February 22, 2024

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

FEBRUARY 22, 2024 • VOL. 29 NO. 1

Heart tO Heart With Valentine’s Day hearts in the background, Bishop James F. Checchio shares a touching exchange about Jesus’ love for them with Pre-K students in Immaculate Conception School, Somerville, following the closing Mass Feb. 2 for Catholic Schools Week, celebrated also with the Immaculata High School community. For all our CSW coverage see pgs 25-29.

–Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo

INSIDE Eucharistic Revival Our Faith Perspectives Religious Jubilarians Movie Review Diocesan Events

6 8 16 18 46 47

Young disciples honored at Mass

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St. Timothy Awards

2 UP FRONT

Return to the Lord with your whole heart this Lent, and know the joy of Easter

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, It feels like we just finished Christmas and here we are in Lent already! Ash Wednesday began our Lenten season, and we heard the Lord beckoning us to return to Him with our whole hearts!

How do we do that? The Church provides us with a new opportunity to focus ourselves anew on Christ through the three Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

Jesus Himself gives us such a great example for fasting and prayer as well as wonderful teachings on almsgiving.

Jesus would often go to deserted places to pray. We all recall His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prays to align His will with the Father’s, “Not My will, but Yours be done Father.”

This is one of the primary purposes

for prayer, to help us understand what God wants of us, and how He wants us to live each day. Yes, we are asked to take up some extra prayer time, perhaps reading the Scriptures each day of Lent for a few minutes, praying a daily Rosary or just sitting quietly in the presence of our loving Father realizing He made me and loves me, asking for His help in trying to live more like Him each day.

Jesus fasted, too, as we read in Scriptures. In our day, intermittent fasting is in fashion for dieting, but for us, fasting has a higher purpose. It is to help us gain more control of ourselves and our passions. Ultimately, fasting is to help us align our will to the heavenly Father’s.

Jesus answered Satan at the end of the 40 days spent in the desert saying, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” The true fast is to help us focus eating the “true food,” which is to do the Father’s will.

It was only after Jesus’ 40 days in the desert, after 40 days alone, in prayer and fasting, that He feels His will is aligned with the will of the Father and therefore begins His public ministry.

We are asked to abstain from meat on Fridays of Lent and to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Why not in addition to these practices, we fast from something else that we like and maybe indulge in too much at times, like using our computers or phones, or watching TV. Why not fast from the internet each day for some time or on Fridays, and use the time for something more constructive?

Finally, almsgiving is part of our Lenten journey, too. I am always so amazed and grateful for your generosity in sharing your treasure with others in need, through your parish, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal which runs during Lent, and through so many other special collections or needs that are presented to you. Thank you!

Almsgiving helps us to be less selfcentered and focuses us on others’ needs and pleasing God, not ourselves. Detachment from our personal preferences in order to see others’ needs and what God is asking from us is important, even if at times the acquisition of this virtue seems arduous. It does require renewed generosity on our part.

Jesus praises the woman in the Scriptures who gives not from her excess but from what she needed. It was a sacrificial gift. Perhaps something that we could consider this Lent is giving up something that we enjoy and use regularly and donate that money, instead, to a worthy cause that helps others. This might be giving up going out to dinner or

even just the normal stop at Starbucks for a coffee each day.

We’re told in Scriptures that our Father who sees what we do in private will reward us. Likewise, those who are helped, the needy, poor, even the children in our Catholic Schools who we might help with our donation, will be grateful, too!

Lent offers us a time to return to the Lord with our whole hearts. The joy and light of Easter awaits us on the other side of our Lenten journey. May the sacrifices which we make indeed bring us closer to Jesus, so that we may experience His Resurrection in a deeper way in our lives come Easter.

A great Lenten activity is to invite someone to Mass with you, helping another return to the Lord, and to have the joy in their lives that only God can give is a wonderful gift, especially as we are in the midst of our national Eucharistic Revival.

Know of my love, prayers and gratitude for you this Lent and always! I will be making some extra sacrifices for you this Lent and ask the Lord to bless you in every way. Please remember to pray for me this Lent, too. I’d be grateful!

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

2024 Lenten Obligations

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— OSV News photo/CNS file, Bob Roller

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1. The days of both fast and abstinence are Ash Wednesday (Feb. 14) and Good Friday (Mar. 29).

2. The other Fridays during Lent (Feb. 16 and 23, Mar. 1, 8, 15, and 22) are days of abstinence.

3. Fasting in the Roman Catholic tradition means to limit oneself to one full meal with two smaller meals which together do not equal the size of your full meal. The obligation of fasting applies only to Catholics between the ages of 18 to 59.

4. Abstinence in the Roman Catholic tradition means to abstain from eating meat (beef, chicken, pork, turkey, etc.). The obligation of abstinence applies to all Catholics who have reached the age of 14.

Note: This year, be aware that Ash Wednesday falls on February 14 (also Valentine’s Day). The obligation to fast does remain in effect, so it is suggested that those who are planning a special dinner make that their one main meal of the day.

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).

3 OUR DIOCESE

‘YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER, IN THE LINE OF MELCHIZEDEK’

Bishop James F. Checchio celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial for Rev. Msgr. William J. Capik at the Church of St. James in Basking Ridge on Feb. 5. Msgr. Capik was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Trenton on June 4, 1955, in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, Trenton.

After serving in a variety of parishes and schools, he was named pastor of St. James Parish in 1981, just before the Diocese of Metuchen was created. Monsignor Capik retired in June 2005, after 24 years of service to St. James Parish. In retirement, he regularly assisted parishes by being available for Masses and Confessions, including for the Sisters of Mercy at McAuley Hall HealthCare Center, Watchung. To read Msgr. Capik’s full obituary see page 35.

—Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photos

Lenten retreat: Book helps people explore Pope’s teaching on belonging

By Cindy Wooden

— CNS photo/Courtesy Loyola Press

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Continued on page 34

“First Belong to God: On Retreat with Pope Francis,” a book by Austen Ivereigh, is published in the United States by Loyola Press. Using a classic eight-day preached version of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola and five decades worth of spiritual reflections by Pope Francis, the book is a retreat guide for individuals or groups.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Francis’s concern for migrants and refugees, his focus on ecology, his calls to “go out” to share the good news of salvation, even his support for the controversial possibility of informally blessing LGBTQ+ couples flow from his conviction that people need to know they belong to God, to one another and to creation.

“All the life-threatening crises that beset us around the world, from the ecological crisis to the wars, the injustices against the poor and vulnerable, have their roots in this rejection of our belonging to God and to each other,” the Pope wrote in a foreword to “First Belong to God: On Retreat with Pope Francis,” a book released Feb. 13, the day before the beginning of Lent.

To understand Pope Francis and his teaching, it is helpful to understand – and even experience – the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius that have shaped his spirituality since he joined the Jesuits in 1958, said Austen Ivereigh, author of the new book.

Ivereigh, who has written two biographies of the Pope, has woven together a classic eight-day preached version of the Spiritual Exercises with five decades of spiritual reflections by Pope Francis in the book, which was published in Ireland by Messenger Publications and in the United States by Loyola Press.

“The big overall theme is belonging, or the crisis of belonging to which the pontificate is, in many ways, a response,” Ivereigh said.

Pope Francis continually returns to the theme, insisting each person was created by God, is loved by God and is called to recognize that he or she belongs to God. Remembering that first belonging inspires humility and gratitude but also frees people from erroneously thinking they can or should be able to control everything and everyone around them.

The pope’s repeated reminder to young people at World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, that there is room in the church for “todos, todos, todos” – everyone, everyone,

4 SPECIAL FEATURE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Clockwise from top: Bishop James F. Checchio and 47 teens of the diocese gathered in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, Feb. 3 for the annual St. Timothy Award ceremony where the youth were recognized for their Christian leadership. “You are such good role models,” the Bishop said in his homily. Proud family members posed with their favorite teens, who had taken active roles in their parishes and schools to emulate Christ’s disciples, including as acolytes during the ceremony.

— Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photos

Joshua Grzyb Joseph Hollywood Helena Polk Garrett Priebracha Rita Ibraham

Blessed Sacrament, Martinsville Blessed Sacrament, Martinsville Immaculata High School, Somerville Immaculata High School, Somerville Jesus The King Coptic Catholic Church, Perth Amboy Danica Agapay Mary, Mother of God, Hillsborough Matt Jones Mary, Mother of God, Hillsborough Theresa Morrison Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung Mikayla Sharif Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung Javier Matos Our Lady of Fatima, Perth Amboy Naomi Romero Our Lady of Fatima, Perth Amboy Rina Lee Our Lady of Mercy, South Bound Brook Seo Jin Park Our Lady of Mercy, South Bound Brook Daniel Adams Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bernardsville Brendan Lobo Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bernardsville Kelly Nichols St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bridgewater Mathew Strauss St. Catherine of Siena, Pittstown Ryan Holmes St. Edward the Confessor, Milford Andrew Devine St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Three Bridges Ashley Green St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Three Bridges Mary Kate Cummings St. Francis Cathedral, Metuchen Johnny Risley St. Francis Cathedral, Metuchen Casey Decker St. Helena, Edison Nick Zranchev St. Helena, Edison Mary Agugliaro St. James, Basking Ridge Kevin Taylor St. James, Basking Ridge Luke Vazquez St. James, Woodbridge John Whelan St. John the Evangelist, Lambertville Evan Chin St. John Vianney, Colonia Richard Michael Karabinchak St. Joseph High School, Metuchen Nereo Rossi III St. Joseph High School, Metuchen Jasiel Amigon St. Joseph, Carteret Jaclynn Valente St. Joseph, Carteret Katie Cusack St. Joseph, Hillsborough Jess Lew St. Joseph, Hillsborough Jake Bacino St. Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington Claudia Benke St. Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington Christian Pettinelli St. Mary, Alpha Julianne Talijan St. Mary, Alpha Avery Booth St. Mary, South Amboy Emily Herrera St. Mary, South Amboy Emily Chavez St. Matthias, Somerset Adriana Liberti St. Matthias, Somerset James Nonaillada St. Matthias, Somerset Caroline Devlin St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison Katie Farrar St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison Kyle Giuliano St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge

Saint Teresa Award Winners for 2024 Immaculata High School, Somerville Mary, Mother of God, Hillsborough St. Francis Cathedral, Metuchen St. Joseph High School, Metuchen St. Joseph, Hillsborough St. Matthias, Somerset

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Garrett Priebracha Matt Jones Mary Kate Cummings Nereo Rossi III Katie Cusack Emily Chavez

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

If the 47 teens seated in the pews of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Feb. 3 are any indication, the future of the Diocese of Metuchen is in good hands.

“You are such good role models,” said Bishop James F. Checchio to the youth during the 2024 St. Timothy and St. Teresa Awards ceremony sponsored by the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Addressing the congregation of proud families and admiring friends, pastors and youth ministers, the Bishop continued, “They are so generous in willing to share their gifts and talents with others, their faith with others.”

The teens had been nominated for the awards by their pastors, principals, catechetical leaders and youth ministers for the ways they exhibited Christian leadership. Further, according to the office’s website, the teens were recognized for “setting a positive example for other youth, witnessing to their faith by exhibiting Catholic morals and integrity, and demonstrating Gospel values through service to others.”

During his homily, Bishop Checchio expounded upon those good deeds, sharing spiritual resumes which could rival those of Christians decades older.

“You have taken active roles in liturgy at your parishes and schools and with Youth Ministry, undertaken service projects, helped at summer Bible camps, started Bible studies at school, gone on service trips, assisted with retreats and served as teen ambassadors with Life Choices,” the Bishop enumerated. “You have shown yourself to be reliable and enthusiastic, and taken Pope Francis’ message to heart by reaching out to people on the fringes such as those with special needs, the elderly and homebound. You have aided the poor, initiated food drives, and immersed yourselves in prayer to fall more in love with the Lord Jesus.”

Reflecting upon the Gospel of Luke wherein Jesus charged 72 disciples to proclaim his Word, Bishop Checchio said, “The harvest is abundant, but laborers are few. There is a sense of urgency, a need for everyone to be

involved with the work of the harvest, which is the mission of the Church. The harvest waits for no one.”

Though the magnitude of the work seems greater than the laborers can handle. Jesus is clear about what first action will be: pray.

“Turn to the Master of the harvest in prayer,” the Bishop concluded. “It doesn’t matter what we accomplish in life if it is not in accord with the Father’s will. You are Jesus’ disciples of 2024. Your task is to prepare the way for Jesus.”

Megan Callahan, director of the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, shared the Diocese of Metuchen’s goal for the awards as “twofold: we want to both affirm and encourage our young people – who like St. Timothy are giving daily "yesses" to live as disciples the Lord. We want to affirm them of the beautiful way that they are turning to the Lord in prayer, imitating Christ through their love and service, and bringing others to the Lord as well.”

Callahan continued, “It is meant to provide the encouragement that we all so often need to keep running the race and to persevere in the faith when the road gets tough. This day really is a celebration of our youth who bear a radiant witness to the goodness of God in a world that can sometimes feel a little dark.”

Six of the St. Timothy award winners were bestowed with an additional honor: the St. Teresa of Calcutta Award. The teens had been selected for adhering to the saint’s example by their good works of bringing comfort to the poor, the lonely, the sick, and the homeless.

These award winners were Garrett Pribracha, Immaculata High School, Somerville; Matt Jones, Mary, Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough; Mary Kate Cummings, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen; Ned Rossi III, St. Joseph High School, Metuchen; Katie Cusack, St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, and Emily Chavez, St. Matthias Parish, Somerset.

Students held aloft their crucifixes and Rosaries for the Bishop’s blessing, and he recognized the support and spiritual example of their proud parents, parish and school representatives, thanking them and noting, “Thank you for making it possible to do what they do and bringing them up with the heart of Christ.”

Saint Timothy Award Winners for 2024

SPECIAL FEATURE

By Christina Leslie Contributing Editor

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Teens recognized as disciples of Christ at St. Timothy Award ceremony

6 EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 22, 2024

REAL PRESENCE

Understanding Eucharist as Jesus, the Bread of Life

By Father Tom Lanza Special Contributor Several years ago, a Pew research study revealed 69 percent of all selfidentified Catholics said they believed the consecrated bread and wine used at Mass are not Jesus, but instead “symbols of the body and blood of Jesus Christ.”

Although shocking, this probably does not come from a place of skepticism or malice, but more from a place not knowing how the Church arrived at the conclusion that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Jesus in the form of bread and wine.

When we know how and why something works the way it does, we can embrace it more fully than if someone tells us. As Catholics we tend to start with the rules and work backwards. It was not until my last semester in the seminary that a course on the Eucharist was weaved into my schedule. To my chagrin, I was never fully taught the development and scriptural connections to the Eucharist.

I would like to highlight three pivotal movements in Scripture that will help to solidify our understanding of the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

The first movement is “the Manna in the desert.” God provides real bread for the hungry Israelites as they journey through the desert after escaping captivity. The Lord says, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you.” Every morning

Pope tells seminarians to put the Eucharist at the center of formation

By Justin McLellan VATICAN CITY (CNS) – If seminarians want to advance in their discernment and practice of religious life they must place the Eucharist at the center of their formation, Pope Francis wrote.

Making God the "cornerstone" of one's life "can only be achieved through adoration," the Pope said in a message to seminarians from the Archdiocese of Madrid.

Instead of reading his prepared remarks to the seminarians Feb. 3, he opted

when the dew evaporated, on the surface of the desert were flakes of bread. Why do I believe this? Because if God did not intervene in the desert, the Israelites would have all died and the story would be over.

God uses the very means of survival, food and drink, to nourish the Israelites, keep them alive, and inspire faith.

The Exodus narrative helps to provide religious context. God during this time was establishing his people. He was creating a community. The manna in the desert shows God’s saving power and binds the people together as the Israelites. The Israelites would eventually become the Jewish people, taking God’s law, rituals, and culture with them. Jesus, a devout Jew, clearly understood the significance of the manna in the desert. He uses the same symbol of divinity during the Last Supper.

The second movement is “the Last Supper.” This development is a renewal and intensification of God’s closeness to his people. Jesus, the Son of God, after immersing himself in the human experience leaves behind the entirety of himself in a very accessible way. When the ritual of the Mass is performed and the words of consecration are said by an ordained priest, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, just like Jesus said it would. Now, we get to live our lives with God in a much more integrated way.

We no longer worship perishable bread once a year to commemorate the Exodus,

we ingest divinity each weekend to heal and strengthen us as we live our lives.

The third movement is “the witness of the first Christians.” We rely on the first Christian communities to interpret the Last Supper, considering the Exodus and their understanding of who Jesus is.

Summarizing John’s Gospel, we learn Jesus is the bread of life; those who believe in him will eat this bread and live forever. John’s Gospel was written toward the end of the first century or perhaps the very beginning of the second.

Early in the second century, the last living connection to the Apostles, Saint Irenaeus of Lyon, preached this to his community: “Just as bread from the earth, when it receives the invocation of God, is no longer common bread but the Eucharist, made up of two elements,

Pope Francis shakes hands with Cardinal José Cobo Cano of Madrid, Spain, during a meeting with a group of seminarians from the Archdiocese of Madrid at the Vatican Feb. 3, 2024.

—CNS photo/ Vatican Media

to field questions from them for more than an hour, reported COPE, the radio station owned by the Spanish bishops' conference. COPE's Vatican correspondent reported that among other things, the Pope warned them against falling into ideology, "which prevents us from looking at people as brothers and sisters."

For seminarians studying how to transmit Jesus to others, "there is no other example but himself," the Pope said in his written message. Jesus "will be our teacher, patient, severe, gentle or firm as we need in our discernment, because he

knows us better than we know ourselves, and he waits for us, encourages us and sustains us in all our journey," he wrote.

The Pope encouraged the seminarians to come face to face with the Eucharist each morning, a practice which "makes us reflect on the futility of our worldly ideas, of our desires to ascend, to appear, to stand out."

"He who is immense makes a total gift of himself, and in my hands before receiving Communion he asks me: Have you reconciled with your brother or sister? Have you dressed in festive attire?

Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci one earthly and one heavenly, so also our bodies, in receiving the Eucharist, are no longer corruptible, for they have the hope of resurrection.”

The tenets of our faith would be argued about through the first several centuries of Christianity; the teaching of the Church never officially taught that the Eucharist was purely symbolic. It is a symbol of God’s abiding presence for sure, but first and foremost it is the supernatural substance of God himself. We literally ingest divinity and God becomes united both physically and spiritually every time we receive the Eucharist.

Father Tom Lanza serves as diocesan director of the Office of Vocations.

Are you ready to enter my eternal banquet?" the Pope wrote.

Pope Francis told the seminarians to attend Eucharistic adoration "so that you may build the temple of God in your persons and in your communities with docility."

The group traveled to Rome to accompany their archbishop, Cardinal José Cobo Cano, in formally "taking possession" of his titular church in Rome, St. Mary of Montserrat, which was built in 1506 as a church for the Spanish pilgrims traveling to Rome. With a titular church, the cardinals become members of the clergy of Rome, evoking ancient times when the cardinals who elected Popes were pastors of the city's parishes.

Meeting with the Spanish seminarians at the Vatican, Pope Francis urged them to "go into the desert" as Jesus did, so that Christ may speak directly to their hearts.

"If one is full of worldliness, of things – no matter if they are deemed 'religious' – God will not find a place (in him), nor will we hear him when he knocks at our door," he wrote.

"Therefore silence, prayer, fasting, penance, asceticism are necessary to free ourselves from what enslaves us and to be entirely for God," the Pope wrote.

My family made a recent visit to the new museum at the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland. I've always been drawn to St. Elizabeth's story. I remember how it fascinated me as a child that she was both a mother and a nun, not to mention the first canonized saint born in our land.

The newly redesigned museum has much to offer any pilgrim. I went there that day hoping to find something about her life that could inspire our oldest son as he prepares for his first Holy Communion in the spring. And, by God's grace, something that stuck me anew on this visit was the love St. Elizabeth had for the Lord's real presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

Something that particularly stuck out to me, thanks to one of the exhibits, was how significant St. Elizabeth’s first Holy Communion was in her life. Digging into this pivotal day in her life a bit more later, I came to learn that St. Elizabeth had so longed for the Lord the night ahead of her first reception of the sacrament that she lay awake "burning" with desire. And as she made the two-mile journey so quickly to the church that next morning, she wrote, it seemed her feet barely touched the ground.

Now this is no hyperbole by a pious biographer, but her very written words, preserved at the Maryland museum.

These words and experiences left me with ample fodder for prayer and reflection, and still do.

Remarkably, this newfound love for the Eucharist, rooted in her newfound love for the Catholic faith, came about only by providence and through much suffering. At 29, Elizabeth and her oldest child accompanied her husband to Italy in hopes his tubercular lungs might recover there. Those hopes were dashed, though, after the state quarantined them in such harsh conditions that Mr. Seton's death was hastened.

But she was not left in despair. God

burst into her life in a most amazing and transformative way. A woman of faith already, raised in the Episcopalian tradition, Elizabeth was dumbstruck by the experiences she had at the Italian estate of her husband’s friends – the Filicchis – where she became acquainted with Catholicism. "(H)ow happy we would be,” she wrote her sister-in-law, "if we believed what these dear souls believe, that they possess God in the sacrament and that he remains in their churches and is carried to them when they are sick."

Her Episcopalian sensibilities maintained no strength against the power of the Eucharist. Witnessing firsthand a Eucharistic procession, Elizabeth would later recall, "I fell on my knees without thinking … and cried in an agony to God to bless me if he was there, that my whole soul desired only him."

As I looked at the rosary St. Elizabeth received at her first Holy Communion, I wondered what might come of my son’s someday. Then I looked at what she wrote, in her own hand, about that very day: "At last GOD IS MINE and I AM HIS." This is the beauty of a soul who longed for total union with Christ and found it only by passing through great suffering. But once she did, she couldn’t keep it to herself.

She set out to transform the world, nourished and sustained by the fullness of love contained in that tiny host.

