July 21, 2022

Clergy in diocese celebrate significant anniversaries, 17-29

Spirit atholic C THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

JULY 21, 2022 • VOL. 27 NO. 6 • $2.00

Bishop James F. Checchio carries a monstrance holding the Eucharist at a procession outside the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.

The procession was held on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, June 19, to launch the diocese’s observance of the National Eucharistic Revival. See story on page 8.

— John Batkowski photo

INSIDE Perspectives Our Faith

Humble Servant

4 32-33

Diocesan Events

39

Classifieds

39

Bishop ordains transitional deacon to priesthood for diocese at Cathedral. . .3 This issue was mailed on July 19 Your next issue will be August 25

2 UP FRONT

Bishop reminds newly ordained priest Jesus is perfect (Editor’s note: The following is the homily given by Bishop James F. Checchio at a Mass, during which he ordained Father Ronal Vega Pastrana to the priesthood for the diocese, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, June 11.)

Bishop James Checchio Deacon Ronal, what an honor to welcome you here on this joyful day for our diocesan family as you lay down your life, following Jesus’ urging in our Gospel today, in service of Christ and our local Church. ¡También damos la bienvenida a tus queridos padres, Lidys y Jorge Ivan que han venido desde Ceretay, Colombia. Ciertamente queremos agradecerlos por el regalo que tú eres para nosotros aquí en Metuchen! (“We also welcome your dear parents Lidys and Jorge Ivan who have come all the way from Ceretay, Columbia, and we certainly want to thank them for the gift you are to us here in Metuchen!”)

Likewise, we welcome our dear parishioners, the deacons and religious from St. Bernard of Clairvaux [Bridgewater], St. James [Basking Ridge], St. Thomas the Apostle [Old Bridge] and St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi [Flemington] parishes where you have served while in the seminary who rightly take pride on this day. Through their love of Christ and His Church, you have already seen how thoroughly and effectively, we priests are shaped by the People of God. I also want to thank the priests of our Diocese who have come today in such good numbers, some of whom have shared a special role in your formation as pastors, associates, vocation director or mentors.

The priests and community of Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall [South Orange] deserve our thanks as well for the fine formation they have given you. Soon, you will kneel as one by one each priest

will impose his hands upon you. They will be expressing the special bond of priestly fraternity into which we are welcoming you. In effect, they will be offering prudent counsel: “the priest cannot act by himself; he acts with the presbyterate, becoming a brother of all who constitute it.”

So, Ronal, see in this presbyterate your place of sanctification, and in turn, seek to support your brothers by faithful attendance at priest convocations, recollection days, conferences, prayer groups, anniversaries and funerals. How indebted we all must be to those in our number who creatively seek ways to gather the brethren socially, and showing special concern for those in difficulties.

Deacon Ronal, your formation for the priesthood has been unique in that these past two-and-a-half pandemic years have changed so much in our lives, and the life of a seminarian did not escape that. While the Church is always the same in so many ways, some of our practices and certainly the habits of us clergy and the lay faithful have been affected. In a very recent study about the practice of the faith, we are told that people’s faith has increased during the pandemic. That is wonderful news for us!

However, we also hear that some people have expressed that they have gotten used to attending Mass virtually rather than in person, not having to get dressed up nor drive, they just find it easier to tune in for a Mass on Sunday from wherever they happen to be. I have been praying about that and speaking with others while asking the Lord to enlighten us all on how we can better reach out as the good shepherds we are to be, to try to embrace these people more fully and keep them close to the Lord. Such will be one of your challenges as you begin your priestly ministry, along with shepherding a flock that has also had emotional tolls from this pandemic affect them in various ways, some perhaps not even recognized by themselves. Yes, we priests are called to be even more proactive in our ministry these days.

You have prepared yourself well for the priestly life, and I know of your deep

Catholic Spirit

JULY 21, 2022 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

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

The Catholic Spirit P.O. Box 191 • Metuchen, NJ 08840 PHONE: (732) 562-2424 • FAX: (732) 562-0969 PUBLISHER Bishop James F. Checchio EDITOR Father Timothy A. Christy, V.G. MANAGING EDITOR Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD (732) 562-2461

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Chris Donahue (732) 529-7935

ADVISOR Joanne Ward BUSINESS MANAGER Ann Pilato • (732) 529-7934

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jill Gray • (732) 529-7956

e-Mail: news@catholicspirit.com Subscription and advertising deadlines: Tuesday, 1 p.m.

The acceptance of advertising by The Catholic Spirit for print or online publication, does not constitute an endorsement of any product or service. The Catholic Spirit reserves the right to reject any advertising it considers objectionable.

The Catholic Spirit is a member of the Catholic Press Association and the New Jersey Catholic Advertising Network The Catholic Spirit (U.S.P.S.#14-804) is published every other week, by the Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of Metuchen, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Subscription price is $30 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Bellmawr, NJ and additional mailing office.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address notice to The Catholic Spirit, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854.

love for Jesus, especially in the Eucharist. I know you are a man of prayer, committed to daily Mass, quiet time with the Lord in His Eucharistic presence each day, faithful to your breviary and having a lively devotion to our Blessed Mother and the saints. All of that, along with the giving of yourself in loving service to God’s people in your assignments will make you a true spiritual father for the faithful and will bear great fruit for our Lord. This is what our faithful need and expect.

So, I ask you to remember Ronal, that fathers always sacrifice for their families.

We priests, as spiritual fathers, are called to a kind of sacrifice that occurs on the long road of fidelity, the day-by-day, year-byyear gift of ourselves to our pastoral and sanctifying ministry, often not in grand tasks but in being present to our parishioners and brother priests, and faithfully fulfilling the ordinary and sometimes unending, tedious administrative obligations that are at hand, day after day after day. This is our road to sainthood, to holiness. The habit and discipline of regular prayer is a joy for us, but will also call upon us to make personal sacrifices too, but it is this discipline that will strengthen and focus us for our sacred ministry.

Similarly, sacrifices will need to be made to be faithful to our commitment to celibacy, as we cultivate a lifestyle and friendships that help us to avoid temptations and further build us up in virtue over time. St. Joseph gives us such a good example of this. We read so little about him in the Scriptures, but we do know that he is called a just man, a virtuous man, who showed himself to be ever faithful in his fatherhood to Jesus and Mary, day in and day out. This does not just happen, but his worthy fatherhood came from good habits, virtues and sacrifice.

We priests have to make such efforts for our parish families, just like good fathers do for their own families: • We are fathers who need to be with our family as much as possible.

• We need to model for our people how to live and even how to die.

• We need to model through the homilies that we preach.

The priest as spiritual father needs to learn how to give his people encouragement in the face of their daily grind, constantly encouraging them to fidelity when they are discouraged, and being a supportive presence to them in time of trouble, suffering and despair.

Here, your pandemic formation should give you new insights into this!

Jesus, of course, is the perfect model for us priests and gratefully, He is incredibly patient with us, waiting for us to grasp the reality of His constant love for us in the Eucharist. He is incredibly humble with us -- waiting on us, on our schedules, on our slowness in responding to His constant presence and love for us in His presence in the Eucharist. He takes His time with us as we learn from Him, and He wants us to take time with our people, to be patient with them as He is with us. He teaches us gradually how to be true pastors, true shepherds and fathers of our people, so that in time we are able to put their needs ahead of our own, to love our people more than we love ourselves.

Yes, much patience and humility is needed by priests in our day, you must be willing, and I know you are, to make your life a sacrifice to the Lord, not only through your promises of celibacy, obedience and prayer, but also through your dedicated, constant service to your parishioners, your fidelity to them as a spiritual father.

So, Deacon Ronal, know of our prayers for you this day and our love for you, too! Take comfort in the fact that in the litany soon to be prayed, all the saints in heaven and the Church Universal on earth join their prayer to ours this morning for you. We thank God for you and ask the Holy Spirit to continue to conform you more and more into the very image of our Savior, who laid down His life for His flock! May our Mother Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe wrap her mantel around you to protect and nourish you in a special way, as you become an image of her own dear Son this very day. God bless and keep you.

CORRECTION

In the photo caption on page 50 of the June 16 edition of “The Catholic Spirit,” it was incorrectly written that scholarships were awarded during the annual Hope Through Education lunch.

