December 19, 2019 by The Catholic Spirit

Bishop James F. Checchio meets Pope Francis during ‘ad limina’ visit to Rome, pages 5, 9

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DECEMBER 19, 2019 • VOL. 24 NO. 22 • $2.00

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

Bishop James F. Checchio consecrates the Diocese of Metuchen to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.

— Mike Ehrmann photo

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Deacons gather at three-day retreat. . . 3 This issue was mailed on December 18 Your next issue will be January 9

Diocese, through consecration, forever tethered to Mary

DECEMBER 19, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

UP FRONT

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Bishop James Checchio What a blessed time for our Diocese! I certainly count it among my blessings in life to be a part of this Church of Metuchen, and I thank God for all of you each morning. Our Year of Spiritual Awakening of Faith bore much fruit, as we strove to wake up and become even more aware of God’s love and desire for us. Just as St. Juan Diego was prepared for the encounter he had with our Mother Mary, so we have been preparing ourselves for our encounter, our consecration to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our students participated with a consecration in each of their schools on her feast day, and in the evening, we gathered in our beautiful Cathedral, ﬁlled to capacity, with Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Pope’s representative to our country, presiding at Mass. At the end of the Mass, I led our faithful in our consecration and on the following weekend, each of our parishes was asked to recite the prayer of consecration together in a great moment of prayer as we entrusted our whole Diocese to Our Lady of Guadalupe asking her to bring us closer to Her Son. Mary always desires to bring us to her Son. St. Juan Diego used his tilma, his cloak, and gathered up the roses which miraculously appeared on the Hill of Tepeyac. They were used as proof of Mary’s visit to us. When he released the roses in front of the Bishop, Mary’s image appeared on the cloak. It is the only image of Mary that she left of herself in our world, a “selﬁe” of herself if you will. Normally, the images of Mary we have from her apparitions are reports of what the visionaries saw, but this image was left by her. It has miraculously been preserved through all these years. Just as St. Juan Diego gathered the roses in his cloak, which was usually used for gathering vegetation from gardens or transporting other objects, so Mary is now gathering all of us in her cloak, to bring us closer to heart of her Son. When we visited the Shrine of Guada-

lupe in Mexico in October, the Rector of the Shrine told us a beautiful story of how the people of Mexico at that time, at their weddings, would tie their tilmas together to symbolize their marriage covenant; the couple being tethered together for life. So, we through our consecration have been forever tethered together with Our Lady of Guadalupe. We have entered a sacred covenant with her; we promise to pray to her daily and in turn she will hold us in her tilma, close to her heart and to that of her Son. It is opportune that this consecration takes place right before our celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas. In Bethlehem, God made flesh forever, tethers Himself to us, too. Our God knows what our life is like, our joys and struggles. Because He is both God and man, He is able to open the gates of paradise to us, becoming the first born from the dead at His glorious resurrection, whom we hope to join in heaven someday even as we pray that our beloved dead are resting forever with Him in heaven. Yes, Christmas reminds us like no other day of the year that God desires us! God desires us! That is what we celebrate. It is God’s greatest desire that each one of us, all His beloved sons and daughters, open our hearts to Him and allow Him to fill us with His life, joy, mercy and peace. This Christmas, basking in the joy of our consecration to Him through Our Lady of Guadalupe, let us open our hearts more widely to Jesus by taking some time each day to accept Him more fully into our lives. Let us open our hearts more widely to Him by serving our brothers and sisters in need. Let us open our hearts more widely to Him by inviting our brothers and sisters, whether they be family members, friends, co-workers, classmates or whomever we meet, to come and join us in worshipping Him and receiving Him regularly in the sacraments. Nothing can please God more than our opening our hearts to Him more fully by responding in these ways. Yes, the Year of Spiritual Awakening of Faith leading up to our Consecration of our Diocese to Our Lady of Guadalupe has been an initiative to be intentionally aware of God working in our midst. It has been a time of education, inspiration, opportunity for

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increased confessions, Eucharistic Adoration and parish sponsored evenings for preaching and teaching on the meaning of the apparition and miracle. This Consecration is intended to be a moment of beginning. It is an act of faith to lead us to embrace this new moment of greater fervor and living our Christian faith more boldly. It is a time to trust more in God than in ourselves; He knows what He is doing! The apparition of Our Lady on Tepeyac to St. Juan Diego is a model for viewing our ongoing efforts of evangelization, here and now. St. Juan Diego was instrumental in seeing, believing and acting on what he experienced in his encounter with the Virgin Mary. You and I are now called to respond like St. Juan Diego, seeing, believing and acting on what we have experienced! From our consecration, all of us in this diocese now have an advocate and model in Mary, Our Mother — who in her fiat, her “yes” to God, shows us the pathway to surrender to God’s plans for our lives and for our Church. We have had a very challenging year as a diocese and as a Church, filled with sadness; but we know that God is with us and for us; and He never abandons His Spouse, the Church. We are the Church, His spouse and Mary boldly reminded us in Tepeyac that we should not fear, as she is with us too, always, through our joys and blessings, through our sorrows, pains and even failures. We do not know what is ahead, but we do not live in fear or panic; we live in confidence for we live with renewed faith, we work for a brighter tomorrow, filled with healing, peace, mercy, love and justice, living in the light of His Gospel. The next step is for all of us to first give thanks for this new moment of grace, and for each person in our diocese to consider: “what more could I do in my life to love and serve Christ and His Church? Next month, we will all be invited to take a step forward and consider doing something new or increasing something that already exists in our parish or school, but to do so with renewed energy, doing it with even greater love; with great devotion, with prayer and for the sake of helping others to come to know who Christ is and the role His mother Mary plays in our spiritual journey. Together we will “take a step forward” in faith; yes, a step forward in faith!

THE

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The Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen

The Bishop’s Schedule

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

The Catholic Spirit P.O. Box 191 • Metuchen, NJ 08840 PHONE: (732) 562-2424 • FAX: (732) 562-0969

Our diocesan Curia at the pastoral center is working more intentionally with our pastoral plan “Lighting Hearts on Fire.” This is the lens of evangelization and the areas of diocesan life that will be more intentionally brought to life by focusing on what more can done to reinvigorate parish life. Our parish ambassadors have been a blessing. They have my heartfelt thanks for all they have done, and I ask them to continue to be a resource for ongoing communication and formation in intentional discipleship and sharing best practices and creative ways to further implement prayerful, Marian and Eucharistic spirituality in our parishes. Our response to Mary must be more concrete steps taken to advance a pastoral and spiritual connection with each other and to support all our people in growing in a life of missionary discipleship. We take our ﬁrst steps with increased prayer, prayer to our Blessed Mother, having a special relationship with her, for she has chosen us for this Consecration. She has sought us out as her special project so to speak and she wants to accomplish great things here in our diocese for Her Son, because she is our loving Mother who never turns away from us. My brothers and sisters, thank you for your faithfulness to God and our Mother Mary, thank you for your faithfulness to our Church, and also, for your love and support of me as I work with whatever energy and grace God gives me to guide our local Church to a brighter future in God, to be the shepherd you deserve; I am so grateful to you. May this consecration and our upcoming celebration of Christmas be one of recognizing His desire for us and let us joyfully and wholeheartedly respond to Him. Know of my love and prayers for you. Yes, God desires us! Mary desires us! Let us go to them, always! May our Lady of Guadalupe and the newborn King of Kings bless each of you in marvelous ways during this Holy Season! May our consecration bear great fruit in making God known and loved more throughout our beautiful four counties! Merry Christmas and God bless and keep you all!

Dec. 22 Dec. 23 Dec. 24 Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Jan. 6-11

Dec. 19 8:30 a.m. Day of Recollection, Christmas Mass and Luncheon for Employees at St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway – private event Dec. 19 5:45 p.m. Mass and Christmas celebration with seminarians from the diocese at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater – private event Dec. 20 10 a.m. Seton Hall Regents Subcommittee Meeting Dec. 21 5 p.m. Mass at St. Brigid Church, Peapack Dec. 22 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Church, Hillsborough 11:30 a.m. Mass at Most Holy Redeemer Church, Matawan 7 p.m. Simbang Gabi Mass at St. John Vianney Church, Colonia 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass at St. Andrew Church, Avenel 10:30 p.m. Christmas Mass at Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen 11:15 a.m. Christmas Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Port Reading 4 p.m. Mass at Holy Trinity Church, Helmetta 10 a.m. Mass at St. Luke Church, North Plainfield New Jersey and Pennsylvania Bishop’s Retreat – private event

For updates on Bishop Checchio's schedule visit: http://diometuchen.org/bishop/schedule

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Deacons deepen faith, strengthen bonds at retreat By Deacon Patrick F. Cline EASTON, Pa. — The concept of retreat can have a negative connotation. It usually brings to mind a situation where an army or another group is forced to move back or withdraw after a defeat. But in the context of the Catholic spiritual practice, the withdrawal is not because of a defeat but to allow a period of reﬂection and renewal to strengthen an individual or a group in a desire to follow Our Lord’s command to “Take up your cross and follow Me” (Mt 16:24). Fifty-one deacons of the diocese had just such an opportunity for reﬂection and renewal Nov. 22-24 at the St. Francis Retreat House. The weekend included a series of conferences presented by the retreat master, Deacon Greg Kendra;

communal celebrations of the Liturgy of the Hours; time to be alone to read and pray as well as shared meals and fellowship with brother deacons from across the diocese. Many who, because of their family, work and ministry commitments, only get to see each other at this and other diocesan events. In memory of the seven deacons from the diocese who died in 2019, a memorial service was held Nov. 23. Among the deceased was Deacon John R. Paciﬁco, who was ordained for the Diocese of Trenton in 1977, four years before the Diocese of Metuchen was established. The other deacons, listed with the year of their ordination were: Anthony Hancock, 2007; Richard Kenton, 2004; Paul G. Licameli, 1996; Belardino A. Lupini, 1980; John P. McShane, 1989; and Don-

ald Zampella, 2001. Although some of the men had been retired from active ministry for reasons of health or relocation, together the seven of them gave more than 160 years of service as deacons. As Deacon William Bauer read each deacon’s name and his years of service and parish assignment(s), a candle was lit on the main altar in the chapel. While the prayers were for the repose of the souls of the deceased deacons, their surviving widows and other family members were also remembered in prayer. After the liturgy, a “Great Silence” was held, spiritual time for personal prayer and devotion. During the fourhour period, there was continuous exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in a small chapel. Deacon Thomas G. Sommero, who exercises his ministry at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish, Middlesex, believes that “the real fruit of a retreat is found in the moments of silence when I am alone with God. It is in silence and solitude that I am best able to encounter God.” In addition to the silent prayer, there was a penance service offered in the main chapel followed by the opportunity for individual reception of the sacrament of reconciliation. Stations of the cross were also prayed on the grounds of the retreat center. Towards the end of the silence, Continued on page 8

Last issue's image...

As of press time, no one has correctly identified the image. To be a winner, you must call (732) 562-2424 after 9 a.m. Monday. The first caller to correctly identify the image and its location will receive a one year subscription, renewal or gift subscription to The Catholic Spirit. Those who correctly identify an image are not eligible to take another guess for 90 days.

DECEMBER 19, 2019

— Deacon Patrick F. Cline photo

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Deacons from the diocese pray the outdoor stations of the cross on the grounds of the St. Francis Retreat House. Fifty-one deacons attended the retreat.

Deacon Stephen J. Kern, director, diocesan Office of the Diaconate, sits in front of a "pietà," which depicts Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus, during a three-day retreat for deacons from the diocese at the St. Francis Retreat House.

The image, which was featured on page 3 of the November 28 issue of The Catholic Spirit, can be found at Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Great Meadows.

The winner is...

4 OUR DIOCESE

It is not about winter solstice, it is about Christmas Body & Soul By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD Each year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. The baby in the manger is an image we hold dear to our hearts — but, the image only has meaning for us because we have been told what the world was like before the incarnation. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we have seen his glory: The glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love.” (Jn1:14) Until this moment, ours was a world that could never conceptualize the divine. Now, we can actually put a face on the infinitely transcendent God, who mediates our matter to himself and embraces fully our humanity in the person of the Holy Infant. Still, we have to remember that we can only begin to grasp the impact that the incarnation had on our world because our faith has been tweaked by what followed the infancy of the Christchild, Jesus’ ministry, his Passion, Death and Resurrection. It is in light of what follows the incarnation that we can look

back and say “this birth is different from baby embodies our salvation, and is on all others.” Then and only then, can we a divine, temporal mission to convey pause and give thanks to God for the gift God’s love for us. Now is the time to celebrate the of his Son, for the glory of his incarnation and subsequent birth of Jesus. fullness of God’s love made manifest in Jesus — now is the time As a result of our for us to subject the secupondering the “whole package,” from incarnalar to the sacred, because We owe our in Christ, God utters his tion to resurrection, we are able to appreciate ﬁnal, absolute Word of salvation revelation, articulated in how this baby, unlike evthe unique birth of Jesus, ery other, would forever not to the change the face of the that gives us hope for the shortest day future. earth. Our secular society Christmas gives us of the year wants to desensitize our hope that we can survive but to a God cancer; that we can care eyes to the sacred and for our mother who is relativize all religious who so loved suffering from Alzheimcelebrations into one, the world that generic, winter solstice er’s; that our teen son can overcome his drug addicfestival. This tendency he sent us his tion through rehabilitais in vain for us who tion and, with the right believe that love is better only Son. than hatred, that hope is support, remain in rebetter than despair, that covery. Christmas gives us hope that we can ﬁnd imagining heaven is betlife after divorce, dignity ter than resigning ourafter bankruptcy, sobriety selves to nothingness. We owe our salvation not to the after alcoholism, calm after an attack of shortest day of the year but to a God anxiety, solace in the void of loneliness. It is this spirit of survival kindled who so loved the world that he sent us his only Son. What we celebrate is not by the annual celebration of Christmas, just the birth of another, cute baby. This and not some observance of the winter

solstice, that propels us to look for that baby who radically transformed the course of our world forever. It is because we have found him, in Jesus, that we muster the courage to wish each other, not “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings,” but “Merry Christmas.” It’s because the Word became ﬂesh and dwelt among us that we can sing about darkness eclipsed by light, goodness triumphing over evil, cold giving way to warmth, love overcoming heartache. It is because we have a God who is with us, in Jesus, that we dare to hang festive lights, decorate trees and wreathes, bake cookies and exchange gifts. On Christmas eve or day, we gather in a church, not at a park or the beach, not at the mall, Times Square or Rockefeller Center. We pause to allow the sacred to break into the profane. We know in our hearts that we can be tethered more intimately to this unique Christ Child, who has alone bridged the gap between man and God, the natural and the supernatural, the secular and the sacred as we listen to his Word and unite ourselves to him by partaking of his Eucharist. This is no small feat. It is the miracle of yuletide faith! “Merry Christmas”! Father Comandini is managing editor of “The Catholic Spirit.”

