December 21, 2023

Spirit atholic C For information about the diocesan pilgrimage to the National Eucharistic Congress see pg. 7.

THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

DECEMBER 21, 2023 • VOL. 28 NO. 11

The invitation of Christmas to know the Babe of Bethlehem lives in the Nativity scene. Outdoor creches, such as this one at St. Brigid Church, Peapack, draws in the welcoming hearts of the faithful who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Christ child.

Read Bishop Checchio’s Nativity column, pg. 2, and our special feature about the Nativity, pgs. 4-5.

–Peter Nguyen photo

INSIDE

INDIANAPOLIS | JULY 17-21, 2024 Our Diocesan Pilgrimage with Bishop James F. Checchio

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Eucharistic Revival

6

Our Faith

8

Perspectives

16

Movie Review

46

Diocesan Events

47

Eucharistic Congress

A diocesan pilgrimage with Bishop Checchio

7

2 UP FRONT

Our Christmas wonder and awe is found in the Christ Child

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Recently, I had to go to Washington D.C. for two days of meetings for the Board of the Business School at Catholic University of America and the Papal Foundation. I try not to take on too many responsibilities outside the Diocese since much of my time is taken up just trying to tend to the needs of our wonderful Diocese.

However, when asked to help outside of our Diocese, I am reminded that when a priest is ordained a bishop, he is ordained not just for the particular Church he serves in, Metuchen for me, but also for the good of the universal Church. Therefore, I usually end up helping because I have a hard time saying no.

Needless to say, I certainly do not look for more obligations outside the Diocese!

I must admit, though, that sometimes helping others has unexpected blessings. While in D.C., I usually stay at the staff house for the priests working at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), who are most hospitable. I also work with some of them in my role of treasurer and chairman of the USCCB’s Budget and Finance Committee, so it is nice to have a chance to visit with them and thank them for what they do. They deserve our thanks because it is a challenge for priests to serve in nonparochial assignments as that is what interested us in the priesthood.

During my visit when I happened to have some free time after my morning walk, which I do even when away from home, I stopped in one of the treasures of Washington, D.C. to do my holy hour – the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land. It has been some time since I last

visited the Shrine, and it was a wonderful treat, another blessing.

It’s a beautiful shrine which is referred to as the little Jerusalem in America, providing a prayerful replica of the shrines in the Holy Land for those who are unable to go and visit these sacred places. The Franciscans took accurate measurements and photographs and literally recreated these holy sites in D.C. with full sized replicas of the shrines from the Holy Land.

It brought back so many good memories of the pilgrimages I was blessed to make to the Holy Land myself. While serving as Rector in Rome, I often went to the Holy Land with other priests from Rome and sometimes we did our annual retreat there, so these shrines have a special place in my heart.

At the Monastery I particularly enjoyed visiting the Bethlehem Shrine where a side altar was overflowing with clothing people left for newborn infants, to be sent to the children’s hospital in Bethlehem. I wanted to visit this Bethlehem shrine in particular, because this year marks the 800th anniversary of St. Francis creating the first live Nativity Scene for Christmas in 1223 in a cave in the small village of Greccio in Italy.

St. Francis wanted to bring Bethlehem to those who had never had the chance to visit the birthplace of Jesus, helping people see with their bodily eyes what Jesus’ original coming was like. He wanted people to realize that the Babe of Bethlehem, the name he called the Infant Jesus, was born in poverty, humility and simplicity.

So, with the help of a friend and landowner, Giovanni Velita, St. Francis constructed a manger, filled it with hay, and brought in an ox and donkey from a local farm. Then, he and his Franciscan brothers invited all the townspeople to come to the manger on Christmas eve.

That night, they lit candles, sang songs and then had Mass at the manger he had built – and St. Francis, since he

Catholic Spirit THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

was a deacon, sang the Gospel of Christ’s birth, and he preached about the birth of the poor king, born in Bethlehem, in a manger, like the one in which they were standing. Contrary to our custom and popular belief, St. Francis used no statues of Joseph, Mary or the baby Jesus – nor did he recruit live actors to play those parts; he used no shepherds or angels or wise men, nor kings.

On that Christmas Eve, St. Francis’ friend, Thomas of Celana, wrote in his journal before going to bed: “Greccio was transformed into a second Bethlehem, and that night, wonderful night, seemed like the fullest day to both man and beast for the joy they felt at the renewing of the mystery...”

At Christmas, one of the most faith-filled scenes that can be found in our homes, churches, and communities throughout the world is the Nativity, a reminder that Christmas should be centered on the birth of Christ and Christ should be the center of our lives. In homes everywhere families carry out the tradition of setting up their Nativity with the Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, shepherds, ox and donkey.

In Rome, on the third Sunday of Advent, there is a beautiful tradition when the children of Rome bring the “bambinelli” (the baby Jesus statues from their nativity scenes) to St. Peter’s Square for the Holy Father to bless them. It is a sea of bambinelli, and a beautiful sight. The Roman children then place the Infant Jesus in the manger in their homes on

Christmas eve.

It is my prayer this Christmas that the Christ Child will be the center of our celebrations and life, that each Nativity scene we see will give us a sense of wonder and awe, and remind us all that Christ should be the center of our life not only at Christmas but all year long, as we live and practice the great faith we are blessed to have.

Spend some time in your homes praying before your Nativity and teach your children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews to do the same. Encourage your family to come to Sunday Mass and receive the same Lord in the Eucharist and invite your friends, too.

Jesus desires to be with us, always.

That is the whole reason we celebrate Christmas, and he awaits us, always. We are so blessed to have such a loving God who never tires of us and wants to be with us.

Blessed Christmas to you all and be assured of my love and prayers, and please, remember to pray for me this Christmas.

And if you are in D.C. for some reason, stop by this wonderful monastery for a visit; you will not be disappointed!

Merry Christmas!

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

Nativity Scene Prayer God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.

To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love.

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Lord, bless all who look upon this manger; may it remind us of the humble birth of Jesus, and raise our thoughts to him, who is God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns forever and ever.

R/ Amen.

—From “Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers”

—Office of the Bishop photo

Bishop’s Appointments Bishop James F. Checchio has announced the following appointments.

Very Reverend Jeffrey Calia, CO, is continuing as Pastor at Church of the Holy Trinity, Bridgewater, but will also be the Rector of the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan, effective November 20, 2023

Bishop Checchio shares a memorable moment with a young parishioner after celebrating Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent in Our Lady of the Mount Parish, Warren.

—Marlo Williamson photo

—John Batkowski photo

How to report abuse

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

Correction: On pg. 33 of the November issue, in the article, Baskets of Love, Rita Naviello, principal of St. Ambrose School, Old Bridge, was incorrectly identified as principal of St. Matthias School.

DECEMBER 21, 2023

Reverend John Fredy Triana-Beltran, CO, from Vice Rector of the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan, to Parochial Vicar, Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood, effective November 20, 2023

Bishop Checchio greets parishioners prior to celebrating Mass for the First Sunday of Advent in St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Skillman.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Bishop Checchio visits with Filippini Sisters who recently opened a new convent at St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia. The Religious Teachers Filippini, who serve the Church through education, pastoral ministry, youth and young adult ministry, catechetical instruction, and retreat work, will now serve at St. John Vianney Parish and School. During his visit, the Bishop also welcomed former teachers, and former principal Filippini Sister Marianne McCann, (pictured middle) from his alma mater, Paul VI High School, Haddonfield.

healthcare, and social development.

Expressing his humility at the appointment, Bishop Checchio conveyed gratitude for contributing to the Foundation’s vital work: “The Papal Foundation has a rich history of doing incredible work in supporting the work of our Holy Father to promote compassion, justice, and love throughout the world.”

Praising the Papal Foundation’s impactful initiatives, Bishop Checchio highlighted its role in addressing global challenges: “The Papal Foundation has consistently demonstrated a commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Its good works align with the teachings of love, compassion, and solidarity that are at the core of our faith.

I am eager to contribute to the Foundation’s mission and collaborate with its distinguished members to enhance its global reach further.”

The Papal Foundation, established in 1988, is the only charitable organization in the United States exclusively dedicated to fulfilling the requests of the Holy Father for the needs of the Church. For more information, visit www.thepapalfoundation.org.

OUR DIOCESE

Bishop James F. Checchio greets Pope Francis during the Papal Foundation’s annual pilgrimage in April, 2023. —Vatican photo

In a unanimous vote during a meeting held in Washington D.C., Dec. 5, Bishop James F. Checchio was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Papal Foundation, aligning with the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to support charitable initiatives championed by Pope Francis and the Holy See on a global scale.

Dave Savage, the Foundation’s executive director, expressed enthusiasm about Bishop Checchio joining the leadership: “We are thrilled to welcome Bishop Checchio to the Foundation’s leadership. We welcome Bishop Checchio to the Board and thank him for his willingness to serve. “ As outlined on its website, the Board of Trustees oversees Papal Foundation funds, and is comprised of the American Cardinals residing in the United States, four U.S. archbishops or bishops, and elected laity from across the country.

Established in 1988, the Papal Foundation has played a crucial role in supporting charitable projects initiated

by Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict and now Pope Francis, spanning education, seminarian and religious formation,

3

Bishop Checchio elected to Papal Foundation Board of Trustees

4 SPECIAL FEATURE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT DECEMBER 21, 2023

Pope: Contemplate greatness of God’s love in simplicity of a crèche

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Whether simple or elaborate, the same every year or constantly changing, a Nativity scene echoes “the beauty of our faith,” Pope Francis wrote.

Marking the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi putting together the first Christmas crèche in a cave in Greccio, Italy, the Vatican publishing house compiled texts by Pope Francis about Nativity scenes and asked him to write a special introduction.

A key message of the Nativity scene is that the mystery of Christmas “loves to hide within what is infinitely small,” the Pope wrote in “Christmas at the Nativity,” which was released in English in the United States by New City Press.

“Awe and wonder are the two feelings that move everyone, young and old, before the Nativity scene, which is like a living Gospel overflowing from the pages of Holy Scripture,” he wrote.

The Italian edition of the book went on sale Nov. 21, just two days before the Vatican post office was to begin selling its 2023 Christmas stamps, which also celebrate the staging of a live Nativity scene in Greccio by St. Francis in 1223.

“The Incarnation of Jesus Christ remains the heart of God’s revelation, although it is easily forgotten that its unfolding is so unobtrusive, to the point of going unnoticed,” the Pope wrote.

“Littleness, in fact, is the way to encounter God.”

“Safeguarding the spirit of the Nativity scene becomes a healthy immersion in the presence of God manifested in the small, sometimes trivial and repetitive, everyday things,” he continued.

“The shepherds in the manger are those who welcome God’s surprise and live in wonder at their encounter with him, adoring him: in littleness they recognize the face of God,” he said. “Humanly we are all inclined to seek greatness, but it is a gift to know how to really find it: to know how to find greatness in that smallness that God so loves.”

On Christmas night, the angels lead the shepherds to a baby born in a manger – “not a sign of power, self-sufficiency or pride. No. The eternal God is reduced to a helpless, meek, humble human being.

God lowered himself so that we could walk with him and so that he could stand beside us, not above and far from us.”

Pope Francis’ introduction to the book also included a special message to young people.

While the night sky is filled with an infinite number of stars, in the Christmas story “a special star stands out, the one that prompted the Magi to leave their homes and begin a journey, a journey that would lead them where they did not know.”

“It happens the same way in our lives,” the Pope wrote. “At a certain moment some special ‘star’ invites us to make a decision, to make a choice, to begin a journey. We must forcefully ask God to show us that star that draws us toward something more than our habits, because that star will lead us to contemplate Jesus, that child who is born in Bethlehem and who wants our full happiness.”

Pope Francis also noted that the first Nativity scene in Greccio consisted of only a “crib with the hay, the ox and the donkey.”

“Before the Christmas scene, the people who flocked to the place manifested an unspeakable joy, never tasted before,” he said. “Then the priest, at the manger, solemnly celebrated the Eucharist, showing the link between the Incarnation of the Son of God and the Eucharist. On that occasion, there were no figurines in Greccio: The Nativity scene was created and experienced by those who were present.”

This is the cover of “Christmas at the Nativity,” the U.S. English edition of a collection of writings by Pope Francis about Nativity scenes and featuring a new introduction by the Pope to mark the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi putting together the first Christmas crèche in a cave in Greccio, Italy. The U.S. edition is published by New City Press. —CNS photo/courtesy New City Press

Plenary indulgence granted for prayer before a Nativity scene Above, Pope Francis stops to pray in front of a Nativity scene in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican Dec. 9, 2023, after meeting with donors, artists and local government officials responsible for the Christmas decorations at the Vatican. The scene is a mosaic of Venetian glass tiles created by Alessandro Serena and features St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi in celebration of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis staging the first Nativity scene. —CNS photo/ Vatican Media

This year, on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the “Nativity scene of Greccio” and in response to a request from the Conference of the Franciscan Family, the faithful may receive a plenary indulgence from Dec. 8, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to Feb. 2, 2024, the feast of the Presentation in the Temple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by praying before a Nativity scene in a Franciscan church.

The request made to the Pope, and granted by the Apostolic Penitentiary, read: “In order to promote the spiritual renewal of the faithful and increase the life of grace, we ask that the faithful receive a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions from 8 Dec. 2023, the solemnity of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to 2 Feb. 2024, feast of the Presentation in the Temple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by visiting the churches run

by Franciscan families throughout the world and stopping in prayer in front of the Nativity scenes set up there.”

The usual conditions include: Sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff. In addition, it is necessary to devoutly participate in the jubilee rites, or at least to pause before the creche prepared there, spending an appropriate span of time in pious meditation, concluding with the Our Father, the Profession of Faith and invocations to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph as well as St. Francis of Assisi.

Prepared by Mary Morrell, Editorin-Chief

Top, Piero Casentini’s painting of St. Francis of Assisi holding the baby Jesus in the cave in Greccio, Italy, where he set up the first Nativity scene 800 years ago while a priest celebrates Mass is the image the Vatican philatelic office chose for its 1.25-euro Christmas stamp for 2023. The painting was done in 2004. Bottom, Piero Casentini’s painting of the Magi adoring the baby Jesus is the image the Vatican philatelic office chose for its 1.30-euro Christmas stamp for 2023. Casentini painted the work in 2006.

—CNS photos/courtesy of the Vatican Philatelic and Numismatic Office

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Away in a cave near Greccio, Italy, St. Francis of Assisi had the first Nativity scene – a live one – staged for the faithful on Christmas Eve in 1223. A 15th-century fresco now decorating the cave inspired the Nativity scene erected in St. Peter’s Square for the 800th anniversary celebrations.

Before the scene was unveiled and the Christmas tree in the square was lighted Dec. 9, Pope Francis met with the more than 100 people involved in erecting the creche, officials from the Rieti Valley, which includes Greccio, and from the little town of Macra, in northern Italy, which donated the silver fir tree. For St. Francis of Assisi, who had traveled to the Holy Land, “the caves of Greccio reminded him of the landscape of Bethlehem,” the Pope said. The saint asked that a donkey and an ox, some hay and a manger be brought to the cave on Christmas Eve and invited other friars and people from the village, “creating a living Nativity scene. Thus, the tradition of the Nativity scene as we understand it was born.”

By Mary Clifford Morrell Editor-in-Chief “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”

With these words, “the shepherds respond to God who comes to meet us in the Infant Jesus by setting out to meet him with love, gratitude and awe,” writes Pope Francis in his apostolic letter, Admirabile Signum, On the Meaning and Importance of the Nativity Scene.

“Thanks to Jesus, this encounter between God and his children gives birth to our religion and accounts for its unique beauty, so wonderfully evident in the Nativity scene,” the Holy Father explains.

For more than 2,000 years the story of the Nativity of Jesus has been recalled in poetry, prose and hymns, and expressed in myriad art forms. Inspired

by Scripture, holy men and women of the Church pronounced their faith in the mystery of Christ’s birth in ways that would become important elements of Christian tradition.

The most well-known of the traditions, the manger scene, is said to have been first created by St. Francis of Assisi.

The story is told by St. Bonaventure, who recalled that in 1223, St. Francis visited the town of Grecio to celebrate midnight Mass. In order to accommodate a full congregation, St. Francis set up the altar in a niche in a rock near the town.

Born of his desire to nurture a love of Jesus in the hearts of those present, St. Francis brought the Nativity to life, in a sense, by preparing a manger, complete with hay, an ox and an ass.

As St. Bonaventure writes, “The man of God [St. Francis] stood before the manger, full of devotion and piety, bathed in tears and radiant with joy; the Holy Gospel was chanted by Francis, the Levite of Christ. Then he preached to the people around the Nativity of the poor King; and being unable to utter His name for the tenderness of His love, He called Him the Babe of Bethlehem.”

St. Francis’ profound preaching carved the image of the birth of Christ into the hearts of those at Midnight Mass, especially those who could not read and would have no opportunity to study the Bible.

Throughout the centuries since then, the Christmas crèche has become a symbol of devotion and “part of the precious yet demanding process of passing on the faith,” writes Pope Francis. Reflecting on the mystery of the Incarnation, Pope Francis observes, “The crèche allows us to see and touch this unique and unparalleled event that changed the course of history, so that time would thereafter be reckoned either before or after the birth of Christ.”

When the shepherds stood before the Nativity scene, like those who have stood before a Nativity scene in all the

years since, they saw Jesus born into a family, a community of love and relationship, his first bed a feeding trough for animals. Poor and disenfranchised as they were, the shepherds, and all who come to find Jesus, are welcomed by Mary and Joseph.

“The presence of the poor and the lowly in the nativity scene remind us that God became man for the sake of those who feel most in need of his love and who ask him to draw near to them. Jesus, ‘gentle and humble in heart,’ was born in poverty and led a simple life in order to teach us to recognize what is essential and to act accordingly. The Nativity scene clearly teaches that we cannot let ourselves be fooled by wealth and fleeting promises of happiness. …” the Holy Father stresses.

With his apostolic letter, Pope Francis encourages the faithful to maintain the beautiful family tradition of preparing the Nativity scene which is “like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture,” not only in the home but wherever possible.

“As children,” writes Pope Francis, “we learn from our parents and grandparents to carry on this joyful tradition, which encapsulates a wealth of popular piety. It is my hope that this custom will never be lost and that, wherever it has fallen into disuse, it can be rediscovered and revived.”

SPECIAL FEATURE

By Cindy Wooden

The Nativity: The beauty of faith evident in a humble scene of encounter

5

Pope marks 800th anniversary of Nativity scene

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT This 2013 file photo shows the fresco of St. Francis of Assisi adoring the baby Jesus in the Chapel of the Nativity in Greccio, Italy. The chapel is built in the grotto that tradition says is where St. Francis arranged the first Nativity scene in 1223. —CNS photo/Octavio Duran

DECEMBER 21, 2023

The Nativity scene is revealed in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Dec. 9, 2023. The creche is a reproduction of the scene in Greccio, Italy, where St. Francis of Assisi staged the first Nativity scene in 1223. The baby Jesus will be placed in the manger Dec. 24. —CNS photo/Lola Gomez

6 EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

REAL PRESENCE

Let the Spirit guide us!

Father Gustavo Rodrigues Perez Special Contributor God expresses Himself to us in life.

This principle is consistently observed in Sacred Scripture and beautifully expressed in our celebration of Mass, as well. In them, Jesus is the center, light, life and meaning of everything; in other words, He is the cornerstone of the Divine Revelation and our Divine Liturgy.

We love Jesus and, through Jesus, “we have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us (1 John 4:16).”

All of us Catholics know this. We celebrate this knowledge and are inspired by this belief. The whole Church tradition and the lives of the saints attest to this. However, somehow, the story of this great miracle that life is, is becoming “less” prominent for many, and a culture of death is forcing its way in by making us believe that we have been abandoned.

Some examples of this culture of death are expressed in the way some Christians and Catholics are living their lives: avoiding sacramental marriage, refusing to baptize children, skipping the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Sunday Mass, even to the point of refusing to celebrate funeral Masses for their beloved ones. These decisions may sound little, but it really is scandalous. We are closing ourselves out to a necessary grace that feeds our hunger for life. We are starving ourselves!

Could the very essence of life be diminished? The resounding answer to this

The Holy Spirit, traditionally depicted as a dove, is pictured in a stained-glass window at St. John Vianney Church in Lithia Springs, Ga., in this May 4, 2015, file photo.

— CNS photo/Michael Alexander, Georgia Bulletin

question is a resolute “no.” Jesus is life itself – the Way, the Truth, and the Life for all of us. Therefore, we must resolutely acknowledge His true presence in our lives, in the Holy Eucharist, and in the transformative power of Baptism.

Doubting Jesus is equivalent to doubting life itself; it’s an inconceivable notion we cannot afford to entertain.

According to the teachings of Vatican II, Christ is ever-present within His Church. His profound presence is palpable, especially during the sacred sacrifice of the Mass. In the sacraments, it’s not

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Bishop tells 12,000 youth at NCYC: Jesus ‘left us the best party’ – the INDIANAPOLIS (OSV News) – The joyful shouts of 12,000 Catholic teens from across the country echoed loudly during the two-hour closing Mass of the National Catholic Youth Conference Nov. 18 in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Auxiliary Bishop Joseph A. Espaillat of New York described the scene well during his homily in which he often led a loud call-and-response dialogue with the youths. “Jesus, my sisters and my brothers, left us the best party! He left us the Eucharist,” Bishop Espaillat shouted.

“This is the party par excellence, man!

You’ve got a front seat, buddy! This is good news!”

The congregation responded immediately with a deafening, “Amen!” “Did you hear that? I think that was louder than a Colts game,” said Bishop Espaillat from the floor of the stadium where the city’s NFL team plays its home games.

Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota, was the principal celebrant of the Mass. He was joined by 17 concelebrating bishops, including Indianapolis Archbishop Charles C. Thomp-

son and more than a hundred concelebrating priests.

Bishop Espaillat urged the youth to put “joy over fear.” He distinguished between a “worldly fear that creates panic and anxiety” and “a holy fear, or fear of the Lord, (that) is a source of peace and happiness.” “If we love God and know that we are loved by God, then why do we need to fear?” he asked.