DEACON ANNIVERSARIES (732) 529-7934 BY AUGUST 15

METUCHEN — His irrepressible smile illuminating the sanctuary, Ronal Romario Vega Pastrana joined the ranks of the clergy of the diocese June 11 at a joyous celebration of his priestly ordination.

Bishop James F. Checchio, Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski and scores of priests and deacons vested in white processed into the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi to witness the ancient rite. Following the proclamation of the Gospel, Bishop Checchio charged the man he would ordain to “understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate and conform your life in the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.”

During his homily, Bishop Checchio continued his advice to the 32-year-old Colombian native, saying, “You must be willing, and I know you are, to make your life a sacrifice to the Lord. Not only through your promises of celibacy, obedience and prayer, but also through your dedicated, constant service to your parishioners, and your fidelity to them as a spiritual father.”

The future priest would face challenges brought on by many factors, the bishop continued, such as “shepherding a flock that has also had emotional tolls from this pandemic.”

But, the bishop added, he need not shoulder these burdens alone — “the priest… acts with the presbyterate, becoming a brother of all who constitute it.”

Bishop Checchio expressed his confidence in the man before him, noting his habits of daily prayer and quiet time in the Lord’s Eucharistic presence, as well as a lively devotion to the Blessed Mother and the saints.

“All of that, along with the giving of yourself in loving service to God’s people in your assignments, will make you a true spiritual father for the faithful and will

bear great fruit for our Lord,” the bishop said.

Ronal Romario Vega Pastrana was born in Cereté, Córdoba, Colombia, one of four children of Jorge Ivan Vega Pastrana and Lidya Judith Pastrana. Upon his graduation from Institución Educativa Santa Teresa, he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religious education at Colombia’s Fundación Universitaria Católica del Norte in 2016. Father Vega Pastrana served as sacristan in Divino Salvador Parish, Bogota, Colombia.

Upon his arrival in the United States, he completed his priestly formation at the Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange. During the course of his diaconal and priestly studies, Father Vega Pastrana served in the parishes of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bridgewater; St. James, Basking Ridge; St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge, and St. Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington.

Standing alone in the sanctuary, his smile reflecting his joy-filled heart, the future Father Vega Pastrana answered with a clear “yes” the questions whether he had come willingly and faithfully to the priesthood and would promise obedience to the authority of the priesthood.

Bishop Checchio answered this assent, “May God, who has begun great work in you, bring it to fulfillment,” as the congregation responded with resounding applause.

Then, acknowledging this was a goal he would not achieve alone, Father Vega Pastrana lay prostrate as the choir and congregation sang the “Litany of the Saints,” beseeching the heavenly hosts for assistance. As the last notes faded, he approached Bishop Checchio, who laid hands on his head in silent prayer. Then, one by one, priests filed from the pews into the sanctuary to bless their fraternal brother in the same way.

A choir under the direction of Christopher M. C. Deibert, new diocesan director of music, sang the ancient hymn “Veni Creator” as Father Vega Pastrana was assisted

Congratulations n your Ordination,

OUR DIOCESE

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

3

Colombia native ordained to priesthood for diocese at Cathedral

Father Ronal Romario Vega Pastrana, center, poses with Bishop James F. Checchio, right, and Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski after his ordination to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. — Mike Ehrmann photo

by Father Jay Johnson, pastor, St. Thomas Parish, in first removing the vestments of a deacon, then donning the stole and chasuble of a priest. Once again kneeling before his shepherd, the hands of Father Vega Pastrana were anointed with Holy Chrism before his fellow priests approached him once again for a fraternal embrace.

At the conclusion of Mass, Father Vega Pastrana bestowed his first priestly blessings upon Bishop Checchio and Bishop Bootkoski, then upon his parents, Jorge and Lidys, who had traveled from Colombia to witness their son’s ordination.

The new priest has been assigned to minister as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bernardsville.

He will also teach part-time at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison.

Fr. RoonnCongratulations ayourl!Ordination,

Ad Multos Annos!

Fr. Ronal!

JULY 21, 2022

th best wishes With bestfrom wishes from your parish family of ur parishSt.family of Thomas the Apostle Thomas the Apostle

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Ad Multos Annos!

4 PERSPECTIVES

Suicide should evoke compassion, not judgment Body & Soul

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD I’ll never forget my freshman year in college. I had just returned home after my final exams. Two days later, I got a call from the resident assistant of my dorm who informed me that my roommate took his own life. First of all, my roommate was the last person on the floor that I would have ever expected to end his own life. He was handsome. He was popular. He was athletic and intelligent. He had lots of friends and was even engaged. So, why would somebody with so much going for him decide to call it quits. And while 48 years have elapsed since my buddy committed suicide, it’s something that remains with me to this day. I share this vignette from my life because suicide is the third largest killer of young people in the United States.

Many young people have resorted to what they believed would give them the inner peace they craved and could not find. As in the case of my roommate from college, so here, these young people did not fit the stereotypical profile of one who would take his or her own life.

They apparently showed no signs of depression. They did not seem despondent to their family or friends. In many cases, these individuals were popular — easy to be with, and had lots of friends, siblings and parents who loved him. Why didn’t anyone catch the signs that they were troubled before this tragedy occurred? Probably for the same reason why I didn’t notice anything was wrong with my former roommate. Sometimes, the signs of trouble are subtle or, worse, nonexistent. The truth is, we don’t always know why people choose to end their own lives, but in these moments, we’re not called to be detectives or forensic psychologists. Most of all, we are not called to be judges. We are called to be compassionate. Most importantly, we should not remember these young

people by when, how or why they died; rather, we should remember how they lived, the lives they touched and their goodness.

All too often, especially in Catholic circles, we are quick to speculate on someone’s plight. Prior to the Second Vatican Council, if someone committed suicide — it was thought that they went straight to hell. This was thought of as an unforgivable sin! Why? Suicide was considered a violation of the Fifth Commandment and if anyone should die in a state of mortal sin, it was believed that this person could not be with God and the saints in heaven. In fact, to make matters worse, no funeral could be held for this individual nor could he or she be buried in a Catholic cemetery.

Thank God, the Church has grown in wisdom and compassion. By incorporating psychology into theology, it is now understood by the Church that suicide is complex. Furthermore, we cannot assume that the person who takes his or her own life met the three criteria of mortal sin, namely, especially as this

concerns freedom. Granted, the offense was serious in nature. Perhaps the victim even had sufficient knowledge of what he or she was going to do. But for one who is psychologically distraught, on the brink of despair, how much free-will does he or she really possess? But let’s not be legalistic about the ultimate fate of anyone who dies by his or her own hand.

Our hope is not in casuistic loopholes but in Jesus who is the embodiment of the mercy of God. We gather to commend their souls to the God of love and mercy — the God who was with these young people in their suffering and in the final moments leading up to their death. It is this God who gives us hope to believe that their journey has not ended; rather, they have passed into a better existence where there is no more suffering, no more tears, no more separation. Let us take solace in this hope and remember that suicide should evoke compassion, not judgment.

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

Post-Roe v. Wade nation that finds joy, hope in new life Thoughts on Life

JULY 21, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Jennifer Ruggiero With their recent decision in Dobbs vs.

Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the Supreme Court of the United States reversed the injustice of 1973 when Roe v. Wade decided that a whole class of human beings – babies in the womb -are outside the protection of the law. As expected, this historic decision is being met with a variety of reactions, from anger and rage to cheering and praise.

In our hyperpolarized culture, we can be sure that the Dobbs decision will not end the abortion debate, but will move it to the individual states. The argument continues over a women’s right to choose and her unborn child’s right to life and pro-life work is needed now more than ever.

Over the years, the issue of abortion has become politically explosive and a topic difficult to discuss because of deeply held beliefs and differing world

How to report abuse

views. Putting politics aside, let us reflect on the impact legal abortion has had on American lives over the past 49 years.

It is estimated that more than 63 million babies in the womb have lost their lives since Roe v. Wade made abortion legal in the United States. For a country that prides itself in human rights, how could we have enabled the loss of so many innocent lives? This horrific toll equates to more than the entire population of Italy today. The American dream of “justice for all” cannot be achieved when an entire segment of society is legally ignored and discriminated against because of where they live – in their mother’s womb. Sadly, abortion has been a national “birth right” for Millennials and Gen Xers who have only lived in a society that permits and even celebrates the destruction of preborn life.