Heart of Christmas rests with Jesus, Mary and Joseph It certainly touched my heart, and I holiday of Christmas. I often recall the e-mail one of my wondered if he remembered Patrick. sons sent me some years ago when fiFor me, while I do love to give gifts, nances were tighter than the best part of every holiday is just being with all usual. He knew the plea. . . when I was sure I took in filling stockmy sons and their famiings and buying presents lies at the same time. Of growing up course, that is not always for everyone, even as the there were family expanded from a possibility, given their many responsibilities, my six sons to more than many more a dozen loved ones. and I’ll admit I’m sad He wrote, “This year, when one of them can’t family gatherdon’t worry about gifts. join us. ings . . . more It just seems when Take comfort in knowing By Mary Morrell that we’ll all understand I was growing up there discussions and that we don’t expect were many more famand laughter . . . ily gatherings, with aunts My sons, not being able to read, much anyway. I think and uncles and lots of didn’t understand the difference between I speak for all the boys more presence, cousins, more discusthe word presence and presents, but by when I say that we enjoy more time – the end of the story they understood Christmas morning for sions and laughter and arthat Christmas gifts didn’t always have the spirit of the day; the guments around a table, and I miss it. to come from the store. In fact, the best company and the love of more sharing of food and drink and stories, more Christmas present couldn’t be wrapped, one another. No matter presence, more time – unless it was wrapped in a hug and the how many gifts are under beautiful smile of someone with whom your tree, it’s the celebration that we all and I miss it. you were celebrating the holy and festive enjoy most.” Life seems to be spinning faster and faster these days, or maybe I’m just moving slower and slower. I wonder if it’s possible today to find space inside If you were sexually abused by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic time to regain those simple celebrations Church, or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to of relationships that were at the heart of so many families. law enforcement and/or by contacting the Diocesan Response Officer at (908) 930-4558 Perhaps that’s one of the reasons (24 hours/7 days a week). For more information on how to report abuse, visit our why I treasure the modest Nativity that diocesan website: https://diometuchen.org/report-a-suspected-abuse. sits on our front lawn throughout the When my sons were young I told them the story of Patrick, the penguin, who, even though he was poor, and a penguin, had the very best Christmas presence and he made a point to share it with everyone he knew who needed some Christmas cheer.

DECEMBER 19, 2019

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Things My Father Taught Me

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season, reminding me that the heart of Christmas rests with the Holy Family. Somehow we have allowed the focus on gifts to become a distraction from the profound meaning of this holy celebration – God’s desire to be in relationship with his people, becoming one of us within the womb of family. It is sad to know that Christmas, such a beautiful gift to us, has become a difﬁcult, stressful time for so many because we have lost sight of what’s important. Christmas is all about relationship: Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, wise men, even the many animals our traditional crèches include, were called to be in relationship with a tiny baby, Lord and Savior, God. When we reﬂect on the Nativity we may see beyond wrapped presents and embrace, instead, the power of presence. We may be able to shake the need for the perfectly decorated house, and marvel, instead, at the beauty of a humble manger. When we see the crèche as more than a tender greeting card image, we may share in the only gift that matters – Love. Mary Clifford Morrell is the author of “Things My Father Taught Me About Love,” and “Let Go and Live: Reclaiming your life by releasing your emotional clutter,” both available as ebooks on Amazon.com.

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in the diocese through his many and frequent pastoral visits; how he seeks a spiritual renewal of the clergy, those in consecrated life and the lay faithful, and has restructured the Diocesan Curia to demonstrate and promote Pope Francis’ “Joy of the Gospel.” The bishop’s overall emphasis on seeking supernatural assistance has led to a diocesan-wide renewal through a Year of Awakening to Faith in preparation for consecrating the diocese to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe. The intended hope is to renew and strengthen our efforts across the diocese for the New Evangelization. Among the bishop’s pastoral strategies was his pastoral letter, “Lighting a Fire in the heart of our world,” which provided, “the philosophical framework to realign all other ecclesial ministries and initiatives.” The bishop stresses developing our friendship with Christ, especially through prayer, as the primary means to renew our local Church. The pastoral letter, which will be the primary focus for our ongoing renewal efforts after the consecration includes developing specific goals in the areas of: justice and charity, pastoral and family life, education and formation, liturgy and worship, vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life. The quinquennium summary’s

section on challenges focused on whom are not of our faith background, three areas. It began addressing the but nonetheless require a pastoral sexual abuse revelations that gravely response of welcome, invitation and harmed vulnerable adults and chil- working toward shared goals in the dren, showed the failures of some in common good for a just and civil sociChurch leadership and has created an ety. As we find new ways to work tounstable atmosphere gether, we will share for striving to fulfill Jesus Christ, the the Church’s missource of our joy. Bishop Checchio sion in our day. Looking formet with Vatican Radically shiftward to the future, ing demographics the quinquennium officials to discuss is another challenge report, coordifor the diocese, the nated by Father the diocese’s report stated. The Timothy A. Christy, quinquennium diocesan vicar many people leaving the state are general and modreport, participated the ones “who have erator of the curia, in a two-and-a-half had a deep personal presents a realistic investment in the view of opportunihour meeting with work of the Church ties and challenges Pope Francis and and most willing that can be travto be sacrificially elled with prudent concelebrated generous.” In their leadership, which place, there has is attributed to “an Masses at the four been an influx of energetic, visionmajor basilicas. Hispanics which is a ary, young Bishop blessing and a chalJames Checchio.” lenge. To minister The report conto these Catholics, cludes, “Through the diocese must be multi-dimensional our common call to holiness and and attend to their various basic spiri- our striving to be Missionary Distual and family life needs. In addition, ciples, we trust that the merciful the number of Asians arriving in the and reconciling work of the Church Continued on page 9 diocese continues to increase, many of

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT DECEMBER 19, 2019

On Nov. 24, Bishop James F. Checchio arrived in Rome on his first “ad limina” visit. While the bishop helped to coordinate the last two “ad limina” visits by the United States Bishops while he was serving on the staff of the Pontifical North American College, this was the first time he participated as a bishop. According to Canon Law every five years every bishop is required to go to the Vatican to report on the status of his diocese. It is also a time for the bishops, the successors of the Apostles, to pray at the tomb of St. Peter and St. Paul. During his “ad limina” pilgrimage, Bishop Checchio met with Vatican officials to discuss the diocese’s quinquennium report, participated in a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Pope Francis, and concelebrated at Masses in the four major basilicas: St. Peter’s, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major. The bishop said the highlight of his “ad limina” visit came on Thanksgiving Day when he joined the other bishops from New Jersey and Pennsylvania for a two-and-a-half-hour conversation with Pope Francis. “The Holy Father was very alert, attentive and personal,” recalled Bishop Checchio. “We were all able to ask questions and the Pope responded to each one. There were a lot of pastoral topics discussed, outreach to people, the importance of Catholic schools, as well as the sex abuse crisis, but we were asked to respect the confidentiality of the meeting, so I won’t say any more. “In remarks during the meeting, the Holy Father did have a message for us bishops. He said we should be close to God through our prayer and personal life, close and accessible to our priests, and close to our people.” The bishop’s “ad limina” began with interviews with all the Vatican discasteries or offices. In preparation for discussions with the offices, the diocese had sent its quinquennium report to the Vatican in May. In a summary of the 150-page report, it was noted that since the diocese’s last quinquennium in 2011, two significant events have occurred. In 2013, Pope Francis was elected, and in 2016, Bishop Checchio was installed as the fifth Ordinary of the Diocese of Metuchen. Both had a major impact on the Church of Metuchen. As stated in the report’s summary on accomplishments, during the past three years of his episcopal leadership, Bishop Checchio “has been able to bring the pastoral priorities and sensibilities of Pope France to our diocesan structure and pastoral organization of the diocese.” It explained how the bishop strives for greater cohesion

Clockwise, the bishops of District 3 that includes the ordinaries of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, pose for a picture with the Holy Father. Below, Bishop James F. Checchio chats with Pope Francis as he is presented with a gift from the pontiff. Left, the bishops venerate the tomb of St. Peter, where they would later concelebrate Mass

OUR DIOCESE

By Joanne Ward

Bishop Checchio discusses state of diocese with pope, Vatican officials

6 OUR DIOCESE

Diocesan-sponsored hospital to explore strategic partnership Saint Peter’s Healthcare System and RWJBarnabas Health have signed a nonbinding Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to explore a potential partnership and puts the institutions on a path toward reaching a Definitive Agreement, expected within the coming months, officials announced Dec. 16. The announcement follows the Request for Proposal (RFP) announcement by Saint Peter’s in October 2018 that it was considering a strategic partner. Saint Peter’s discernment process has involved a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the organization, its rich Catholic mission, the competitive market, and broader industry trends. The LOI is the first step in the process of evaluating and designing a new relationship that will enhance health care services for residents in central New Jersey. The

structure of the relationship has not yet been decided. RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s most comprehensive academic health care system with a service area of nine counties covering five million people. The system includes 11 acute care hospitals, three acute care children’s hospitals, and a renowned pediatric rehabilitation hospital, among many other facilities. RWJBH has a partnership with Rutgers University, creating New Jersey’s largest academic health care system. Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a 478-bed acute-care teaching hospital sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen, is the flagship of Saint Peters Healthcare System that also includes the Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s. Saint Peter’s is one of a few independent Catho-

DECEMBER 19, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Community Servants EDISON — Celebrating the 164th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of St. Felix Congregation, the 145th anniversary of the founding of the North American Province, and the 10th Anniversary of Our Lady of Hope Province, the Felician Sisters who minister in the diocese joined the St. Thomas Aquinas High School students Nov. 19 for their monthly lunch packing service project. Felician Sisters who live in the diocese minister at St. Helena Parish and School, Edison; St. Thomas Aquinas High School (STA), Edison; St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral Parish, Metuchen; Immaculate Conception Parish and School, Spotswood; Archival Work, Diocese of Metuchen; Liason to Chinese Community, Archdiocese of Newark; Prison Ministry, Catholic Services, Detention Centers, Archdiocese of Newark. The sisters were joined by 47 students from St. Thomas Aquinas and 12 faculty members who worked together and assembled 400 bagged lunches for the CSAC “CHANGE” the World Project in a record time of one hour. The week before the lunch packing, a group of freshmen volunteers decorated each bag with a positive message. Into each lunch bag was put a sandwich, a napkin, two snack items and a bottle of water and lots of love. Following the service project, the sisters gathered in the school chapel to pray the beautiful Holy Hour provided for this anniversary celebration by the Felician community. Joining them for this hour of prayer was Father Keith M. Cervine, school chaplain, and John Roche, assistant campus minister. Each reading, psalm, prayer, intercession and blessing provided everyone present with so many good memories and so much to be grateful for. The time spent together as Felician Sisters in reflection and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament was itself a gift to each of the attendees. To complete this anniversary celebration, the sisters went out to enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. — Felician Sister Cynthia Marie Babyak

lic hospitals in the country sponsored by a Roman Catholic diocese. Under the terms of the LOI, the role of Saint Peter’s as a full-service provider of acute health care services for the greater Middlesex County community would be enhanced. RWJBH would make significant investments in Saint Peter’s and expand the network of outpatient services currently provided by Saint Peter’s, resulting in an even higher level of care for the community. Saint Peter’s would remain a Catholic institution and continue to abide by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. The parties have been in discussions for some time and share a common perspective and culture regarding providing high quality, cost-effective services to their communities consistent with their respective missions and the need to move in the direction of population health management. According to Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, “The rapid consolidation of hospitals in New Jersey and need for greater scale, as well as ongoing changes in health care delivery made it vital for us to identify a dynamic and strong strategic partner that would allow Saint Peter’s to retain its Catholic mission and identity, remain competitive, and yield the best possible outcome for our patients, employees, medical staff and the communities we serve. Working in partnership with RWJBarnabas Health would give us an opportunity to enhance the unique strengths of both organizations.” Bishop James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA, who as leader of the Diocese of Metuchen is the sole member of the corporation, affirmed his support of the recommendation of the board of governors to pursue the partnership, saying, “As an independent institution for the last 112 years, Saint Peter’s has helped to fulfill the Church’s mission of healing in an extraordinary way while making Christ’s love

and mercy known to people of all ages and backgrounds, from conception to natural death. Through this proposed strategic partnership, Saint Peter’s will be strengthened to continue to serve those who are in need of – and greatly benefit from – the excellent, accessible, and life-affirming care intrinsic to Saint Peter's Catholic identity and mission. “This partnership will also position Saint Peter’s to continue caring for the whole person with a compassionate response and to greater inform the wider community to the full range of human needs, hallmarks of our Catholic faith. I am grateful for the work of Saint Peter’s leadership in bringing this potential transaction to this stage, and am particularly appreciative of the ongoing oversight and guidance of Dr. John Haas, President Emeritus of the National Catholic Bioethics Center, in assuring that any transaction is structured such that Saint Peter’s will remain stalwart in its fidelity to the Catholic health care tradition.” Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and Chief Executive Officer of RWJBarnabas Health, stated, “The rapidly changing health care landscape presents new challenges and opportunities. Saint Peter’s is a vital resource to central New Jersey, and through this agreement we would greatly enhance our commitment in these communities with our mission of improving the health and well-being of its residents. With tremendous support from municipal, county and state elected officials, our Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital academic medical center has enjoyed a longstanding collegial relationship with Saint Peter’s, and we are incredibly excited about the many possibilities for enhanced collaboration signaled by this Letter of Intent.” Both parties will now engage in a due diligence process to define the specifics of the relationship. Approvals will be necessary from state and federal officials, the Catholic Church and others before the transaction is considered complete.

Head of CRS thanks faithful for their generosity In a Nov. 15 letter to Bishop James F. Checchio, the president and chief executive officer of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Sean L. Callahan, extended his thanks to the people of the Diocese of Metuchen for their generous contribution to the organization following Hurricane Dorian, which devastated the Bahamas. Thanks to your support and generosity, the Diocese of Metuchen collected $79,451.48, which will go toward aiding the people of the Bahamas in their long recovery process. In his letter, Callahan also extended his thanks for the $82,438.88 collected for the CRS Rice Bowl, an annual Lenten collection in which faith communities from every diocese

throughout the U.S. put their faith into action through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Lenten alms donated through CRS Rice Bowl support the work of CRS in roughly 45 different countries each year. Twenty-five percent of all donations to CRS Rice Bowl stay in the diocese, supporting hunger and poverty alleviation efforts. “Your support helps Catholic Relief Services create innovative agricultural programs, work with families to prevent disease, provide maternal care and improve health and well-being for vulnerable children. Thanks to you, we can continue to provide secure havens of hope and peace around the world,” wrote Callahan.

