February 17, 2022

Milestones section features women and men in the diocese celebrating significant anniversaries in their vocation,17-22

Spirit atholic C THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

FEBRUARY 17, 2022 • VOL. 26 NO. 14 • $2.00

Bishop James F. Checchio, center, and Jennifer Ruggiero, fifth from right, secretary, diocesan Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life, and others from the diocese pose at the Rally for Life at the State House in Trenton Jan. 14. In his keynote address, Bishop Checchio said, “My heart breaks that people can be so blind and not respect and protect innocent human life. The New Jersey bill just passed basically declares the children in the womb have no rights at all…and allows for abortion up until birth for any reason.” See story on page 3.

— John Batkowski photo

INSIDE 4

Perspectives Our Faith

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Kid’s Corner

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Diocesan Events

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Celebrating Service

Youth in diocese honored at annual liturgy...12 This issue was mailed on February 15 Your next issue will be March 17

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Pope’s synod complements 40th anniversary of diocese

UP FRONT

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Bishop James Checchio It seems providential that Pope Francis invited the global Catholic Church to participate in a Synod — to walk together and to listen to one another but above all to the Holy Spirit — the same year that our local Church of Metuchen is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of our Diocese. During this important moment for our local and universal Church, we are offered an opportunity to reflect on where we have been and, more importantly, to journey together in communion, participation, and mission, looking forward to where we are going and opening ourselves more fully to listen to the Spirit.

Our 40 Hours Eucharistic devotions were a blessing for the diocese. I am grateful to our parishes that hosted them on behalf of their regions of our diocese. No doubt, in addition to praising our Father by adoring His Son, we also prepared well for our upcoming listening sessions for the synod. As we prepare to enter the Holy Season of Lent on March 2, we recommit ourselves to spending more time in prayer with our Lord and we “repent and believe in the Good News.” The Lenten regulations are included in this edition of “The Catholic Spirit” as a reminder, and you will also be hearing more from your parishes soon about the 40 Works of Mercy our diocese is focusing on throughout this Lenten and Easter seasons for our 40th anniversary.

Please don’t forget about our other priority for the year — praying and supporting vocations, especially to the priesthood, so that we have enough shepherds for our parishes! May this Lent be a time of renewed

grace for us all, as we draw closer to our Lord especially through Sunday Mass and receiving Him in the Eucharist.

I certainly consider myself blessed and grateful to be on this journey of faith with you and with the many who labor in this vineyard to build up the Kingdom of God in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties, just as our beloved Diocese has done for the past 40 years.

In this edition of “The Catholic Spirit,” you will find our Annual Report, which is a great testament to the good work happening here in our diocese. Gratefully, the Holy Spirit continues His work amongst us as you will see in this report. Your efforts are bearing fruit, even though we have been faced with significant challenges in these last couple of years. I am grateful to you, too, for your commitment as we travel on the road before us striving to spread God’s mercy and love.

Yes, my brothers and sisters, the work of carrying out the Mission entrusted to us is not always easy, but we do not do it alone. Indeed, God is working through us and with us, and we know our Blessed Mother is beside us. Please know of my love and prayers for you, and certainly my continued gratitude for you. I ask that you please pray for me, too. May this year, as we celebrate our 40th anniversary and engage in this process of listening and encounter, be for us a time of renewal, a time to recommit ourselves to the Lord in the Eucharist, and a time for us to rekindle the Light of Christ here in these beautiful four counties of the Diocese of Metuchen. With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ,

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

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

The 2020-2021 Annual Report and statistics about the diocese can be found on pages 20-21.

Catholic Spirit

Holy and Loving God, the people of this local Church of Metuchen rejoice in your goodness that through these 40 years we have experienced your presence.

In your great love, we ask that you continue to strengthen us to be holy disciples so that through our good works and faithful lives, your Son, Jesus Christ, will be made known to many here in these New Jersey counties of Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, and Warren.

May each day bring us closer to your Son, Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.

Amen.

Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us.

Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.

LENTEN OBLIGATIONS 1.

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THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

Serving the Catholic community in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties

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The days of fast and abstinence are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

All other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.

The obligation of fast applies only to Catholics between the ages of 18 and 59. Fasting in the Catholic tradition means to limit oneself to one full meal and two smaller meals which together are not equal to a full meal, so as to experience hunger.

The obligation of abstinence applies to all Catholics who have reached the age of 14. Abstinence in the Catholic tradition means to abstain from meat.

As you may know the diocese was very saddened recently with the passing of Msgr. Michael J. Corona who died Feb. 5 and Msgr. Terrance M. Lawler, who died on Feb. 6.

The Catholic Spirit will have coverage of their funerals in our March 17 issue.

of the

OUR DIOCESE

Where in the diocese can it be found?

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Image Week

Bishop gives keynote address at annual pro-life rally

By Deacon Patrick J. Cline Correspondent TRENTON — Gov. Phil Murphy signed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act Jan. 12, two days after the legislation was passed. In light of that, the 2022 New Jersey Rally and March for Life that occurred two days later appeared to take on an increased spirit of urgency and commitment amongst the participants.

Bishop James F. Checchio gave the keynote address at the rally at the State House Annex.

Other speakers included members of both houses of the state legislature and representatives of groups working to end abortion by providing support and assistance to women and families facing unplanned pregnancies.

The image, which was featured on page 3 of the December issue of The Catholic Spirit, can be found at St. Helena Parish, Edison.

The winner is...

Joanne Toth a parishioner at St. Helena, Edison.

To be a winner, you must call (732) 562-2424 after 9 a.m. Monday.

The first caller to correctly identify the image and its location will receive a one year subscription, renewal or gift subscription to The Catholic Spirit. Those who correctly identify an image are not eligible to take another guess for 90 days.

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

— John Batkowski photos

Last issue's image...

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

In his address to the rally held Jan. 12, Bishop James F. Checchio acknowledged the "army of generous folks who work tirelessly in the pregnancy help centers."

Bishop Checchio thanked the Piscataway-based New Jersey Right Pro-life advocates from the diocese and to Life organization for what its mem- New Jersey gathered for the 2022 Rally for bers do in support of life, especially Life at the State House in Trenton. Bishop its executive director, Marie Tasy, a James F. Checchio gave the keynote admember of Our Lady of Lourdes Par- dress. Other speakers included members ish, Milltown, for organizing the rally. of the state legislature and representaThe bishop also acknowledged tives of groups working to end abortion. the “army of generous folks who work tirelessly in the pregnancy help centers from across the Diocese of Metuchen all across the state.” He announced and the state gather to give a public that during the past year, two new life witness to the sanctity of all human centers opened in the areas served by life, especially the vulnerable unborn.”

She also echoed the bishop and the diocese, New Brunswick and Warother presenters of the need to, “perren County.

Emphasizing the belief in the severe in fighting for life even in the sanctity of life, Bishop Checchio stat- face of obstacles.”

Carolyn Alaimo, a member of St. ed, “My heart breaks that people can Bernard of Clairvaux be so blind and not Parish, Bridgewater, respect and protect “My heart breaks that who has participated innocent human life. people can be so blind in numerous pro-life The New Jersey bill rallies and marches just passed basically and not respect and proin New Jersey and declares the children in the womb have no tect innocent human life. Washington, D.C., was inspired by the rights at all…and alThe New Jersey bill just turnout for a protest lows for abortion up until birth for any passed basically declares rally Jan. 10, given the extreme cold reason.” that day and the very the children in the womb The bishop addshort notice. Howed that he just read, have no rights at all… ever, she felt that the “that the United States is one of only and allows for abortion up Rally for Life, held only four days later, four countries, including China and until birth for any reason.” “was marked by a sense of discourage—Bishop James F. Checchio North Korea, that ment after the legallows abortion of a islature passed that child in the womb at any time during pregnancy.” He prom- despicable bill.”

However, she also recognized, “a ised to continue working to educate all real sense of determined commitment about this vital moral issue.

Although the weather was cold resulting from the rally to continue to and windy, Bishop Checchio assured fight for the most innocent among us those gathered that the breeze was the — the voiceless babies in the womb as well as the young mothers.”

Holy Spirit blowing amongst them.

Among the speakers were the Jennifer Ruggiero, secretary, distate legislature’s Republican leadocesan Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life, who was a regular speaker ers, Senate Minority Leader Steven V. at the event in past years, said, “It was Oroho (R-Franklin) and Assembly Continued on page 11 energizing to see so many parishioners

4 PERSPECTIVES

Breaking news: ‘Hold the press!’ S’il vous plait

From 1980-1982, I was in graduate school at the University of New Mexico, pursuing a Master of Arts degree in French literature. When I tell you the reading list for the comps was long, I am simplifying the situation. In addition to what was required for each course, from Medieval through 20th century French works, there were novels, plays and poems that were required in preparation for the exams. These two years were exciting.

I was teaching Intermediate French to undergraduates six hours per week, conversational French, an hour a week and religion at a nearby Catholic elementary school in the North Valley of Albuquerque. Given my course load, usually 12 graduate hours per semester, I often found myself reading two to three written works per week. I loved the feel of the books in my hands. I reveled in highlighting what I believed to be important. I enjoyed both the smell of the paper and turning of each page. Yes, my book bills were high, however, how many priests have had the opportunity to spend two years reading the greatest works of French literature? I consider myself blessed.

Since its inception during the tenure

of Bishop Edward T. Hughes, “The Cath- ties and Saint Peter’s University Hospital olic Spirit” has been the official newspa- to a financial overview of the Bishop’s per of the Diocese of Metuchen. For 30 Annual Appeal. We cover all topics resome years, the paper has served as a tool lated to diocesan life and include a page of information and evangelization for dedicated to what’s happening in the the Catholic households in the counties Catholic world and in our nation. There served by the diocese — Warren, Hunter- are crossword puzzles for those who endon, Somerset and Middlesex. The Spirit joy these brain teasers to a page reserved has been the link between the bishop’s for the Kid’s Corner. Page two is always office and folks in the reserved for the bishop, pews. And while the Finally, I thank all of who provides us with a column in each issue, as staff has changed over you, the faithful well as his schedule and the years, the purpose of any clergy appointments “The Catholic Spirit” has readers, who take never wavered: to teach, he has made.

While many dioinform and evangelize time to read what we ceses have done away the faithful. have prepared, month with their written periUntil the COVID pandemic, “The Catholic after month, not for odicals, we are blessed Spirit” appeared in parthat Bishop James F. a Master’s Degree in Checchio takes his ishes and homes twice each month. For the past French literature, but position as publisher seriously. Not only does two years, the newspaper for enrichment and he insist on including a is published monthly. column from his desk However, everything a deeper love of every month, it is at his found in the former days behest that we continue still can be found today. the Gospel. to print “The Catholic Still, for those who Spirit” monthly. We are wish, there is an electronic edition available at www.catholicspirit. also blessed to have a great staff and team com. The issues are often lengthier than of freelance reporters and photographers.

The title of this article, “hold the they were pre-pandemic so that we can continue to feature supplements on dif- press,” is an old command used by ferent topics, from Catholic education to editors when breaking news required Religious Milestones, from Ordinations the presses to be manually stopped, and of deacons and priests to Hispanic Aware- breaking news had to be inserted by the ness, from the works of Catholic Chari- typesetters, word by word. The phrase is

also a double-entendre, that is, it has two meanings, the second of which implies “hold the paper with your hands.” This is what I am imploring you to continue to do. “S’il vous plait,” [“Please”] ties into the French introduction of this column.

You see, much like the books I handled during my 20s in graduate school, so “The Catholic Spirit” has been for me: a treasure trove of knowledge. I continue to enjoy the smell of ink on the page and holding those pages in my hand.

As it was in its inception, so this newspaper is today, a tool of information, education and evangelization. It continues to link the bishop to his parishes and to his flock. It remains to this day, a valuable tool in classrooms and homeschooling, a unique periodical among those which fill our homes. As February is Catholic Press Month, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bishop Checchio for supporting “The Catholic Spirit.” I thank my staff, columnists and freelancers for their collaborative efforts and dedication to Catholic journalism.

Finally, I thank all of you, the faithful readers, who take the time to read what we have prepared, month after month, not for a Masters’ Degree in French literature but, for enrichment and a deeper love of the Gospel. Through the intercession of the patron of Catholic journalists, St. Francis de Sales, may Almighty God bless you all.

Father Comandini is managing editor of “The Catholic Spirit.”

Despite being immersed for more than 30 years in the study of modern Polish history, I must confess that I’d never heard of the heroic Ulma family until recently. I’ll get to the circumstances of my being introduced to these 20th-century martyrs in a moment.

But first, consider their story.

Józef Ulma was a prominent personality in Markowa, a village in southeastern Poland. Born in 1900, he had a more extensive education than many of his neighbors and was a farmer, a librarian, and an accomplished photographer at a time when that art form took imagination and great skill. His wife, Wiktoria, 12 years younger, was the mother of three girls (Stanisława, Barbara,

and Maria) and three boys (Władysław, Franciszek, and Antoni).

In mid-1942, the Nazis occupying Poland began to implement the diabolical “Final Solution” to the “Jewish Question,” which had been planned at the notorious Wannsee Conference on Jan. 20 of that year. As part of the extermination of European Jewry, Polish families in the Markowa area began to be deported to the death camps. Eight Jews from two local families were sheltered by the Ulmas. Hidden at night in the Ulmas’ attic, they helped during the day with the work of the Ulma farm. A local collaborator denounced the Ulmas to the German police and on March 24, 1944, a squad of Nazis surrounded the farmhouse where the Jews were hidden. Each was shot in the back of the head, and then, as the local villagers were forced to watch, Józef and Wiktoria Ulma were summarily executed.

The six Ulma children were then shot.

When the bodies of the Ulma family were eventually exhumed from a mass grave to

for Ian’s healing. Like Józef and Wiktoria Ulma, Ian and Kelly are the parents of seven. Like the Ulmas, the Lindquists are a family of deep faith. The Lindquists’ identification with the Ulmas, and their dedicating their prayers for Ian’s healing to the success of the Ulmas’ beatification cause, is one of the most compelling examples I’ve ever encountered of that familiar (if often unpondered) phrase from the Creed, the “communion of saints.”

As I’ve noted before, Christians live in a different time zone because, thanks to Jesus’ Resurrection, they know how the world’s story is going to turn out: God’s purposes will be vindicated in what the Book of Revelation calls the Wedding Feast of the Lamb. Christians also live in a different time zone because of the communion of saints: our spiritual solidarity, in this world, with those Christians who now live in the presence of the Thrice-Holy God and those Christians who are being purified that they, too, may do so.

In the communion of saints, which is a communion of faith and charity, the Ulmas and the Lindquists know and support each other. May the intercession of the Ulmas continue to open channels of grace for the Lindquists, who are helping make the story of these modern martyrs better known as they live their own dramatic trial.

Body & Soul

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Two families: modern martyrs and communion of saints

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).

be buried properly in a local cemetery, it was discovered that Wiktoria had begun to give birth to the Ulmas’ seventh child as she and her husband were being killed.

In 1995, Józef and Wiktoria Ulma were enrolled as “Righteous Among the Nations” by the Holocaust Memorial at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. The cause for their beatification was introduced in 2003.

In 2015, the Ulma Museum of Poles Saving Jews was opened in Markowa. Eleven years earlier, a memorial to the Ulmas had been erected in Markowa, bearing this inscription: “Saving the lives of others, they laid down their own lives. Hiding eight elder brothers in faith, they were killed with them. May their sacrifice be a call for respect and love to every human being! They were the sons and daughters of this land; they will remain in our hearts.”

It was thanks to my Ethics and Public Policy Center colleague Ian Lindquist and his wife, Kelly, that I learned about this extraordinary story of family, faith and sacrifice. Ian Lindquist is a leader in the campaign for school reform in the United States, having worked for years in classical education at the secondary level as well as writing extensively on education policy.

Some months ago, Ian was diagnosed with leukemia and the Lindquists began praying, through the intercession of the Ulmas,

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis received a formal recommendation to declare St. Irenaeus of Lyon a doctor of the Church, the Vatican said. During a meeting with Pope Francis Jan. 20, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, asked the pope to “accept the affirmative opinion” of the cardinals and bishops who are congregation members to confer the title on the second-century theologian known for his defense of orthodoxy amid the rise of gnostic sects. Once declared, St. Irenaeus would be the second doctor of the Church named by Pope Francis after St. Gregory of Narek, who was given the designation in 2015. He would bring the total number of doctors of the Church to 37. Born in Smyrna, Asia Minor — now modern-day Turkey — St. Irenaeus was known as a staunch defender of the faith. Concerned about the rise of gnostic sects within the early Christian church, he wrote “Adversus haereses” (“Against Heresies”), a refutation of gnostic beliefs that emphasized personal spiritual knowledge over faith in Christian teachings and in ecclesiastical authority.

Compiled from the Catholic News Service

Irish saint honored on national calendar

WORLD & NATION

Doctor of Church title sought for Turkish-born saint

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WORLD & NATION

St. Brigid of Kildare is pictured in a stained-glass window in St. Brigid’s Church in Crosshaven, a village in County Cork, Ireland, Jan. 20, 2022. The Irish government has added a new public holiday to the national calendar to honor the country’s female patron, St. Brigid of Kildare.

—CNS photo/Cillian Kelly

St. Irenaeus of Lyon is pictured in a stainedglass window at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate in Guelph, Ontario. Pope Francis received a formal recommendation Jan. 20 to declare St. Irenaeus of Lyon a doctor of the Church, the Vatican announced.

— CNS photo/The Crosiers

Marchers’ energy, enthusiasm was ‘palpable’

DUBLIN — The Irish government has added a new public holiday to the national calendar to honor the country’s female patron, St. Brigid of Kildare.

The fifth-century abbess, who is one of the country’s three patron saints along with St. Patrick and St. Columba, founded several monasteries of nuns.

Her Feb. 1 feast day has become the new holiday; many Irish people mark that date as the traditional first day of spring. Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare

and Leighlin, where St. Brigid founded her largest monastic settlement, had backed calls for the female saint to be honored on the civil calendar. The new holiday, on which all public offices will close, will be in addition to St. Patrick’s Day, which falls on March 17 and is also a public holiday. This year, St. Patrick’s Day will have an extra holiday March 18 as a special “thank you” to front-line health care workers for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Coach Joe’ to get hearing at nation’s highest court

High school football players are seen in this illustration photo.

WASHINGTON — One aspect of the annual March for Life that never changes is the loud cheering when the lead group, carrying the banner, arrives in front of the Supreme Court.