Not only has abortion extinguished so many of our preborn brothers and sisters, it has left behind millions of women and men, sometimes referred to as the “walking wounded,” who suffer in silence. It is estimated that, by the age of 45, as many as 1 in every

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).

4 women has personally experienced at least one abortion. The fact is, regardless of the legal status, abortion remains an intentional act causing a human death experience. Clinical and research evidence has shown that abortion can result in significant symptoms of grief, sorrow and shame, as well as, physical, emotional and spiritual trauma. The sheer number of those impacted by abortion represents a potential mental health tidal wave of personal and relational injury.

The multi-million-dollar abortion industry has told us over and again that abortion is “healthcare,” it is “good for women” and it is a “right” that women in our society cannot live without. Conversely, easy access to abortion has fostered a culture of people who have lost respect for themselves and for those around them. Every woman deserves to be cherished in her maternity. For far too many years our society has failed women in need by offering them hopelessness and death as a solution instead of hope, prenatal care and life for their babies.

Now is an opportunity for us to rebuild society, heal our communities and strengthen our families. Abortion violence must be replaced with compassion and empathy for women and their defenseless children. We must work to provide unprecedented robust and unconditional support for pregnant moms and young families, including childcare support, home visitation services and policies that

help both children and parents to thrive, with special concern for the needs of immigrants and low-income families. We should also work to ensure that life-affirming options are available to women on college campuses. We need to uphold the beauty of marriage and family life.

We need to activate our parishes and transform them into what Pope Francis calls “islands of mercy in a sea of indifference.” We must spread the word that hope and healing are possible for those who suffer after an abortion experience (https://hopeafterabortion.com). We need to make sure that our church communities are places of welcome for women facing unplanned pregnancies or who find it difficult to care for their children after birth. We need to continue to raise awareness about safe haven laws as well as the good work of the local pregnancy help centers.

At this time in our country, each of us is being called to be an instrument that God can use to help uphold someone who may feel surrounded by darkness. Each human life is a unique, unrepeatable reflection of God’s glory. By forging authentic relationships, engaging in genuine dialogue and intentional accompaniment and by affirming the other in their goodness and worth, we can help to shape a post-Roe nation that finds joy and hope in new life.

Ruggiero is secretary, diocesan Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life

VATICAN CITY — Thousands of records detailing requests to the Vatican made by Jewish people persecuted by the Nazis will be made available online to the public, the Vatican announced. In a statement released June 23, the Vatican said universal access to the documentation, which has been available to researchers since March 2020, was made “at the request of the Holy Father.” According to the statement, the documentation, titled “Ebrei” (“Jews”), aims “to preserve the petitions for help from Jewish people all over Europe, received by [Pope Pius XII] during the NaziFascist persecutions.” “The archival series consists of a total of 170 volumes, equivalent to nearly 40,000 digital files. An initial 70 percent of the complete material will be made available initially, before being integrated with the final volumes that are currently being worked on,” the Vatican said. While the Vatican made no direct link, the decision to make the documents available online closely follows controversy over a new book by historian David I. Kertzer. In his book, “The Pope at War,” Kertzer suggested that Pope Pius remained silent out of fear of the Nazis and that

Compiled from the Catholic News Service

Holy Father prays for victms of natural disaster

WORLD & NATION

170 volumes of petitions to Pope Pius XII released

5

WORLD & NATION

Rescuers carry injured people to a helicopter following an earthquake in a mountainous, remote region of Afghanistan, June 22, in this screen grab taken from a video.

— CNS photo/BAKHTAR NEWS AGENCY, handout via Reuters

Pope Pius XII is pictured at the Vatican in a file photo dated March 15, 1949. The Vatican announced June 23 it will put online documentation detailing Jewish people’s petitions for help to Pope Pius XII during World War II. —CNS photo

the Vatican prioritized saving Jewish converts to Catholicism from persecution.

Catholic university hosts pro-life sculpture

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis offered prayers for victims of a strong earthquake that hit a remote, mountainous area of Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan. At least 1,000 people were dead — the death toll was expected to increase — and more than 1,500 people were injured in the quake, which hit just over 100 miles southeast of Kabul. At the end of his general audience June 22, Pope Francis said: “In the past few hours, an earthquake has claimed victims and caused extensive damage in Afghanistan. I express my sympathy to

the injured and those affected by the earthquake, and I pray in particular for those who have lost their lives and for their families. I hope that with everyone’s help, the suffering of the dear Afghan people can be alleviated.” The Associated Press reported the disaster posed a major test for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, which seized power last August. Many international aid agencies left Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover. Catholic Relief Services, the United States bishops’ international relief and development agency, still has a presence there.

Gunman sought in slaying of priests, citizen

— CNS photo/James Ramos, Texas Catholic Herald

creates a reflection of the world around it, including nearby trees, the sky above and viewers just feet away. The sculpture shares a peaceful message of a hopeful embrace of life while challenges to the sanctity of life continue around the nation. Even from far across the university’s Academic Mall, the sculpture is eye-catching at all hours of the day. A smaller casting of the sculpture was dedicated May 29 at the Church of San Marcello al Corso in Rome by Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

— CNS photo/courtesy The Jesuit province in Mexico

The Sierra Tarahumara, like many other parts of the country, confronts conditions of violence and neglect which have not been reversed. Every day, men and women are arbitrarily deprived of life as our brothers were murdered.”

JULY 21, 2022

HOUSTON — The dark bronze sculpture seems to shimmer in contrast to the stark white stucco walls and the sharp black granite adjacent to the Chapel of St. Basil at the University of St. Thomas. Since early this year, the Catholic university has hosted the larger-than-life cast bronze sculpture that depicts a veiled mother embracing a child in her womb. The pro-life work by Canadian sculptor Tim Schmalz represents a Madonna and child, with the child still in the womb, according to a university statement.

The child is suspended in mirrored steel that

Mexican Jesuit Father Javier Campos Morales and Jesuit Father Joaquín César Mora Salazar were murdered in their rural parish June 20 while providing shelter to an individual fleeing a gunman.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Richard Ludwick, president of the University of St. Thomas, left, and Father Dempsey Rosales-Acosta pose next to a bronze statue by sculptor Tim Schmalz in Houston June 5. The statue portrays a woman carrying a baby in her womb.

A smaller version of the statue was dedicated at the Church of San Marcello al Corso in Rome May 29 by Msgr. Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

MEXICO CITY — Two Jesuit priests were shot to death in a rugged region of Mexico rife with violence as they provided refuge to a person being pursued by a gunman, according to the Society of Jesus and state officials.

Jesuit Father Javier Campos Morales and Jesuit Father Joaquín César Mora Salazar died defending their parish in the community of Cerocahui in the Copper Canyon of Chihuahua state, which serves the Indigenous Tarahumara population. Father Morales and Father Salazar had opened the parish to an unidentified person June 20, according to the Jesuits, but an armed individual burst inside and killed that person along with Father Campos and Father Mora, according to a statement on social media by Jesuit Father Gerardo Moro Madrid, provincial in Mexico. “We condemn these violent acts and demand justice and the recovery of our brothers’ bodies, which were taken from the parish by armed persons,” the Jesuits’ Mexican province said in a June 21 statement.

“Acts like these are not isolated.

6 OUR DIOCESE

Special Delivery

Fraternal Photo The New Jersey Knights of Columbus State Officers for fraternal year 20222023 were installed at Mass at the CoCathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold, July 9. Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski, the Knights’ State Chaplain, presided at the Mass, which honored Knights from each of the five Catholic dioceses in the state. The officers of the fraternal organization posing before a painting of Blessed Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, are, from left: Scott C. Williams, State Warden and a member of St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction; Russell D. Petrocelli, State Advocate; Daniel Rossi, Past State Deputy; James E. Stoever, State Deputy; Raymond C. Sands, State Secretary, and James P. Sweeney, State Treasurer.

— photo courtesy of New Jersey Knights of Columbus

Overseas Outreach The Knights of Columbus Council 6930 Whitehouse Station held a Ukraine Relief drive in June. The Knights collected a truckload of goods as well as $4,000. It was a joint Knights council drive and the items and money were given to Council 2531 in Vineland, which pre-arranged for shipping containers to go to the Ukraine for refugees. The money will be used to buy additional supplies to offset some shipping costs. James Siessel, Grand Knight and Chris Virgo, Past Grand Knight chaired the Ukraine Relief Drive with the assistance of fellow Knights and parishioners.