In closing his homily, Bishop Espaillat called his young listeners to take up the mission given to them by Christ in their baptism.

“We are the now of God,” he said.

“NCYC, we are counting on you. Jesus started with 12 apostles. We have 12,000 here today. So, we can change the world.”

A long, loud cheer filled the stadium in response to Bishop Espaillat’s call. As the cheer died down, the bishop gave a parting blessing: “God bless you. God keep you. May he continue to let his face shine upon you. And always remember – have faith, have fun while you’re doing it. And remember, hold on to the Church, because the Church is holding on to you.”

just a person baptizing but truly Christ Himself performing the act. Moreover, His voice resonates through His word in the Holy Scriptures read within the Church (see Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 7). Therefore, the constant presence of Jesus remains undeniable. We are not abandoned; instead, we are a journeying Church, reliant on Christ’s body and blood for our sustenance.

Of course, this notion is tightly woven with a life of ongoing testimony. It underscores the connection between comprehension, belief, and action. In other words,

understanding is born from belief, and belief is evidenced through actions that align with our pursuit of understanding.

In essence, as we actively engage in the mystery represented by Christ in the sacraments, our comprehension and acknowledgment of His presence deepen, not only within the sacred rites but also in our personal lives, our communities, and our Church as a whole. Belief is a conscious decision, a choice of the will, and it’s bestowed upon us as a divine gift through the Spirit of God when we willingly align ourselves with His sacred will.

Entering a new Advent, a new chronological and liturgical year, the Church echoes the timeless truth: God is always seeking us, tirelessly nurturing our hope. It’s a profound moment, not just for Catholics but for all who seek to believe and fortify their faith. Didymus the Blind of Alexandria, a blind ascetic theologian from the fourth century states: “The Spirit frees us from sin and death, and changes us from the earthly men we were, men of dust and ashes, into spiritual men, sharers in the divine glory, sons and heirs of God the Father who bear a likeness to the Son and are his co-heirs and brothers, destined to reign with him and to share his glory.”

Let that Spirit guide us!

Father Gustavo Rodriguez Perez serves as diocesan coordinator for Hispanic Lay Formation and parochial vicar in Visitation Parish, New Brunswick.

Eucharist

Twenty-four representatives of the Diocese of Metuchen were present among the thousands who attended the 2023 NCYC, including teens and chaperones from St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough; St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook, and St. Matthias Parish, Somerset. Look for their story in the January issue of The Catholic Spirit.

— Bob Ferretti photo

7 EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

INDIANAPOLIS | JULY 17-21, 2024 Our Diocesan Pilgrimage with Bishop James F. Checchio

DIOCESAN PILGRIM PACKAGES STARTING AT

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

This historic 5-day gathering of missionary disciples will be a new Pentecost, a powerful anointing and personal commision to invite others to know Christ

8 OUR FAITH

Our true homeland is the house of God, our Father Article 181 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 2786-2796

What keeps you going when challenging, confusing, or even tragic things happen? In nature, sunflowers turn toward the sun, symbolizing unwavering faith and constant orientation toward the light. This is why they are often associated with positivity, happiness, and optimism. Sunflower seeds also have nutritional value and the capacity to remove toxins from the soil. Toward the end of their existence, they bow down, almost in adoration and appreciation for the gift of life. As baptized Catholics, we turn toward the Light of the world, to the Son of God, and bow down in adoration at Holy Mass – regularly, even daily – for the gift of our lives as we receive Christ for our spiritual nourishment in Holy Communion. And, just before receiving Holy Communion, we prepare by praying the words of the Our Father.

The Catechism explains: “Our” Father refers to God and connotes “an entirely new relationship with God” (ccc 2786). This new relationship “is the purely gratuitous gift of belonging to each other: we are to respond to ‘grace and truth’ given us in Jesus Christ with

love and faithfulness” (ccc 2787). When praying the Lord’s Prayer, “we personally address the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. By doing so we do not divide the Godhead, since the Father is its ‘source and origin’, but rather confess that the Son is eternally begotten by him and the Holy Spirit proceeds from him…When we pray to the Father, we adore and glorify him together with the Son and the Holy Spirit” (ccc 2789).

The first word of the Lord’s Prayer, “Our”, recognizes that all God’s “promises of love announced by the prophets are fulfilled in the new and eternal covenant in his Christ” (ccc 2787). In other words, “we have become ‘his’ people and he is henceforth our God” (ccc 2787). In addition, this word “Our” likewise “expresses the certitude of our hope in God’s ultimate promise” (ccc 2788). Each time we pray the Lord’s Prayer “we personally address the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (ccc 2789). The Catechism elaborates: “…for we confess that our communion is with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, in their one Holy Spirit.

The Holy Trinity is consubstantial and indivisible” (ccc 2789). We are reminded that in addressing God as “Father”, we are using the name with which God prefers to be called. Some have sought, even in theological circles, to re-name our Creator as mother or superpower or other such names. Sacred Scripture reminds us though, especially when Jesus teaches us the “Our Father”, that God prefers or chooses to be called upon in our prayers as Father! We, thus, use this name in liturgical events or otherwise when requesting His blessing with the sign of

the Cross: “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

In praying the Lord’s Prayer, we recall that God is One and God is Three, beginning this prayer with the Sign of the Cross. The instructive words of fourth century Italian bishop and theologian Saint Gaudentius help here: “Let the sign of the cross be continually made on the heart, on the mouth, on the forehead, at table, at the bath, in bed, coming in and going out, in joy and sadness, sitting, standing, speaking, walking…in all our actions…that we may be entirely covered with this invincible armor of Christians.”

The next paragraph of the Catechism begins by making this point: “Grammatically, ‘our’ qualifies a reality common to more than one person” (ccc 2790). Therefore, in praying the Lord’s Prayer, “each of the baptized” is praying as a member of the Church “united with the only Son…in communion with one and the same Father in one and the same Holy Spirit” (ccc 2790). As such, “this prayer to ‘our’ Father remains our common patrimony and an urgent summons for all the baptized” regardless of the various divisions among Christians (ccc 2791).

Finally, when we pray the Lord’s Prayer with sincerity, “we leave individualism behind, because the love that we receive frees us from it. The ‘our’ at the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer, like the ‘us’ of the last four petitions, excludes no one” (ccc 2792). Why? Because “God’s love has no bounds, neither should our prayer” (ccc 2793). When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we are “praying with and for all who do not yet know him, so that Christ may ‘gather into one the children

of God’” (ccc 2793).

The opening line of the prayer, “Our Father, Who art in Heaven”, does not mean that God is in heaven, in the sense that he occupies “a place (‘space’), but a way of being; it does not mean that God is distant, but majestic” (ccc 2794). He is “not ‘elsewhere’: he transcends everything…[and] is in the hearts of the just, …as in his holy temple” (ccc 2794). As fourth century theologian, Saint Augustine (354-430) puts it, it means that those who pray should desire the one they invoke to dwell in them.

In short, God Our Father “is in heaven, his dwelling place; the Father’s house is our homeland. Sin has exiled us from [heaven], the land of the covenant, but conversion of heart [in Christ] enables us to return to the Father, to heaven” (ccc 2795). When we the Church “prays ‘Our Father who art in heaven,’ [we are] professing that we are the People of God, already seated ‘with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus’ and…yet at the same time…we groan, and long to put on our heavenly dwelling” (ccc 2796). “We Christians are in the flesh, but do not live according to the flesh. We spend our lives on earth but, in the words of Saint Paul, ‘our citizenship is in heaven’” (Philippians 3:20) (ccc 2796).

The house of God, our Father, which is Heaven, is the true homeland toward which we journey. For those who are faithful, this is also the homeland to which we already belong.

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

Directory for Catechesis addresses the digital culture

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Jill Kerekes, Special Contributor The Directory for Catechesis, developed by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization and approved by Pope Francis on March 23, 2020, provides a brief but rich analysis of the effects of the digital culture on the human person and also provides guidance for catechetical efforts in light of these effects.

The Directory considers the digital culture not only as a “part of the existing cultures” but as a “new culture” which is “changing language, shaping mentalities, and restructuring value hierarchies” on “a worldwide scale”. The impact of the digital culture must be carefully considered as parish catechetical leaders and parish catechists persevere in their efforts to lead children and families to encounter Jesus.

The Directory notes that there is an inevitable intersection between the language of catechesis and all areas of modern communication. If those of us focused on catechetical efforts ignore this intersection, we run the risk of ap-

pearing irrelevant.

Use of modern educational tools from the digital world in catechetical work is encouraged as a means of responding to the needs and expectations of the children in our current digital culture.

While the Directory does highlight some of the many positive contributions made through use of digital tools, many of the negative effects of the digital culture are also discussed at length. “Digital natives,” or those born into the digital culture, are “molded by the media consumption” and are more convinced by communication in a language that is more like marketing than analytical discourse.

This communication language drives digital natives to be “consumers” of communication rather than “decoders” and leads to an emphasis on the communication of subjective opinion rather than reasoned dialogue. The Directory describes the digital culture as having characteristics that resemble a type of religion in a sense and comments that, even though there are many potential negative outcomes because of this, there exists an

opportunity to utilize these characteristics to “offer pastoral care that is global just as digital culture is global.”

As high quality digital catechetical tools become increasingly available and normative in our parish programs, there is a temptation to resort to the use of these digital tools in place of in-person formation. The Directory discourages this approach because, “Only a catechesis that proceeds from religious information to accompaniment and to the experience of God will be capable of offering meaning.” Accompaniment requires direct contact with another human being. Catechetical activity that is divorced from human contact, the ecclesial community, and liturgical experience is highly deficient and may lead to children confusing “the means with the end”.

One of the many challenges in the craft of catechesis of today involves reasonably incorporating digital tools into a catechetical program in a balanced way.

Digital tools should act to supplement catechetical instruction and should not be perceived as the focal points of the cat-

echetical instruction. Children need the witness of other human beings explaining and living out the faith in the real world.

Digital tools can expand our horizons, introduce or review concepts, and expose us to art, music, and events that we would not otherwise have the means to access. The amount of information readily available in the digital world is astounding, but the knowledge gained from this information does not compare to the intimate knowledge of Jesus available through prayer and the liturgy. As the Directory for Catechesis affirms: “Virtual reality cannot replace the spiritual, sacramental, and ecclesial reality experienced in direct encounter among persons.”

As our parish catechists navigate the digital world in our parish programs, I pray that the use of digital tools serves to enhance the catechetical experience as our children grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus.

Blessed Carlo Acutis, Pray for us!

Jill Kerekes serves as diocesan director, Office of Discipleship Formation for Children.

Three-quarters of a century after a small mission church began to serve the Catholics of Hillsborough, one might be hard-pressed to find a single symbol to represent the untold number and variety of gifts given and received from the thousands who have called Mary Mother of God Parish their spiritual home – until three parishioners had an idea to create a heritage-quilted banner as a mosaic remembrance of 75 years serving the spiritual and communal needs of the parish.

Consisting of some 200 squares designed by individual parishioners and families, the quilt was on display in the narthex of the church Dec. 9 when the parish gathered for Mass to close the 75th anniversary year.

Bishop James F. Checchio, who served as principal celebrant for the Mass, was joined at the altar by Mary Mother of God pastor, Msgr. Joseph M. Curry; Father Alex Carles, parochial vicar, and priest-in-residence, Father Sean Broderick, who served as homilist.

Father Broderick is a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit or Spiritans, an Irish missionary congregation.

Ordained in 1965 he was appointed to the Order’s mission in Nigeria until internal struggles in that county forced him to return to his native Ireland.

Having spent a sabbatical year at Mary Mother of God in 1997, he returned in 2004 and was appointed administrator of the parish in 2007 until his retirement in 2018.

DECEMBER 21, 2023

Members of the Paraguayan community in Mary Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough, have a strong devotion to Our Lady of Caacupé, top photo. The multi-cultural parish community celebrated the closing of their 75th anniversary year with Mass celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio, middle left, who also blessed the newly renovated St. Francis Hall during his visit, bottom left. Pastor, Father Joseph Curry, above, thanks the Bishop for sending him “to be part of this wonderful family.” —Gerald Wutkowski, Jr. photos

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

In his homily, Father Broderick spoke of the beginnings of a Roman Catholic presence in the Hillsborough area, initially consisting mostly of Irish laborers and indentured servants who worked on the many farms in the area. Later as emigrants from other European countries began to arrive to work on the railroads, canals and mills and factories in Raritan and Somerville the Catholic population increased. He described how very difficult it was then for the Catholics to travel to churches in Raritan or East Millstone.

Mary Mother of God Parish began in 1931 as a mission church of Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, to serve the Catholic population in the Flagtown area of Hillsborough. It was designated a parish during Holy Week, 1948.

Throughout his homily, Father Broderick emphasized the remarkable growth of the parish both spiritually and physically from that small mission church to the vibrant and multicultural faith community of today, referencing the beginning of the day’s First Reading from Isaiah, “Comfort, give comfort to my people,” he reflected, “How many people from the many communities served over 75 years have found the Lord’s comfort in this parish?”

A silent yet informative answer to his question – the vibrant mosaic quilt – hung in the narthex.

Edith Brizzi, a relatively new member of the parish said, “My husband Mark and I arrived at Mary Mother of God about the same time as Msgr. Curry so we feel we have learned about the parish along with him. Father Broderick’s moving homily tonight helped us to learn more and to appreciate how fortunate we are to be parishioners.”

In comments at the end of Mass, Msgr. Curry explained, “The goal of this celebration was not to focus on one event but rather to have all the activities of the parish for 2023 directed towards our 75th anniversary.” These included an Appalachian Mission Work Camp in WV in June; a parish pilgrimage in September to Lourdes and Fatima and a Parish Festival in October. Msgr. Curry mentioned the renovation of St. Francis Hall and the contributions of the Hispanic community to that project along with all who helped.

In closing, Msgr. Curry addressed the Bishop, saying, “Thank you for sending me here to be part of this wonderful family.”

A reception followed in the newly completed St. Francis Hall which Bishop Checchio also blessed.

OUR DIOCESE

By Deacon Patrick Cline

9

Mary Mother of God Parish a mosaic of 75 years of service

10 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT DECEMBER 21, 2023

Making Disciples Institute provides new insights for parish catechetical leaders

By Anthony Salamone Correspondent In Jesus’ Great Commission from Matthew Chapter 28, he encouraged the first followers to “make disciples of all nations,” not just to make Catholics but to create missionary disciples who go forth to share the Gospel, to evangelize.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the process by which the Church forms new Catholic converts, and those who are seeking full communion with the Church, has been a staple in Catholic life for decades. But it is evolving, according to a husband and wife team who teach the process.

During the weekend of Nov. 10-11, some 40 people from approximately 20 parishes throughout the Diocese attended the “Making Disciples Institute,” a comprehensive overview of the entire catechumenate process, which was hosted

by TeamRCIA and sponsored by the diocesan Office of RCIA. Nick Wagner and Diana Macalintal of TeamRCIA, located in San Jose, California, led the two-day program, which was held at Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale. They offered parish catechetical leaders a wealth of knowledge about what is coming up and new about their roles in accompanying those who are interested in becoming Catholic.

One of the husband and wife’s objectives for participants during the workshop was to think about new ways of evangelizing.

Wagner and Macalintal said instructors should take the time to ask questions of the candidates and discern a course that would lead to a fulfilling journey for them, including a shift from the ritual of a “classroom-style process” of delivering lessons from September until the Easter Vigil, when the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation are conferred on candidates, “We asked them … to take off that paradigm and open their minds to a new way of imagining this,” Wagner said during a break in the couple’s presentation.

Participants also explored how evangelization is the ongoing work of all the baptized and how the entire parish becomes the training ground for catechesis.

“One of the important things is this shift from a perspective of seeing RCIA not as a curriculum to finish but of a journey for people to go through,” said Father Timothy Eck, who serves as director of the Office of Divine Worship and as parochial vicar in St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick.

Adam Carlisle, Secretary of the Secretariat for Evangelization and Communication, said such a gathering had not occurred since before the pandemic.

“We really need to focus on evange-

lization and having a personal relationship with Jesus. Conversion is an ongoing process, not something that happens once,” Carlisle said. “It’s something that happens perpetually.”

To Carlisle, Wagner and Macalintal’s focus on parishes catering more to an individual’s needs and schedule means more help, ideally at every congregation.

“We need to have more than one person in a parish doing RCIA,” said Carlisle.

“We need bigger teams, because it’s a difficult process. It’s an uphill battle, with the culture.”

While it could pose a challenge moving from the concept of classroom to journey, Deacon Mark Van Duynhoven of Immaculate Conception said perhaps orgaThe husband and wife team Nick Wagner, top, and Diana Macalintal, left, of Team RCIA review and discuss the RCIA process with parish catechetical leaders Nov. 10-11 in Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale. PCLs, below, process some of the new insights provided by the two-day Institute.

— John Batkowski photos

nizing a hybrid curriculum is also realistic.

“A candidate has to understand what the Trinity is and what the Mass is, and that’s classroom training,” said Van Duynhoven, who has headed the parish’s RCIA program since his Ordination in 2017. “You have to do that and you have to feel it, too.”

Participants in the workshop ranged from deacons to longtime RCIA leaders to recent converts who, newly energized by the faith, want to assist parish catechetical leaders in training other future members.

Alyson Rasimowicz, a former Presbyterian, converted to Catholicism for her husband, Jan, and their children. A member of St. Andrew Parish, Avenel, Rasimowicz said she appreciated the opportunity to attend the workshop and learn how to work with other candidates at their pace.

“It’s not so much task-oriented; it’s more Christ-oriented,” she said.

Another convert, Wayne Moschella, who participates in RCIA in St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Pittstown, said a big takeaway from the workshop was more evangelization.

“I don’t know if I can see myself doing laps at a supermarket asking people to come,” said Moschella, who has been Catholic since 2008, “but I would never

turn away a chance if I spotted somebody.”

Wagner said while RCIA trainers might need guidance from a deacon, pastor or training leader, they should confidently be able to provide the fundamentals of the faith with unwavering confidence.

“But trust your gut first, because you’ve been Catholic a very long time,” Wagner said. “And the way you’ve been living your faith” is what your seekers need to know.

For JoLynn Krempecki, RCIA director in Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Monroe, who has been teaching RCIA for decades, learning is a part of teaching. She

said the workshop provided her with reinforcement and validation of the program at Nativity, along with encouragement.

“I am rethinking some of the decisions we made as a team at Nativity and saying, ‘How can we do that better?’”

Krempecki said. “And I want to go back to my team and discuss some new insights to our process.”

Those who want to learn more about RCIA or know someone who would be interested in becoming Catholic, should start with their nearest parish pastor. In addition, the Office of RCIA can be contacted at diometuchen.org/rcia online.

Kern, the wives of the deacons were invited to join their husbands on Sunday morning for Mass and the final conference. Despite the distance to Easton from many parishes ten wives accepted the invitation.

Anne Gustick, the wife of Deacon Patrick Gustick who serves at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, New Brunswick, said, “As the wife of a deacon I was excited to be invited to attend the Sunday portion of the retreat. I found it very enlightening and worthwhile. When my husband returns from the retreat, he feels enriched and revitalized and I wanted to experience some of that, which I did.”

Father Timothy A. Christy, top photo, served as retreat master for diocesan permanent deacons on their annual retreat in St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, Pa., Nov. 10-12. In the middle photo, 49 deacons on the retreat gathered for a group photo. Bottom left, two deacons take time for one of a variety of prayer experiences. Bottom right, the retreat included a memorial service to honor all deceased deacons and their families. — Ed Koskey Jr. photos

DECEMBER 21, 2023

ordained in 2010 to serve at Most Holy Rosary Parish, Hopelawn, has attended every retreat offered by the Office of the Diaconate since then. He feels this is a unique accomplishment given the fact that he has relocated twice since his ordination and now serves as a deacon for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. “Coming back each year allows me to witness the magnitude of the deacons’ devotion to their ministry and their faithfulness to spirituality that is so needed to keep the deaconate vibrant in all of us. This is the true purpose of a retreat.”

In a new addition to the retreat schedule introduced this year by Deacon

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, Pa., recently hosted 49 permanent deacons of the Diocese for their annual canonical retreat Nov.10-12.

The dictionary defines a retreat as an act of withdrawing and that was what these men were doing. For approximately 40 hours they withdrew from their everyday activities to focus on their relationship with the God who called them to their office.

Deacon Stephen F. Kern, diocesan director, Office of the Diaconate, welcomed the men Friday evening and introduced retreat master, Father Timothy Christy, rector of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.

In his opening comments, Father Christy noted that at all of his parochial assignments in the Diocese he was always fortunate to have deacons in each parish. In regards to the retreat, Father Christy reflected, “We are all gathered here not by accident but led by the Holy Spirit.”

During the three days of the retreat, Father Christy would present four conferences focused on the theme of “Being Called.”

In addition to those sessions, the weekend provided times for the communal celebration of morning, evening and night prayers from the Liturgy of the Hours as well as Mass on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday afternoon provided a four-hour period of personal spiritual time during which the men could choose to reflect individually in front of the Blessed Sacrament or pray the Stations of the Cross on the grounds of the retreat house or say the Rosary in community.

Following a Penance Service, the Sacrament of Reconciliation was available to the men with Father Christy and three other priests from the Diocese who volunteered to be present.

On Saturday the men gathered for a Memorial Service to remember the two deacons who had died since the previous retreat as well all the deceased deacons and their families. Deacon William Bauer, a retired deacon of the Diocese, led the service. He also served as leader at a Recommitment Service as the gathered deacons reflected on their ministry of the Word, the Altar and Service to which they have been called and to pray, “Lord, look with favor on your servants as we now rededicate our lives to the office of deacon as we minister at your holy altar.”

One of the major aspects of the weekend is the opportunity for times of fellowship as the deacons renew friendships with their brothers in ministry who they may not see regularly due to their various parish assignments and schedules.

Deacon Edward Rodes, who was

OUR DIOCESE

By Deacon Patrick Cline Correspondent

11

Deacon’s annual retreat serves for renewal and recommitment

12 OUR DIOCESE

Father Selvester welcomed as ninth pastor in South Amboy parish

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Cori Urban Contributing Editor The new pastor of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish, South Amboy, understands that sudden change can be difficult for a parish.