That tradition was sustained Jan. 21 as groups from Christendom College in Front Royal, Va., and Immanuel Lutheran School in Alexandria Va., joined by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, arrived from the pre-march rally held in subfreezing temperatures on the National Mall. The march up Constitution Avenue to the court had taken

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court announced Jan. 14 that it would hear an appeal from a former high school football coach in Washington state who says his rights to freedom of speech and religion were violated when he was fired in 2015 for praying on the football field after team games. Joseph Kennedy, former assistant coach at Bremerton High School, outside of Seattle, is asking the court to reverse a lower court decision in 2017 that sided with the school district.

The decision said Kennedy had acted as a public official by praying with athletes who wished to join him in prayer in view of other students and parents. Kennedy first appealed his case to the Supreme Court in 2019. The

—CNS photo/Jim Bourg, Reuters

them slightly more than two hours.

The crowd, not quite the more than 100,000 who attended in 2020 when President Donald Trump addressed the rally in person, nonetheless appeared robust, and easily was within the estimate march organizers always give as being in the tens of thousands. And that was just fine with Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund. “Every year is unique,” she told Catholic News Service before the rally began. “But the energy and enthusiasm of the marchers is palpable.”

— CNS photo/Jonathan Ernst, Reuters

justices chose not to consider it but didn’t rule it out completely. Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, wrote in a separate concurrence that the time wasn’t right to review the case because it had “unresolved factual questions.” First Liberty, a law firm specializing in religious freedom cases, is representing Kennedy, described on its website as “Coach Joe.” It also asks for support for Team Kennedy, saying it’s “game on” now at the Supreme Court and it includes a photo of Kennedy in front of the court with a football. It is not clear if the court will hear oral arguments in this case in April or next term.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Young pro-life advocates pray outside the U.S. Supreme Court while participating in the 49th annual March for Life in Washington Jan. 21, 2022.

By Christina Leslie Correspondent METUCHEN — “Thank God for those who work so hard for life,” said Bishop James F. Checchio to a congregation of pro-life advocates at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Jan. 14. “We see the effects of the brokenness of the world in so many ways: the immigrant, the hungry, the poor, the unborn. We see it in the women who contemplate abortion.”

The bishop presided at a Mass in thanksgiving for the gift of human life and presented three of the faithful with the diocesan Pro-Vita Award for their work for the unborn and downtrodden.

Reflecting on the Gospel (Mark 2:1-12), where four men lowered a paralytic through a rooftop to Jesus for his healing touch, Bishop Checchio continued, “They were emboldened by their faith of God’s infinite love. They bore the symbol of brokenness before Jesus, and Jesus healed their wounds.

“This evening, we thank God for

people in our day that do the same thing tories Parish, Sayreville, and Deacon that these four men in the Gospel do on Bob and Elaine Yunker, members of the behalf of the paralytic, people that help Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi and those in need,” he said. “We pray that St. Helena Parish, Edison, where Deacon Yunker exercises his God raises up more men “As we heard in and women like this, to ministry. champion love in our Grau, described our Gospel today, by Ruggiero as a “very day. As we heard in our Gospel today, everyone everyone went away faith-filled woman with a compassionate heart,” went away astounded at what the four men and astounded at what has been active in the Jesus did. We likewise the four men and pro-life movement for are so grateful for what more than two decades.

Jesus did. We like- She has served as parish you do, and praise God for it.” representative; wise are so grateful pro-life The diocesan organized the annual Pro-Vita awards were for what you do, and Middlesex County Life established in 1998 to was a former ofpraise God for it.” Chain; ficer for that county’s recognize the efforts of persons and organiza- —Bishop James F. Checchio Chapter of New Jersey tions instrumental in proRight to Life; spoken at life agencies, groups or the annual Rally for Life causes. Jennifer A. Ruggiero, secretary, in Trenton, and counseled women with Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life, unplanned pregnancies at Metuchen’s presented the 2022 awards to Rosanda Life Choices Resource Center. Grau is Grau, a member of Our Lady of Vic- a co-founder and the executive director

6 FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

OUR DIOCESE

Diocese recognizes three for promoting life with Pro-Vita Awards

Top left, Bishop James F. Checchio poses with Deacon Robert Yunker and his wife, Elaine, recipients of the Pro-Vita Award, at the annual Respect Life Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Top center and right, the bishop poses with Pro-Vita Award winner Rosanda Grau (holding roses), executive director and co-founder of Inspire Family Life Center, Warren, its board members, staff and volunteers. Right, Bishop Checchio, accepts the communion gifts, and raises the host during the consecration.

— Mike Ehrmann photos

of Inspire Family Life Center, Warren, a new pregnancy help facility. She and her husband, Michael, have two adult daughters.

“They are true blessings to the diocese,” remarked Ruggiero about the Yunkers, who have two adult children and four grandchildren. At the Life Choices Resource Center, the Yunkers have served as counselors to men and pregnant and post-abortive women, aiding them in gaining resources for housing and other social concerns. The deacon, a former teacher and coach at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, ministers to the sick and terminally ill, and with his wife have run the bus trip to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Bishop Checchio noted, “We face great challenges, but have made progress, too,” likening the current legislative challenges as being “on a roller coaster ride. There are good signs in some ways. Keep plugging away,” he urged the congregation “on behalf of those we love.”

7 OUR DIOCESE

C ONGR AT UL AT E S

honorary recipient of the 2022 Pro-Vita Award

We are very blessed and proud to have Rosanda as Inspire's Co-Founder & Executive Director

Prayerful Participation Right, to open Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 30-Feb. 5), St. Helena School, Edison, participated in a holy hour at St. Helena Church led by Father Anthony M. Sirianni, pastor, St. Helena Parish. Each class said a prayer for the 40th anniversary of the diocese. The holy hour was live-streamed for parents. Later that week, Father Sirianni visited the kindergarten and joined in a song to display his dance moves.

— Roberta Antorino photos

Her dedication to prolife ministry continues to impact the lives of the most vulnerable. www.InspireFami lyL ifeC enter.com

F EBRUARY 18 - 25, 2022

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REGIST ER FOR YOUR LIST ENING SESSION

Ra r i t a n B ay D e a n e r y Tu e s d ay, F e b r u a r y 2 2 , 2 0 2 2 6 : 3 0 PM - 9 :00 PM S t . T h o m a s t h e A p o s t l e, O l d Br i d g e Rou n d Va l l ey D e a n e r y T h u r s d ay, F e b r u a r y 24 , 2 0 2 2 7 :00 PM - 9 :00 PM S t . M a g d a l e n d e Pa z z i , Flemington

S o m e r s e t H i l ls D e a n e r y M o n d ay, F e b r u a r y 2 1 , 2 0 2 2 1 :00 PM - 3 : 3 0 PM o r 7 :00 PM - 9 : 3 0 PM St. James, B a s k i n g Ri d g e C ou n t y S e a t D e a n e r y F r i d ay, F e b r u a r y 1 8, 2 0 2 2 3 : 3 0 PM - 5 : 3 0 PM o r 7 :00 PM - 9 :00 PM I m m a cu la t a H i g h S c h o o l , Somerville M i d d l e b ro o k D e a n e r y T h u r s d ay, F e b r u a r y 24 , 2 0 2 2 1 :00 PM - 3 :00 PM o r 7 :00 PM - 9 :00 PM Our Lady of Fatima, P i s c a t aw ay Forsgate Deanery S a t u rd ay, F e b r u a r y 1 9 , 2 0 2 2 1 1 :00 A M - 1 :00 PM o r 5 : 4 5 PM - 7 : 4 5 PM S t . B a r t h o l o m ew, E a s t B r u n sw i c k More information on the synod can be found at: W W W. DI OM E T UCH E N .ORG / S Y N OD 2 0 2 3

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Diocesan Deanery LIST ENING SESSIONS

Cathedral Deanery Tu e s d ay, F e b r u a r y 2 2 , 2 0 2 2 7 :00 PM - 9 :00 PM Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi,,Metuchen

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor On Jan. 22, 2009, the 36th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion on demand, the Women’s Help Center, Jacksonville, Fla., and Informed Choices Medical Clinic, Iowa City, Iowa, were the first crisis pregnancy facilities in the United States to have ultrasound machines placed there thanks to a new pro-life initiative by the Knights of Columbus.

The Knights’ Supreme Council, in cooperation with its state council affiliates in those states, provided the two centers with complete funding to buy the ultrasound machines to help them “better provide for the health of both mother and child,” according to a press release from the Knights of Columbus Jan. 23, 2009.

Then-Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson noted, “The sophistication of today’s medical technology provides a window on the womb. Even from the early stages of pregnancy, a mother can see her developing child, hear the baby’s heartbeat, and recognize the miracle of new life within her.”

Nearly 13 years later, on Jan.19, 2022, Bishop James F. Checchio blessed the 1,500th ultrasound machine paid for by the Knights. This one is in the newly opened First Choice Women’s Resource Center, New Brunswick. At the event were: Anderson’s successor, Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly, who oversees the men’s Catholic fraternal organization that has 1.9 million members internationally; New Jersey Supreme Director Dan Rossi, State Deputy James Stoever, and State Warden Scott C. Williams. The Knights presented Aimee Huber, executive director of the center, with a check for $24,100 to cover the purchase cost of the ultrasound.

In his comments, Kelly said, “Our

Aimee Huber, third from left, executive director, First Choice Women’s Resource Center, New Brunswick, receives a ceremonial check for $24,100 to pay for a new ultrasound machine from (left to right) Daniel Rossi, a member of the Knights of Columbus board of directors; Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly and State Deputy James Stoever at a dedication ceremony Jan. 19. The money was donated as part of the Knights’ Ultrasound Program, which began in 2009. founder, Blessed Michael McGivney, devoted his life to the care of widows and orphans. We continue the order’s mission by working tirelessly, through prayer and action, to support mothers and their children, both unborn and born.”

Over the years, the Knights have provided eight machines to First Choice, which besides New Brunswick, operates facilities in Jersey City, Montclair, Morristown and Newark. “The staff is grateful for the Knights’ ultrasound program and its commitment to pregnancy centers and to helping us serve women and babies,” Huber said.

The main purpose of an ultrasound examination, which can take about 30 minutes, is to medically confirm pregnancy.

At First Choice, the scan is performed by a registered nurse specially trained to do an ultrasound and the sonogram produced reviewed by the medical director.

8 FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

OUR DIOCESE

Knights’ pro-life program provides 1,500th ‘window on the womb’

Bishop James F. Checchio blesses the new ultrasound machine at the First Choice Women’s Resource Center, New Brunswick, Jan. 19. The machine is the 1,500th since the Knights Ultrasound Program began in January 2009.

— Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photos

An ultrasound machine is a vital resource, asserted Huber, because it gives a woman “all of the information she needs to make an informed decision about her pregnancy,” and a sonogram is a critical part of that process.

“Without it, the information would be limited and not as effective,” said Huber.

In the 30 years of its clinical use, she added: “The ultrasound utilizes high frequency sound waves, and there are no harmful effects [on the mother or her baby].”

Since sonograms have been offered at its center in New Brunswick, Huber said 17 women chose life for their babies instead of aborting them.

“We provide ultrasounds to medically confirm pregnancy and provide three pieces of information: how far along the woman is, that the pregnancy is in the uterus, and that it is a viable pregnancy,” Huber said.

At the Women’s Help Center in Jacksonville in January 2009, the ultrasound machine had an immediate effect, Nancy Basham, executive director, told the “The Catholic Spirit.” An “abortion-minded” woman who was pregnant with twins chose life after seeing a sonogram of them -- the first ultrasound examination performed at the center, she said.

The woman recently visited the Women’s Help Center and convinced her sister, who is also considering aborting her baby, to seek its services. The sister plans to return for more counseling, Basham said.

“The Knights have blessed the Women’s Help Center with eight ultrasound systems since I have been with the ministry [January 2011] and 8,397 babies have been saved from abortion at its centers because of sonograms,” Basham said.

Sound Advice

The first ultrasound machine placed in New Jersey was at Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center, Hawthorne, in 2011, said Drew Dillingham, program manager,

Life and Faith, Knights of Columbus, New Haven, Conn., who also provided the information on the Jacksonville and Iowa City machines.

Since then, Knights of Columbus in New Jersey have placed a total of 33 machines at crisis pregnancy centers in the Garden State, said Stoever, a member of Church of Epiphany, Brick Township.

According to the Knights’ website, in order to be eligible to receive payment for a machine, an organization “must be a pro-life pregnancy care center (PCC) operating on a ‘limited medical model.’ It stated further, “The PCC should be a nonprofit organization that provides pregnant women with a variety of services, such as counseling about the alternatives to abortion, abstinence education, referrals for legal, medical, housing, and social services resources, maternity and baby clothes, diapers, and other support, not just on the day of the free ultrasound exam, but throughout pregnancy.”

More than one million mothers have seen their unborn children thanks to the ultrasound program.

“We feel that it is incumbent upon us as Catholics to do all that we can to protect and defend life, especially at its most vulnerable stage, as it is only God, the master creator, who has the right to reclaim it back to him,” Stoever said.

Williams, a member of St. Cecelia Parish, Monmouth Junction, said it was “an unbelievable honor” to have the Supreme Knight attend the dedication at First Choice.

“As the newest State Officer for New Jersey, I am learning a great deal about what it takes to run the Knights of Columbus in New Jersey and the amount of time dedicated to this task,” he said. “I can’t even imagine the time restrictions the Supreme Knight must deal with daily and for him and his wife, Vanessa, to come here for this Continued on next page

First Choice Women’s Resource Center, New Brunswick, opened its doors Nov. 7.

— Jennifer Ruggiero photo

Pregnancy center seeks to help women ‘physically, emotionally and spiritually’

By Kaylynn Ebner Correspondent Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be confusing, scary, and stressful, but women now have a new resource available to help them through this trying time. First Choice Women’s Resource Center recently opened its fifth New Jersey location in the heart of New Brunswick with the goal of providing support and resources to those with unplanned pregnancies.

Executive director Aimee Huber, who oversees the organization, has been with the group for more than three decades. She said that First Choice had been working to open a New Brunswick site for about five years, but finding space in the heart of the city wasn’t easy. The new location, which opened its doors Nov. 7, is projected to be the busiest of all the First Choice centers, projected to serve as a resource to more than 600 women in the coming year.

“We try to locate our centers where there’s a dense population and many women of child-bearing age, often near a college or university. New Brunswick fits all those criteria,” Huber stated. “We’ve had many clients already, and each week, [their number] continues to grow.”

The facility will also be growing in the new year with additional staff and a dedicated center director.

First Choice Women’s Resource Center clients can receive free services like

pregnancy tests and an ultrasound, which is reviewed by a physician to medically confirm a pregnancy. Thereafter, options and counseling for the next steps are made available to clients as well as referrals to prenatal care clinics for those who need it.

Clients are also asked if they have a specific faith or religion they practice so the Center, a faith-based group, can be respectful of their spiritual views.

“We want to help them physically, emotionally, and spiritually,” Huber asserted.

Explaining pregnancy choice options without judgment is a really important part of the First Choice Women’s Resource Center’s services as it helps clients make informed decisions. As one client, Larissa, explained in a testimonial, “All these fears came through me because I didn’t know what to do.” She noted that First Choice filled in those gaps and provided support without judgment, which were exactly what she needed to feel safe and make a decision on her own. In the end, she carried her baby to term.

Huber found this client experience particularly touching. “Larissa thought abortion was her only option. She didn’t really know that she could carry her baby and there would be support and resources for her,” she said. “She had an ultrasound with us and heard the baby’s heartbeat, which was very impactful for her.”

The parenting resources that Huber mentions to clients are very important, too,

for helping women feel comfortable in the decision to carry their baby to term. “Our relationship with our clients goes as long as they’d like it to,” she said. “For some, that means through the birth of their child and until they are toddlers through our parenting program, which usually goes until the child is about 18 months.”

With this program, live-streamed classes and instruction are selected based on the need of the woman whether it’s first aid, planning a budget, selecting a car seat, or another topic related to practical childcare.

“As she meets with a staff member and goes through a curriculum, we provide her with ‘baby bucks,’ where she can ‘shop’ in our boutique for maternity clothes, baby clothes, diapers, formula, and other items free of charge,” Huber added. “All of those things are donated to us. We look for new or gently used baby clothes up to 18 months, diapers, formula, baby blankets, and other supplies.”

The group also offers post-abortion counseling and screening for sexually transmitted diseases. All services are free of charge and are confidential.

“It’s all about what a woman feels she needs. Whatever she chooses, we’re here for her,” Huber emphasized.

The First Choice Women’s Resource Center of New Brunswick is at 116 New St. Other locations are in Jersey City, Montclair, Newark and Morristown. For more information, call (908) 561-0079), text (973-5322904), or visit https://1stchoice.org

OUR DIOCESE

dedication speaks volumes about our leadership in the Knights of Columbus.”

To help pay for the cost of the machine at First Choice, Williams said as State Officer for the Diocese of Metuchen, he has asked its Councils to donate money to the diocesan Chapter, which has a fund for the ultrasound program.

“As the Councils donate to the Chapter, then the Chapter accumulates these donations and makes the payment for the Diocese portion,” he explained. “This does not mean a single Council cannot donate the entire portion needed.

“However, most Councils don’t have $7-8,000 they can part with for just one program. By doing it this way. all the Councils in the Diocese of Metuchen can be a part of the program.”

9

Continued from previous page

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s Life for a friend” -John 15:13

Daniel Mark Anderl

Born on July 13, 2000 Entered eternal life on July 19, 2020 offering his life for his mother and father

Daniel Mark Anderl’s home parish is Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Kendall Park

Eternal Rest grant unto him of Lord, and let perpetual light shine on him.

May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

Judge Esther Salas

Mark Anderl

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Daniel Mark Anderl is buried at Resurrection Cemetery in the Holy Spirit Mausoleum, Piscataway in the wing dedicated to Saint John Paul II - �Do Not Be Afraid�

Lord Jesus Christ, we ask that Your will be revealed through the intercession of Daniel who devoted his time on this earth and ability to bear witness to Your word and love.

10 OUR DIOCESE

Pro-Life Advocates On Jan. 21, the 49th annual March for Life was held in Washington D.C. In solidarity with the March for Life, on the same day a Rosary for Life was held in the diocese. Joining the marchers in the nation’s capital were 39 students and five teachers from Immaculata High School, Somerville. They included at left, Sara Riedler, top left, Keira McCabe, Matthew Kalakowski and Marissa Mellon, and top right Jack Tully and Michael Internoscia. All the students are members of school’s Pro-Life Club. They marched the two-mile distance from the National Mall up Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court. Above, a group of parishioners from the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, pose for a photo. They were one of several groups from the diocese that marched in Washington. In solidarity with the March for Life, on Jan, 21, more than 200 people from across the diocese participated in a Rosary for Life.

Bishop James F. Checchio led the group from St. James Church, Woodbridge, to the steps of a local abortion clinic. At right and below right, marchers carry banners during their procession. Below left, Bishop Checchio leads the final decade of the rosary. Prior to the Rosary for Life, Vocationiist Father Thomas Naduviledathu, pastor, St. James Parish, at left, offered Mass for the intention of the protection of all life.