Standing there, recalling St. Elizabeth's first Holy Communion, I said a prayer for our son, that he might come to experience just that. And I longed to realize the full power of those words in his life and mine. That we might be so utterly transformed in the Eucharist, as was St. Elizabeth, that we might evermore long be made worthy to enter his kingdom in her footsteps.

Michael R. Heinlein is author of "Glorifying Christ: The Life of Cardinal Francis E. George, O.M.I." and a promised member of the Association of Pauline Cooperators.

EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

By Michael R. Heinlein

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

— OSV News photo/courtesy National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

For information on the Diocesan Pilgrimage to the National Eucharistic Congress with Bishop James F. Checchio visit www.diometuchen.org/nec2024.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Parishes from every corner in our nation will gather at the feet of Jesus, boldly anticipating a new Pentecost at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. Your life—and our Church—will never be the same.

This is an original copy of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's "The Following of Christ" (commonly translated as "The Imitation of Christ”). The book testifies to her love of Jesus. The Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Pennsylvania agreed to loan it to the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Md., for display in the shrine's new $4 million museum and visitors center, which opened Sept. 22, 2023.

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'Longing': Learning about Eucharistic desire from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

8 OUR FAITH

‘Hallowed be thy name’ is a prayer of reverence and gratitude Article 183 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 2807-2815

What is your idea of God? Christian art and symbolism use imagery to aid the human mind in forming a concept of God. For example, painters portray God as wise and dignified, while some artists symbolize God as a giant eye in stained glass windows in churches. To form a true notion of the infinite majesty of God, however, we need to expand our horizons with a more complete and balanced idea of Him. Otherwise, we become like those who say that there is no God, that our world has no Maker because we cannot imagine anyone big enough or magnificent enough to make it!

This is partly why we invoke the words “hallowed be Thy name” in the Lord’s Prayer as a way “to recognize as holy, to treat in a holy way” (CCC 2807) the very name of God. In fact, “this invocation is sometimes understood as praise and thanksgiving” (CCC 2807).

It is important for us to know, too, that, “beginning with this first petition to our Father, we are immersed in the innermost mystery of His Godhead and

the drama of the salvation of our humanity” (CCC 2807). Our request in “asking the Father that His name be made holy draws us into His plan of loving kindness … according to His purpose which He set forth in Christ“ (CCC 2807). This sets us on the path, as Saint Paul says it, to becoming “holy and blameless before Him in love” (Ephesians 1:9). How is this made possible? Because, as Paul explains: “[God] makes known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth (Ephesians1:9-10).

The next paragraph teaches: “In the decisive moments of His economy God reveals His name, but He does so by accomplishing His work. This work, then, is realized for us and in us only if His name is hallowed by us and in us” (CCC 2808). This self-disclosure and making known to us His will is fundamentally Christ-centered. Why? Because in the fullness of time, “the Word of God became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Therefore, Jesus provides the answer for all of us when asked: “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” (John 6:28). “Jesus answered … ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in the one He sent’” (John 6:29). In other words, God’s selfrevelation is made known to us through the work of God in Christ Jesus. His name is made holy (hallowed) “by us” through our words and deeds and “in us”

by our Christ-filled interior lives. Thus, when we say, “hallowed be Thy name,” we are not only praying that God Our Father may be known and honored by all people, but we are resolved to do our part toward sincerely making God better known and loved.

Although “the holiness of God is the inaccessible center of His eternal mystery” (CCC 2809), God chose to reveal or share “the radiance of His majesty” or “glory” with us by making us “in His image and likeness.” By sinning, however, we “fell short of the glory of God” and in order to restore us to His image, God manifested His holiness by revealing and giving His name to us. We learn from Jesus that God is “Father.” In addition to the Lord’s Prayer, another tender scene in which Jesus invokes the name of God as “Father” is in the Garden of Gethsemane, when He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; remove this chalice from me; yet not what I will, but what You will” (Mark 14:36). Throughout the Gospels, Jesus refers to God as Father more than 165 times.

Reverence for God’s holy name is discerned in the Second Commandment.

The Commandment not only forbids us to take God’s name in vain, but it also commands us to venerate God’s name.

No wonder Christ’s first petition in the Lord’s Prayer, the most perfect of prayers, is “hallowed be Thy name.” We hallow God’s name by using it in prayer to lift people up and not as a form of cursing another. If we sincerely desire to

hallow God’s name, we must do our best to make it known, loved, glorified and honored. In fact, “from the covenant of Sinai onwards, this people is ‘His own’ and it is to be a ‘holy nation,’ because the name of God dwells in it” (CCC 2810).

Later, “because He ‘sanctifies’ His own name, Jesus reveals to us the name of the Father. At the end of Christ’s Passover, the Father gives Him the name that is above all names: ‘Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father’” (CCC 2812). Finally, “in His priestly prayer, Jesus asks: ‘Holy Father, protect in Your name those whom You have given me’” (CCC 2815).

When we pray the words “hallowed be Thy name,” we are speaking not only on our own behalf, but on behalf of all people who are grateful to God for His many blessings. As such, we cannot utter this part of the Our Father with real sincerity unless we are resolved to do our part in joining others to make God’s name better known and loved.

In this digital age, a familiar television commercial advertising the Catholic APP named “Hallow” is presently being aired on various channels. The actor who plays Jesus on “The Chosen” speaks about the importance of prayer and tells viewers to go to the APP for more information on how to become better pray-ers.

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

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Congregation celebrates Chinese New Year

In honor of the Chinese Lunar New Year, Metuchen Chinese Catholics worshipped at Mass celebrated by Father Biao Wu in Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, Middlesex, Jan. 11. Father Wu is currently studying at Seton Hall University, South Orange.

Mass was followed by fellowship and dances, as well as an opportunity to hear Father Wu sing. Some 100 people were in attendance, a return to pre-Covid numbers for worship by the Chinese community. —Courtesy photo

lion into forced marriage in addition to the countless victims of human trafficking, according to a United Nations report.

This is where the lack of hope wields all its power, she said, because the enormity and breadth of these problems act as a depressing justification for inaction.

"But we can change what little we have been given: a lifestyle more respectful of oneself, others and the environment; re-learn solidarity and fraternity, first of all in our own homes; working together to build a healthy work environment, promoters of the common good and not slaves to profit at all costs," she said.

The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development asked Mauro

Pallotta, an Italian street artist, known as "Maupal," to help illustrate the Pope's message with a new drawing every week throughout the period of Lent, which concludes March 28, Holy Thursday.

His first illustration, released ahead of Lent, depicts an image of Pope Francis pushing a wheelbarrow containing a sack full of faith through a desert of nails "that represent idols old and new, and our captivity," he said.

Nails in the road would puncture the rubber wheel, putting the journey to a stop, but by "following Pope Francis, who opens the path with the power of faith," the road becomes passable for everyone "and the goal attainable," he said.

Pope Francis’s

Monthly Prayer Intentions March For the new martyrs We pray that those who risk their

lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Rethinking Lifestyles "Lent is a season of conversion, a time of freedom" during which Christians seek to rediscover God's call and promise, he wrote. "It is time to act, and in Lent, to act also means to pause. To pause in prayer, in order to receive the word of God, to pause like the Samaritan in the presence of a wounded brother or sister."

Through prayer, almsgiving and fasting, Christians experience "openness and self-emptying, in which we cast out the idols that weigh us down, the attachments that imprison us," the Pope wrote.

Pope Francis invited every Chris-

Haves and Have-Nots Emilia Palladino, a professor in the social sciences department of Rome's Pontifical Gregorian University, said "the inequalities present today are an abomination."

There is the gap between "the haves and have-nots" and an outright denial of "human dignity and basic human rights for entire portions of humanity kept in slavery," she said.

In 2023, she said, three out of 10 people did not have access to essential health services and an estimated two billion people faced hunger in order to meet expenses related to medical care and medicines, according to the World Health Organization.

As of 2023, she said, there are still 152 million children and adolescents who are victims of child labor, according to the International Labor Office. Some 40,000 of them are working in mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, extracting coltan, which is needed in making smartphones, tablets and computers, tools that end up being a form of addiction for others.

In 2021, she added, 28 million people were trapped in forced labor and 22 mil-

An illustration by street artist Mauro Pallotta, known as "Maupal," for Pope Francis' Lenten message for 2024 was released during a news conference at the Vatican Feb. 1, 2024. Lent began Feb. 14, Ash Wednesday, and concludes March 28, Holy Thursday. —CNS photo/courtesy Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Lent is a time to free oneself from slavery and take action to free others suffering from the multiple forms of slavery that afflict the world, Pope Francis said.

Even though Baptism has begun a process of liberation, "there remains in us an inexplicable longing for slavery.

A kind of attraction to the security of familiar things, to the detriment of our freedom," the Pope said in his message for Lent, which begins Feb. 14 for Latinrite Catholics.

Echoing the tragedy of the ancient Israelites, a modern-day Pharaoh "stifles dreams, blocks the view of heaven, makes it appear that this world, in which human dignity is trampled upon and authentic bonds are denied, can never change," the Pope wrote.

"We need to combat a deficit of hope that stifles dreams and the silent cry that reaches to heaven and moves the heart of God," he wrote.

Released by the Vatican Feb. 1, the text of the Pope's Lenten message focused on God's call to leave behind the bonds of slavery, with the title, "Through the Desert God Leads us to Freedom," which is from the Book of Exodus (20:2).

God enables people to embark on a new journey and experience "a Passover from death to life," the Pope wrote.

"Even today we remain under the rule of Pharaoh. A rule that makes us weary and indifferent. A model of growth that divides and robs us of a future," he said. "Earth, air and water are polluted, but so are our souls."

And, he wrote, there are "the idols that we set up for ourselves," such as a longing to be all-powerful, to be looked up to by all and to dominate others. "We can become attached to money, to certain projects, ideas or goals, to our position, to a tradition, even to certain individuals," all of which only paralyzes people and creates conflict.

tian community to ask its members to "rethink their lifestyles" and to examine their role in society and the contribution they can make to its betterment.

The synodal Church looks for "communitarian decisions" that are "capable of altering the daily lives of individuals and entire neighborhoods, such as the ways we acquire goods, care for creation and strive to include those who go unseen or are looked down upon," he said.

"Let us ask: Do I want a new world?

Am I ready to leave behind my compromises with the old?" the Pope wrote, inviting the faithful to "keep seeking and be ready to take risks."

Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, presented the Lenten message at a Vatican news conference.

"Traditionally, Lent is a time to review our lives and to individually face the need for personal conversion," he said.

However, the Pope is challenging the faithful also to seek to change the world.

As believers and as citizens, he said, Christians should ask, "Where are we on the journey with so many siblings at home and worldwide who cry out and ask us to walk with them?"

"By embracing the gift of Lent, every Christian community can accompany its members in facing the challenges of our time," the cardinal said, because "the hoped-for changes in the world begin with change in me and in you."

LENT

By Carol Glatz

9

Pope: Christians must rekindle hope in fighting today's forms of slavery

10 OUR DIOCESE

You will be my witnesses

Diocese’s ‘unsung heroes’ recognized for pro-life work

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Anna M. Githens Correspondent Though the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision was overturned, pro-life individuals must still testify to the value of life in all forms and at all stages, declared Bishop James F. Checchio at the annual diocesan Respect Life Mass held Jan. 21 in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.

“St. John the Baptist’s whole life, even from the womb, was about witnessing, testifying to Jesus,” declared the Bishop in his homily. “My brothers and sisters, the only way the Church is going to be renewed in our day is this way: through the personal witness, the personal testimony, of Jesus’ faithful disciples. It’s our great privilege and it’s our responsibility. As Jesus told us, ‘You will be my witnesses.’”

Every year, on or near the anniversary of the legalization of abortion, the Diocese of Metuchen has recognized individuals who have significantly impacted the pro-life movement. In past years, two or three award recipients were chosen. In the wake of the Dobbs deci-

sion, which overturned Roe v. Wade, the Bishop requested diocesan pastors to nominate those who have worked tirelessly for pro-life causes.

This year a total of 44 honorees were selected to receive an award. In addition to the Bishop as principal celebrant and homilist, at the altar were Father Timothy A. Christy, rector of the Cathedral, and numerous priests of the diocese.

“Each of us is here because it was willed by God,” Bishop Checchio continued. “None of us is here on earth by mistake. No one. At our conception God breathed life into us. He created a soul for us so he could be with us throughout our lives here and forever in heaven. It’s incredible, isn’t it? The cooperation of God with our mothers and fathers?”

Jennifer A. Ruggiero, Secretary for the Diocese’s Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life, enthusiastically welcomed the congregation and asked all past and present award recipients to stand at the reception in the Community Room following the Mass.

“Whether it be walking with pregnant moms in need, visiting the home-

Top photo, pro-life honorees gather around Bishop James F. Checchio following the Jan. 21 Respect Life Mass where they were recognized for their personal witness to life. Bottom left, Knights of Columbus, who came out in support of the pro-life honorees, bring the gifts of bread and wine to the Bishop. Several honorees were active Knights. Bottom right, honorees stand for recognition surrounded by family and guests. —Mike Ehrmann photos bound, reaching out to the frail elderly, tending to the sick and dying, working with those with disabilities or helping those struggling with addiction,” said Ruggiero, “efforts to build a culture of life and love are needed in our world more than ever before.”

Father Christy noted, “These unsung heroes who are day in day out doing this, they elevate the whole message for the whole Church. There is so much strength that we gain when we get to hear and experience their witness.”

One such witness was Former N.J. State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus, Robert F. Mate, who has been going to the pro-life marches with his family since they started in Washington.

“I think most people are confused with what took place when Roe v. Wade was overturned. What it did was give

the states the responsibility to decide if abortion should be legal or illegal,” Mate said, expressing concern for states giving access to abortion “up to the very end,” including New Jersey.

Another long-time member of the Knights, Bill Smith, and his wife, Diane, were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Jennifer, in 1973, the year of the Roe v, Wade ruling. Every Friday night for eleven months the Knights and the Altar Rosary Society prayed at their home for the health of their daughter who had been born with three holes in her heart. When the date of her surgery neared, the doctors were astonished that her heart was in perfect condition.

The doctors said, “’We can’t explain it. There are no holes in her heart, they healed.’ Our prayers were answered!”

Continued on page 11

Pro-Life Honorees January 2024 Carolyn Alaimo Sharon Ambrose-Anuario Karen Bebert Peter Cantwell Donna Canvin Michaele Casey Joan Conover Annette Daszkiewicz Mauro Fanelli Daniel Farago Eileen Fisher Geraldine Flanagan Ann Marie Fritton Marianne Genaro Jessica Gibbons Michael Gilligan Carolina Gonzalez Annette Gormly Timothy Haklar Rachelle Hanna Emily Hayes Mary Hozjan

St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bridgewater St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bridgewater Sacred Heart, South Amboy St. Ambrose, Old Bridge St. Augustine of Canterbury, Kendall Park St. Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington St. James the Less, Jamesburg St. Mary of Ostrabrama, South River Immaculate Conception, Annandale St. Cecilia, Monmouth Jct. Holy Trinity, Bridgewater Transfiguration of the Lord, Highland Park St. Ann, Hampton St. Joseph, Hillsborough St. James the Less, Jamesburg St. Joseph, Carteret St. Joseph, Carteret St. Ann, Hampton St. James, Woodbridge St. Joseph, Hillsborough Most Holy Redeemer, Matawan St. James, Woodbridge

Rose Hozjan Bernadette Hunsicker Harriette Jeffreys Eileen King Marianne Kubiak Joan Lasota Jean Mans Robert Mate Joanne McNamara Kristine Menard Rich Mirocco Patrick Murphy Tara Murphy Sr. Michaelita Popovice Christine Riggio Theresa Rizzo Bill Smith Pat Sommero Anne Szatkowski James Vargas Lorraine Vasilik Colleen Wolters

Diocesan faithful brave snow and cold to stand for life

St. James, Woodbridge Our Lady of Victories, Baptistown St. Edward the Confessor, Milford St. Matthias, Somerset Our Lady of Mt. Virgin, Middlesex Our Lady of Victories, Baptistown Blessed Sacrament, Martinsville St. Augustine of Canterbury, Kendall Park Our Lady of Peace, North Brunswick St. Edward the Confessor, Milford St. Joseph, High Bridge St. Helena, Edison St. Helena, Edison Catholic Charities Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Transfiguration of the Lord, Highland Park St. Catherine of Siena, Pittstown Our Lady of Mount Virgin, Middlesex Sacred Heart, South Amboy St. Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bridgewater Ss. Philip & James, Phillipsburg

OUR DIOCESE

Smith declared. In June, he will be bringing busloads down to Students for Life in D.C. to help ignite the new youth movement.

For years, award recipient Eileen King has prayed with others at abortion mills, taken people to church who cannot get there on their own, and has helped people with disabilities find jobs. “I got involved with pro-life through Anne D’Angiolillo,” said King, who attends St. Matthias Parish in Somerset. “She’s an outstanding leader in the whole Diocese.”

Bishop Checchio expressed his gratitude for the life centers and walk-ins for Moms, especially two that have opened in Warren and New Brunswick. He said it was so inspiring to see all the work that is being done, which is so urgent in our day.

“There is a great commitment by our people to life in the Diocese, to assist with those that are struggling with life.

God bless you,” he said. “Knights of Columbus, there are few organizations that do as much for pro-life.”

“I’m so proud and that’s why it is so nice today to be here with people like this. We have an uphill battle here in New Jersey on life issues, so I want to thank them and encourage them.”

11

Continued from page 10

By Christina Leslie Contributing Editor

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Top, the busload of faithful originating from the Metuchen cathedral pose with a pro-life banner before embarking upon the trek to the nation’s capital for the March. • Right, four fervent (and freezing) pro-life advocates let their position on the sanctity of life from conception to natural death be known as they joined the thousands from around the world in Washington, D.C. • Left, Cathedral rector Father Timothy A. Christy, left, poses with two Metuchen Diocese youth on the National Mall. —Courtesy photos.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

A bus filled with faithful from the Diocese of Metuchen left the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi early on Jan. 19 to join like-minded brothers and sisters in a trip to the nation’s capital and boldly proclaim their peace-filled manifesto: life in all its forms is sacred and must be protected. The National March for Life attracted thousands from the pro-life generation and others intent on using prayer and love to change hearts and minds.

Closer to home, the diocesan Office of Human Life and Dignity sponsored a “Rosary for Life” Jan. 19 where faithful were invited to pray the Rosary together in solidarity with the National March for Life. Some 60 souls braved the snow to process from St. James Parish, Woodbridge, to the abortion clinic nearby where they beseeched Mother Mary to change hearts and minds. Participants included St. James pastor, Vocationist Father Thomas Naduviledathu, and a number of religious from the Little Sisters of the Immaculate Conception from St. Joseph Senior Home, also in Woodbridge.

12 OUR DIOCESE

Catechist Formation Day provides opportunity for growth in ministry

By Robert Christie Correspondent When Pope Francis instituted the ministry of catechist with his Apostolic Letter Antiquum Ministerium, he stressed that the presence of those called to share in the work of catechesis “is all the more urgently needed today as a result of our increasing awareness of the need for evangelization in the contemporary world and the rise of a globalized culture.

“This requires genuine interaction with young people, to say nothing of the need for creative methodologies and resources capable of adapting the proclamation of the Gospel to the missionary transformation that the Church has undertaken.”

To this end, some 120 catechists from throughout the Diocese attended “Catechesis on the Eucharist,” a Catechist Formation Day held Feb. 3 in the St. John Neuman Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The event, which included Mass in the pastoral center chapel, was organized by Jill Kerekes, diocesan director of the Office of Discipleship Formation for Children, and featured two speakers – Sister of Jesus Our Hope Lorraine Doirin, campus minister at Rutgers University, and Father James De Fillipps, pastor, St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington.

Sister Lorraine offered a framework of four elements for catechesis – proclamation of the Gospel, miracles, Scriptures and living a Eucharistic life.

She stressed the importance of beginning all catechesis with prayer – asking for the help of the Holy Spirit. “It’s not me. It’s the Holy Spirit doing this,”

With hands on their neighbor’s shoulders catechists participating in the Feb. 3 Catechetical Formation Day had the opportunity to follow the advice of Sister of Jesus our Hope Lorraine Doirin, presenter, to begin all catechesis with prayer. Father James De Fillipps, who also served as presenter, reminded catechists that their work must be rooted in prayer, as well.

— Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo

she said, advising them to then ground everything in the proclamation of the Gospel message, called the kerygma, from the Greek word for proclamation.

“You are their connection to the Church and salvation in Jesus,” she said.

Miracles, she noted, “are real and present in our time,” which led to her third point – teach the Scriptures, especially the Holy Week accounts, with the miracle and institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. “Jesus said, ‘This is My body,’ and we believe it because it’s true,” she added.

Lastly, teach “living a Eucharistic life. Show them by living it out.” She stressed that religious education is not merely an academic undertaking but an invitation to be a disciple of Jesus.

In his presentation, Father De Fil-

lipps addressed the catechetical vocation, which helps children develop a relationship with the Lord. “You are second only to their parents. You must not only teach, but also give witness to what you believe to be the truth by practicing it, by following Jesus’s example of loving, forgiveness, and affirmation. Your work should be rooted in prayer, of which there are many different forms.”

Adrienne Nelson, a third-year catechist at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, considered the presentations “rejuvenating. I am aware that so much is put in my hands. I believe that my education and talent are meant to be given away.”

Fellow catechist at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Dorothy Ihe, shared she is “preparing my second graders for their

first Holy Communion, as well as the Sacrament of Reconciliation. And I am very happy with the new materials we are using to do so.”

Scott Sheppard, a theology teacher in Immaculata High School, Somerville, noted it “was most reaffirming to hear about allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us and the materials we use.”

Parish Catechetical Leader Sandra Kopka from St Catherine of Sienna Parish, Pittstown, was pleased about the emphasis on “Jesus not merely as an academic subject, but an encounter with him borne out of a life of prayer and promptings of the Holy Spirit.” She also acknowledged the ministry does come with challenges. “The ways of the world are a challenge. Sports, social media, and the like are often excuses,” which impact participation in parish catechetical programs, she reflected.