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Retreat provided 'true sense of brotherhood' for deacons from diocese

OUR DIOCESE

Continued from page 3

the men had the opportunity to recite the rosary in the main chapel. Deacon Kendra, a deacon of the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y., is the creator of “The Deacon’s Bench,” a blog that has attracted 20 million readers since its creation in 2007. He has conducted numerous retreats for deacons and parish missions across the country. In 2016, he was invited to give presentations at the international Jubilee for Deacons in Rome and he addressed the 2018 diaconate Congress in New Orleans for the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the permanent diaconate. In a series of four related talks presented over the three days, Deacon Kendra reflected on the theme, “The Restored Diaconate — the Next Fifty Years.” He began the first presentation by commenting that for him and the other deacons on the retreat, “It is good that we are here.” He reminded the men that the call to the diaconate is not just another ministry; rather “it must be a way of life.” Reflecting on the growth of the diaconate, he cited statistics from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. Since the year 2000, all clerical and religions vocations in the United States have declined in numbers except for permanent deacons. From less than 1,000 deacons in the decade imme-

diately following the restoration of the diaconate as a permanent order in 1968 there are now more than 18,000 permanent deacons in this country. Although St. Stephen, the first century proto-martyr, is usually credited with being the first deacon, Deacon Kendra proposed that, “Jesus Christ was truly the first one and is the model all deacons should emulate.” Deacon Kendra believes that there are three requirements to be a true deacon: he must see, encounter and offer hope. “In order to be a witness to the Gospel, the deacon must be able to see that which is around him so that he can be the gobetween to do his Master’s bidding in this world.” The deacon must be able to encounter the people he serves where they truly are, not where he wants them to be or expects them to be. And the deacon must always be a witness of hope to all the members of God’s family he sees and encounters. Deacon Kendra suggested that although sharing in the gift of holy orders, the deacon, because of his role as a bridge, must minister within a unique relationship with the people and the world around him. It is unlike the relationships that bishops and priests have with the people. On Nov. 24, Deacon Stephen F. Kern, director, diocesan Office of the Diaconate, gave a report on the ministry in the diocese, updating the attendees on

Above, deacons from the diocese who attended a three-day retreat at the St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, Pa., pose for a photo. Right, Greg Kendra of the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y., served as retreat master. — Deacon Patrick F. Cline photos

a number of current and planned activities for deacons. He also presented a breakdown on the number of men serving in parishes and ministries, the men who are currently in formation and status of the ongoing application process for the next formation class. The men then gathered with the community of St. Francis for Mass on the great Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. As the deacons returned home, Deacon Kendrick Fortune, who serves at the Cathedral of St. Francis,

Metuchen, summed up his feelings and those of others that, “The retreat offered a time to share, laugh, and cry together. It provided a true sense of the brotherhood that I am a part of.” Deacon Cline exercises his ministry at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater

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will continue to be accomplished in us.” Reflecting on his meetings Bishop Checchio said, “I was amazed at how knowledgeable the heads of the Vatican discasteries were about our situation in the diocese, our blessings, our struggles, and the challenges we have been facing. They were emphatic and expressed their solidarity with us.” During his “ad limina” visit, the Bishop concelebrated Mass at St. Peter’s, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major. “These Masses were a great moment

of prayer with all the bishops and the pilgrims who came with us on our “ad limina” visit, especially at the tomb of St. Peter and St. Paul, who strove to do what we are called to do in the work of evangelization, the bishop said. He added the seminarians served at the Masses and “Jose Lim, from our diocese cantored at the Mass at St. Paul’s.” Bishop Checchio was accompanied on his “ad limina” visit by Father Christy and Father Mauricio TaberaVasquez, director, diocesan Office of Vocations. He met with the diocese’s three seminarians: Lim, Timothy Eck

and Gregory Zannetti, and Father Roy Quesea, all studying in Rome. Prior to the meeting with the Holy Father on Thanksgiving, the bishop was able to introduce each one to Pope Francis. On Thanksgiving Day, Bishop Checchio presided at the Mass at the North American Pontifical College, along with the other bishops of New Jersey and Pennsylvania who concelebrated. The bishop said it was a joy to be back at the College and to be with the 200 seminarians from the

United States studying in Rome. “Like our diocesan seminarians here in Metuchen, it is so encouraging to be with these young men who are forming their hearts to be more like the Good Shepherd’s in preparation for priestly ministry through their prayer lives, pastoral and apostolic formation, community life and intellectual formation. The Church in the United States has much to look forward to, from the ministry of these courageous, holy, young men.”

OUR DIOCESE

Continued from page 5

‘Ad limina’ visit unites bishops, priests, seminarians to heart of Church

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Cistercian Monks Seeking God and Following Christ Above, Bishop James F. Checchio, center, poses at the Pontifical North American College, Rome, with, from left: Father Mauricio Tabera-Vasquez, director, diocesan Office of Vocations; seminarian José Lim; Father Timothy A. Christy, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia; seminarians Gregory Zannetti and Timothy Eck II; and Father Roy Quesea. —Pontifical North American College photo Below, Father Timothy A. Christy greets the Holy Father.

— Osservatore Romano photo

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Bishop presides at school's annual liturgy celebrated for ‘Stars’

OUR DIOCESE

EDISON — On Dec. 10, St. Thomas Aquinas High School celebrated the annual Ahr Star Pre-Christmas Mass. Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the Mass and gave the homily. Father Keith M. Cervine, director of Catholic Identity/religion teacher, concelebrated. The liturgy was celebrated in the gym, which was transformed into a beautiful church.

Music for the liturgy was provided by Joseph Cullinan ’02 along with the talents of the Liturgical Band and Choir. After Communion, the much-anticipated and inspiring rendition of “Mary Did You Know?” was performed by T.J. Reilly ‘96. The liturgy was prepared by the Campus Ministry team: Felician Sister Cynthia Marie Babyak, John Roche, Kevin McCarthy and Father Cervine.

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In his homily, Bishop Checchio, reminded everyone that God desires to become a part of our lives through the birth of his son, Jesus. We are all invited into this collaboration with God. It is ours to choose — and when we do — there is no turning back. Our lives will be filled with peace, love, joy, strength, and everything that we need to continue our journey in life. Special guests at the Mass were the Aquinas Ahr Stars and their families. Andrew Yarus attended with his parents and siblings, Peter and Daniel. Elijah Patino was present with his sister, Mya, and his mother and father. The “Ahr Star” program began in 1988 as a way for the St. Thomas Aquinas High School Community to come together and support a chronically or terminally ill child. The most important goal of the Ahr Star Program at STA is to give the Ahr Star and his/her family financial, spiritual, emotional and community support during the year. The Ahr Star Spaghetti Dinner is the first event of the year and an opportunity for the whole community to welcome the newest members of the

Ahr Star family. Hundreds of students, family, and community members gather for this major fundraiser along with hundreds of student and faculty volunteers. After the Mass, Ahr Star Co-Chairs Joey Dunn ’20 and Bethany Ciccarelli ’20, along with members of Aquinas “Ahr Star” Board and the Student Council, presented the Ahr Stars and their families with many gifts and expressions of love. All of the gifts were bought with the money donated by the school’s students and faculty. The monetary gifts were made possible by the money raised at the Spaghetti Dinner. Andrew and Elijah’s brothers and sister also received special Christmas gifts. There was even a surprise visit by Santa Claus. The parents of both Ahr Stars spoke to the STAHS community, thanking them for the Ahr Star program and the love, prayers, and support that the STA family has poured out to them. With tears in their eyes, they expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming love and generosity of the Ahr Star Program. The families stayed to enjoy a special lunch and greet students and staff.

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Right, Ahr Stars Elijah Patino, holding microphone, and Andrew Yarus address the bishop, faculty and student body at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. Above, Bishop James F. Checchio speaks to the students, staff and families who attended the annual Ahr Star Pre-Christmas Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas High School. — Mike Kowalczyk photo

MANHATTAN, N.Y. — Brandon L. Sipple, a member of Our Lady of Victories Parish, Baptistown, was invested as a Knight in the Order of Malta at Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Nov. 15. Sipple is the son-in-law of attorney Michael K. Ligorano, also a member of Our Lady of Victories and a Knight in the Order of Malta who is the diocesan General Counsel. “It was very moving to stand there and watch a family member be invested in the Order,” said Ligorano, who was invested in 2009. “We both had a very spiritual experience during a pilgrimage to Lourdes with the Order in May.” Sipple was born in 1984 in WilkesBarre, Pa., the son of Lawrence, an electrician, and Cindy, a civil servant. He grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania, attending St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in the Diocese of Scranton. During his faith formation, he served as an altar server and as an active member of the parish youth group, where he participated in nursing home ministry. He attended Bear Creek Elemen-

tary School, Ss. Peter and Paul School, and Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School in Kingston, Pa. He then attended Lafayette College, Easton, Pa., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors, and Villanova University (Pa.) School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctor. While in law school, Sipple was selected student editor-in-chief of the Villanova Journal of Catholic Social Thought and was a member of the St. Thomas More Society. He met his wife, Allison (Ligorano) while attending Lafayette and they settled in New Jersey after a marriage officiated by Msgr. David I. Fulton Aug. 16, 2008, at Our Lady of Victories Church, Baptistown. The couple live in Stockton with their five-yearold son, Henry, on a horse farm, where they have hosted young equestrians with special needs. At Our Lady of Victories, Sipple serves as an usher and as recorder for the Delaware Valley Council of Knights of Columbus. Sipple works as a Commercial Counsel at CNA Financial Services, a Chicago-based property and casualty

insurance carrier. Prior to being invested as a Knight of Magistral Grace in the Order of Malta, he was an Auxiliary member since 2012. As an Auxiliary and during his year of formation, Sipple participated in the diocesan healing Mass, Malta Walks distributing food to the homeless in New York City, and the Order’s pilgrimage to Lourdes. Sipple was the only member of the Diocese of Metuchen invested at the Mass. There are about 13,000 Knights and Dames in the Order of Malta worldwide; about 1,300 in the United States and about 240 in New Jersey, Ligorano said. Although the Order of Malta traces its origins to a hospice for pilgrims established in Jerusalem in the last half of the 11th century, it celebrates 1099 as its official establishment. The order developed the concept of modern hospitals and was a leader in medical science. The order established its headquarters in Rome in 1834, from where it has carried out its mission to help the sick and the poor. It supports programs in more than 120 countries. Christie L. Chicoine, news editor of “Catholic New York,” also contributed to this story

OUR DIOCESE

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor

Member of diocese invested into order founded to help sick, poor

Brandon L. Sipple, right, a member of Our Lady of Victories Parish, Baptistown, was invested as a Knight in the Order of Malta at Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Nov. 15. Sipple is the son-in-law of attorney Michael K. Ligorano, left, also a member of Our Lady of Victories Parish and diocesan General Counsel, who was invested as a Knight of the Order of Malta in 2009. — photo courtesy of Michael K. Ligorano

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parents of more than 1,500 children who received affordable quality child care. It means wellness and recovery to the people who took advantage of more than 40,000 hours of counseling. And to 568 people struggling to adjust their legal status, it means 13,000 hours of immigration services delivered with compassion. To 59 parishes, it means relief to parishioners in need who received 436 grants. It means help and hope to families reunited through visitation, and opportunity to children paired with mentors who will support their goals and dreams. It means affordable housing and support services to those who

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On any given day, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM) is faced with numerous requests for help from people trying to make ends meet and manage their daily lives. Their stories are sad and varied, and include the pangs of hunger, the sting of homelessness, and the struggles of addiction. Driven by Catholic Social Teaching, Catholic Charities works quietly in the background to meet the needs of those who need help and guidance to find their way. Their clients include the poor, the vulnerable, those living on the margins, and maybe even your neighbor. Incorporated in 1982, CCDOM, which is supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, began with seven sites that offered nine programs. Over the years, it has grown to include more than 20 sites and more than 100 programs that operate in the counties served by the diocese — Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex and Warren — making it one of the largest nonprofit social service providers in New Jersey. Catholic Charities’ services include assistance with basic needs, child care, counseling, immigration legal services, maternity services, shelters and housing, social concerns, and youth services. What does all that really mean? “Catholic Charities means a lot of different things to different people,” according to Julio Coto, acting executive director. “I provided statistics to our Board of Directors at our last meeting because they help to measure our impact and as Pope Francis has reminded us, ‘Behind these statistics are people, each of them with a name, a face, a story...’

12 OUR DIOCESE

Musicians share talents on feast of their patroness, St. Cecilia MONTGOMERY TWONSHIP — The Metuchen Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians and the diocesan Office of Worship co-sponsored an evening of readings and music Nov. 22 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, on the feast of St. Cecilia, patroness of music. Scores of men, women and youth choristers and instrumentalists shared their musical talents in a diverse program of classical and modern works under the baton of resident pastoral musician and composer Tim Keyes. William Berg, NPM chapter director, presented those celebrating their anniversary of service with a certificate. Msgr. Gregory E.S. Malovetz, pastor of the host parish, reminded the assembly that there is still hope for the

world, and music can carry us through the darkness. “You are a diverse group of people,” he told the choir members and instrumentalists hailing from throughout the diocese. “No matter what your musical ability, no matter how profound your faith, no matter your age, I see before me those who give me hope for our world. The Lord has called you all to this ministry. Let your ministry guide the way you live every day.” Msgr. Gregory E.S. Malovetz, background, pastor, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, presides at an evening of readings and music as resident musician and composer Tim Keyes, right, directs the musicians. — Tara Smith photo

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT DECEMBER 19, 2019

14 CONSECRATION

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Jesus and Mother of the Americas, we are mindful of the role you play in the evangelization of souls who have fallen away from the Church. As Mother of Divine Grace and as Mother of the Church, you preside over all the activities of Evangelization and the implantation of the Gospel into the hearts of men and women. We ask you, Mary, to help us fulďŹ ll the mission of Evangelization that your Son has given to His Church and that falls to us. Mindful of your role as help of Christians, we entrust ourselves to you in the work of carrying the Gospel ever deeper into the hearts and minds of all who have fallen away from the faith. We commit our cause totally to your prayers and ask that it bear abundant fruit. Amen.

Day of Recollection Msgr. Michael Heinz, a priest of the Diocese of Ft. Wayne-South Bend, Ind., was the guest speaker at a Day of Recollection for priests from the Diocese of Metuchen at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, Dec. 11. Msgr. Heinz is on the faculty of Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md. In his final remarks to the priests, he provided what he sees as imperative ingredients to effective pastoral ministry: 1) Be present, 2) Smile, 3) Work hard and 4) Be nice to people. There were approximately 80 priests from the diocese in attendance. The afternoon began with lunch, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, talks, time for adoration and confession, concluding with Benediction and Q&A by Msgr. Heinz. DECEMBER 19, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Father Glenn Comandini photos

May the intercession of

Our Lady of Guadalupe continue to light our hearts on fire at

St. Thomas Aquinas High School

The Parish family of St. Anthony of Padua Port Reading

God bless the Diocese of Metuchen as we are consecrated to our Lord Jesus thru Our Lady of Guadalupe The Patroness of the New Evangelization

CONSECRATION

Let us all Light a Fire to the world as we are in faith renewed to Jesus thru the help of Mary Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Parish and School Families of St. Helena in Edison

Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish Family in South Plainfield joins

Bishop James F. Checchio as the Diocese of Metuchen and parishioners are consecrated to Jesus through

Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe

We ask the intercession of

Our Lady of Guadalupe for all of us here at our beloved parish.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT DECEMBER 19, 2019

St. Mary Parish Alpha, NJ

16 CONSECRATION Above, religious from the diocese were among the worshipers at a Mass of consecration of the diocese to Jesus through Mary at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Right, Bishop James F. Checchio addresses the faithful from the ambo.