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— photos courtesy of Gerald Wutkowski Jr., Immaculata High School and Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi

Minority Leader John DiMaio (R-Warren). They assured attendees that better times were ahead regarding pro-life legislation with two of the major proponents of the pro-abortion legislation just passed no longer in office. They also emphasized that for the first time the minority leaders in both houses were strongly pro-life.

The Rev. Clenard Childress Jr., pastor of New Calvary Baptist Church, Montclair, engaged the crowd by asking them to repeat the chant, “Pro-choice is a lie, children do not choose to die.” The refrain became a recurring theme for many of the speakers throughout the day.

At the conclusion of the rally, Childress led the participants in a march for life to the governor’s office.

OUR DIOCESE

Continued from page 3

11

Members of diocese among speakers at annual pro-life event in Trenton

Speakers at the Rally for Life in Trenton included, from left: Joan Fasanello, director, Life Choices, Inc., Phillipsburg; Mary Tasy, executive director of the Piscataway-based New Jersey Right to Life; and Jim Vargas, pro-life ministry leader at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington. — John Batkowski photos

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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12 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Diocese honors youth for service to parishes, Church at annual liturgy to fortify and strengthen them.

“It is through prayer we know God’s will,” Bishop Checchio said.

METUCHEN — Possessing spiritual “Today is an opportunity to thank God résumés the envy of any Christian de- for you and rededicate ourselves to cades older, the 42 young men and prayer. May these awards strengthen women seated in the front pews of us all to be people of prayer.”

Megan Vantslot, director, diocthe Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Jan. 26 represented the 2022 class of esan Office of Youth and Young Adult St. Timothy Award winners from the Ministry, presented to Bishop Checchio the 42 teens who had been named diocese.

Their shepherd, Bishop James F. this year’s St. Timothy Award winners.

Checchio, presided and gave the hom- The high school students had been ily at a Mass in which the accomplish- nominated by their pastors, principals ments of these high school students and catechetical leaders, who detailed who had taken to heart the mission of the ways they exhibited Christian leadership and set Jesus were recog“a positive exnized. ample for other “Everything youth, witness their begins with an ef“You have taken active faith by exhibiting fective witness, a roles in your parishes and Catholic morals testimony, an exand integrity, demample,” the bishop schools, in the liturgy, onstrate Gospel said in his homthrough ily on the Gospel youth ministry projects, values service to others [Luke 10:1-9], in instructed altar servers, and exhibit Chriswhich disciples were sent out two conducted Bible camps, tian leadership in parish, school and by two by Jesus to virtual prayer service and or community setproclaim the Good Vantslot News.

“You’ve retreats. You have shown tings,” said. done that. We recFour of the yourselves to be reliable ognize and thank award winners — you for loving and enthusiastic, to go students at schools God and neighbor.

You give us good above and beyond what in the diocese — were bestowed example by living has been asked of you.” with an additional for others through honor: the St. Te—Bishop James F. Checchio service.” resa of Calcutta Noting prayer Award for followwas essential in the ing the saint’s exlife of any disciple, the bishop encouraged the honorees to ample by their “good works of bringing comfort to the poor, the lonely, “work with the best of intentions.”

“Prayer keeps us focused on our the sick, and the homeless,” Vantslot purpose… without prayer we run the continued. The award winners were: risk of doing what we think is im- Lauren Antonacci, Immaculata High portant rather than what God thinks School, Somerville; Miguel Castro, St. is important…Only through prayer Matthew the Apostle Parish, Edison; do we know God’s will,” the bishop Robert Gronwald, Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, and Immaculate continued.

“My young brothers and sisters Conception Parish, Annandale, and in Christ, we honor you this evening. Bridget Mooney, Mount Saint Mary We are grateful for what you’ve ac- Academy, Watchung.

Students held aloft their crucifixcomplished … You have taken active roles in your parishes and schools, in es and rosaries for the bishop’s blessthe liturgy, youth ministry projects, ing, and he recognized the support instructed altar servers, conducted and spiritual example of their proud Bible camps, virtual prayer service parents, parish and school representaand retreats. You have shown your- tives, thanking them and noting, “Faith selves to be reliable and enthusiastic, doesn’t easily grow in a vacuum.” to go above and beyond what has been asked of you.”

The bishop related a conversation Right, attendees stand at the annual Mass, held Jan. 26 this year, at he had with Pope Francis during which the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, he said the diocese has the best youth Metuchen, honoring 42 recipients of in the United States. The pope told him the St. Timothy Awards. The award winin return to advise the youth not to be ners were nominated by pastors, prinafraid to give themselves to Jesus. Je- cipals, and catechetical leaders. Four of sus wants nothing from them, the pope the award winners also received the St. added, only to accompany them, to as- Teresa of Calcutta Award. sist them through their ups and downs, — John Batkowski photos

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

Above, Bishop James F. Checchio poses with the young men and women who received St. Timothy Awards this year. Right, the bishop poses with Kaila Barnes, one of the award winners. Below, the bishop is shown during the Eucharistic Prayer. To his left is Father Timothy A. Christy, vicar general and rector of St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral. At right are Father Edgar Madarang, parochial vicar at the Cathedral, and Father Michael Taberno.

13

ST. TIMOTHY AWARD WINNERS Steven Evanski St. Mary, South Amboy

Abigail Losch St. Joseph, Hillsborough

Genna Arduini St. Thomas Aquinas High School,Edison

Colin Formisano Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen

Maksim Maxwell Blessed Sacrament, Martinsville

Kaila Barnes St. Luke, North Plainfield

Jillian Fullowan Immaculate Conception, Annandale

Shayrra Manalo St. Andrew, Avenel

Miguel Castro St. Matthew the Apostle, Edison & St. Joseph High School, Metuchen

Samantha Gamatko Our Lady of Mount Virgin, Middlesex

Bridget McLoughlin St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Three Bridges

Robert Gronwald Immaculate Conception, Annandale

Bridget Mooney Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung

Lauren Hall St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Three Bridges

Robert Neves St. Helena, Edison

Cassandra Vega St. Joseph, Carteret

Ainsley Harkin Mary, Mother of God, Hillsborough

Allyza Pamplona St. Joseph, Carteret

Evan Willey St. Mary, Alpha

Brianna Herrera St. Mary, South Amboy

Emily Pilny St. Peter & St. Paul, Great Meadows

Erin Zafian St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison

Michael Juliano St. Philip & St. James, Phillipsburg

Devin Pombo Immaculate Conception, Somerville

Michael Lanahan St. Joseph, Hillsborough

Patrick Repak Immaculata High School, Somerville

Molly Laska St. James, Basking Ridge

Raphael Rivera St. Luke, North Plainfield

Nancy Y. Martinez Maldonado Our Lady of Fatima, Perth Amboy

Christopher Rumondor St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bridgewater

Ethan Cheon Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station Mei Chiang Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung Nolan Chiulli St. Mary, Alpha Victoria Coey Immaculate Conception, Somerville Claudia Cordano St. James, Basking Ridge Marco De Bellis St. Bartholomew, East Brunswick Kyle Erz St. John Neumann, Califon

Max Schilling Blessed Sacrament, Martinsville Adam Sutton Mary, Mother of God, Hillsborough Isabella Terracina Our Lady of Fatima, Perth Amboy

OUR DIOCESE

Lauren Antonacci Immaculata High School, Somerville

Jake Vazquez St. James, Woodbridge

St. Teresa Award winners Lauren Antonacci Miguel Castro Robert Gronwald Bridget Mooney

March 12, 2022 · Saturday 10AM - 4:30PM Queenship of Mary Parish · 16 Dey Road, Plainsboro, NJ 08536

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All are invited for the conclusion of our diocesan year -long Al Ph Philippine Quincentennial Celebration at the 5 PM Mass PRESIDER: FR. RICKY MANALO, CSP

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Most Rev. James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA HOMILIST:

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

The year 2021-2022 marks the Quincentennial celebration (500 years) of Christianity in the lives of Filipino communities across the globe! Join Fr. Ricky Manalo for a dynamic presentation that marks this momentous event!

14

Quilts for Kids

OUR DIOCESE

Members of the of the Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council 5540 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Church, Three Bridges, delivered 100 quilts from “Quilts for Kids,” Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania to the The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, Jan. 21. Receiving the quilts on behalf of The Children’s Hospital was Kristal R. Neal, Child Life Coordinator (front row center). Delivering the quilts are: Knights Thomas Monroe, (far right) with his wife, Pat (far left); Andrew Casella (center right) with his wife, Margaretta (center left), and Gerry Enzmann with his wife, Pat (center). The quilts are made by volunteers to help brighten the hospital room. The children bring the quilts home after they are discharged. The Mother Seton Council, as part of its many charitable endeavors, has supported “Quilts for Kids” for many years, and donated $1,000 this past year. “Quilts for Kids” is a nonprofit national organization devoted to providing comforting quilts to sick children, especially those who are hospitalized.

— photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus Council 5540

Warm Reception Members of the Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council 5540 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges, donated 24 new winter coats to the Readington Township Starfish Families. The Council has supported that program for more than five consecutive years. Posing with employees of the Starship Families are: Knight Tom Monroe (left), Grand Knight Tim Glacken (second from left) and Knight Frank Renda (center). Since its founding in 2012, the Council has raised and donated more than $70,000 to various charitable organizations, including a recent donation of $750 to Puppies Behind Bars.

Dogs from eight weeks to two years old are trained by inmates at correctional facilities, then transferred to help wounded veterans or first responders. Additionally, some are given to law enforcement agencies for use in their K-9 corps.

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus Council 5540

OUR DIOCESE Racheal Ankrah-Fosu, left, of Randolph, and Leonardo (Len) DeCandia, of Princeton, are new members of the board of governors of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.

— photos courtesy of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System

pointed to the board of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. I have been part of the New Brunswick community from my early days as a student at Rutgers to my current role at Johnson & Johnson and at the Rutgers Business School,” said DeCandia. “As a son of

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NEW BRUNSWICK — Racheal ministry to over 43.5 million unseen, Ankrah-Fosu and Leonardo (Len) unpaid caregivers who support ill famDeCandia were recently appointed to ily members and friends every single the Saint Peter’s Healthcare System’s day. My hope is that we will continue board of governors. to look for ways to transform the care Ankrah-Fosu, of Randolph, is experience utilizing cutting-edge chief operations and technology offi- technology to extend care for the sick cer at ConSol USA, a for-profit social beyond the walls of the hospital to enterprise delivering sustainable and homes for both patients and those who scalable diverse outsourced technol- care for the ill.” ogy talent from underserved commuDeCandia, of Princeton, is chief nities to corporate America nationally procurement officer at Johnson & via an innovative new model in work- Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), a $93 billion force development. maker of pharmaceuticals, medical A former financial technology devices and consumer health products. executive who drove the New York In his role, DeCandia is responsible Stock Exchange (NYSE) trade ex- for all global procurement policies, ecution measurements including supplier from five minutes to base strategy develop“I’ve always been milliseconds, Ankrahment, practices such as guided by my faith. relationship manageFosu’s focus on stock ment and functional trading excellence and My hope is to be efficiency will serve headcount. He also Saint Peter’s well. She able to use my tal- serves as a member of is also the founder of the Johnson & Johnson ent and expeience Enterprise Governance the Ruth & Isaac Project, a mission-driven to contribute to this Council (ESG Focus) nonprofit organization and as executive sponfocused on improving community...through sor of the company’s the health and efficacy second largest Emthe fulfilllment of of 45 million unpaid ployee Resource Group, caregivers in the UnitSt. Peter’s Catholic the Alliance for Diverse ed States via the idenAbilities.

Mission.” tification of training DeCandia was —Leonardo DeCandia and use of supportive recently honored with technology. the “CPO of the Year” Ankrah-Fosu is a graduate of Ox- award, a designation reserved for ford University’s Said Business School, those individuals who have driven Oxford, England, and an Oxford Forte new performance heights as a result of Fellow, having been featured as an In- their direct and exceptional leadership spirational Woman by Oxford’s Saïd and management. Presented by “CPO Business School. She earned a Bach- Rising,” a news and media site written elor of Arts degree in Political Science for and about chief procurement offiat Rutgers University, New Brunswick, cers and other supply management exand was named to the Rutgers African- ecutives, the recognition is especially American Alliance Alumni Hall of significant given the challenging busiFame. While at Rutgers, Ankrah-Fosu ness environment of this past year. co-developed, marketed and taught an With 35-plus years of experience entrepreneurial program for the Rut- at global pharmaceutical and congers Cooperative Extension programs sumer healthcare companies, DeCandesigned for at-risk youth. She is a dia has also held executive positions member of the board of directors of the at Estee Lauder, AmerisourceBergen, New Jersey African American Cham- and Roche. As a subject matter expert ber of Commerce and a member of the in engineering, manufacturing, sourcNational Advisory Council of NPower, ing and supply chain management, an organization that creates pathways he is a transformational leader with a to economic prosperity by launching proven record of driving value through digital careers for military veterans and bottom-line impact. young adults from underserved comDeCandia is a graduate of Rutgers munities.

University and the founding chair of “I am thrilled to join Saint Peter’s the Center for Supply Chain Managelegacy of humble service to human- ment at the university, where he teachity, particularly to the underserved,” es graduate-level courses in Supply said Ankrah-Fosu. “I very much look Chain Innovation Management. He is forward to bringing my information a sponsor of the Johnson & Johnson technology executive experience and Procurement Leadership Developpassion for transformational technol- ment Program, recognized as one of ogy to the board of governors. the world’s top 10 MBA development “As a corporate citizen, my abil- programs. He was recently named by ity to support Saint Peter’s in its pur- “Supply Chain Magazine” as a top 30 suit of excellence and patient safety global supply chain leader. enables me to extend my personal “It is quite an honor to be ap-

15

Saint Peter’s adds distinguished ‘corporate citizens’ to board

16 OUR DIOCESE

Sri Lankan-born priest’s faith journey leads to pastorate in diocese MONROE TOWNSHIP — The faithful filled Nativity of Our Lord Church to welcome Father Ethiege Nalaka Silva as pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Parish at a Mass of Installation presided by Bishop James F. Checchio Jan. 25.

They also came from parishes in Edison, Woodbridge and Old Bridge, where Father Silva had served as a parochial vicar; from St. Michael Parish in Archdiocese of Newark, where he ministered before coming to the Diocese of Metuchen, as well as friends from Brooklyn, N.Y. And, more than 8,000 miles away in his native Sri Lanka, where it was about 2:30 a.m., Father Silva’s mother and four siblings, friends and fellow countrymen witnessed the Mass via livestream.

Father Silva was appointed pastor of Nativity of Our Lord by Bishop Checchio Nov. 1, 2021, to fill the vacancies left by Father Edward R. Flanagan, who died Nov. 8, 2020; Father Lancelot McGrath, administrator and now parochial vicar there; and his successor, Msgr.

Robert Medley.

The reason for Father Silva’s loyal following could stem from the time he

Above, Father Ethiege Nalaka Silva addresses the faithful at Nativity of Our Lord Church at his Mass of Installation as pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Parish. Right, Bishop James F. Checchio gives the homily. takes to cultivate friendships with the faithful while providing for their spiritual and pastoral needs.

“I am a people person who likes to talk to them and give them the sacraments,” Father Silva said in an interview several days after the Mass.

Father Silva, who was ordained to the priesthood Sept. 6, 2003, in Sri Lanka, said he enjoys everything about being a priest.

“It is a very fulfilling ministry. It is our relationship with God and his people that makes the ministry a happy Bishop Checchio, center, speaks to the congregation at the Mass of Installation for Father Silva, a native of Sri Linka whose mother and four siblings watched the liturgy via livestream at home. Below, the bishop congratulates Father SIlva after leading the Order of Installation.

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— Frank Wojciechowski photos

one,” he said.

At Nativity of Our Lord, which has about 1,400 registered families, he said he is fortunate to guide a “very good one.”

“People are so cooperative,” he continued. “Sometimes, when you think about the responsibility, as a shepherd people come to me for almost everything. I have to be careful. You have to make decisions constantly and make them prayerfully. That is a challenge.”

Father Silva said growing up in a devout, Catholic family, in a predominantly Catholic village that was surrounded by many Buddhists and Muslims were major influences in his decision to enter the priesthood.

At the Mass and in the interview, he stressed the positive influence serving with his former pastors, who concelebrated — Father Anthony M. Sirianni, St. Helena, Edison; Msgr. Charles W. Cicerale, St. James, Woodbridge; and Father Jerome A, Johnson, St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge; and Father Lancelot McGrath, now parochial vicar and former administrator of Nativity of Our Lord, for being mentors and role models for his current office and priestly ministry as a parochial vicar.

Before coming to the Diocese of Metuchen, Father Silva exercised his ministry in Sri Lanka, and after several years, applied to the Archdiocese of Newark to minister in the United States.

Thanks to Father James F. Reilly, pastor, St. Michael Parish, Palisades Park, Father Silva found a new spiritual home as a parochial vicar. However, five years later, March 10, 2012, Father Silva was awakened in the rectory about 1 a.m. by a fire alarm and the smell of smoke.

He was unable to open the locked door to Father Reilly’s room, where officials said the fire started on a couch, but was able to wake a fellow adjunct priest in another room. They escaped uninjured, but Father Reilly received burns over 40

percent of his body and died several days later at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston.

“It was a very sad experience,” Father Silva said. “Father Reilly was a very kind man. He was the one who brought me to the United States and let me do my studies for a master’s degree at Fordham [University, Bronx., N.Y.]. He was very supportive and very influential in my early life in the United States because made me feel welcome and let me do my ministry here.

“And the people [of St. Michael’s], of course, were so good to me.”

Among those visiting from other parishes who came in honor of their former parochial vicar was the Vale family: Jerry and his wife, Suellen, and their daughter, Samantha, who are members of St. Helena Parish, Edison.

Among his pastoral duties at St. Helena was celebrating the funeral Mass for Jerry’s sister in 2015. “The bishop made an excellent choice,” he said about Father Silva’s installation as pastor.

Suellen recalled how much love Father Silva seemed to have for the members of St. Helena’s and how he enjoyed playing basketball with students at its parochial school.

“He was phenomenal [as parochial vicar],” Suellen said. “Very gentlemanly.

A good listener. Very smart.

“When he was transferred to St. Thomas the Apostle we were very upset.

He was like part of the family.”

“He has a very calming presence,” Samantha said. “When you see him you can’t help but smile. Even today, I had not seen him in a while, but when I saw him, I smiled.”

In his homily, Bishop Checchio said John 2:1-11 — the wedding at Cana — is a “beautiful Gospel for the installation of a pastor” because it is “what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.”