Catechists were reminded by Father De Fillipps of the importance, and beauty, of their ministry in a challenging world with his words, “You are in charge of converting hearts and minds,” a mission that can be achieved by “a devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother.”

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

For parishioner, a visit to the relic of St. Jude leaves lasting memory

Father Ron I. Jandernoa, pastor, St. Jude Parish, Blairstown, stands next to a painting of St. Jude Thaddeus during a tour stop of the saint’s first-class relic at the parish Dec. 17. The parish was one of five to host the relic in December in the Diocese.

Hundreds came for Mass and to venerate the relic over several hours’ time. —Courtesy photos

“Most often, the work of the Saints will go unnoticed and unseen,” wrote Father Steve Grunow, in a 2017 Word on Fire article. “Saints are not celebrities, and those saints who capture the attention of the world, view that renown as the imposition of a cross.”

How very appropriate, I thought, while looking at a parishioner’s photo of a painting of St. Jude which had been on display during a tour of the saint’s arm relic to her parish, St. Jude, Blairstown.

In her personal reflection of the experience, she explains that, on the night of the exhibit, she and her daughter went to venerate the relic of St. Jude, a saint who has captured the attention of the world, entering through the chapel and moving to the sanctuary where “a powerful, emotional painting of St. Jude” was displayed. “His eyes seeming so life like … I could feel this presence. I prayed for all the problems in the world, and peace among everyone, our family, and especially for my daughter and myself,” she wrote, saying that she “talked extensively to him.”

Then feeling as if she may have asked for too much, she prayed that “if he would remember everything, could he please give me some kind of sign,” and then she thanked him.

As she and her daughter left through the chapel, they looked at St. Jude’s painting through a glass

wall. There they saw the reflection of an image of the cross of Jesus, as if it were protruding from St. Jude’s right shoulder, and the lower part of the crucifix looked like bleeding from the cross.

“This is my sign,” she thought.

“He heard me.”

Saints may “disappear into the mission of the Church,” as Father Grunow writes, but the faithful see them as active in their lives, sometimes through small signs and wonders, those that can be explained and those that cannot.

“Holiness is the most attractive face of the Church,” Pope Francis declared in Gaudete et Exsultate, Rejoice and Be Glad. The saints remind us daily of our own call to holiness.

Pope Francis reminds us, too, writing, “The Lord has chosen each one of us ‘to be holy and blameless before him in love.’”

There are saints among us.

By Mary Morrell, Editor-in-Chief

Vietnam, like many East Asian countries, observes a lunar calendar, thus the celebration of New Years Day varies annually, but always occurs between late January and early February.

This year members of the diocesan Vietnamese Apostolate began the celebration of the holiday, known as Tết, on Feb. 4 with Mass celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio in Our Lady of Czestochowa Church, South Plainfield.

Msgr. John N. Fell, director, Office of Priest Personnel; Father Peter Tran, pastor, and a number of priests from the Diocese and the Vietnamese Communities of Metuchen and other dioceses concelebrated.

The Mass was offered in memory of Bishop Checchio’s father, James F. Checchio, Jr, who died February 4, 2019.

Bishop Checchio’s mother, Mrs. Helen Checchio, and other family members joined with the Bishop at Mass.

The sounding of a bronze drum her-

alded the beginning of Mass as members of the community, dressed in traditional attire, led the ministers to the altar with incense sticks symbolizing the prayers of the congregation rising to heaven.

Two young members of the community proclaimed the First and Second Readings for the Mass in English and Vietnamese. Tuan Bui, a member of Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, and a candidate for ordination to the permanent diaconate, felt that, “Having the young people participate in the Mass was a great way of showing that the Vietnamese culture and language is alive and flourishing here in the United States in the American-born generation.”

In his homily Bishop Checchio reminded the congregation that complacency can creep into our lives very easily, “The moral compass that guides so much of our world is pretty low right now. Many people don’t come to church, don’t go to Mass.” But, Bishop Checchio said, “Jesus does not want us to become complacent and the greatest antidote

to complacency is the Eucharist. Jesus gave us the gift of the Eucharist so that we would always have access to him.”

Bishop Checchio observed that the celebration of the New Year, Tết, presents an opportunity for followers of Jesus to look at their lives and to make a commitment to not let complacency slip in. He challenged the congregation, “to make this year a Year of Eucharist in our lives.”

The Bishop thanked the people, “for your commitment to the Mass, to the Eucharist and for the witness you give, not just within the Vietnamese community but to the entire Church.”

Andrew Dong, a long-time celebration organizer and member of the parish for more than 10 years, said, “Having Bishop Checchio celebrate the Mass and be part of the entire celebration was a great honor and appreciated by the community.”

Top photo: Following the Mass, Bishop James F. Checchio gathers with Rev. Mr. Peter Ai Phan, Rev. Mr. Joseph Ban Ho, seminarian Joseph Quyen Nguyen, seminarian Joseph Son Tran from Vietnam, and Father Peter Hung Tran, pastor, Our Lady of Czestochowa, South Plainfield, who is celebrating his 25th anniversary of ordination this year. Bottom photos from left: During Mass, Bishop wears a chasuble with an image of Our Lady of La Vang; Bishop Checchio is presented with a floral lei and envelope of New Year wishes; A brass drum heralds the beginning of Mass and plays a part in New Year festivities. —Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photos

After the Mass, the celebration continued on the grounds of the parish where a tent had been erected to accommodate the participants. The festivities included a variety of Vietnamese dishes, including desserts. The entertainment provided consisted of songs and stories and concluded with a traditional Dragon Dance performed by two dragons, one red and one gold, appropriate colors for the New Year.

Kien Nguyen, a member of our Lady of Czestochowa Parish has been a youth leader for the Apostolate for five years.

He explained, “In Vietnam Tết is the major holiday of the year comparable to Christmas in this country, so to celebrate the day with a Mass and the other events was a wonderful opportunity for all to witness and honor the Vietnamese culture.”

Our Lady of Czestochowa is a multicultural, multi-ethnic parish dedicated to Our Lady of Czestochowa and Our Lady of La Vang. Both Marian statues are located to the right and left of the sanctuary.

Our Lady of La Vang refers to a reported apparition of the Blessed Mother in central Vietnam at the beginning of the 19th Century, a time of great persecution in the country.

OUR DIOCESE

By Deacon Patrick Cline Correspondent

13

Bishop, Vietnamese Apostolate, observe New Year with Mass, celebration

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 22, 2024

14 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Hispanic community undertakes a journey through Sacred Scriptures

By Adriana Molina Guillen Correspondent In 2022, a significant initiative emerged from a thorough analysis of the needs of the Hispanic community within the Diocese. Led by Father Gustavo Rodríguez and Deacon Edgar Chaves, interim co-directors of the Hispanic Evangelization Office, this endeavor aimed to address how to offer opportunities for the Hispanic faithful community to deepen their relationship with God. They carefully considered how to embrace “the joys and hopes, the sorrows and worries” of the Hispanic community, with the goal of sharing the good news of the Gospel of Christ in an accessible manner. With a profound commitment to sharing God’s timeless message found in the Sacred Scriptures, Father Rodriguez and Deacon Chaves embarked on a journey to facilitate spiritual growth and support our Church in transmitting its message of love within diverse cultures among the Hispanic community. It was within this context that the idea of offering formation in the study of the Sacred Scriptures took root.

Initially conceived as a short Bible workshop, the idea evolved through conversations and with the crucial support of Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity Father Gustavo Amell, leading

to the establishment of a Hispanic Bible school. These gatherings, organized according to proficiency levels, take place on Mondays or Thursdays at the diocesan pastoral center.

Approximately 80 participants who commenced their journey in September 2022, after completing nine courses of seven sessions each, are about to graduate.

The dedication of both the students and the priests facilitating the program demonstrates a mutual commitment to deepening their understanding of the Word of God. The fourth group begins, comprising a total of 187 students, with the goal of continuing to welcome new participants.

Brenda Rivera, one of the students, shared her experience during the courses: “The Bible Study courses have significantly enhanced my understanding of the word of God in the Sacred Scriptures.

They not only emphasize the redeeming message through the reading of the Bible but also broaden our knowledge through geographical, political, and historical analysis of the time and its authors.

The opportunity to undergo this growth alongside other Hispanic brothers has been a tremendous blessing”.

The program represents a constant effort of creation, design, evaluation, and reimplementation, establishing a consistent and continuous structure. It delves into the most fundamental themes and traditions of

Led by Father Gustavo Amell, participants in a recent class for Hispanic Bible Study begin their work for a deeper understanding of God’s Word.

The fourth group started with some 187 learners; a significant increase from the 80 learners who are set to graduate.

— Luz Escobar photo

the Holy Scriptures, aiming to equip participants with the necessary tools for a better understanding of biblical texts and to foster a critical, faithful, ecclesial, and evangelizing reading of the Holy Scriptures.

The response of the community has been very positive, especially considering that the project has been developed for two and a half years. Maintaining groups of 40 to 50 people regularly attending classes throughout the year far exceeds the initial expectations.

Father Amell describes the experience as “wonderful.” He further emphasizes, “It has been a joint effort that has

required stepping out of the comfort zone, involving the Hispanic Evangelization Office team, as well as each of the professors … Despite the challenges, the experience has been rewarding in observing the enthusiasm and commitment of the participants, demonstrating the positive impact of the program on the community.”

In addition to Father Amell, the team behind the formation in the Sacred Scriptures includes Father Lucio Nontol, T.O.R., Father Ronal Vega Pastrana, and Father John Fredy Triana, each bringing their expertise and dedication to this important endeavor.

My dear brothers and sisters, As you know, our local Church has been blessed with the ability to walk closely with those who are sick and dying, offering healing and peace through Jesus Christ thanks to the good work of Saint Peter’s University Hospital (Saint Peter’s) in New Brunswick. For over 116 years, as an independent Catholic institution, Saint Peter’s has been a beacon of healing hope offering medical care and great love for each individual from conception to natural death.

However, as I have shared before, in order to continue to offer that healing care of Christ, we can no longer walk alone. You may recall that Saint Peter’s began a formal, comprehensive discernment process in 2017. Just recently, Saint Peter’s Board of Governors has made a recommendation, and I have accepted and supported it, to sign a nonbinding Letter of Intent (LOI) with At-

lantic Health System (Atlantic Health) that includes a detailed Term Sheet with the intent of reaching a Definitive Agreement in the coming months. The Term Sheet provides for a Catholic Identity Agreement (CIA) to be included as part of the Definitive Agreement.

Through this new strategic partnership, Saint Peter’s would remain a Catholic institution as outlined in the CIA and continue to abide by the Ethical and Religious Directive (ERDs) for Catholic Health Care Services as a full-service provider of acute healthcare services for New Brunswick and the greater Middlesex County community. It is expected that the strength of Atlantic Health, with its greater clinical and financial resources and capabilities, will help Saint Peter’s to further evolve, advancing a high-quality, efficient, and comprehensive healthcare system in Central New Jersey, ensuring Saint Peter’s continues its Catholic mission of care for the whole human person.

Saint Peter’s commitment to transformative healthcare is evident in the

countless lives we have touched and the stories of healing that have unfolded within our communities. I am grateful for the continued work of Saint Peter’s leadership for bringing this new potential transaction to this stage, along with the oversight and guidance of Dr. John Haas, President Emeritus of the National Catholic Bioethics Center and Reverend Monsignor William J. King of the Diocese of Harrisburg and the Catholic University of America in assuring that the transaction is structured such that Saint Peter’s will remain faithful to the Catholic health care tradition.

In addition to internal communications, Saint Peter’s has a dedicated email address to receive stakeholder questions and concerns: CEO@saintpetersuh.com.

On a diocesan level, Reverend Monsignor John N. Fell, STD, who serves as the Episcopal Vicar for our Healthcare Apostolate, will be the primary contact. He can be reached at jfell@diometuchen.org Please join me in our continued prayer for the entire Saint Peter’s com-

munity as they enter the next phase of the discernment process to strengthen and sustain our Catholic mission in service to those ailing and dying in our local Church. We also lift up in prayer the members of the Saint Peter’s Governing Board and senior leadership and each person who contributes daily to the operations of our Catholic healthcare system, which works to serve all people created in God’s image and likeness with the same respect, dignity, and love by Christ.

May Our Lady of Lourdes intercede for those in need.

OUR DIOCESE

January 31, 2024.

15

St. Peter’s Hospital to continue mission as ‘beacon of healing hope’

With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ,

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

Atlantic Health System and Saint Peter’s Healthcare System announce plans to seek partnership Systems sign Letter of Intent to bring Saint Peter’s into the Atlantic Health System network of care

of the few remaining in New Jersey.

Although Saint Peter’s is stronger today than ever, throughout this journey it has become clear that to assure our future success, we need a strategic partner whose resources, capabilities and values are aligned with our mission. We are very excited about the prospect of becoming a part of Atlantic Health as it has an excellent reputation for being a high-quality healthcare provider and our respective cultures are very well aligned.”

“Today is the first step on an exciting path towards a joining of talents between Saint Peter’s and Atlantic Health System that will benefit the health and well-being of the people of New Jersey,” said Brian

Gragnolati (https://www.atlantichealth. org/about-us/who-we-are/leadership/ brian-gragnolati.html), President & Chief Executive Officer, Atlantic Health System. “We are thrilled to partner with Saint Peter’s to ensure that high quality, affordable and accessible care remains available to all who need it.”

Both organizations will now engage in a due diligence process, working towards a definitive agreement, which will define the specifics of their future relationship. Approvals will be necessary from state and federal officials as well as from the Church before the transaction can be considered complete.

About Saint Peter’s Healthcare System

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Saint Peter’s Healthcare System Inc., sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen, is comprised of Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a 478-bed acute-care teaching hospital and a state-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center; Saint Peter’s Foundation, the fundraising arm of the hospital; Saint Peter’s Health and Management Services Corp.; Saint Peter’s Physician Associates, a network of primary and specialty care physicianpractices; along with outpatient facilities including the CARES Surgicenter, Saint Peter’s Family Health Center, Saint Peter’s Health and Wellness Center, and the Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center. Saint Peter’s is a regional specialist in maternity and women’s health services, cancer care, diabetes, gastroenterology, geriatrics, pediatrics, bariatric surgery and head and neck surgery. Saint Peter’s received its sixth consecutive designation as a Magnet® hospital for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2020 and is the recipient of the Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses for the adult intensive care unit, neonatal intensive care unit, cardiac progressive care unit and pediatric intensive care unit. Saint Peter’s is a sponsor of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and internal medicine, and is a major clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical Health and Sciences.

Continued on page 17

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

MORRISTOWN / NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – January 31, 2024 – In a step to protect and expand access to the highest quality care for patients throughout New Jersey, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System and Atlantic Health System have signed a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) to establish a strategic partnership, putting the institutions on a path toward reaching a Definitive Agreement within the coming months to fully integrate the two organizations.

The LOI is a step in a detailed process of evaluating and designing a new relationship that will benefit both organizations and enhance healthcare services.

Under the terms of the LOI, Atlantic Health System would make signifi cant investments in Saint Peter’s and the service area, helping Saint Peter’s to continue to evolve as a high-quality, resourceful, and comprehensive healthcare system serving communities throughout central New Jersey. The two systems would work collaboratively to create significant synergies between the two organizations including transitioning Saint Peter’s onto Atlantic Health System’s electronic medical record system. Additionally, Saint Peter’s would continue to carry on its Catholic mission and abide by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERDs).

Both organizations have been in discussions for some time and are aligned with a patient-centric perspective focused on high-quality, cost-effective services to their communities, consistent with their respective missions. Saint Peter’s and Atlantic Health both have a commitment to creating healthier communities by removing barriers to access and addressing social determinants of health. This new venture would also expand upon the systems’ existing relationship in the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, designed to provide broader and more affordable health insurance to employees across New Jersey. Both systems also take great pride in their exceptional workplace cultures that value the contributions of every team member while promoting award-winning innovation and compassionate care.

“For the past several years, Saint Peter’s has engaged in a Discernment Process, with the support of The Most Reverend James F. Checchio, Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, and Saint Peter’s Board of Governors, to determine the best course for our long-term future. The most critical objective has been to find a path to secure our Catholic mission of serving the community, especially the most vulnerable, as we have done for more than 116 years,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.

“The hospital industry has substantially transformed over the past 10 years, and we remain the only single-hospital health system in Middlesex County and one

16 PERSPECTIVES

The grace of forgiveness can change sinners into kings

“When is having it good, not good enough?” Well, let’s answer that question by looking at the life of King David. Here is a guy who has it all. He’s an absolute monarch – and, unlike any other, he is the anointed one of the Lord.

Imagine, a king appointed by God! It doesn’t get much better than that!

King David had not one but two wives, Abigail and Ahinoam, lots of children, a palace, soldiers at his beck and call. He had plenty of food, clothing on his back, good health and lots of money!

But having it good was not good enough. Because one day he spots this beautiful woman named Bathsheba, the wife of one of his soldiers, Uriah the Hittite. Given the cornucopia of blessings he already enjoyed – David wanted her, too. He lusted after her. He coveted his soldier’s wife. He had relations with her.

And that wasn’t good enough!

No, he wanted Uriah out of the way so that he could have Bathsheba all to himself. You know, the ironic thing about the Ten Commandments is that usually breaking one has a domino effect. Break one – you may break them all! And this is what happened to King David. Having it good was not good enough – he coveted

his neighbor’s wife and goods, he lied, he stole what belonged to Uriah and committed adultery.

He lied to his promise of fidelity to his wives. He had Uriah killed. By the very fact that he wanted it all or, worse, felt entitled to have it all – he wanted to be God and thereby violated the first two Commandments.

David would lose the favor of the Lord. He would see his subjects suffer famine – and would even lose his adult son, Absalom and his infant son, born to Bathsheba. King David finally recognized himself as a sinner and he repented before the Lord. And God forgave him.

The interesting thing about forgiveness is that it penetrates our whole person, from the pores of our skin down deep into the recesses of our being, yes, even to the apex of the soul. The grace of forgiveness is like microsurgery – it removes every cell of hubris. It hurts – but it saves us from uncertain estrangement from the ground of our being – and reconciles us anew to the God who created us and redeemed us through his only Son, Jesus.

Sometimes, having it good is not good enough! We’ve all been guilty of the sin of King David, in one way or another – maybe not to the same extreme, but in the same vein. Let us reflect on those times when we did not appreciate our blessings, the greatest of which is faith in a God who loves us, faith in a God who is merciful, faith in a God who believes in us even when we fail to believe in Him.

When is having it good not good enough? When we take our eyes off God and focus on our “self,” when we make our “self,” some one or thing a surrogate for God. But if we repent – if we take stock of our shortcomings and return to the Lord wholeheartedly – we can be

forgiven. Yes, the grace of forgiveness is powerful, so much so that even King David the Sinner would later become St. David the King.

Father Comandini is coordinator of the Office for Ongoing Faith Formation

— CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Love is so lovely in Lent, and our sacrifices made holy

This year, Lent begins on Valentine’s Day, for Ash Wednesday falls on Feb. 14. Liturgically, of course, it doesn’t make any difference, for the Church dropped the celebration of St. Valentine from the calendar and replaced it with the memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

Valentines’ Day is a purely secular celebration.

Nonetheless, I find the juxtaposition discombobulating. Valentines’ Day may be a secular feast with no connection to Church celebrations, but it has snuggled itself into our culture like an irresistibly charming kitten, and even in the cloister we find those little candy hearts with the laughable maxims appearing at our meals. Life without Valentines’ Day would be more serious but less endearing. After all, everyone loves a lover!

Lent, which begins on Ash Wednes-

day, is a serious business. It is a time of spiritual discipline. Yet the word Lent actually has nothing serious about it. It comes from the Middle English word “lente” meaning “springtime.” Springtime and valentines go very well together. Can we somehow fit Ash Wednesday and Valentines’ Day together? It’s very tempting to try!

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, which ends at the Easter Vigil on the night of Holy Saturday. The night of the Easter Vigil begins with the Exultet, that glorious proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection: “This is the night of which it is written: The night shall be as bright as day … O truly blessed night, when things of heaven are wed to those of earth, and the divine to the human.” So Lent ends in a wedding, the wedding of heaven and earth, of God with us in Jesus Christ.

A wedding is preceded by a courtship. There is a courtship described in the Bible that has long been a cherished text of the mystics. The Song of Songs is a series of poems describing the love between the Bride and the Bridegroom.

Jesus called himself the Bridegroom and the Church has always seen the Song of Songs as a lyrical description of the love

between Jesus and each believer.

In the Song, the Bride and the Bridegroom sing of their love, and the Bride tells how she went out searching for “the one my soul loves.” She sought him throughout the city, and she did find him, but later, when he came to seek her, she delayed in opening to him, protesting, “I had put off my garment; how could I put it on again? I had bathed my feet; how could I soil them?” This feeble excuse caused her to lose her beloved, for, “I opened to my beloved, but my beloved had turned and was gone . . .”

We also delay in responding to Jesus’s calls and we neglect his graces. Lent wakens us to what we have lost, and we, too, go about seeking the one we love.

We find him on the cross and when we join him there, we can say with the Bride, “Before I was aware, my fancy set me in a chariot beside my prince.” Then united with him in his resurrection, we “come up from the wilderness, leaning upon our beloved.” In him, we shine forth “like the dawn, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible as an army with banners.”

Lent can truly be a time of courtship as we seek the one who took on our suffering so that we can take on his glory.

There is a German art song by Brahms entitled, “Es Liebt Sich So Lieblich Im Lenze.” The correct translation is “Love is so lovely in springtime,” but as we join with the Bride to seek our beloved I think we can also translate it as “Love is so lovely in Lent.” Giving up something for Lent is a solidly established custom.

It is seen as a good spiritual practice that detaches us from something that we cherish to help us focus on Jesus, the one we love.

But the phrase “to give up” doesn’t just mean doing without. It also means, quite literally, to give upward, to hand something up to God, and to hand something up to God is to make it holy, for God sanctifies everything He touches.