The Knights of Columbus Mother Seton Council 15540 recently delivered more than 1,000 pounds of food items to the Flemington Food Bank. The Council, which meets at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges, holds an annual food drive in conjunction with a statewide Knights of Columbus initiative. Knight Frank Lieto has led the local initiative assisted by Knight Jack Sullivan for many years. Knights and food bank volunteers accepting the donation, from left: Sandie Lundeen, Nick DiPasquale, Knight Jack Sullivan, Knight Gerry Enzmann, Belinda Ulrich, Tina Martin, Ken Waltersdorf, Knight Tom Monroe and Knight Frank Lieto.

— photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus Council 15540

— photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus Council 6930

Bishop’s Appointments Bishop James F. Checchio recently announced the following priestly appointments. Unless otherwise noted, all appointments are effective immediately.

Rev. Ronal R. Vega Pastrana, newly ordained priest, to parochial vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bernardsville, and Theology Teacher, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison Rev. Antony Arockiadoss, from Pastor, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Hackettstown, to Pastor, St. Philip and St. James Parish, Philipsburg Rev. John J. Barbella, from pastor, St. Philip and St. James Parish, Philipsburg, to pastor, St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia

JULY 21, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Rev. Keith M. Cervine, from director of Catholic Identity, Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, to administrator, Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale Rev. James De Fillipps, from parochial vicar, St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick, to administrator, St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, while remaining as Bishop’s Delegate for the diocesan Office of Evangelization Rev. David Pekola, from administrator, Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville, to pastor of that same parish Rev. Leopoldo Salvania, from parochial vicar, Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville, to administrator, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Hackettstown Rev. Mauricio Tabera Vasquez, from Chaplain, the Catholic Center at Rutgers, New Brunswick, and diocesan Vocations Recruiter, to administrator, St. Joseph Parish, North Plainfield, effective July 6 Rev. Timothy M. Eck II, from advanced studies, Pontifical North American College, Rome, to parochial vicar, St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick, and director, diocesan Office of Divine Worship Rev. Thomas Lanza, from parochial vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bernardsville, to diocesan Vocations Recruiter and Chaplain, the Catholic Center at Rutgers, New Brunswick, while remaining as a Theology Teacher, Immaculata High School, Somerville Rev. Henry Hemmerling, Maria Regina Residence, Somerset, to Manchester Rev. Michael K. Tabernero, to Director of Catholic Identity, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, while continuing as a Theology Teacher at that same school Rev. John C. Gloss, from pastor, St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia, to Retired Status Rev. Wojciech Kusek, C.Ss.R, released from service as administrator, St. Joseph Parish, North Plainfield, to return to his religious community, effective July 6

METUCHEN — A trio of speakers shared their insights on the Holy Trinity June 4 following the annual Pentecost Vigil Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.

The diocesan annual program of prayer and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, worship, reconciliation and Mass celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio was capped by presentations from the speakers, who explored the triune Father, Son and Holy Spirit’s place in our lives of faith.

In his witness talk entitled “Who is God the Father,” Franciscan Friar of the Renewal Father Luke Mary Fletcher, chaplain of the Blue Army Shrine, Asbury, declared that Pentecost is the

moment we realize fully that God is a trinity.

“There are four aspects of God: the One who speaks, who sends, who watches and who welcomes,” Father Luke said. Illustrating these aspects in the parable of the prodigal son, he continued, “This life is a pilgrimage to the house of our Father. I would propose that the father had a third son, not older, not younger, but Eternal, whom he sent for this lost sheep… When the hour comes that we close our eyes and see the gates of heaven, God the Father will run out to greet you.”

Allan F. Wright, an author and principal of Koinonia Academy, a Catholic kindergarten to 12th grade school in the Archdiocese of Newark, spoke on the topic “Who is Jesus the Son.” Reading the story of Adam and

Eve, he stated, “There are three results of their rebellion against God: they hid from God, from each other, and from themselves. Just as Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves, we continue the façade of covering.”

Wright concluded, “We need to be Christ-oriented, not disoriented, I am convinced Jesus is not concerned at all with our ability, but concerned about our availability.”

In his reflection on “Who is God the Holy Spirit,” Father Michael K. Tabernero said, “A relationship with the Holy Spirit was not a first language for me.”

Father Tabernero, who was ordained for the diocese in 2019 and serves as director of Catholic Identity and teaches theology at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, had decided in the

seminary to enlist the help of Mary and the Holy Spirit in following Christ, realizing “Our Lady is like a mold — she formed us into the likeness of her Son, and the Holy Spirit is at work also.

“The last few popes have been speaking a lot about the new evangelization,” he continued, “but we have to have a new Pentecost. When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, they left the upper room and went forth, fire and joy igniting. We want to have that in our Church today.

“The goal is to have the hunger and the humility to ask for the help we need.

We cannot do it on our own, but there is one who can. Our signs of baptism in the Spirit are a recognition of God as abba Father, that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, and an awakening for mission. We need the desire to make Jesus known.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

Top left, Bishop James F. Checchio, holding a crosier, genuflects before the tabernacle at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, at the start of the annual Pentecost Vigil Mass with (from left): then-deacon, now Father Ronal Romario Vega Pastrana; Father Timothy A. Christy, rector, and Deacon Rick Fortune. Top right, Megan Callahan, director, diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adults, speaks from the ambo. Below, Father Vega Pastrana, who was ordained to the priesthod for the diocese a week after the Mass by Bishop Checchio, incenses the Book of Gospels.

Left, altar servers escort the gift bearers.

—John Batkowski photos

OUR DIOCESE

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

7

Speakers discuss triune God’s place in our lives after Mass, adoration

8 OUR DIOCESE

Diocese begins journey to rekindle devotion to, belief in Real Presence

By Christina Leslie Correspondent METUCHEN — With a public procession, Bishop James F. Checchio, together with hundreds of the faithful, launched the diocese’s National Eucharistic Revival on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi June 19.

Sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the three-year Revival, Bishop Checchio said, is to “renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.”

In his homily at Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, the bishop said the Eucharist was “the lifeblood of our Church, its body, blood soul and divinity” for which Jesus’ life was poured out on the Cross.” He warned that, sometimes, people took this sacrifice for granted.

“By his birth, death and resurrection, Jesus won salvation for all people at all times,” Bishop Checchio said. “Jesus never leaves us alone. We participate in the events

of Calvary because Jesus told us to at cathedral and St. Francis of Assisi School before stopping for prayer the Last Supper.”

The Body and Blood of the and adoration at a small outdoor altar erected in the graveyard Eucharist is “a great gift, an awesome cathedral rectors “By his birth, death where and bishops of the responsibility,” but too many faithful and resurrection, diocese are laid to rest.

Detailing the mistakenly believe they are mere symbols. The Jesus won salvation three phases of the Eucharistic Revival for all people at all Eucharistic Revival, the bishop said the has been designed to times. Jesus never first phase is a year strengthen devotion to diocesan revival and belief in the Real leaves us alone. We of Presence of Jesus in the (June 19, 2022–June Eucharist, stated the participate in the 11, 2023). During this time, diocesan bishops, bishop, who serves on events of Calvary staff, and priests are the USCCB advisory board for the initiative. because Jesus told asked to respond to After Mass, Bishop the invitation by our us to at the Last Checchio led the clergy, Lord to share his love via Eucharistic seminarians, acolytes, Supper.” conferences and events. choir, and congregation Next, a year of on a Eucharistic —Bishop James F. Checchio parish revival (June 11, Procession. Under a canopy, the bishop 2023–July 17, 2024) carried the monstrance containing will foster Eucharistic devotion at the Body of Jesus. Praises to the the parish level through faithful Lord and his Blessed Sacrament were celebration of the Mass, Eucharistic sung as the group walked around the Adoration, missions, resources, and

JULY 21, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Eucharistic Revival

Clockwise from top left, members of the St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral choir prepare to follow Bishop James F. Checchio as he carried the Blessed Sacrament through the streets around the cathedral. The procession ended at an outdoor altar where the Blessed Sacrament was adored. Father James De Fillipps, coordinator of the diocese’s revival, prays during the Mass. All in the procession gather at the outdoor altar, and Bishop Checchio elevates the host at Mass.