The image of wine is important Continued on page 34

17

a farsighted gaze of faith, one that looks both within and beyond? I am greatly edified when I see older consecrated men and women whose eyes are bright, who continue to smile and in this way to give hope to the young. Let us think of all those times when we encountered such persons, and bless God for this. For their eyes are full of hope and openness to the future.

Dear brothers and sisters, the Lord never fails to give us signs that invite us to cultivate a renewed vision of consecrated life. We cannot pretend not to see them and then go on as usual, doing the same old things, drifting back through inertia to the forms of the past, paralyzed by fear of change. Let us open our eyes: the Spirit is inviting us amid our crises, decreasing numbers and diminishing forces, to renew our lives and our communities. Let us look at Simeon and Anna: although they were advanced in years, they did not spend their days mourning a past that never comes back, but instead embraced the future opening up before them. Let us not waste today by looking back at yesterday; instead, let us place ourselves before the Lord in adoration and ask for eyes to see goodness and to discern the ways of God. Finally, a third question: what do we take into our own arms? Simeon took Jesus into his arms (cf. v. 28). It is a touching scene, full of meaning and unique in the Gospels. God has placed his Son in our arms too, because embracing Jesus is the essential thing, the very heart of faith.

Sometimes we risk losing our bearings, getting caught up in a thousand different things, obsessing about minor issues or plunging into new projects, yet the heart of everything is Christ, embracing him as the Lord of our lives.

When Simeon took Jesus into his arms, he spoke words of blessing, praise and wonder. If consecrated men and women lack words that bless God and other people, if they lack joy, if their enthusiasm fails, if their fraternal life is only a chore, it is not the fault of someone or something else. It is because our arms no longer embrace Jesus.

Pope Francis prays before giving his homily at St. Peter’s Basilica on the World Day for Consecrated Life, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, celebrated Feb. 2.

When that happens, our hearts fall prey to bitterness, to complaining about things that do not go like clockwork, to rigidity and inflexibility, to the illusion of our own superiority. If, on the other hand, we embrace Christ with open arms, we will also embrace others with trust and humility. Then conflicts will not escalate, disagreements will not divide, and the temptation to domineer and to offend the dignity of others will be overcome. So let us open our arms to Christ and to all our brothers and sisters.

Dear friends, today let us joyfully renew our consecration! Let us ask ourselves what “moves” our hearts and actions, what renewed vision we are being called to cultivate, and above all else, let us take Jesus into our arms. Even if at times we experience fatigue and weariness, let us do as Simeon and Anna did. They awaited with patience the fidelity of the Lord and did not allow themselves to be robbed of the joy of the encounter with him. Let us put the Lord back in the centre, and press forward with joy.

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

flame of hope that the Spirit has kindled in their hearts.

Brothers and sisters, let us ask, what moves our days? What is the love that makes us keep going? Is it the Holy Spirit, or the passion of the moment? How do we “move” in the Church and in society?

Sometimes, even behind the appearance of good works, the canker of narcissism, or the need to stand out, can be concealed. In other cases, even as we go about doing many things, our religious communities can appear moved more by mechanical repetition – acting out of habit, just to keep busy – than by enthusiastic openness to the Holy Spirit.

Let us today examine our interior motivations and discern our spiritual movements, so that the renewal of consecrated life may come about, first and foremost, from there.

A second question: What do our eyes see? Simeon, moved by the Spirit, sees and recognizes Christ. And he prays, saying: “My eyes have seen your salvation” (v. 30). This is the great miracle of faith: it opens eyes, transforms gazes, changes perspectives. As we know from Jesus’ many encounters in the Gospel, faith is born of the compassionate gaze with which God looks upon us, softening the hardness of our hearts, healing our wounds and giving us new eyes to look at ourselves and at our world. New ways to see ourselves, others and all the situations that we experience, even those that are most painful. This gaze is not naïve, fleeing reality and refusing to see problems, but one that can “look within” and “see beyond”. A gaze that does not stop at appearances, but can enter into the very cracks of our weaknesses and failures, in order to discern God’s presence even there.

The eyes of the elderly Simeon, albeit dimmed by the years, see the Lord. They see salvation. What about us? What do our eyes see? What is our vision of consecrated life? The world often sees it as “a waste”, a relic of the past, something useless. But we, the Christian community, men and women religious, what do we see? Are our eyes turned only inward, yearning for something that no longer exists, or are we capable of

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Two elderly people, Simeon and Anna, await in the Temple the fulfilment of the promise that God made to his people: the coming of the Messiah. Yet theirs is no passive expectation, it is full of movement. Let us look at what Simeon does. First, he is moved by the Spirit; then he sees salvation in the Child Jesus and finally he takes him into his arms (cf. Lk 2:26-28). Let us consider these three actions and reflect on some important questions for us and in particular for the consecrated life.

First, what moves us? Simeon goes to the Temple, “moved by the spirit” (v. 27).

The Holy Spirit is the protagonist in this scene. He makes Simeon’s heart burn with desire for God. He keeps expectation alive in his heart: He impels him to go to the Temple and he enables his eyes to recognize the Messiah, even in the guise of a poor little baby. That is what the Holy Spirit does: he enables us to discern God’s presence and activity not in great things, in outward appearances or shows of force, but in littleness and vulnerability. The words “moved by the spirit” remind us of what ascetic theology calls “movements of the Spirit”: those movements of the soul that we recognize within ourselves and are called to test, in order to discern whether they come from the Holy Spirit or not.

We can also ask, who mostly moves us? Is it the Holy Spirit, or the spirit of this world? This a question that everyone, consecrated persons in particular, needs to ask. The Spirit moves us to see God in the littleness and vulnerability of a baby, yet we at times risk seeing our consecration only in terms of results, goals and success: we look for influence, for visibility, for numbers. The Spirit, on the other hand, asks for none of this. He wants us to cultivate daily fidelity and to be attentive to the little things entrusted to our care. How touching is the fidelity shown by Simeon and Anna! Each day they go to the Temple, each day they keep watch and pray, even though time passes and nothing seems to happen. They live their lives in expectation, without discouragement or complaint, persevering in fidelity and nourishing the

RELIGIOUS MILESTONES

Pope Francis’ Homily on the World Day for Consecrated Life

18 RELIGIOUS MILESTONES THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

When Mercy Sister Monica Jacques reflects on her 75 years in the religious community, she said what comes to mind is “a lot of gratitude because I think the Lord provided a wonderful life for me.”

A native of Perth Amboy, Sister Monica came to know the Mercy Sisters at an early age. She said her whole family was very religious. They lived near St. Mary Church where the Mercy Sisters ministered and lived in a convent nearby. Recalling how she became familiar with the religious community she said, “I was always one of those kids the sisters would call and send me to the store to buy something for them. I would stay and help them, so I got to know them very well.”

As a student at the now-closed St. Mary Elementary School and High School, which were staffed by the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Monica learned more about the religious order. In the fall after graduating from St. Mary High, she entered the Sisters of Mercy. The following spring, she professed her vows and was given

was at St. Mary Elementary School, South Amboy, and then she joined the staff at Camden Catholic High School, Cherry Hill.

In 1970, Sister Monica returned the name, Sister Mary Ronald. After the Second Vatican Council, however, to Perth Amboy, where she served as Sister Monica chose to return to her principal of St. Mary High. Her last teaching position was at Red Bank baptismal name.

Catholic High School.

In 1961, Sister In the high schools Monica earned a bachwhere she served, elor’s degree in mathSister Monica Sister Monica taught ematics at Georgian math, physics and Court College (now said throughout physical science.

University), Lakeher 75 years as a After teaching for wood. She was awardmore than 20 years, ed a grant to study for Mercy Sister, Sister Monica began a master’s degree in her ministry in social physics at the Univershe has had service work. She spent sity of Wisconsin, Sumany opportunities a year as a campus perior, and continued minister at Douglass her academic studies at to help people and Cook Colleges, seven colleges and uniand touched a lot New Brunswick, workversities. At the Uniing for Catholic Social versity of Minnesota of people’s lives...

Services. She then and Rutgers Universerved at the House sity, New Brunswick, of Mercy, Bridgeton, she took a course in where she developed social work, and then earned New Jersey State Certification programs for senior citizens.

Her next assignments were as an as a School Social Worker.

Associate in Pastoral Services first at Sister Monica began her teachSt. Anthony Parish, Hightstown, then ing career at Immaculate Conception School, Camden. Her next assignment at St. Mary Parish, South Amboy.

Next, she served at St. Bernadette Parish, Northfield, where she continued to work with senior citizens. Her last pastoral assignment was at St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia.

Sister Monica returned to her alma mater, Georgian Court, where she served as residence coordinator from 1989 to 1992. Eight years later, she returned to the Mercy Sisters Motherhouse in Watchung, where she served as manager of Communications, her last position before retiring.

Congratulations to the following Sisters of Mercy who are celebrating their jubilees this year in the Diocese of Metuchen: Sister Monica Jacques – 75 years Sister Marlene Fritz – 70 years Sister M. Jeannette Mendonca – 70 years Sister Irene Nebus – 60 years Sister Mary Ann Peters – 60 years Share the mission of Mercy.

Discover how at sistersofmercy.org.

However, Sister Monica continued to serve this time her religious community, volunteering at the McAuley Hall Gift Shop. She also ministers to the sisters who live with her in the retirement section of at Mount Saint Mary’s Gabriel Hall. She still keeps up with her two nieces and two nephews and their families, and is quick to say, “They are all very attentive to me.”

At 92, Sister Monica now spends her time enjoying her retirement with as she says, “a nice group of sisters.”

Every week these sisters get together to do things like play bingo or other games. “It’s a lot of fun and there is a lot of laughter,” said Sister Monica.

On a serious note, Sister Monica said throughout her 75 years as a Mercy Sister, she has had a lot of opportunities to help people and touched a lot of people’s lives and for that is very grateful. Throughout her life, so full of ministering to so many people, Sister Monica has lived the motto she took at her profession, “My life, my love are Thine, O Lord.”

— Joanne Ward

Newly professed religious in U.S. Ahead of the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate publishes its annual survey on United States women and men who professed perpetual vows in religious life in 2021.

By Vatican News staff writer A new survey has found that most United States religious men and women who professed their perpetual vows in 2021 are highly educated and first considered a vocation at a relatively young age.

The survey was published ahead of the annual World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life to be celebrated, which was cdlebrated Feb. 2. It was commissioned by the US Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations (CCLV) to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) of Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C.

CARA received a response from 547 of 742 major superiors for an overall response rate of 74 percent among religious institutes. Of the 182 identified men and women religious who professed perpetual vows in 2021, 62 sisters and nuns and 60 brothers and priests responded to the survey for an overall response rate of 67 percent.

Average age 37.

According to the findings, religious of the profession class of 2021 were 19-years-old when they first considered a vocation to religious life.

The average age of the respondents was 37. Half of them are aged 34 or younger, the youngest being 24 and the oldest 70.

Nearly 90 percent of responents said that someone encouraged them. Specifically, men are more likely than Continued on page 24

19 student body instead of only one class of students as an administrator, but admitted: “I think I maybe enjoyed being a teacher a little smidgen more.”

Following her career in education, Sister Marlene served as associate director for the New Jersey Office of Development of the Mid-Atlantic Community of the Sisters of Mercy. She also volunteered on Saturdays for the Somerset County Library system as a teacher of German for adults.

Retired for about three years, Sister Marlene enjoys completing sudoku puzzles in her free time. Reflecting on her 70 years as a Sister of Mercy she said, “I’ve had a fulfilling life, with many travels.”

— Teresa Murphy

her when parents of current Mount Saint Mary Academy students bid her hello, remembering their own encounters with her at the Mount, which now serves as her home in retirement.

Sister Irene, recalling her own delayed vocation, advocates any individual contemplating life as a religious do some soul searching and be patient.

“It helped me that I went to college and was a lay teacher first,” she said. “It gave me time to know what I wanted.

Don’t jump into it. Give it a lot of thought.”

— Christina Leslie

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Whether reflecting upon her term as an inner-city elementary school principal, or recalling years spent teaching mathematics to suburban-bred students, Mercy Sister Irene Nebus uses the same, heartfelt phrase to describe her 60 years of religious service -- “I loved every minute of it.”

Young Irene’s strong faith, and the influence of the Mercy sisters who taught her at now-closed Sacred Heart grammar and St. Mary High schools in South Amboy, fanned her desire to become a religious sister despite her parents’ discouragement.

“While I went to college [Seton Hall University, South Orange], I was a lay teacher at Our Lady of Victories School, Sayreville,” she said. “I always wanted to enter the order, and I waited until I was old enough not to ask my parents’ [approval]. I kept pushing.”

Sister Irene professed her temporary vows and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood.

Her first assignment as a religious was as

Mary School, Trenton, introduced the religious to the disadvantages of inner-city life.

“Oh, the poverty,” she said sadly. a sixth-grade teacher in St. Mary School, “It was so hard for them. But they loved Bordentown, where the diverse student school and wanted to learn. For years, after I left, I got notes from body from around the some of the students sayworld included many “Oh, the poverty. It ing, ‘Thanks,’ and they from families living on remember me.” the nearby McGuire Air was so hard for them wouldFollowing her Force Base. [students at St. Mary Trenton position, SisAfter a term at St. ter Irene was assigned Francis [now Cathedral] School, Trenton], but to St. Joseph School, School, Metuchen, SisNorth Plainfield, where ter Irene took up the role they loved school she served as teacher of eighth-grade teacher and wanted to learn. and principal. Her final at St. Mary Academy, position was in Lakewood, where for a For years, after I left, I teaching the Mercy-led, all girls time children lived durgot notes from some secondary institution ing the school year. of Mount Saint Mary “We were mother of the students say- Academy, Watchung, and father, sister and brother to these chiling, ‘Thanks,’ and they where she taught math and acted as dean of disdren,” Sister Irene rewould remember cipline. membered. “We were Sister Irene chucktheir family all the time. me.” led as she recalled We also had children speaking with students living at the school from in need of a firm, guidJackson, those from families who could ing hand, saying, “They were good kids. not take care of their own.”

I loved every minute of it.” It delights Her first position as principal at St.

RELIGIOUS MILESTONES

After 70 years as a member of her order, Mercy Sister Marlene Fritz is grateful for the multitude of exciting experiences she has had as a religious. “I think I wouldn’t have met the people that I met, and done the things that I did, if I weren’t a religious,” she said in a recent phone interview.

Sister Marlene grew up in Sayreville with one sister and credits the roots of her vocation to her devoted Catholic parents, who taught her the importance of attending Mass and encouraged her to pray the rosary. She attended Our Lady of Victories School, Sayreville, where she admired the Sisters of Mercy who were her teachers.

“I liked it very much,” she recalled.

“As of the first day, I decided I was going to be a Sister.” She graduated from the now-closed St. Mary High School, South Amboy, where religious sisters were again her instructors.

The idea of a religious vocation “was always with me,” she said. “I was probably the one who brought it up first,” rather than any of the Sisters suggesting it. Her family was not surprised when she told them her plans.

After entering formation, she attended Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in German studies.

by hiding behind their desks with all the lights out. Sister Marlene was prepared, however, and returned the humor by requiring them to translate Latin sentences A lifelong lover of the German language for several minutes after turning the lights and culture, Sister Marlene was thrilled back on.

“They had no idea I could do that,” she to be permitted by her religious superirecalled, laughing. Teaching at the all-boys ors to travel to Germany. She received a school “was challenging, Fulbright summer scholbut I enjoyed it,” she said. arship and lived in “The school system is Munich, Ansbach, and entirely different, and that “I think I Osnabruck. was a good experience for Upon her return to wouldn’t have me.” the United States, she atHer experience tended Middlebury Germet the peoteaching abroad would man School in Vermont, ple that I met, later influence her style where she earned a masand methods as a school ter’s degree after graduand done the administrator, she said. ating from its rigorous Sister Marlene took things that I German immersion procourses in school adminisgram. Sister Marlene’s did, if I weren’t tration at the University of mother was a German Texas, and taught German immigrant to the United a religious.” at an all-girls school while States, but because her living in San Antonio. father was not fluent in Moving to new locations German and because it was “challenging and inwas wartime and antiteresting,” she said.

German prejudice was Upon her return to high, the family did not New Jersey, Sister Marlene served as assisspeak German at home.

Sister Marlene was thrilled to be sent tant directress at Mount Saint Mary Acadback to Germany, where she had a position emy, Watchung; and assistant principal at as an English teacher at an all-boys school Marylawn of the Oranges Academy, South in Dortmund for one year. The boys were Orange. She recalled how much she en“lively,” and tried pranking her on April 1 joyed being able to interact with the entire

ANNUAL REPORT 20

AT A GLANCE:

The Heart of Our Mission The Diocese of Metuchen proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ, celebrates His Sacraments, and exercises His works of mercy so that all might participate in His salvation and discover the lasting joy of a relationship with Him. The Diocese of Metuchen encompasses the New Jersey counties of Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren. Here is an ‘at a glance’ view of the Diocese in 2021.

CATHOLICS IN THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

636,725

HOUSEHOLDS

143,824

BAPTISMS

3,092

FIRST COMMUNIONS

3,593

CONFIRMATIONS

3,697

MARRIAGES

620

PARISHES

90

SCHOOLS

27

CHARITY+JUSTICE CENTERS

9

CATHOLIC HOSPITALS

1

NEWLY ORDAINED PRIESTS

4

NEWLY ORDAINED DEACONS

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

SEMINARIANS

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

1

18,024

21

MEN IN FORMATION FOR DIACONATE

31

MEN STUDYING IN THE HISPANIC DIACONATE PROGRAM

15

STUDENTS IN PARISH FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

1,831

CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS FROM PRE-K - 8

5,332

ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021

RENEWED, RECOMMITTED AND REIGNITED for the Mission Entrusted to Us

WHAT'S NEW 2020-2021:

ADVANCING THE MISSION ENTRUSTED TO US SECRETARIAT FOR CHARITY

CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

“FOR A SYNODAL CHURCH: COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION, AND MISSION” MISSION”

On February 2, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Bishop James F. Checchio announced the establishment of the Secretariat for Charity. Created in response to the pandemic and to meet expanding needs, this Secretariat further integrates the mission shared by Catholic Charities, parishes, schools and other institutions throughout the Diocese of Metuchen and has already worked to respond to immediate needs, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Even when faced with challenges from the pandemic, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Metuchen adapted, offering in-person learning to those families who preferred to have their students in school and virtual learning to those families who preferred their students to remain at home. Thanks to pastors, principals, teachers and Catholic school families, our students continued to receive an excellent education in a safe environment, all the while deepening their friendships with Christ.

RETURN TO IN-PERSON MASS

On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, all Catholic faithful in New Jersey were welcomed to return to regular participation in the Sunday Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith.