Left, after Mass, seminarians from the diocese place roses in front of a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe outside the Cathedral. The roses symbolize the roses that fell from the tilma of St. Juan Diego, who saw an apparition of Mary, when he met with his bishop to provide evidence. — Mike Ehrmann photos

Diocese of Metuchen consecrated to Jesus through

DECEMBER 19, 2019

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Christina Leslie Correspondent METUCHEN — Standing before a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe bedecked with fragrant roses, Bishop James F. Checchio issued a challenge to the faithful seated within the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Dec. 12: their work had only just begun. “This is intended to be a moment of beginning, not end,” said the bishop as he formally consecrated the Diocese of Metuchen to Jesus through His Mother Mary. “It is an act of faith to embrace this moment with greater fervor and live our faith even more boldly.” Hundreds from throughout the four counties of the diocese were drawn to the cathedral that evening to mark a spiritual milestone in the history of the diocese. Through prayer, song and celebration, the faithful marked the conclusion of a Year of Awakening and the first fruits of a spiritual consecration of the diocese to Jesus through Mary as Mother of the Americas and Star of the New Evangelization. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, presided and gave the homily at the Mass. Bishop Checchio and Bishop Emeritus Paul G.

Bootkoski concelebrated. Priests, deacons, seminarians and religious took their places after a prolonged procession, as did Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre, Knights and Dames of Malta, Knights of Columbus and parish ambassadors. Some 65 singers representing 23 parishes were accompanied by organ, piano, flute, trumpet and violin as they sang a repertoire of Marian music in Latin, English and Spanish. The celebration was more than a year in the making. In his pastoral letter dated Oct. 4, 2018, Bishop Checchio noted that during his visits to all 90 parishes of the diocese “I began to hear a recurrent theme that I would summarize as a need for renewal. I sensed the most urgent need that our people and priests are longing for was ‘more,’” he wrote. The bishop continued, “I have discerned that our renewed awakening and deepening our relationship with Christ will be entrusted to Mary… through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe… With the power of God’s grace and with open hearts, our lives, our families, our churches, our diocese will indeed become a beacon of hope: we will be salt and light, the city set on a hill.”

The diocese created a website, LightingHeartsonFire.org, as a valuable resource for the diocesan consecration, defined as a setting apart for a holy, transformative purpose. Resources and prayers in English and Spanish for both adults and children; guidance in hosting parish awakening nights, novenas and litanies; school-based events, and travel kits with Marian images designed for prayer and reflection within families all led to the goal of an informed, spiritual consecration. Other events building up to the Dec. 12 consecration include September’s walk by 700 faithful through the streets of Hunterdon County on a nine-mile minipilgrimage, and October’s visit by Bishop Checchio and nearly 80 pilgrims to Mexico and the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. In his homily, Archbishop Pierre urged the faithful to display the same tenderness Mary has for her children despite the media’s portrayal of the Church as cold and heartless. He professed his love for the Virgin Mother in the form of Our Lady of Guadalupe, nurtured during his nine years as nuncio to Mexico and nearly four years in the United States. “Mary is the great missionary,” the

archbishop said. “She gave birth to the Savior of the World and brought the Gospel to the Americas. We found in her the inspiration on how to be disciples and missionaries of Jesus; just as she went forth to meet her kinswoman, Elizabeth, she brought joy to the people of America.” Calling Our Lady of Guadalupe “the intersection between the Spanish and in-

Priests sing the opening hymn at the Mass of of Awakening, which included a nine-mile pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Gua

17 CONSECRATION Above, Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski places a rose in front of a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe outside the Cathedral. Below, Carol Mascola carries a candle ahead of the banner followed by Sister Anna Nguyen.

Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, who presided at the Mass, gives the homily. The archbishop reminded the faithful they are called to “evangelize and re-evangelize.”

h Mary at Mass at Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi digenous peoples,” Archbishop Pierre asserted that her image was rich in imagery and portrayed her role of virgin and mother, a woman of prayer, piety and humility. He revealed that, on a recent papal visit to Mexico, Pope Francis requested unlimited time for a visit to the shrine where her image was displayed, declaring, “I want to see the people of Mexico through the eyes

participation and sharing of Our Lady of the Americas to our entire parish community. Our parish has a diverse community [which] joined together to purchase and frame an official image of Our Lady that will remain in our church for future generations. It’s a beautiful symbolism of unification.” Mileski continued, “Events were key for this year of preparation. People want activities, and that is where we have the opportunities to evangelize and to grow in knowledge, understanding and fellowship.” Ambassador Charlie Zammit of St. Mary Parish, South Amboy, put his faith into action over the past year, and plans to continue his service to the Church. “This year of preparation has personally impacted my prayer life [and] reawakened my faith,” Zammit said. “Some new activities are meeting weekly for praise and worship; attending First Friday Mass and other daily Masses; visiting nursing homes; assisting at a soup kitchen and having a deeper personal relationship with the Holy Spirit in Life in the Spirit Seminar. I am looking forward to this new Advent Year of witnessing God’s love to all humanity as inspired by the bishop and archbishop.”

DECEMBER 19, 2019

sharing best practices and creative ways to further implement prayerful Marian and Eucharistic spirituality in our parishes.” The large image of Our Lady of Guadalupe led the closing procession; as the choir sang, “Come as we journey along the way, Santa Maria, come,” the image was placed under a tent on the cathedral’s front plaza. Congregants, each clutching a red rose, streamed out of the cathedral to stop, pray, and place their flower at her feet. Parish ambassadors were eager to share how their service to their faith communities in Mary’s name had impacted their lives over the past year. David Fantina, ambassador for Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bernardsville, stated, “I would say my prayer life has been strengthened by the Year of Awakening. My wife and I have been making a concerted effort to pray together to the Blessed Mother under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe every day. I believe that [the consecration] was an idea inspired by the Holy Spirit.” “I grew up with a devotion to Our Lady,” said Christina Mileski, ambassador for Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Hackettstown. “For me, the beauty and joy of this focus on Mary was in the

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

f consecration. The liturgy concluded a Year e pilgrimage in Hunterdon County, and a adalupe in Mexico City.

of Our Lady.” “The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe has much to say to the people of the Americas,” the archbishop said. “It was a new visitation for a new evangelization. We are the fruit of her visit.” Turning to face Bishop Checchio, he continued, “Bishop, religious men and women, all of you: incorporate the faith in Metuchen. It is quite a challenge, but a beautiful one. You are called to evangelize and re-evangelize. With God, all things are possible.” Bishop Checchio led the congregation in an act of consecration to Jesus and reminded them that St. Juan Diego had seen, believed and acted upon what he had experienced in his encounter with the Mother of Jesus. “You and I are now called to do the same thing. Mary’s fiat shows us the pathway to surrender to God’s plan for our lives and our Church,” he said. “The next step is to give thanks and consider what more could I do in my life to love and serve Christ in His Church.” Urging the parish ambassadors to rise and leading applause for their efforts, the bishop continued, “I ask you to continue to be a resource for ongoing communications and formation in intentional discipleship,

OUR DIOCESE

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service Joseph was a carpenter who lived in Nazareth. He was a very devout and righteous man who always obeyed God's laws. Although Joseph was not wealthy, he did come from a very important and well-known family. One of his ancestors was King David, the shepherd boy whom God chose to become the ruler of the Israelites during Old Testament times. Joseph was betrothed to a virgin named Mary. “Betrothed” means that Joseph and Mary were engaged, so they were not yet living together as husband and wife in the same house. One day, Joseph learned that Mary was going to have a baby. Joseph decided that, according to the law, he

should not marry her. Since he was such a good man, Joseph did not want to bring any shame or harm to Mary, so he decided he would not make a big fuss about calling off the wedding. What Joseph did not realize was that Mary had been visited by the angel Gabriel, who told her that the Holy Spirit would come upon her. “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus,” Gabriel told Mary. “He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Not long after he had decided to divorce Mary, Joseph had a dream. An angel of God spoke to him. “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home,” the angel said. “For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” What the angel said to Joseph fulfilled an Old Testament prophesy that

God had revealed to his people through one of his prophets: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel.” Emmanuel means “God is with us.”

When Joseph woke up, he did exactly as the angel had told him to do. Instead of divorcing Mary, he took her into his home and waited for Jesus to be born.

READ MORE ABOUT IT: Matthew 1 Q&A: 1. What famous person was Joseph related to? 2. To whom was Joseph betrothed?

PUZZLE: Below are some events surrounding the early life of Jesus. Put them in the order in which they happened. Hint: Answers are in Luke 2, except C, which can be found in Matthew 2:10-11.

A. B. C. D. E.

Joseph and Mary lose Jesus after a festival. Jesus is born in Bethlehem. The Magi visit Jesus and give him gifts. Jesus is presented at the Temple. Joseph and Mary name their baby Jesus.

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take your wife into your home.”

— CNS Artwork

Best wishes and prayers for

Puzzle Answer: A. 5; B. 1; C. 2; D. 4; E. 3

An angel speaks to Saint Joseph in a dream

a Very Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!

DECEMBER 19, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

From the Staff of The Catholic Spirit

art. She exhibited in several patient art exhibits at the Cancer Center at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, where she participated in art therapy. Sister Carol expressed her spiritual journey through poetry, prose, and art in her seasonal greeting cards, that she shared with many people. Sister Carol had many ministries, but perhaps her greatest has been the ministry of positivity and faith, which she practiced every day of her life. She is survived by her brother, James Jaruszewski and his wife, Mary, Ann; her sister, Joyce Costello and her husband, John; a nephew, Mark Jaruszewski and his wife, Jen, and their daughters Nicole, Sara and Olivia; and a niece, Patricia Rexroth, and her husband, Matthew. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sister Carol may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 1645 US Highway

Uganda, providing the students with quality education and health care services. A funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 13 at St. Catharine Church, Spring Lake. Burial was at the New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mc Auley Hall Health Care Center, 1633 Highway 22 West, Watchung, New Jersey 07069. Arrangements were handled by O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall.

Sister Kathryn Miller (formerly Sister Lillian Francis), 98, who served as principal of St. Joseph School, Raritan Borough, and St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, died Dec. 3 at Assisi House, Aston, Pa. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 79 years. Sister Kathryn was born in Hazleton, Pa. Before entering the congregation in 1937, she was a member of St. Stanislaus Parish, Lansdale, Pa. She professed her first vows in 1940 and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education at Villanova University (Pa.)., and a Master of Arts degree in education from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Sister Kathryn ministered primarily in elementary education and also spent a number of years in congregational ministry on both provincial and congregational leadership teams. During her 35 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Sister Kathryn taught at Our Lady of Consolation School, Philadelphia, and later ministered at Neumann University, Aston. She served a term as a member of the congregational leadership team and later served as local coordinator of Our Lady of Angels Convent, the congregation’s motherhouse. In 2008, Sister Kathryn moved to Assisi House where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry until her death. Sister Kathryn ministered for 30 years in the Diocese of Trenton. She taught at St. Michael Orphanage, Hopewell, as well as at Holy Angels School and St. Anthony High School,

both in Trenton. She also ministered as principal at Blessed Sacrament School, Trenton. Sister Kathryn served two terms of office — first as council member and then as provincial — in the former St. Anthony Province, Trenton Additional ministry experience included teaching at St. John the Baptist School, Stiles, Pa., in the Diocese of Allentown. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Assisi House, Dec. 11. Burial was at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Aston. Sister Kathryn is survived by a sister, Marie Miller, nieces, nephews, and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014. Arrangements were handled by Lyons Funeral Home, Glenolden, Pa.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT DECEMBER 19, 2019

Mercy Sister Carol Jaruszewski, formerly Sister Anne Mary, who taught at St. Francis Cabrini School, Piscataway; and St. Mary High School, South Amboy, died Dec. 5 at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston. Sister Carol was born in Trenton to Helen and Raymond Jaruszewski. She celebrated the sacraments of initiation in the Byzantine Catholic Church. Sister Carol attended St. Mary’s Assumption School and graduated from Cathedral High School, Trenton. It was here that she met and witnessed the charism and community of the Sisters of Mercy. Sister Carol worked at Bell Telephone and then entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1964. She earned a degree in education and art education at Georgian Court College, now University, Lakewood; a Master’s Degree in fine arts degree at Montclair University; and a Master’s Degree in pastoral studies at Loyola University, Chicago. Sister Carol taught in elementary education and art in St. Mary Academy, Lakewood, and St. Francis Cabrini; and theology and art at St. Mary High School and Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville. She became a pastoral associate at Notre Dame Parish, North Caldwell, for 30 years. After retiring from active ministry, Sister Carol continued to volunteer as a spiritual director and pastoral counselor. She was a resource for those living with cancer and published a book entitled “Let Me Walk the Journey with You.” Sister Carol was an artist, poet, and writer who published in magazines on topics of vocation and healing through

William; her son, Bill, and her brother, William Sullivan. She is survived by her sister, Eileen Morris; six children, Dr. Catherine Forrester and her husband, Charles Russell; Marianne and James Munday; Virginia and Richard Bender; Doranne Rossiter; Michael and Deborah Forrester; and Karen and Kevin Larkin. Doris was most happy when she was surrounded by her grandchildren: Will, Kira, Sam, Cathy, Patrick, Matthew, Kelly, Eddie, Michael Liam, Kelly, Riley, Danni Erin, Kevin, Kaitlyn, Conor and Christopher. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Henry, and many nieces and nephews. A funeral Mass was celebrated Dec. 14 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Seaside Heights. Cremation was private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doris’ name to OASIS tlc, 1 Morgan Road, Middletown, NJ 07748, a local farm community providing meaningful work, peaceful residences and community interaction for young adults with autism. Arrangements were handled by Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, Toms River.