So when we have given up chocolate or coffee or our cellphone or the internet or whatever it is that we have sacrificed for Lent, it might be surprising to realize that when God gives it back to us it has become holy, for that is what it means to sacrifice: sacrum facere, to “make something holy”.

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

Leslie D. Hirsch health are not overlooked as a key factor impacting hospitalizations and long-term physical and mental well-being.”

Hirsch has been an active community leader throughout his career and is the recipient of numerous awards and recognition.

He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trustees of the Hope Through Education Foundation having recently been honored as its Person of the Year, and the Middlesex County Crime Stoppers Board of Directors. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater, William Paterson University, and has also been recognized by NJBIZ in its Power 100 and Health Care Power 50 lists and by ROI-NJ in its Influencers Power lists, as well as its recently announced “Champions of the C-Suite” list honoring New Jersey’s top 150 business industry leaders.

Also, he has been a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) for over 30 years and was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from ACHE-New Jersey.

Lazzarotti added, “Mr. Hirsch is a longtime advocate of the underserved in our communities. He lives out our Catholic mission of compassionate, humble service to all, especially the most vulnerable, each day.”

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Congratulations to the Sisters of Mercy celebrating Jubilees this year in the Diocese of Metuchen!

75 years

Sister Joyce Marie Riley, RSM 70 years

Sister Dorothy Lazarick, RSM Sister Joan McKeon, RSM Sister Mary Simon Robb, RSM Sister Mary Shamus Zehrer, RSM 60 years

Sister Katherine Mroz, RSM Sister Eileen Smith, RSM Sister Carol Wilson, RSM 50 years

Sister Christine Triggs, RSM

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FEBRUARY 22, 2024

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About Atlantic Health System

Atlantic Health System is at the forefront of medicine, setting standards for quality health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New York metropolitan area. Powered by a workforce of 20,000 team members and 5,440 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health System serves more than half of the state of New Jersey including 14 counties and 7.5 million people. The not-for-profit system offers more than 550 sites ofcare, including its seven hospitals: Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ, Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ, Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ, Hackettstown Medical Center inHackettstown, NJ, Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute in Madison, NJ and through its partnership with CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold, NJ. The system includes Atlantic Medical Group, part of a physician enterprise that makes up one of the largest multi-specialty practices in New Jersey with more than 1,600 physicians and advance practice providers. Joined with Atlantic Accountable Care Organization and Optimus Healthcare Partners they form part of Atlantic Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of more than 2,500 health care providers throughout northern and central NJ. Atlantic Health System provides care for the full continuum of health care needs through 24 urgent care centers, Atlantic Visiting Nurse and Atlantic Anywhere Virtual Visits. Facilitating the connection between these services on both land andair is the transportation fleet of Atlantic Mobile Health.

Atlantic Health System leads the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, a partnership of six regional hospitals and health systems dedicated to improving access and affordability and is a founding member of the PIER Consortium – Partners in Innovation, Education, and Research – a streamlined clinical trial system that will expand access to ground breaking research across five health systems in the region.

Atlantic Health System has a medical school affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University and is home to the regional campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers and is the official health care partner of the New York Jets.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Saint Peter’s Healthcare System President and CEO Leslie D. Hirsch was recently named among those chosen for ROI-NJ’s Influencers Power List 2024 in the category of Health Care.

ROI-NJ, a media company created to inform and connect businesses in New Jersey, notes Hirsch was selected as a leader who “heads a system that recently made a $12 million expansion of its Family Health Center, which screens patients to better understand the impact of their social determinants of health.”

“It’s a privilege to be recognized among those who strive to make a positive impact on their respective industry,” said Hirsch. “This is truly an honor not only for me but for all those at Saint Peter’s who are committed to fulfilling our healthcare ministry of providing humble service to humanity, especially the most vulnerable. Saint Peter’s has been an integral part of our community for more than 116 years, and we will continue to stay focused on improving the lives of those we serve.”

The critically important modernization and expansion of the Family Health Center, which currently sees 60,000 visits a year, will support Saint Peter’s mission of service to the community by increasing capacity for 100,000 visits, with a focus on the identification of social determinants, such as food scarcity and lack of transportation, impacting patient health and enhanced efforts to work with community leaders to address these critical issues.

Michelle Lazzarotti, senior director of marketing for Saint Peter’s, stressed, “ROI’s Influencers Power List 2024: Health Care represents the most influential individuals shaping health care in the state of New Jersey. Their leadership helped us navigate the pandemic and they continue to shape the future of health care by staying abreast of new technology, emerging treatment protocols and making sure that social determinants of

Continued from page 15

OUR DIOCESE

By Mary Morrell, Editor-in-Chief

17

Saint Peter’s Healthcare president named to Influencers Power List 2024

18 CONSECRATED LIFE

Thank you for saying yes to our Lord when he called ...’

February 2, 2024

My dear Sisters and Brothers in Consecrated Life,

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

T

oday is a day set aside to thank you, and God, for the wonderful men and women in consecrated life in our beautiful Diocese. The Diocese of Metuchen has benefitted richly from your witness and your ministries.

You remind us all that while we live in this world, our hearts should also be directed elsewhere, to Christ and heaven. We are also called to try to make this world a little more like heaven and by your acts of charity and mercy, you do this. Your leading others into deeper friendship with Christ has a significant impact on our diocesan family. Thank you!

While we are grateful for all that you do in your ministries, especially with the youth in our Catholic schools and parishes, it is through your corporal works of mercy, visiting the sick, the homebound, and those in prison, that you bring Christ to them.

Also, your assistance in shepherding our people through administrative matters, whether in the diocesan center, our parishes, schools, or other institutions, is a great service. For all that you do in the name of Christ to care for His Body, we are so very grateful.

Perhaps, even more importantly, thank you for your prayers. While all of you are so good in praying for us, I am particularly grateful for the prayers of our cloistered sisters, the elderly sisters whose health has, perhaps, been compromised, and our consecrated virgins. We depend upon them and need them!

Thank you for saying yes to our Lord when He called you to follow Him and serve Him. We are indeed blessed by your presence, your prayers, and your ministry.

Be assured of my prayers and gratitude, and I know I am joined by so many of our faithful in this, too. God keep and bless you.

With renewed best wishes, I remain, Yours in Christ,

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

19 JUBILARIANS

Sister Joyce Marie Riley, RSM

Sister Mary Antonelle Chunka, CSFF

Sister Dorothy Lazarick, RSM

“The Sisters of Mercy gave me a greater love for the little ones. …

The Sisters of Mercy are very dear to me.”

“At age 86 the good Lord gives me the grace of making Him known, loved and glorified here at Immaculate Conception Parish.”

“I look back on the experiences, friendships, support and blessings that have been mine as a Sister of Mercy, and I thank God for them.”

Sister Joyce Marie Riley has been a Sister of Mercy for 75 years, most of them giving expression to her great love for children.

While educated for a time by both the Dominican Sisters and the Sisters of Charity, and in public school, she met the Sisters of Mercy when her family moved to St. Joseph Parish in East Trenton, where she was an active member of the Senior Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Sister Joyce shares that her vocation took root through the Sisters of Charity, and a sixth-grade teacher who encouraged the class to recite the Hail Mary each day for the grace of a vocation – a prayer she continued to pray throughout her years as a religious to strengthen her vocation.

Before entering religious life, she worked for three years, first as a secretary for an insurance company and then for the Trenton Council of Campfire Girls.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Georgian Court College (now University) and a master’s in education from Dayton University.

Sister Joyce first taught at Lakewood Academy in Lakewood. She also taught at Holy Spirit School in Atlantic City where she coordinated the reading program and was director of the children’s choir.

She taught at St. Joseph School in Trenton and later served as teacher, vice-principal and principal at St. Mary School in Bordentown. She especially enjoyed preparing children in the primary grades for the sacraments.

Among the honors she received for her service to the Church and to education was the “Outstanding Educator in the Trenton Diocese” award.

Now retired, she lives at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung where she had served as head of the Resident Council for a number of years.

Through the years she has enjoyed crocheting, and she hopes to be remembered as having “been kind to everybody … and tried to bring pleasure to other residents at McAuley Hall.”

Sister Joyce, 95, is the last living member of her “band” of 24 women who entered the Sisters of Mercy together. “I never thought I’d reach 40 (years in religious life), but God gave me a long life,” she said.

After Vatican II, Church teaching began to highlight social justice as “a constitutive element of the Gospel,” said Felician Franciscan Sister Mary Antonelle Chunka, a longtime advocate for social justice.

This prompted the Archdiocese of Newark to initiate the Commission for Justice and Peace and then the Commission on Women in Church and Society. “I was honored to be a member of these commissions and thus promote the dignity of all persons.”

Sister Mary – born in Jersey City – has promoted the dignity of all persons though her work in education, administration and outreach throughout her seven decades of religious life.

Named a “Disciple of Mercy” by Bishop James F. Checchio for the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2015-2016, Sister Mary has served in various ministries including as the corporate president and board trustee for Immaculate Conception High School and Felician College in Lodi; St Joseph Hospital, St. Ignatius Nursing Home and Angela Housing in Philadelphia; Our Lady of Grace Home for Children in Newark, Del., and The Promise Outreach to Youth in Jersey City. “These experiences gave me insight into the educational, medical and social needs of people from all ages, races, religions and economic backgrounds,” she said.

She served as a councilor and then as provincial minister for the Felician Sisters of the former Immaculate Conception Province in Lodi.

After volunteering at Covenant House, working with runaway and homeless teens in New York City, she began The Promise Outreach to at-risk and delinquent youth. “For nearly 40 years The Promise ministered to teens on the streets and in youth detention centers which eventually expanded the outreach to adult correctional facilities including the federal ICE detention center for undocumented immigrants in Elizabeth,” she said.

Sister Mary continues to minister to incarcerated women at Essex County Jail and offers pastoral support to prisoners in various prisons through email, phone calls and visits.

“At age 86 the good Lord gives me the grace of making Him known, loved and glorified here at Immaculate Conception Parish in Spotswood,” she added.

Sister Dorothy Lazarick’s religious motto is “Lord make me an instrument of your peace,” and she prays that God has permitted that to be so during her 70 years as a Sister of Mercy. She entered the religious congregation from St. Martin of Tours Parish in Philadelphia in 1954 in what was then Plainfield, New Jersey, and was joined by 16 other candidates.

She earned degrees from Georgian Court University in Lakewood and Iona University in New Rochelle, New York.

Sister Dorothy first served as a sixth-grade teacher in Bound Brook, then as a teacher and then as a guidance counselor at Camden Catholic High School.

Her ministry continued in guidance at St. Mary’s High School in Perth Amboy, Mount St. Mary Academy in Watchung, St. Mary High School in South Amboy and Phillipsburg Catholic High School in Phillipsburg.

From 1976 to 1978 Sister Dorothy was the postulant director for the Sisters of Mercy.

Her longest years of service were at Georgian Court College (now University) where she was director of the evening division. Adults, who were returning or beginning college programs, came under her jurisdiction. She has often spoken of her high regard for the men and women who balanced family, work and school to earn college diplomas.

She retired in 2015 when she returned to her earlier roots in Plainfield (now Watchung). Following three years as the assistant life coordinator for the retired sisters, she is now fully retired.

Although she was born in New Jersey, her early life was in Philadelphia, and she remains a fan of the Phillies and Eagles.

As she looks back on the experiences, friendships, support and blessings that have been hers as a Sister of Mercy, Sister Dorothy said she is most grateful to God for them, echoing her words when she celebrated her Golden Jubilee: “Approaching this special year has caused me to reflect more on God’s sustaining me in the embrace of the Circle of Mercy.”

75 YEARS

By Cori Urban, Contributing Editor

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

By Cori Urban, Contributing Editor

70 YEARS

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Cori Urban, Contributing Editor

70 YEARS

20 JUBILARIANS

Sister Joan McKeon, RSM

Sister Mary Simon Robb, RSM

Sister Mary Shamus Zehrer, RSM

“I can only give thanks to God for coming into my life and ‘sending me forth’ to many parts of the world, meeting so many beautiful people, and being the recipient of many profound experiences.”

“I realize that God guided me along an unusual path and gave me the graces to be able to respond. I pray that more women will be willing to accept God’s call to religious life and take my place.”

“It was those sisters who … were examples to me. They were the ones who made me want to be a nun, because they were always so happy.”

When Sister Joan McKeon left her home in Camden to join the Sisters of Mercy 70 years ago, little did she think that she would later travel to Asia.

Among her ministries, she has worked with the Jesuits in resettlement camps in Thailand where she taught and had the opportunity to visit neighboring countries.

Those experiences were later in her life as a Sister of Mercy.

Upon completion of her novitiate, she began her teaching career at St. Mary School in South Amboy.

Teaching continued at St. Joseph School in Bound Brook, St. John School in Paulsboro and Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville.

She later moved to Mount St. Mary Academy in Plainfield (now Watchung) to serve as the director of admissions. “In this capacity, I met many boarding students whose homes were in South America or Asia.

Here is where I began my interest in all things Asian,” she recalled. “To my delight, I was invited and attended the weddings of students from China and Korea.”

It was this interest that led her to become an ESL teacher and to pursue the opportunity to work with refugees, which she did as a member of the Camden diocesan resettlement staff.

She is currently retired and living at McAuley Hall in Watchung, embracing her heartfelt belief: “Truly, God, you are the ‘Way’ and in my deepest self I know that ‘God alone suffices.’”

The Sisters of Mercy are an international community of Roman Catholic women who dedicate their lives to the Gospel of Jesus and take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service. Inspired by the life of Jesus and by their founder, Catherine McAuley, they envision a just world for people who are economically poor, sick and uneducated. They commit their lives to God and their resources to serve, advocate and pray for those in need throughout the world.

As Sister of Mercy Mary Simon Robb reflects on the various ministries in which she has served, she says she is “flooded with wonderful memories.”

Her education ministry was at St. Mary in Trenton, St. Mary in Bordentown, St. Joseph in North Plainfield, St. Mary Academy in Lakewood, St. James in Woodbridge and Holy Cross in Rumson.

She earned a degree in elementary education from Georgian Court University and a master’s in education from Trenton State College. She attended Rutgers University and was certified in social gerontology.

“Because I was attracted to being with the aged, I accepted the position of director at Bayshore Senior Center in Keansburg,” she said. She later served as executive director of the Office on Aging for Monmouth County. “This opened the door for me to be of assistance to seniors and their families who were need of assistance,” she said.

She served as coordinator of Adult Protective Services for the State of New Jersey and coordinator of the Ministry to the Aging for the Diocese of Trenton.

Later, she became the director of retirement for the Sisters of Mercy of New Jersey.

“For me, there was much satisfaction in all of this work,” she said.

Sister Mary also served as a parish minister in the Lavallette Church of St. Pio of Pietrelcina.

Over the years, she received many awards including a New Jersey Senate citation for compassionate involvement and profound commitment to serving the needs of the senior community of Monmouth County as exemplified by her receiving the Family Ties Award, and the Board of Chosen Freeholders, Monmouth County, Certificate of Recognition on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Monmouth County Office on Aging proclaimed May 9, 2000, as “Sister Mary Simon Robb Day” in Monmouth County.

She also received the Diocese of Trenton’s Nostrum Ecclesiam Tempus Award in recognition of extraordinary service and dedication to the Church of Jesus Christ, and induction into the Camden Catholic High School Hall of Fame.

She is now retired at McAuley Hall in Watchung.

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

70 YEARS

By Cori Urban, Contributing Editor

70 YEARS

By Cori Urban, Contributing Editor

70 YEARS

Despite 70 years of a life devoted to the Church, Religious Sister of Mercy Shamus Zehrer never thought as she was finishing high school that she would be a nun.

“I loved the sisters and all, but I never had a desire or even thought of it,” Sister Shamus said recently from her retirement home at Mount St. Mary Academy in Watchung.

“I wasn’t what you would say a prize student in any form.”

Yet, Sister Shamus, who professed her final vows in September 1954, went on to become an educator at Catholic schools throughout New Jersey. She began teaching at elementary schools in the Trenton Diocese before it split off into the Metuchen Diocese in 1981.

Sister Shamus, who grew up in Woodbridge and was educated by Mercy sisters throughout her scholastic career, spent most of her professional time at schools along the New Jersey shore – Atlantic City specifically. She taught at Holy Spirit before moving to Our Lady Star of the Sea in 1968.

Eight years later, she became Our Lady’s principal – a post she held nearly 40 years, retiring in June 2014.

“I probably was the happiest and luckiest person around, because I loved teaching,” Sister Shamus said. “I loved being principal and most of all I loved the people.”

The people of Atlantic City reciprocated in 2017, when city council renamed a section of California Avenue near Our Lady “Sister Shamus Way.” “I’m not bragging,” she said. “I’m very proud of it.” She’s also proud of becoming a nun.

“It’s not easy to leave your family and friends, and go into a world you’re not familiar with, but they become your closest friends,” she said of the religious.

“It was those sisters who I had in grammar, high school and college that were examples to me. They were the ones who made me want to be a nun, because they were always so happy.”

As for someone contemplating religious life, she said, “It won’t be easy, but it would be the love of your life. You’ll never regret it any day of your life.”

These days, Sister Shamus is recuperating from spinal stenosis, which she said came on following a bout of COVID-19. She resides at the McAuley Hall Health Care Center on the Mount St. Mary campus.

By Anthony Salamone, Correspondent

21 JUBILARIANS

Sister Martha Kavanagh, SCC

Sister Anne of Christ McGinn, OCD

Sister Barbara Takacs, MPF

“I am very happy for all my years as a Sister of Christian Charity. I was always happy wherever I was in service. It’s just the joy of telling people about the Lord.”

“The goal of everything is to ‘be good friends of God.’”

“The Filippini charism to ‘Go and Teach the Word of God’ was evident in their lives and the lives they touched.”

70 YEARS

By Mother Mary Elizabeth Birch, O.C.D.

Filippini Sister Barbara Takacs grew up in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, and attended Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary School there under the guidance and scholastic instruction of the Religious Teachers Filippini.

So when she discerned a call to religious life, she turned to the order that had had an impact on her young life. “The Filippini charism to ‘Go and Teach the Word of God’ was evident in their lives and the lives they touched,” she said.

This year Sister Barbara is marking 70 years since receiving the habit as a Religious Teacher Filippini at Villa Walsh in Morristown, the order’s motherhouse.

Now director of religious education in St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, Sister Takacs earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education at Seton Hall University, South Orange. She served as a teacher and principal in the Diocese of Newark and in the Archdioceses of New York and Philadelphia.

The Pontifical Institute of the Religious Teachers Filippini is an institute of consecrated life dedicated to the works of the Christian apostolate.

According to its website, filippiniusa.org, the congregation is faithful to the original inspiration of its founders, St. Lucy Filippini and Cardinal Mark Anthony Barbarigo, and continues to regard the ministry of the Christian education of children, youth and adults, especially women, as their principal duty.

Sisters live a communal life in convents in 11 dioceses and three archdioceses in the United States.

Members of the congregation are present in seven countries with their General House in Rome.

Common prayer, daily Mass, rosary, Divine Office, meditation and Eucharistic Adoration nurture their community life.

By Cori Urban, Contributing Editor

Sister Veronica Corbett, MPF

70 YEARS

“We are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.” Eph. 2:10

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

By Mary Morrell, Editor-in-Chief

“I can’t imagine myself being happier anywhere else on earth,” said Sister Anne of Christ, reflecting on her 70 years as a Discalced Carmelite.

Born in Philadelphia in 1935 to Joseph and Annetta McGinn, Sister Anne attended Catholic Schools through 12th grade. After reading the Life of St. Therese in fourth or fifth grade, she remembers thinking, “If I ever become a Sister, I’11 be a Carmelite.”

“It’s a mysterious thing, she said, “It shows that a seed can be planted very young.”

But after that initial interest, she did not think of religious life again until her senior year of high school, when her teacher, a Sister of Notre Dame, suggested she might have a vocation.

“Of course, she was thinking of her Order, but suddenly it became clear – I would be a Carmelite,” Sister Anne remembered.

Sister Anne wrote to all the Carmels in the area, including Maryland and New Jersey. The Carmelites, led by Mother Mary Magdalen, were starting a new foundation in New Brunswick and she entered there on January 9, 1954.

“I was the first one who joined them and who persevered,” said Sister Anne.

She remembers living in an attic which was freezing cold. Buckets of water in each room would be ice by morning. After a six months postulancy, Sister Anne received the order’s habit. She made her first vows in 1956 and her final Profession in 1959.

“The goal of everything is to “be good friends of God,” said Sister Anne. She quoted St Teresa of Avila, who wrote,” All my longing was and still is that since God has ... so few friends, that these few friends be good ones.”

“Looking back over the past 70 years, I could not imagine being happier any place else on earth,” said Sister Anne. “There were certainly many challenges, difficulties and failings along the way but they all seem wrapped in the mantle of God’s patient and merciful love. He knows that my only desire is to give Him my all. My heart overflows with deepest gratitude for all His Blessings, especially the loving support of a great Community.”

70 YEARS

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Ask Sister of Christian Charity Martha Kavanaugh how it feels to be celebrating her 70th jubilee as a religious and she will tell you, “I really had a good run!”

Now, at the age of 87, she is finally closing in on retirement this summer, something that almost took place 12 years ago.

At the age of 75, she decided it was time to give up her full-time role as director of religious education.

Her pastors came to her and said, “Please stay.” And she did, part time, as a pastoral associate and serving in faith formation.

“They gave me the gift of continuing ministry and it’s been beautiful, still talking about the Lord to people,” she acknowledged.

Since that time, Sister Martha has served the parish, organized senior luncheons, and still meets with two groups of women for spiritual development and formation, as well as continuing to be very present in the School of St. Elizabeth.