The weekend of June 5-6 marked the lifting of the dispensation of the Sunday and Holy Days Mass obligation and launched for us a new beginning to proclaim His transforming love made present in our midst.

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

Adding to the reporting systems already in place, the Diocese of Metuchen - at the direction of Bishop James F. Checchio - implemented an independent third-party reporting system. EthicsPoint allows any person who suspects financial malfeasance to file an anonymous and confidential report. Coupled with the diocesan Office of Parish Financial Services, this reporting tool strengthens those systems already in place.

After undergoing an extensive independent audit of its compliance with child and youth protection policies, the Diocese of Metuchen was found to be compliant with all audited Articles within the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for the audit period of July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021. The Diocese submits to an onsite audit by an independent auditing firm every three years and submits yearly to a data collection audit by the USCCB.

In communion with the global Catholic Church, the Diocese of Metuchen opened the local phase of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 16, with a Solemn Opening Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. The first of three phases, the diocesan phase includes increased prayer, a series of listening sessions, and opportunities to more intentionally listen to the Holy Spirit. The Synodal journey began in Rome on Oct. 10, when Pope Francis opened the Synod with the celebration of the Holy Mass, which Bishop James F. Checchio concelebrated as one of two U.S. Bishops invited to serve as delegates for our country.

40TH ANNIVERSARY

On Nov. 19, the Diocese of Metuchen marked the beginning of a year-long celebration of its 40th Anniversary with an inaugural Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. The milestone anniversary celebrates the Diocese's "Forty Years of Building the Kingdom of God in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties" and is being remembered with a year-long celebration that will include a diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 24, 2022.

PASTORAL LETTER

Five years after his ordination and installation as Bishop of Metuchen, and nearly four years after he penned his first pastoral letter, Bishop James F. Checchio published his second pastoral letter, "Answering the Lord's Call through Prayer, Works of Mercy and Vocations," on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Metuchen. In it, he outlines the three priorities he asks us to embrace in order that we may answer the Lord's call to us.

HEALING, TRUTH AND HOPE: A PASTORAL RESPONSE TO PAST ABUSE Through our procedures, through our outreach, and through our prayers, the Diocese of Metuchen continues to work to prevent abuse and to facilitate healing for survivors of abuse. The Diocese of Metuchen has: • 0% of credibly accused priests in public ministry *Any accused priest is subject to an extensive and thorough investigation under the scrutiny of Law Enforcement and the Diocesan Review Board, consisting of a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, a former Attorney General and Supreme Court Justice of NJ, a former County Prosecutor, a Superior Court Judge, medical and psychiatric professionals, educators and other qualified professionals • 24/7 availability to report abuse • 4,931 adults who were background checked and trained to recognize and report signs of suspected abuse *Number reported from July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021 and includes priests, deacons, candidates for ordination, educators, employees and volunteers working or ministering to children and young people • 23,981 children who received ageappropriate training to guard against abuse

HOW TO REPORT ABUSE

If you suspect abuse by a member of clergy, an employee, or a volunteer for the Catholic Church, please: • Immediately notify local law enforce-

On Sept. 24, 2022, the Diocese of Metuchen will conclude it's yearlong 40th Anniversary celebration with a diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

ment • Notify the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency by calling 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873) or 1-800-8355510 (TTY/TDD for the deaf), available 24/7 • Contact the Diocese of Metuchen’s Director of Child and Youth Protection by calling (908) 930-4558 or visit diometuchen. org/healing to file a report

HOW TO REPORT ABUSE BY A BISHOP

In response to Pope Francis’ Motu proprio, Vos estis lux mundi, or “You are the light of the world,” the U.S. Bishops launched the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service, which ensures all levels of Church hierarchy are held to the same level of accountability. A similar independent reporting structure had already been established by Bishop James F. Checchio in the Diocese of Metuchen.

Complaints of sexual abuse and related misconduct by bishops can be submitted to the independent service by visiting ReportBishopAbuse.org or by calling (800) 276-1562.

'It was welcomed news to hear from the independent auditing firm that our diocese was found to be compliant with the Charter. The staff in our diocesan offices and those who work or volunteer in our parishes and schools work hard to adhere to these procedures to ensure the safety of children and young people. As evidenced by the sharp decline in the number of cases of abuse in our diocese over the years, and now as indicated by the results of this independent audit, our diocese is on the right path forward, ensuring that the mistakes of the past cannot be repeated."

-Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA

2021

Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts and loans receivable from parishes, net Contributions receivable, net Prepaid expenses and other assets Notes Receivable, net

$

19,868,598 10,078,222 433,066 3,198,083 13,912,700

Investments primarily from parishes, cemeteries, perpetual care, insurance reserves and donor restricted funds

235,803,280 7,992,013 16,150,411

Inventory of Crypts Property and equipment, net

$307,436,373

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

LIABILITIES: Accounts payable and accrued expenses Deferred revenue and support Custodial Funds Clergy retirement & post-retirement obligations Loans payable Self Insurance Incurred But Not Reported (IBNR) reserves Obligation due under split-interest agreements Funds held for parishes, parish cemeteries and affiliates

2021 $

3,779,994 277,334 1,278,522 28,750,529 19,825,913 13,470,964 64,340 78,859,488 $146,307,084

TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS: Without donor restrictions With donor restrictions

$

159,217,053 1,912,236 $161,129,289

TOTAL NET ASSETS

$307,436,373

TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS

OPERATING SUPPORT & REVENUE

2021

FY 20-21: Program Revenue

REVENUE: $ 30,460,836

Assessments Bishop's Annual Appeal Cemeteries Investment Income Donations & Bequests

$ $ $ $ $

8,466,883 7,819,222 4,225,190 62,372,977 756,793

7% 7% 4% 55% 1%

$

114,101,901

100%

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

PERCENT: 27%

2021

Operating support and revenue Operating expenses

$ $

114,101,901 59,371,372

Increase in unrestricted net assets from operations

$

54,730,529

Non operating revenue

$

8,612,979

Increase in net assets Net assets, beginning of the year

$ $

63,343,508 97,785,781

NET ASSETS, END OF THE YEAR

$

161,129,289

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

2021

Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash used by investing activities Net cash used by financing activities

$ $ $

12,094,773 (2,402,179) (4,984,572)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents, end of the year

$ $ $

4,708,022 15,160,576 19,868,598

Supplemental Data: Interest Paid

$

3,096,451

OPERATING SERVICES FY 20-21: Health Insurance and Property & Liability Insurance Claims/Premiums Paid Parish/Cemetery/Affiliate Interest on Deposits, School and Catholic Spirit Subsidies Parish, Cemetery & Diocesan Support Services Pastoral Cemeteries Priestly Ministry and Formation Diocesan Properties Operations, Maintenance and Depreciation Catholic Charities Development

2021 REVENUE:

PERCENT:

$

24,773,927

42%

$ $ $ $ $

9,290,619 9,737,209 738,372 2,975,306 6,207,124

16% 16% 1% 5% 10%

$ $ $

2,659,823 1,700,000 1,288,992

4% 3% 2%

$

59,371,372

100%

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

*Number reported from July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021 and includes Catholic school students and students in parish religious education programs • 93 parish background coordinators to facilitate background checks • 28 school background coordinators to facilitate background checks • $2.9 million paid in settlements since the founding of the Diocese in 1981; $1.27 million of that was paid through the Independent Victim Compensation Program *No gifts to the Bishop's Annual Appeal, to Catholic Charities, to Catholic Schools, nor monies given for a specific ministry or apostolate are used to fund settlements More information about the measures in place to prevent abuse in the Diocese can be found by visiting: diometuchen.org/healing.

SAVE THE DATE:

FINANCIAL SUMMARY FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2021

An excerpt of “Answering the Lord’s Call through Prayer, Works of Mercy and Vocations,” a pastoral letter by Bishop James F. Checchio on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Metuchen.

Read the full letter at diometuchen.org.

"Yes, the 40th anniversary of our diocese provides us with the perfect opportunity to recommit ourselves to the Lord and His Mission. After 40 years, I would say that the Church of Metuchen has passed the test and is prepared for more! The Lord needs us now to step forward and offer ourselves more fully to Him through prayer, works of mercy and our support of vocations for the good of our Church and our world. Despite the challenges we have had and any we may face in the future, we have the wind at our backs and the Blessed Mother pushing us on and holding us up. We also have one another to encourage us and to strengthen us along the way. This is certainly a time for us to pause and to give thanks for what has been, and while we place our trust in God, we cannot let Him work alone. Rather, we must continue to put into the deep as our Lord commands us in Scripture. He desires to provide us with more, both individually and as a diocesan family, we just have to trust

ASSETS

ANNUAL REPORT

BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN MIDDLESEX, SOMERSET, HUNTERDON AND WARREN COUNTIES

and give all of ourselves to Him and then let Him work through us. His vision is so much broader, so much more fulfilling and higher than our own.

"I pray that these past 40 years of building the Kingdom may be just the preparation we needed to take these next steps forward, growing closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, under the care and guidance of His Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe. 'Let nothing frighten and afflict you or trouble your heart...Am I not here, I, who am your mother?' Mary says to us. She is always with us, to guide and protect us. She will lead us in our essential task of evangelizing this corner of His vineyard entrusted to us - as we entrust ourselves more completely to her Son, as we commit to engaging in works of mercy, and as we create an even more abundant culture of vocations for the future service of our beloved Church. Thanks be to God, we are on this road together. Know of my love and prayers for you, and my great gratitude for you too!

And please, remember to pray for me, too."

21

RENEWAL:

22 RELIGIOUS MILESTONES

“Today, the hardest thing to do for people is to think of making a lifetime commitment,” observed Felician Sister Donna Marie Trukowski. “The human race needs direction and guidance.”

Now celebrating a half-century of religious life, Sister Donna’s strong hand in the classroom and principal’s office has affected the lives of three generations of Catholic school students.

Sister Donna, a Bayonne native, attended the town’s Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, where her love of the Catholic faith was nurtured.

“A large number of the staff was religious,” she said. “I admired their spirit, their happiness, their joy and the way they helped people.”

Her parents were not initially in favor of her decision to become a religious, Sister Donna said, “They wanted me to see the other side and sent me to public [Bayonne High] school, but I kept coming back to the Church.”

The young woman was undeterred; after enrolling at Jersey City State College for a year, the future religious entered the Felician Sisters and professed her final vows in 1962. Sister Donna

Wallington. After a three-year term at the Bergen County school, Sister Donna’s community requested she return to St. Thomas Aquinas as principal.

“I said, ‘No,’ at first,” Sister Donearned a bachelor’s degree in elementary na remembered with a chuckle, but she education at Felician College, Lodi, then reconsidered and assumed that role began her career in Catholic education at the town’s St. Francis de Sales School; Nov. 15, 1982. The following year, St. Thomas Aquinas High Holy Cross School, School was renamed Trenton; St. John Kanty Bishop George Ahr School, Clifton; and St. High School.

Anthony High School, “It’s been a Now entering Jersey City. her third decade at Sister Donna first wonderful St. Thomas Aquinas, joined the staff of thenSister Donna’s imprint experience.

St. Thomas Aquinas on the school has been High School, Edison, Catholic broad and deep. Adin 1970; she served as vances in technology, mathematics departschools pass the adoption of more ment chairperson and on the faith athletic programs and teacher, mini-course extra-curricular accoordinator, cheerfor the next tivities and a 12-year leading moderator and building and recongeneration.” book store manager. struction project have Simultaneously, she been achieved during earned her state certifiher tenure. cation and master’s de“It’s been a wongree in mathematics at derful experience.

Catholic schools Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

After nine years at the school, she felt pass on the faith for the next generait was time for a new challenge and tion,” Sister Donna said in a recent accepted the position of principal of interview with “The Catholic Spirit.”

Most Sacred Heart Grammar School,

The high school’s mission statement echoes its principal’s life goals.

On the Bishop Ahr High School website, it reads, “The school provides an atmosphere in which each individual’s God-given abilities are nurtured and developed. Every student is encouraged to strive for spiritual, academic, social, creative and athletic excellence through the interaction of a caring community… Each individual can grow in self-esteem, in social and moral responsibility, and in those values needed to face the challenges of tomorrow’s world.”

— Christina Leslie

Congratulations

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Sister Donna Marie on your 60th Jubilee!

This milestone of your blessed profession as a Felician Sister is an example to all of us of what it means to live selflessly. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to your call to serve the Lord, especially at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

We are so proud of you!

Love, The entire Saint Thomas Aquinas High School Community

23

and “really prayed about it, discerned it,” before deciding on the Sacred Heart Brothers.

Given his background in education, Brother Gary said he preferred becoming a brother over a priest. While most priestly orders serve parishes, the brothers devote their lives to teaching, which was Brother Gary’s training. Teaching and the community were integral components since the formation of the Brothers’ order in Lyon, France, by Father Andre Coindre, in 1821.

“The community life factor was something that drew me into religious life,” Brother Gary said.

Growing up near Harrisburg, Pa., Brother Gary said church was always important.

“My parish was like my second home,” he said. There, he was an altar server and involved in the Catholic Youth Organization program.

Priests and nuns nurtured his faith, from elementary school to Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, to Alvernia College in Reading, Pa., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies and secondary education.

RELIGIOUS MILESTONES

For Sacred Heart Brother Gary Humes, the phrase “Life begins at 40” might aptly apply to his religious life.

A freshman theology teacher at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, Brother Gary did not enter religious life until he neared age 40.

“I was in my late 30s when I entered the postulancy,” said Brother Gary, who is celebrating 25 years of his first profession and 10 years at the school that was founded in 1901 by the religious order.

“I guess I wanted to really make sure, and I had a lot of varied life experiences,” he said in a recent telephone interview with “The Catholic Spirit.”

“Even though I was involved in the Catholic Church and everything else, I said ‘I really want to make sure this is what I want to do.’”

In his pre-religious life, Brother Gary, 64, taught 10 years at Our Lady of Grace Elementary School (now Academy) in the Archdiocese of New York.

He said he was enjoying life in the New York City area, teaching at other schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn (N.Y.), but he wanted more.

He visited several religious orders

“I mean, it was just having all those religious around me, being part of Catholic education and going on to college,” Brother Gary said, when asked to name a person who influenced him to serve in the religious life. “I was ingrained in it, because I saw how dedicated they were.”

He said the order’s “strong fraternity” combined with a chance to teach students and meet their families are aspects of his vocation that he enjoys. He also enjoys sharing community living with Sacred Heart Brother Richard Leven, the longtime guidance counselor and crosscountry coach at Saint Joseph.

“He’s 82. Some kids say that their grandparents remember him,” Brother Gary said of his fellow religious.

Brother Gary, whose order’s uniform includes a distinguished crucifix with the Sacred Heart of Jesus worn around his neck, said there are some challenges to being in a religious order.

“It’s gotten a lot better over the years,” he explained, “but I think sometimes not being with my family and friends as much as I would like to be, because you do have your obligations.

Being a community member, you just can’t pick up and go.

“But there have been so many other blessings,” he added. “You might not see your family as much, but you become

part of so many other people’s families.”

He then recalled an Italian family in Brooklyn, whose children he taught, and being invited to Christmas Eve dinners.

“I got to enjoy the fish – all this food!” Brother Gary said. “I like pasta, so I was eating the pasta. Then, when I saw the other dishes, I was like, ‘I don’t know how much more I could eat.’

“The next time I knew to pace myself. We became part of their family.”

Keeping pace with the family of brothers, students and parents at Saint Joseph High has become paramount to Brother Gary.

— Anthony Salamone

Congratulations Brother Gary Humes, S.C. On your 25th Anniversary Thank you for your lifetime of service and dedication to educating young men.

You are truly an inspiration to us all, an exemplar of the charism of Father André Coindre and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.

John G. Nolan, Jr., President Anne Rivera, Principal All Partners in Mission Saint Joseph High School

Metuchen, NJ www.stjoes.org

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Ametur Cor Jesu!

24 OUR DIOCESE

Bishop reflects on religious Continued from page 18

women to be encouraged by a parish priest, friend, mother or parishioner.

Four in five participated in one or more religious programs or activities before entering their religious institute, including World Youth Day (18 percent).

Level of Education The survey futher highlights that the 2021 group of newly-professed religious is highly educated. 70 percent entered their religious institute with at least a bachelor’s degree.

Two in ten earned a graduate degree before joining religious life.

Origins Three-fourths of the new professed religious are born in the United States. Of those born abroad, the most common countries of origin are Vietnam and the Philippines.

Seven in 10 respondents report their primary race or ethnicity as Caucasian, 13 percent identifies as Asian/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian, one in 10 as Hispanic, 4 percent as African American, and 2 as mixed race.

On average, the respondents who were born outside the U.S. were

23-years-old when they first came to the country and lived in the U.S. for 15 years before perpetual profession.

Further details of the CARA survey can be found in the the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) website.

The World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life was established

by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1997, and is celebrated in conjunction with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day, which commemorates through the blessing and lighting of candles that Christ is the light of the world.

Reflecting on this year’s celebration, Bishop James F. Checchio, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, and shepherd of the Diocese of Metuchen, has pointed out that the example of consecrated men and women should spur all of the faithful on to greater holiness.

“With lives of poverty, chastity, and obedience, consecrated men and women remind us that, regardless of the vocation the Lord calls us to, we are all called to union with Christ and to do our part to build up the Kingdom of God,” he said.

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

We’re Accepting New Admissions for our Post-acute, Assisted Living, Nursing & Memory Care Homes Meeting all the state’s infection control requirements for senior living communities

Shrine announces 2022 initiatives EMMITSBURG, Md. (CNS) — In the A news release on the video series first episode of a series of short videos said it is just one initiative planned for launched by the National Shrine of St. 2022 after a full year of events and Elizabeth Ann Seton, Sister Mary Cath- other activities that commemorated the erine Conway, a Daughter of Charity, 200th anniversary of Mother Seton’s discusses her 40 years in Catholic educa- death, Jan. 4, 1821. tion as a teacher and principal.

Other initiatives this year include: The series, titled “Stories from the A “Seton & Culture” series of Sisters,” features short interviews with original stories and videos by leading sisters who, like Sister Conway, are Catholic writers, poets and artists. The members of the orders that trace their initial essay is by noted Catholic poet lineage to the first native-born Ameri- Paul Mariani and describes the sensacan saint. tions of a concerto and the feelings it (In the Diocese of Metuchen, St. elicits through the eyes of Trappist FaElizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three ther Thomas Merton and Mother Seton.

Bridges, is named after her.)