— John Batkowski photos

preaching.

Bishop Checchio thanked Father James De Fillipps, the new pastor of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, for coordinating the revival in the diocese and providing resources for parishes to begin planning and executing the vision for the diocese and local parishes.

Following local events, a National Eucharistic Congress will be held July 17-21, 2024, where upwards of 80,000 faithful are expected to gather to reconsecrate their hearts to the source and summit of the faith.

Finally, a year of going out on mission will spread the gifts of our Eucharistic Lord far and wide.

“This will encourage your devotion to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament,” Bishop Checchio told his flock. “You have no idea the graces we receive from Jesus individually or as a Church.”

For more information on the National Eucharistic Revival, including a list of events in our diocese, see diometuchen.org/ eucharisticrevival

Celebration of Service

— Marlo Williamson photo

of whom work in education.

“I am filled with humility and joy as I embark on this wonderful journey,” Kane said. “We are at an important inflection point in Catholic education. Our focus on values and faith development is the foundation for which our young people thirst. St. Thomas Aquinas High School strikes a balance with rigorous academic, artistic, and athletic programs in a safe and nurturing place where enlightenment can flourish.”

Kane earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance at New York University, Stern School of Business, Manhattan, N.Y. Before transitioning to Catholic education leadership, he spent more than 30 years working in the financial services industry and has travelled widely in Europe and Asia.

Peter G. Kane has been appointed as the first lay president of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison. Previously, he was president of Marist High School, Bayonne.

Hearing God’s Call

– photo courtesy of St. James School

JULY 21, 2022

Father Gregory Zannetti, parochial vicar at St. James School, Basking Ridge, recently is seen teaching young children about vocations to the priesthood. Students in grades four to seven heard presentations from Brother Steven Bolton from the Oratory of St. Philip Neri; Missionaries of Charity Sister Teresa and Sister Joy; Christian Charity Sister Maria Angeline, and Franciscan Brother Sean, who spoke about religious life and how to pray.

The day ended with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at a Mass for Felician Sister Donna Maire Trukowski, principal, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, and Felician Sister Cynthia Marie Babyak, both of whom retired at the end of the school year.

High School, the institution recognized its origins and returned to the original name, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, in 2019 as part of a larger strategic plan marking the schools 50th anniversary.

The school is uniquely characterized by the fact that Christ is its model and guided by Catholic tradition, develops young men and women into courageous leaders in service to others through faith, academic excellence and the recognition of the value and dignity of each person.

“Mr. Kane has the experience, enthusiasm and spiritual maturity to lead St. Thomas Aquinas High School to greater heights and deeper faith,” Stevens said.

“Along with a dedicated team of faculty, staff, coaches and administrators, he will be a dynamic and inspiring presence for students, alumni and the community.”

Kane previously served as the president of Marist High School, Bayonne, and has been an active member of his local parish, St. Teresa of Avila, Summit, for more than 50 years.

He has been married for 27 years.

He and his wife have two adult sons, both

OUR DIOCESE

Peter G. Kane, who has extensive experience in the financial services industry and Catholic education leadership, was recently appointed by Bishop James F. Checchio as the next president of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison.

Kane is the first layperson to serve as president of the highly regarded, coeducational, college preparatory school since it was founded in 1969.

Kane’s appointment reflects the exciting changes and developments at the school, which complements Bishop Checchio’s commitment and vision for the future of Catholic education in the diocese.

In addition, a new Board of Limited Jurisdiction was established to provide oversight and to function as an advisory board to Bishop Checchio, Kane and the superintendent of Schools, Barbara Stevens. The board is composed of clergy, alumni, and community leaders with expertise in a variety industry and disciplines.

Previously known as Bishop Ahr

9

Seasoned Catholic layperson to lead diocesan high school

10 OUR DIOCESE

Spiritual Family Above left, Bishop James F. Checchio poses with seminarians for the diocese after Mass at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, Bridgewater, July 13. Above right, Bishop Checchio and Msgr.

John N. Fell (left), director, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel (left), pose with three new seminarians for the diocese, from left: John Kalajian, Luke Fuller and David Watchurn. Right, Jose Lim, a seminarian for the diocese, holds a letter from Bishop Checchio dated July 13 calling him to the Order of Diaconate.

Lim, who is studying at the North American Pontifical College in Rome, is scheduled to be ordained at St. Peter’s Basilica there Sept. 29. Left, families of the seminarians were also invited and joined join them in the food line at dinner after Mass.

— Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photos

WORLD YOUTH DAY

JULY 21, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

with Bishop Checchio & Fiat Ventures Lisbon, Portugal | July 28th to August 7th, 2023 Please visit diometuchen.org/wyd for more details on the trip and registration information.

Please contact Megan Callahan at mcallahan@diometuchen.org with any questions about World Youth Day 2023!

OUR DIOCESE

ishes, the many generous and warm encounters people have within their churches and the value people see and experience, including their church and priests in their personal family lives,” he enumerated.

Finally, Father De Fillipps expressed disappointment the synod timeline had been negatively affected by the pandemic, and that such small numbers of youth had participated, both in the diocese and statewide.

Ruggiero reflected upon the value of the synod process, saying, “[It] enabled many participants to give witness to their love of the faith and the sacramental life.

“However, in other cases, the process seemed to reopen people’s wounds. The responses revealed how deeply divided the Church is on so many issues; the [synod] process allowed for true listening to one another and to the Holy Spirit, despite opposing opinions.

“All in all, I think this synod experience has prompted a renewed desire to work together to address the joys and sorrows we face as a faith community. This should give us hope.”

The final Diocese of Metuchen synod report, along with reports from every diocese in the United States, have been forwarded to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C., for synthesis into one national report.

That report, along with others from every region of the world, will become a working document for the Vatican; it will be presented and discussed in the General Assembly in Rome in October, 2023.

“By and large,” wrote Bishop Checchio, “participants testify to an experience through this process that brought joy and hope for the renewal of the Church and of society.”

The entire 13-page Synod report can be viewed, in English and Spanish, on the diocesan website at https://www. diometuchen.org/synod2023

JULY 21, 2022

vocations please pray for

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

particular order, they were: Positive and negative effects of the pandemic: The pandemic required The final report of the diocesan phase a measure of creativity to keep paof the Synod has been released, re- rishioners connected, for example, ported Bishop James F. Checchio to live-stream and outdoor Masses. The the people of the diocese. As a result pandemic also created wounds, such of the months-long interview and re- as a sense of abandonment, that need cording process, he said, “our diocese healing.

The threat of polarization within has experienced a process that allowed for authentic listening to one another the Church: The participants were and to the Holy Spirit… Therefore this divided into two main groups: those report is not a strategic plan but a sum- pushing for change and those with tramary of recurring themes for us to re- ditional views who want more clarity flect on and learn from as we continue on Church teachings.

The need for more inclusion, our journey as a diocese.”

As the 13-page document ex- welcoming and pastoral outreach to plains, the “Synod on Synodality” groups who feel marginalized: This includes, divorced opened Oct. 10, 2021, Catholics, traditional with a Holy Mass in “Our diocese has Catholics, those with Rome celebrated by disabilities, ethnic Pope Francis; Bishop experienced a groups, LGBTQ, youth Checchio was one of two bishop delegates process that allowed and young adults, the from the United States for authentic listening poor, homeless and immigrants. invited to concelA desire for the to one another and ebrate. Following the Eucharist: Much of the opening liturgy, Bishto the Holy Spirit… joy in being Catholic op Checchio met with parish ambassadors to Therefore this report lies in experiencing the sacraments, explain the purpose receiving and timeline of the is not a strategic plan especially the Eucharist, which synod and listening but a summary of many missed during sessions, intending to hear the concerns of recurring themes for the pandemic. As we this period of the roughly 657,000 us to reflect on and enter Eucharistic Revival Catholics in the diothere will be more cese’s 90 parishes. learn from as opportunities for To this end, the we continue our formation on the bishop appointed two contacts for the dio- journey as a diocese.” Eucharist as well as Adoration. cese, including Father —Bishop James F. Checchio The need James De Fillipps, for clarifying the parochial vicar, St. “mission” of the Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick. Jennifer Ruggiero, Church and the role the laity have in secretary, Secretariat for Family and sharing in that mission: There seems Pastoral Life, was appointed chairper- to be a lack of understanding of what son of the diocesan Synod Planning it means to evangelize and missionary Committee. Efforts were taken to pro- discipleship.