Sister Martha entered the Sisters of Christian Charity in 1954 and professed final vows Aug. 21, 1963 at Mallinckrodt Convent, Mendham. Her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, and her two master’s degrees, one in religious education and one in administration, have been put to good use. In addition to serving in the field of religious education for some 60 years, she served as an elementary school teacher and principal in dioceses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Of her many assignments, Sister Martha recalls that she was “always happy wherever I was is service, in spite of the challenges.” She also noted that being a principal was her greatest challenge, though she worked for 23 years in administration and enjoyed it.

She has also served as a pastoral ministry and as a coordinator in her community’s motherhouse in Mendham, as well.

Looking back on “all the wonderful experiences God has given me,” Sister Martha says though all her life she held on to one saying from Cardinal St. John Henry Newman: “May no one be less good for having come with my influence; no one less kind, less noble for having been a fellow traveler in m journey toward eternal Life.”

70 YEARS

22 JUBILARIANS

Sister Maria Cecylia Ursula Trela, LSIC

Sister Katherine Mroz, RSM

Sister Eileen Smith, RSM

“They have been happy years.”

“I have loved every minute of my religious life. I’m just very grateful for being a Sister of Mercy.”

“As I reflect on my life, I just feel so blessed that I have been able to encounter so many wonderful people who have journeyed with me, especially in learning how to pray and relate to God in a deeper way.”

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

70 YEARS

Sister Maria Cecylia Ursula Trela’s mother promised her to the Lord as a nun even before she was born.

When the young mother was five months pregnant, she was shot in the collarbone while working in the woods in Poland, and she promised God that if He saved the baby, she would offer the child to His service.

Decades later, Sister Maria is celebrating her 70th jubilee as a Little Servant Sister of the Immaculate Conception.

“They have been happy years,” she said in a telephone interview, noting that she never regretted her mother’s promise to God. “My mother was so happy” her daughter joined the religious order.

Sister Maria – the fourth of 11 children – entered the convent in Poland on May 6, 1954. She worked with young children at a school, trained as a bookkeeper and taught religion classes before she was sent to the United States in 1972. She taught kindergarten at St. Matthew School in National Park then was sent to Glassboro State College for a degree in science education for grammar schools. She graduated in 1980.

When plans were being made to open St. Joseph’s Nursing Center in Woodbridge, she was asked to take charge.

Sister Maria was also the assistant administrator for St. Mary’s Nursing Home in Cherry Hill. She was certified as a licensed nursing home administrator.

Later, she became administrator of Saints Peter and Paul preschool in Three Rivers, Mass. During that time she received a certificate in preschool education.

Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception work in education, religious formation and nursing. They work in parishes as religious educators and pastoral workers in the Dioceses of Camden and Metuchen, the Archdioceses of Newark and Philadelphia and the Dioceses of Columbus and Palm Beach.

Now retired, Sister Maria said she has always enjoyed participating in religious activities with the other sisters, and she especially liked working with kindergarten children.

By Cori Urban, Contributing Editor

60 YEARS

60 YEARS

Sister Katherine Mroz wanted to enter religious life since she was shown a post card in third grade of the Mount St. Mary Motherhouse in North Plainfield.

“From that moment on I wanted to become a Sister of Mercy,” she said.

She said her mother told her to wait on it and think about her decision. “But I know she was praying for me to become a Sister of Mercy,” Sister Katherine said.

Her goal of joining the Sisters of Mercy after high school, however, had to be postponed while her mother battled tuberculosis, and so Sister Katherine waited until after college to join the order.

Sister Katherine received a state scholarship to Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) where she received a bachelor of arts degree in secondary English. She also holds a master’s degree from Notre Dame University and a doctorate from Lehigh University.

Sister Katherine decided to enter teaching as her ministry.

She started teaching at Mount St. Mary Academy, Watchung, returning in the 1970s. She also taught at Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville; Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill, and Holy Spirit High School, Absecon. She later taught English at Georgian Court College, Lakewood, and was an adjunct for seven years in the English Department at Kean University, Union. While an adjunct she wrote for the Sisters of Mercy newsletter.

Sister Katherine said she especially loved working on the Mount St Mary Academy literary magazine, school newspaper and yearbook. “You get to know the students the best way by working (with them) informally,” she said.

After leaving education, Sister Katherine was hired as a correspondent for The Catholic Spirit, where she was assigned articles on the Sisters of Mercy.

Sister Katherine, who is retired and resides at Mount St. Mary’s, Watchung, writes poetry that is “in touch with the depth of spirituality,” and is posted on Facebook by Mercy Sister Judy Ward, who draws and designs artwork for Sister Katherine’s verses.

For anyone considering a vocation to religious life, Sister Katherine said she would advise them to “to pray and look for signs along the way. … The mystery of vocation is something beautiful and something adoring,”

Religious Sister of Mercy Eileen P. Smith has brought others spiritual and earthly help and healing in her six-decade religious career. Educator. Spiritual director. Missionary: Does anything stand out among any of her roles?

“I would say it’s a wonderful life,” she said simply, with a muffled laugh.

For years, Sister Eileen has served as a co-director of Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer where she presently develops and conducts retreats and spirituality programs for adults seeking deeper encounters with God. The House of Prayer itself is on the same campus as Mount Saint Mary Academy where Sister Eileen graduated and then entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1964. She took her final vows there eight years later.

Sister Eileen taught foreign languages and later theology at several parochial schools in New Jersey. She also served as pastoral minister at Holy Trinity Parish, now part of Most Holy Name of Jesus in Perth Amboy.

She lived more than a year in the Central American nation of Honduras, where she helped the Sisters of Mercy community help residents with fundraising and other efforts to build potable water systems, and minister to children with HIV/AIDS. “I witnessed a lot of death in young children,” Sister Eileen recalled. “The earlier we received babies, the better were their chances to live.”

She never studied medicine or how to build a water supply, but Sister Eileen used her language background to provide spiritual and language assistance.

“When we did water systems [during missionary trips to Honduras], I collaborated in the beginning with a Presbyterian minister who knew I could speak Spanish” she said. “And he wanted to have groups to go and help in the rural villages.”

Money raised by Sister Eileen and others enabled project leaders to buy a pump, pipes, water tower and related equipment, she said. An engineer who went to a village would teach residents about construction and maintenance. She said everyone in a village would gather for a meal and celebration as the project neared completion.

“It was a glorious thing to be a part of,” she said.

By Paul J. Peyton, Correspondent

By Anthony Salamone, Correspondent

23 JUBILARIANS

Sister Carol Wilson RSM

Sister Christine Triggs, RSM

Sister Monika Aleksandrowicz, LSIC

“Be open to God’s call. Be attentive to all the signs, large and small, he will send you.

Then say, ’Yes.’”

“I have surely been enriched by living with so many dedicated, kind, and gifted sisters.”

“I was inspired by the sisters’ smile, kindness, simplicity, prayer life and intimate closeness to Mary and Jesus according to their religious community motto: ‘Through Mary to Jesus.’”

60 YEARS

By Mary Morrell, Editor-in-Chief

A nurse by profession, Sister Monika Aleksandrowicz, is director of nursing at St. Joseph’s Senior Home Nursing Center in Woodbridge.

A Little Sister of the Immaculate Conception by vocation, she is celebrating her 25th jubilee this year.

Sister Monika was born in Poland, but her family came to the United States seeking a better life after she graduated from high school. “It turned out to be my ‘promised land’ and instead of a better future I found the greatest treasure in the world – Jesus and my religious vocation,” she said.

She lived in New York for four years where she worked various jobs – factory worker, housekeeper, deli cashier and babysitter. She studied English in an evening ESL program with hope that one day she could continue her education in a college or a university.

She was a member of a Polish youth group, “Oaza,” at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Greenpoint, New York, where she grew in faith and discerned her vocation to a religious life. “I was always a people person, loved children and helping others. I felt that the love I received from God is so enormous that I have to share it with others and with the whole world.”

At a Youth 2000 retreat, she met Little Servant Sisters of The Immaculate Conception and realized after getting to know them and their charism of serving the children, the sick and the needy of the world, that this was the community where God wanted her to be as a religious.

“Community life to me is a great joy because I always have sisters support, our joy is multiplied and sorrow is divided,” she said. “I am very grateful to God for the undeserved and mysterious gift of my vocation to the religious life and to my families, the religious and the natural, for putting up with me all those years and the love and support I receive every day.”

Sister Monika studied nursing at Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing in Camden and Kean University in Union.

By Cori Urban, Contributing Editor

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

By Paul J. Peyton, Correspondent

When Sister Christine Triggs talks about her life as a Mercy Sister listeners can catch the joy. “My 50 years as a Sister of Mercy have been filled with blessings!” she exclaimed. “When I entered I had a degree in biology and had hoped to go on to study nursing.

While waiting for permission to do that, I was sent to teach and fell in love with that ministry. God knows what he is doing!”

Born in South Amboy and taught by Sisters of Mercy in both St. Mary’s Elementary School, South Amboy, and in Georgian Court College, Lakewood, Sister Christine entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1974.

Most of her years were spent in Atlantic City where she taught for 38 years in Our Lady Star of the Sea School.

“The young people I taught were a real source of joy for me,” she shared. Our school and parish community was such an enriching mixture of cultures. Many immigrant families were drawn there by jobs in the casino. We were blessed with wonderful pastors and supportive families.”

Sister Christine reflected, “Community life was also a very good fit for me. Living with a group of women of various backgrounds and ages has its challenges, but I have surely been enriched by living with so many dedicated, kind, and gifted sisters.”

Five years ago, Sister Christine moved to Mount Saint Mary where she served as an assistant coordinator, working with retired sisters who live in Gabriel Hall, Watchung, in assisted living. Since 2022 she serves as Sister Life Minister for the 40 sisters who live in Mount Saint Mary and Gabriel Hall.

Her work, she explained, “can involve anything from accompanying a sister to the ER, helping to plan community celebrations, or dealing with a plumbing problem that happens after hours. As I mentioned, I am built for community life, so I thrive on living, praying, learning, and laughing with our sisters. I believe that my ministry and my community life help me to grow in God’s love. What else matters?”

25 YEARS

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Sister Carol Wilson initially wanted to be a nurse, but an invitation by her high school principal to join the secretarial staff at Cathedral High School, Trenton, led to a realization this was a calling from God to enter religious life.

“I wanted to be a nurse, but at that time I would have had to get the money to go to nursing school, but my influence was going to Cathedral High School. The Sisters there were just wonderful. They seemed happy and they were very supportive of us,” she said. “I still wanted to be a nurse, but God had other plans for me.”

She entered the Sisters of Mercy from Holy Cross Church, Trenton, in September 1964.

Sister Carol earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in education from Georgian Court College, Lakewood, and her Master of Arts degree in education as a reading specialist from Seton Hall University, South Orange.

Her education was put to good use in Catholic schools across the dioceses of Trenton and Metuchen.

She saw her years as an educator as an opportunity to form young minds and influence parents, as well, to the needs of the poor and those who were treated unjustly.

She also realized that many children suffered from loss and grief in their young lives, and so, while serving in St. Ann School, Keansburg, she began the RAINBOWS program for grieving children.

Her years as an administrator in several afterschool programs reinforced her concern for those who struggle with financial need, like single parent families.

Today, Sister Carol is retired and living at Mount St Mary’s, Watchung.

Looking back at her experiences as a teacher she said, “Keansburg I just loved,” saying she left after 25 years of teaching when St. Ann’s closed.

After she left teaching she volunteered at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, on its oncology floor for two years.

“When you see what people go through, it puts everything in perspective,” Sister Carol said.

For those discerning a vocation, she advised, “Pray about it, but see if you can get in touch with a Sister and talk. It’s a commitment. God, I think, lets you know in your heart [if it is your calling],” she said.

50 YEARS

24 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE of METUCHEN

2024 Bishop’s Annual Appeal

Letter from the Bishop Dear Brothers & Sister in Christ,

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

(LK 24:35) The well-known Scripture passage of the Road to Emmaus is rich in detail. Two disciples were so disappointed and disillusioned after Jesus was crucified that they took to the dusty road traveling toward Emmaus, heading away from Jerusalem—literally putting distance between themselves and Jesus. Along the way, they recite their woes to a stranger they meet on the road whom they do not recognize as the Risen Jesus. They had been Jesus’ disciples and had believed He was a powerful prophet; but with His crucifixion, they think His mission has failed. They are grieving and filled with despair.

As they walked side by side, the Risen Jesus explained the Scriptures to them and spoke about how the Messiah would suffer and then enter into His glory. The disciples were so touched by the conversation, they begged Jesus, “Stay with us.” Later, they would say to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” Their eyes were being opened and their hope renewed.

That evening at table, Jesus “took bread, said the blessing, broke it and gave it to them.” Then their eyes were truly opened and they recognized Him and were changed by Him. With hearts burning and faith restored, they rushed back to Jerusalem, eager to share the news that they had encountered the Lord Jesus.

The journey of Emmaus is our journey.

In life, we experience times of sadness, disappointments and doubts. We may experience

a crisis of faith or lose hope, but Jesus wants to accompany us on our journey, just as He did with the two disciples. As in the journey to Emmaus, we encounter Jesus at Mass by listening to His Word through the Sacred Scriptures and by receiving Him in the most profound and intimate way in the Eucharist.

Spiritually nourished and renewed, we go forth anxious to share Him with others.

The Emmaus story reminds us that Jesus is ever-present in our midst, walking with us and guiding us. It also teaches us that Jesus wants us to accompany others, particularly those who are suffering or who have drifted from the practice of the faith.

One important way we can accomplish this together is by supporting the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. The theme for this year’s appeal—Stay with Us, Lord: Renew our Hearts and Send us on Mission—was chosen to capture the images of the journey to Emmaus and invite us to see God’s love everywhere and to share that love through the many tangible services and programs we offer. Please take some time to read about how we are accompanying thousands of men, women and children each day through the pastoral, educational and charitable ministries of the Diocese of Metuchen and prayerfully consider joining me in this great effort.

May the Lord always stay with us!

May our hearts be renewed and burn within us as we read and pray with the Scriptures!

And when we gather at table where we recognize Our Lord anew in the breaking of the bread, may He ignite our desire to share His love with others!

With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ,

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

Stay with us, Lo

Renew our Hearts and Se

Accompanying others on the journey But they urged Him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So He went in to stay with them.

(Lk 24:29) Jesus “stays with us” in an intimate way in the Eucharist. We want to share His love with those we meet along the way, accompanying them on the path of life, as Jesus did on the Road to Emmaus.

One important way we can share our faith, encourage and assist our fellow travelers is by participating in the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Through our shared support, we touch the lives of thousands of people each year through the tangible services and programs we offer. Together we walk side by side with those who are suffering today, those who are ill or fearful, and those who are poor and vulnerable. Through our ministries, we bring them the reassuring presence of the Lord.

Catholic Charities, Human Life & Dignity And Consolation Ministries Jesus gave us a perfect example to follow, constantly demonstrating love and care for those around Him. Much of the work that is done through our Church to advocate for respect for life, consoling those who are in hospital or prisons, and providing for the poor and vulnerable depends on the sharing of our financial resources through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

Your gift supports the mission of the Office of Human Life and Dignity, remaining steadfast in its efforts to promote the sanctity of human life in all stages and in all conditions. Your support also brings the grace of the sacraments and

compassionate care to those in hospitals and prisons through our clergy chaplains, and has a tremendous impact on the lives of so many in need through our Catholic Charities. By giving to the appeal, we are opening our hearts to those living on the fringes of society and help to attend to their physical, spiritual and emotional needs.

The basic necessities of food and shelter provided by Catholic Charities, as well as the counseling services the agency offers to those struggling with addictions and other hardships of life can only continue with your help.

Answering the call to serve While he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him.

(Lk 24:30-31)

Seminarian Formation One of the key ministries supported by the annual appeal is seminarian formation. We are blessed to have 21 men currently studying for the priesthood in the Diocese of Metuchen. It is a blessing that brings with it the responsibility of providing for their education. Quality formation is essential for our future priests who will be the sacramental presence of the Lord in the midst of our parishes, nourishing and healing with word and sacraments the people they are called to serve. We need men who are capable of fostering spiritual life, preaching the gospel and directing the pastoral activities in our parishes and other special ministries. Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal helps to defray the costs of forming the future shepherds of our Church.

end Us on Mission

Pledging: Choosing to pledge with

your desired payment schedule over time may allow you to be more generous. Monthly reminders will be sent.

Gift By Check: Whether your gift is a

one-time, paid-in-full gift or an installment of a pledged gift, please make your check payable to: Diocese of Metuchen-Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

Gift By Credit Card: Complete your

gift and credit card information on your pledge card or visit our secure online giving site at https://diometuchen.org/ BAA.

Gift Of Appreciated Stock Or Securities: Federal tax laws allow a

Sharing our encounters with Christ Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?

(Lk 24:32)

Evangelization, Communications and Faith Formation for All Ages

Matching Your Gift: Corporate matching gifts are a great way to maximize your personal contribution. Go to www. matching gifts.com/diometuchen or call 732-562-2432 for more information.

LEADERSHIP GIVING You are invited to join the community of benefactors who provide the leadership that inspires others to support the pastoral, educational and charitable ministries of the Diocese of Metuchen. Members contribute to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal at the following levels:

• CIRCLE of STEWARDS: $50,000 and above • CATHEDRA CIRCLE: $25,000 - $49,999 • MITRE CIRCLE: $10,000 - $24,999 • SHEPHERD’S SOCIETY: $5,000 - $9,999 • BISHOP’S GUILD: $2,500 - $4,999 • DISCIPLES’ SOCIETY: $1,000 - $2,499 • FIDELIS SOCIETY: $500 - $999 For 5 consecutive years LEGAC Y SOCIETY

Ministry

Allocation

 Youth Related Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,835,000 Youth & Young Adult Ministry Discipleship Formation for Children Catholic Schools

 Catholic Charities & Social Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,700,000 Basic Needs: food, transitional housing, shelters Counseling Services Child Care & Maternity Services Emergency & Disaster Relief Services Social Justice

 Vocations, Seminarian Formation & Diaconate . . . . . .1,380,000  Pastoral Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .805,000 Catholic Center at Rutgers University Multi-Cultural Ministry Family Life Ministries Hispanic Ministry Ongoing Faith Formation Human Life & Dignity Worship & Liturgical Formation

 Evangelization & Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .605,000 Evangelization The Catholic Spirit (diocesan newspaper) Communications Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA)

 Maria Regina Residence for Retired Priests . . . . . . . . . . . .495,000  Hospital Chaplains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .385,000  Prison Chaplains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95,000

2024 Bishop’s Annual Appeal Goal

$7,300,000

Good stewards: Bishop’s Annual Appeal Foundation

Please give generously.

Give online: diometuchen.org

Central to our understanding of Christian stewardship is the concept of accountability. To safeguard the gifts you have entrusted to our care, we recently set up a special foundation, a separate trust, where all the money from this Appeal goes so that it can be used only for those ministries advertised in the Appeal materials and website. You can be assured that your gift is well protected and well used; making a difference in meeting the spiritual, educational and social needs of the people we serve. A gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal is a worthy investment.

Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen P.O. Box 4000, Metuchen, NJ 08840-4000 732-562-1990 Scan this code to go to our secure online giving page.

FEBRUARY 22, 22, 2024

The Legacy Society is our way of celebrating the generosity of Catholic friends who are providing for the future of the Church through a planned gift. Have you remembered your parish, parish school or a ministry of the Diocese of Metuchen in your Will or estate plan? If so, please let us know so we can express our thanks for your commitment to advancing the mission of the Church by honoring you as a member at our annual prayer service and gathering. For more information on Planned Giving visit www.diometuchen. plannedgiving.org or call the Office of Stewardship & Development at 732562-2432.

All funds received from the 2024 Bishop’s Annual Appeal will be used, without exception, to provide the services described below.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Just as the two disciples on the road “set out at once” to share their experience of the Risen Lord with others, we too are inspired to go out into the world and tell everyone we meet of His love and grace.

Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports a number of diocesan ministries dedicated to faith formation. Through Discipleship Formation for Children and our Catholic schools, Youth & Young Adult Ministry, Campus Ministry at Rutgers and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, we are reaching out to children, teens, young adults and older adults new to our Catholic Church. These ministries help people of all ages grow in their knowledge and practice of the faith, experience a meaningful sense of service to the community, and come to a deeper understanding of their call to discipleship.

Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal also supports the work of the Vicariate for Evangelization and Communication.

Responsible for our website, social media platforms, videos, podcasts and written content about our Catholic faith, the Evangelization and Communication ministry is essential to how we expand our effort to share the Gospel message and make His love known to all. More and more, we have come to understand that these tools are necessary for reaching people where they live and work.

charitable deduction for the full market value of stock or securities on the date they are gifted. For information on making such a gift, please contact the Office of Stewardship & Development at 732562-2432.

Sent on Mission

BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

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Ways to Share Gifts

26 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

“Catholic Schools Week is not just a week-long event; it is a reminder of the commitment we have made to provide a Catholic education that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit of our young learners. The theme for this year's celebration,‘Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community,’ encapsulates the essence of our mission to instill knowledge, promote a personal relationship with Jesus and service to others, foster leadership skills, and ultimately empower our students to succeed in all aspects of their lives.”

Bishop James F. Checchio Letter for Catholic Schools Week

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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1. Students in St. Ambrose School, Old Bridge, gather with Bishop Checchio following a CSW Mass Jan. 28. 2. Students in St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge, pose near the pipe organ following CSW Mass with the Bishop Jan. 28. 3. Bishop Checchio closed CSW Feb. 2 with Mass for Immaculata High School and Immaculate Conception School, including classroom visits. 4. Bishop Checchio addresses students during a Jan. 31 Mass for St. Augustine of Canterbury School’s 60th anniversary. 5. St. Augustine students respond enthusiastically to Bishop Checchio during the anniversary Mass. —Top photos, John Batkowski and Gerald Wutkowski Jr., bottom photos, Mark Lee

27 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

6. The HSA at St. Francis Cathedral School, Metuchen, host a CSW pizza lunch for parents and students after classroom visits.

7. Students in St. Bartholomew School, East Brunswick, read petitions for their opening CSW Mass.

8. St. Francis Cathedral School students display their Blessing Bags for the homeless made during a school-wide service project.