Groundbreaking will take place Sister Conway by the summer on a works at the shrine, fully renovated and “Mother Seton’s which debuted the seexpanded Seton Museries Feb. 2, the World sisters have so much um/Visitor Center, that Day of Consecrated “will highlight the life to offer to all of us Life. The annual oband legacy of Mother servance celebrates the Seton and the sisters in their everyday contributions that reliwho took her message witness to our Lord. to the world.” gious sisters around the world make to the officials Their stories provide said Shrine church and in society. the money for the The video series a glimpse of the sac- renovation and expanalso began on the same sion are coming from day Mother Seton rifices they make but the shrine’s “New founded the Sisters of also their service to Century of CharCharity of St. Joseph, ity” capital campaign, those experiencing which they said “is the first community to reaching its $7 for religious women poverty and the joy of close million goal.” established in the Lift Up My Soul: United States, in 1809. life they experience as 15 Days of Prayer Both the current day a religious.” with St. Elizabeth Ann Sisters of Charity and —Rob Judge Seton, a free, 15-day Daughters of Charity e-mail program that stem from that founduses the writings and ing. meditations of Mother “Mother Seton’s sisters have so much to offer to all of us Seton “to more fully integrate prayer in their everyday witness to our Lord,” into our daily life and to develop a said Rob Judge, the shrine’s execu- deeper, more personal relationship with tive director. “Their stories provide a the living God.” More about the prayer program glimpse of the sacrifices they make but also their service to those experiencing can be by going to the “Pray” tab at poverty and the joy of life they experi- www.setonshrine.org.

“Mother Seton’s life was full of ence as a religious.

“They offer us love, to good hu- crisis and discouragement, and yet mor and a witness to holiness that is she persevered and became a saint and one of the most revered figures in the needed now more than ever.”

The videos in the series will be history of American Catholicism,” the available on the shrine’s social media shrine news release said. “Where did channels and on its website, www.se- she find the strength to continue? By tonshrine.org. The first episode can be turning to prayer and a deeper devotion to God.” viewed at https://bit.ly/3HBFU91.

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BASKING RIDGE — The best sermon Deacon Thomas H. Klaas preached was expressed through his life, his son, Paul, said, despite it being cut short by illness.

“His job was to glorify God in the final year of his life,” Paul Klaas said at a funeral Mass for his father at St. James Church Jan. 22. “The last 12 months of his battle with cancer was an inspiring chapter for myself and my family.

“My father carried himself like a victor,” Klaas also said in a moving, 20-minute eulogy for his father, who died Jan. 15 of brain cancer. He was 66.

Clergy, fellow deacons and their wives, friends, family and parishioners celebrated in song and prayer to remember the man nicknamed “TK” and known for his liturgical and musical talents, his homilies, stories and more.

Paul Klaas, a former Navy SEAL who is a senior chief petty officer, paused and became emotional several times during his tribute to his father.

He recited Scripture verses to commemorate Deacon Klaas, who, he said, also enjoyed simple things in life: playing sports, singing, playing the guitar, getting to know people, traveling and more.

He was a “cowboy at heart,” said Paul Klaas, tracing his father’s roots from a small town where he grew up in Idaho; to Brooklyn, N.Y., where he worked, to the Basking Ridge area, where he settled with his wife, Susan, and their children. He said he always embraced challenges as if they were opportunities.

More importantly, Klaas said, his father, who was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski in 2010, always scheduled time for daily prayer. Faith was paramount in his father’s life. “He was one of the few people in my life who prayed for me, and he got all of you to pray for me as well,” he said.

His son also remembered Deacon Klaas during struggles, but while the deacon always feared the Lord, he also turned to him as well.

“I would catch him praying,” Paul Klaas said, and then pausing. “He really believed in God. He loved God.” Msgr. Sylvester J. Cronin, pastor, St. James Parish, who presided at the Mass and gave the homily, said Deacon Klaas served that faith community extraordinarily well.

“He was the servant who cooperated with the Lord to fill the endless yearning of the soul,” Msgr. Cronin said. “He had a positive impact within each branch on the vine, and thus he was the humble servant in the lord’s vineyard.”

Msgr. Cronin recalled a Saturday afternoon more than a year ago when Deacon Klaas and his wife told him and the clergy of the parish about his cancer.

“Tom said at one point, ‘The most distressing thing about this diagnosis is that I will have to leave my family, but I am looking forward to meeting Jesus face to face,’” Msgr. Cronin recalled.

“I then said, ‘I pray someday to have your faith Tom,’ and we all began to reach for the Kleenex.”

Msgr. Cronin and Paul Klaas said Deacon Klaas would go the extra mile for his family, his fellow parishioners, his neighbors — just about anyone who

crossed his path.

Jane Herron, the church sacristan, recalled Deacon Klaas performing a baptism several months before his death.

“He was in the ravages of the brain cancer,” she said, “and he just brought such joy to this family.

“That was Deacon Tom. He viewed his vocation as a mission, and it brought him joy. What he really did was show us how to suffer.”

Parishioner Jack Cooney recalled telling the deacon, “You know ‘TK,’ maybe for all this illness you have had to go through, you have instilled prayer in people’s lives.’

“He had a prayer chain of the entire parish,” added Cooney, who was best friends with Deacon Klaas for 25 years; the two served the parish in music ministry.

A crucifix and a book of the Gospels were placed on Deacon Klaas’ casket at the beginning of Mass, with a group of floral bouquets situated in the church vestibule. Before the recessional, Msgr.

Cronin incensed and blessed the casket holding Deacon Klaas’ remains.

Mourners and those who knew him saw in Deacon Klaas was an exemplary Catholic. “My father’s legacy is one primarily of faith in Jesus Christ,” Paul Klaas said.

That legacy continues to shine on in the congregation, he added, at one point expressing gratitude for the consoling messages of families and friends whom his father affected during his ministry.

“We love you dad,” Paul Klaas said. “We look forward to spending eternity with you in service and worship

to Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior.”

Deacon Klaas was born in Jerome, Idaho, to Mary Jane and Harold Klaas.

He earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Idaho.

Deacon Klass was a senior learning consultant with Aetna CVS Health, where he had a successful career for 24 years. He married Susan Klaas June 15, 2002, blending a family of six children.

At St. James, he was active in youth ministry.

He is is preceded in death by his parents. He is is survived by his wife, Susan; his son, Paul Klaas, and his wife Crystal; his son Philip Klaas; his daughter, Marissa Valentine (Klaas) and her husband, Jacob; his stepson Curtis Triece and his wife, Tina; his stepdaughter Kelly Ehrenberger (Triece) and her husband, Joseph; his stepdaughter Jackie Triece; his grandchildren Declan, Jude, Silas, Emma and Preston; his siblings, Orice Klaas; Kaline (Constance) Klaas, Timothy Klaas, Mary Vogel and her husband, Leon; Theodore Klaas and his wife, Beth; Martha Naccarato and her husband, Shawn, and Theresa Exon and her husband, Dan; and his many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements were handled by Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home Inc., Basking Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deacon Klaas’ memory to the National Brain Tumor Society.

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

— Ed Koskey Jr. photos

Above, Msgr. Sylvester J. Cronin, pastor, St. James Parish, incenses the casket holding the remains of Deacon Thomas Klaas (right), who died Jan. 15 at the age of 66.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Pallbearers carry the casket holding the remains of Deacon Thomas H. Klaas after a funeral Mass was celebrated at St. James Church. Deacon Klass exercised his ministry at St. James Parish since being ordained to the diaconate in June 2010.

OUR DIOCESE

By Anthony Salamone Correspondent

25

Deacon who served at St. James Parish mourned at funeral Mass

26 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Religious order renews efforts to spread Gospel after shutdown “They [Brothers and Sister Anna] are vital to the witness of the Gospel and that young people can actually After losing most of 2020 because of make a radical commitment to Christ COVID-19 or the coronavirus pan- in the vows of chastity, poverty, obedemic, the Brotherhood of Hope min- dience and religious life,” Brother istry is back evangelizing students at Patrick Reilly said.

Sister Anna said she and SisRutgers University, New Brunswick.

Members of the religious order ter Lorraine Doiron work with the minister with the Sisters of Jesus brothers, priests and laity along with Our Hope, an order established in the the Saint Paul’s Outreach missionary diocese by Bishop Edward T. Hughes (SPO) in serving students through in 1992, as campus ministers through the Catholic Student Association (CSA).

The Catholic Center at Rutgers.

Brother Patrick Stucker said The Boston-based Brotherhood the SPO is a national misof Hope was founded in sionary organization that 1980 by Father Philip establishes separate stuMerdinger in the Archdiocese of Newark. In “We aren’t about dent households for men New Brunswick, the pushing men and women where they live, pray and eat together sisters and brothers live into a vocation. while outreaching to other in separate off-campus students and young adults. residences.

We want the SPO has a men’s house on “Essentially, for 17 months we were more desire to grow campus and an off-campus women’s house. or less shut down beand if there is a Sister Anna said the cause there weren’t any CSA sponsors weekend students on campus… desire, we work retreats once a semester It was very difficult with them.” “to devote to God” while to meet new students. being supported by other This past fall semester — Brother Patrick college students who are that has been different.

Stucker seeking the Catholic faith.

We’ve met a lot of new CSA and SPO are part of people as people came the Catholic Center. back on the campus,” Brother Patrick Stucker said said Brother Patrick Stucker.

The Brotherhood of Hope has 45 there is a CSA Night on Wednesdays men of which 27 are vowed and 18 where students talk and pray together are associates, young men who are in and do something fun like go bowltheir initial year-long discernment, ing.

Sister Anna noted, “I think a but have not made their vows, Brother Patrick said. There are five temporary college campus is one of the hardest yearlong vows in the Brotherhood of places to live out your Catholic faith.

Hope order before the perpetual vow, CSA is really like a spiritual family to support one another and to encourage which is a lifelong commitment.

“We aren’t about pushing men one another in faith.”

CSA holds weekly meetings for into a vocation. We want the desire to grow and if there is a desire we work men and women together to discuss the content provided as well as men’s with them,” said Brother Patrick.

The Brotherhood of Hope fellow- and women’s groups that meet sepaship group, consisting of the vowed rately and smaller groups run through brothers and associates, meets twice the SPO that might walk students a year, including a summer weeklong through a booklet on faith or a Bible conference where brothers make their study discussion.

“It’s not about converting on vows. Five of the vowed brothers are on the Rutgers campus and live in the the spot, but it’s about offering them household along with a sixth associ- kindness…it’s just to be a presence on campus and to let people know, ate member.

Although not directly related, ‘Yes, there are Catholics on campus the Brotherhood of Hope and Sis- and we want to support you if that ters of Jesus Hope “came out of the interests you,’” Sister Anna said.

Through their evangelization efsame kind of movement, so we’re like cousins,” said Brother Patrick forts, Sister Anna said the sisters and Reilly, director, The Catholic Cen- brothers encourage students to “reach ter at Rutgers. He added that while out to their fellow peers and classstudents might be able to dismiss mates to bring the Gospel message to the Church and the Gospel, “they them.”

For more information about atjust can’t easily dismiss these three young religious” ministers, Jesus tending the meetings and retreats and Our Hope Sister Anna Palka and The Catholic Center at Rutgers, call Brother Patrick Stucker and Brother (732) 545-6663 or visit the website https://rutgerscatholic.org/ Brennan Robinson.

By Paul J. Peyton Correspondent

Above right, and right, Father Jason Pavich, administrator, St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Church, New Brunswick, celebrates Mass for members of a men’s fellowship group at Cowtown Rodeo, Pilesgrove, which is about 10 miles east of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. About 45 men formed the group associated with the Brotherhood of Hope, who minister at The Catholic Center at Rutgers, New Brunswick. The men’s group meets monthly for spiritual growth.

Above, Brother Brennan Robinson (right), a member of the Brotherhood of Hope, prays with members of the men’s group at the outing at Cowtown Rodeo. Left, Brother Patrick Reilly, director, The Catholic Center at Rutgers, New Brunswick, reads Scripture.

— Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photos

OUR DIOCESE

WATCHUNG — Mount Saint Mary Academy has earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A (CSA) and AP Computer Science Principles (CSP). Schools honored with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award have expanded girls’ access to AP computer science courses.

While many schools have female representation in either AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science A, in 2021, Mount Saint Mary Academy was one of only 61 schools in the country — and one of only five schools in New Jersey — to be recognized for its success in both AP computer science courses.

Mercy Sister Lisa Gambacorto, directress, said the award is a “testament to the outstanding work that our faculty and administration are doing to provide cutting-edge educational opportunities to young women.”

“We are honored to receive this commendation, and we look forward to offering more exciting learning experiences in the computer science field to our students in the future,” she said.

“We are thrilled that our school earned this distinction, and we look forward to seeing these young women achieve success in computer science education and future careers. We congratulate our faculty for inspiring our students and providing them with engaging experiences in computer science,” said Jacqueline Muratore, assistant directress.

“By encouraging young women to study advanced computer science coursework, Mount Saint Mary Academy is closing the gap in computer sci-

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Academy’s ‘cutting-edge’ academic program recognized for success

Students at Mount Saint Mary Academy work on projects in their computer science courses. While many schools have female representation in either AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science A courses, the Mount is one of only 61 schools in the country — and one of only five schools in New Jersey — to be recognized by the College Board for its success — Michelle H. Daino photo in both AP computer science courses. ence education and empowering young women to access the opportunities available in STEM career fields,” said Stefanie Sanford, College Board chief of Global Policy and External Relations.

“Computer science is the foundation of many 21st-century career options, and young women deserve equal opportunities to pursue computer science education and drive technological innovation.”

Stephen Muratore, AP Computer Science A teacher and chair of the Computer Science Department, said, “It is

wonderful that Mount Saint Mary Academy offers these computer science opportunities and is committed to expanding its curriculum to include more STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs for our students. I am continually impressed by the number of students enrolled in our AP computer science courses and how these courses motivate our students to continue their studies in technological fields.”

Phillip Dequina, AP Computer Science Principles teacher, stated, “Com-

puter Science is such a fulfilling field, since you can work on a variety of different projects with many visions and goals.

The only limit is imagination. Diversity and representation are very important, especially with technology that affects everyone.”

Both AP CSP and AP CSA are featured in Mount Saint Mary Academy’s current Course Catalog, along with a new Honors computer science course which focuses on computer programming in Python and Java.

Coat Collection From left, Caitlin Cotter of Cranford, and Emily Benewiat of Dunellen, seniors at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, were among the students who helped collect coats and winter wear during January and February to be donated to Franciscan Catholic Charities in Newark.

— photo courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy

Junior Payton Kochanski and senior Jerrine George, members of the leadership team of the HOPE (Helping Other People Everywhere) Club at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, hold some of the red heart garlands featuring messages of love and gratitude they and other club members created for Valentine’s Day for the Sisters of Mercy on campus. The messages are displayed in Gabriel Hall, where many of the retired sisters live.

— photo courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Heartfelt Thanks

28 OUR DIOCESE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We are celebrating our 40th Anniversary as a diocese this year. What a great accomplishment to have had forty years of serving Christ and making His kingdom present here in our four beautiful counties in Central New Jersey.

Forty has long been an important number in Scripture; it is mentioned over a thousand times throughout the Bible.

We know some of them quite well. Moses’ 40 years in the desert and 40 days on Mount Sinai communing with God and receiving the Ten Commandments, Jonah’s 40 days preaching Nineveh to repent, and of course, Jesus’ 40 days and nights fasting in the desert. All of these 40’s representing periods of testing and temptation.

I think that we, too, have passed difficult tests in our 40 years as a diocese. I am so grateful to you for your significant contributions to making our diocesan Church robust and moving forward.

We certainly have had our challenges.

The past two years, the coronavirus has impacted all of us and affected our daily living in so many ways. Many of our loved ones have died or suffered financially from the pandemic. Hurricane Ida tested us again with flood damage, loss of homes and leaving others without clean water and food. Certainly, our Church has faced challenges too with the past failures by some of the Church’s leaders, including those failings of our

own founding bishop. Yes, we have been through more than our share of testing; but we are not alone. Christ promised to be with us always—until the end—and so He has been, and promised to continue to be faithful to us.

As I pray and think about our current moment, I am moved to gratitude because of all you have done to help our local Church. I have been your bishop now for a little over five years. When I came here, I certainly had no idea of what tests and challenges we would face. However, I found a community of

such love, of such faith, of such determination, anxious to build a better future, to give our children and grandchildren a brighter day in the Church and in our world. Together, we are Continuing to Fan the Flame of Faith into Service.

This year also celebrates the 40th anniversary of your generosity through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. You know well that the appeal supports so many things that helped us transcend what we faced. You can read more about some of the ministries in this brochure and can find more on our website www.di-

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Catholic Charities

The shelters operated by Catholic Charities—Ozanam Inn in New Brunswick and Ozanam Family in Edison—remained fully staffed during the Covid-19 pandemic and provided lodging, meals, crisis counseling and case management services to the residents who would otherwise be homeless. Last year, our shelters provided 34,000 bed nights serving 475 individuals. This is just one example of the more than 100 programs in 20 sites throughout Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties reaching out with Works of Mercy to those struggling with the hardships of life. Your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal makes it possible for Catholic Charities to provide quality services to the poor, vulnerable and all people in need, especially those suffering from the pandemic and in the after-

ometuchen.org. All these things and so much more.

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.

I am grateful that you have responded even more generously in the past few years. I ask you to do it again in this 40th anniversary year so that we can continue to serve those in need. If you can, reach a little deeper if you are able, especially since some people are not able to give due to the effects of the different crises we have faced recently.

I am confident that whatever the future may hold, together, with Christ, we can for sure face it with serenity and joy.

Know of my love and prayers for you, especially on my morning walks praying the Rosary and in my Eucharistic chapel in the Bishop’s residence.

Please pray for me. I depend on your good prayers.

With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ,

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

math of Hurricane Ida. Thanks to your generosity and sacrifice, Catholic Charities is responding in even greater and more imaginative ways so that no one is left homeless, hungry or without emotional support in these extremely difficult times.

Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life

A vocation to the priesthood is a special call from God that is both challenging and rewarding. Discernment of a priestly vocation requires specialized guidance to navigate the spiritual formation and academic demands of the seminary. Our diocese has been blessed in recent years with an increased number of vocations and, thanks be to God, we presently have 21 seminarians studying for the priesthood. A large portion of Continued on next page

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Continued from previous page

OUR DIOCESE

our seminarians’ education is being funded by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, for which they are extremely grateful.

Your gift also supports a wide array of diocesan programs that foster vocations and provide ongoing formation for those called to both ordained and lay leadership roles within the Church.

Your generosity also ensures that our retired priests who have served so faithfully receive the care they deserve in their later years.