Father Guy W. Selvester was installed by Bishop James F. Checchio as ninth pastor Oct. 29, the first new pastor in 26 years. And even though his nature is to make changes quickly, he’s building trust by taking time to get to know his parishioners and for them to get to know him before initiating anything new.

“Some people embrace change, and others are more suspicious of it,” he said.

“It’s my job to see that all of them are happy.”

One change he has made, however, is to reassert the canonical name of the parish that it was given when it was erected in 1851: St. Mary, Star of the Sea. It had become known colloquially as simply St. Mary’s.

Its given name is beautiful, and using it differentiates it from other churches called St. Mary’s, said Father Selvester, noting that it is the only St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church in the Diocese of

Metuchen. It is located only a few blocks from Raritan Bay. Use of the original name has been received well by parishioners, he said, though many continue to refer to it as St. Mary’s.

Father Selvester, 59, was born and raised in Old Bethpage, N.Y., and attend both Catholic and public schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Francis University in Loretto, Pa., then became a Benedictine monk at St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pa., and entered its seminary, earning a Master of Divinity degree in 1990 from St. Vincent Seminary.

But before he took final vows, he decided to leave monastic life and study for the diocesan priesthood. He worked for a year in security at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in N.Y. before entering the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, N.Y., to study for his home diocese of Rockville Center. From there he earned a master’s in theology with a concentration in liturgy.

Because most of his family had left Long Island, “I wasn’t home anymore” there, he said. Priest friends from the Diocese of Metuchen encouraged him

to consider serving that Diocese, and he was accepted into the formation program in 1995.

After a year at Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass., he was ordained to the priesthood on Sept.

27, 1997, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen.

Father Selvester has served various parishes in the Diocese, most recently at St. Joseph Parish in Washington. From 1998-2002 he was the host and moderator of the diocesan radio program, “Proclaim the Good News.”

A former dean of the Morris Canal Deanery, since 2017 he has been serving as diocesan director of ecumenical and interfaith affairs.

He was “quite delighted” to be assigned to St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish, noting that the members of his family have moved back to Long Island, so it’s a shorter distance to drive to see them. His mother, Patricia, is 93, and he wants to spend as much time as he can with her.

Since he arrived in the parish in September — a busy time for parishes as religious education programs get underway — he has “hit the ground running, which is fine,” he said.

Bishop James F. Checchio installed Father Guy W. Selvester as the ninth pastor of St. Mary, Star of the Sea Parish Oct. 29. At the altar of the South Amboy parish is, from left, Father Selvester; Father Michael Gromadzki, Dean, Raritan Bay Deanery; Deacon Richard O’Brien, Bishop Checchio. Assembled outdoors after Mass is Father Gromadzki; Father John Barbella; Father Jay Toborowsky, Vicar General; Bishop Checchio; Deacon Stephen Laikowski, and Deacon O’Brien. —Gerald Wutkowski, Jr. photos

He has been getting to know the parish of about 800 registered families and how it has been run and meeting parishioners. “It behooves a pastor to get to know the parish,” he said. “People can’t just instantaneously make changes. I have to respect that. The parish is theirs.”

Father Selvester does think about refurbishing the interior of the church, the last major refurbishment of which was about 40 years ago, he said. But that “is in the long view.”

On Nov. 8, some 70 senior citizens gathered at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, for a morning of prayer, fellowship and fun. Sitting at round tables, the participants broke bread together, chatted and took part in a Catholic trivia game.

The highlight of the morning, however, was a presentation by Msgr. John Fell, who serves as the diocesan director of Priest Personnel and episcopal vicar of the Healthcare Apostolate. His talk, which was entitled, “Healthcare Considerations for Aging Catholics,” captured the attention of all who attended.

Msgr. Fell spoke about the importance of seniors/grandparents, quoting Pope Francis (2014), “Grandparents, who have received the blessing to see their children’s children (cf. Ps 128: 6), are entrusted with a great responsibility: to transmit their life experience, their family history, the history of a community, of a people; to share wisdom with simplicity, and the faith itself, the most precious heritage!”

To underscore the significance of elders, Msgr. Fell shared that almost every seminarian that he works with has told him that their grandparents (especially grandmothers) have played a “starring role” in passing on the faith to them and in leading them to pursue the priesthood.

the things that we used to be able to do.

However, we have inherent worth and we possess a dignity rooted in the way that God values us.

With regards to health care decisions, Msgr. Fell distinguished between ordinary care which is morally required and extraordinary care which is optional.

Ordinary care is any medicine, treatment or procedure which is readily available, likely effective and not unduly burdensome.

Extraordinary care, on the other hand, is any medicine, treatment or proce-

dure which may not be readily available, is experimental or unduly burdensome.

He stressed that once an extraordinary treatment has begun it is morally acceptable to discontinue the treatment should it become too burdensome.

He also stressed that as Catholics, we don’t cling to life at all costs. In addition, Church teaching has held that nutrition and hydration are considered ordinary care and must always be provided unless the dying process is so imminent as to render them useless, or their provision is itself unduly burdensome.

Msgr. Fell encouraged everyone to complete an advanced directive for healthcare in which you can indicate your healthcare wishes and appoint a healthcare proxy should one become unable to make decisions. He emphasized the importance of having the completed form readily available as well as the need to have discussions with your loved ones about your healthcare wishes even though these can be difficult conversations.

Msgr. Fell also suggested that loved ones should contact the parish priest early in the dying process because clergy can be instruments of God’s grace in a special way.

Finally, Msgr. Fell explained that the Catholic Church opposes physicianassisted suicide, which is also referred to euphemistically as “medical aid in dying” (MAID). We do not get rid of the suffering by getting rid of the sufferer. Instead, he suggested, being present to and journeying with our loved ones at life’s end can be the best gift we can give and, if we are attentive, we may feel God’s graces flowing and we may see in theirs the eyes of Jesus.

The session ended with time for questions and answers and a special greeting from Bishop James F. Checchio.

The New Jersey Catholic Conference version of the Advanced Directive for Healthcare can be downloaded by visiting: https://njcatholic.org/printableadvance-directives Jennifer Ruggiero serves as Secretary, diocesan Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life.

— Tiffany Workman photos

DECEMBER 21, 2023

Aging Catholics in the Diocese, gathered Nov. 8, in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, to learn about health care decisions they may face in the coming years. In his presentation, Msgr. John Fell, pictured at top, spoke to the seniors about the difference between ordinary and extraordinary care. The episcopal vicar of the Healthcare Apostolate, Msgr. Fell also explained and encouraged the seniors to complete an advanced directive and suggested the parish priest should be contacted early in the dying process.

In the bottom photo, attendees enjoy a game of Catholic trivia.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

“Grandparents, who have received the blessing to see their children’s children, are entrusted with a great responsibility: to transmit their life experience, their family history, the history of a community, of a people; to share wisdom with simplicity, and the faith itself, the most precious heritage!”

Msgr. Fell used Sacred Scripture to highlight two foundational points about the dignity of the human person. Genesis 1:27: “God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them” and Psalm 139: “O Lord you have probed me and you know me.”

Our dignity is endowed by our Creator and is not based on how much we can or cannot contribute. Often times, as we age, we are made to feel less valuable because we are unable to do some of

OUR DIOCESE

By Jennifer Ruggiero Special Contributor

13

Msgr. Fell addresses seniors on healthcare considerations

14 OUR DIOCESE

Thanksgiving, a time of worship, gratitude and sharing God’s blessings Below, First grade pilgrims, Indians, and turkeys from St. Bartholomew School, East Brunswick, perform a Thanksgiving play for their eighth-grade buddies. —

Facebook photo

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Bishop James F. Checchio was principal celebrant for a Thanksgiving Mass held in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, Nov. 23. In a separate video Thanksgiving message, Bishop Checchio encouraged the faithful, recalling God’s many blessings, and entreating, “This year make peace with one person … reach out to a family member or friend and start peace with you. That’s the way it starts to spread throughout our world. Reconcile with someone if you need to ... let’s make that effort this week. It will make our Advent season all the more joyful and it will help you spread peace throughout our world.” —Gerald Wutkowski, Jr. photo

The annual Friendsgiving Feast tradition held in Immaculate Conception School, Annandale, brought out the “gobble” in students and was celebrated through the generosity and teamwork of volunteers and staff. —Facebook photo

Kindergarten students and their families from St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, enjoyed a Thanksgivingthemed Parents Day. This important family time included collecting donated canned goods, a special snack and visiting several stations outfitted with Thanksgiving crafts and building materials. —Facebook photo

Left, Enza Cerami, top left, served as guest speaker for the Parish Catechetical Leaders Advent Retreat Dec. 7 in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway.

Among the PCLs who shared information and insights during the Advent retreat were, from left, Rosemary Eckert, St. Mary of Ostrabrama Parish, South River; Jordan Drevelus, Sacred Heart Parish, South Amboy, and Margaret Russo, Good Shepherd Parish, Hopelawn.

— Robert Christie photos

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DECEMBER 21, 2023

at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

“You are incredible! You are the bridge for young people on their journey of faith.” So proclaimed Enza Cerami, guest speaker for the Parish Catechetical Leaders’ Advent Retreat held at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, on Dec. 7. Almost all 90 diocesan parishes have a PCL who trains and supervises the catechetical teachers who instruct the young people of the parish.

Some forty PCLs gathered to hear Cerami, executive director, Living Stones, Inc., which “creates opportunities to share the message of chastity and the beauty of God’s plan for sex and marriage for youth and young adults.” Her first of two talks focused on the PCLs. The day also included Mass in the diocesan chapel.

Cerami grounded her message in the reality of everyday life, noting how Mary and Joseph were just like them, no strangers to adversity. Mary, a pregnant unmarried teenager, and Joseph, a man with a mysteriously pregnant fiancé, endured these and other hardships to come, but they kept their faith, saying “yes” to God, thereby playing an intricate role in salvation history, “our salvation.”

“Parents give their kids to you because they sense something good here,” Enza said. “You are anointed, chosen.

We have an enemy at hand: a spiritual battle, and so you have a target on your backs.” Our armor for this battle with the enemy is prayer, which bolsters us, she said, concluding with a seven-step program on how to pray: gratitude, talking to God, asking for forgiveness, embracing the freedom to be your best self, and talking to God about how; regard for

greatest challenge as “getting students to attend Mass.” Jordan Drevelus, PCL from Sacred Heart Parish, South Amboy, said, “We oversee formation, so it’s good to get back to basics to ground us.”

PCL in Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield, Louise Timko, noted that she appreciated the opportunity to compare notes with other PCLs about their problems and ideas. Together, these four PCLs oversee the instruction of some 600 children, with a diocesan total of 18,000 children in religious formation.

OUR DIOCESE

By Robert Christie Correspondent

others: and lastly, prayerfully reflect on the words of the “Our Father” and the journey of Mary and Joseph. Despite everything, keep going!

During lunch and embellishing the day, Bishop Checcio paid an unexpected visit, going from table to table speaking with the PCLs. Following lunch, Jill Kerekes, diocesan director of the Office of Discipleship Formation for Children which sponsored the event, displayed the revised manual for training catechists, which the PCLs convert into resource materials for teachers.

Kerekes had heard Cerami speak on the subject of her second talk – “Theology of the Body,” championed by St. Pope John Paul II – and invited her as the presenter for this retreat. Cerami emphasized the relevance for today’s youth, grounded in relationships, the core dimension of human nature.

Cerami spoke on the essence of God as a relationship of divine persons, and with all humanity made in his image. She spoke of the beauty and power of sex, but without guidance, youth are abandoned to secular forces. Seven years ago, she started her program to address this need.

“Kids are starving, empty, broken,” she said. “So this is my joy, my passion.

This theology emphasizes the authentic good of the other. We are created to give and receive love, not to be used. Today people have been turned into objects.”

She ended this powerful presentation, and the day, with the story of a young male who approached her after a workshop, and said, “Thank you for teaching me to respect others.”

Margaret Russo, a PCL from Good Shepherd Parish, Hopelawn, described the event as “wonderful,” particularly the benefit of meeting with other PCLs, and noting that she will use the prayer material.She also acknowledged that her biggest challenge “is getting students from grades three through six to enroll,” explaining the younger and older students attend, but the middle years are a challenge.

Rosemary Eckert, PCL in Our Lady of Ostrabrama, South River, noted her

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Theology of the Body a focus of parish catechetical leaders” Advent Retreat

16 PERSPECTIVES

From Creche to Cross: the Feast of St. Stephen Protomartyr

Today the Church catapults us from the Crèche to the Cross–leaving us to conclude that the motive for the Incarnation was Atonement–to make us one with God by the forgiveness which we could only attain through the suffering and death of God’s only Son, Jesus.

Forgiveness is the theme we least like hearing about because it’s the hardest thing about being Christian. We have no problem praying, fasting, giving alms–we don’t mind listening to Jesus’ parables (except the Prodigal Son) and we have a devotion to the Eucharist. From sacramentals like dipping our fingers in holy water to praying the Rosary, we embrace the sights, sounds and smells of Catholicism–until we get to forgiveness.

Why are we so repulsed by the notion of forgiveness? Probably because

none of us have found it easy to extend to those who offended us or honestly received from those who harbored resentment toward us.

Enter St. Stephen—who, is portrayed like one who has been molded in the image of Jesus—who, like Jesus even asks God to forgive those who were killing him. As the stones were hurled, Stephen could be heard saying: “Father, forgive them,” one of the seven last words of Christ.

When people offend us, betray us, lie to us, deceive us, gossip about us–the stones of St. Stephen come hurling around our hearts. The more people hurt us, wrong us, undermine us, make fools of us–the more these stones pile up around our heart–until, finally, this organ of love can no longer pulse–it can no longer move, and we die to those who trespassed against us.

Just yesterday, we were celebrating life–and today, with sin, with malice, with our encounters with ontic evil, we are now plunged into the lonely valley of death. God doesn’t want us to stay dead to the world. God didn’t send his only Son so that we might die. He gave us

Jesus that we might find life and life to the fullest.

I had the privilege of serving the people of St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish, in South River, for six years. In fact, it was my first pastorate. In 1992, when I took the helm, it was a small community made up mostly of Hungarian, Italian and Slovak Catholics. While it was a tiny parish of 300 families, over time, it grew and yet, the people retained the quaintness and kindness of a small faith community.

There were many ecumenical marriages between Catholics and the Hungarian Reform Church. These fine people engaged in ecumenical dialog in the upbringing of their children. In fact, before there was a name for this interfaith conversation, the folks of St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish were living it. The parish, originally founded for Hungarian immigrants, sought to care for the men who worked the brickyards in the northern section of the town, the women who sewed lace in the southern district and yet remain welcoming to non-Hungarians who discovered this little church on William Street.

Like St. Stephen the deacon and first martyr of the Church, they were a forgiving

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Sometimes we have to ask, ‘Oh, dear, what can the matter be?’

I enjoy science - when it is presented in a manner I can understand. I like to read about what can be seen by the newest and most powerful telescopes, and how movement is measured by the warmer or cooler shades of light. I am engrossed by the speculation of how particles from the sun can reach the earth when they can’t exist long enough to make the journey.

Do they go into a different dimension?

According to some theories, there can be as many as 10 dimensions. (Don’t try to explain that part; I find handling ordinary space and time enough of a challenge!)

And speaking of dimensions, I find it fascinating that scientists can see the edge of our universe as it expands – into what?

Not into another dimension because this universe contains the other dimensions.

Does it expand into eternity?

This expanding universe began to spread out with the Big Bang that produced all the matter that exists within the universe. Matter consists of various types of particles, and it exists throughout the universe. The kind of particles that are most familiar to me, and probably to most of us, are atoms. Matter can be neither made nor destroyed, but it can be “recycled”: its atoms can be dissolved and reconstituted in a different form, as when a piece of wood is burned and reduced to ashes. Nearly everything we

know is made up of atoms, all being different compositions of various particles: stars, planets, quarks, dark holes, water, rocks, plants, animals and even my own body that is typing this article.

That is mind-blowing: the atoms that make up my body all began with the Big Bang! I go back that far, and so do the planets and the galaxies. But the planets and galaxies don’t produce articles about how

amazing creation is. Even our two dogs here with me can give me protection and affection, but they can’t offer suggestions for my article. Only a person can do that. The dogs and I share a similar atomic makeup, but we don’t share the same abilities.

The universe is amazing, fascinating, and I am a part of it. Each of us is a part of it, but each of us can do something nothing else in the universe can do: we

parish who, despite occasional squabbles and grudges, learned to live together and bear fruit as Roman Catholics called to live out their faith through charity. Is it any wonder, then, that the label “small parish with a big heart” became commonplace? I treasure these years I spent at the parish and pray that St. Stephen continue to intercede for those who worship God under his patronage.

But this life is had, only if we embrace the Cross, as did St. Stephen–and make Jesus’ words authentically, genuinely, honestly, our own: “Father, forgive them.” Then the stones of St. Stephen will dissipate–and our hearts will beat again–the breath of life–the life that the Father made possible through the Incarnation, the life that Jesus died to give us, so that we might experience what he is: he embodiment of God’s love! On this Feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr of the New Covenant, let us pray for the grace to forgive and to be forgiven–trade in those stones of death for the Bread of Life–which, even when we’re hurting, empowers us to say: Merry Christmas!

Father Comandini is the Coordinator of the Office of Continuing Faith Formation can wonder and stand in amazement at what surrounds us and even more at what we are. “I am awesomely, wonderfully made!” (Ps. 139) My body expresses me: it types out my thoughts, it speaks my words, it shares with others my tears and joys and laughter, it hugs those I love, and helps those I see in need. My body is me present to others in space and time.

Each human being transforms ordinary atoms into shared love and joy and sorrow. No other being within this universe can do what we humans can do.

We exist in this expanding universe, and we cannot go beyond it, but there is One who entered it from the timelessness that cannot be known. Two thousand years ago, he entered space and time, and he took to himself a body made of ordinary atoms, exactly the same as our bodies, and he can never cast that body off. Within time or beyond it, he is eternally one with us by our shared humanity. But just as he shares our humanness, so he causes us to share his divinity. My body not only does what I want to do and shares my love and joys with others, now it also shares Jesus’ love with them. This is what he told us: “Love one another as I have loved you.” I can already do more than any of the planets and galaxies, but now each of us can do more than any other being in this universe: he has poured his Spirit into our hearts and now we can love with God’s own love, “the love that moves the sun and the other stars.”

Sister Gabriela of the Incarnation is a member of the Discalced Carmelites order in Flemington. Learn more at www. flemingtoncarmel.org.

— Alexander Andrews photo

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh” (Jn 6:51).

Human beings get hungry. It’s part of our biological nature. But, as spiritual beings, we also feel a higher form of hunger, a longing for spiritual nourishment that transcends a full stomach. To fulfill our deepest desires, Jesus came down from heaven, giving himself in the flesh to satisfy our hungry souls. Christmas is a profoundly Eucharistic feast because Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the “house of bread,” precisely to feed us, lying in a manger for all the hungry to approach.

Israel groaned in servitude, hungering for freedom. Wisemen, gazing toward heaven, hungered for truth. Simple shepherds, out late with their sheep, simply hungered. Jesus fed them all in different ways. The common thread is the gift of his life: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Jesus did not feed us with mere earthly sustenance but filled us with a divine feast “welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). This is why you are blessed if you “hunger now” (Luke 6:21). If you approach the manger already full, you cannot be filled there. But we mostly

Stress

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hunger for the wrong things, which is why Jesus says, “Woe to you who are full now” (Luke 6:25). We’ve become full of distractions — images, sounds, sights, and entertainment — with our inner sensibilities dulled by fleshly pleasures of the body — sensuality, sweets, money, and possessions. We focus on the flesh not as a source of love but something to possess, grasping after our immediate desires.

During Advent, the surrounding culture already feeds itself upon consumerism and sentimental expressions of the holiday. People are not really looking for anything. Therefore, they do not find their fulfillment of all genuine longing. Wisemen, surrounded by camels, shepherds with their sheep — this all becomes tame and even subsumed within the barrage of snowmen, reindeer and evergreens, rather than a genuine search to find the manger. Advent should be a time to grow in hunger, putting ourselves into the place of Israel, recognizing our exile in this world and longing for liberation.

We can’t celebrate Christmas well if we don’t hunger for Christ.

Jesus was born to feed you. He came to meet you in your exile, drawing forth your deepest desires and raising them beyond what you could even imagine. As we approach the manger, journeying with the shepherds and wisemen, we can find

Dr. Staudt’s column is syndicated by the Denver Catholic, the official publication of the Archdiocese of Denver.

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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mune with me? ‘Because I want to teach you spiritual childhood. I want you to be very little, because when you are little, I carry you close to My Heart, just as you are holding Me close to your heart right now.’ And with that, I was again alone, but no one can conceive the emotions of my soul, I was so fully plunged in God, like a sponge thrown into the sea” (Diary, 1481).

Jesus’s offering of himself, completely and entirely, both in his birth and at each Mass should draw us out of ourselves in imitation of him. The more we hunger for him and receive his nourishment, the more we become like him, members of his body given for the world.

As we consume him, he transforms us from the inside out, making of us a Eucharistic gift for the world.

Just as we wouldn’t last long without food for our bodies, so our souls starve without the gift of Jesus’s flesh. This Christmas, as you approach the creche, remember that Jesus came from heaven into the world to feed you. Like the oxen and ass, we, too, stand next to his crib to eat. And with this bread of angels, we have what we need to journey from that manger back to heaven.

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Christ anew as he unveils his flesh to us.

The reality of the Incarnation — his coming into the world — continues at Mass.

The crib is not empty as we approach it because Christmas does not point to a distant memory; it offers us a living reality in the Eucharist. We truly can rejoice with all those who encountered Christ before us because we, too, find what we need to satisfy our hunger.

Christmas can help us to approach the flesh of Christ in the Eucharist with renewed wonder and joy. Just as Jesus emptied himself becoming a child, he does the same at every Mass, coming to give his flesh to us and satiate our soul’s deepest hunger. He continues to empty himself under the appearance of bread, making himself vulnerable and so easy to overlook. We must hunger for him in faith to recognize him.