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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10. Third grade students in St. Helena School, Edison, celebrate P.J. day while showing off their cereal donation collected for those in need.

— Courtesy photos

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

9. During the opening CSW Mass, Father Thomas J. Walsh, St. Bartholomew Parish pastor, describes the symbols of the newly created school crest.

28 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

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1. The Perth Amboy Catholic Class of 2024 gather with faculty after their eighth grade Mass in St. Stephen Church, Perth Amboy.

2. Students in St. Helena School, Edison, pray a Living Rosary.

3. Students from Holy Savior Academy, South Plainfield, participate in their CSW opening Mass, celebrated by Father Pervaiz Indrias, parochial vicar.

4. Ice cream sundaes were on the menu for students, courtesy of the HSA in Ss. Philip and James School, Philipsburg.

5. SSPJ principal, Patricia Bell, with student council officers and reps, sort soup donations from generous school families.

6. A student from Immaculata High School, Somerville, holds a candle during the closing Mass for CSW, celebrated

by Bishop James F. Checchio with the high school and elementary school communities on the Feast of the Presentation, also known as Candlemas.

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FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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8. Students in St. Ann Classical Academy, Raritan, gather as a community to pray the Rosary for the nation.

9. St. Ann students display an example of 132 boxes of cereal collected for the hungry and celebrate with their annual cereal box dominoes.

— Courtesy photos

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

7. PACs eighth-graders show off their class rings following a ring blessing and distribution at the end of CSW.

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

30 OUR DIOCESE

2022,2023,2024

Among the nation’s best ambulatory surgery centers

three years in a row.

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

The CARES Surgicenter at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System has been recognized among the best ambulatory surgery centers in the nation for three years in a row by Newsweek.

In our state-of-the-art facility, surgeons perform same-day breast, colorectal, gynecologic, orthopedic, plastic and reconstructive and urologic surgeries, and procedures to treat conditions of the eyes, feet, ear, nose and throat. We treat children and adults with surgical expertise, while providing the compassionate care for which Saint Peter’s is known.

To learn more about the CARES Surgicenter, call 732.565.5400 or visit saintpetershcs.com/cares

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Celebrating the sacred union of husbands and wives, World Marriage Day Feb. 11 and National Marriage Week Feb. 7-14 recognizes their sacramental commitment with special blessings and resources to help couples strengthen their relationships.

The theme for this year’s World Marriage Day and National Marriage Week was “Love Beyond Words” – the permanent, faithful and fruitful love in a sacramental marriage is truly beyond words.

An outgrowth of Worldwide Marriage Encounter – an apostolate aimed at helping couples make good marriages

even better – World Marriage Day began in 1983 and is marked every second Sunday of February across the country. Its purpose is to highlight the beauty of marriage and to honor married couples for their faithfulness and sacrifices. In 1993, WMD received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II. Launched in 2010, National Marriage Week USA is part of an international event seeking to mobilize individuals, organizations, and businesses to strengthen marriage in communities and influence the culture. The Secretariat on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a full set of resources to bishops, priests, deacons, married couples,

and lay men and women to help celebrate and live the great gift of married life. As an initiative of the USCCB, its website ForYourMarriage.org was launched in 2007 as part of the National Pastoral Initiative for Marriage to communicate the meaning and value of married life for the Church and society.

For more Catholic marriage resources, visit https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life-ministries and https://www.foryourmarriage.org/.

For information on marriage preparation in the Diocese of Metuchen visit https://diometuchen.org/marriage-prepa ration.

MARRIAGE

By EmmaLee Italia Contributing Editor

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Strengthening marriage, influencing culture, goal of World Marriage Day

In marriage we must long for our spouse’s good stead of our blessings. Then I asked God to show me what he saw in my marriage.

Over time he reminded me of the love and goodness, and it all came flooding back into my heart. That is why I know that God can heal every lost spouse.

As God’s adopted sons and daughters through Jesus Christ, his plan is for us to become one in him. Do you wish for your spouse to partake in this plan?

To be holy and blameless before him, united in all things in him, in heaven and on earth, in the fullness of time? (cf. Eph 1:4,10) Do you wish for your spouse to journey alone? Divorce severs the bond that makes you married pilgrims on a journey toward a destination – that destination being heaven in union with God. You have been forging this journey together. What will become of your spouse who will have to continue alone? What will become of you without your spouse?

Perhaps if more married couples were eternally minded they would choose to continue their journey toward heaven together. Since all misunderstandings with your spouse will fall away and you will experience true love in eternity, why not make them fall away now? Why not

make every effort to experience true love now? You may think that that is impossible but with God all things are possible.

“Love between man and woman would be evil, or at least incomplete, if it went no farther than love as desire. For love as desire is not the whole essence of love between persons. It is not enough to long for a person as a good for oneself, one must also, and above all, long for that person’s good” (John Paul II, Love and Responsibility).

When husband and wife long for each other to get to heaven, they long for each other’s ultimate good.

Anna M. Githens is a freelance writer with a career background in finance, teaching and journalism. She holds an MA in Theology, a BA in Economics and a Certification in Theology of the Body.

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

In other words, as I often heard in class, “God wants to marry us.”

Cardinal Cantalamessa explained that earthly marriage is not nullified; it is “transfigured, spiritualized, freed from the limits that mark life on earth.”

What does this mean for spouses who had a negative experience of marriage on earth? He says, “The love that united them, perhaps only for a brief time, remains; defects, misunderstandings, suffering that they inflicted on each other, will fall away. Many spouses will experience true love for each other only when they will be reunited ‘in God,’ and with this love there will be the joy and fullness of the union that they did not know on earth. In God, all will be understood, all will be excused, all will be forgiven.”

(Homily, Rome, 2006) The love that united husband and wife remains. We may bury it or cover it up with distractions, but love never dies.

Even if the spouses break their promise, God never breaks his promise. His marital covenant is everlasting.

For awhile I was lost and I thought divorce was the answer. I had focused on our defects and misunderstandings in-

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

“The true goal of marriage is for each spouse to help the other get to heaven.” I heard those words in a Theology of the Body class some years ago. The teacher referenced an impactful homily given by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher of the Papal Household since 1980.

Answering the Sadducees, Jesus says, “In the Resurrection they take neither wife nor husband, but are like angels in heaven” (Mt 22:30). Although the Sadducees could only see marriage from an earthly point of view, Cardinal Cantalamessa said, “Jesus does not exclude the possibility that [husband and wife] might rediscover in God the bond that united them on earth.”

Sacramental marriage is a visible sign of the spousal relationship of Christ and his Church. Marriage on earth helps us prepare for our mystical marriage in heaven.

It prepares us for our “future state” in the “other world” when we will see God “face to face” where, as Pope St. John Paul II says, “a love of such depth and power of concentration on God himself will be born in the person that it completely absorbs the person’s whole psychosomatic subjectivity.” (Theology of the Body, 68:3)

32 BLACK HISTORY THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Black History Month is a time for prayer, introspection, action

By Deacon Rick Fortune Special Contributor Black History Month, as with all celebrations of ethnic diversity, allows us to learn of and appreciate what makes our sisters and brothers who they are.

Our neighborhoods, parishes, nation and world can be brought closer and made better by sharing our cultures. With respect to the Catholic Church, this particular celebration holds great promise for learning, healing, and most importantly, evangelization of souls in Black Communities long estranged from the Sacraments by a difficult history.

The Catholic Church is all but nonexistent in many Black families and communities, and therefore absent in the lives of a people that certainly have a need for a beacon of hope and justice.

This has been my own experience as well. I was received into the Catholic Church through the RCIA process as an adult in 2002. That’s not to say that Jesus and church were absent from my life, because Jesus and church have been the backbone of Black families and communities throughout our history in this country, though in many denominations outside the Catholic Church, especially in the North.

My attendance at the National Black Catholic Congress XIII in July of 2023 was an eye-opening experience. I found that Black Catholics from the Southern areas tended to be life-long Catholics with generations of family history in the Church going back to the days of slavery.

In the South where the issue was outright discrimination, segregation and even exclusion, we have a Black People rooted in the Church, the Sacraments, the Eucharist. If you ask them, and I did, they say that Jesus is their beacon of hope and justice; and that Jesus abides in a particular way, in the Eucharist, only in the Catholic Church.

The opportunity before us is to bring the northern and southern Black com-

Sister Trinita Baeza, an Oblate Sister of Providence, leads the general intercessions during a Mass celebrated Jan. 30, 2024, at St. Frances Academy in East Baltimore in honor of Mother Mary Lange, foundress of the school and co-foundress of the Oblate Sisters of Providence. Mother Lange, one of six Black Catholics who are candidates for sainthood, was declared "venerable" by Pope Francis June 22, 2023, recognizing her heroic virtues. —OSV News photo/George P. Matysek Jr., Catholic Review munity together and then into the larger Catholic community to share this incredible tale of perseverance for the sake of the Eucharist.

Sharing the stories as part of not just Black history, but Church history, has the power to attract many to Jesus and the Sacraments. The road will be bumpy because it will force us to acknowledge and recall a very painful history, but if we walk together toward Jesus, guided by the

Holy Spirt, Spirit, we will arrive safely where God the Father wants us to be.

Black History Month has assured that Black leaders, innovators, athletes and performers are recognized and celebrated. Along with the now-established Black Catholic History Month in November, the Church has sought to do the same. There are Black Catholics that are leaders, innovators, athletes, artists, musicians; highlight them as examples for

Author raises hope of reconciliation from a painful history of the Church and slavery WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Raising public awareness about the role of slavery in building the U.S. Catholic Church and sparking hopes for racial justice and reconciliation were themes that emerged in a recent discussion at The Catholic University of America in Washington.

The discussion featured former New York Times journalist Rachel L. Swarns, author of the bestseller "The 272 – The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church," and Laura E. Masur, an assistant professor in the department of anthropology at The Catholic University of America.

The Feb. 1 forum at Catholic University's Heritage Hall drew a diverse audience of more than 200 participants, including high school and college students; department heads and faculty members; clergy; and Washington-area residents and Maryland and Louisiana descendants of the 272 enslaved men, women and children who were sold in 1838 by the Maryland Jesuits to Louisiana plantation owners. That sale helped ensure the financial survival of Georgetown College, which later became Georgetown University.

Catholic high schools and institutions

such as Harvard, Loyola and Catholic University are examining their histories with slavery. The Jesuits have apologized for their betrayal of the 272 families and pledged to raise $100 million for restorative justice programs. Georgetown University has established The Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation to support racial healing efforts and educational advancement for descendants of the 272 families.

—OSV News photo/Patrick Ryan, courtesy The Catholic University of America

Blacks and for all. There are also Black Saints. Celebrate them! Be proud of them! Put their art up in your parishes!

They will be beacons to others that look like them and that will bring people to Jesus, thereby growing the Church.

Currently the canonization causes of the so-called “Saintly Six” (Mother Mary Lange, Father Augustus Tolton, Mother Henriette DeLille, Mr. Pierre Toussaint, Ms. Julia Greeley, and Sister Thea Bowman) are under consideration and in various levels of the process. There are currently no African American canonized saints, and still there are generations of Black Catholics in the very lands where those same generations suffered under slavery.

Seeing the canonization of the first African American saint(s) is something that we should all be willing to pray for.

Recognition and sharing of these and other exemplary Black Catholic names and stories during Black History Month and Black Catholic History Month would surely stir up a spiritual curiosity that can be used to evangelize.

I was pleased to see the release on Feb. 5 of the National Black Catholic Congress XII’s five-year pastoral plan which includes recommendations and suggestions developed using the input of thousands of clergy, religious and lay faithful, Black and White, collected before, during, and after the July, 2023 gathering. I will be reviewing the plan with Multicultural Ministries Coordinator Sr. Miriam Perez, and later with diocesan committees to discern how and what we can implement here in Metuchen.

Black History and Black Catholic History months can be our “40 days” twice a year, like Lent and Advent, to look inward for areas we can call upon Jesus to help us improve; to become more like Him in this particular mission … the salvation of souls within the Body of Christ in Black families and communities.

Deacon Rick Fortune serves in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.

MOTHERS CLUB PRESENTS:

movement of the Church that emphasizes the importance of a balanced life of piety, continual spiritual study and action to keep Christ as the center of life. The encounter will feature two speakers: Franciscan Friar of the Renewal Father Luke Fletcher from the Blue Army Shrine, Asbury, and Deacon Sal Bonfiglio, Order of St. Francis, who ministers in Mary, Mother of God. It will include Mass, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Reconciliation, Stations of the Cross and light refreshments. There is no admission fee, but there will be a free will offering. To register visit http://www.metcursillo.org/events-encounter.htm.

CAMDEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

CONGRATULATES SISTER MARY SIMON ROBB, RSM ‘54

OUR DIOCESE

The Metuchen Cursillo Movement will sponsor its annual Encounter with Christ on March 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Mary, Mother of God Church, Hillsborough. Cursillo is a lay apostolic

SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL

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Annual Cursillo Encounter scheduled for March

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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34 OUR FAITH

As people of faith, we are commissioned to spread the glory of the Lord Second Sunday of Lent (B) “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b). St. Paul’s dramatic question in his Letter to the Romans reveals a faith completely certain of God’s providential love for his people. In Paul’s mind there was no question that God would always intervene to bring about the ultimate salvation of those whom he redeemed even at the cost of his only Son’s blood. This sense of assurance is the theme of our readings this Second Sunday of Lent.

Certainty in God’s offer of salvation does not imply, however, that Christians expect to live stress-free lives void of all suffering. In fact, this Sunday’s readings indicate that salvation and suffering often go hand in hand. Christians, like everyone else, are destined to endure their share of trials; we are assured, however, that such trials are not signs of divine disfavor or abandonment. Suffering unites us with the Person of Jesus Christ whose

own passion was the privileged means of redemption and exaltation for all people.

Our first reading from the Book of Genesis lays before us the quintessential exemplar of faith, the patriarch Abraham.

At this stage of his life, Abraham had already learned that faithfulness to God’s will could sometimes involve quite extraordinary effort. He had already moved from his ancestral homeland to the land of Canaan. Having left behind all that was familiar, God now demanded from Abraham the seemingly unthinkable-the life of his only son.

Scripture does not recount the agony which this request brought to Abraham, speaking only of his absolute trust that if he followed God’s will, everything would work out for the best. In the end, Abraham’s intention to sacrifice even his son for God was enough – God ultimately did not demand of Abraham that which he himself was to endure – the sacrificial death of a beloved Son. While the people of the Old Testament saw this

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for February 25, 2024 Mark 9:2-10

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for Second Sunday of Lent, Cycle B: The change on the mountaintop. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

PETER HIGH CLOTHES ELIJAH IT IS GOOD A CLOUD SON OF MAN

JOHN MOUNTAIN WHITE MOSES LET US VOICE RISEN

LED THEM UP BEFORE THEM BLEACH RABBI THREE LISTEN TO THE DEAD

event as implying God’s desire to end human sacrifice, for Christians Abraham also serves as a model of perfect faith lived out among adversity.

With this background in mind, we come to this Sunday’s Gospel reading, St. Mark’s telling of the Transfiguration story. Set here near the beginning of our Lenten observance, this Gospel is intended to reassure us that, for those who follow God’s will, everything will work out for God’s glory and our good. This Gospel shores us up for the terrible, necessary events that are to follow.

This pericope begins six days after Jesus’ difficult moments in Caesarea Philippi. He had begun to reveal that his mission had more to it than simply working miraculous cures for the crowd.

Obsessed as they were with his wonderful powers, the crowds and even his disciples themselves proved much less interested in the themes of sacrifice, suffering, and the cross which were also to characterize his ministry.

The Gospel tells us that Jesus took Peter, James, and John (the three privileged disciples who were with him at very intimate moments of his ministry) and went up a high mountain (the traditional place of divine revelation). Once there, these favored disciples saw Jesus revealed in his divine glory. Along with Jesus were Moses and Elijah, representing the Old Testament Law and prophets which Jesus had come to fulfill. St. Mark recounts that Peter and the others were awestruck. Peter, sensing the divine Presence before him, asked to build three booths, three permanent dwellings, so that these celestial figures would remain there forever.

Suddenly, they were all surrounded by a cloud (a symbol of divine glory) and God the Father spoke, claiming Je-

sus as his beloved Son and commanding the disciples to listen to him. As soon as they had received this commission, Peter, James, and John found themselves standing alone again with Jesus.

This extraordinary moment of grace served to reassure the disciples that their faith in Jesus would never be in vain.

It would hopefully carry them over the difficult moments which lay ahead. The message of the Transfiguration is a message that all shall be well, that despite all the trials and suffering which we encounter, the love of Christ is inexorably drawing us all closer and closer to his heart.

This Gospel also serves to remind us of the dual nature of all encounters with Jesus. First, of course, each encounter with the Lord is an opportunity for us to bask in his presence, but each encounter with the Lord is also always an experience of being commissioned.

Just as those early disciples were commissioned by the Father’s voice booming forth, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” (Mark 9:7b), so also, we are commissioned to spread the glory of the Lord that we ourselves have been are privileged to witness. These commissions serve to raise us up as people of faith, like Abraham, who trust in the Lord’s ultimate salvation enough to embrace our role as fervent disciples even despite the crosses which seem to threaten our way.

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

Book helps faithful explore Papal teachings

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everyone – also flows from that basic conviction that every person is loved by God. That love comes first – before a person acts on it or even accepts it.

“What Pope Francis has done with his bold ‘the Church is for everyone’ message is show that the Church exists to communicate the unconditional love of God for all his creatures, and that our conversion begins with embracing that truth,” Ivereigh told Catholic News Service.

Ivereigh pairs major documents by the Pope with each part of the “belonging,” showing a progressive development of the theme throughout Pope Francis’ pontificate: the 2013 “The Joy of the Gospel” emphasizing belonging to God; the 2015 “Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home,” about belonging to creation; and the 2020 “Fratelli Tutti, on Fraternity and Social Friendship,” ex-

ploring how people belong to each other.

In his foreword, Pope Francis wrote that to help people resist the temptation to reject “our belonging to God and to each other,” the Church offers prayers and spiritual practices, including confession, the regular celebration of the Eucharist and spiritual retreats.

In the full 30-day Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, Ivereigh said, the saint “urges weekly confession and Eucharist,” but he also dedicates the whole first week “to meditating on sin and God’s mercy,” themes that stand out in Pope Francis’ personal journey of faith and in his preaching.

The book also includes repeated references to Pope Francis’ homilies during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and how he used them to emphasize humanity’s belonging to God, to each other and to the created world.

remembers Msgr. William J. Capik The Center for Great Expectations (CGE) is filled with a deep sense of sorrow over the passing of Reverend Monsignor William J. Capik on Jan. 27, 2024.

We extend our condolences to his family, friends, and all the members of the CGE community who knew and loved him.

Monsignor Capik was an integral part of CGE for nearly 20 years, joining the Board of Trustees in 2006, and serving as Chairman from 2010-2014. In that role, he conducted meetings with both decisiveness and compassion, always keeping the mothers and babies of CGE at the center of his insights and advice.

Monsignor was an energetic, faithfilled individual, enjoying relationships with countless individuals who called on him to officiate at a family wedding, conduct a funeral for a loved one, or join in a celebration, long into his “retirement.”

“As the former Chairman of the

Board of the Center for Great Expectations, Monsignor’s compassion, business sense, and love of mission had a tremendous impact on the trajectory of our growth and our ability to significantly increase the numbers of women and children we served. I know we have another angel rooting for us!” – Peg Wright, CGE Founder/CEO Monsignor made time to encourage anyone who needed him, but he was never one to waste a moment. He was clear and strong in his decisions, crisp in his delivery of an inspirational homily, and always ready for a quick round of golf.

He was a beloved figure at CGE’s annual Ken Daneyko golf classic.

We are grateful that the family has included the Center for Great Expectations among the organizations for memorial contributions: https//www.cge-nj.org/ support-us/donate-now/

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

including 18 years as chairman of the Board of Directors.

During his tenure as St. James pastor, the parish grew from 800 to 3400 families. Msgr. Capik oversaw the addition of a gymnasium to St. James School and the construction of a new church.

He was also instrumental in the establishment of a group home for developmentally disabled adults adjacent to the church property.

Monsignor Capik retired in June 2005, after 24 years of service to St. James Parish.

In retirement, he regularly assisted parishes by being available for Masses and Confessions, including for the Sisters of Mercy at McAuley Hall HealthCare Center, Watchung.

In addition to his love for serving Jesus and the Church, he was also an avid golfer, reader, and loved spending time with family and friends.

Msgr. Capik was predeceased by his parents, John Capik and Anna Capik, and his sister-in-law Virginia Capik. He is survived by his brother Richard Capik; his niece Tracy Gregory (Larry Gregory); his great-nieces and great-nephews, William, Margo, Andrew and Elaine; his niece Susan Deming (Tom Deming), and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Courtney, Meg and Sam. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Feb. 5 in St. James Church, Basking Ridge, followed by a private burial.

At the request of the family, memorial contributions may be to the Diocese of Metuchen - Seminarian Education Fund at https://diometuchen.org, or The Center for Great Expectations at https:// www.cge-nj.org.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Msgr. William J. Capik, a retired priest of the Diocese, died Jan. 27 at Incarnate Word Village, San Antonio, Texas. He was 94.

Msgr. Capik was born in Perth Amboy and attended St. Charles High School Seminary, Catonsville, Md., and St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, Md. He also held a Master of Science degree in school administration from Fordham University, N.Y., and served in Catholic education in the Dioceses of Trenton and Metuchen for more than 15 years as a teacher and as an administrator.

He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Trenton on June 4, 1955, in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, Trenton. He served in St. Ann Parish, Hampton, and St. Anthony Parish, Hightstown, before serving as athletic director of Notre Dame High School, Trenton, then principal of Holy Cross High School, Delran.

Msgr. Capik served as pastor in St. Michael Parish, Trenton, and St. Peter’s Parish, New Brunswick, before becoming pastor of St. James Parish, Basking Ridge, in 1981, just before the Diocese of Metuchen was created.