The yearning for more faith formote participation by a diverse swath of Catholics, including high school mation: There is a desire to discuss not and college students; the Hispanic only what we believe as Catholics but community; ministers to the elderly, also why we believe it and how we can homeless, poor and immigrants; LG- live what we believe.

Father De Fillipps admitted he BTQ groups and those in the women’s prison, homeless shelters and food was surprised at “the openness and honesty of our people in responding to pantry clients.

Participants were asked a wide the questions.”

“The reactions of the people were variety of reflection questions designed to clarify both the joys and challenges more intense than expected, and the of faith in the diocese, such as how polarization that exists in our society journeying together happens in the is found in many of our parishes,” he parish; how God speaks to them through added. “From all the data gathered, it others in the parish; what enables or seems most people share the same care hinders them to speak up in their parish; and concern for the life of the Church how their parish uses listening and on many of the same issues.”

The synod results instilled Father consultation to make decisions, and De Fillipps with a sense of hope for where they have heard the Holy Spirit.

The report lists major themes that our future, such as “the love of their surfaced across all groups and in re- Church and priests, the sense of comsponse to multiple discussions. In no munity many feel within their parBy Christina Leslie Correspondent

11

Synod results released: illustrate joy, challenges facing diocese

12 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

House of worship celebrates pandemic-delayed anniversary STOCKTON — After being delayed for two years because of the COVID19 pandemic restrictions, the faithful who attebd Mass at St. Agnes worship site of St. John the Evangelist, Lambertville, finally celebrated its centennial dedication June 26.

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the Mass and gave the homily.

Father Robert B. Kolakowski, pastor, concelebrated.

According to parish archives, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Catholics from Stockton worshiped at Mass on the second floor of Daniel Bodine Hall on Railroad Avenue.

In 1919, the faithful asked Dominic Price to act as their agent to buy a stone house on Main Street with the intention of converting it into a chapel. Thanks to the benevolence of Agnes Foran Shields of Flemington, who financed the dismantling of the house and the purchase of additional stone, a new church was planned and built. In appreciation, the community requested that Bishop Thomas J. Walsh, shepherd of the Diocese of Trenton, name the church St. Agnes after their benefactor. On April 25, 1920, St. Agnes Church was dedicated

by Bishop Walsh.

Initially a mission of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, the pastoral care of St. Agnes was transferred to the pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish. The women of the borough immediately organized the St.

memorial gifts of a chalice, paten and two ciboria.

In 1995, the interior of the Above left, a rendering of the original St. Agnes Church, now worship site of St. John church was repainted, a new walkway the Evangelist Parish, Lambertville, which was created from the Daniel Bodine Hall on installed, the front of the church Railroad Avenue. Agnes Foran Shields financed the dismantling of the house and the was landscaped and the roof was purchase of additional stone so a new church could be built. At right, Bishop James F. repaired. The heating system was Checchio (left) and Father Robert B. Kolakowski greet parishioners after Mass June 26. replaced and air-conditioning was Agnes Guild and held monthly Italian four sisters of the Institute of the added. The stations of the cross were dinners, fish dinners, had bake sales, Blessed Virgin Mary of Toronto, refurbished and a grotto dedicated to held fairs and special events to raise Ont., commonly called “Loretto the Blessed Virgin Mary was installed money to outfit their church with altar Nuns,” came to the area to serve and dedicated. Three years later, the linens, vessels, and other accoutre- Stockton, Flemington, Whitehouse ceiling was replaced, the walls and ments. In later years, men also joined Station, Milford and Baptistown and woodwork were repainted and the the guild and actively participated in prepared the children floor was refinished. guild objectives. for the reception of the In 1962, a yearlong New lights, pews Up until 1945, the priests were sacraments. and kneelers were responsible for the religious education In 1953, the renovation revitalized installed. A stainedof the children of Stockton. In 1945, Loretto Nuns were St. Agnes Church. In glass window depicting replaced by the the Resurrection was Missionary Sisters of 1964, the next major added behind the altar.

Our Lady of Victory In recent years, of Victory Noll, renovation took place the image of Our Lady Huntington, Ind., until of Guadalupe was when the church they were recalled. mounted, an ambo and In 1954, the received a new altar, a baptismal font was religious education of new heating system, donated by a parishioner, the Stockton children and a new sound system became part of the St. and a complete was installed by the John’s School program parish. Tradesmen from overhaul of the in Lambertville. the Hispanic community In 1952, a interior. A shrine to of St. Agnes supplied yearlong renovation skilled labor to repaint revitalized St. Agnes Our Lady of Lourdes the interior of the church.

Church. In 1964, the Responding to the was erected in the next major renovation pastoral needs of the front of the church. Hispanic population took place when the church received a new of the parish and altar, a new heating system, and a encouraging inclusive participation in complete overhaul of the interior. A the celebration of the sacraments, St. Above, Bishop Chec- shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes was John the Evangelist Parish arranges for chio (right) listens to erected in the front of the church.

Masses to be celebrated by a Spanishclosing remarks from In 1967, property improvements speaking priest on Sundays at St. Agnes.

Father Kolakowski at included macadamizing the parking lot.

A Spanish-speaking liaison proMass at St. Agnes worIn December 1982, volunteers vides assistance to parishioners, keeps ship site. Left, the house cleaned the gutters, trimmed hedges the lines of communication open for of worship includes a and trees to beautify the church parishioners with a language barrier plaque honoring the grounds. and fosters the spirit of unity between church’s benefactor.

Another cleanup Sunday in 1983 cultures.

St. Agnes was initially brought volunteers with shovels, St. Agnes Church is located on a mission church of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Par- rakes, chain saws, ladders and pickup South Main Street in Stockton. Mass is celebrated in English on Sundays at ish, Flemington. — Ed trucks for the cleanup.

In 1984, parishioners donated 9:30 a.m. and in Spanish at 11 a.m.

Koskey Jr. photos

award required Saint Peter’s Pediatric Emergency Department to share stories highlighting its commitment to care, and the initiatives established to improve the well-being of nursing staff.

The award serves as a visible symbol of Saint Peter’s commitment to quality, safety and a healthy work environment.

Saint Peter’s was among 29 hospitals nationwide to be recognized with the award.

“These emergency departments are doing so many remarkable improvements and initiatives and they deserve to be honored for their work,” said ENA President Jenn Schmitz. “I look forward to meeting some of these emergency nurses at our upcoming conference in Denver and celebrating them for their incredible achievement.”

There are many noteworthy accomplishments that led to the recognition, including improved collaboration between nurses and physicians; efforts to develop new flows and responsibilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; executing a simulation program to help emergency nurses better prepare for pediatric patients; and undertaking a significant quality improvement project to create a more age-friendly emergency department.

“It is an honor for Saint Peter’s Pediatric Emergency Department to be recognized for the care we deliver, especially since a trip to the emergency

— Father Michael Fragoso and St. Cecelia Parish photos

room can be scary for both children and their families,” said Dr. Todd Mastrovitch, director, Dorothy B. Hersh Pediatric Emergency Department at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s. “Our staff strives to provide a safe and comfortable environment for each patient while also providing the highest quality of care.”

The ENA Lantern Award showcases an emergency department’s

accomplishments in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation into emergency care. As a recipient, The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital will be recognized in upcoming issues of ENA’s all-member magazine “ENA Connection,” on the ENA website and social media, and during Emergency Nursing 2022 in Denver, Sept. 30–Oct. 3, the association’s annual conference.

JULY 21, 2022

Several parishes in the diocese celebrated the feast of Corpus Christi or Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, June 19, with a procession. Among the parishes that held processions were St. Cecelia, Iselin, and Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick. Vocationist Father Deniskingsley Nwagwu (center), administrator, St. Cecelia Parish; Vocationist Father Cyril Adim Offiong (right), parochial vicar, and Deacon Anthony Pepe, are shown in a vehicle with the Blessed Sacrament before it was driven through Iselin to be greeted by parishioners. At Parish of the Visitation, St. Mary of Mt. Virgin worship site, Father Michael Tabernero, parochial vicar, processed with the Blessed Sacrament, Deacon José Miguel Suarez, Sister Sylvia Serrano, altar servers and parishioners after the 1 p.m. Spanish Mass.