Catholic Center at Rutgers

Deepening faith and building relationships in community is the heart of the Catholic Center at Rutgers University mission. The impact and success of the Catholic Center is relational outreach to students, a distinct approach for college campus ministry. The staff includes religious from the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope and the Brotherhood of Hope, as well as, the Associate Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Metuchen and several interns. They

are out on campus meeting and interacting with students where they live their lives and also reach them using the tools of technology. Thanks to your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, the Catholic Center offers a safe

haven where students are able to 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.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

OUR FAITH

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Ultimate happiness/Morality of gambling Q Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

Question Corner

January 12, 2022 Not enough consideration is given to the fact that work is an essential component of human life, and even a path of holiness. Work is not only a means of earning a living: it is also a place where we express ourselves, feel useful, and learn the great lesson of concreteness, which helps keep spiritual life from becoming spiritualism. Unfortunately, however, labour is often a hostage to social injustice and, rather than being a means of humanization, it becomes an existential periphery. I often ask myself: With what spirit do we do our daily work? How do we deal with fatigue? Do we see our activity as linked only to our own destiny or also to the destiny of others? In fact, work is a way of expressing our personality, which is relational by its nature. And, work is also a way to express our creativity: each one of us works in their own way, with their own style: the same work but with different styles.

It is good to think about the fact that Jesus himself worked and had learned this craft from Saint Joseph. Today, we should ask ourselves what we can do to recover the value of work; and what contribution we can make, as Church, [to ensure] that work can be redeemed from the logic of mere profit and can be experienced as a fundamental right and duty of the person, which expresses and increases his or her dignity.

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Prayer for Emotional Healing Holy Mary, loving mother and heavenly guide, be present To me now and let me know your compassion and kindness.

Pray for me to your Divine Son, that I may experience calmness, Tranquility and peace in all my emotions.

Help me to grow in faith and love. Protect me from all that Displeases God, and obtain for me serenity of mind, body And spirit.

I place my trust and confidence in you, dear Blessed Mother, And I pray that God’s blessings and mercy, grace and gentle Goodness will bring happiness to my life, now and always.

Amen.

Throughout the year…we hear from many sources (homilies, meditation guides, etc.) that Christ came “to free us from sin

By Father Kenneth Doyle and death.” Generally, that notion is just presented without any explanation of its meaning. This is confusing -- since in reality we do sin, and we do die. Could you help me understand? (Metuchen, N.J.) Perhaps the best answer to your question is found in the “New American Bible,” in a footnote to the early verses of Chapter 8 of Paul’s Letter to the Romans. There we read: “Through the redemptive work of Christ, Christians have been liberated from the terrible forces of sin and death. ... At the cross God broke the power of sin and pronounced sentence on it. ... The same Spirit who enlivens Christians for

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holiness will also resurrect their bodies at the last day.”

So, you are right: We do sin, and we do die; but Jesus, by his own suffering and death, offers us the path to ultimate happiness. If we are sorry for our sins and seek forgiveness from the Lord, we are assured of joy and life that are eternal.

Years ago -- when I was a member of a Protestant denominational church -- it seemed as though the preacher and the congregation were almost always doing fundraising for various building projects.

During one of these drives, a member of our congregation won the state lottery for $20 million and donated a million of it to the church. Though having preached for years against vices such as gambling, the preacher and congregation accepted it. What would be the Catholic view of such winnings donated by a Catholic to a local parish? Accept it or not? (Indiana)

Q

Various religions have various positions on the morality of gambling. In the Catholic Church’s view, gambling is not intrinsically evil. As stated in the “Catechism of the

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Catholic Church,” “Games of chance [card games, etc.] or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice. They become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others” (No. 2413). Notice, the caution, though, in that statement; a person’s gambling must not prevent him from meeting other obligations, including supporting himself and his family and paying his debts.

To your question -- as to what a Catholic parish might do if offered a donation from gambling winnings -- I can tell you, as a recently retired pastor of a large suburban parish, I would gladly and gleefully accept. In fact, there is a precedent: In 2016, someone who had won $100,000 in the Massachusetts state lottery donated those winnings anonymously to St. Anthony’s Shrine, run by the Franciscans in downtown Boston. That shrine provides a variety of social services, and the pastor announced that the money would be used for purchasing Christmas gifts for needy children, food donations for families and a large Christmas dinner for several hundred veterans.

Questions may be sent to Father Doyle at askfatherdoyle@gmail.com and 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, NY 12203

Love transforms the world in Christ As I watched my three-year-old grandson sitting at the kitchen table, creating a Get Well/Valentine card for his greatuncle, it brought back memories of my own sons doing the same thing for their grandfather many years ago.

It was Valentine’s Day, so on my way home from the hospital, I stopped to buy the small red heart boxes of Valentine’s Day candy my dad would have given them. As they sat around the table, I gave them each a box. They didn’t smile. My youngest pushed his away and said, “Can we bring Poppy home tonight?”

I had to tell him no and answer his difficult question of why. Their poppy died the next day.

My dad had suffered an unexpected heart attack and I was told he would not recover. He could not breathe on his own and there was little brain activity. As an only child, with my husband and sons in another state at that time, I was alone in making decisions. After a few days, doctors suggested I remove him from life support. I refused. At his

age, I felt he had earned some time to strengthened my faith at a time of great loss, then and a year later when my recover.

Out of respect for my mom, who mom died.

Encounters with Jesus such as this was a Hospice patient on the next floor, I called the Syrian Orthodox Catholic are agape encounters, transformational encounters with God’s Church to ask for the Jesus reminds us love, the love St. Paul sacrament of anointing talks about in his Letthe sick. Though the new to become like ter to the Corinthians, a pastor did not yet know love that is greater than my mom or my dad, he little children. faith and hope, a love that was at the hospital within Perhaps because never fails. the hour. He anointed my That is why our enfather with blessed oil they give so freely counters with Christ are and prayed over him with of themselves so very important to the an unexpected tenderof the world, ness. and their simple, well-being and why we are called to Then he sat with me, be these encounters for prayed with me, stayed humble, handothers. Our daily deciwith me. Through tears, I shared my inability made expressions sions to love, unconditionally and with a willto make the decision to of love. ingness for self-sacrifice, remove my dad from are the one thing that can life support. He took my hands and assured me I had done the transform what is into what should be.

“One day everything will be made most important thing that could be done … I made sure he received the of agape.”

I wish I had written those words, sacrament. The decision about life support could be made when I was ready but I didn’t. Still, the thought is something to hold on to during this very knowing he was in God’s hands.

Within that experience was a challenging moment in time when it is powerful encounter of Jesus. The love so easy to become discouraged, to lose and compassion of this priest made it hope and faith.

Jesus reminds us to become like possible for me to make that very difficult decision, and to sit alone with little children. Perhaps because they my dad when he died. It gave me the give so freely of themselves and their courage and strength to take care of all simple, humble, handmade expressions that needed to be done from that point of love.

Little bundles of agape. on, including caring for my mom. It

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Guide for Lenten journey If one is looking for the secret to material success in this world, to being rich, prosperous, and powerful, our Biblical readings this Sunday provide little help. On the other hand, if one desires to be Christ-like, to reflect the love God has so abundantly bestowed upon us, then these readings very clearly point the way.

vocations please pray for

Gabriel Possenti 1838-1862 February 27

CNS

The 11th of 13 children of a distinguished Italian lawyer who served the Papal States, Francesco Possenti was a bright, joyful youth, despite losing his mother when he was 4. Educated at the Jesuit college in Spoleto, he was seriously ill twice and vowed to become a religious if he recovered. He entered the Passionist novitiate in 1856, taking the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. He served dutifully, with great piety and cheerfulness, dying from tuberculosis at the age of 24.

Saints

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for February 20, 2022 Luke 6:27-38

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C: "Turn the other cheek." The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

ENEMIES PRAY FOR OFFER LOVE YOU LEND MERCIFUL FORGIVE

BLESS THOSE STRIKES TAKES CREDIT KING FATHER GOOD MEASURE

CURSE CHEEK GIVE SINNERS SELFISH JUDGED SHAKEN

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© 2022 TRI-C-A Publications; tri-c-a-publications.com

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

daining that Jesus himself should be David’s descendent.

Our Gospel reading this Sunday sounds much the same theme. Continuing with his instructions to those who would be his disciples, Jesus commands them to “love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Lk 6:27-8). He tells them not to resist those SCRIPTURE STUDY who would do them evil, to give to everyone who asks, and to lend money without expectBy Msgr. John N. Fell ing repayment, summarizing it all with the exhortation to “be merciful, just as your Father is Our first reading is taken from the First merciful” (Lk 6:36). He asks the pointed quesBook of Samuel. It records a period of the tion, “if you love those who love you, what history of Ancient Israel during the Early Iron credit is that to you? Even sinners love those Age when the Lord ruled his Chosen People who love them” (Lk 6:32). through the Prophet Samuel. Under Samuel’s Jesus’ words here are certainly not welleadership, the People of Israel cried out come to those who are trying to get ahead in that they wanted to be like the world. To those who are other nations — that is, they seeking power, prestige, or fiwanted an earthly king to rule What Jesus is doing is nancial success, Jesus’ words over them. The Lord granted asking His followers to must sound absolutely crazy their request, and so Saul was — how could one ever live be like Himself, to be in the world if held to Jesus’ anointed as the first King of Israel around the year 1040 like God. God is merci- standards? But that’s the point BC. Our reading this Sunday — Jesus is not giving us critepresents a time when Saul ful and forgiving and ria for material success, he is not telling us how to craftily became very jealous of young David (David would eventu- patient; Jesus is asking maneuver through life’s chalally succeed Saul as King lenges. What Jesus is doing is us to be the same. around the year 1000 BC). asking his followers to be like Because of David’s military Jesus calls his followers himself, to be like God. God is prowess and good reputation, to be like David in the merciful and forgiving and pahe was publicly acclaimed, tient; Jesus is asking us to be so much so that Saul turned first reading, confident the same. Jesus calls his folagainst him. Eventually Saul to be like David in the that as we are loving lowers actively plotted and attemptfirst reading, confident that if ed to kill David (see 1 Samuel and merciful, God will we are loving and merciful, 18:1 - 19:10).

God will bless our efforts and bless our efforts and fulfill all our needs.

One evening, while Saul was hunting for David with Rarely does a Gospel fulfill all our needs. an army of 3,000 men, David reading so deeply challenge managed to sneak into Saul’s our faith. In our lives and in camp as he slept. David stood our children’s lives, do we over Saul, Saul’s spear close hope more for the blessings at hand, with the perfect opportunity to kill his of Jesus or of material success, do we look to opponent and snatch the kingship. The temp- be victorious over our enemies or merciful, do tation that must have arisen in David is given we reach out more to embrace the needy or to voice by his servant Abishai, “God has deliv- grasp what is ours? The task Jesus lays before ered your enemy into your grasp this day. Let his followers in these readings is not easy, in me nail him to the ground with one thrust of the fact, it is Godlike. But we are assured that the spear; I will not need a second thrust!” (1 Sm effort is worth the cost, for by harkening to Je26:8) But David would not murder his anointed sus’ teaching here we have the opportunity to king. Instead, he took Saul’s spear and returned become not merely people of means but rather to his own camp. Later, David revealed to Saul “children of the Most High” (Lk 6:35). Perhaps and his guards all that had happened. David’s this is a worthy matter for reflection and action goodness provided the opportunity for recon- that can guide our upcoming Lenten journey ciliation between the two men. God blessed which begins in less than two weeks.

David for his mercy to Saul, raising him up Msgr. Fell is a Scripture scholar and director, after Saul as the great King of Israel and or- diocesan Office for Priest Personnel

OUR FAITH

7th Sunday of Ordinary Time (C)

32 STEPPING UP IN CHARITY

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen awarded $200,000 grant to aid Hurricane

By Tiffany Workman

Our Lady of Tenderness

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

95 West Main St. Suite 5-106 Chester, NJ 07930 www.ourladyoftenderness.com

PERTH AMBOY – Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, one of the largest nonprofit social service providers in New Jersey, was recently awarded a $200,741 grant to help aid unmet and long-term needs resulting from Hurricane Ida, which quickly blew through the state last September.

“Several of the counties we serve were devastated by the storm and the lasting damage it caused,” said Julio Coto, executive director of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen. “In the days that followed, as we began to assess the needs, it became clear very quickly that recovery would take months. While our staff members were there to assist in the immediate days that followed, the need was so overwhelming that we knew long-term assistance would be needed. This grant will go a long way in helping us to facilitate the recovery process.”

Awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the grant will fund a 12-month project that will “address the unmet needs of households impacted by Hurricane Ida, paying particular attention to households who may not be eligible for other government funding in the community,” according to the grant proposal submitted by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen. The project will address the needs of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Middlesex County residents affected by Hurricane Ida. “In our initial outreach through our

Your prayer requests are welcomed and encouraged. They shall be placed before the Blessed Sacrament and lifted daily in prayer.

The ministry of this Hermitage is God’s gift, a life of prayer, freely given to our diocese for you. Please accept this free gift. It is a privilege to be united with you in prayer.

Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10 Prayer Request: _______________________________

_________________________

Maria Hunter, director, Office of Parish Social Ministry at Catholic Charities, is ready to assist people impacted by Hurricane Ida. — Catholic Spirit file photo

Devastation like that pictured above, was widespread after Hurricane Ida hit New Jersey, Sept. 1. To help the victims of the hurricane with unmet needs, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recently awarded Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen a $200,000 grant.

— Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo Office of Parish Social Ministry, 199 households were assessed and those with urgent, unmet needs were provided with direct financial assistance. During that same initial outreach, we learned that 64 households were displaced, with 20 households reporting they lost everything and an additional 10 households reporting they lost vehicles due to flooding,” said Coto. “Other needs identified included furniture replacement, replacement of personal belongings, and replacement of appliances including hot water heaters, HVAC systems, and washing machines and dryers. Even still, months later, many are struggling to cope with and recoup their losses.”

Understandably, in their initial outreach, Catholic Charities’ staff “observed trends of exhaustion, frustration, anger, sadness, depression, and impatience among those who were first impacted by the pandemic and subsequently impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida,” according to the grant proposal.

“For many of the people we have spoken with, the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida intensified the hardships they were already facing as the result of the pandemic,” said Coto. “Households that were already struggling with decreased income due to layoff, illness, or quarantine; those struggling to balance childcare needs and work responsibilities; and those in undocumented households who were unable to receive financial assistance, have now been faced with additional challenges, compounding an already stressful situation.”

With the funds received through

the grant, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen can assist individuals with rental assistance, replacement of personal belongings, replacement of appliances and home repairs needed as the result of Hurricane Ida. In addition, Catholic Charities’ staff will be able to assist with short-term case management to ensure individuals receive additional community assistance, resources and support, as needed.

The disaster relief efforts are nothing new to the nonprofit agency, which in the past has helped residents of Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties after disasters like Hurricane Sandy, residential fires, flooding and through everyday personal crises like poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse. With more than 20 sites and over 100 programs, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen has an extensive referral network and has a history of experience in providing services to all populations, even those difficult to reach.

“Some of the clients we expect to see come through this program may have never sought out social service supports on their own in the past, but we want to encourage anyone who has been affected to contact us. We are here for whatever need may arise,” said Coto.

Anyone affected by Hurricane Ida and in need of assistance is encouraged to contact idasupport@ccdom.org to determine eligibility.

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

Journey of Faith

By Father John Gerard Hillier

WEEK IN SCRIPTURE

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

The word “chastity” suggests the notion of someone being “as pure as the driven snow.” What exactly does this mean? The Catechism makes it crystal clear: “Chastity means the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of a person in his or her bodily and spiritual being…The virtue of chastity therefore involves the integrity of the person and the integrality of the gift” (ccc 2337).

Chaste people (married and unmarried) are integrated people who “govern their passions and find peace” (ccc 2339). They “tolerate neither a double life nor duplicity in speech” (ccc 2338). Chastity includes what the Catechism calls an “apprenticeship in self-mastery” (ccc 2339), which “one can never consider acquired once and for all” (ccc 2342), because it is “a training in human freedom” (ccc 2339), the work of a lifetime.

“Chastity is a moral virtue…a gift from God, a grace, a fruit of spiritual effort. The Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, enables one whom the water of Baptism has regenerated to imitate the purity of Christ” (ccc 2345). The effort requires changes from one period of life to another. It can, for example, “be more intense in certain periods, such as when the personality is being formed during childhood and adolescence” (ccc 2342).

Like all things that are good, our loving Father provides the means to assist us in acquiring all the virtues, including that of chastity. Those who remain faithful to their “baptismal promises and resist temptations will want to adopt the means for doing so: self-knowledge, practice of a self-discipline…obedience to God’s Commandments, exercise of the moral virtues, and fidelity to prayer” (ccc 2340).

On the negative side, there are also offenses against chastity that are outlined in this section of the Catechism, the first of which is “lust,” described here as a “disordered desire for or inordinate enjoyment of sexual pleasure” (ccc 2351). Why strong language like “disordered?” The passage explains: “Sexual pleasure is morally disordered when sought for itself, isolated from its procreative and unitive purposes” (ccc 2351). In

1976, when President Jimmy Carter cific. Contrary to popular belief, the ally and resolutely approach Christian famously admitted to having “looked Church does not teach that a person perfection” (ccc 2359). That earlier upon a lot of women with lust”, he was with a homosexual disposition is sick paragraph concludes: “The alternative likely reflecting on the words spoken or depraved or evil. In fact, the Cat- is clear: either we govern our passions

by Christ: “I tell you that anyone who echism explicitly refers to people with and find peace, or we let ourselves be looks on a woman homosexual tenden- dominated by them and become unThose who remain with lust in his heart cies when it states: happy” (ccc 2339). has already commit“Every sign of unjust In short, all God’s people, whethfaithful to their ted adultery” (Mt discrimination in er married or unmarried, are called 5:28). “baptismal promises their regard should to live chaste lives. “The Christian The Church be avoided” (ccc has ‘put on Christ,’ the model for all teaches that “the de- and resist temptations 2358). Additionally, chastity” (ccc 2348). As such, all are liberate use of the will want to adopt the we are taught to show to pursue whatever “form” of chastity sexual faculty, for our support for those that makes sense for them. “There are means for doing so: with such tendencies three forms of the virtue of chastity”, whatever reason, outside of marriage is because, like every- the Catechism tells us. “The first self-knowledge, essentially contrary one, they “are called is that of spouses, the second that to its purpose” (ccc practice of a self-disci- to fulfill God’s will of widows, and the third that of vir2352). Therefore, the their lives and, if gins” (ccc 2349). By way of example, pline…obedience to in whole pornography they are Christians, to those preparing for marriage “should industry has no sup- God’s Commandments, unite to the sacrifice reserve for marriage the expressions port from those who of the Lord’s Cross of affection that belong to married exercise of the moral the difficulties they love” (ccc 2350). Others are called seek to follow Christ, because it “does virtues, and fidelity to may encounter” (ccc by circumstance or vocation in life to grave injury to the 2358). practice chastity, which is a “gift from prayer” (ccc 2340). dignity of its particiThe Catechism God, a grace, a fruit of spiritual effort” pants [actors, vendors, concludes this section (ccc 2345), which must not be taken the public], since each one becomes by stating: “Homosexual persons are for granted or otherwise dismissed out an object of base pleasure and illicit called to chastity” (ccc 2359). The of hand. profit for others” (ccc 2354). As well, word “self-mastery” is again invoked Father Hillier is Director of the fornication, the “carnal union between here as in 20 paragraphs previously: diocesan Office of the Pontifical Misan unmarried man and an unmarried “By the virtues of self-mastery that sion Societies, Censor Librorum and woman [is] gravely contrary to the teach them inner freedom … [homo- oversees the Office for Persons with dignity of persons and of human sexu- sexual persons] can and should gradu- Disabilities ality which is naturally ordered to the good of spouses and the generation SAT. JAN. 22 - MON. JAN. 31 and education of children” (ccc 2353).