In April 1979, Msgr. Capik was named a Prelate of Honor of His Holiness the Pope. Among his various diocesan responsibilities, he served as the first vicar for education for the Diocese of Metuchen from 1981 to 1985, as well as serving on the diocesan Council for Financial Affairs, and as vicar for Charities and Social Ministry. Msgr. Capik also served as a mentor to first-time pastors.

For some 27 years, Msgr. Capik served on numerous boards of St. Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick,

boy and Woodbridge.

As Middlesex County Prosecutor from 1978 to 1983, he made a number of significant contributions to the state criminal justice system, including establishing the Hostage Recovery Unit and Arson Task Force.

In 1983 he was appointed judge in the Superior Court of New Jersey, presiding in Middlesex County in the Civil and Family divisions. He retired in 2000 and later served two years on recall from 2011 to 2013.

Mr. Rebeck was a member of the Bar of the State of New Jersey, the U.S. District Court and U.S. Supreme Court. He was a member of the Middlesex County Bar Association and the National District Attorney’s Association. He served as past president of the N.J. County Prosecutors Association and on a number of Supreme Court and Judicial Committees.

In addition to Msgr. Rebeck, Mr. Rebeck was survived by his wife, Arlene Santolli Rebeck; four daughters and their spouses, and seven grandchildren.

Burial was in St. Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

OBITUARY

Msgr. William J. Capik, 94

Funeral services were held in Our Lady of Peace Church, North Brunswick, Feb. 5 for the Honorable Richard S. Rebeck who died Jan. 31 at age 90.

Mr. Rebeck was the brother of Msgr. Eugene Rebeck, a retired priest of the Trenton Diocese.

In addition to being a parishioner in Our Lady of Peace Parish, Mr. Rebeck was a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and served on the Diocesan Review Board for the Metuchen Diocese until age 89.

Born and raised in Perth Amboy, Mr. Rebeck graduated from St. Mary High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1957. With funds from the GI Bill, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seton Hall University, South Orange, graduating with honors in 1959. He attended Georgetown University Law School on a full scholarship, serving as editor-inchief of the Georgetown Law Journal and earning a juris doctor degree in 1962.

Mr. Rebeck began his law career as a law clerk to the Honorable C. Thomas Schettino, associate justice of the N.J. Supreme Court in Trenton. He then worked for two additional law firms in Perth Am-

35

Honorable Richard S. Rebeck, brother of Msgr. Eugene Rebeck

36 STEPPING FORWARD IN CHARITY

Stepping forward in charity Black History Month celebrated at YES Early Learning Center with drums and dance

By Tiffany Workman Special Contributor

on a wonderful performance for the children of the school. This drumming and dancing duo are local to New Brunswick and make sure they are involved in the community.

Mr. Victor and Miss Audrey performed two sessions, so that all the classes from the school could participate.

Mr. Victor played the drum while Miss Audrey danced traditional African dances like the one performed while gathering food in African villages. The children, who were very interested and engaged in the informative session, were then given instruments to play, had the opportunity to dress up in authentic African garb and learned new things about African culture.

In addition to the Marshal Hand and Drum team’s performance, the YES Early Learning Center at St. Ladislaus also honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in January. Volunteer readers from RWJ Barnabas Health in New Brunswick from various departments including security, parking lot attendants, nursing aides, lab technicians, etc. visited over the course of two days to read to the young students.

Volunteers read the book “Who

was Martin Luther King, Jr.?” by Lisbeth Kaiser and engaged the children in conversation about the reading. Mariam Merced, director of RWJUH Community Health Promotions Programs and Social Impact and Community Investment lead, and her team of volunteers have visited the school on many other occasions and will return in March for Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ Birthday.

“Children are natural learners, and our goal is to help them develop a well-rounded and diverse skill set,” said Cheryl Curry, director of the YES Early Learning Center at St. Ladislaus. “Therefore, it is important that they learn about all cultures, their similarities and their differences.”

Catholic Charities provides free preschool for New Brunswick residents and even though the school year has begun, children can still be enrolled.

New Brunswick residents interested for preschool for their child should contact the schools directly. To contact the YES Early Learning Center at 115 Robeson Blvd call 732-249-3881. To contact the St. Ladislaus Childcare Center at 197

Stepping forward in charity

Black History Month, a time to honor the legacy of African Americans in our country, grew out of the efforts of Black historian Carter B. Woodson, who sought to focus attention on the history and heritage of Black Americans.

What began as Black History Week expanded to Black History Month and was first officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976, and by each president to follow. In addition, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History designates a theme each year.

The year’s theme, “African Americans and the Arts,” focuses on the influences that African Americans have had on visual and performing arts, music, fashion and other forms of expression.

In honor of Black History Month, the YES Early Learning Center at St. Ladislaus had some special guests stop by to teach the children about African culture.

Mr. Victor and Miss Audrey from Marshall Hand and Drum Ensemble put

Somerset Street in New Brunswick, please call 732-214-1475.

If you have further questions regarding Catholic Charities Child Care please reach out to billing staff in your specific county. For Warren & Morris Counties, please call 908-454-2074. For Somerset & Middlesex Counties, please call 732934-2800.

For more information on the child care services offered at Catholic Charities visit ccdom.org/child-care.

Catholic Charities Child Care centers are hiring for various positions both full and part-time. If interested in applying, please send resumes and cover letters to kradabaugh@ccdom.org and drannie@ ccdom.org.

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

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

STEPPING FORWARD IN CHARITY

Stepping forward in charity

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Left, children at the YES Early Learning Center at St. Ladislaus enjoy playing instruments and dressing up in authentic African garb.

Below, Mr. Victor and Miss Audrey from Marshall Hand & Drum provide lots of dancing, singing and fun.

— Tiffany Workman photos

37 SCHOOLS

•

Smart Board technology, iPads, 3-D printers and Chromebooks are used to support teacher instruction and student learning, ensuring students in every grade learn 21st century skills.

ST. AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY SCHOOL, KENDALL PARK, CELEBRATES

•

St. Augustine School recognizes that early childhood education should be a journey, not a race.

Each child travels at his/her own pace according to his/ her individual background of prior experiences as well as current and future needs.

•

This tryptych of St. Lucy Filippini, foundress of the Religious Teachers Filippini, graces St. Augustine’s interior walls. The order has served the school from 2001 to the present, preceded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, 1963-1988, and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, 1988-2001.

YEARS

St. Augustine of Canterbury School had its beginnings in the mind of Father John J Reilly, founding pastor, 1963-1978. It has continued to grow under the guidance of Monsignor William Capano, 1978-1995, and Father Robert G. Lynam, 1995 to present.

Visit us at school.staugustinenj.org.

• Students serve as broadcasters, as well as run technology, for the school’s Knights Television Network (KTN), a high-tech studio where students share announcements, prayers, interviews and other school activities.

• A ramp provides access to a newly

renovated Early Childhood wing that fosters exploration and creation. Teachers are specialized in early childhood along with aides who cultivate a nurturing and individualized approach to learning and problem solving.

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

In 2006 a detached building used as a garage and storage space was repurposed and renovated for classrooms through the generosity of the Saint Augustine of Canterbury chapter of the Knights of Columbus and christened “Canterbury Corner.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

OF PROCLAIMING THE MESSAGE OF JESUS, TEACHING HIS TRUTH AND EXTENDING HIS LOVE, WHILE PROVIDING AN ACADEMIC PROGRAM BASED ON EXCELLENCE, FOSTERING SELFDISCIPLINE, CREATIVITY AND FLEXIBILITY.

38 PERSPECTIVES

When it comes to those who are hungry, love is as necessary as food I recently read yet another report that Hunterdon County, where I have lived for 53 years, is one of the wealthiest counties in New Jersey. The report attributed that standing to “a median household income

of $123,373 and an average home value of $552,490.”

Besides those economic factors, the account noted Hunterdon’s strong job market, low crime rate, excellent schools,

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Sr. Mary Elaine Lechert Sr. Irene Marie Sarnecki 70 YEARS

Sr. Lucille Marie Bruno Sr. Mary Adrianna Gorski Sr. Mary Lorene Pivinski Sr. Mary Michaelita Wiechetek Sr. Mary Antonelle Chunka 60 YEARS

Sr. Mary Laverne Cholewa Sr. Mary Alicia Adametz Sr. Mary Fides Milwicz Sr. Mary Alice Buczko

FelicianSistersNA.org/Jubilarians

“charming villages, rolling farmlands, and a lively equestrian culture.” All of this is said to make the county “an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful yet prosperous lifestyle.”

All of that is true, and yet my daily commute takes me past several old motels whose residents don’t share in the prosperity. The Broadway musical “Minnie’s Boys” included a song that began, “Rich is walking ’cause you want to, not because you have to,” and I see folks who have to walk on the shoulder of the highway, in all kinds of weather—often dashing across six lanes—because it’s the only way for them to get groceries or a take-out meal.

This condition often reminds me, by way of both comparison and contrast, of James Rutenbeck’s powerful documentary, “Scenes from a Parish,” which was filmed in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Early in the program, Rutenbeck records parishioners of St. Patrick’s Church saying, in effect, “They say Lawrence is the poorest city in the country, but I don’t see it.” Meanwhile, there were citizens living in a camp under a nearby bridge.

Jesus, we know, keeps his promises, but perhaps we’d rather he didn’t keep this one: “The poor you will always have with you.”

When its members had been sensitized to the poverty all around them, the parish in Lawrence responded in 2006 by establishing the Cor Unum Food Center which serves two meals a day, seven days a week—about a quarter of a million meals each year.

An important aspect of the Cor Unum program is that visitors are greeted at the door, ushered to a table, and served by volunteer wait staff. In other words,

they are treated as guests, not as beggars.

I have never been unable to buy enough food for me and my family, but I am sure that folks in that position are in danger of losing their self-respect, their confidence, and the feeling that they are part of the society around them that is, as it were, functioning normally. That sense of isolation, of being outside of normal life, must be as debilitating as hunger itself. Many food programs address this in some way—sometimes by the simple device of sharing the meal with guests who spend enough time feeling invisible.

Recently, there have been a lot of negative references in the news to President Herbert Hoover who had the unenviable distinction of presiding over a nation that had fewer jobs at the end of his term than it had when he took office.

Hoover’s name comes up these days only with reference to his role in the onset of the Great Depression. Long forgotten is the fact that Hoover, at other times in his career, supervised food programs that literally saved tens of millions of people from starvation.

None of us is going to feed people in those numbers, and all of us together are not going to eradicate hunger in this country or elsewhere. But whatever any of us contribute to both feeding and acknowledging those who live in poverty touches them with love as necessary as food itself.

This month’s featured retreat house:

San Alfonso Retreat House

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

Host Your Retreat for Youth, Couples, Parish or Vocational Group.

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

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

Retreats for Women: March: 8-10, 22-24 (Palm Sunday), April 12-14, 19-21, May 3-5, 17-19, June 21-23 Holy Week Retreat: March 27-31 Retreats for Religious Sisters: June 16-21 July 21-26 Silent Directed Retreats: June 23-30, Aug. 25 - Sept. 1 Retreat for Deacons: June 7-9 Priests and Deacons Renewal Week: June 10-14 Retreats for Men: July 19-21, September 6-8, 20-22 Monthly Days of Prayer: March 11, April 16, May 9

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

For a full schedule of programs for 2024 and to register: call 732-222-2731, x140, www.sanalfonsoretreats.org info@sanalfonsoretreats.org 755 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ 07740

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

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Where God and sea come together ...

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

2024 Spring/Summer Programs

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

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.

Day & Overnight Retreats Gift & Book Shop - open daily

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

To join this retreat guide, email Ads@CatholicSpirit.com

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

SCHOOL

It was a meeting of the math minds at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, on Jan. 27, during the Annual Math Competition between young women from area schools competing on the Mount campus and young men competing at St. Joseph High School, Metuchen.

Students from St. Helena School in Edison captured the win, and the overall highest score was earned by a female student participating at the Mount. Many individual students from area schools took part in the contest as well as teams from Saint Helena, Holy Trinity (Westfield), Saint James School (Basking Ridge), Warren Middle School, St. John Vianney (Colonia), Woodrow Wilson School (Edison), and St. Matthias (Somerset).

Pictured below, left to right, are faculty/ staff volunteers: Christian Gonzalez (social studies teacher), Vinnie Papandrea (math teacher), Caitlin Angrosina (math teacher), Maggie Milej (math teacher), Timothy Mink (math teacher), and Stephen Muratore (Math Department chairperson and Computer Science chairperson). Not pictured: Jacqueline Muratore (assistant directress for Faculty, Curriculum, and Planning) and Julia Pierce (Enrollment Management associate), who coordinated the event.

39

Mount Saint Mary Academy hosts annual math competition

Also pictured above: St. Helena School, Edison, boasted the winning team for the annual math competition held in Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, Jan. 27.

AP computer science female diversity award granted to MSMA

Pictured are AP Computer Science students: Ellie Baglien ’25 of Fanwood, Zoe Tseng ’25 of Watchung, and (back row) Lila Keller ’25 of Summit. —Courtesy photo

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Jacqueline Muratore, assistant directress for Faculty, Curriculum and Planning and a 2001 graduate of the Mount, said, “I am thrilled that our Computer Science Department has been working to provide even more opportunities for our students to learn about coding, problemsolving with technology, and digital design. Each academic year we continue to expand our curriculum and build student enrollment in computer science and technology courses. We hope to empower our students with analytical skills and help them to grow as leaders in these fields.”

Stephen Muratore, Computer Science Department chairperson, stated, “Empowering young women in computer science not only unlocks their potential but is an investment in their future.

These students have limitless possibilities throughout the ever-changing world of technology. Keep coding, keep inspiring, and keep making us proud, Mounties!”

“Computer science is the source code of our economy and much of the career landscape,” remarked Trevor Packer, head of the AP Program. “In the six years since we began the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award, it’s been heartening to see schools like Mount Saint Mary Academy welcome so many more young women into this vital field.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung has earned the College Board’s 2023 AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women’s access to AP Computer Science A and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). The Academy has been recognized by the College Board for its excellence in educating young women in AP Computer Science since 2018.

This prestigious designation acknowledges 1,100 schools for their work toward equal gender representation during the 2022-2023 school year. Mount Saint Mary is one of only 68 schools to be recognized for achieving this important result in both AP Computer Science courses.

“I love the AP Computer Science class at Mount,” said Ellie Baglien ‘25.

“It has provided me with an opportunity to explore coding and learn about technology and is a class I can always look forward to. AP Computer Science has also led me to consider a potential career path in fields related to technology and coding.”

"The AP Computer science classes at the Mount have been some of the best classes I've taken," shared Zoe Tseng '25.

"I have learned a vast amount of computer science concepts that are applicable to many real-world situations. I always enjoy going to class and learning more about coding!"

40 SCHOOL

Empowering the Future: St. Thomas Aquinas High School program inspires students to new heights

By Michael Kowalczk Special Contributor

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

The robotics program in St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, is breaking down barriers and fostering a nurturing environment that encourages young men and women alike to discover their potential in the exciting world of STEM. This year’s team is currently in the midst of enhancing its robot as it antici-

pates the First Tech Challenge New Jersey Central Conference Tournament on March 3 at Kean University, where it will compete in a series of sports-style competitions against other robots. The challenges require the team to develop strategies and build a robot based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for success in the competition as for well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.

Robotics Club member Angelo Dally ’25 commened on how the program has impacted him: “Robotics has been such an enjoyable experience because we get to create new things with other students who are so great to work with. I’ve learned so much about different tools and techniques, which will be beneficial in my future as an engineer.”

The robotics program’s central tenet is to teach students the value of hard work, innovation and creativity as they prepare their custom-built robot to enter a variety of competitions. Having recognized the importance of encouraging all students to pursue STEM education, the STA robotics program has witnessed a remarkable growth in both female and male participation. Faculty advisor Mr. Dan Shubiak underscores the importance of providing opportunities for all students: “We firmly believe that a diverse environment is essential for fostering innovation and creativity. By encouraging all students to explore robotics, we are equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving technological landscape.”

STA’s robotics program has already made a profound impact on its partici-

St. Thomas Aquinas High School launches discussion program inspired by namesake

Left, Abigail O’Sullivan ‘24 points out a new function of the robot to Prithvi Parikh ‘24, Natalie Mercado ‘24, and team advisor Dan Shubiak. Right, Prithvi Parikh ‘24, Angelo Dally ‘25, and Brianna Mercado ‘26 observe as Olivia Locandro ‘25 controls an early prototype of the team’s robot. —Michael Kowalczyk photos pants, extending far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Olivia Rivera, a Class of 2022 alumna of the STEM Program and currently pursuing studies at MIT, reflected on her formative journey: “The most impactful part of my experience with STEM wasn’t so much the technical skills I learned, although these were still important, but more so the environment where I learned them. The teachers always emphasized that making mistakes is a vital part of any STEM project and it was more valuable to turn those failures into lessons.”

The robotics program at St. Thomas Aquinas High School is unlocking the potential of young women and men, shaping them into confident and innovative leaders who will contribute to the advancements of tomorrow.

By Michael Kowalczyk Special Contributor

Father Bartholomew Calvano engages STA students in the first session of the STA Discussion Program focusing on the topic: “The importance of religion in today’s society.” —Michael Kowalczyk photo

In the spirit of St. Thomas Aquinas's relentless pursuit of knowledge, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, inaugurated a new discussion program that opens the door to thought – provoking inquiry on questions that set the stage for a dynamic and introspective discussion. This initiative draws inspiration from the program's namesake, aiming to foster curiosity, explore the depths of knowledge, and empower individuals to better comprehend the world around them and their place within it.

“Our vision in spearheading these discussions was to reignite our relationship with our patron saint, offering students and community members an opportunity to explore the interplay between Continued on page 41

41

By Michael Kowalczyk Special Contributor Though the team walked into the tournament as the underdogs, the small but mighty St. Thomas Aquinas High School – Edison swimming team defied expectations as it secured a hard-earned 2nd place in the Greater Middlesex County championship on Jan. 27. The athletes showcased the outcomes of their hard work and determination, with standout performances from Natalie Neno and Sam Villacis, leaving a mark not only on the competition but on the record books as well.

Senior Natalie Neno's dominance in the 100-meter breaststroke remained

unchallenged, as she once again emerged victorious, maintaining her undefeated streak this season. Sophomore Sam Villacis not only secured wins in both the 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter backstroke, but also shattered the school records for these events and a longstanding GMC record in the 100-meter backstroke.

"I’ve been swimming competitively since I was four years old and all my work has paid off by earning those records and I hope to earn even more in the future," Villacis expressed after her outstanding performance.

The relay events also proved to be a showcase of Aquinas's teamwork and synchronization. The Medley Relay

SPORTS

Records tumble as Aquinas swimming team takes 2nd in county championship

team, comprised of Samantha Villacis, Natalie Neno, Gianna Socio, and Kaitlin Hall, clinched the 1st place and the 200-meter Free Relay team, comprised of the same teammates, not only secured victory but also broke a GMC record previously held by Old Bridge High School.

Coach Amanda Cleveland-Miller commented on the exceptional performances, stating, “I am beyond proud of the Aquinas Girls Varsity Swim team's accomplishment this season. The hard work the team put into morning practices paid off at the Conference Championships, with every swimmer achieving a personal best time in at least one event.”

The remarkable achievements at the Greater Middlesex County tournament

Sophomore Sam Villacis, pictured, secured wins in both the 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter backstroke, shattering school records and a longstanding GMC record in the 100-meter backstroke.

— Photo courtesy Lors Photography

——— underscored the Aquinas swimming team members’ commitment to excellence and their determination to consistently surpass expectations, not only etching their names in the history of St. Thomas Aquinas High School athletics but have also solidifying the team's reputation as a force within the Greater Middlesex County Conference.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School program set to enrich intellectual fabric of school community Continued from page 40

Thomistic Evolution, a concept rooted in the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, emphasizes the compatibility of faith and science, urging individuals to seek a harmonious understanding of these seemingly disparate realms. The discussion, guided by Father Bartholomew's expertise, wove these elements into a tapestry of intellectual exploration.

In attendance were individuals from various backgrounds, contributing their perspectives and experiences to the thought-provoking discourse.

The success of this inaugural "conversation" sets a promising precedent for the St. Thomas Aquinas Discussion Program, fostering a space for openminded inquiry and dialogue on topics of profound societal relevance.

One of the students who attended

the first Aquinas Discussion session, senior Justin Moscaritolo, commented on being a participant: “It was thoughtprovoking and opened my mind to better understand religion and how it connects with reason.”

As the program continues, it is anticipated that these discussions will further enrich the intellectual fabric of the school community and inspire a broader understanding of the complexities that shape our world. The public is welcome to attend future sessions. Check stahs.net for dates and additional details.

Michael Kowalczyk serves as communications director for St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

minor in Chemistry, from Rutgers. Later, he earned an S.T.L. (Licentiate in Sacred Theology), a pontifical degree, from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington DC, focusing his graduate studies on St. Thomas Aquinas and Inter-religious Dialogue.

The topic of the inaugural discussion topic was "The importance of religion in today’s society." The discussion was not confined solely to religious perspectives; rather, it delved into the intersection of faith and reason, incorporating Thomistic Evolution and the profound words of St. John Paul II, whose assertion that, "Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth" resonated throughout the discussions, adding depth and philosophical insight to the dialogue.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

faith and reason and to better understand God and the world around us as St. Thomas Aquinas was so exceptional at doing,” said STA Principal Harry Ziegler.

Each session in the program is propelled by a knowledgeable guide who provides a comprehensive framework for the selected topic.

The guide poses an initial question to stimulate thoughtful discussion, with conversation organically evolving from this starting point.

On Jan. 30, STA held its first two discussion sessions, one for students and one for adults, both led by Father Bartholomew Calvano.

Father Bartholomew holds a B.A. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry/ Mathematics/Computer Science, with a

42 SPORTS THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 22, 2024

Immaculata’s wrestling team building success in first season

By Chris Donahue, Correspondent Since Immaculata High School, Somerville, opened its doors in 1962, students at the parochial, coeducational institution have wrestled with challenges ranging from chemistry tests to competing in a variety of sports.