Nurses from the Dorothy B. Hersh Pediatric Emergency Department at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, are joined by Dr. Todd Mastrovitch, director of the department, and registered nurse Pam Harmon, nursing director, Saint Peter’s Women and Children’s Division.

— Michael Castronova photo

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Peaceful Procession

OUR DIOCESE

The Dorothy B. Hersh Pediatric Emergency Department at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, has earned the prestigious Lantern Award from the national Emergency Nurses Association (ENA).

When it comes to health care, children have specialized needs that require a different approach than their adult counterparts, requiring differently sized equipment and a range of expertise. In addition, children’s hospitals are specifically designed to take care of the child through a familycentered approach to medicine, serving kids at each stage of growth and development.

“The Pediatric Emergency Department at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital is the only pediatric emergency department in New Jersey to receive the prestigious Lantern Award,” said Pam Harmon, nursing director of Saint Peter’s Women and Children’s Division. “Earning the Lantern Award shows that The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s has met the highest standards for pediatric emergency care. Our nurses strive to provide the highest level of patient care and service excellence every day.”

The Lantern Award is the only award dedicated to showcasing emergency departments for their outstanding work. Consideration for the

13

Diocesan-sponsored hospital honored for excellence in pediatric care

14 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

New pastor pleased parish has diverse ministries, Spanish community

By Deacon Patrick Cline HILLSBOROUGH — From a young age, Msgr. Joseph Curry knew he wanted to serve God and others. His parents and grandparents shared their strong faith with their young boy who would become a priest. From them, he learned that God always had to be significant in his life. It is a lesson he heard again when Bishop James F. Checchio installed him as pastor of Mary, Mother of God Parish.

In his homily, Bishop Checchio, who presided at the liturgy, spoke of the great promise that Jesus made to his disciples on a mountain in Bethany just before he returned to heaven. “The Holy Spirit would be given to them by the Father who would teach and guide them,” he said.

As Jesus’ disciples today, he added, “we should take heart from the words of Jesus, that the Holy Spirit is our constant guide, mentor, protector and even prays with us.”

The bishop then told the parishioners, “Msgr. Curry’s main task as your pastor is to ensure that the people of Mary, Mother of God know the Holy Spirit and depend upon him in all that you do in all the good ministries that take place in your families and homes and in your own lives.”

It was the lesson the parish’s new pastor learned years ago — God needs to be significant in our life. One of four children of Joseph C. and Helen (Peg) Margaret Gaidos Curry, Msgr.

Curry attended St. Matthew the Apostle Elementary School, Edison, and the now-closed St. Pius X High School,

Piscataway. closed St Peter the Apostle High School, Msgr. Curry said he believes “my and at the Catholic Center at Rutgers vocation came from my family and the University, New Brunswick.

Parish of St. Matthew.”

In 2005, Msgr. Curry was named As an altar server and a member pastor of Immaculate Conception of the youth group there, young Joseph Parish, Spotswood, which also has a got to know two priests who would school. “I have always been in a parish influence his vocation with a school and I to the priesthood: remain committed to We as a parish Father Patrick Barrett, ensuring that Catholic community are who shared his love for education is available the needy, and Father blessed in so many for all who desire it,” he James O’Brien, who noted, while recognizes ways especially with: making it accessible worked with the youth group and helped Msgr. a struggle.

An impressive number can be Curry “discover an In addition to his amazing relationship of significant diverse parish assignments, with Jesus.”

Msgr. Curry served Along with ministries, that are alive the diocese in other preparing to enter and well! A spiritual and roles and positions. college, Msgr. Curry He was the associate began to consider the diverse community of director, diocesan priesthood as an option.

Office of Vacations; faith with an active and and Episcopal Vicar He enrolled in the University of Scranton, for Western Middlesex involved Spanish Pa., intending to study County. He has also community! law. He decided to been a mentor for newly live in the university’s ordained priests. minor seminary, “just to try it out.” After Msgr. Curry has always promoted earning a Bachelor of Science degree and supported vocations to the in political science, he completed his priesthood and religious life. For seminary training at Mount St. Mary a number of years, he oversaw the Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., where he diocese’s vocational camps for boys earned a Master of Divinity degree. and girls, Camp Christopher and Camp Msgr. Curry was ordained to Maria. the priesthood May 31, 1986, at the He attended Gallaudet College, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Washington, D.C., established to Metuchen. His first 19 years as a priest serve the needs of the deaf and hard were spent as parochial vicar and then of hearing, where he studied American pastor at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Sign Language. Msgr. Curry found New Brunswick; as chaplain at the now- that working with and ministering to

Clockwise from left: Bishop James F. Checchio (left) and Msgr. Joseph M. Curry distribute Communion at a Mass of Installation of Msgr. Curry as pastor of Mary, Mother of God Parish; in the Rite of Installation, Msgr. Curry and Bishop Checchio listen as Deacon Chris Conroy speaks from the ambo; Father Alex Carles (left), parochial vicar, and Spiritan Father Sean Broderick, retired administrator of Mary, Mother of God, walk in front of Msgr. Curry in the procession; and Msgr. Curry’s mother and family members stand during the liturgy.

—John Batkowski photos

the hearing-impaired community was one of many enriching experiences as a priest.

In March 2006, Msgr. Curry was installed as a Chaplain to his Holiness with the title Reverend Monsignor, one of the first priests ordained for the Diocese of Metuchen to receive this honor.

At the end of his Mass of Installation, Msgr. Curry thanked Bishop Checchio for his confidence in him to serve as pastor of Mary, Mother of God. He also thanked — in English and Spanish — his family, many of whom attendedd the Mass, and the members of the various parishes he served, who “made me the man and the priest that I am today.”

He expressed his gratitude to God, too, because, “without him we would never know each other.”

Before the final blessing, Bishop Checchio mentioned another example of Msgr. Curry’s service — director, diocesan Office of Ministry to Priests.

“For any priest who is facing challenges, he is the person who gets the call,” the bishop said. “I am very grateful for his willingness to serve in that capacity.”

Shortly after coming to Mary, Mother of God, on the parish website, Msgr. Curry wrote: “I am discovering new and exciting things every day! We as a parish community are blessed in so many ways especially with: An impressive number of significant diverse ministries, that are alive and well!

A spiritual and diverse community of faith with an active and involved Spanish community!

Above, Father Thomas V. Ryan gives Communion to his father, also Thomas, followed by his mother, Anne Marie, at Mass at Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart worship site, New Brunswick.

Right, Bishop James F. Checchio presides at the Rite of Installation of Father Ryan as pastor of Holy Family. Below, Bishop Checchio and Father Ryan greet the faithful after Mass.

— Chris Donahue photos

Emotional and Spiritual Care.

Meanwhile, the challenges of the coronavirus are still present, Father Ryan said. He was in Rome when the pandemic began and arrived at Holy Family as administrator when the lockdown began.

“Feeling my way through the parish, contact with staff, introduction to community relationships was a challenge, but outreach was very much alive,” he said. “The Masses in private and later broadcast as well as use of many forms of social media were learning experiences.”

Meanwhile, the parish mobilized to collaborate with diocesan and community organizations that allowed for pastoral outreach. As we look to the future, I look forward to continuing being a part of the excitement of how the Church continues to respond to the postCOVID experiences.”

JULY 21, 2022

tested after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, then again in 2012, when Hurricane Sandy, the costliest natural disaster in the history of New Jersey, made landfall near Atlantic City.

“Hurricane Sandy devastated portions of Sayreville when I was pastor of Our Lady of Victories [Parish],” Father Ryan recalled. “I learned to work with partner organizations to help with spiritual and corporal works of mercy in our response to the experiences of the community.

“It was during Hurricane Sandy that I was introduced to the Disaster Operations of Catholic Charities USA. I continue as a team member for the annual disaster training coordinated by Catholic Charities USA and serve as a representative of Catholic Charites USA on the National Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster committee of

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

NEW BRUNSWICK — In the same house of worship where he served as a transitional deacon 30 years ago, Father Thomas F. Ryan was elevated to pastor of Holy Family Parish at a Mass of Installation May 29. Holy Family includes the former Sacred Heart Church, now a worship site.