OUR DIOCESE

Catherine “Doris” Forrester (nee Sullivan), 90, of Silver Beach, formerly of Jersey City, the mother of Doranne Rossiter, director, diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection, died Dec. 8 at Community Medical Center, Toms River. Born in Jersey City, Doris grew up in Saint Paul’s Parish, attended Holy Family Academy, and from there went to work at AT&T in New York City. After marrying, she and her husband, William “Bill” Forrester, raised their seven children in Jersey City. Doris was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant for many years. She worked hard and was proud to send her children to Saint Paul’s School, Saint Dominic Academy & St. Peter’s Prep. After raising her children, Doris went to work for the Trust Company of New Jersey as a bank teller and later as a teacher’s assistant for the Jersey City Board of Education. She and Bill enjoyed many trips throughout the United States and Europe as well as many cruises. They also made over 10 visits to Hawaii. An avid reader, particularly of mysteries, Doris also read two to three newspapers daily, staying on top of everything that was happening in Hudson County. She was predeceased by her husband,

Mercy Sister Margo Kavanaugh, who served as principal of St. Matthias, School, Somerset, and as a teacher at St. Francis of Assisi School, Metuchen, and St. John the Evangelist School, Lambertville, died Dec. 9 at McAuley Hall Health Care Center, Watchung. Sister Margo entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1954, embracing the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Sister Margo, who also served as principal at St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, for 20 years, was predeceased by her devoted parents, Mary and Lawrence Kavanaugh, and sister, Annamary Kavanaugh. She is survived by the Sisters of Mercy community. After attending St. Joan of Ark Elementary School, Fairview, and Camden Catholic High School, Sister Margo studied at Georgian Court College, now University, Lakewood; the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind.; and the University of San Francisco. She also served as diocesan supervisor of education for the Sisters of Mercy and, as an advocate for social justice, while at St. Catharine School, Sister Margo worked closely with Sister Carole MacKenthun’s Mission of Mercy Uganda organization. She initiated the sponsorship of St. Kizito’s School in the forest of

OBITUARIES

20 OUR DIOCESE

Philippine prelate appointed to lead office on evengalization By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — In a move that may signal Pope Francis’ plan for the reform of the Roman Curia is close to completion, the pope has named Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. The 62-year-old cardinal succeeds Cardinal Fernando Filoni, 73, who since 2011 had led the Vatican ofﬁce overseeing the Church’s vast mission territories. Announcing Cardinal Tagle’s appointment Dec. 8, the Vatican also announced that Cardinal Filoni would become grand master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Cardinal Filoni succeeds U.S. Cardinal Edwin F. O’Brien, 80, as grand master of the organization that supports Catholics in the Holy Land. Cardinal Tagle is set to take up his new Vatican post early in 2020. The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, often referred to as Propaganda Fide, is set to become part of a mega-Dicastery for Evangelization, at least according to a draft of the apostolic constitution on the Curia, “Praedicate Evangelium” (“Preach the Gospel”). According to the draft, distributed for comment in the spring, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the

Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization will be combined, becoming the first of the dicasteries. Currently, the first is the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. The new office would have two sections, one focused on the “first evangelization” and support for churches in the lands of more recent evangelization — the traditional mission territories — and one focused on evangelization, catechesis and the formation of missionary disciples in traditionally Christian lands. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the nuncio to the Philippines, spoke at the end of a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Tagle Dec. 9 in the Manila cathedral. He said the cardinal smiled through his homily, “but I know his heart is broken” at the thought of leaving. And even though Filipino Catholics are sad to lose the cardinal, he said, they must give him to the global church. Cardinal Tagle, he said, is “the best gift we have to give to the universal church.” And he had everyone in the packed cathedral stand, extend their right arm and pray for God’s blessing on the cardinal. Mission, evangelization and dialogue have been recurrent themes in Cardinal Tagle’s teaching, preaching and public speaking. At the 2012 Synod of Bishops on new evangelization, then-Archbishop Tagle emphasized the importance when evan-

DECEMBER 19, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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gelizing of imitating Jesus’ humility and demonstrating real love and concern for all people, particularly “those neglected and despised by the world.” It was during the 2012 synod, at the age of 55, that he was informed he would be made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI. Born in Manila, he was raised in Imus and went to a grade school and high school run by the Augustinians in Paranaque City. In 1973 he entered the seminary at the Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University and San Jose Seminary in Manila. Ordained to the priesthood in 1982 for the Diocese of Imus, he was sent to the United States for further studies, earning a doctorate in theology from The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. In 1997, St. John Paul II named him to a ﬁve-year term on the International Theological Commission, the group of theologians who study speciﬁc questions at the behest of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. During his term, the president of the commission was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict. In 2001, he was ordained a bishop and installed as bishop of Imus and, 10 years later, he was installed as archbishop of Manila. He served as an expert at the special Synod of Bishops on Asia in 1998 and, as a bishop, was a member of the synods in 2008 on the Bible, 2012 on evangelization

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, pictured in Rome May 6, 2018, has been named prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) and 2018 on young people. Pope Francis chose him as one of the presidents delegate of the 2014 and 2015 synod assemblies on the family. In 2015, Cardinal Tagle was elected president of Caritas Internationalis, the global confederation of national Catholic charities; he was re-elected to the position in May. And, in late 2014, he was elected to a six-year term as president of the Catholic Biblical Federation.

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a combination of laughter activities and attitudinal healing. The 6-step process is called “Good-Hearted Living” and includes three of the key practices of gratitude, kindness and forgiveness. After lunch, which included Mexican empanadas and flan, all groups learned the history of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her miraculous image by watching a film and hearing descriptions of the recent diocesan pilgrimage to her shrine. The Scouts then decorated miniature “tilmas,” painted candle holders and flowers then used them to decorate a shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The joint sessions enabled all of the scouts to earn the Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego patches. The day concluded with a prayer service also attended by their parents. Senior Scouts presented a narrative of the apparitions, the miraculous image and the shrines in Mexico City. Cadettes led the group in a litany of prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe which they had composed. Junior Scouts presented a song in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. As a fitting conclusion, the Scouts enjoyed breaking a pinata filled with Mexican candies and trinkets. For information on Catholic Girl Scout medal programs, contact Doreen Sekora of the diocesan Scouting Committee at DOMgirlscouts@gmail.com Left, Cadette Scout Diane Yeo leads the litany of prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe at the annual Girl Scout Gathering at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater. Below, Girl Scouts participate in a lunch of traditional Mexican food, which included empanadas and flan. After lunch, the Scouts learned the history of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe and her miraculous image by watching a film and hearing descriptions of the recent diocesan pilgrimage to her shrine. — Doreen Sekora and Ellen Brandes photos

Your essential guide to the latest information from the Diocese of Metuchen, including new stafﬁng . . . a desktop “must”!

2020 DIOCESAN DIRECTORY

OUR DIOCESE

BRIDGEWATER — The annual Gathering Day for Catholic Girl Scouts from the diocese was held at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish Nov. 2. Junior, Cadette and Senior Scouts worked in breakout sessions on their respective medal programs in the morning — “I Live my Faith” (Juniors), “Mary, the First Disciple” (Cadettes) and “Spirit Alive” (Seniors). Junior Scouts focused on the sacraments, prayer and what they, as Catholics, believe. Cadettes examined how Mary made a difference during her earthly life and even today with her apparitions and messages of hope. Mary lived her life as a disciple and made a difference in the world. The Scouts discussed how they can make a difference through Christian Witness Projects. Senior Scouts explored the role of the Holy Spirit in the Church, in their prayer lives and in their actions. In-depth discussions were held on the type and scope of individual Christian Service Projects required. All three levels of Scouts joined together for a guided meditation that fulﬁlled an activity in each level to experience a new form of prayer. An activity was facilitated for all groups by a Certiﬁed Laughter Leader with the World Laughter Tour. The session was concerned with promoting health and well-being primarily through

Meeting offers activities for girls to deepen faith, improve health

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Renovation makes multipurpose room at ‘Mount’ state-of-the-art By Christina Leslie Correspondent WATCHUNG — With the snip of a ribbon and a hearty cheer, the Mount Saint Mary Academy community unveiled the newly renovated Mercy Hall multipurpose room Nov. 11. The 9,000-square-foot space will serve the student body, and the Sisters of Mercy who share the campus, as a multipurpose room for special events as well as a modernized performing arts theater. “We are excited to provide this state-of-the-art facility for our drama and arts department,” said Mercy Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, directress of the girls’ Catholic high school. Noting funds for the $1.8 million renovation had been met by parents, alumnae, friends and one large, anonymous benefactor, she continued, “We renovated [Mercy Hall] with the dignity and respect that it deserves.” The sound system in the newly renovated hall utilizes 16 concealed ceiling speakers; microphones, receivers and amplifiers are operable via wireless technology accessible both backstage and in the elevated 21 feet by 9 feet lighting and sound balcony. The stage has been outfitted with a new curtain and rigging system, flooring and storage below. Lighting, too, has been substantially upgraded. The ceiling supports 42 new LED fixtures and cove lighting, new pilasters flash in various colors (“There are 768 different configurations,” Sister Lisa said over the students’ “oohs”), and at the touch of a button the dimming system can be employed as room-darkening shades rise and fall.

Mercy Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, center directress, Mount Saint Mary Academy, and students cut a ribbon in the newly renovated multipurpose room Nov. 11. The space includes a new dressing room. — Christina Leslie photos

Backstage holds two renovated dressing rooms, complete with private rest rooms, large mirrors and huge globe lights to make any performer dream she is just steps from Broadway. As girls primped at the mirrors and posed for selfies, senior Emma Finnegan was nearly speechless as she tried to pick her favorite feature, settling on “Everything is amazing!” as her decision. Fellow performing artist Arianna Salerno, a senior at the Mount, said the dressing rooms rivaled some of those she

had used while performing off-Broadway. “I am super impressed,” she said. “This will attract more people to the school. This is a big step in our history.” Each window in the hall is adorned with a stained glass Mercy shield and the words Mount Saint Mary Academy. Still to be completed is the “honor wall” listing the project’s benefactors, and a row of retractable seats at the rear of the hall. From start to finish, the renovation project took six months, Sister Lisa said, crediting the diligence, speed and

environmentally-friendly approach of architect Alex Antonelli and Tewksbury Construction. “I worked them hard, and we refurbished whatever we could with our ‘green,’ initiative,” she said, noting the Mercy Sister community’s insistence to reuse and repurpose materials already on site. “The terrazzo floors go back to the 1940s,” Sister Lisa continued, “and one of the staircases was an original from 1908 when [Mount Saint Mary Academy] opened.”

Passing the Torch On Dec. 6, a group of 140 pilgrims processed through the streets of Lambertville, carrying a torch and the images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego. Beginning north of the city, the procession traveled to St. John the Evangelist Church, where Father Robert B. Kolakowski, pastor, St. John the Evangelist Parish, presided at a Mass honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Mass was followed by a performance by the Aztec dance group Danza Aztega del Anahuac and a buffet in the parish hall. The lit torch originated in Mexico at the Basilica of Guadalupe and will pass through American cities where migrant families live. They touch the torch as it passes so that when the torch returns to Mexico, their relatives can touch it, completing the cycle. — photo courtesy of St. John the Evangelist Parish

Workers in Vineyard St. Helena Parish, Edison, installed new altar servers Nov. 17. Jocelyne Castro (middle), head of the Altar Server Ministry, poses with the new altar servers (front row). Father Anthony M. Sirianni, pastor, Deacon Robert Yunker and the rest of the parish’s altar servers are pictured in the background. The newly installed altar servers were congratulated by the parish at its Sunday Hospitality. — photo courtesy of St. Helena Parish

OUR DIOCESE

is against a private or public school, you are always going to get someone’s best shot.” Cocozziello also understands the speSaint Joseph High School, Metuchen, did not have to look far to find its new basketball cial challenges that go along with guiding coach. Jan Cocozziello was hired to guide young men in a Catholic high school. “Faith and coaching have parallels,” the Falcons after serving as an assistant he said, “because it’s about preparation, coach to Mike Thompson for two seasons. The team’s first game under its new even though we might not actually see God coach is scheduled for Dec. 20, 7 p.m., at we know he is always present with us and I live my life daily as morally as possible East Brunswick High School. Before coming to St. Joe’s, Cocozziel- and although it might be cliché I treat those lo spent eight years as an assistant at various who I interact with the way they want to be area high schools, including Westfield High treated. “In regards to the coaching aspect, School under head coach Daryl Palmieri and two years at Watchung Hills High School there are only certain things we can control therefore it is essential to train our players under head coach Justin Salton. Cocozziello is aware he faces high for every possible scenario.” The Falcons enter the season looking expectations because of the history of the program at Saint Joseph’s. Most recently, to replace five graduated seniors. Top return- New Saint Joseph High School basketball coach Jan Cocozziello, right, poses with Thompson led the Falcons to back-to-back ing players are guard/forward Tyree Ford, the Falcons last February as an assistant coach after the Falcons won their fourth — photo courtesy of Saint Joseph High School Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament an All-Red Division selection, and guard consecutive GMC Tournament title. K-Shawn Schulters. championships and a 42-14 record during “We have a lot of players that contrib- Oneonta, N.Y.,] coach [basketball] defi“It is our goal for whoever plays at his two seasons as coach. “The program has been highly success- ute to what we do, we are a family and we nitely influenced my coaching philosophy. Saint Joseph’s or has the opportunity to get ful the last four years with four Middlesex cover for each other and always have each I learned so much from him as a player into our school to become a member of our County tournament championships — two other’s backs. There are 15 outstanding guys for four years in college. Things like being team, to prepare them for the rigors of coltitles under Dave Turco and two titles under on this team that I am proud to coach,” Co- mentally tough and being accountable and I lege basketball if they so choose to play.” continue to still learn from him about things Cocozziello, who graduated from Mike Thompson. They were both tremen- cozziello said. Cocozziello played under many suc- on and off the court.” Hartwick in 2009, helped the basketball dous coaches. I can only hope to be as successful coaches during his athletic career In describing what type of team op- team win an Eastern Collegiate Athletic cessful as them,” said Cocozziello. Having played and coached at both and learned things from each. He plans to ponents of St. Joe’s will face this season, Conference championship. His 1,868 career Newas Jersey Chinese Apostolate Newpoints Jersey Chinese Catholic knowledge head coach. Cocozziello said, “Offensively, we New like toJersey let places him third on theApostolate school’s allNew Jersey Chinese CatholicCatholic Apostolate Chinese Catholic Apostolate public and Catholic high schools, Cocozzi- use that New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate “Ed Trachina wasJersey my football coachCatholic at our Apostolate New Chinese Newtime Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate guys play and try to read and react. We leading scorer list. ello understands that there are different chal新澤西華人天主教會新澤西華人天主教會 New Jersey Chinese Apostolate New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate 新澤西華人Catholic 天主教會新澤Chinese 西華人天主教會 a season proWestfieldNew [High]. 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By Alex Lowe

New coach hopes to prepare players for present, future success

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OUR FAITH

Judas: At Last Supper?/Delayed baptism Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

At the Last Supper, Jesus told the apostles to take his body and his blood. But Christ knew that Judas was in a state of serious sin. So how could he have let him receive? (Alexandria, La.)

December 4, 2019 Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our catechesis on the Acts of the Apostles, we now see the Good News proclaimed in Ephesus, where Paul performs many wonders: healing the sick and freeing those possessed by evil spirits. Here, in a city where the practice of magic was widespread, Paul preaches the salvation brought by faith in the Lord Jesus. On his return voyage to Jerusalem, Paul stops at Miletus and sends for the elders of the church of Ephesus. He encourages them, who will guide the community after his departure, to be on their guard against teachers of false doctrine, to guide the flock entrusted to their care in the way of holiness, and to show generosity and concern for the poor. Dear friends, let us pray that in every age God will sustain the Church’s pastors in deep faith and in zeal for the growth of the Christian community in joyful fidelity to the Gospel.

