase in unrestricted net assets from operations
$
54,730,529
Non operating revenue
$
8,612,979
Increase in net assets Net assets, beginning of the year
$ $
63,343,508 97,785,781
NET ASSETS, END OF THE YEAR
$
161,129,289
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
2021
Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash used by investing activities Net cash used by financing activities
$ $ $
12,094,773 (2,402,179) (4,984,572)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year
$ $ $
4,708,022 15,160,576 19,868,598
Supplemental Data: Interest Paid
$
3,096,451
OPERATING SERVICES FY 20-21: Health Insurance and Property & Liability Insurance Claims/Premiums Paid Parish/Cemetery/Affiliate Interest on Deposits, School and Catholic Spirit Subsidies Parish, Cemetery & Diocesan Support Services Pastoral Cemeteries Priestly Ministry and Formation Diocesan Properties Operations, Maintenance and Depreciation Catholic Charities Development
DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
2021 REVENUE:
PERCENT:
$
24,773,927
42%
$ $ $ $ $
9,290,619 9,737,209 738,372 2,975,306 6,207,124
16% 16% 1% 5% 10%
$ $ $
2,659,823 1,700,000 1,288,992
4% 3% 2%
$
59,371,372
100%
ANNUAL REPORT
2020-2021
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HEALING, TRUTH AND HOPE: A PASTORAL RESPONSE TO PAST ABUSE
Through our procedures, through our outreach, and through our prayers, the Diocese of Metuchen continues to work to prevent abuse and to facilitate healing for survivors of abuse. The Diocese of Metuchen has:
• 0% of credibly accused priests in public ministry
*Any accused priest is subject to an extensive and thorough investigation under the scrutiny of Law Enforcement and the Diocesan Review Board, consisting of a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, a former Attorney General and Supreme Court Justice of NJ, a former County Prosecutor, a Superior Court Judge, medical and psychiatric professionals, educators and other qualified professionals
• 24/7 availability to report abuse • 4,931 adults who were background checked and trained to recognize and report signs of suspected abuse
*Number reported from July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021 and includes priests, deacons, candidates for ordination, educators, employees and volunteers working or ministering to children and young people
• 23,981 children who received age-appropriate training to guard against abuse
*Number reported from July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021 and includes Catholic school students and students in parish religious education programs
• 93 parish background coordinators to facilitate background checks • 28 school background coordinators to facilitate background checks • $2.9 million paid in settlements since the founding of the Diocese in 1981; $1.27 million of that was paid through the Independent Victim Compensation Program *No gifts to the Bishop's Annual Appeal, to Catholic Charities, to Catholic Schools, nor monies given for a specific ministry or apostolate are used to fund settlements
More information about the measures in place to prevent abuse in the Diocese can be found by visiting: diometuchen.org/healing.
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DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
ANNUAL REPORT
2020-2021
HOW TO REPORT ABUSE
If you suspect abuse by a member of clergy, an employee, or a volunteer for the Catholic Church, please: • Immediately notify local law enforcement • Notify the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency by calling 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873) or 1-800-835-5510 (TTY/TDD for the deaf), available 24/7 • Contact the Diocese of Metuchen's Director of Child and Youth Protection by calling (908) 930-4558 or visit diometuchen.org/healing to file a report
HOW TO REPORT ABUSE BY A BISHOP
In response to Pope Francis' Motu proprio, Vos estis lux mundi, or "You are the light of the world," the U.S. Bishops launched the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service, which ensures all levels of Church hierarchy are held to the same level of accountability. A similar independent reporting structure had already been established by Bishop James F. Checchio in the Diocese of Metuchen. Complaints of sexual abuse and related misconduct by bishops can be submitted to the independent service by visiting ReportBishopAbuse.org or by calling (800) 276-1562.
'It was welcomed news to hear from the independent auditing firm that our diocese was found to be compliant with the Charter. The staff in our diocesan offices and those who work or volunteer in our parishes and schools work hard to adhere to these procedures to ensure the safety of children and young people. As evidenced by the sharp decline in the number of cases of abuse in our diocese over the years, and now as indicated by the results of this independent audit, our diocese is on the right path forward, ensuring that the mistakes of the past cannot be repeated." -Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
ANNUAL REPORT
2020-2021
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RENEWAL:
BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN MIDDLESEX, SOMERSET, HUNTERDON AND WARREN COUNTIES An excerpt of “Answering the Lord’s Call through Prayer, Works of Mercy and Vocations,” a pastoral letter by Bishop James F. Checchio on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Metuchen. Read the full letter at diometuchen.org.
"Yes, the 40th anniversary of our diocese provides us with the perfect opportunity to recommit ourselves to the Lord and His Mission. After 40 years, I would say that the Church of Metuchen has passed the test and is prepared for more! The Lord needs us now to step forward and offer ourselves more fully to Him through prayer, works of mercy and our support of vocations for the good of our Church and our world. Despite the challenges we have had and any we may face in the future, we have the wind at our backs and the Blessed Mother pushing us on and holding us up. We also have one another to encourage us and to strengthen us along the way. This is certainly a time for us to pause and to give thanks for what has been, and while we place our trust in God, we cannot let Him work alone. Rather, we must continue to put into the deep as our Lord commands us in Scripture. He desires to provide us with more, both individually and as a diocesan family, we just have to trust and give all of ourselves to Him and then let Him work through us. His vision is so much broader, so much more fulfilling and higher than our own. "I pray that these past 40 years of building the Kingdom may be just the preparation we needed to take these next steps forward, growing closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, under the care and guidance of His Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe. 'Let nothing frighten and afflict you or trouble your heart...Am I not here, I, who am your mother?' Mary says to us. She is always with us, to guide and protect us. She will lead us in our essential task of evangelizing this corner of His vineyard entrusted to us - as we entrust ourselves more completely to her Son, as we commit to engaging SAVE THE DATE: in works of mercy, and as we create an even more abundant culture of voOn Sept. 24, 2022, the Diocese of cations for the future service of our Metuchen will conclude it's year-long beloved Church. Thanks be to God, 40th Anniversary celebration with a we are on this road together. Know diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of of my love and prayers for you, and the National Shrine of the Immaculate my great gratitude for you too! And Conception in Washington, D.C. please, remember to pray for me, too." 10
DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
ANNUAL REPORT
2020-2021
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:
FOR THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
40 T H
Holy and Loving God, the people of this local Church of Metuchen rejoice in your goodness that through these 40 years we have experienced your presence. In your great love, we ask that you continue to strengthen us to be holy disciples so that through our good works and faithful lives, your Son, Jesus Christ, will be made known to many here in these New Jersey counties of Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, and Warren. May each day bring us closer to your Son, Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen. Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
ANNUAL REPORT
2020-2021
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