Prostitution, too, “is a social scourge. It Jas 3:1-10 / Ps 12:2-3, 4-5, 7-8 / Mk 9:2-13 usually involves women, but also men, Sat 19 1 Sm 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 / Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10, 12-13 / 1 Cor 15:45Sun 20 children, and adolescents” (ccc 2355).

49 / Lk 6:27-38 Finally, rape is a crime; a forcible act and the worst of sins, that “deeply Mon 21 Jas 3:13-18 / Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15 / Mk 9:14-29 1 Pt 5:1-4 / Ps 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6 / Mt 16:13-19 wounds the respect, freedom, and Tue 22 physical and moral integrity to which Wed 23 Jas 23 4:13-17 / Ps 49:2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11 Mk 9:38-40 Jas 5:1-6 / Ps 49:14-15ab, 15cd-16, 17-18, 19-20 / Mk 9:41-50 every person has a right. It…can mark Thu 24 Jas 5:9-12 / Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8-9, 11-12 / Mk 10:1-12 Fri 25 the victim for life” (ccc 2356).

Jas 5:13-20 / Ps 141:1-2, 3 and 8 / Mk 10:13-16 The next topic mentioned is Sat 26 “Chastity and Homosexuality,” which, Sun 27 Sir 27:4-7 / Ps 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16 / 1 Cor 15:54-58 / Lk 6:39-45 the Catechism explains, refers to Mon 28 1 Pt 1:3-9 / Ps 111:1-2, 5-6, 9 and 10c / Mk 10:17-27 1 Pt 1:10-16 / Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 / Mk those “who experience an exclusive Tue 1 Jl 2:12-18 / Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17 / 2 Cor 5:20-6:2 / Mt 6:1-6, or predominant sexual attraction to- Wed 2 16-18 ward persons of the same sex” (ccc Dt 30:15-20 / Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 / Lk 9:22-25 2357). Many of us know people who Thu 3 identify as having same-sex attraction, Fri 4 Is 58:1-9a / Ps 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19 / Mt 9:14-15 whether in our own families, or among Sat 5 Is 58:9b-14 / Ps 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 / Lk 5:27-32 our friends or associates at work. The Sun 6 Dt 26:4-10 / Ps 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 / Rom 10:8-13 / Lk 4:1-13 Catechism speaks forcefully that those Mon 7 Lv 19:1-2, 11-18 / Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15 / Mt 25:31-46 with same-sex attraction “must be ac- Tue 8 Is 55:10-11 / Ps 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 / Mt 6:7-15 cepted with respect, compassion, and Wed 9 Jon 3:1-10 / Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 / Lk 11:29-32 sensitivity” (ccc 2358).

Thu 10 Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25 / Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8 / Mt 7:7-12 Consistent with Church teaching Fri 11 Ez 18:21-28 / Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8 / Mt 5:20-26 from the Word of God (Sacred Scrip- Sat 12 Dt 26:16-19 / Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8 / Mt 5:43-48 ture and Sacred Tradition), however, Sun 13 Gn 15:5-12, 17-18 / Ps 27:1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14 / Phil 3:17—4:1 or 3:20—4:1 the Catechism teaches that homo/ Lk 9:28b-36 sexual acts or behavior are “contrary Mon 14 Dn 9:4b-10 / Ps 79:8, 9, 11 and 13 Lk 6:36-38 to the natural law. [Such behavior] … Tue 15 Is 1:10, 16-20 / Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23 / Mt 23:1-12 closes the sexual act to the gift of life. Wed 16 Jer 18:18-20 / Ps 31:5-6 14, 15-16 / Mt 20:17-28 They do not proceed from a genuine Thu 17 Jer 17:5-10 / Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 / Lk 16:19-31 affective and sexual complementarity. Fri 18 Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a / Ps 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21 / Mt 21:33-43, Under no circumstances can they be 45-46 approved” (ccc 2357).

2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 / Ps 89:2-3, 4-5 , 27 and 29 / Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22 Sat 19 The wording here is very spe/ Mt 1:16, 18-21 24a or Lk 2:41-51a

FAITH ALIVE

Article 159 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 2337-2359

33

Married or unmarried, all are called to live virtuously

34 OUR DIOCESE

Bishop Checchio installs new pastor at Mass at Nativity of Our Lord Parish Continued from page 16

because in Scripture it is used as a symbol of happiness, joy, friendship, celebration and blessing. Despite the planning of the couple, the wine ran out and after Mary, Jesus’ mother, told the servers, “Do whatever he tells you,” he turned the six stone jars of water into a fine wine. “`The message — we can’t face our challenges alone. You need Jesus. The wine provided by Jesus was much better than the wine we can provide for ourselves,” Bishop Checchio said.

The couple were also assisted by the faith-filled guests, just as people should do at Nativity of Our Lord, he added. “It is important that we careful to prepare our list of people in our lives, who, encourage us in times of need and challenges.”

“As we install Father Silva today, for as much as you need a new priest as your pastor, so he needs you to help him faithfully and properly shepherd this parish,” the bishop said. “You will entrust yourselves with one another to build the kingdom of God. Now, Monroe needs the parish to shine.”

During the Order of Installation,

the bishop introduced Father Silva as the pastor-elect. Father Silva was welcomed by the faithful, then presented to the clergy and parish staff, then the Finance Committee, then the Trustees.

In the Profession of Faith and Oath, the bishop charged Father Silva, “Remember, my brother, always be a loving father, a gentle shepherd and a wise teacher of your people, so that you may lead them to Christ who will strengthen all that you do.

As a teacher of the faith, I ask you now to lead your people in the profession of faith.”

After leading the congregation in the Nicene Creed, Father Silva faced the bishop and recited the oath of fidelity: “With firm faith, I also believe everything contained in God’s Word, written or handed down in tradition, and proposed by the Church, whether in solemn judgment or in ordinary and universal magisterium as divinely revealed and calling for faith.

“I also firmly accept and hold each and every thing that is proposed by the Church definitively regarding teaching on faith and morals.

“Moreover, I adhere with religious

Bishop James F. Checchio, center, at the altar, recites the Eucharsistic prayer at the Mass of Installation of Father Ethiege Nalaka Silva as pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Monroe Township, at Nativity of Our Lord Church Jan. 15.

— Frank Wojciechowski photo

submission of will and intellect to the teaching, which either the Roman Pontiff or the college of bishops enunciate when they exercise the authentic magisterium, even if they proclaim those teachings in an act that is not definitive.”

Nativity of Our Lord Parish was established July 7, 1992, by Bishop Edward T. Hughes to meet the needs of a growing Catholic population in that area of Monroe Township. Father Stephen Congdon was the founding pastor.

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8 Saul’s general 10 Daughter of Pat Boone and convert to

4 “…he will ___ his people from their sins” (Mt 1:21)

(Job 38:4)

27 28

2 Book containing calendar of Masses 3 Describes certain letters from the bishops

11 Baptismal basin 12 “Where were you when I founded the ___?”

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1 ___ Christi 5 Catholic actor of “Cocoon” fame

Catholicism 13

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ACROSS

35 www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

Answers can be found on page 38

5 Indicates the largest diocese in a province

OUR DIOCESE

1

35

Crossword Puzzle

6 Administrative arm of the Catholic Church 7 Starting point of the Exodus 9 The Archdiocese of Oslo is found here

13 The ___ of the Immaculate Conception 15 Mary, ___-Virgin 16 Clerical color

11 Judas’ blood money bought it 14 Noon prayer time 16 Saintly brother of Gregory

18 Catholic university in Texas

17 Prayer spot?

20 Commandment that forbids bearing false witness

19 Catholic songwriter Guthrie 21 Paul’s teacher

24 Morning prayer

22 Saint associated with the “True Cross”

25 Agape ___ 26 The ___ Catholic Church

23 Biblical military leaders 26 One of the sons of Simon of Cyrene

28 Catholic French painter, Edgar ___

27 Island in Acts 27-28

30 “The ___ of the tribe of Judah” (Rev 5:5) 32 Lola, Broadway dancer and convert to Catholicism 33 “Ite, ___ est”

28 “Cheer, cheer for ole Notre ___…”

29 The Dead and the Red 31 Animals frequently mentioned in the Bible

34 Where Joseph and Mary had to stay 35 Catholic actress/singer Gomez

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By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service

Jesus was traveling to different communities with the apostles, teaching people about God and healing them. One day, he was speaking to a crowd of about 4,000. The crowd had been with Jesus for three days and had nothing to eat. “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd,” he said. “If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.”

Jesus took seven loaves of bread and a few fish, blessed the food and fed the crowd until they were satisfied. There were even seven baskets of scraps left over.

In another place Jesus and his friends traveled, the Pharisees wanted to test Jesus by demanding a sign from heaven. Jesus sighed deeply. “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation,” he said.

As Jesus and his friends prepared to travel to another place, he gave them a warning.

“Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod,” he said.

When the friends came to Bethsaida, some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged for Jesus to touch him. Jesus took the man by the hand and led him out-

side the village. He put spittle on the man’s eyes and laid his hands on the man. “Do you see anything?” Jesus asked.

“I see people looking like trees and walking,” the man replied. Jesus laid his hands on the man’s eyes a second time.

His vision was restored, and he could see everything distinctly.

Afterward, Jesus and the apostles set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi.

Along the way, Jesus asked his friends a question. “Who do people say that I am?” he asked. “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets,” they said.

“But who do you say that I am?” Jesus wanted to know. “You are the Christ,” Peter said. Jesus then warned his friends not to tell anyone about him. Jesus began to

teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days.

He told Samuel to hold nothing back, so Samuel told him everything. As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and he became known as a prophet of God.

— Artwork, courtesy of CNS

Read more about it: Mark 8 Q&A 1. Who did Jesus heal?

2. Who did Peter say Jesus was?

PUZZLE:

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FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Kids Corner: Peter recognizes that Jesus is the Messiah

37

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OUR DIOCESE

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38 OUR DIOCESE

Prayerful Preparation To prepare the faithful for the diocese’s Synod listening sessions, each of its eight deaneries held a Eucharistic Forty Hours beginning Jan. 23, and ending Jan. 25.

Right, an adorer prays before the Blessed Sacrament at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Piscataway, which is a member of the Middlebrook Deanery. Far right, an attendee reads the worship aid distributed at St. Bartholomew Church, East Brunswick, which is a member of the Forsgate Deanery. Below, the monstrance holds the Blessed Sacrament for adoration at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church, Flemington, a member of the Round Valley Deanery.

— Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photos

Crossword Puzzle Answers: C O R D F O I E V L D A R L R O U F A U S T

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

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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3/6

3/12

Celebrating The Triduum, this virtual workshop will begin at 7 p.m. How can we best utilize the Triduum to set the stage for the initiation rites and to give the elect and candidates the best and richest experience possible as they are being incorporated into the paschal mystery? Facilitated by Sara Sharlow, Director of RCIA, Diocese of Metuchen. For the Zoom meeting information, please email: ssharlow@diometuchen.org Rite of Election, 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. Only for the unbaptized. In order to avoid overcrowding the Cathedral during this ongoing Pandemic, only the Rite of Election, for the unbaptized, will be celebrated at the Cathedral on March 6th. The Rite of Calling Candidates to Continuing Conversion will not be celebrated at the Cathedral. Instead, each parish is asked to celebrate the Rite of Calling Candidates to Continuing Conversion with their candidates. If you have questions, need more information or clarity, please do not hesitate to contact: ssharlow@ diometuchen.org or call Sara Sharlow on her cell phone: 732-742-1567 Cantor Tune Up 2022, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s-Stony Hill, Watchung. Presented by the Metuchen Chapter of the National Pastoral Musicians. Meredith Dean Augustin, music director at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Manhattan and a frequent presenter, will lead the workshop. The presentation will cover the spirituality of the Cantor, the importance of maintaining good vocal health, and a refresher on vocal technique. The fee for the workshop is $25. Registration is available at: https://diometuchen.org/npm. For more information contact Tony Varas at: tvaras@diometuchen.org

3/16

Mystagogy, this virtual workshop will begin at 7 p.m. How can we best facilitate the immersion of the Neophytes into what it is to believe, celebrate, live and pray as Catholics within the larger community of the parish and the Universal Church. Facilitated by Russ and Janet Baker, RCIA team members at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. For the Zoom meeting information, please email: ssharlow@diometuchen.org

3/26

Choices Matter (Critical Life Issues) 2022, Rutgers University, Livingston Campus, Livingston Hall, Piscataway. For more information please contact: human.life.and.dignity@diometuchen.org

DIOCESAN PROGRAMS “The Chosen” Study Series All young adult engaged and married couples are invited to join in a virtual study series based on the hit series, “The Chosen.” A different episode will be discussed each meeting and virtual watch parties will be planned sporadically. Meetings will take place every other Monday evening at 7p.m. on Zoom beginning on January 24th. For details or to join, please contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins at cdaverso@diometuchen.org.

Surviving Divorce This eight-week program will be held on Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. starting on March 16 at the St. Francis Cathedral Parish Center, Metuchen. The program will end May 11. Based on the teachings of the Catholic Church, this program features a 30-minute DVD session and small group discussion each week. The program is being sponsored by the diocesan Office of Family Life. Pre-registration by phone by March 7, is required. Cost is $25 for a book. For more information or to register contact Ro Bersch at 908-313-5947.

Virtual Women’s Group For Lent, all ladies are invited to join in a weekly Zoom discussion each Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Participants are asked to purchase the Ascension Lenten Companion. Please contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins at cdaverso@diometuchen.org for details or to join.

Celebrating the Church as a “Family of Families” As we celebrate the Year“Amoris Laetitia Family,”the Office of Communications and Public Relations is compiling a digital family photo album. We invite you to share a photo of your family – a photo of your domestic church by which our local Church of Metuchen is constantly enriched. Please consider sharing your family’s photo with us by sending your photo to communications@diometuchen.org, so we can together bear witness to the love of God through our “family of families.”

WEEKLY PODCAST – Am I Not Here?

Produced by the staff of the Office of Communications, “Am I Not Here?” – a weekly podcast – highlights the good news within our local Church and those working to minister to the people of the Diocese of Metuchen. New episodes are released each Monday and once aired they are archived. To listen to any episode, or to learn more, please click the links on the diocesan Facebook page or lighting hearts on fire website LECTIO DIVINA Mondays at 11 a.m. join faithful from around the diocese in a prayerful, virtual gathering of Lectio Divina, a method for praying with the Scriptures. As one reads and invites the Word to become a transforming lens that brings the events of

AROUND THE DIOCESE Blood Drive

Jan. 23, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Our Lady of the Mount Parish, Warren, will hold a blood drive. To schedule an appointment, visit www.nybc.org/njdrive. Sponsor code: 08726. Or call/text Amanda at (908) 3809625. All donors will be entered into the “WIN a Mirror Home Gym” 12 months membership.

Spiritual Retreats

March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5 – 10 a.m. to noon -- The Villa Pauline Retreat/ Spiritual Center, 352 Bernardsville Rd,, Mendham, will host “Lenten Prayer: Return to the Root.” $15 per session.

Register by mail or online -- www.scceast.org Mar. 12, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. -- The Villa Pauline Retreat/Spiritual Center, 352 Bernardsville Rd., Mendham, will host “The Parables of Mercy.” Fee

is $50. Register by mail or online – www.scceast.org

Lenten Concert

March 13, 4 p.m. – As part of its 20212022 concert series, the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, will host “A Celtic Lent” featuring Nathan Bishop, violin, and Bridget Knodel, pedal harp and Celtic harp. Various tunes include the premiere of “Messenger Dover” by composer Becky Turro. Free will offering, general seating.

Online Retreat

Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Villa Pauline Retreat/Spiritual Center, Mendham, will hold a ZOOM Day of Prayer and Reflection entitled “The Power of the Serenity Prayer.” ZOOM only. Registration fee is $25 by mail (352 Bernardsville Rd, Mendham, NJ 07945 or online www.scceast.org.

CLASSIFIED

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“Come, Follow me.”

(Mark 10:21)

Is God calling you to serve as a priest, religious sister or brother?

If you think maybe . . . contact the Office of Vocations:

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

For information or to place your classified ad, call (732) 529-7934

PER LINE CHARGES:

• 24 characters/line (approx)

$ 3.75 per line - 1 insertion

• 5 line minimum

$ 3.50 per line - 2 insertions

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$ 3.00 per line - 4 or more insertions • Display classifieds quote upon request

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Celebrating Our Neophytes The diocese has started to post the 2021 Neophyte Celebration. Since pandemic restrictions prevented the celebration of a Neophyte Mass, the Neophytes in the diocese are being honored in a different way. They have been invited by the diocese to submit a witness statement about their RCIA journey of faith, along with a photo. This invitation explained that the RCIA office was going to create a “Celebration of Our Neophytes” virtual presentation for its website. Neophytes can send their witness statement and photo to: ssharlow@diometuchen.org

daily living into focus, one can come to live more deeply and find the presence of God more readily in the events of each day. Start your week with prayer, community, and hope. To get the most out of these sessions, please remember to have your bible readily available. For the Zoom meeting information, please email: ssharlow@diometuchen.org

RATES

2/25-27 Retrouvaille, Stress in your Marriage? Retrouvaille is a weekend program for struggling couples who wish to heal their marriage. For information call or text: Rich Colasuonno 732-236-0671.

OUR DIOCESE

DIOCESAN EVENTS

40 OUR DIOCESE

ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Celebrating 40 Years –

Continuing to CELEBRATING 40 YEARS FanContinuing the Flame to of Faith Fan the Flame of Faith into Service into Service 40 T H

Anniversary Est. 1981

Diocese of Metuchen

Forty Years of

2022 Bishop’s Annual Appeal

Give Online: DIOMETUCHEN.ORG

2022 Bishop’s annual appeal

CALL THE OFFICE OF Give online:&DiometuChen.oRG STEWARDSHIP DEVELOPMENT AT 732-562-2432