This link between the Eucharist and Christmas was unveiled for St. Faustina during Midnight Mass: “Today during Holy Mass, I saw the Infant Jesus near my kneeler. He appeared to be about one year old, and He asked me to take Him in my arms. When I did take Him in my arms, He cuddled up close to my bosom and said, ‘It is good for Me to be close to your heart.’

Although You are so little, I know that You are God. Why do You take the appearance of such a little baby to com-

OUR FAITH

By Dr. R. Jared Staudt

17

Flesh for the Life of the World: The Eucharistic Gift of Christmas

18 OUR DIOCESE

Today, dear brothers and sisters, I wish to add my voice to the cry which rises up with increasing anguish from every part of the world, from every people, from the heart of each person, from the one great family which is humanity: it is the cry for peace!

We want a peaceful world, we want to be men and women of peace, and we want in our society, torn apart by divisions and conflict, that peace break out! …

I appeal strongly for peace, an appeal which arises from deep within me. How much suffering, how much devastation, how much pain has the use of arms carried in its wake … I think of many children who will not see the light of the future! …

What can we do to make peace in the world? As Pope John [XXIII] said, it pertains to each individual to establish new relationships in human society under the mastery and guidance of justice and love. …

It is neither a culture of confrontation nor a culture of conflict which builds harmony within and between peoples, but rather a culture of encounter and a culture of dialogue; this is the only way to peace.

May the plea for peace rise up and touch the heart of everyone so that they may lay down their weapons and let themselves be led by the desire for peace.

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Pope Francis, Angelus, Saint Peter’s Square, Sept 1, 2013

Wishing our readers the peace of Christmas, in their families, in their communities and in their hearts.

Empowering men to live their faith at home, in their parish, at work and in their communities.

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DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Empowering men to live faith at home, their in their Empowering mentheir to live their faith atinhome, parish, at work at and in their parish, work and communities. in their communities.

While we spend this Advent season preparing for the One whose mission it was to sacrifice himself for us, we should also be thinking of what our mission is and how we can fulfill it.

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100

BIRTHDAY

Married to her beloved Mario, for 74 years.

OCTOBER 31,

2023

OUR DIOCESE

THE PARISH AND SCHOOL COMMUNITIES OF ST. AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, KENDALL PARK, TH OF CELEBRATE THE

Recipients of the celebration of Excellence in Education from the Diocese for their dedication to Catholic education, having worked for 44 years at Saint Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park.

The school cafeteria was named in honor of them when they retired as they became the grandmother and grandfather of all the school students!

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT DECEMBER 21, 2023

Maria and family, from left, Nicki Canestri, Vita Sparagna, Sina Sparagna, Maria D’Angio, Letizia D’Angio, Erasmo Tinacci, Luca Sparagna, Giovanni Sparagna, Lauren Sparagna • Maria at St. Augustine School, from left, Edward Modzelewski, Nicki Canestri, Maria D’Angio, Sina Sparagna, Sister Mary Louise Shulas, MPF.

20 OUR DIOCESE

Seeking peace in a time of violence focus of interfaith program

By Robert Christie, Correspondent

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Nestled on a gentle hill in Watchung lies Mount St. Mary House of Prayer, often referred to as a spiritual oasis on Route 22. The mission of Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer is rooted in the Gospel and the charism of the Sisters of Mercy, giving rise to a multitude of spiritual activities and prayer experiences.

On Nov. 8, the House of Prayer convened its 7th annual interreligious interfaith program on the theme of faith and nonviolence. Dominican Sister Laura Arvin, director, introduced the event along with Sister of Mercy Eileen Smith, co-director. Nonviolence is one of the Mercy Sisters’ critical concerns.

What followed was a two-hour conversation on nonviolence led by Father Anthony Randazzo, pastor, Holy Trinity Parish, Westfield. This event, said Sister Laura, is the “most important program of the year, since today we are numb due to violence in the world, but there are messages of hope.”

Five speakers from various religious traditions addressed the topic of “How Do Our Faiths Inspire Us to Live Non-

violently?” They spoke from foundations in Christianity, the Quakers, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam.

Each identified a principle of nonviolence in their respective traditions, which underscores the unity of humanity.

Arlene Johnson, a member of Chatham Summit Quaker Meeting, specified nonviolence as a major belief of the Quakers, She described how their worship service conveys this principle. Nonconfrontation and the avoidance of negativity or disagreement are hallmarks of Quaker meetings, emphasizing in practice the principle of nonviolence.

Michelle Weintraub, a Jew and also a practitioner of yoga in the Hindu tradition, noted that the two traditions complement each other: “Most religions point to peace,” she stressed, expressed in the Hindu principle of ahimsa, nonviolence. Yoga promotes internal mind-body-breath integration, fostering internal peace from which one can contribute to social nonviolence.

Ilana Goldman, a Jewish cantor, spoke about the tradition of kaballah, Jewish mysticism, and its understanding of the shattering of God’s creation into pieces, each of which is imbued with the

divine. It explains the relationship of all humanity in the finite universe to the unchanging, eternal God. Dr. Reverend Ursula Cargill, a Christian and minister of the Reformed Church of America, noted the centrality of Jesus and his suffering on the cross as key to understanding nonviolence, citing the passage of Matthew 26:52 regarding Jesus’s exhortation to Peter to put away his sword when soldiers came to arrest him in the garden of Gethsemane.

Farah Hussein, a Muslim and Koran student, spoke about her personal family experience wherein conflicts with her mother-in-law caused rifts within the family. Her Koran studies caused a behavioral change when she stumbled upon the admonition, “Do not break blood ties.” This led her to resolve those issues and taught her the value of her tradition’s teachings that promote peace.

Father Randazzo posed another question to the panel: How can we talk with those who are not necessarily drawn to nonviolence? Johnson stressed the obligation to resist violence: “You must witness even in the face of apparent failure. Nonviolence is activist, not pas-

Representatives from five various religious traditions share how their faith inspires a life of nonviolence Nov. 8 during the 7th annual interfaith program in Mount St. Mary House of Prayer, Watchung. Pictured, above, from left, are Dr. Reverend Ursula Cargill, Arlene Johnson, Michelle Weintraub, Ilana Goldman and Farah Hussein. At right, Father Anthony Randazzo, led the twohour program. —Robert Christie photos

sivity.” Reverend Cargill echoed these sentiments: “We are called to witness that love is more powerful than hate.

The program closed with a discussion about self-defense, which panelists agreed is permissible when confronting violence, with the exhortation to “try radical love.”

For those so interested, the House of Prayer offers programs and special events year-round on many subjects of a spiritual nature. See www.msmhope.org for more information.

MSMA celebrates Immaculate Conception with Mass, tree blessing Bishop James F. Checchio joined friends, families, students, and educators in Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, Dec. 8 to celebrate Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. In the morning, seniors processed into the chapel to place ornaments, crafted by the National Art Honor Society, on the Christmas tree which was later blessed by Bishop Checchio and illuminated. Visiting grandparents of freshmen and seniors were distinguished guests who enjoyed a special Tea in the Sister Lisa Gambacorto Theater with their granddaughters. Mercy Sister Lisa Gambacorto, who serves as directress, acknowledged, “Some of the best educators in the world are grandparents who provide wisdom for their grandchildren - and give them the knowledge of your experience of living life...a perspective they can only get from you.” —Michelle Daino photos

By Anna Trotta Githens

Center, the Chapel of Reconciliation is often recognized as a place of Angelic Pardon.

Left, the statue of St. Michael the Archangel, bedecked with flowers, is carried in procession around the town where the saint is honored by thousands of pilgrims.

— Anna Trotta Githens photos

DECEMBER 21, 2023

“O Glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Heavenly Court, pray for us now and at the hour of our death.”

At top, Mass is celebrated on the Feast of St. Michael in the grotto, which has received millions of pilgrims over the centuries.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

There are heavenly choirs of Seraphim and Cherubim, Thrones and Dominions, Virtues, Powers and Principalities, Guardian Angels and Archangels. And there is St. Michael the Archangel, fierce warrior against evil, conqueror of demons, chief of princes, defender of faith, and patron of soldiers, police and doctors. Hailed as “the great prince who has charge of [God’s] people” (Daniel 12:1), his name means, “Who is like God?” I have always had a special affinity for St. Michael. Since I was a little girl I have visited the mountain upon which he is known to have appeared, the Shrine consecrated by the Archangel himself, and the small town nestled atop named in his honor. Monte Sant’Angelo on the Gargano, or Mountain of the Holy Angel, was my father’s hometown where he spent the years of his youth. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, it is a modest town “rich in celestial virtue.” Built over the site where St. Michael appeared, Basilica Santuario San Michele holds a sacred cave. It the oldest shrine in Western Europe.

I remember my grandmother praying the rosary in the grotto, so, from a young age, I understood that it was a holy place. My father took much pride in his culture, his family and all the people living in his village. With a father named Michele (pronounced Me-ke-le) and a grandfather named Angelo, Monte Sant’Angelo has always felt like home and has been a cherished family refuge.

This year, four years after my last visit with my mother, I came with my son on the Feast of St. Michael. Previously, his apparitions were observed on May 8th. Since 1960, St. Michael has been honored with Archangels Raphael and Gabriel on September 29th, the anniversary of the dedication of his basilica.

We arrived on the eve of his feast day as hundreds of street vendors busily prepared their concession stands throughout the town. As always, we were lovingly

embraced by our relatives and treated with the utmost kindness and care.

The highlight of the weekend is the procession around the town. The bishop carries the sword of Saint Michael, blessing the faithful throughout the streets overflowing with thousands of pilgrims.

A tray bearing stones from the cave is also carried. A people of faith and tradition, all citizens of the town have a stone in their homes. Their famous, freshly baked bread may be seen through the windows of bakeries adorning the narrow, cobblestone streets. My cousin had the honor of presenting a large loaf as a gift from Monte Sant’Angelo to Pope St. John Paul II during his papacy.

Siamo Pellegrini, the official anthem in honor of St. Michael, was sung throughout the procession: “O glorious Archangel, protect in this way our company that comes crying to you. We are pilgrims, we are your devotees, Saint Michael the Archangel, pray for us.” Also sung in the Basilica, it is the most wellknown and classic song among those dedicated to the Archangel.

After the procession we attended Mass in the grotto. Upon entering we saw the altar built on the spot where St. Francis of Assisi once knelt and prayed.

Feeling unworthy to enter, he kissed the stone and carved a Cross in the shape of a “T” for “Tau”, the name of the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It represents the fulfillment of God’s Word and is a symbol of salvation.

Many saints, including Bridget of Sweden, Thomas Aquinas and Padre Pio, and many popes including Leo IX, Urban II, and John Paul II, in addition to kings, emperors and princes have visited the sacred Shrine.

As the evening came to a close, fireworks lit the night sky and an orchestra played Italian classics in the town center.

As I stood with others devoted to the faith and to the Archangel chosen by God to protect it, I glanced up at the full moon and my heart was filled with gratitude. In a place where time seems to stand still, our faith is the common thread connecting us throughout the centuries.

For more information about the Shrine, visit https://www.santuariosanmichele.it/

PERSPECTIVES

“Make yourself familiar with the angels and behold them frequently in spirit; for without being seen, they are present with you.”

- St. Francis De Sales

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Monte Sant’Angelo: home of the “Celestial Basilica” consecrated by St. Michael the Archangel

OUR DIOCESE

22

Annual Walk for Life a time of rejoicing for Life Choices

"The Lord is my light and my salvation."

Annual Diocesan

RESPECT LIFE Mass 01.21.24 Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi 548 Main Street, Metuchen, NJ 08840

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

-12NOON

Join the Diocese of Metuchen in honoring long-time pro-life volunteers and the 2024 Pro-Vita Award Recipients

MORE INFORMATION: Contact Angela Marsha11 at amarsha11@diometuchen.org or 732;562;1543 LIGHT RECEPTION TO FOLLOW This event is sponsored by the Office of Human Life & Dignity

Principal Jay Locquiao, left, and students of St. Francis Cathedral School, Metuchen, were among the more than 300 people who participated in the annual Life Choices Walk for Life Oct. 28 in Merrill Park, Colonia. —Courtesy photo Prayer, song and thanksgiving was the framework of the day when Life Choices Resource Center, Metuchen, welcomed more than 300 people of all ages to their annual Walk for Life, Oct. 28, in Merrill Park, Colonia.

Father Gregory Zannetti, parochial vicar, St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia, offered the opening prayer for a day that was “a time of rejoicing for all the women, men and children who come to Life Choices every day,” said Elaine Yunker, director of outreach. “Some come in fear and leave with hope. Some come with indecision and leave with comfort. Some come with loneliness and leave with friendship. Some come with regret and leave with peace.”

A highlight of the day was LCRC client, Julia, who entertained the crowd with her newly recorded song, Chosen.

“We just love being witness to the life our clients are able to build for themselves and their families because of the love and support they can always count

on from the staff and volunteers at Life Choices,” said Yunker.

A record number of students also volunteered and participated in the walk this year, hailing from many public, private and parochial schools in the area. With assistance from directors of religious education, principals, youth ministers and educators, members of the Student Ambassador Program manned various stations, such as the photo booth, games, life chaine link, baby swaddling and refreshments.

“As a fundraising event, the outpouring of support surpassed our goal, enabling us to continue the life-saving mission we are called to do in Jesus’ name. Thank you to everyone who participated in person, in spirit and in love.

We cannot help those in need without you. We are so blessed to have been called by God and we offer our prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord who loves us,” stressed Yunker.

For more informations visit https:// lifechoicesrc.com.

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11 days: September 30 - October 10, 2024 Hosted by Rev. John Alvarado Starting at $3899 from Newark*

*Air/land tour price is $3379 plus $520 government taxes/airline surcharges

For more information, please contact: Fr. John Alvarado, Email: jpa139rev@comcast.net Nawas International Travel, Tel: (800) 221-4984

23 SEASONAL

The most contemplative time of the year can propel a most contemplative year

By Msgr. Joseph J. Kerrigan Special Contributor “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” the singer Andy Williams crooned 60 years ago in his well-known Christmas song.

For Catholics, the Advent-Christmas cycle can also be the most contemplative time of the year. We’re invited to watch and wait, to journey more reflectively into starry nights, vivid nativity scenes and evocative biblical narratives featuring light and darkness, word and flesh, birth and death.

For those who enter Advent and Christmas at this deeper level of surrender, the truth of the Catechism’s teaching on contemplative prayer (#2713) resonates: “Contemplative prayer is the simplest expression of the mystery of prayer.

It is a gift, a grace; it can be accepted only in humility and poverty. Contemplative prayer is a covenant relationship established by God within our hearts.”

Just because the January soundtrack turns from soothing Christmas hymns to the pounding of treadmills or the drone of our everyday routine doesn’t mean that we must leave the contemplative

spirit behind in pursuit of New Year’s resolutions to exercise more or to return to the former, pre-Christmas status quo.

The new year can also be a time to resolve to go deeper in prayer, to decide to “be” the prayer as much as simply the person who says prayers or adds more prayers in pursuit of progress.

Resolving to begin a contemplative practice is not as hard as it may seem.

As a pastor, I like to introduce candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation to the basics of our Catholic contemplative tradition and practices as part of their final preparations. Several weeks ago, as I began to lead a period of meditation, I noticed several students showing familiarity with taking up the proper position. I asked them why they seemed so comfortable, and they said their soccer coaches regularly lead meditation sessions at the team practice.

I was very heartened but also a bit deflated to hear this. It’s great that coaches and teachers are introducing meditation and mindfulness practices to students, but how much more exciting would it be for parents, catechists or pastors to pass on the fruits of their own contemplative prayer as a youngster’s invitation and “baptism” into such methods?

There is a subtle but profound difference between secular forms of meditation and classic contemplative practice in our Christian tradition. While the former is popular and seems to be always gaining in popularity, the latter is decidedly counter-cultural, not only because of its explicitly God-centered focus, but because of its self-emptying and egocleansing potential which will never be popular in mainstream cultures.

Yet, if more of us develop first-hand experience with Centering Prayer, Christian Meditation, the Jesus Prayer, Lectio Divina or other widely-practiced forms of contemplation in our Catholic tradition, not only do we make strides in pursuit of our truest self in Christ, we increase the odds that the next generation’s first impactful experience with meditation will be faith-based. We can get started within minutes by simply plugging the names of these prayer forms into a search engine if we’re not familiar with how to pray them. Centering Prayer (contemplative outreach.org) and Christian Meditation (wccm.org) even have their own websites, which are valuable resources and legacies to the modern teachers of these practices, Trappist Father Thomas Keat-

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DECEMBER 21, 2023

Above, St. Therese of Lisieux is featured holding an image of the Holy Face in this stained-glass depiction of beloved female saints in the Church of St. Therese, Montauk, N.Y. Illustrated are Sts. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Theresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux and Catherine of Siena. —OSV News photo/

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Holiness is a gift everyone receives with Baptism, and it is a journey to be made together with the help of the saints in heaven, Pope Francis said on the feast of All Saints. The saints “are our elder brothers and sisters, on whom we can always count,” he said before reciting the Angelus with people gathered in St. Peter’s Square Nov. 1. “Holiness is a gift from God which we have received with Baptism,” Pope Francis said. “If we let it grow, it can completely change our life.” Holiness is also a journey “to be made together, helping each other, united with those excellent companions who are the saints,” he said. Pope Francis invited Catholics to get to know the lives of the saints, “to be moved by their examples” and “to turn to them in prayer.” “In their lives we find an example, in their prayers we receive help and friendship, and with them we are bound in a bond of brotherly love,” he said.

— Andreas Kretschmer photo

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Learn about the lives of saints, be moved by their examples, Pope says

ing and Benedictine Father John Main, respectively.

As with any new or new year’s resolution, it’s one thing to get started, and it’s another to persevere. For contemplation to really take hold, we must make a commitment every day to pray in this fashion, and, if possible, to have the reinforcement of some others in our household or parish with whom to pray and/or to hold up our commitment.

New Year’s is a great time to make that contemplative start! May this new year 2024 prove to be the most contemplative year for many more newcomers to the tradition.

Msgr. Kerrigan is pastor of St. Joseph Church, Bound Brook, and a founding member of the World Community of Christian Meditation contemplative clergy network.

24 SEASON OF LIGHT

“May the radiance of your birth light up the night of the world.”

S T. P O P E J O H N PA U L I I

Special guests at dinner under Bernini’s colonnade – the homeless

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Paulina Guzik ROME (OSV News) – The lighting of a Christmas tree and unveiling of a Nativity scene at the Vatican on Dec. 9 included a group of special guests. For the first time in history, 150 homeless people had a festive meal, served

by Italian journalists and their families, under the famous baroque Bernini’s colonnade in St. Peter’s Square. The meal was organized by the Dicastery for the Service of Charity and St. Peter’s Parish with the support of the Governorate of Vatican City State as part of the “actions of a social nature of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter’s in preparation for the Jubilee” of 2025.

In 1656, when sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini was entrusted with the construction of the now-famous colonnade, Rome was dramatically affected by the epidemic of plague, and it was difficult to find construction workers. Pope Alexander VII decided to gather homeless people living around the Vatican to help build what is today considered a baroque masterpiece. “Now I thank God the homeless people of today could dine here because this is where they live, under the colonnade, it’s their place,” Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity told OSV News. The cooks were also special – staff of the biggest television channel in Italy – RAI. They served the homeless with their children. “The children were beautifully dressed; they walked every homeless person to a white table where the meal was served to them like in an exclusive restaurant,” Cardinal Krajewski said.

Dinner for 150 homeless people accompanied lightening of a Christmas tree in the Vatican Dec. 9, 2023, in an unusual space under Bernini’s colonnade. —OSV News photo/ courtesy Dicastery for the Service of Charity

In a heartwarming display of Christmas spirit and generosity, students at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, came together for a unique Christmas tree donation program, spreading the magic of the season to families in need. Each grade embraced the spirit of giving by purchasing or making decorations for Christmas trees, turning the school lobby into a festive wonderland for a worthy cause.

The initiative, spearheaded by the student council, aimed to not only cultivate a sense of community within the school but to also extend the warmth of the holidays to those less fortunate. The culmination of this festive endeavor was a joint effort with the Campus Ministry Department, which spent the month of December collecting food, gifts, and gift cards for families in need.

All those items, along with the trees and ornaments, were donated to Catholic Charities, which will help deliver them to families experiencing hardships during the holiday season. The initiative not only provides tangible holiday joy, but also serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and community service.

Principal Harry Ziegler expressed admiration for the students’ enthusiasm and commitment to making a positive impact in the community: “Our students have truly embodied the Christmas spirit, showcasing the values of compassion, kindness, and generosity that are at the heart of our Catholic faith and our school community.”

As the decorated trees and donations spread joy in new homes throughout central New Jersey, the students at St. Thomas Aquinas High School not only brightened the Christmas season for those less fortunate, but also created lasting memories of community, compassion, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Mike Kowalczyk serves as director of communications for St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison.

SEASON OF LIGHT

By Mike Kowalczyk Special Contributor

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St. Thomas Aquinas students create festive lobby for an important cause

Juniors Catherine Frost, Brandon Gafanhao, and Brianna Romero, along with Junior class advisor Joseph Vigilante, left, decorate one of their grade’s trees.

Seniors Sophia Llaguno, Nicholas Basilico, and Ava Ignar put the finishing touches on their ’24 Karat Christmas tree. —Courtesy photos

Advent smiles!

—Facebook photo

DECEMBER 21, 2023

First graders in Immaculate Conception School, Somerville, created their own Advent wreaths for their Advent lesson, and then moved to the carpet where they prayed on their own. —Facebook photo

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

This Little Knight in St. Augustine of Canterbury Preschool, Kendall Park, was full of smiles learning about Advent and making Advent wreaths as a reminder that we are all joyfully waiting for Baby Jesus to come on Christmas morning.

26 HISPANIC

Hispanic Retreat a time of encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist

By Adriana Molina Guillen Correspondent

In a spirit of unity and devotion, the Hispanic community of the Diocese gathered Dec 2, for an Advent retreat titled, “Walking Together Towards the Encounter with the Lord: A Day of Prayer and Reflection on Personal Encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist as the Source, Summit, and Center of the Church.”