Question Corner By Father Kenneth Doyle Scripture scholars indicate that there is room for debate as to whether Judas was still present at the Last Supper after Jesus had instituted the Eucharist. Luke’s account (22:1723) would lead one to believe that Judas did share in consuming Christ’s body and blood. In Luke, after blessing the bread and wine and indicating that it was now his body and blood, Jesus says: “Behold, the hand of the one who is to betray me is with me on the table; for the Son of Man indeed goes as it has been determined; but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed” (22:21-22). The other evangelists, though — especially John — would seem to indicate that Judas may have already exited before the Eucharist was celebrated and shared. In John (13:21-30), the apostles are greatly troubled at Christ’s announcement

Mustard Seeds

DECEMBER 19, 2019

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Deacon Charles Paolino

Dear Heavenly Father, We bow our heads as we honor your presence at this table. We will remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. We will celebrate the arrival of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in a little stable in Bethlehem. We thank you for each family member who has come to share this meal. We thank you for the delicious food that has been provided. Lord, help us find and enjoy all of the blessings that you have placed in this Christmas day.* Amen — Copyright © 2012 Beth McLendon of Inspirational-Prayers.com

How, I thought, could anyone deny a child the love and protection of God? I felt then that it was wrong, and I still do. Can you help me to understand? (Lincolnshire, England)

My wife and I married 53 years ago and have had nine children. Some of them served on the altar, and all of them went to Catholic schools. Our ninth child was refused for baptism because the priest insisted that my wife had to go to classes ﬁrst. I was not a Catholic at the time (I have since converted), and it bothered me a lot.

As for the “love and protection of God,” I wouldn’t worry about that part. God would find a way to offer that, even if a child were not baptized. But as to the baptism itself, I agree with you. The Church’s Code of Canon Law indicates that for a baptism “there must be a founded hope that the infant will be brought up in the Catholic religion.” This same canon goes on to say that “if such a hope is altogether lacking, the baptism is to be delayed ... after the parents have been advised about the reason” (Canon 868.1.2). My own view is that the benefit of the doubt should always go to the parents, and I feel supported by the very wording of the canon. (To warrant a delay, says the canon, the hope of a Catholic upbringing must be “altogether lacking.”) In your own situation, I don’t think there was any doubt at all: You were already, in fact, sending your other kids to a Catholic school. As for the baptismal preparation classes, they are surely worthwhile, especially for firsttime parents. But for the ninth child, I would guess that your wife already knew a bit about the sacrament. Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@gmail.com and 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, NY 12203.

about the poem is what it doesn’t say. It doesn’t say anything about Christmas. We get the message that Christmas is not about food and presents, but Dr. Seuss left us on our own to answer this question: If Christmas were stripped of all the romantic and nostalgic trappings that it has accumulated over the years, would we still celebrate it — and what would we celebrate? There’s an obvious answer. We would still observe in some way the birthday of Jesus, the messiah, but would we do it with quite the same enthusiasm if we didn’t have the lights and the cookies and the Wii and the diamond earrings? We should be enthusiastic — even without the tinsel — because what we are observing on Christmas is a turning point in God’s relationship with the human race. We are observing the fact that God was so determined to restore men and women to the grace that had been lost by Adam and Eve that he himself took on human form and, by his ministry and sacriﬁce and resurrection, made humanity ﬁt once and for all for everlasting life. Is this too abstract, too theological to be exciting? God thinks so much of the human beings he has created that he himself takes on the form of a man and is born as an infant child and lives and dies and overcomes death in a particular time and place in history — and human beings are never the same. That’s the “little bit more” that Christ-

mas is about, not singing and eating and giftgiving and gift-getting. Do all these other things have a place in Christmas? All these things that the Grinch took away? Remember what the Grinch did once he realized that there was a deeper meaning to Christmas: He returned everything he had taken and then joined in the celebration he used to hate. The excited and noisy children, the bells and the singing, and the big Christmas dinners that used to annoy him so much no longer bothered him. And that’s because he had had it backwards; he had thought these things in themselves were important to people, and now he realized for the ﬁrst time that they were only signs of exuberance and generosity. At one time or another we all question the trouble and expense we go through at Christmas time; we wonder why we bother and what it all means. And while things we acquire out of excess and greed are never good for us, that doesn’t mean we must dismiss all the traditions of this season. When we’re in that mood, we can recall what the Grinch learned after 53 years — that all the ﬁxings that give Christmas its sounds and its tastes and its colors are the expressions of human hearts nearly bursting with the joy of this day, bursting with joy because Jesus Christ is born. Deacon Paolino exercises his ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station

Let heart burst with joy for newborn king

No one knew what was eating the Grinch.

Grace before Christmas meal

of his betrayal and, in response to their question as to the betrayer’s identity, Jesus says, “It is the one to whom I hand the morsel after I have dipped it.” Then, after Jesus had handed the morsel to Judas, Judas “took the morsel and left at once. And it was night.” There is no indication that this took place after the institution of the Eucharist or that that particular morsel was different from the other food consumed at the supper. But if Judas did in fact receive the Eucharist that night, why would Jesus have permitted it? One possibility is that Jesus left Judas free to make the choice and that the burden for the decision would have been on Judas for sharing that sacred food unworthily, since he had already been plotting Christ’s betrayal. Another explanation might be that Judas was already feeling remorse for what he had done, although he clearly chose the wrong way to demonstrate that remorse when, “ﬂinging the money into the temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself” (Mt 27:5).

Maybe his head wasn’t screwed on just right. Maybe his shoes were too tight. Maybe his heart was too small. Whatever the reason was, the Grinch, Dr. Seuss tells us, hated Christmas, an attitude that put him at odds with his neighbors, the Whos of Whoville, who liked Christmas — a lot. And Dr. Seuss’s poem goes on to say that the Grinch, who had put up with Christmas for 53 years, tried to stop it from coming again by stealing the presents and the food and the Christmas tree — and even the log from the fireplace — from every house in Whoville. But when he had done that, he was shocked to find that the Whos celebrated Christmas anyway. And the Grinch, after thinking that over, finally realized that Christmas was not about material things. “Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” One of the most interesting things

Significance of Incarnation “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us’” (Mt 1:23). As we enter the final days of this Advent season, our Sunday Gospel prepares us to celebrate the birth of the virgin’s son, aware of the significance of the divine and human action forever linked in this crucial event of salvation history.

SCRIPTURE STUDY By Msgr. John N. Fell

WEEK IN SCRIPTURE Sun 22 Mon 23 Tues 24 Wed 25 Thurs 26 Fri 27 Sat 28 Sun 29 Mon 30 Tues 31 Wed 1 Thurs 2 Fri 3 Sat 4

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 - SATURDAY, JANUARY 4

Is 7:10-14 • Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 • Rom 1:1-7 • Mt 1:18-24 Mal 3:1-4, 23-24 • Ps 4-5ab, 8-9, 10, 14 • Lk 1:57-66 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 • Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 • Lk 1:67-79 Is 52:7-10 • Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 • Heb 1:1-6 • Jn 1:1-18 Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 • Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17 • Mt 10:17-22 1 Jn 1:1-4 • Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12 • Jn 20:1a, 2-8 1 Jn 1:5 – 2:2 • Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8 • Mt 2:13-18 Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 • Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 • Col 3:12-21 • Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 1 Jn 2:12-17 • Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10 • Lk 2:36-40 1 Jn 2:18-21 • Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13 • Jn 1:1-18 Nm 6:22-27 • Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 • Gal 4:4-7 • Lk 2:16-21 1 Jn 2:22-28 • Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 • Jn 1:19-28 1 Jn 2:29 – 3:6 • Ps 98:1, 3cd-4, 5-6 • Jn 1:29-34 1 Jn 3:7-10 • Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9 • Jn 1:35-42

Holy Family first century December 29

Crosiers

The Holy Family consists of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and this feast honors their life together, beginning in Bethlehem and then moving to Nazareth, Egypt and back to Nazareth. The church has chosen to commemorate their family life as a model for all Christian families. The feast recognizes the humility of Jesus, Mary’s virtue and Joseph’s steadfastness, along with the obedience of all three to God’s plan for them in salvation history. Traditionally celebrated in January, the feast has been celebrated since the Second Vatican Council on the first Sunday after Christmas. If there is no Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s Day, it is celebrated Dec. 30.

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for December 29, 2019 Matthew 2:13-15; 19-23

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for Holy Family Sunday, Cycle A: the Holy Family's flight in Egypt. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle. AN ANGEL MOTHER HEROD PROPHET DEAD JUDEA GALILEE

APPEARED FLEE TO DESTROY HIM I CALLED HE HEARD FATHER DWELT

DREAM EGYPT DEATH ISRAEL ARCHELAUS AFRAID NAZARETH

ANGELIC DREAM A R C H E L A U S S E F F P R O P H E T E D T A R A P A N A N G E L W T A N A E D U J S E D L H I

E L L A S T W N A N E

L Y A R D

A S E R

E N A D O R E H Z O E R A N A Y A D L D A T L E D J H E K O L E R E M

H D F E A A E E L

M E G Y P T C T T L A O H L E A R S

H H F G M

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT DECEMBER 19, 2019

Our Gospel text this Fourth Sunday of Advent is St. Matthew’s account of the angel’s announcement to St. Joseph “into whose custody,” St. John Paul II wrote, “God entrusted his most precious treasures” (Redemptoris Custos, par. 1). St. Matthew has just completed his presentation of Jesus’ genealogy through Joseph, a genealogy tracing his lineage to David the King. With this as his backdrop, he continues his account telling us “this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about” (Mt 1:18). Mary and Joseph were married. According to Jewish custom, however, there was often a significant interval between the time a young girl was formally married (usually around age 12 ½) and the time when she actually went to live with her husband. It was during this interval that Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant. St. Matthew tells us that Joseph was a “righteous” man, that is, a man who fully lived the Mosaic Law. He now faced a dilemma; the letter of the law demanded that he denounce Mary and put her on trial. But Joseph did not simply know the law’s prescriptions, he also understood its spirit. And so, he wished to treat Mary gently. He decided to simply divorce her quietly and end the matter. It is in the midst of this dilemma that an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. The angel tells him, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. It is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her” (Mt 1:20b). St. John Paul commented on this scene, “What Joseph did united him in an altogether special way to the faith of Mary. He accepted as truth coming from God the very thing she had already accepted at the Annunciation” (Redemptoris Custos, par. 4). The angel’s visit, however, was not simply to provide Joseph with this information, but also to commission him to take up the human legal role as Jesus’ father. The angel continued, telling Joseph that Mary “will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). By giving Jesus his name, Joseph would acknowledge that he was legally his father, thus in-

serting Jesus into his own genealogy tracing back to King David (one of the fundamental Old Testament expectations was that the Messiah would be of the house and lineage of King David). “In conferring the name, Joseph declares his own legal fatherhood over Jesus, and in speaking the name, he proclaims the child’s mission as Savior” (Redemptoris Custos, par. 12). By accepting Jesus as his legal son, Joseph would simultaneously accept his role of providing Jesus with the love and nurturance that human fathers provide for their children. St. Matthew continues, noting that all this took place in accord with Old Testament expectations. Finally, he reports that “when Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him . . .” (Mt 1:24). The tensions at work in this Gospel reading reflect well the tensions at work in the Incarnation itself. On the human side, we learn that the Messiah’s birth had been expected, that the Messiah would be born as a descendent of David, and that he would be raised in a human family. Emphasizing the divine majesty of the moment, the Gospel text also stresses Jesus’ conception by the power of the Holy Spirit as well as Mary’s virginity. We further learn the divine identity of the child in his names; first “Jesus” which means “God saves,” and then “Emmanuel,” meaning “God is with us.” The interweaving of these details highlights the profound truth of the Incarnation, that Jesus Christ is certainly fully God and fully human. The Incarnation, the fact that the Eternal Word of God and Son of the Father assumed human nature, is one of the central truths of our Christian faith. Whereas the people of the Old Testament period had to settle for God’s word coming to them through the mediation of history and the prophets, with the coming of Jesus Christ, humanity was able to gaze upon the fullness of God’s self-manifestation, to recognize the glory of the Father in the face of his only-begotten Son. The profound significance of the Incarnation lies in the fact that God himself has bridged the gap between the human and the divine. Jesus Christ assumed human flesh for us and for our salvation forever uniting God’s presence with human history, thereby ennobling human nature, renewing all creation, and transforming the darkness of guilt into the brightness of hope. May we celebrate and cherish the coming of our Savior, as a newborn child and as Lord of History; in the Incarnation of Christ the Lord, we are all transformed. In that we can truly rejoice -- throughout our upcoming Christmas festivities and always. Msgr. Fell is a Scripture scholar and director, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel

OUR FAITH

Fourth Sunday of Advent (A)

26 EVANGELIZATION HERE & NOW

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Evangelization HERE AND NOW

Youth ministry mirrors works of elder 'brothers' By Karen Corpora Correspondent FLEMINGTON — Some young men and boys at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish are not waiting to put their faith into action when they join groups like the Knights of Columbus. Instead, they are becoming Squires, a young version of the Knights of Columbus. The focus of the group is to help young men to grow into good Catholics. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to males 18 years of age or older who are practical (that is, practicing) Catholics, according to the Knights’ website. A practical Catholic accepts the teaching authority of the Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with its precepts and is in good standing in it. Deacon Anthony Cozzi, a Fourth Degree member and past Grand Knight of St. Magdalen de Pazzi’s Council, 3294, was the initial Chief Councilor of the Squires when it was started. The members have been active at the parish for more than 11 years. Like the Knights, the members perform works of charity, helping those in need and helping each other strengthen their faith. Deacon Cozzi, who is also a former District Deputy for the Knights, insisted that this is much more than a youth group, because it “helps to grow really good Catholic gentlemen and helps them to discern where their vocation is while getting them ready for roles of leadership in the real world.” He said it keeps the fathers and sons closer. “The boys are the ones doing the recruiting. After joining, they encourage their dads to become Knights,” Deacon Cozzi added. Doug Watchorn, chief councilor for the Squires this year, said he became a Knight after Deacon Cozzi asked his oldest son to become a Squire. “I have three boys and my oldest boy was one of the founding members of the group. Deacon Anthony asked my son to be a Squire before I was a Knight and so I thought well if my sons were joining the Squires, then I should become a Knight. It has made a big difference in all of our lives” All the adult leaders for the group belong to the Knights of Columbus. The Squires group, which is run by the boys, focuses its activities on the parish. They work on gardening, weeding and mulching. They also bus tables for the Knights when the group hosts a pancake breakfast. The Squires raise their own money by having sandwich sales and selling drinks at parish dinners and basket auctions. The money raised helps to pay for trips and for donations to places like Life Choices, Inc., Phillipsburg, which serves women in crisis pregnancies and families in need. The trips they take are usually his-

Above from left, Squires board members Carl Ganz, Mark Pron, James Beui and David Watchorn, chief, are shown at a recent meeting at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish. Right, Grand Knight Anthony Primiani of Council 3294 at the parish speaks to the Squires. — Karen Corpora photos

torical, fun and spiritual. This year, the Squires are planning a trip to New York to visit several Catholic sites, including a Eucharistic retreat run by the Missionaries of the Holy Eucharist on Long Island; and will visit Seton Hall University, Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange. Each year, the Squires walk with the Knights at the March for Life in in Washington D.C., and attend 40 Hours for Life in Washington (New Jersey). They also participate in activities such as laser tag and bowling. There are four levels of advancement for Squires which are achieved by working on criteria that must be completed before moving to the next level. All levels include aspects of church, community, faith, family and social life. The four levels are 1) Squire page, 2) Shield bearer, 3) Swordsman, 4) Squire of the Body of Christ. The final stage, Squire Body of Christ, requires a project much like an Eagle Scout project. It must be beneficial to the community and is to be documented and approved by the Knights of Columbus head office. Joseph Kerekes, a 15-year-old altar server at the parish, has been a member of the Squires for two years. “I joined because my friends are here and it’s something to do on Saturday,” he said. “I like hanging out and playing sports here. I enjoy the trips we take like when we went to the Knights of Columbus museum. We are going to New York this year and we are going to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I am looking forward to that.” David Watchorn, 16, is the Chief Squire and has been involved for eight

years. “I like coming to hang out with my friends,” he said. “It helps me grow in my relationship with God. I enjoy the activities we do and the camaraderie that we have. We pray together and have fun.” Watchorn is a Swordsman and hopes to reach the highest rank before he turns 18. “It is getting more difﬁcult to move up.” When asked why others should join the group, Watchorn said, “Being here is good Catholic fun. There are a lot of pleasurable funs in the world, but this is where parents can send their kids and they know they are in good hands. They know they are going to have a good time. We have a really good group here.” Grand Knight Anthony Primiani of Council 3294 spoke at a recent meeting, telling the boys about all the work the Knights do. He encouraged them to become more involved at the parish. “We are faith in action,” he said. “Everything we do revolves around faith, community and family.” The Council will participate in 40 different activities within a six-month period. “We are involved in a lot, but God makes it all happen,” Primiani said. The Squires meet every other week during the school year and once a month in the summer. For more information or to join, contact the parish ofﬁce.