Immaculata began its first season of wrestling Dec. 15 when it hosted Kellenberg Memorial High School of Uniondale, N.Y. Although the Spartans thrilled their vocal supporters by gaining a 29-16 lead, Kellenberg rallied in the upper weight classes to earn a 40-35 victory.

The result was the first of four consecutive dual meet defeats for the Spartans under head coach Rodney Van Ness.

But five weeks later, they flexed their now seasoned skills to earn a 54-18 victory over visiting North Plainfield High to improve their record to 6-4.

Immaculata athletic director Tom Gambino said principal Ed Webber deserves the credit for bringing the sport to the school, which serves about 540 students, including 260 boys.

“He saw what it could do and was the one who basically said, ‘Let’s get this done,’” Gambino said. “We had 15 kids here today as our guests: seventh and eighth graders who are interested in our program, so I think it will continue to grow … And it was the perfect storm to get Rodney Van Ness – an All-American [wrestler] at Rutgers [University, New Brunswick] and two-time [team] captain.”

Starting a wrestling program had been discussed by school officials over the years because there was interest.

“But we had to have someone who would put it on the budget, take a chance,” Gambino said. “Wrestling is an expensive sport. The mat they are wrestling on right now cost about eight grand [$8,000].”

According to Immaculata’s website, Van Ness, co-owner and operator of the Rhino Wrestling Club in Hillsborough, was a 1992 state medalist for Somerville High School. He posted a 113-35 career record at Rutgers. Before coming to Immaculata, he served for 23 years at Somerville High as a head coach and volunteer and assistant coach.

Five of Immaculata’s 14 starters have experience, said Van Ness, who lauded the support of the school’s administration, especially Webber and Gambino.

The Spartans are competing against teams in the Skyland Conference this season.

“What I try to preach to the kids,” Van Ness said, “is when they step on the lines by themselves, what they do in the practice room is going to show up out there because you are going to be exposed out on the mat.

“My goal is to give them tough love, work them hard in the wrestling room,

push them to their limits so when they come out here, they are not embarrassed at the result.”

In Immaculata’s first match Dec. 15, freshman Luke Schenkel earned an early lead in the 106-pound weight class but lost to Hunter Miller by a fall.

Schenkel, who is competing in the sport for the first time, said learning and memorizing moves are the biggest challenges.

As for whether he felt the weight of being the first varsity wrestler in school history to compete, he said, “Not really. I just kind of went out there and had fun.”

At 113 pounds, Immaculata’s Derek Sutphen won by default to tie the match at 6. Freshman tri-captain Ryan Goldstein followed at 120 pounds with a 13-2 major decision over Mark Chernaski.

Goldstein has been wrestling for 11 years, including five at Rhino Wrestling Club. As of the North Plainfield match, he had won more than 20 victories and lost only one, Van Ness said.

After the Dec. 15 match, Goldstein said: “I am excited and proud of our team, the way we came out and fought.

I know we didn’t get the victory tonight, but I think we will do some good things this season.”

In the match with North Plainfield, Immaculata senior tri-captain Adam Bowles recorded a pin to improve his season record to 8-0 at the time. A transfer from South Plainfield High School, Bowles had to sit out the first three weeks of the season as required by regulations.

As a junior at South Plainfield, he reached the finals of the NJSIAA Region 4 finals and the first round of the state tournament. His goal this season is to win a state title.

“We are definitely getting better day by day,” said Bowles, who will attend Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., and play football in the fall.

“He [Van Ness] loves making sure we are getting better,” Bowles added.

“Like he says, ‘Build a house: brick by brick.’”

Above left, teams line up for the National Anthem at Immaculata’s match against Kellenberg, Dec. 15.

Above right, Immaculata freshman Ryan Goldstein (120) is declared the winner by the referee after he posted the school's first victory by a fall or pin.

Left, Immaculata freshman Luke Schenkel, kneeling on bottom, waits for a restart in his 106-pound bout, the first in school history, watched by the coaching staff, including head coach Rodney VanNess, pictured far right.

— Chris Donahue photos

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Hauled A street in Damascus in Acts Roman goddess of the dawn Like much lore He housed Paul and Silas in Thessalonica A place to worship from?

Western pact Separate Aerie Hook’s hand “Have ___ on us” Very, in Versailles

DOWN 1 One of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit 2 Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf playwright 3 Zodiac scales 4 Intense light beam 5 Middle easterners 6 See 30D 7 Type of angel that Gabriel is 8 Extents 9 Elijah held his challenge here 10 Describes some men in the Bible 11 Culture medium 12 Paul traveled here 13 First name in an 1857 United States Supreme Court decision 21 ___ jet

23 Agape ___ 25 “Where, O ___, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55) 28 Monsters 30 With 6D, a Holy Land site 31 507, to Nero 32 Long fish 33 20th letter of the Hebrew alphabet 34 Jesus is the ___ of God 35 Cupid 36 A few 37 Hoodwink 39 Paddled 43 Written guarantee 46 Pop classic 50 Impasse 52 Non-pro sports org.

54 Silhouette 56 “___ us peace” 57 Errand runner 58 Rub out 59 Indoor game 60 James and John, the ___ of Thunder 61 Streetcar 62 Assess 63 ___ vera 64 Former Russian ruler 68 Mythical sea monster

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OUR DIOCESE

ACROSS 1 Chalice covering 5 A patriarch 10 One of two names in a Catholic book publishing company 14 Hip bones 15 Franciscan founder of California missions 16 Composer Stravinsky 17 Recedes 18 Speeder 19 Alike 20 Saint of Avila 22 Did a carpenter’s job 24 Longed for 26 Holy ___ 27 Topping in a tub 29 Jacob’s dream 34 The Pharisee was surprised to notice that Jesus did not do this 38 Othello villain 40 Embankment 41 Melville adventure 42 Pharaoh refused to give this to the Hebrews.

44 Is afflicted 45 Rite in the Catholic Church 47 Daughter of Cronus 48 Nursery rhyme runaway 49 Saintly Philadelphia heiress 51 Shot contents 53 OT prophetic book

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Crossword Puzzle

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Answers can be found on page 47

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LIVING FAITH

44

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 do Orthodox churches have a valid celebration of the Eucharist?

Q

How is it possible that the Orthodox practice of the Sacrament of the Eucharist would ever be considered as the true body and blood of Christ from the Catholic perspective simply because of an understanding outside of the unbroken chain of apostolic succession? (Georgia)

A

For context, let us review what we mean when we refer to the Eastern Orthodox churches.

Historically, we believe that the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church was founded with the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, shortly after Jesus’ bodily ascension into heaven. As Jesus no longer physically walked the earth as he once had, he entrusted the continuance of his saving mission to the apostles.

The apostles, in turn, spread throughout the world founding local churches (in some ways, the rough precursor to

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our modern dioceses), and ordaining their successors (early bishops) to take their places in the shepherding of these local churches. Many of these local churches developed their own distinct liturgical traditions and other customs influenced by local needs and culture.

Initially, the universal Church was one unified structure of local churches under the ultimate oversight of the pope in Rome, who was the successor to St. Peter as the leader of the apostles. But divisions and tensions began to arise even in the church’s first few centuries. Some

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A priest raises the Eucharist in this illustration.

—OSV News photo/ CNS file, Bob Roller

of these tensions were at least officially resolved by the early ecumenical councils, which clarified disputed questions of Catholic doctrine. However, due to some complex religious and political conflicts, the year 1054 saw "the Great Schism," in which the pope excommunicated the patriarch of Constantinople, the bishopleader of the local churches in what had been the Eastern part of the Roman Empire – with the patriarch in turn issuing his own excommunication against the pope.

The churches of the East which rejected the universal authority of the pope became known as the Orthodox churches.

Although there are some doctrinal differences between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox, for the most part disagreement on the role of the Holy Father remains the major obstacle to unity between the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

We as Catholics actually do believe that apostolic succession is significant and meaningful enough to allow for Eastern Orthodox churches to have a valid celebration of the Eucharist. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us: "The Eastern churches that are not in full communion with the Catholic Church celebrate the Eucharist with great love. These Churches, although separated from us, yet possess true sacraments, above all-by apostolic succession-the priesthood and the Eucharist, whereby they are still joined to us in closest inti-

macy." (See CCC 1399) Keep in mind that the apostolic succession in the Orthodox churches goes hand-in-hand with our shared sacramental theology. That is, Catholics and Orthodox not only share belief in the Real Presence in the Eucharist, but also a shared understanding of the sacrament of Holy Orders and thus the nature of the priesthood. This is in contrast to the various Western Christian communities we call "Protestant," because in addition to breaking communion with the Holy Father in Rome, the sacramental theology of Protestant denominations tends to be a fairly radical departure from what we believe as Catholics.

Similarly, there are other Catholic schismatic groups – with "schism" defined as a refusal to submit to the authority of the Holy Father, as noted in canon 751 of the Code of Canon Law – which nevertheless have a valid Eucharist due to apostolic succession, despite their ordinations and celebrations of the Eucharist being generally illicit. One contemporary example of this would be the Society of St. Pius X. But the Eastern Orthodox churches are not to be confused with the many Eastern Catholic churches. Eastern Catholics have different laws and a different liturgical tradition than Latin (aka "Roman") Catholics, but Eastern Catholics remain in full communion with the Holy Father.

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Books of the Month FURTHER READING Do you feel adrift, unsure of your future and purpose? You aren’t alone: The pressures and lack of connection in modern life leave many young adults struggling. It’s time to rediscover who you are and where you’re going!

Using psychological research, engaging real-life examples, and discussing the truths of the Catholic Faith, author and therapist Julia Marie Hogan shows in A Work in Progress: Embracing the Life God Gave You how to reclaim your sense of direction and purpose in life. By identifying priorities, making empowering decisions, setting boundaries, practicing self-care, knowing your limits, and embracing commitment (rather than being afraid of it) you can find your path to fulfillment.

Becoming an adult is more than just balancing your work and personal life, navigating friendships beyond college, or managing your money. It’s about rediscovering your identity in Christ and taking an active role in the direction of your life.

When we lean into our responsibilities, remembering that we are still a work in progress, we can cultivate the conditions in which God will transform us.

PRACTICAL AND ACCESSIBLE “There are few better than Dr. DeLorenzo at taking the biggest ideas and making them practical and accessible to folks in their everyday lives. The rich set of reflections in this very readable book are a treasure trove for those who not only want to think — but to do.”

CHARLES C. CAMOSY, AUTHOR AND PROFESSOR OF MEDICAL HUMANITIES, CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE. INCISIVE, RELEVANT, AND PRACTICAL ADVICE “In the blink of an eye, my nieces and nephews will be young adults. When that day comes, I will gift them Dr. DeLorenzo’s book, In Search of a Full Life. Filled with incisive, relevant, and practical advice, his book invites its reader to ask the essential questions about life, and to consider what will now, and forever, endure. I, personally, was struck by the wisdom contained in these pages. I have no doubt that those who read this book will, as DeLorenzo desires, become ‘more confident, more open, more creative, and more real … as [they] were created and are called to become.’”

FR. AARON WESSMAN, PHD, VICAR GENERAL OF THE GLENMARY HOME MISSIONERS, AUTHOR OF THE CHURCH’S MISSION IN A POLARIZED WORLD. SPIRITUAL INSIGHT “What a gift! Doctor DeLorenzo gives us the best of his practical wisdom and spiritual insight in his amazing work, In Search of a Full Life: A Practical and Spiritual Guide. Addressing various topics of life with tangible warmth and a kindly spirit, he offers guidance on Christian living and leads us through the process of reaching a fullness of life in Jesus Christ.

This is a great book for young people. This is a great book for everyone!”

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HONEST & ACCESSIBLE “In Search of a Full Life is an honest and accessible guide for genuine seekers who long for a rich inner life in a distracted, unsettled age.”

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ARTS & MEDIA

Maybe you are a committed young adult Catholic, or maybe you're not Catholic at all. Perhaps you were baptized and even completed your initiation into the Catholic Church through First Communion and Confirmation, and yet you don't think of yourself as "Catholic" first. Wherever you are in life, you're probably seeking a life with deeper meaning and substance.

Living a full life is more than just taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually and doing nice things for others; it's about becoming like Jesus. And in order to do this, we must "give up childish ways," as Saint Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians. We must be open to growth and strive to become mature adults.

Tackling a host of cultural and developmental topics, including prayer, friendships, dating, discernment, and more, In Search of a Full Life empowers young people with real guidance on the way to a full life of significance and consequence. In this book, Dr. Leonard DeLorenzo offers practical, achievable advice for growing in Christian maturity and becoming the person God created you to be.

46

Movie Review

ARTS & MEDIA

By John Mulderig

Erika Alexander and Jeffrey Wright star in a scene from the movie “American Fiction."

— OSV News photo/Claire Folger, Orion Pictures

Origin

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By John Mulderig

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

American Fiction

NEW YORK (OSV News) – In 2020, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Isabel Wilkerson published the sociological study "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents." In adapting Wilkerson's work to create the biographical drama "Origin" (Neon), writer-director Ava DuVernay adopts an unusual approach to her source material.

DuVernay interweaves events from Wilkerson's personal life with her professional examination of American racism within a global context. Thanks in large part to a forceful performance from Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who portrays the scribe, DuVernay's recipe generally works, though some of her artistic choices can be questioned.

Ultimately, both the story of Wilkerson's relationships and her analysis of history prove compelling. The film, moreover, includes a minimum of objectionable elements, making it probably acceptable for older teens, especially in light of its educational value.

Already recognized as a leader in her field, Wilkerson enjoys the warm support of both her white husband, Brett Hamilton (Jon Bernthal), and her kindly mother, Ruby (Emily Yancy). But tumultuous events will eventually find her depending more and more on the backing of her cousin and lifelong friend Marion (Niecy Nash-Betts).

Wry social satire is blended with the tale of an emotionally isolated novelist (Jeffrey Wright) and his troubled family life in writer-director Cord Jefferson's impressive feature debut, adapted from the 2001 novel "Erasure" by Percival Everett.

As the scribe seeks to improve relations with his two siblings (Tracee Ellis Ross and Sterling K. Brown) and find a nursing home for his Alzheimer's patient mom (Leslie Uggams), he's depressed by the low sales of the weighty novels he pens and disgusted by the sensationalist portrayals of Black life that do well in the market (Issa Rae plays the author of one such bestseller). As a practical joke, he produces an outrageous parody of the genre, only to have it snapped up by publishers and sought after by Hollywood, much to the delight of his agent (John Ortiz). Though the resulting windfall helps him to pay for his mother's care, the escalating charade threatens to derail his newfound romance with a neighbor (Erika Alexander) he met by chance. Uproariously funny moments alternate with realistic and sometimes insightful ones in Jefferson's deft dramedy, though a passing affirmation of legal abortion and a subplot about the gay lifestyle of Brown's character combine with often salty dialogue to taint an otherwise tasty treat.

Fleeting gory violence, mature themes, including homosexuality, drug use, implied premarital sexual activity, a couple of same-sex kisses, brief sexual humor, several instances each of profanity and milder swearing, pervasive rough language, frequent crude and crass expressions. 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.

Marion's vibrant personality and takeno-prisoners candor complement Wilkerson's understated reserve. She also serves as one of the people on whom the scholar can try out her gradually coalescing theory about the grim history of race relations in the U.S. Briefly stated, Wilkerson's thesis is that the oppression of Black Americans is simply one manifestation of the universal human instinct to stratify people into a hierarchy of superior and inferior groups. She cites eight "pillars" on which all such schemes of division rest, ranging from the prohibition of intermarriage to dehumanization and the use of terror to enforce the system.

Real-life stories illustrating Wilkerson's argument, drawn not only from the Jim Crow era but from Nazi Germany and contemporary India as well, engage viewer interest more effectively than scenes in which Ellis-Taylor reads long passages from the text of "Caste." Fortunately, though, there are more touching moments than didactic interludes in the movie.

Intelligent as well as moving, "Origin" emphasizes the need for unity, mutual respect and a sense of responsibility, regardless of our relationship to the wrongs of the past. As such, it both conforms with and reinforces Gospel values.

The film contains mature themes, at least one profanity, a few milder oaths and fleeting crude language. The OSV News classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned.

Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

This is a poster from the movie “Origin,” staring Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. —OSV News photo/Neon

47

FEB

Lenten Day of Recollection for Religious and Consecrated Life, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Office of Religious and Consecrated Life, the theme of the day is “Second Joyful Mystery of the Rosary – The Visitation.” The day will be held at St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough. Father Hank Hilton, pastor, will serve as Retreat Master. For more information and to register contact: anguyen@ diometuchen.org

MAR

Annual Encounter with Christ, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mary, Mother of God Church, Hillsborough. Sponsored by the Metuchen Cursillo Movement, a lay apostolic movement. The Encounter will feature Franciscan Friar of the Renewal Father Luke Fletcher from the Blue Army Shrine, Asbury and Deacon Sal Bonfiglio, Order of St. Francis, who ministers at Mary, Mother of God. It will include Mass, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Reconciliation, Stations of the Cross and light refreshments.

Free will offering. To register visit http://www.metcursillo.org/events-encounter.htm.

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9

MAR

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Youth Minister Meet Up & Formation Day – 9 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, sponsored by the diocesan Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry. “Marketing the Mission” will feature talks about recruiting youth and volunteers into youth ministry programs as well as practical tips & hacks for youth ministers, volunteers, and parish leaders. The day offers fellowship, and training from vice president of Ablaze Ministries, Chris Bartlett, as well as Mass. Cost of $15 includes lunch. Youth ministers, youth ministry volunteer teams, PCLs, catechists, and priests are welcome. For more information and/or to register, visit: http://www.diometuchen.org/ymtraining.

Vocal Master Class - at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Martinsville, sponsored by the Metuchen NPM (National Pastoral Musicians). The class will be given by Giulianna Sforza, who presented the NPM's March 2023 Vocal Workshop. A limited number of participants will sing for Giulianna and those present, as she provides constructive advice. A repertoire list will be provided. Fee for the class is $35. For more information visit: www.blessedsacramentnj.com.

MAR

Choices Matter – A Critical Life Issues Conference – at the St. John Neumann Conference Center. Opening Mass with Bishop James F. Checchio at 9 a.m. Conference from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. will include speakers, exhibits and Eucharistic Adoration. For more information, visit www.diometuchen. org/choicesmatter.

APR

Multicultural Mass & Fair – at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. For more information contact: Sister Miriam Perez, coordinator for Multicultural Ministries at: 732-529-7933 or mperez@diometuchen.org.

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DIOCESAN PROGRAMS

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Eucharistic Adorers Wanted Now that the pandemic is over, Bishop Checchio would like to offer Eucharistic adoration at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Monday through Friday, from 9:00-11:45 a.m. As St. Pope John Paul II noted. “The Church and the world have a great need of Eucharistic adoration.” Anyone who is interested in signing up should contact Angela Marshall at amarshall@ diometuchen.org

Eucharistic Adorers Wanted The Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, in Raritan, is looking for adorers to sit with the Blessed Sacrament Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is also being offered the third Thursday of each Month (Night Vigil) from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Anyone interested in signing up should visit https://blessedsacramentshrine.com/.

Lectio Divina for Couples & Families – This virtual program for couples and families is held two Thursdays per month at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. The program includes praying a meditative reading of a short scripture passage. For questions and more details, contact cdaverso@diometuchen.org

• goes to press March 18 • ad space reservation deadline - March 1 • ad artwork deadline - March 6 • late requests considered if space allows

Crossword Puzzle Answers: P A L L I S A A C W A R D I L I A S E R R A I G O R E B B S R A C E R S A M E T E R E S A H A M M E R E D Y E A R N E D S E E O L E O L A D D E R I A G O L E V E E W A S H S T R A W A I L S O M O O R O M A N H E R A D I S H D R E X E L S E R A H O S D R A G G E D S T R A I G H T A U R O R A O R A L J A S O N A F A R N A T O A P A R T N E S T M E R C Y T R E S S M E E www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

St. Joseph Church, 8 West Main St, Mendham, seeks Director of Religious Education.

This is a P/T position with a competitive salary.

Responsibilities include: Develop, implement, and direct faith formation curricula.

Plan and facilitate the sacramental preparation program.

Qualifications include: Must be a fully initiated, practicing Catholic in good standing.

Must have a Religious Education certificate or be willing to obtain one.

A bachelor’s degree in theology or related field is a plus. Computer skills and organizational skills are essential. Proficient in Access, Word, and Excel.

Qualified candidates should forward resume & cover letter to: jcronin@stjoesmendham.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.

2024

DIOCESAN YOUTH DAY

LIFE WITH CHRIST is a wonderful adventure

APRIL 20, 2024 / 10:30 AM-5:00 PM

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL, EDISON

CHIKA ANYANWU KEYNOTE SPEAKER Throughout the course of this day, 8th-12th grade teens from across the diocese will come together to enter into the sacrament of the Mass, have fun with one another, hear talks from our keynote speaker Chika Anyanwu, have the opportunity for Adoration and Confession, enjoy live music, good food, and more!

Scan QR code

COST: $20Per Person Register Today!

Visit www.diometuchen.org/diocesan-youth-day

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

The March issue of The Catholic Spirit

Feb. 29, 1 – 7 p.m., Blood drive conducted by New Jersey Blood Services in Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Old Bridge-Matawan, in Desmond Hall. For an appointment, call 1‐800‐933‐2566 or visit www.nybc. org/drive. The sponsor code is 10712. Visit www.mhrparish.org or call 732-566-9334 for further details.

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Bible Study in a Year – This virtual women’s group will be following Father Mike Schmitz’s “Bible in a Year” podcast and meeting each Sunday at 2:30 on Zoom to discuss insights from the week. For details or to participate contact Cristina at: cdaverso@diometuchen.org

OUR DIOCESE

DIOCESAN EVENTS

FEBRUARY 22, 2024

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

OUR DIOCESE

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