Held in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Father Gustavo Rodriguez-Perez, coordinator of Hispanic Lay Formation, initiated the retreat by welcoming the participants and leading the morning prayer of

Lauds from the Liturgy of the Hours.

Costa Rican psychologist and international conference speaker, Kristian Chaves, who also hosts a daily program on Radio Maria Costa Rica, shared his experiences, encouraging participants: “Let us be good mangers so that God may be born in our hearts. Let’s take an introspective look from the heart, pointing to Advent as a time of preparation and the Eucharist as a vital transformative tool in the life of a Christian. Let’s aim to be simple, humble, and honest in the eyes of the Lord, who sees in secret.”

He invited participants to reflect on the profound truth that “the presence of

Jesus in the Church reaches its supreme intensity in the Sacrament of the Eucharist,” the most intimate communion of each person with Jesus Christ.

A guided holy hour with Lectio Divina, led by Deacon Edgar Chaves, provided a space for personal reflection.

Accompanied by music and moments of silence, the hour allowed participants to deepen their encounter with the Lord.

Confessions were also made available.

Lunchtime fostered a sense of community as participants shared their experiences and reflections. The retreat continued with the second talk focusing on “A Heart that Honors the Presence of the Lord.” Emphasis was placed on preparing the heart to speak with the Lord and not just about him. The session prompted contemplation on whether, during Advent, believers could expect the Lord in the Eucharist, experiencing an intimate

Above, guest presenter Kristian Chaves engages participants during the Hispanic Advent retreat held Dec. 2 in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway.

At right, Deacon Edgar Chaves prays behind the monstrance holding the Body of Jesus in the Eucharist during Eucharistic Holy Hour in the pastoral center chapel.

and transformative encounter with Jesus in the form of bread.

Questions were posed: Does belief in this transformation manifest in our lives? Is it evident in our actions? Do we emerge from this encounter renewed, transformed, and joyous? The transformative power of the Eucharist emerged as a central theme, influencing and reshaping lives.

Margot Chaves, a participant from St. Mary of Mount Virgin Parish, Middlesex, expressed that each Advent season offers an opportunity for renewal, a chance to refresh the soul and improve through perseverance in humility. Chaves encapsulated her reflection by emphasizing that without seeing Jesus, humanity is nothing, and pondered on God’s expectations from humanity in the face of faith.

Sara Ascona, a participant from Visitation Parish, New Brunswick, expressed her enjoyment of coming together with other individuals striving to grow and live their faith, believing the joy to transmit this faith within their families and communities is a call.

Concluding the discussion, Kristian Chaves emphasized, “A heart that honors God is prepared to listen to his voice, abandon everything to honor God, and demonstrate willingness to obey, even when his guidance appears unconventional or madness. Let go of the voices of anxiety and the world; create room, open spaces, delve into silence, and learn to attune to the voice of God.”

— Adriana Molina Guillen photos

Valeria Morales selected for Institute of Contemplative Leadership

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Adriana Molina Guillen Correspondent Valeria Morales, a member of St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook, is a Mexican American bilingual social worker hailing from Rutgers University who was recently selected as a participant in the Inaugural Institute of Contemplative Leadership at Mepkin Abbey, South Carolina.

This distinguished selection came about when Father Joseph Kerrigan, pastor, recognizing Valeria’s skills, dedication and faith, suggested she apply for the Institute. Valeria successfully underwent the application process and is now one of only 17 individuals chosen.

Among those, Valeria stands out as the sole Latino participant. Set to embark on the first week of Institute training in early January, she is poised to contribute a unique perspective to this transformative program.

Through her profession as a social worker, Valeria provides crucial mental health services support as an in-home counselor, particularly focusing on Latin American families grappling with mental health challenges such as depression, anx-

Valeria Morales, far right, with members of St. Joseph Parish youth group during a fundraising bake sale. From left are Sandra Moran, Noemi Moran, Melanie Garcia, and Emily Bautista.

— Courtesy photo

iety, and stress disorders, often compounded by issues of poverty and immigration.

In addition to her professional vocation, Valeria is deeply involved in ministry services for her parish. Serving as a mentor for a youth group, she guides them in developing leadership skills to create positive impacts in their community. Valeria, along with her team, is actively collaborating with other parishes to organize a mental health fair for the upcoming year.

Previously, Valeria facilitated a women’s justice circle at her parish, leading an educational presentation on domestic violence, with a focus on immigrant victims. This collaborative effort with the local domestic violence response organization aims to establish healing circles for women who have experienced relationship trauma.

The Institute seeks to deepen the skills of lay contemplative leaders, fos-

tering communities of individuals aspiring to live a more contemplative life.

Participants will develop a Rule of Life, nurturing their ongoing spiritual growth.

What makes Valeria’s participation particularly noteworthy is the Institute’s special emphasis on reaching communities with limited resources and/or restricted access to contemplative teachings. Her participation underscores the Institute’s dedication to inclusivity and the cultivation of contemplative leadership across diverse backgrounds.

Addressing the challenges in the Hispanic community’s access to mental health services, Valeria emphasizes: “The role of spirituality as a critical protective factor for mental health wellness”. Her aim is to share contemplative practices within her community, fostering deeper relationships with God and instilling strength and resilience in those navigating mental health experiences.

Valeria shares her personal journey of returning to the Church, aiming to inspire youth and young adults, pointing out, “No matter how many steps you have taken away from God, it only takes one step to get back.”

St. Thomas Aquinas students’ research published in International Youth Neuroscience Journal

By Mike Kowalczyk Special Contributor

The initials on the National Honor Society stole, C S L S, represent the society’s four pillars: Character, Scholarship, Leadership, and Service.

— Tara Smith photo

DECEMBER 21, 2023

Recognized for having met the requirements, the following Immaculata High School students were inducted into the National Honor Society: Seniors: Jerrel Alston; Lia Cerracchio; Trinity Cirinelli; Gabriella Fitch; Julia Gallo; Nathan LaRoche; Isabella Menist; Garrett Priebracha; Aric Rivera; Sofia Salgado; and Carissa Terhune Juniors: Charles Alexis; Sienna Armenti; Isabelle Bariso; Braylon Colon; Julia Diaz; Christopher Eckert; Aidan English; Mollie Ferriera; Thomas Frazzetto; Abigail HooFatt; Colette Karlis; Brigid Kennedy; Caden Ludlow; Maia Minakas; Tyler Pollock; Devin Reeves; Gillian Roethke; Joseph Sause; Connor Stevens; and Madeline Tavaglione Sophomores: Lillia Ariyan; William Cantono IV; Caroline Duffey; Vanessa Gunawan; Cloe Hardy; Justin Hummel; Carmella Ibañez; Alexander Kozoriz; Katelyn Kwiatkowski; Ria Lamzon; Emily Nichols; James Roccanova; and Sienna Smith-Nesbitt Contributed by Tara Smith, IHS’s director of Marketing and Communications.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

In a remarkable display of determination and scholarly excellence, St. Thomas Aquinas High School students, Nicholas Tonzola III and Marissa Nieves, from the class of 2024, have made headlines by having their groundbreaking research published in the International Youth Neuroscience Journal.

Nicholas and Marissa embarked on an ambitious research project titled “A View on Correlatives for Dementia Knowledge: A High School Survey” in the fall of 2022. Their motivation to explore this topic stemmed from personal experiences with dementia, and a shared belief that public knowledge about dementia was lacking, leading to stigmatization.

Reflecting on their achievement, Nicholas and Marissa said, “Dementia has uniquely impacted both of our lives. Our research project, while long and arduous, served to better our understanding of the disease, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see our work come to fruition.”

The project evolved into an interdisciplinary venture, involving the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and social sciences. They conducted a comprehensive survey that garnered responses from 373 individuals, including students, faculty, and staff at the Edison school.

The research journey involved an extensive period of data analysis, culminating in the discovery that knowing someone with dementia significantly improved survey accuracy. Moreover, age was found to be a significant factor in certain questions.

Despite facing several challenges, in-

cluding limited experience in research paper writing and statistical analysis, Nicholas and Marissa persevered and successfully overcame these obstacles. Their dedication to learning and growth was a testament to their commitment to their project.

To secure publication, the students diligently researched journals within their subject area that accepted high school students’ contributions. After applying to several journals and making necessary formatting adjustments, they received acceptance from The Journal of the International Youth Neuroscience Association, where their work has been published in the November 2023 edition.

Faculty advisor Mr. Paul Nolan commented on Nicholas and Marissa’s achievement: “This informative work is the culmination of scholarship utilizing decision-making and problem-solving skills with an indomitable work ethic. Their enthusiasm and unflinching interest in the subject was most enjoyable to watch.”

The project’s journey is far from over, as Nicholas and Marissa are in the process of creating a video component featuring interviews with experts in the field of dementia. The dedication and hard work invested in this project, spanning well over 100 hours across several months, underscore the students’ passion for raising awareness about dementia.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School applauds Nicholas Tonzola III and Marissa Nieves for their remarkable achievement and dedication to advancing our understanding of dementia. Their journey serves as an inspiration to all aspiring young researchers.

Mike Kowalczyk serves as St. Thomas High School director of Communications.

from the previous academic year.

In addition, juniors and seniors must meet the following requirements: two honors courses for two years but not necessarily in the same sequence; completion of a service document with documentation by the moderators of the activities; comments from faculty on leadership and character of candidates based on observation in a classroom setting; and review of all documents by the Faculty Council mid-November. Sophomores must meet almost identical requirements but their two honors courses must be in the same discipline for two years.

SCHOOLS

Principal Harry Ziegler, left, and honors program advisor Paul Nolan, far right, with Nicholas Tonzola III and Marissa Nieves holding copies of their research article and the journal in which it was published. —Courtesy photo

Forty-four students were inducted into the National Honor Society at Immaculata High School, Somerville, on Nov. 6, bringing the total count of students in the school’s chapter to 107 or 20% of the total student body, a testament to the school’s academic rigor, leadership development, and student preparedness.

The National Honor Society program empowers and equips students with the knowledge and skills to be transformative leaders in their school, community, and beyond. According to the program’s website, it gives recognition to high school students who show outstanding scholarship, character, service, and leadership, the heart of the program’s four pillars.

During the induction ceremony, Ed Webber, the school’s principal, credited the students for their pursuit of greatness and their diligence in adhering to the pillars of the National Honor Society, which closely mirror Immaculata’s own four pillars of faith, scholarship, service, and friendship.

“Your induction is, indeed, a celebration of achievement, a culmination of years of effort, and hopefully the beginning of a lifelong journey of continued excellence,” he said to the inductees, who were gathered in the school’s theater for the induction ceremony. “Yet, I do believe that it is important to remember our school’s pillar of faith, as well.”

Speaking to the students, Webber reminded them that their faith teaches reliance on Christ’s example and a continual seeking of the intercession of his mother, Mary, saying that faith is “knowing that we are all called to greatness and to see the face of Christ in others.” He continued, saying, “Most importantly, your God-given talents, which propelled you here tonight, are to be used for good in the world.

God has blessed you with many gifts; use them well at the service of others.”

“No matter how successful you become in scholarship or service; no matter how much of a leader you are, whether at Immaculata or as a CEO of a Fortune 500 company; no matter how much character you show in the face of adversity; and no matter how many friendships you accumulate along the way, there will always be the need for faith,” said Webber.

“There will be times, even when you are successful, that you will be tested, and in those times, it is essential to remember that Christ is walking this journey with us,” the principal advised.

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are accepted for membership in the Immaculata High School chapter of the National Honor Society. The search begins in late September, and invited students must meet stringent eligibility requirements, including having a cumulative GPA of 3.7

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Immaculata High School inducts 44 students into National Honor Society

28 SCHOOLS

Under the direction of Immaculate Conception School staff and administrators, students earned their Green Flag Award through EcoSchools US, bottom left, and gave demonstrations of their grade-level projects, right, to the rest of the school during a school-wide gathering. The school’s Blue Knight, bottom right, stands next to a new buddy bench created from recycling more than 500 pounds of plastic collected by families. —Facebook photos

Annandale school receives prestigious Green Flag Award for environmental stewardship In a world that is increasingly recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship, Immaculate Conception School, Annandale, has emerged as a shining example of dedication and commitment to sustainability, having recently been the recipient of the Green Flag Award from EcoSchool U.S. The award is EcoSchool’s highest honor in the realm of eco-consciousness and a globally respected symbol of environmental excellence.

Two years ago, the school met with New Jersey Audubon Society’s specialist, Allison Mulch, to learn more about preparing for the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon School Award.

As a precursor to applying to become a Green Ribbon school, Immaculate

Conception School decided to join the EcoSchool U.S. program, a certification program for elementary through secondary schools that nurtures environmental learning and climate action and is overseen by the National Wildlife Federation – the exclusive national operator of EcoSchools in the United States and a member of the international network of EcoSchools, coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

The sustainability effort aligns with ICS’s vision of integrating STEM education into learning which began in 2019 when a group of teachers attended Notre Dame’s STEM Teaching Fellows program.

Connie Fortunato, principal, noted that this achievement, which required student led assessments, hitting bench-

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

G R E E N I N I T I AT I V E S

Waste reduction

Energy conservation

Water management

Middle school students conducted an audit to identify areas of excessive waste and then implemented plans to reduce waste in the bathrooms and cafeteria. Waste in the cafeteria will be reduced through increased recycling, reusable containers, and composting.

Bathroom waste will be addressed with a pilot program testing the efficacy of energy efficient electric hand dryers.

Middle school students are in the process of conducting a school wide audit to find “energy vampires” that unnecessarily use energy and to calculate the energy usage in the building.

Based on the audit, students will meet with the business office and maintenance staff to implement procedures to reduce energy used throughout the building.

Fourth grade students worked with a parent to install a water irrigation system for the school garden to minimize water usage. Students decided to put a timer on the system so they could water in the morning and evening when there would be less evaporation.

marks, and meeting stringent criteria, embodied the school’s integrated approach to learn about sustainable practices and make a profound investment in the well-being of the planet God created.

As the school pursued the Green Flag award, they worked to align Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ with the EcoSchool initiatives in several ways: Laudato Si’ emphasizes the concept of “caring for our common home,” planet, Earth. EcoSchool programs teach students about environmental responsibility, instilling a sense of stewardship for the Earth among young learners. Both Laudato Si’ and EcoSchools share a common commitment to preserving and protecting the environment. Pope Francis calls for ecological education in Laudato Si’, stressing the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. Immaculate Concep-

tion’s students and teachers engaged in hands-on learning experiences in nature, teaching children about ecosystems, biodiversity, and the delicate balance of our planet’s natural systems.

The resounding success of ICS students and faculty serves as an inspiration for schools nationwide and underscores the transformative power of collective action. The Green Flag projects were driven by ICS student leaders working collaboratively with the community, ICS families and friends, staff, and faculty.

Immaculate Conception School is proud of the hard work and dedication shown

by ICS students and looks forward to their future ideas and accomplishments towards earning Green Ribbon recognition.

Initial article contributed by Immaculate Conception School, Annandale.

Biodiversity preservation

Certified wildlife habitat

Environmental education

Kindergarten and first grade students learned about bees and their importance in pollination.

Students designed and built a bee garden, complete with bee baths, next to the school’s garden. Students invited a local beekeeper to come to school to teach them about bees and how to take care of them. They used their collected data to write informational books as well as made presentations to teach others about honeybees and how to increase their population.

Third grade students completed an audit of the school property and decided the grounds needed water sources. They made and sold bird feed cones to raise money to purchase bird baths and puddle ponds and earned the certification. Fifth grade ran a sunglass fundraiser to purchase bat boxes for the property to increase the bat population to help with pollination. They are building and installing the bat boxes this year. The team effort of grades K to 5 will increase the biodiversity on the ICS campus.

Second grade students continue to work on an outdoor learning space for ICS students. They have started to implement their plan for an outdoor classroom and will continue by installing a sensory garden and game tables.

SCHOOLS

Author Gayle Boss delights some 200 St. Helena School children with her presentation on the children’s edition of her book “All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings.”

The book’s illustrator, Sharon Spitz, lives in Israel. Boss brought a guest, Sylvie, a red fox puppet, who delighted the children.

29

Author uses creation to help students understand Advent waiting

— Courtesy photos

By Robert Christie Correspondent Waiting can be a challenge for children, but author Gayle Boss led them to a new understanding Nov. 10 when she visited St. Helena School, Edison, to talk about the new children’s edition of her book, “All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings.”

Two hundred children from pre-K3 through eighth grade filed into the auditorium for an hour and a half session by Boss, who employed a red fox puppet named Sylvie, French for “from the forest,” with whom she talked intermittently and who whispered back, much to the

delight of the children. The book features illustrations of animals with brief text, designed to be children friendly. It uses animals of the northern woodlands as a way of understanding Advent, the Christian season of waiting for Jesus.

“Animals change in amazing ways going into winter. They live outside all the time. We learn a great deal from them,” said Boss. The twenty-four animal stories included in the book are designed to be read one day at a time in the spirit of Advent, ending with the same refrain: “The dark is not an end. It’s a door. It’s the way a new beginning comes.”

Boss focused on the many different reasons animals also have to wait, includ-

ing the painted turtle, who gets heat from the environment and holds its breath for months in cold weather, waiting until it can safely breathe again. She also spoke of the wood frog, which slowly freezes completely in ice and then waits, until it unfreezes in the spring.

These stories are meant to help readers grow in respect for their animal kin and, throughout the book, they build until Dec. 25, with the appearance of Jesus, who was born in an animal shelter. “All creation waits for Jesus and for us to be at home with all of our animal kin,” said Boss.

Boss held the young audience in rapt attention throughout her presentation.

Upon opening it for questions, on-going

discussions with students ended only in preparation for dismissal.

The event was organized by Father Anthony Sirianni, St. Helena pastor; school principal Felician Sister Mary Charles Wienckoski, and Mary Kay Cullinan, parish director of religious education.

Father Sirianni commented, “The excitement of the children when Gayle read a story from her book connecting nature to Advent was truly a gift. It made me look forward to Advent.”

Sister Mary Charles acknowledged, “Our students were mesmerized by the stories Gayle read from ‘All Creation Waits.’ Hearing how the animals learn to wait for seasons to change and how they prepare for the changing seasons was a perfect example of how they must learn to be patient during Advent. It ends with the birth of Jesus surrounded by the animals. What better way to end a story!

Great book with a story for every day of Advent.”

St. Helena School dedicates library to long-time staff member

By Robert Christie Correspondent “I was so happy to have had the opportunity to work with, and to have loved, her,” said Father Anthony Sirianni, pastor, St. Helena Parish, Edison, in the first of numerous testimonies regarding Lynne Marie Soltys on the occasion of the school library dedication in her honor.

It was exactly two years to the day that Lynne passed away at the age of 70

Lynne Marie Soltys —Robert Christie photo

hangs in the library dedicated to her. Elizabeth Manuel and Ysabella Jimenez, both seventh graders, spoke affectionately of their former teacher: “She was an amazing person,” volunteered one. “She made everything enjoyable,” said the other.

As the assembly broke up into small informal groups to enjoy refreshments, a young man from India, Joseph Ernest, recounted attending an open house at St. Helena School a few years ago, and recalled, “It was Lynne who sold me on the school. She inspired me to send my daughter here.”

DECEMBER 21, 2023

friend, recalling, “We travelled to Rome together. Lynne spurred students to contribute to the missions as our director of religious education.”

Another fellow teacher, Rosanne Caldwell, recalled that “Lynne was great to work with. She was always enthusiastic.” Two other special friends were in attendance, who dubbed themselves “Team Lynne.” When she became ill and required transportation for medical treatment, they organized a “team” of volunteers to shuttle Lynne to and from her appointments.

One such transporter was Keith Cerra, whose children attended St. Helena.

“Lynne was a good lady. She liked my dogs, which sometimes came along for the ride. She said they helped to calm her.”

Another “team” member, Sallie Ahimovic, who taught pre-K and kindergarten, knew Lynne for 40 years. “When I first arrived at St. Helena, Lynne asked me about my background, and when I mentioned cheerleading, she said ‘great.’

The next thing I knew, I was the assistant coach of cheerleading under Lynne.”

Lynne eventually became godmother to Sallie’s son.

As the final moment in the dedication arrived, two of Lynne’s former students were chosen to unveil a plaque that now

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

A fond remembrance by colleagues and friends. —Courtesy photo

after a battle with cancer, having dedicated 47 years of service to St. Helena School. Some three dozen faculty members, administrators, students, and parents gathered in the library, of which she was once director, to fondly remember Lynne.

The dedication held Nov. 17, opened and closed with prayers, interspersed with happy remembrances. “She was the most selfless person I ever knew,” said Father Sirianni.” “And a big Yankees fan,” someone volunteered, to the laughter of all, prompting Father Sirianni to state “and she loved theatre - and glitter.”

Lynne was a graduate of JP Stevens High School, earning a bachelor’s degree from the former Trenton State College, now the College of New Jersey. She then acquired a master’s degree in religious education from Seton Hall University, eventually holding the position of director of religious education at St. Helena.

She began as a third-grade teacher and then transitioned to school librarian. She also taught history to the upper grades and, given her love of theatre, she also directed annual school plays. She loved to travel, recounted Mary Volek, a colleague for more than forty years, who taught science to grades four, five, and six, and is now retired but came to attend the dedication for her long-time

30 SCHOOLS

PACS Gala a night of gratitude, fun and liturgical dance

More than 200 supporters of Perth Amboy Catholic School enjoyed a spectacular evening of food, fun, and entertainment on Nov. 11. There was music supplied by DJ Franklin, but the highlight of the evening was the performance by the school’s Liturgical Dancers led by Language Arts teacher, Michelle Diaz. Sev-

enth and eighth grade girls depicted worship and prayer through song and dance, complete with exciting choreography and liturgical colors. The joyful and inspirational production included the guests as the performers swirled around the room.

The Liturgical Dance Program is unique to Perth Amboy Catholic and will be expand-

500 pairs: Mount St. Mary students collect socks for needy Members of the HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) Club at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, reached their goal by collecting more than 500 pairs of socks for clients served by Elijah’s Promise, New Brunswick. Everyone pitched in to aid the drive, which was held throughout the fall, to aid those who need warm socks for the coming winter season. Pictured, left to right, are: Katherine Byrne of Westfield, Elizabeth Corrigan of Fanwood, Grace Prayias of Warren, Camila Lee of Westfield, and Claire Thackery of Morristown.