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Broadway show, a ball game or dues to a favorite club…But, helping with the works of religion — God’s work — is often a hit and miss affair that comes last on the list of one’s obligations, if it gets on that list at all. To neglect this duty is a sin against religion, a sin against justice, a sin against God. “Gratitude,” said the 19th-century British convert and now saint, Cardinal John Henry Newman, “is the rarest flower in God’s garden.” But, gratitude is what we need to express to those many generous Catholics who conscientiously do their very best to support their parish church and the many works of the Church worldwide. If not for those few, our parishes would exist only in our memories and our priests would be, not the creators of food banks and soup kitchens, but their recipients. As for the poorest of the poor who are the recipients of our generous gifts that go to the missions, many would die of hunger and disease. Others who have already gotten a leg-up would fall backward into deeper poverty. If asked, how much would you place into the pierced hands of Jesus for missionary? Father Hillier serves as Director of the Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Censor Librorum and oversees the Office for Persons with Disabilities

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In the fullness of time, Christ was sent ity which is holiness. Having matured by the Father to redeem the human in grace, the moral life blossoms into race. Therefore, we are no longer left to eternal life in the glory of heaven” (ccc our own devices, but now have the ca- 1709). pacity to do good in the world around Many years have passed since I us. “Life in the Holy Spirit,” the Cat- first placed my own stewardship enechism tells us, “fulfills velope in the collection our vocation...This life plate as a young member My obligation is made up of divine of the laity. However, charity and human solieven as a teenager and to contribute darity” (ccc 1699). college student, I felt to the upkeep The Catechism also obliged to do my part By Father John Gerard Hillier reminds us that “it is in to contribute to the upof the Church As Director of the Propagation of the Christ, ‘the image of the keep of the Church and was something I Faith for the Diocese of Metuchen, I invisible God,’ that we its charitable works, esoften make appeals for the poor in mis- have been created ‘in the the missions. I learned as I came pecially sionary lands. I once made this sugges- image and likeness’ of learned about the latter, tion in an appeal talk: “Imagine as you the Creator” (ccc 1701). even before receiving to understand place your monetary gift into collection We are likewise remindmy First Holy Commuthe difference basket that you are really placing it into ed that the human person nion, when the teacher the pierced hands of Jesus, who died on is “the only creature on would pass a “mission between justice a cross to save you...” earth that God has willed box” around so we could and charity. After Mass, a well-to-do woman for its own sake. From drop in our sacrificial came up to me and said: “Father, that our conception, we are gifts (from our recess or one remark brought in $90 more from destined for eternal beatitude” (ccc lunch money) for the poor children in me...I’m ashamed to say it, but I planned 1703). Peru. My obligation to contribute to the to give only $10. But, I simply could The following summarize how we upkeep of the Church was something not place a measly $10 into the pierced are given the ability to cooperate with I learned as I came to understand the hands of Jesus. So, I put a $100 bill in the divine plan: difference between justice and charity. the appeal collection instead. This way, 1. “The human person par- We give to the Church (Christ’s Body) I would not have the feeling that I was ticipates in the light and power of the as a matter of justice, while we give to stingy in my charitable giving.” That divine Spirit. By our reason, we are other good works as a matter of charity. is the spirit in which Catholics give to capable of understanding the order of Certainly, we all pay our income the good works of the Church, so that things established by the Creator. By tax and sales tax, and some pay for a God may be properly honored and wor- free will, we are capable of directing shipped, and the Kingdom of God be ourselves toward our true good” (ccc extended throughout the world! 1704). I receive letters and e-mails on a 2. “By virtue of our soul and our daily basis from missionaries around spiritual powers of intellect and will, the world requesting financial assis- we are endowed with freedom” (ccc tance. The requests mostly pertain to 1705). food shortages, homelessness, medical 3. “By our reason, we recognize emergencies, and other matters that the voice of God which urges us to do relate to the neglect of children and what is good and avoid what is evil” senior citizens. I often sit at my desk (ccc 1706). and wonder why so many people in the 4. “Man is divided in himself. As world of plenty must continue to suffer. a result, our whole life, both individual How is it that the dignity of so many and social, shows itself to be a struggle, SPOTLIGHT PILGRIMAGE: other human beings is compromised and a dramatic one, between good and due to the neglect of fellow human evil, between light and darkness” (ccc beings? Why are we not all focused 1707). on helping relieve the suffering of so 5. “By his Passion, Christ delivALASKA DISCOVERY many? ered us from Satan and from sin. He LAND & CRUISE The answer to all such questions merited for us the new life in the Holy featuring a 7-night goes back thousands of years. The Cat- Spirit. His grace restores what sin had echism tells us that, “man, enticed by damaged in us” (ccc 1708). Princess Cruise the Evil One, abused his freedom at the 6. “In union with our Savior, we with Twp. of very beginning of Family history” Care (ccc 1707). disciples attain the perfection of charPlacement, Edison Senior Center

FAITH ALIVE

Article 130 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 1699 -1709

Generosity of faithful supports good works of Church

28 OUR DIOCESE

Mass of remembrance scheduled

OBITUARY Michael Giancaspro, 91, of North Plainﬁeld, the father of Maria McNulty, administrative assistant in the diocesan Department of Education, died Nov. 16 surrounded by his loving family. Giancaspro was born and raised in Molfetta, Italy, and came to the United States in 1947 at the age of 19. He lived in Hoboken for more than 15 years before settling in North Plainﬁeld with his wife and family in 1964. He was the owner and operator of H & P Garment, Hoboken, for more than 30 years before retiring in 1994. Giancaspro served in the Merchant Marines in Italy throughout his teenage years. He enjoyed playing soccer as a young man and traveling with his wife and his family to Italy and to Florida. He loved the ocean and enjoyed dancing with his wife, whether in the house or a night on the town and listening to Italian music. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lucia; his son, Cosmo; his daughters, Phyllis Decandia (Luca) and Maria McNulty (Dan); his grandchildren, Angelica, Michael Vogt (Jamie), Garrett Vogt, Michael Decandia

The monthly Mass of Remembrance Jan. 4 at 9 a.m. in the Mausoleum Chapel at Holy Cross Burial Park, East Brunswick. Mass will be celebrated at the same time in the Mausoleum Chapel at

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(Kathy), Danny McNulty, Brendan McNulty; his great-grandchildren, Julianna, Emma, Luca; and his sisters, Nina, Dora, and Maria. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Joseph Church, North Plainﬁeld, Nov. 20. Entombment was at St. Bernard’s Cemetery and Mausoleum, Bridgewater. Arrangements were handled by Rossi Funeral Home, Scotch Plains. Donations can be made in memory to the American Heart Association.

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Flynn and Son Funeral Home 420-424 East Avenue Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 Brendan J. Flynn, Jr., Mgr. - NJ Lic. # 4105 Brendan J. Flynn, Jr., Mgr. - NJ Lic. # 4105 James J. Flynn IV, Mgr. - NJ Lic. # 4152 (732) 548-2134 (732) 826-0358 Flynn and(732) Son826-0358 Funeral Home Flynn and Son/Koyen Flynn and Son Funeral Home Flynn and Son Funeral Home FuneralFlynn Flynn and Son Funeral Home Edison-Fords Homeand Son/Koyen Perth Amboy Funeral Home Perth Amboy 23 Ford Edison-Fords Avenue 319 Amboy Avenue 420-424 East Avenue 23 Ford Avenue Amboy Avenue Perth Amboy, NJ420-424 Edison-Fords, NJ 08863 Metuchen, 319 NJ 08840 08861 East Avenue Brendan J. Flynn, Manager Brendan J. Flynn, Jr. Manager James J. Flynn IV, Manager Edison-Fords, NJ 08863 Metuchen, NJ 08840 Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 Flynn and Son Funeral Home

Rev. Msgr. Eugene B. Kelly Jan. 29, 1985

JOSEPH P. DIAZ, Manager - NJ Lic. No. 3841 GARY EARL RUMPF, Director - NJ Lic. No. 3353

Thomas J. DeMarco Manager, N.J. LIC. NO. 4651 Peter S. Winther Director, N.J. LIC. NO. 4763 Jennifer L. Burry Director, N.J. LIC. NO. 5172 M. David DeMarco President, N.J. LIC. NO. 3203

Family owned andAvenue operated since 1900 Family and operated since 3191900 Amboy Avenue 23owned Ford FourFour generations ofNJcaring Metuchen, NJ 08840 Edison-Fords, 08863of caring generations

Rev. Msgr. Francis E. Grabowski Jan. 2, 2002

419 Barclay Street, Perth Amboy • 732-826-4525

1225 Green St.

METUCHEN

Rev. Francis J. Klimkiewicz Jan. 9, 1984

Gustav J. Novak Funeral Home

Costello - Runyon Funeral Homes 568 Middlesex Ave. (Rt 27)

Resurrection Burial Park, Piscataway. All are invited to participate at either site. These Masses are offered for all the deceased in the cemeteries. For more information, contact the diocesan Cemetery Ofﬁce at (732) 463-1424.

YOUR DIOCESAN CEMETERIES Ready to serve you! Holy Cross Cemetery

Cranbury/South River Rd., Jamesburg, NJ

Featuring … Mary Sorrowful Mother Mausoleum Crematory at Holy Cross Cemetery

Resurrection Cemetery Hoes Lane & Park Ave., Piscataway, NJ

Announcing The new Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit (Financing Available - Credit Cards accepted)

For information about purchase of crypts, niches or plots at the diocesan-owned and operated Cemeteries, please call:

1-800-943-8400

DIOMETUCHEN.ORG/CEMETERIES

ZYLKA FUNERAL HOME

513-515 State St., Perth Amboy, NJ • Tel. 732-442-0702 Established 1905 Theodore J. Ricci, CFSP, Manager, NJ Lic. No. 4455 Member of NJ Pre-Paid Funeral Trust

To advertise in this directory call Nan at (732) 765-6444

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34 35

36 37 www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

Business Directory CONTRACTORS

Bob Stilo STILOEXCAVATING,INC. GENERAL CONTRACTING 2907 So. Clinton Ave., South Plainﬁeld, NJ 07080

908-754-0776 • Fax: 908-754-0425

Medicare Solutions

BRIDGET ZEZENSKI Licensed Insurance Consultant p. 609-285-8475 bridgetzezenskiuhc@yahoo.com Authorized to offer:

Medicare Plans

from

LAW GROUP

GUTTERS

Gutters

PLUMBING SERVICES

HEALTHCARE

OWEN S. DUNIGAN & CO., INC. PLUMBING & HEATING State Lic. #7121 Certified Backflow Inspector Lic. #8714

732.634.0630 WOODBRIDGE 732.381.4544 RAHWAY 732.494.5251 METUCHEN James Juarez, 153 Grove St. Woodbridge, NJ 07095

REAL ESTATE

Josef Bas, Owner 732.579.2490 Fully Insured

free estimates

Gutters Leaders Gutters Covers Gutter Cleaning New Installation & Repair Roofing Chimney Repair

CONTRACTORS HVAC Mechanical Contracting

Thomas Pado President

• • • •

heating air conditioning sheet metal fabrication building automation systems

www.tlpclimate.com

t: 609.426.1966 f: 609.426.1766 400 Rike Drive, Millstone Twp., NJ 08535

TO INCLUDE YOUR BUSINESS IN THIS DIRECTORY FOR AS LITTLE AS $18 PER ISSUE, Call Nan at 732.765.6444

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT DECEMBER 19, 2019

“Specializing in Asphalt Paving”

Answers can be found on page 31

OUR DIOCESE

DOWN 1 Calais monastic 2 Catholicism is the ofﬁcial religion of this tiny country 3 Samson killed Philistines with the jawbone of this animal 4 Home of the Archdiocese of Edmonton 5 Catholic entrepreneur Monaghan is founder of this company 6 “Your word is a ___ for my feet” (Ps 119:105) 7 Type of school 8 Number of Persons in God 14 Title for a priest (abbr.) 15 Number of loaves Christ had to feed the 5000 18 Paul was kept under house arrest in Rome for these many years 19 “Let him ___ himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16:24) 21 Certain vow 22 Holy ___ 23 The third son of Noah 24 Mass for the dead 27 Home for some Dominicans 28 The feast of St. Catherine of Siena is in this month 30 Angelus time 33 ___ of milk and honey 34 Catholic actor Akroyd who studied at seminary

Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 3 Saint for managers of the Hilton and the like 9 There are 27 in the New Testament 10 Minor Prophet 11 Jacob was afraid to meet him 12 Son of Jacob 13 Leonine sin? 15 Exodus infestation 16 Perform the sacrament of Holy Orders 17 Jesus separated these from the sheep in Matthew 25 20 Clerical representative 22 The Duke, a convert to Catholicism 23 First name of Pope Francis I 25 Lola, Broadway dancer and convert to Catholicism 26 Condition of the tomb on Easter morning 29 Saucer for the Eucharist 31 Holy ___ 32 “Thy ___ be done…” 35 At Mass, the entrance prayers or song 36 Brother of Miriam 37 One of the two natures of Jesus

AROUND THE DIOCESE

OUR DIOCESE

Prayer and Worship

The Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan Borough, will celebrate a sung Mass every Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in Latin. The Mass is celebrated according to the 1962 Missal in compliance with the “Summorum Pontiﬁcum.” For details, call the Shrine Rectory Ofﬁce, (908) 300-8167. Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, will hold a Holy Hour of Prayer for the Dying every Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. in the church. Come and pray for those who are dying, especially those who die suddenly and unprepared to enter eternal life. For information, call (732) 968-5555. Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, will hold a Holy Hour for Religious Freedom and Persecuted Christians every Sunday at 7 p.m., in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, 50 Van Winkle Place, Piscataway. Participants are invited to silently pray the rosary and special prayers for the intentions of Christians worldwide who are being persecuted for their faith. For information, call Becky, (703) 625-5388. Parish of the Visitation, St. Mary of Mount Virgin Worship Site, New Brunswick, invites all to come and recite the Scriptural rosary every Sunday, 7 to 7:30 p.m. in Visitation Chapel. The Scriptural Rosary is a modern version of the way the rosary was prayed throughout Western Christendom in the late Middle Ages. Materials will be provided. For information, call (732) 545-5090.

The Militia of the Immaculata Prayer Village will meet on the First Saturday of every month after the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick Parish, Belvidere. Come and learn about St. Maximilian Kobe, pray the rosary and consider consecrating yourself to Mary. For details, email mivillagebelvidere@gmail.com. Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. — The House of Prayer will host a day of reﬂection on the many gifts God has bestowed on you. Day begins and ends with communal prayer. Bring bag lunch. Cost is $20-$30 as you are able. Jan. 3 and 4 — First Friday and First Saturday of Reparation at the Blue Army Shrine. Begin your New Year with Our Lord and Our Lady because Our Lord and Our Lady asked for it (Our Lord to St. Margaret Mary for First Fridays; Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lord to Sr. Lucia). Schedule: First Friday: 10 a.m. confessions; 11:30 Rosary; Noon: Mass, followed by Exposition/Benediction. First Saturday: 10:30 confessions; 11:30 rosary with 15 minute meditation; 12:15 Mass, followed by enrollment in the Brown Scapular and Shrine Tour of Holy House. 674 Mt. View E., Asbury, NJ 08802 (908) 689-1700x224 www.bluearmy.com. Jan. 5, 4 p.m. — All are invited to attend a Holy Hour with rosary and Benediction to pray for priests and vocations on the ﬁrst Sunday of the month at the Carmelite Monastery, 26 Harmony School Rd., Raritan Township.

Wednesdays, Jan. 8 – Mar. 11, 6:45 p.m. — Queenship of Mary Parish, Plainsboro, will offer the ChristLife series, beginning with “Discovering Christ” where everyone is invited to hear the Good News and encounter Jesus Christ. The seven-week series will include dinner, prayer, a video teaching and small group discussion. A retreat day will also be included. The program is free but registration is required. To register, visit www.qomchurch.org/christlife. For details, contact Lisa Scarpa, lisascarpa2@gmail. com or call (609) 716-9191.

DECEMBER 19, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA SHRINE 674 Mountain View Rd. E., Asbury, NJ 08802 908-689-7330 • retreat@bluearmy.com

SAN ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE 755 Ocean Ave., Long Branch NJ 07740

Lift Up Your Soul at the tranquil 150-acre Fatima Shrine. Host Your Retreat for Youth, Couples, Parish or Vocational Group.

732-222-2731 • info@sanalfonsoretreats.org www.sanalfonsoretreats.org

Retreats for lay men, women, priests, religious; days/evenings of prayer. Groups planning their own programs are welcome.

www.loyola.org • retreathouse@loyola.org MALVERN RETREAT HOUSE 315 S. Warren Ave., Malvern, PA 19355 610-644-0400 • Fax: 610-644-4363 An oasis of peace set on 125-acres of wooded countryside. Retreats for men, women, families, youth, religious and clergy.

malvernretreat.com · mail@malvernretreat.com MOUNT ST. MARY HOUSE OF PRAYER 1651 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069 Retreats, Spiritual Direction, Programs

908-753-2091 • www.msmhope.org e-mail: msmhope@msmhope.org

A Redemptorist Spiritual Center overlooking the Atlantic Ocean offering preached retreats, days of prayer and use of the facility for outside groups.

ST. FRANCIS CENTER FOR RENEWAL, INC. 395 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem PA 18017

55 acres of natural beauty await you! Programs for personal and spiritual enrichment, directed and solitude retreats. Air conditioned facilities for retreats, spiritual programs, meetings and staff days for church related and not-for-profit groups.

610.867.8890 • stfranciscenter@gmail.com www.stfrancisctr.org

ST. FRANCIS RETREAT HOUSE 3918 Chipman Road, Easton, PA 18045 Franciscan retreat and confrence center RETREATS FOR MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH, RELIGIOUS, PREACHED, PRIVATE, DIRECTED

Support Programs

The Diocese of Metuchen Family Life Office sponsors Courage, an apostolate of the Catholic Church that ministers to those with same-sex attractions. The spiritual support group assists those with same-sex attractions to live chaste lives in fellowship, truth and love. For information about the ministry, meeting times and location, call the Family Life office, (732) 562-2476. All calls are confidential.

Jan. 24-26 — Worldwide Marriage Encounter of Central New Jersey will present a weekend of enrichment. The weekend will give you time and tools to revitalize romance, communication and spirituality in your marriage. Space is limited. For cost and location, call (732) 904-9636 or visit www. aweekendforyourmarriage.org.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen is offering counseling and wellness services. If you or someone you know needs counseling or is impacted by addiction, we can help. Individual and family therapy for children and adults is available. For an appointment, call (800) 655-9491.

Members Needed

The Father Capodanno Catholic War Veteran Post will meet at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, on the ﬁrst Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the parish center. The veteran organization is dedicated to nourishing veterans in their love for country, family and the Catholic faith. You don’t have to be a War Veteran, just a Veteran to join. New members are welcome. For details, contact Al Kosiarski, (908)782-7662 Ext.159 or email, al@fdsnj.com.

A bereavement support program of ﬁve meetings on Tuesdays will begin Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge (parish room in the Parish Hal). The meetings will continue on January 21, Feb. 11 and 25, and March 10. The program is offered as a support for all persons who have recently lost a loved one and are struggling with the mourning process. Registration is required. No walk-ins. For more

Bus Trips

Jan. 24, 7 a.m. — St. Ambrose Council, Knights of Columbus, Old Bridge, and Im-

Retreat Guide ... recharge your soul LOYOLA JESUIT CENTER 161 James St. • Morristown, NJ 07960 973-539-0740 • Fax: 973-898-9839

maculate Conception Knights of Columbus, Spotswood, is sponsoring a free bus trip to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. The bus will leave from St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge. Reservations are ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-serve basis. For reservations, call (732) 679-5666 or (732) 251-3110.

Special Programs

Continued on next page

THE UPPER ROOM SPIRITUAL CENTER 3455 W. Bangs Ave., Building 2, Neptune, NJ 07753 Phone: 732-922-0550 • Fax: 732-922-3904 www.theupper-room.org · office@theupper-room.org VILLA PAULINE RETREAT AND SPIRITUAL CENTER 352 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945

THE SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 Day & Overnight Retreats Gift & Book Shop - open daily

Preached/Directed/Guided & Private Retreats, Spiritual Direction, day & weekend programs, Spiritual Direction Formation Program

908-647-0208 · www.stshrine.org

this months This month’sfeatured featuredretreat retreathouse house:

973-543-9058 e-mail: quellen@scceast.org • wwwscceast.org

THE COMPASSION CONNECTION

Saturday, April 25, 2020 • 9:30am - 4:00pm Presenter: Sister Catherine T. Nerney, SSJ Fee: $75 - $125 (light lunch included) Compassion is in our DNA - the very seed of God in us. Together we will seek to clear our heart’s clutter and help this seed within us grow, so that we can reclaim more of who we truly are and be in the world what the world most needs.

Phone: 610-258-3053, ext. 10 • Fax: 610-258-2412 E-mail: stfranrh@rcn.com • stfrancisretreathouse.org ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA 400 Route 35 North, S. Mantoloking, NJ 08738 A Retreat House Sponsored by the Religious Teachers Filippini overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Offering days of prayer, retreat weekends, spiritual programs, meetings and staff days. 732-892-8494 • e-mail: sjbsea@comcast.net

www.sjbsea.org

To join this retreat guide, call Nan at 732-765-6444

3455 West Bangs Avenue Building 2 Neptune, NJ 07753 732-922-0550

theupper-room.org email: office@theupper- room.org Visit us on Facebook

December

Eucharistic Adoration is now being held in the chapel at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. Adorers and intercessors are needed Monday through Friday 9 to 11:45 a.m. Daily Mass is held at 11:45 a.m. For information or to volunteer, call Laura Riccardi, (609) 578-0841. To submit a prayer request, call (732) 765-6445. The Pontifical Mission Office offers Mass Cards, Perpetual Masses and Gregorian Mass for the Living and Deceased. The suggested offering is from $5 to $300. To purchase a card, contact (732) 243-4580 or email pontifical.mission.societies@ diometuchen.org.

January 1/8

Adult Enrichment Classes, Office of Adult Faith Formation, 10 to 11:30 a.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The instructor will be Father Glenn Comandini, S.T.D. The topic will be “Apologetics of the Catholic Faith.” Reading assignments will be from “The Catechism of the Catholic Church.” There is no fee. Registration is required. To register, call Angela, (732) 562-1543.

1/12

Holy Hour for Priests, Office for Priest Personnel, 3 p.m. St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. All are welcome. For information, email priest.personnel@ diometuchen.org.

1/21

PCL Round Table, Office of Discipleship Formation for Children, 9:30 a.m. St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The discussion is for Parish Catechetical Leaders to gather as a whole and share with each other. To register, call Katie Battle, (732) 243-4575 or email kbattle@diometuchen.org by Jan. 14. 2020 Call to Action Day, Office of Human Life and Dignity. Everyone is urged to call their New Jersey State Legislators to ask them for a response to the 120, 000 postcards mailed to them urging them to pass the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.” For a listing of legislators and a sample phone message, visit http://babiesinthewombfeelpain.com.

February 2/8

Diocesan Youth Day 2020, Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, 1 to 9 p.m., Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen. The theme is “You are Courageously Loved.” Youth day is open to students in grades 8-12. The day will include Mass, presentations, break-out sessions, adoration and confession. Dinner will be provided. Group registration only. For information, call (732) 243-4575.

2/9

Holy Hour for Priests, Office for Priest Personnel, 3 p.m. St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. All are welcome. For information, email priest.personnel@ diometuchen.org.

Corpus Christi Parish, South River, will hold a book club studying books on Catholic spirituality and the impact of technology on the ﬁrst Tuesday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. The club will meet at the South River Public Library in the Meeting Room. All are welcome.

Fun and Food

Jan. 18 — Knights of Columbus Council 6930 will host its seventh annual Comedy Night at Community Hall, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 390 County Road 523, Whitehouse Station. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Featuring: comedians Jeff Norris and Renee Delorenzo. Hosted by Gemini! Married with Laughter! The Award-Winning Theater Show. Event beneﬁts local charities the Knights support. Tickets are $45 per person. Dinner, including beer and wine, will be served. For tickets and information contact Roman Hnidj at (908) 256-9760 or e-mail romanhnidj@verizon.net or

A M A S L S B L E M R T S G O A R J A N A P N H O E O I T N H

N D O M V I N O T S W O R E Q O U I E U M

L D B A D I A M V P R I D N R D A I N T W A Y N G E E M P T K R R W I L D O A A R O A N Y

T H R E E D E N Y L A N D

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

Jan. 26, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Our Lady of the Mount Parish, 167 Mount Bethel Road, Warren, is sponsoring a New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) blood drive. Walk-ins welcome. To schedule an appointment, visit tinyurl.com/GiveBloodNJBS Sponsor Code: 08726. 16 year olds must have signed NJBS Parental Consent Form. If over 70 years old, please have your doctor’s permission. Remember to eat, drink and bring your Donor ID card. For more information: https://nybloodcenter.org/donate-blood/be-holidayhero-patients/

FOR SALE

H O LYA R T - R e l i g i o u s items and Church goods, made in Italy. w w w.holyar t.com; +39 0522 1729582 REAL ESTATE

SELLING YOUR HOME? Call George Pantozzi, Broker/Sales Associate, Berkshire Hathaway NJ Properties for a complimentary market analysis. I also buy homes. Cell: 908.392.2677; Office: 908.874.3400 ext 324.

HELP WANTED

NEED PRO - LIFE HOUSEMOTHERS SHIFTS AVAILABLE - 7-3:30, 3-11:30, 11-7 Several Sources Shelters, a non-profit nonsectarian shelter for pregnant women is seeking kind, compassionate individuals, willing to serve God through those we help. Drivers License required Reply to : Susan Harper - Lloyd, Email: susanharperlloyd@aol.com Or call: 201-819-4699 (M-F 9-5)

“Come, Follow me.” (Mark 10:21)

Is God calling you to serve as a priest, religious sister or brother? If you think maybe . . . contact the Office of Vocations:

DELUXE HOUSEKEEPING - Quality & Reliable Cleaning Service. Free Estimates. Commercial and Residential. Call Tony or Karina: (732) 670-7437.

ECO FLOORING

All aspects of hardwood floors. Call Tony: (732) 670-7437 TheEcoFlooring@gmail.com

HELP WANTED

(732) 562-2453 or e-mail: vocations@diometuchen.org

These classifieds really work! Our subscribers are great potential! Now also available on line. To place your ad call: (732) 529-7934

PER LINE CHARGES:

• 24 characters/line (approx)

$ 3.50 per line - 1 insertion

• 5 line minimum

$ 3.25 per line - 2 insertions

• All ads must be pre-paid

$ 3.00 per line - 3 insertions

• Credit cards accepted

$ 2.50per line - 4 or more insertions • Display classifieds quote upon request

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT DECEMBER 19, 2019

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

Community Service

For information call: (732 )529-7934 • Fax: (732) 562-0969

CLEANING SERVICES

Crossword Puzzle Answers

Feb. 15 — Knights of Columbus John Paul II Assembly 3293 will present “Captain Jack,” the ultimate Billy Joel Tribute Band, at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church hall, 105 Summer Road, Three Bridges. Dinner at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person, which includes dinner and show. BYOB. For tickets and information, contact Roman Hnidj at (908) 256-9760, e-mail rhnidj@gmail.com

CLASSIFIED

RATES

1/24

Book Clubs

Tom DiQuollo at (908) 217-4330, e-mail tomdiquollo@aol.com

OUR DIOCESE

DIOCESAN EVENTS

information, call Deacon Pat at (732) 2514000 ext. 8218.

Continued from previous page

32 OUR DIOCESE

TO THE DIOCESAN FAMILY OF METUCHEN

Merry Christmas DECEMBER 19, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

& A HAPPY NEW YEAR

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEMS INC.

COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS Air-Conditioning • Refrigeration • Heating Phone: 609-426-1966

Fax: 609-426-1766

e-mail: tom@tlpclimatecontrol.com

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