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— Courtesy photo

ing to include girls starting at grade two.

The Gala also honored Father Ron Machado, Father Stawomir Romanowski, Father Kristian Burdzy, and Father Gilles Njobam, pastors of the parishes supporting Perth Amboy Catholic. As one of the two major fundraisers for the school, the Gala is organized by a group

of dedicated stakeholders to provide scholarships for students. Building upon this year’s success, plans are already being made for next October’s festivities.

Contributed by Karen Ninehan, Perth Amboy Catholic School — Photos courtesy of ALTOENT Jose Diaz Photography

31

Feel Good – Do Good! A goal for St. Matthew School kindness club

OUR DIOCESE

For Goodness Sake, a kindness club for students in second to sixth grades, recently commenced their second year of fellowship at St. Matthew School, Edison.

Under the direction of founder, Andrea Powers, the organization set out to continue their mission of developing a comfortable sense of best selves in order to share their goodness with others.

The initial meeting’s focus was on gratitude, specifically the intrinsic value of appreciation and admiration. The club delved into personal awareness about the people, places, things, and experiences in their own lives for which they are grateful.

The club then extended the activity to include the appreciation and admiration of the military who have served and who continue to protect our country. The

members created amazing Veterans Day thank you cards and donated a basketful of their own Halloween candy as gifts of gratitude to the residents of The New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park, Edison.

The veterans who received this unexpected gift from the club expressed their joy and appreciation in the gift and in being remembered.

Unique Veteran’s Day thank you cards, left, are the creative and generous endeavor of student members, right, of St. Matthew School Kindness Club.

— Courtesy photo.

Holy Savior Academy prayer service a time of gratitude for veterans

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

stationed in Hawaii - HSA parent, FC2 Noel Abalde, U.S. Navy, active duty – was a big surprise for this son and a welcomed honored guest. “We continue to pray for the veterans of the HSA community and are grateful to our veterans who attended our prayer service,” said Stephanie Ubungen, PTO coordinator.

Left, guests and honorees, from left, include, HSA parent Amy Bengivenga; HSA grandparent Commander Robert Bengivenga, U.S. Army and commander of the American Legion Chaumont Post 243; eighth grader Allegra Johnson; eighth grader JT Klimuc; and HSA community member John DeAndrea, U.S. Navy, who served in the Korean War. Right, members of the HSA family include, from left, first grader Victoria Norton; Alicia Norton, PTO board member; Chief Officer Norton, U.S. Army active duty, and fourth grader William Norton Jr. —Courtesy photos.

DECEMBER 21, 2023

Holy Savior Academy, South Plainfield, held their annual Veteran’s Day Prayer Service Nov. 10 as a time of thanksgiving and prayer for the men and women who have served the country, especially HSA family and community veterans near and far. HSA students were dressed in red, white and blue in honor of the veterans. A special guest on zoom,

32 WORLD & NATION

WORLD & NATION Message of Peace Light, now in US, seen as more urgent amid Israel-Hamas war QUEENS, N.Y. (OSV News) – As Catholics across the New York metropolitan area were given the opportunity to light their first candle of the Advent season the weekend of Dec. 2-3, a flame drawn from a source that dates back 1,000 years arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens. The Peace Light, a continuous flame originating in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where for more than 1,000 years oil lamps have continuously burned, landed at JFK from Vienna on an Austria Airlines flight Dec. 3. From there, Scouts and volunteers will form a network of drivers who transfer the flame across North America. Welcomed and facilitated by the Boy Scouts of America, the “Messengers of Peace” from Vienna brought the flame in a small box to the Our Lady of the Skies Chapel outside JFK’s Terminal 4. A gathering of faithful surrounded the flame and prayed for peace across the world – particularly in the war-torn Holy Land – before lighting their own lanterns with fire from the

Compiled from Our Sunday Visitor and the Catholic News Service

Weeping Mary is sign of her motherly love

Peace Light flame, which is symbolic of universal peace, harmony and unity.

The clergy on hand reiterated the point that the annual travels of the Peace Light carry additional weight this year, given that they begin in a place that is ravaged by the ongoing Israeli-Hamas conflict.

A lantern is lit with a flame from the Peace Light during a ceremony at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, N.Y., Dec. 3, 2023. —OSV News photo/Alicia Venter, The Tablet

Pope Francis leads a prayer vigil “for those who weep” in front of an image of the Sacred Heart of Mary, the same image featured on the plaster Weeping Madonna of Syracuse, in this file photo from May 5, 2016, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

—CNS photo/Paul Haring

After 191 years, Oblate Sisters are honored for heroic ministry

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Weeping Madonna of Syracuse, a plaster image of Mary hung in the bedroom of a newlywed couple in southern Italy that began shedding tears, Pope Francis said the miraculous sign is a reminder of Mary’s maternal presence and her desire that all people would know the love and peace of her son. “Mary’s weeping shows her sharing in the compassionate love of the Lord, who suffers for us his children, ardently hopes for our conversion and awaits us as a merciful Father to forgive us everything and always,” the pope wrote in a message to the people of the

Archdiocese of Syracuse on the island of Sicily. Pope Francis’ message, published Dec. 7, said Mary continues to cry “when the weakest are discriminated against and when violence and wars, which claim innocent victims, are rampant. In the face of the trials of life and history, especially in the face of today’s troubling scenarios of war, let us not tire of invoking the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace and Mother of Consolation. May her motherly solicitude stir believers to build and tread paths of peace and forgiveness, and to be close to those who are sick in body and spirit, those who are alone and abandoned.”

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Ukraine’s war-torn Christians look ahead to first Christmas shared with West

BALTIMORE (OSV News) – The cholera epidemic that ravaged Baltimore in the summer of 1832 was one of the worst public health crises the city ever faced.

The horrifying diarrheal disease afflicted countless people, ultimately claiming the lives of 853 Baltimoreans -- more than 1% of what was then the second-largest city in the country. It was in that milieu that two women’s religious communities ministered to those afflicted with the disease: the Sisters of Charity, a religious community founded by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg that was then limited to whites; and the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the world’s first sustained religious community for Black women founded in Baltimore by Mother Mary Lange, a candidate for sainthood who in June was declared “venerable.” Both communities made heroic contributions

The Oblate Sisters of Providence are presented a special resolution by the Baltimore City Council Oct. 30, 2023, for their historical impact on the community for their ministry during one of the worst public health crises faced by the city. — OSV News/Kevin J. Parks, Catholic Review

trying to save lives, but the white religious community received most of the accolades, yet the Black religious sisters did not receive the same level of public acknowledgment. Adrienne Curry, director of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Office of Black Catholic Ministries, said it’s “obvious” racism played a role. Now, more than 190 years later, Catholic and civic leaders are rectifying that disparity. The City Council passed a resolution Oct. 30 honoring the Oblate Sisters of Providence for their 194 years of service.

KHARKIV, Ukraine (OSV News) – When Ukraine’s embattled citizens gather this Christmas, their rich festivities will feel symbolically different – as the festival is celebrated for the first time on Dec. 25, in line with the Western calendar. “People here have long insisted we should be united around a common festival, expressing our faith together and enjoying the same work-free days,” explained Auxiliary Bishop A Ukrainian serviceman carries his daughter Jan Sobilo from Ukraine’s eastern on his shoulders, while people gather around Kharkiv-Zaporizhzhia Diocese. a Christmas tree in front of the St. Sophia Ca“As we withstand Russia’s at- thedral, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, tacks, however, this change will Dec. 6, 2023. —OSV News photo/Alina Smutko, also have a political dimension in Reuters bringing us closer to Western civilization. Many of those who no longer Christmas customs. The great festival attend church, believing Christians are of Vigilia, or Christmas Eve, is marked always feuding, may well be led back to with family gatherings around a sviata God by this new united spirit of prayer vechera, or “holy supper,” incorporating and celebration,” he said. The bishop a dozen dishes representing the Twelve spoke to OSV News amid preparations Apostles, and ends with the midnight for the long-awaited switch to the West- Mass. Homes are decorated with the cusern Christmas, agreed earlier in 2023 by tomary didukh, a sheaf of wheat stalks Church and government leaders. Amid symbolizing ancestors’ spirits, for whom harsh conditions of war, Ukrainians have dishes such as the traditional kutia are shown determination in maintaining their left on the table.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis expressed his concern about concrete initiatives individual dioceses and the Catholic Church in Germany as a whole are taking, including the establishment of a synodal council, which, he said, threaten to steer it away from the universal church.

“Instead of looking for ‘salvation’ in always-new committees and always discussing the same issues with a certain self-referentiality,” Catholics need to turn to prayer, penance and adoration as well as reach out to the marginalized and abandoned, the Pope wrote in a recent letter.

“I am convinced (it is) there the Lord will show us the way,” he wrote in the letter dated Nov. 10. Typewritten in German and signed by the Pope, it was published in full by the German newspaper Die Welt Nov. 21.

The letter was a response to four German laywomen who had written the Pope Nov. 6 expressing their “doubts and fears” about the outcomes of the Synodal

Path, which began in December 2019 and concluded in March 2023.

The women – moral theologian Katharina Westerhorstmann, theologian Marianne Schlosser, philosopher HannaBarbara Gerl-Falkovitz and journalist Dorothea Schmidt – had been prominent participants in the Synodal Path but withdrew their support in February.

They had said the Synodal Path was “casting doubt” on essential Catholic doctrines and teachings, and organizers were ignoring the Vatican’s many warnings, according to a joint statement published by “Die Welt” after their departure.

In his Nov. 10 letter, the Pope thanked the women for their “kind letter” in which they expressed their concerns about current developments in the church in Germany.

“I, too, share this concern about the numerous concrete steps that are now being taken by large parts of this local church that threaten to move further and further away from the common path of the universal church,” he wrote.

Image displays the logo in German of the Synodal Path, which the German bishops’ conference and the Central Committee of German Catholics launched in 2019.

— CNS photo/via synodalerweg.de

Without a doubt, he wrote, this included the recent formation of a synodal committee. This committee of 74 lay-

people and bishops was set up in March and is to spend the next three years working on the establishment of a permanent German synodal council. The synodal council aims to be a national “advisory and decision-making body,” made up of bishops and laypeople, that will make key decisions on pastoral, long-term planning and financial matters not decided at diocesan level.

In a letter approved by Pope Francis, top Vatican officials already had warned organizers in January they had no authority to set up such a body.

Writing to the four women, the Pope referred to the admonition against forming the council and said a body like that described by the Synodal Path’s resolution “cannot be reconciled with the sacramental structure of the Catholic Church.”

The Pope thanked the women for their contributions to theology and philosophy and “for your witness to the faith.” He asked them to continue praying for him and for “our common concern for unity.”

HOLY FATHER

By Carol Glatz

33

Pope sees threat of Church in Germany moving away from Rome

Faithful should embrace silence, communication with God, Pope says

By Carol Glatz

an example of “this missionary spirit in contemplative life.”

“We are not usually aware of the power of intercessory prayer in our lives, as the Indians are said to have been by Mother Ágreda’s intervention,” he added.

Pope Francis encouraged everyone to follow the example of Mary, who “leads us to Jesus, she generates him in us. And we must imitate this beautiful attitude, pointing to the Lord in our turn.”

Pope Francis’s

Monthly Prayer Intentions January For the Gift of Diversity in the Church Let us pray that the Holy Spirit helps us recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community, and to discover the richness of different ritual traditions in the heart of the Catholic Church.

DECEMBER 21, 2023

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Long moments of silence and listening to God’s Word are some of the many lessons contemplative women can give other Catholics, Pope Francis said.

“In this world that is always full – of things, words, news, a whole industry of external communication – interior communication, in silence, is so necessary,”

he said during an audience at the Vatican Nov. 16.

He spoke to people taking part in an international conference sponsored by the Pontifical International Marian Academy on the Venerable María de Jesús de Ágreda.

Mother Ágreda was a Spanish mystic, spiritual writer and 17th-century member of the Order of the Immaculate Conception, a religious order founded in

Spain in 1511.

She was a cloistered nun who was believed to have had the gift of bilocation as it was said she appeared to members of the Jumano tribe in central New Mexico, Tucson and West Texas, in what was known then as “New Spain,” and evangelized that region.

The audience with the Pope included members of the Conceptionists and Indigenous peoples who trace their lineage to the Jumano tribe.

In his talk, the Pope praised Mother Ágreda as being “an exceptional woman” whom the conference defined as “in love with Scripture,” “Marian mystic” and “evangelizer of America.”

“These titles made me reflect on three lessons that contemplative women can give to the church” – silence, mysticism and mission, he said.

Silence is an “attitude of listening, to welcome the voice of the Beloved, the eternal Word of the Father, in the heart,” he said. “Sometimes contemplation is done in silence, before the Lord,” and this silence is needed in a noisy world.

The mystical represents “a relationship with God that is born from this attitude of listening, from this incarnate reading of the sacred Scripture,” which leads to an experience of “coming out of ourselves, coming out of our comforts, out of the selfish ego that always tries to dominate us,” he said.

“Contemplatives teach us, through a path of asceticism, abandonment and fidelity, the joy of living only for him,” the Pope said.

Finally, the Conceptionist religious sisters spread to the Americas, offering

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Pictured is an undated image of the Venerable María de Jesús de Ágreda evangelizing Indigenous peoples of New Mexico.

Mother de Ágreda was a Spanish mystic, spiritual writer and 17th-century member of the Order of the Immaculate Conception, a religious order of pontifical right for women founded in Spain in 1511. She was believed to have had the gift of bilocation as it was said she appeared to members of the Jumano tribe in central New Mexico, Tucson and West Texas, and evangelized that region. –CNS photo/courtesy of mariadeagreda.org

OUR FAITH

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In the birth of Jesus we come to fully know our God Peter Canisius 1521-1597 December 21

Crosiers

This doctor of the church was born in Holland and studied canon law in Belgium before turning to the study of theology in Germany. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1543 and soon was a well- known preacher.

He attended two sessions of the Council of Trent and was an important figure in the post-conciliar Catholic revival in Europe. As the Jesuit provincial in southern Germany, Austria and Bohemia, he started schools, colleges and seminaries, and is credited with keeping the southern German peoples Catholic.

Saints

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for December 24, 2023 Luke 1:26-38

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle B: The Annunciation. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

GABRIEL VIRGIN DAVID FAVOR FOREVER OVERSHADOW NOTHING

TOWN JOSEPH PONDERED GREAT NO END THE CHILD IMPOSSIBLE

NAZARETH HOUSE GREETING THRONE SPIRIT BORN WORD

DECEMBER 21, 2023

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Advent 4 / Solemnity of Christmas Our Gospel this Fourth Sunday of Advent is the beautiful telling of the Annunciation story which heralds the Archangel Gabriel’s proclamation to the Virgin Mary, ““Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you . . . you have found favor with God!” (Luke 1:28,30c). Gabriel reveals God’s wonderful plan to this faithful young woman; “you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.

He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:31-32). Mary, a true exemplar of humble courage, then accepts the plan that her God lays out for her, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

And with that, the great miracle of the Incarnation, the Word become flesh, proceeds according to God’s plan, and the revelation of Jesus’ eventual birth is laid out for us in our liturgical celebrations of Christmas.

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

The Gospel chosen for the Vigil Mass is St. Matthew’s account of the genealogy and birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-25). Sometimes regarded only as the dull incantation of a series of so-and-so begot so-and-so’s, the genealogy actually provides a complex and fertile setting in which to situate the Savior’s birth. The list of Jesus’ ancestors is not intended so much to provide an exact family history, but rather to demonstrate that Jesus is the long-awaited fulfillment of God’s promises and actions from the beginning of creation.

Included in this list are holy people and scoundrels, women and men, Jews and gentiles, the famous and the obscure – a genuine cross-section of those who would be called and blessed by the awaited Messiah. The genealogy highlights the fact that the coming of Jesus was not only a radically new event in the history of salvation, but also the fulfillment of a long-held set of hopes and dreams for the betterment of the world.

In Jesus, not only the promises made to Abraham and David (to have descendants as numerous as the stars of the sky and to rule over God’s people for ever), but also the promises made to every person who ever trusted in their God would be fulfilled in a way more wonderful than anyone could have ever imagined.

At the conclusion of the genealogy, Matthew presents his account of the birth

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

The Gospel chosen for the Mass during the Night is St. Luke’s well-known proclamation of the savior’s birth: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus … ” (Luke 2:1-14). In this text we learn so many things about the Messiah. First, his birth in Bethlehem, the ancestral city of King David, further reinforces the hope that the child will be the eternal heir to David’s throne.

Next, the poverty of his birth – the setting of the cave or stable, his placement in the manger (feedbox for the animals), being wrapped in ragged bands of cloth – all emphasize that the Son of God has truly become one with his people – and the lowliest of his people too!

This child’s majesty will be shown in his love for his Father and people, not in the pomp of his lifestyle. But lest we forget that this is truly the Divine Son of the Eternal Father, the skies are filled with angels proclaiming this child to be the “savior … Christ the Lord!” (Luke 2:11) and singing “Glory to God in the highest … ” (Luke 2:14).

The Gospel for the Mass at Dawn is the continuation of St. Luke’s presentation of the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:15-20). In this scene the glory of the angelic choirs is replaced by the coming of the shepherds to witness the child’s birth. In this story the shepherds represent the common folk – all who work day by day to support their families and build a better life for themselves and their communities.

These are the people who are not particularly famous or influential over large groups of people – this child in the manger came for them as well. God’s love would not be restricted to the powerful but would be lavished on each and every human being – an extension of the good news of the Messiah’s coming that could scarcely have been imagined before Jesus.

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

Continued on page 39

Obituary Father Charles P. Scillieri, 79 Pazzi Parish, Flemington, and St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg. He retired from active ministry in 2010.

Father Scillieri was predeceased by his parents Charles and Grace Pelletieri, and his brother John. He is survived by his sister Fran Fuscaldo and his brother Robert.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio Dec. 11 in St. James the Less Church, Jamesburg. Msgr. Robert F. Coleman served as homilist.

Burial followed in Holy Cross Burial Park, East Brunswick.

OBITUARY

Father Charles P. Scillieri Jr, 79, of Whiting Township, died Dec. 5, at the Community Medical Center, Toms River.

Born in Nutley, Father Scillieri lived in Jamesburg for many years before moving to Whiting Twp. 13 years ago.

Father Scillieri was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 1973. He served at St. Joachim Parish, Trenton; Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway; St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge; St. Ann Parish, Raritan (where he was pastor from 1985-91); St. Joseph Parish, North Plainfield; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bernardsville; St. Magdalen de

35

Obituary Father Radomski, 88, served more than six decades in Metuchen, Trenton Dioceses

M

ay these priests find the fulfillment

of their faith and the reward of their priestly labors in the presence of the Risen Lord.

May the prayers of the faithful be a source of comfort to their families and may they rest in peace.

— David Karas photo

Come Pray a

ROSARY for LIFE with Bishop James F. Checchio

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024 at 1:00 PM MAIN STREET, WOODBRIDGE, NJ

IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE NATIONAL MARCH FOR LIFE You are asked to park and meet in the St. James Parish parking lot at 12:45 PM (369 Amboy Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ) There is a 12:10 PM daily Mass at St. James for those who wish to attend.

For more information, please contact amarshall@diometuchen.org

DECEMBER 21, 2023

One solemn memory he shared was when a fire broke out in the church and its interior sustained significant smoke and water damage. It was from the ashes of the fire that he was able to rebuild and restore not only the original church, which seated 290 people, but was also able to construct an addition to accommodate another 200 worshipers, as well as refurbish the church basement to provide meeting space for parish ministries and organizations. Since the addition was rebuilt during the Marian Year, all of the stained-glass windows were replaced and dedicated to the Blessed Mother.

The extra space provided by the project was especially necessary in the summer months when vacationers to the Jersey Shore would visit the parish for Mass.

In addition to his parents, Father Radomski was predeceased by his sister-inlaw, Connie Radomski, and his nephew, Walter Radomski Jr. He is survived by his brother, Walter Sr. of Manville; Stanley (and wife Dorothy) of Ewing, and Anthony (and wife Arlene) of Venice, Florida, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; two aunts and many cousins.

Funeral services were held Nov. 13 with a viewing in the Ketusky Funeral Home, 1310 Brooks Blvd., Manville. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 14 in Sacred Heart Church, Manville.

Burial followed in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Hillsborough.

Prepared by Mary Stadnyk, associate editor, The Monitor, Diocese of Trenton.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Father Joseph A. Radomski, a priest for 61 years, died Nov. 7. He was 88.

Father Radomski was born in 1935 in Manville to the late Joseph Felix and Amelia Radomski. He attended St. Peter High School, New Brunswick, where he competed on the track team. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Thomas College Seminary, Bloomfield, Conn, where he completed four years of Latin studies in one year and finished two years of college from 1953-1956. He continued in Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington, from 1956-1962, and was ordained a priest May 26, 1962, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Through the course of his ministry, Father Radomski served in multiple parishes in the Diocese of Trenton, some which later became part of the Diocese of Metuchen at its foundation in 1981. He was assigned as a parochial vicar in St. Joseph, Trenton; St. Mary of Ostrabrama, South River, and Sacred Heart, South Amboy. As pastor, he served in Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Great Meadows; St. Mary Parish, Perth Amboy, and St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, Avon, (now part of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach), from 1979 until he retired in 2006. He also served as temporary administrator in Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, South Plainfield, and Holy Family Parish, Carteret.

When Father Radomski celebrated his golden jubilee in 2012, he said in an interview with The Monitor that he enjoyed is 26 years in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish where he found the people to be “very nice and helpful.”

36

‘One Simple Wish’ makes wishes come true for foster care young adults

By Tiffany Workman Special Contributor

One Simple Wish and they are amazing.

They are genuine and bring joy to the youth in the programs.”

Lisa Novalany, Catholic Charities program director for My First Place, expressed appreciation for One Simple Wish, acknowledging, “I was also so happy to see two of the youth in my program present for the event.”

One Simple Wish provided the venue for the event, food, drinks and gifts. Nicole Rynone, program director, has been with the OSW organization for six years. “It’s tough not having a lot of interaction with the young adults, so having events like this are great. Seeing the joy, and smiles, and watching these young adults create memories that last a lifetime, that’s what it’s all about,” she said, noting, “For these young adults, it’s not about the gifts, it’s having a night out and not have to worry about anything.”

Additional guests for the evening included LifeSet young adults who are clients of CarePlus N.J., based in Paramus and which offers integrated primary and behavioral health services for adults and children. Jamie Germinario, clinical director, who has been with CarePlus for ten years, feels the most important part of events like these is the networking.

“Young adults get to be with others who

are in similar situations and go through a lot of the same things,” she said, adding, “This group of young adults is pretty much a forgotten population. Once they reach a certain age, they’re on their own.” Just like the Catholic Charities LifeSet program, the CarePlus program helps young adults who are emancipated or aging out of foster care.

Catholic Charities has changed the lives of many young adults. One of them, Sarina, who was present at the party acknowledged, “Before the LifeSet program, I was a little laid back, but I had to step it up for my son Zahmir, and the LifeSet program helped me do that.” She met with her specialists once a week and now has an apartment and is working part time. Another young adult, Seniya, was part of the LifeSet program, graduated, but then found herself coming back to the program for more support. “I got pregnant with my daughter, so I came back. I started with LifeSet and now I am part of the My First Place program. I now have an apartment in Carteret. I love the workers, especially Maria. If anyone needs help, please reach out. It changed my life.”

LifeSet is an evidence-based model that provides life skills instruction and case management to young adults ages

Stepping forward in charity

Through a partnership between Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, and One Simple Wish, a non-profit organization based in Trenton, young adults who are often a “forgotten community” were treated to a joyous holiday evening at a Christmas party Dec. 4 in Verona Hills, an elegant event space located in Newark.

Among the guests for an evening full of gifts, food and fun, were young adults who participate in one of two Catholic Charities programs – the LifeSet program and the My First Place program.

Prior to the event, young adults from these programs shared their Christmas wishes with their specialists, listing items ranging from new clothing to musical instruments to furniture, and even electronics. Specialists then communicated those wishes to One Simple Wish, whose mission is to raise awareness about foster care and grant wishes for children and young adults in need. Thanks to many wonderful OSW donors, many wishes were fulfilled at the event.

Tova Baron-Loewenstein, Catholic Charities program director for Youth Partial Care and LifeSet, said, “This is the second event that we’ve partnered with

17-21 who are aging out of the N.J. foster care system. The Catholic Charities LifeSet program serves Essex, Middlesex, Mercer, Somerset, and Union counties.

The My First Place program can help eligible young adults with housing using a national model developed by First Place for Youth in which Catholic Charities, DOM is master leasing apartments in Somerset and Middlesex Counties. Catholic Charities, DOM will cover rent and utilities of the apartments and youth in the program can reside in the housing for the duration of the program as they actively work towards their goals and engage in program services.

Young adults must have a history of involvement with DCP&P (Division of Child Protection and Permanency) and be in an out-of-home placement at the time of enrollment of the programs. All referrals must come through DCF and young adults are pre-screened for eligibility.

For more information about Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen or the LifeSet and My First Place programs please visit services provided.

To grant a wish for a child or young adult visit onesimplewish.org.

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

STEPPING FORWARD IN CHARITY

Stepping forward in charity

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

STEPPING FORWARD IN CHARITY

Stepping forward in charity

Staff picture, left to right, back row: April Coleman (MFP), Tova Baron-Loewenstein, Lisa Novalany (MFP), Leanna Haynes, Grace Colon. Bottom row: Maria Tolentino, Michelle Raskin, Morgan Zapata

Sarina Dodson holds up a prize she won in the raffle.

Donnell Hardy opens his gift from One Simple Wish (it was a guitar). — Tiffany Workman photos

37 YOUTH

Justin Fatica brings Hard as Nails to Immaculata High School

By Paul J. Peyton Correspondent

Justin Fatica of Hard as Nails Ministries (upper left) reminded students of the Diocese that “You’re Amazing during a Nov. 4 presentation in Immaculata High School, Somerville. Upper right, students traveled from 21 schools in the Metuchen Diocese to learn how to “make a world where no one suffers alone.” The 2-1/2 hour program also featured Confession, lower left, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, lower right, which drew a remarkable number of youth to kneel before the Blessed Sacrament and pray.

— Tara Smith photos

heart and he wants you to hear a message from him personally, from Jesus Christ,” Fatica said.

“I was blown away by the faith of the youth present,” said Megan Callahan, diocesan director of youth and young adult ministry. “There was an opportunity at one point to draw nearer to Jesus on the altar (during Adoration), and so many of our youth took that opportunity – so many so, that there was not enough room at the side of the gymnasium stage that they were ascending,” she said.

DECEMBER 21, 2023

Sean said. For years, he still struggled, however, until friends helped him realize he shouldn’t feel pathetic because of what happened to him, which started his healing process.

Through his presentation, Fatica engaged his audience emphasizing the importance of the words “I believe,” and “no doubt.” He stressed to the youth, “The only time you ever do wrong is when you doubt yourself and you don’t believe. A lot of you here tonight are running from God … Don’t run, stop doubting. It’s time to believe.”

Fatica told the audience that after his talk “every single one of us tonight can be that person to look someone in the eye and say ‘you’re amazing.’”

“God doesn’t focus on what we are not, God focusses on who we are,” he said, emphasizing that “who we are matters.”

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which was led by Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, and director of Immaculata High School and Immaculate Conception School, was an opportunity for Fatica to speak about how God “wants to show you what life’s about, what’s important.…Tonight, at Adoration, he wants to grab a hold of your

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Hard as Nails Ministries recognizes that “everyone is up against something,” including youth, who are greatly impacted by the isolation, disconnectedness and loneliness that have become epidemics in today’s culture.

In a powerful presentation by Hard as Nails founder Justin Fatica Nov. 4 in Immaculata High School, some 150 students from 21 different schools and parishes from across the Diocese were reminded “You’re Amazing.” Based in Liverpool, N.Y., Hard as Nails’ mission is “to make a world where no one suffers alone.”

The “You’re Amazing” program, held in the Somerville school’s gymnasium, was sponsored by the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

The two-and-half hour program, which is described as a breakthrough event for 7th-12th graders to reignite their relationship with Christ and the Church, began with “Three Minutes of Power,” featuring young missionaries discussing the personal struggles they overcame with the help of God. The missionaries explained that in the first minute of power you discuss

the biggest challenge you ever faced, the second minute is how God helped you through it and the third minute is what you are thankful for and what you need to change.

Missionary Marigrace Tocco shared an experience at age 12 when she saw someone hurt themself, which made her fear people close to her would be hurt in a similar way, leading to a lack of hope, loneliness, feeling unloved and self-hatred. When her best friend expressed similar feelings and Tocco realized she was not alone, the feelings left her, giving her a reason to want to live and grow closer to God. In her junior year, she transferred to a new, smaller Catholic high school, attended daily Mass and joined a youth group where she was able to help other kids with their life struggles.

Missionary Sean Conover explained how he developed serious sleep issues at age 12 saying he was terrified to go bed at night. He said it made him feel weak, ashamed and embarrassed as he was too old to be dealing with this problem, which continued until he was 15. He told God that he was ready to give up on life if he continued to have these struggles.

“By the grace of God I was healed that night. I never had those issues again,”

38 YOUTH

Youth Ministry meet up a time to grow in community and skill

By Megan Callahan, Special Contributor On Oct, 21, 60 adults who minister to young people gathered together for a Youth Minister Meet-Up and Formation Day, hosted by the Diocese of Metuchen Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. These Youth Ministry leaders hailed from across the Diocese – from Belvedere to South Amboy—and gathered for a day of prayer, fellowship, games, and formative talks given by Chris Bartlett, vice president of Ablaze Ministries.

With more than 20 years’ experience in ministry at both a parish and diocesan level, Bartlett seeks to know Christ and make him known and to create opportunities where people can encounter Christ.

He has been published by Our Sunday Visitor and was an architect in creating the YDisciple program.

Throughout the course of the day, Bartlett unpacked the theme, “A Church that Goes Forth!“ which was inspired by Pope Francis’ Evangellii Gaudium. “The Church which ‘goes forth’ is a community of missionary disciples who take the first step, who are involved and supportive, who bear fruit and rejoice. An evangelizing community knows that the Lord has taken the initiative, he has loved us first (cf. 1 Jn 4:19), and therefore we can move forward, boldly take the initiative, go out to others, seek those who have fallen away, stand at the crossroads and welcome the outcast”(EG 24).

The first keynote session, led by Bartlett, was titled “The Power of Relational Ministry.” A number of his insights struck the group as he shared data from the Springtide Research study.

Bartlett said, “Ministry in this age is more about the ‘Road to Emmaus’ than the ‘Servant on the Mount.” Now we still

need ‘Servant on the Mount’ moments ... but in the information age, real transformation in Christ occurs through authentic accompaniment. This typically does not take place on a large scale.” The research affirmed this statement tenfold and, as a guide for our ministers, proceeded to Bartlett unpacking the “5 Dimensions of Relational Authority:” Listening, Transparency, Integrity, Care, and Expertise.

Listening is being curious about, engaged in, and remembering what another person said. Transparency is sharing experiences, seeking commonalities, and being open with information that impacts others.

Integrity is following up, following through, being accountable, and being authentic.

Care is a commitment to the patient and careful work of supporting young people as they navigate questions of identity, community, and meaning.

Expertise is specialized wisdom and skill that, when combined with listening, transparency, integrity and care, is the foundation for meaningful relationships.

In sharing about this topic, Bartlett said, “Teens don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care.” All individuals who seek to love young people, whether it be a son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, niece or nephew, can take insight and practice these five dimensions; they are key to evangelization and to loving our young people.

The day continued with Mass, celebrated by Father Mike Tabernero, director of Catholic Identity at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, as well as a break for lunch.

Bartlett also shared on the topic of “Evangelizing with Joy: Sharing your story of God’s love,” encouraging attendees to contemplate the story that God has been writing in each of their lives; he

Youth Ministry leaders gathered Oct. 21 in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center to learn how to be more effective. In his keynote address, Chris Bartlett, vice president of Ablaze Ministries, pictured above, spoke to the group. He also had the youth ministers share about how they have experienced God’s love in their life. At left an attendee makes a list of action steps and insights for youth ministers. —Gerald Wutkowski, Jr. photos referred to this as the “Gospel according to you.” The goal of sharing in this way is to help others encounter the living God that each minister has encountered in a personal way. Even if a youth minister is not leading a talk, this mindset helps them to see every conversation as an invitation to share God’s love through witness to the youth.

Bartlett then encouraged the group to reflect on the question: “Jesus, what aspect of your love for me do you want me to share with young people? Bring me a memory, an image, or a story where your love acted in my life.” After a brief time of reflection, youth ministers shared their stories with others in the room.

On March 9, Bartlett will return to the Diocese to facilitate another Youth Minister Meet-Up and Formation Day, building upon these topics. All who currently minister to and all who desire to minister to youth are welcome.

Please reach out to mcallahan@ diometuchen.org with any questions.

Registration for the March 9 event can be found here: https://www.diometuchen. org/ymtraining.

To learn more about Spring Tide Research Study visit https://www.spring tideresearch.org/research/the-state-ofreligion-young-catholics.

Megan Callahan is the Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

This month’s featured retreat house

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

LOYOLA JESUIT CENTER 161 James Street • Morristown, NJ 07960 973-539-0740 • Fax: 973-898-9839 www.loyola.org • retreathouse@loyola.org

Lift Up Your Soul at the tranquil 150-acre Fatima Shrine.

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

MOUNT ST. MARY HOUSE OF PRAYER 1651 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069 908-753-2091 • www.msmhope.org e-mail: msmhope@msmhope.org

THE SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 908-647-0208 • www.stshrine.org

SAN ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE 755 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch NJ 07740 732-222-2731 • info@sanalfonsoretreats.org www.sanalfonsoretreats.org

ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA 400 Route 35 North, S. Mantoloking, NJ 08738 732-892-8494 • sjbsea@comcast.net • sjbsea.org

Retreats, Spiritual Direction, Programs

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

Located in central New Jersey at the beautiful shoreline in northern Ocean County This Retreat House is a sponsored ministry of the Religious Teachers Filippini.

Programs are offered in an atmosphere of prayer, quiet and solitude. Directed and private retreats, days of prayer for parish groups, school faculties, senior citizens, etc. are conducted by the staff. Twenty-two private rooms with walk-in showers, a chapel, conference room, dining room, and a solarium are available. There is direct access to the ocean and easy access to Barnegat Bay across the highway.

We are handicapped accessible with a lift.

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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.

ST. FRANCIS RETREAT HOUSE 3918 Chipman Road, Easton, PA 18045 Phone: 610-258-3053, ext. 10 • Fax: 610-258-2412 Info@stfrancisretreathouse.org • stfrancisretreathouse.org Franciscan retreat and confrence center. Retreats for men, women, youth, religious, preached, private, directed

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VILLA PAULINE RETREAT AND SPIRITUAL CENTER 352 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945 732-285-5015 • mlszalejko1955@gmail.com • sccus.org Preached/Directed/Guided & Private Retreats, Spiritual Direction, day & weekend programs

fails to close during prenatal development, allowing contents of the abdomen (stomach, intestines and/or liver) to move into the chest cavity. The condition can lead to severe respiratory problems in addition to impeding the development of the lungs and therefore requires surgery days or weeks after birth. CDH affects about 1 in every 4,000 babies and can be caught during routine prenatal ultrasounds, but at times may also be undetected until after birth.

Dr. Lindsey Grier Arthur III, chair of the Department of Surgery at Saint Peter’s University Hospital and surgeon-in-chief at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, was able to perform Hamza’s life-saving surgery thoracoscopicly, a minimally invasive procedure using three, 5-millimeter incisions vs. the traditional procedure which involves opening the abdominal cavity via a large incision. The benefits of thoracoscopic surgery include faster recovery, less pain and scarring, and improved patient outcomes. This is especially important for pediatric patients so they can resume their active lives as soon as possible.

Continued from page 34

Finally, the Gospel assigned to the Mass during the Day proclaims the fullness of the divine majesty that surrounds Jesus. Taken from the exalted Preface of St. John’s Gospel (John 1:1-18), this text reveals that the child in the manger is none other than God’s Word made flesh, the eternal Son of the Father.

And it is this fact that makes the rest of the story so important – this is not simply the story of a young boy born in lowly circumstances that made good, nor of a man who was able to weave together a compelling human philosophy – in this child in the manger we see our God’s fullest revelation to his people.

We acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God, as our most complete picture of what our God is like – a God who shows

himself to be the fulfillment of humanity’s most noble hopes and dreams, a God who reaches out to the mighty and to the lowly, a God who sent his Son to draw all humanity into the embrace of his love. It is the coming and the presence of such a God made manifest in Jesus that we gather to celebrate this Christmas.

And, in this time of Eucharistic Revival, we rejoice that it is this Jesus who becomes present to us – body, blood, soul, and divinity – in the Eucharist at every Mass. May we resolve to come and adore him this Christmas to be sure, but on each and every Sunday when he deigns to come anew among his beloved people – us!

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

Mount St. Mary freshman receives Girl Scouts Silver Award

“While my initial goal was to educate people about the deaf community and to inspire others to learn ASL, I walked away seeing the world in a new perspective,” she shared.

— Courtesy photo

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DECEMBER 21, 2023

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Kate Allian, a freshman at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, recently received her Girl Scouts Silver Award as a member of Girl Scout Cadettes Troop #65477.

Her project, which was completed with her fellow cadette, Daniella Eriksson, a student at Watchung Hills High School, was aimed at creating awareness for people who are deaf and living with hearing loss. They covered essential aspects of American Sign Language (ASL), such as the alphabet, common phrases, and songs.

“Achieving my Silver Award by promoting awareness for individuals with hearing loss and fostering communication through ASL proved to be an incredibly fulfilling experience,” said Kate. “Not only did I discover the joy of instructing others in sign language, but I witnessed their enthusiasm for what I taught them. There is no greater satisfaction than sharing a passion of mine and observing the excitement it brings to others.”

Senior Care at Home

Top, Baby Hamza Haque in the NICU at Saint Peter’s. Bottom, Baby Hamza Haque with his family at his aqiqah, the traditional Islamic homecoming after a child is born. —Courtesy photos

YOUTH

Moments after he was born, little Hamza Haque, son of Sharmin Khan and Manuel Haque, began turning blue and the staff at Saint Peter’s University Hospital realized that the newborn’s blood oxygen was below the safe threshold of 90 %. Hamza was quickly hooked up to oxygen to stabilize his levels, but these plummeted whenever the oxygen was removed. Further examination revealed that he was suffering from a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH); at only 3 days old, he underwent a very specialized operation to correct the problem.

CDH occurs when the diaphragm

Christmas is a celebration of our God

39

Pediatric surgery success story in St. Peter’s University Hospital

40 DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

SPORTS

St. James School captures first ever state title – sweeping four races

Saint Elizabeth School, Bernardsville, also has a big showing as Diocese of Metuchen schools make a mark in statewide meet In a season that was chock full of rainy meets, the stars were aligned for the inaugural New Jersey Catholic Middle School XC Championships, as sunny skies ruled the day; 52 degrees and a cloudless sky – virtually perfect conditions for a XC Championship.

With teams from as far north as Glen Rock, and as far south as Camden, 22 schools from around the State converged in Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge for the first-ever New Jersey Catholic Middle School XC Championships. As most schools finished their league championships the week before, these were athletes primed for racing at one of the premiere XC courses in the State.

The event coincided with the fourth annual Almost Winter Classic 5K race and Fun Run hosted by St. James School, Basking Ridge. Because it was Veteran’s Day, the event began with a color guard tribute

by Boy Scout Troop 555 of Basking Ridge and a beautiful live rendition of the National Anthem sung by St. James students Sonja Babic, Gwynivere Elefante, and William Jacobs.

The racing began with the 5K, which was open to all, and included almost 200 runners. The middle school course at PVP is one of the more challenging 2400-meter courses in the state, but the athletes navigated it brilliantly, with the course record falling on the day.

The championship races began with the middle school girls JV race where St.

Top, St. James School’s cross-country team celebrates their N.J. State Championship. Left, St James runners for the girls 6th-8th grade division make their start; from left, Claire Johnson, JuliaGarcia, Sophia Batista and Lake Heinze.

— Courtesy photos

James fifth grader, Julia Daus, went wire to wire, besting Adrianna Ayran of Resurrection Catholic (Cherry Hill) by more than 10 seconds. Avery Pfistner, a fifth grader at St. James, took third, in a race that was dominated by the St. James girls who won five of the top eight places.

Coach Matthew Wizeman of St. James congratulated his JV girls’ squad, saying, “These girls have been running lights-out all season and it is great to see their hard work validated. Julia and Livy (Olivia Battista, fourth place) were running 5K’s all summer and Avery was dealing with injuries and fought her way back to the podium – it was really a special moment. Emiliana Galeone, sixth place, was our surprise transfer this year

and she crushed it from the very beginning of the season. And then to see Bella Milelli grab a top 10 at states was just an incredible moment for our team.”

The boys JV race was run at a scorching pace, with Harry Smith of Assumption (Morristown) taking home the title, out-pacing Thomas Dudley of St. Elizabeth (Bernardsville) by over 30 seconds. Brady Kostrowski of St. James took home the final podium slot.

St. James once again had five of the top eight, with Will Sheehan, CJ Hummel, Johnny Roberts and Tommy Malloy all breaking into the top 10. Saint E’s had three top ten finishers as well, including Henry Schlegel and Chris DeLuca, and secured the runner up title.

In varsity, the girls were led by Catherine Azares of Villa Walsh, Morristown.

Azares was followed 10 seconds later by a pair of St. James athletes, Sophia Battista and Claire Johnson who finished so closely it was ultimately declared a tie.

St. James had two other top ten finishers (Ava Giafaglione and Lake Heinze) and once again took home the top prize, but it was a steady squad from Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Boonton) led by fourth place finisher Margaret Tyrell, that took the runner up trophy.

In the final event of the day, the boys’ varsity, it was Dylan Collins of St. James who stole the show. Collins demolished the course in a blistering 8:09, besting his own course record. He won by almost 30 seconds over a very talented Robert Dudley of St. E’s who took second and his St. James teammate Kaden Pye who took third. St. James took the title with two others (Liam Johnson and Patrick DiDomenico), finishing in the top 10. St. E’s took home their second team trophy of the day capturing the runner up title.

This article was submitted by John Falcone, St. James School director of admissions.

To learn more about Saint James School, financial aid, and to schedule a tour, visit www.sjsbr.org.

41

Trojans’ football team runs to record-setting season

SPORTS

By Chris Donahue, Correspondent BRIDGEWATER – After losing their respective state tournament football games, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, and Immaculata High School, Somerville, sought to end their seasons on a positive note in a non-league game at the Torpey Field Complex Nov. 22.

As it had for all except a 13-10 defeat to DePaul Catholic, Wayne, in the semifinals of the Non-Public B bracket Nov. 10, St. Thomas Aquinas was propelled to victory by its running game and a sturdy defense to earn a 42-14 victory.

Immaculata, which was defeated by Holy Spirit, Absecon, 36-33 in the quarterfinals of the Non-Public B bracket, finished 7-4.

St. Thomas Aquinas finished the season with a 10-1 record, the most wins in school history, said Mike Wolfthal, its retired athletic director who also coached football, wrestling and track during his 45 years there.

The contest was also the first between the two teams since 1975, Wolfthal said.

From 1971, when St. Thomas Aquinas fielded its first varsity team to 1975, the Trojans and Immaculata competed in the Raritan Valley Conference. In 1976, St. Thomas Aquinas joined the Bicentennial Conference.

The schools will try to schedule a meeting each year, but not necessarily at Thanksgiving, officials from both institutions said.

The previous record for wins in a season by the Trojans was nine, which they accomplished in 1984, 1985 and 1986 enroute to winning state championships in the Non-Public A, South Jersey tournament, Wolfthal said.

In addition, the 1983 Trojans team featured running backs who gained more than 1,000 yards each – Darrin Winston and Jamie Estok. This season, junior Chase Young amassed 1,038 yards rushing (6.9 average gain per carry) and senior Elijah Abass-Shereef 1,014 (7.9).

Against Immaculata, Abass-Shereef rushed for 180 yards and three touchdowns and Young contributed 128 yards

and two touchdowns.

Quarterback Roman Blanks also scored for St. Thoms Aquinas.

Immaculata’s points came from a pass from quarterback Mason Geis to Owen Blum and a 90-yard kickoff return

by Anthony Brown.

St. Thomas Aquinas Coach Tarig Holman said his team’s preseason goal was to rise to its “greatest potential and we got pretty close to it.”

Immaculata Coach Mike Columbo summed up the defeat by saying, “We got beat by a better team. There are certain things we could not stop, there are certain things we could not do.

“We had a great year. We just lost to a better team tonight.”

Columbo said the Spartans have come along way since a winless season four years ago and “were a couple plays away from winning nine games this year.”

“We are playing Holy Spirit and Pope John XXIII [Regional High, Sparta].

When you play them, you better play every week,” he said.

“Look at DePaul. They are 5-5 and in the state championship. That is Catholic school football.”

Dan Degennaro, quarterback of the football team at St. Joseph High School, Metuchen, awaits the snap from center Ryan Leyner during the Falcons’ 61-20 defeat to visiting Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, in a first-round game of the NJSIAA NonPublic A tournament Nov. 4.

— Ned Rossi photo

DECEMBER 21, 2023

The football team at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, continued to improve since coach Bill Tracy was hired to guide it two years ago.

After losing two of its first three games this season, the Falcons won six consecutive contests to earn a berth in the Non-Public A bracket of the NJSIAA state tournament. Although the Falcons fell 61-20 to Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, in the quarterfinals Nov. 4, Tracy said he is pleased with the team’s progress.

Last year, the Falcons finished with a 6-5 overall record after a 3-5 mark three seasons ago.

“We only had 10 seniors, but it was like having 100 because they took care of everything,” said Tracy, who has been a head coach for 24 years. “They really showed the younger guys how to be a part of the process and not get in the way of it.

“Week after week,” he added, “we were playing a program that had a coach that had won a state championship or multiple state championships four or five weeks in a row. So, we were all tested, but we have built a very strong culture and that helped get us through.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Falcons soar to seven-win season

Top photo, St. Thomas Aquinas High School senior running back Elijah AbassShereef carries the ball for a 43-yard gain pursued by Immaculata High School defenders at the Torpey Field Complex, Bridgewater, Nov. 22. Abass-Shereef scored three touchdowns and rushed for 180 yards in the nonconference contest.

Above, Immaculata sophomore quarterback Mason Geis attempts a pass during his team’s 42-14 defeat. —Mike Ehrmann photos

42 SPORTS THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT DECEMBER 21, 2023

By Mike Kowalczyk Special Contributor The impressive numbers tell just part of the story of the St. Thomas Aquinas High School gymnastics team’s remarkable success in the 2023 season: an undefeated record in regular competition, its 22nd Greater Middlesex County Championship, and its second-in-a-row State Sectional Championship. But teamwork, unity, and determination to improve are the x-factors that have gotten the Edison-based team to where it is and propelled its consistent victories over difficult opponents.

The team set the bar high from the beginning, scoring 108.125 in its opening match against Old Bridge High School.

As the season progressed and the competition heated up, the team continued to improve, solidifying its position as the nj.com #1-ranked team in the state.

“Our season was extremely positive,” noted head coach Brant Lutska. “We were undefeated and won our division, GMC Championships, the State Qualifying sectional, and placed second overall in the state. These great accomplishments resulted from all the girls working together as a team to achieve their goals.”

At the Greater Middlesex County tournament, the team displayed its talent and teamwork, earning a repeat championship, the 22nd in team history and Coach Lutska’s 17th. Sophomore Supriyha Moore earned double gold medals on vault and floor, and senior Nina Sangiuliano earned gold on bars. “This season was a great learning experience for the team.

We put in our best efforts individually and as a group,” commented Sangiuliano.

“We have a great group of girls with much talent, and I’m excited to see what they do in the next few years.”

Throughout the course of the season, the team was able to qualify an astounding 16 out of 20 gymnasts for the State Sectional Tournament, a true testament to the team’s depth of talent and dedication. The gymnasts displayed their most impressive performances of the season on their way to claiming the trophy as state sectional champions with a seasonhigh score of 111.45. Three gymnasts claimed first-place medals: junior Olivia

Teamwork, Talent, Triumph: Inside Aquinas gymnastics’ state sectional glory

Top, the Aquinas gymnasts show off the team’s 22nd Greater Middlesex County Championship plaque after an impressive performance. Bottom, senior Nina Sangiuliano on the bars. —Courtesy photos Donato on vault, senior Nina Sangiuliano on bars, and junior Jenna Cerchio on floor. Of further note, sophomore Supriyha Moore, senior Allie Pompliano, and sophomore Shelby Reno all placed in the top six of their events.

The 2023 season was defined by the Aquinas gymnastics team’s commitment to excellence and unity, setting a high standard for success. The team looks forward to the future and is determined to continue its impressive journey in gymnastics.

Mike Kowalczyk serves as St. Thomas Aquinas High School director of Communications.

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DOWN 1 World-renowned Catholic jazz family 3 This archdiocese is found in South Australia 4 Commit a deadly sin 5 “…___ of my bones and flesh of my …” (Gen 2:23) 6 “…my ___ overflows” (Ps 23:5) 7 Meeting of bishops 10 “Lord, ___ us to pray” (Lk 11:1) 12 Turn away from sin 18 “___ Dolorosa” 19 Medieval concept that was never an official teaching of the Church 21 Catholic horror actor, Bela ___ 23 John XXIII’s surname 24 Hometown of Jesus 25 He ordered the slaughter of the Innocents 26 Luce who converted to Catholicism 31 Easter is observed on the Sunday following the first full ___ of the vernal equinox 32 Monk’s hood 34 Mass apparel Answers can be found on page 47

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ACROSS 2 “…through my most grievous ___” 5 Doctor Mirabilis 8 Latin ___ 9 A time for Sunday Mass? (abbr.)

11 Say the rosary 13 Nephew of Abraham 14 Genesis plot 15 Element of Baptism, to Constantine 16 Padre ___ 17 Descriptor for the Heart of Mary 20 “___ Night” 22 St. ___ de Porres 27 First Catholic institution of higher learning in the United States 28 ___ II, seventh century pope 29 Catholic family conference 30 The Gospel is read from here 32 US school of higher learning founded by bishops (Abbr.)

33 What a catechumen participates in (abbr.)

35 “Gloria in excelsis ___” 36 One of the theological virtues 37 Father of Rachel 38 British Prime Minister who converted in 2007

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44 OUR DIOCESE

Jenna Marie Cooper, who holds a licentiate in canon law, is a consecrated virgin and a canonist whose column appears weekly at OSV News. Send your questions to CatholicQA@osv.com.

Why can’t the Church use disposable plastic cups at Mass?

Q A

My parish recently returned to communion under the second species. A Eucharistic Minister holds one cup and one cloth and does one wipe after each serve. Most people are still not receiving it for fear of Covid or other illness. Why can’t the Church simply use disposable plastic cups with the wine already in it? The priest could say the same blessing and the Eucharistic Minister could still distribute but holding a tray instead of a cup. The empty cup could be disposed of with the passing of germs reduced to almost nothing.

What you describe – with the elements of communion pre-portioned in individual disposable packaging – is not uncommon in many non-Catholic Christian communities. However, there are several reasons why this would be inappropriate for Catholic worship.

For context, we need to recall that the Catholic theology of the Eucharist is radically different from the vast majority of Protestant understandings of holy communion. Many Protestant communities occasionally distribute bread and wine (or even grape juice) as a way of simply recalling and remembering Jesus’ last meal and the friendship he shared with his disciples.

In contrast, a core central teaching of the Catholic faith is the doctrine of the “real presence,” meaning that bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ at Mass when the priest prays the prayer of consecration. In technical philosophical terms this process is called Communion wine is dispensed in small sanitary cups at a non-Catholic Christian communion service. —OSV News

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“transubstantiation,” and because of it the prayer of consecration is much more radical than a simple blessing would be.

Because we believe that Jesus is physically, bodily present in the “sacred species” (our term for the bread and wine which have been turned into the body and blood of Christ), we have several laws and customs pertaining to the Eucharist which ensure a sufficient degree of protection and reverence for Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

For instance, it is required that the vessels used during the Eucharist such as the ciborium, paten, and chalice (the “plates” and cup) be made from worthy and suitable materials. As paragraph 328 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal tells us: “Sacred vessels should be made from precious metal. If they are made from metal that rusts or from a metal less precious than gold, they should generally be gilded on the inside.” Clearly, this directive is incompatible with the use of disposable communion cups!

Additionally, during the Mass the priest must take care that every particle of the host and every last drop of the Precious Blood are reverently consumed.

This is why, at the end of communion,

the priest “purifies” the chalice, rinsing it with water that he then drinks himself.

Even if disposable materials were allowed, there would be no way to be sure that absolutely all Precious Blood was actually consumed. As a result it would be impossible not to have some of the Precious Blood wind up in the trash. This would be at least de facto sacrilege.

It is certainly understandable that some Catholics might long for the fuller sign value of receiving communion under both kinds, while still having legitimate concerns about germs and the spread of illness. Still, it’s good to keep in mind that few things worth doing are ever one hundred percent risk-free.

Catholics who piously desire to receive the Precious Blood should prayerfully consider whether, in light of their own personal health status and spiritual needs, it might make sense for them in their own circumstances to brave the possibility of catching a bug in order to receive from the chalice.

In any case, we should always remember that in receiving the Eucharist under only one species, bread or wine, we nevertheless receive the entirety of Christ.

45

Books of the Month ARTS & MEDIA

Christmas choices for children

What happens when Saint Nick awakes on Christmas Eve with a sore throat and itchy nose?

Find out in a Christmas story families and little ones will treasure: The Night the Saints Saved Christmas.

With beautiful illustrations and a memorable rhyme, this children’s book tells the story of a magical Christmas Eve when the saints unite to deliver the presents and concludes with a touching reminder about the true meaning of Christmas.

Children will enter more fully into the reason for the season and learn why we give gifts at Christmas, while growing deeper in their love and appreciation for the saints who watch over us and help us.

The Jesse Tree is the family tree of Jesus Christ. Its name comes from Jesse, the father of King David, referring to the words of the Book of Isaiah: “But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom” (11:1). This prophecy refers to the Messiah coming from the family of King David.

Over time it became tradition during Advent to review the family of Christ as a way of illustrating the story of salvation.

The Jesse Tree for Families presents a lovely, achievable way to celebrate the liturgical season of Advent with your children. Each day focuses on a specific person from Jesus’ family tree with a meditation perfect for the whole family and a beautifully illustrated portrait, plus an ornament to hang on your family’s Jesse tree. Conversation starters and resources for parents are included to help your family grow in faith so that, together, you can prepare for the arrival of Christmas.

The best and most important gift we receive at Christmas is the infant Jesus, the true light of the world who refreshes hearts, revives souls, and restores hope.

The Light of Christmas Morning shares a heartwarming family tradition that honors the divine gift of the Savior — before the other gifts around the Christmas tree are opened.

Filled with beautiful original artwork, this book celebrates family faith and holiday traditions while always keeping Christ Jesus at the center and capturing the tenderness and warmth of the home we long for at Christmas.

Sure to become a family favorite, this story will touch hearts, minds, and souls with the authentic embrace of Christmas.

These books are available at www.osvcatholicbookstore.com

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46

Killers of the Flower Moon

ARTS & MEDIA

Movie Review

By John Mulderig NEW YORK (OSV News) – Emotional ambiguity pervades the dramatization “Killers of the Flower Moon” (Paramount/Apple TV+). Epic yet intimate, director and co-writer Martin Scorsese’s masterful recounting of real-life events in 1920s Oklahoma is too gritty for kids, but deeply rewarding for grown-ups and possibly acceptable for older teens.

As relatively few viewers may know, shortly before the turn of the 20th century, oil was discovered on land owned by the indigenous Osage Nation.

By the dawn of the Jazz Age, the windfall that followed had brought the Native

Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio star in a scene from the movie “Killers of the Flower Moon.” —OSV News photo/Melinda Sue Gordon, courtesy Apple Americans prosperity. But it had also excited violent envy and greed among some of the area’s whites.

Stepping into the midst of this volatile blend of good fortune and malice comes returning World War I veteran Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio).

The uncertainty characteristic of the story takes hold when Ernest meets strong-willed, wise Mollie Kyle (Lily Gladstone).

Ernest’s cattle rancher uncle Bill Hale (Robert De Niro), a local bigwig, points out the economic advantage to

be gained by marrying an Osage woman who, like Mollie, has a headright to a share of the petroleum profits. But the screenplay, which Scorsese penned with Eric Roth, also establishes that Ernest and Mollie do genuinely fall for each other before rapidly tying the knot.

There’s a lengthening shadow hovering over the Osage community as they do so, however. A series of initially uninvestigated deaths have taken place that hardly seem attributable to natural causes. The remainder of the film, adapted from David Grann’s 2017 bestseller, is devoted to ex-

ploring the effects of this ongoing rash of fatalities on Ernest, Mollie and Bill.

By the time Federal agent Tom White (Jesse Plemons) arrives to delve into the mystery, Scorsese has presented us with a panorama of the time and place that serves as the backdrop to an intense tale of love, corruption and racial hatred.

Top-flight writing, acting and cinematography all combine to make his outsized, three-and-a-half hour movie memorable.

Interestingly, Mollie is shown to be a devout Catholic who nonetheless practices various rituals traditional among the Osage. We’re not given enough evidence, though, to judge whether this combination represents inspired do-it-yourself inculturation or some unacceptable form of syncretism.

Mollie’s genuine faith stands in stark contrast to the religious hypocrisy of one of the other central figures. And it may account for the aura of tranquility she manages to maintain throughout the unfolding tragedy by which she – along with many others – is eventually victimized.

Mollie’s enduring stillness at the center of a human storm is just one of the powerful impressions viewers will take away from this subtle and unsettling saga.

The fate of Ernest’s Everyman character, as he makes decisive moral choices that typify, in microcosm, a consistent theme in American history, is another. Overall, Scorsese’s audience will be left with much to ponder.

The film contains brief but graphic episodes of gory violence, gruesome sights, a scene of marital sensuality, several uses of profanity, a few milder oaths and occasional rough and crude language. The OSV News classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is R – restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

John Mulderig is media reviewer for OSV News. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @JohnMulderig1.

DECEMBER 21, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics It is impossible to fully understand what it means to be a Catholic in North America without a sincere appreciation for the Catholic tradition among so many native tribes. Few people realize that Indigenous communities throughout the continent were practicing their faith centuries before the founding of the United States.

Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics, a 2021 documentary produced by the Knights of Columbus, explores the rich legacy of faith among Native Americans. Discover how in the 16th century, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to an Indigenous elder as a mestiza woman and generated the largest conversion in world history.

Hear the inspiring story of the first can-

onized Native American saint, St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Learn about a 20th century Lakota healer, Nicholas Black Elk, whose cause for canonization is currently open in Rome.

This film will inspire in viewers a deeper appreciation for the spiritual and cultural gifts of Native American Catholics, a greater awareness of the wrongs inflicted upon them by the unjust policies of the British and American governments, and a sense of hope at how Native American Catholics continue to live out their faith in fully enculturated ways today. Above all, it offers a missing piece to the greater story of Catholicism in America and a beautiful example of how Christ reveals himself through the uniqueness of every culture.

“Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholicism,” is a wide-ranging documentary of the interaction between the indigenous peoples of the New World and the Catholic Church. The movie reaches back to the Age of Exploration to examine the impact the Catholic faith has had on Native people from Mexico northward to Canada and celebrates their contributions to the Church.

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Adult Enrichment Course, “The Theology of the Eucharist,” presented by the Office of Ongoing Faith Formation, will be held on 12 consecutive Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the St. John Neuman Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The classes will be presented by Father Glenn Comandini, S.T.D., Coordinator of the Office of Ongoing Faith Formation and will include a lecture and a Q & A. There is a $15 fee to attend all 12 sessions. You can register online at www.diometuchen.org/faith -formation (please register only one time for all 12 classes.) For more information email, amarshall@diometuchen.org or call 732-562-1543.

Rosary for Life – sponsored by the diocesan Office of Human Life & Dignity. The Rosary will be prayed in solidarity with those attending the March for Life in Washington, DC. The event is being co-sponsored

by St. James Parish, Woodbridge. Bishop James F. Checchio will participate in the event and lead one decade of the Rosary. Participants should meet at St. James parking lot at 12:45 p.m. The Rosary Procession will begin at 1 p.m. For more information contact Jennifer Ruggiero at jruggiero@diometuchen.org or by phone 732-243- 4574.

Annual Diocesan Respect Life Mass. Bishop James F. Checchio will celebrate the Mass at noon in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. The diocese’s Pro-Vita awards will be presented at the Mass. For more information contact Jennifer Ruggiero at jruggiero@diometuchen.org or by phone 732243-4574.

Hispanic Bible School – The Diocese of Metuchen will launch a new cycle of the Hispanic Bible School on Jan. 25 with the introduction of Sacred Scriptures. Besides the introduction course, the School offers eight basic courses including: Pentateuch, Historical Books, Prophets, Sapiential Literature, Gospels, Pauline Letters, Catholic Letters, and Revelation. Each course has seven sessions and costs $35 per person. Classes will be held from 7 to 9 p.m, in the St John Neuman Pastoral Center, Piscataway. For more information and registration visit: www.diometuchen.org/taller-de-biblia-introduccion or contact Lescobar@diometuchen.og or 732 243 4573.

JAN

Live webinar, Family Ministry Fair, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Zoom. Sponsored by the diocesan Office of Family Life. Four speakers will address how a parish can grow their outreach to families and minister to marriages. For more information contact Cristina D’Adverso-Collins, diocesan director, Office of Family Life at cdaverso@diometuchen.org

FEB

Retrouvaille weekend – Retrouvaille is a lifeline to help couples heal and renew their marriages, sponsored by the diocesan Office of Family Life. The program consists of a weekend experience for married couples (no group discussions) with four follow-up sessions. The upcoming weekend is February 2 – 4, 2024. All inquiries are confidential. For information contact Rich Colasuonno 732236-0671 or Annette Colasuonno 732-672-0748 or email 3024@helpourmarriage.org.

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Catechist Formation Day – sponsored by the diocesan Office of Discipleship Formation for Children, this event will focus on Catechesis on the Eucharist: Teaching children and adolescents about the Source and Summit of the Faith. Participants will explore best practices on how to teach children about the Eucharist. Sister Lorraine Doirin and Father James De Fillipps will share their years of personal experience and passion for leading others to Christ. To register visit: https://diometuchen.org/ discipleship-formation-for-children.

DIOCESAN PROGRAMS

Eucharistic Adorers Wanted Bishop Checchio would like to offer Eucharistic adoration at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Monday through Friday, from 9-11:45 a.m. Anyone who is interested in signing up should contact Angela Marshall at amarshall@diometuchen.org.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - GRAPHIC DESIGNER The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, seeks a Graphic Designer to assist with the layout and design of its publication. The ideal candidate will have Adobe InDesign and Photoshop experience in a PC environment, be familiar with all aspects of electronic publishing, be well-organized and reliable, and have a proven track record of meeting deadlines.

Interested candidates should forward their resume to hr@diometuchen.org.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER The Diocese of Metuchen is seeking a freelance photographer to cover important events throughout the diocese, including the Bishop’s pastoral visits. The ideal candidate will assist the Office of Communications and Public Relations, as well as The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the diocese, in telling the story of the diocese and its partners. Interested candidates should contact Jerry Wutkowski at communications@diometuchen.org.

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Lectio Divina A meditative reading of a short Scripture passage; no experience or preparation are required. The program began Sept. 18 and will be held two Mondays per month on Zoom at 7 p.m. For details contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins, diocesan director, Office of Family Life at cdaverso@diometuchen.org

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

“The existence of each individual is deeply tied to that of others: life is not simply time that passes; life is a time for interactions.”

Warren

Comedy Night Jan. 20 – 8 p.m. – Our Lady of Lourdes Knights of Columbus, Council 6930, Whitehouse Station, will present the Eleventh Annual Comedy Night at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 390 County Road 523, Whitehouse Station. The event will feature nationally known headline comedians. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner is at 6:30 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m. This event will enable the Knights to support many of the local organizations like Starfish Food Pantry, Hunterdon ARC, Clinton ARC, and Lyons VA Hospital. Tickets are $45 per person and include show, dinner, dessert, wine and beer. For tickets contact: Tom DiQuollo at (908)217-4330, tomdiquollo@gmail.com or Roman Hnidj at (908)256-9760, rhnidj70@gmail.com

Crossword Puzzle Answers: M F A U L T B A C O N A D U O U S R I T E S A T N P R A Y L O T E D E N E N S A P I O A Q U A I M M A C U L A T E D L I D A H I N S I L E N T M A R T I N U E H B O A C G E O R G E T O W N Z R C A N A L E O S A M B O C U A R A R C I A O D E O L O V E E L O W L T L A B A N B L A I R H www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

DECEMBER 21, 2023

Liturgical Music News The Diocesan Festival Choir is seeking new members in all sections (SATB). Rehearsals are on the three preceding Tuesdays for any particular liturgical event and are typically held at the Cathedral in Metuchen.

Interested persons may set up an interview/audition by contacting Christopher Deibert, diocesan director of Liturgical Music, at cdeibert@diometuchen.org.

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

St. Timothy Awards – sponsored by the diocesan Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, the event to be held at 11 a.m in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. Bishop James F. Checchio will honor high school juniors and seniors from the diocese with the St. Timothy and St. Teresa of Calcutta Awards.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL TEACHERS Perth Amboy Catholic is a Pre-K to 8 grammar school looking for qualified middle school level teachers, especially in mathematics. Substitute teaching positions are also available in primary grades with potential for long term and/or permanent employment in other subjects.

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OUR DIOCESE

DIOCESAN EVENTS

48 OUR DIOCESE DECEMBER 21, 2023

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