Much has occurred in Father Ryan’s life since his formation at Sacred Heart.

He has served at several parishes as a parochial vicar and pastor and held numerous leadership positions for the diocese.

Over the years, Father Ryan has also faced challenges, learning Spanish to help serve his parishes, and the diocese’s Hispanic community; guiding a parish and surrounding community through the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy; and the near paralyzing effects of mandates issued because of COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic, which began shortly after he was named Holy Family’s administrator.

Despite the challenges, Father Ryan said his 29-year priestly ministry has been joyful. He cited times such as “bringing the presence of Jesus to those who are searching for him, the celebration of the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist, and visits to the sick in their homes, hospital or other facilities.”

In his homily, Bishop Checchio told the congregation, “As we experience so many changes in our lives, too, we should take heart from the words of Jesus, that the Holy Spirit is our constant guide, mentor, protector and even prays within us.” “Even the change of pastor of this parish comes with the assurance that the Holy Spirit will renew all things in Christ for us. God desires all good for us, and doesn’t want us to fret or be fearful,” he added.

In the Rite of Installation, members of the parish’s pastoral and finance councils were introduced to Father Ryan.

The bishop then said, “Remember, my brother Thomas, 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 that faith, I ask you now to lead your people in the Profession of Faith.” Father Ryan then faced the congregation, placed his hand on the Book of Gospels and led them in reciting the Nicene Creed.

Father Ryan then recited the Oath of Fidelity, part of which says: “With firm faith I also believe everything contained in God’s Word, written or handed down in tradition…”

Bishop Checchio concluded the rite by saying, “Gracious God, you have nourished and protected your Church by providing it with pastors who are stewards of your word and sacraments.

Strengthen our brother Thomas as he

begins this new ministry among us, and help us all to follow your son, Jesus Christ, who is Lord, for ever and ever.”

Father Ryan was born in Staten Island, N.Y., one of five children of Thomas and Ann Marie Kelly Ryan. He was raised in Basking Ridge, where he graduated from St. James School and Oratory Preparatory School, Summit.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in physics with a minor in philosophy at Seton Hall University, South Orange, and a Master of Divinity Degree and a certificate in the Studies of the Roman Missal of 1962 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa. He also earned a Certificate of Spanish Language from Malloy College in Puerto Rico and Cuernavacca Language School, Mexico.

Father Ryan was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Emeritus Edward T. Hughes at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, May 22, 1993.

After his ordination, he served as associate pastor, Our Lady of the Mount, Warren; parochial vicar and administrator, La Asunción Parish, Perth Amboy; parochial vicar and administrator, St. John the Baptist Parish, New Brunswick; administrator, Our Lady of Hungary Parish, Perth Amboy; and pastor, Holy Trinity Parish, and St. Mary Parish, both in Perth Amboy.

One of the challenges to serving the faithful, Father Ryan said, is having openness to adapt to pastoral needs, including learning Spanish which he did at the request of Bishop Hughes.

“The grammar was a challenge but the experiences I had opened my eyes and gave me an appreciation of other cultures,” he added.

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Father Ryan has served on the diocese’s Seminary Board; as spiritual director of the Spanish Cursillo and Legion of Mary; commissioner, Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency, and as chaplain of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Commodore John Barry Division III, Perth Amboy; the Perth Amboy Fire Department, the New Jersey State Exempt Fireman’s Association; and the Hermandad del Señor de los Milagros.

In 2005, Father Ryan was invested in the Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He received recognition and a nomination for the Distinguished Pastor Award by the National Catholic Educational Association in 2012.

While he was involved in multiple parish ministry in Perth Amboy in the early 2000s, Father Ryan said now as pastor of a one parish multiple church configuration, “I look forward to the dynamics of working together with parishioners of various ethnic, multigenerational and religious traditions.”

His ability as a pastor to respond to the pastoral needs of the faithful were

OUR DIOCESE

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor

15

Priest elevated to shepherd of parish he first served in formation

16 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

Newly installed pastor looks forward to fostering mission of Church now Our Lady of Mount Virgin, is unique. He was raised in Queens, N.Y. As a resident of the borough’s Jackson MIDDLESEX — When Father David V. Heights section, he was a member of Skoblow began his journey as a newly- St. Joan of Arc Parish, where he served ordained priest and parochial vicar at as an extraordinary minister of Holy Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords, in Communion. His church affiliation 2015, he told a reporter that his primary changed when he joined the choir at responsibility was the salvation of souls, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan in which, pursuant to canon law, is “the 1981, a position he held for 31 years.

After attending the Bronx High supreme law of the Church.” Seven years later, it remains the focus of his ministry School of Science, Father Skoblow as he assumed the office of pastor of Our earned a bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Pennsylvania, Lady of Mount Virgin Parish.

Several days after he was formally Philadelphia, and a bachelor’s degree in installed as shepherd of Our Lady of economics from Penn’s Wharton School Mount Virgin, Father Skoblow, who had of Finance. From Penn, Father Skoblow been appointed administrator of Our went on to earn a master’s degree in Lady of Mount Virgin in 2018, said “I international relations at Georgetown was thrilled when the Bishop [James F. University, Washington, D.C., a law Checchio] took me aside to tell me that degree at Georgetown’s law school, he was appointing me as pastor. The and then a masters in law at the London School of Economics. appointment as pastor brings In 1999, Father stability both to me and to “The spiritual Skoblow began the journey the parish so that we can that would eventually lead get on with the challenges challenge is to priestly ordination by that face the parish, both to present the enrolling in a program spiritual and financial.”

As pastor, Father faith clearly and based out of the Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, Skoblow is in charge of the authentically England, where he earned spiritual and pastoral needs a bachelor’s degree in of about 5,700 registered in a way that divinity and 2004 and parishioners, living in 2,400 households. “Since resonates with a master’s degree in theology in 2011. Because Middlesex is about 40 my flock, and to the Archdiocese of New percent Catholic [like the rest of New Jersey],” he faithfully celebrate York at the time had a policy of not accepting noted, “the parish has the the sacraments anyone over 50-yearsability to reach out directly to virtually all the local with the mind of old for the priesthood, Father Skoblow looked for Catholics. another diocese that would the Church.”

“Unfortunately,” he accept him. At a dinner added, “we have only —Father David V. for the Order of the Holy been seeing about 1,200 Skoblow Sepulchre in September parishioners at Mass, and 2011, Father Skoblow, who that was pre-COVID. Our challenge is to reach out to the other 80 is also a Chaplain of the Order of Malta, percent of Middlesex Catholics who are met Msgr. Sylvester J. Cronin. During not active and provide them with a clear their conversation, Father Skoblow and compelling case for returning to an told Msgr. Cronin about New York’s policy and asked him, “How does your active participation in the Church.

“At my installation Mass, I swore bishop feel about delayed vocations?” an oath of fidelity to be loyal to the Within a few weeks, Father Skoblow magisterium of the Church, without met with now Bishop Emeritus Paul G. compromise and without diluting the Bootkoski; Msgr. Randall J. Vashon, faith. The spiritual challenge is to present director, diocesan Office of Vocations; the faith clearly and authentically in a and Msgr. Edward C. Puleo, director, way that resonates with my flock, and to diocesan Office for Priest Personnel. faithfully celebrate the sacraments with Father Skoblow’s application was accepted, and he began his formation to the mind of the Church.

“Like many parishes,” he added, the priesthood at Pope St. John XXIII “we also have financial challenges. National Seminary outside of Boston.

Father Skoblow believes that his While I’ve told my parishioners many times that I am more interested in extensive academic background and seeing parishioners in the pews than I his work experience heading the legal am in seeing money in the bank, I am department of an international bank firmly convinced that with the former gives him important skills that he brings will come the latter. And with a more with him to the administration of the spiritually vibrant parish, I hope to also parish. “The challenge is to balance see more vocations to the priesthood, good administration with solid ministry, which, of course, is the overriding the diaconate, and the religious life.”

Like most priests, Father priority. In addition,” he added, “I have Skoblow’s path to Holy Orders, and a diverse background that helps me to

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor

Above, Bishop James F. Checchio leads the Rite of Installation at Mass for Father David V. Skoblow (left) as pastor of Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish. After the rite, Father Skoblow and the bishop embrace. Below, at a reception in the church basement, Father Skoblow speaks to the attendees, who included Msgr. Sylvester J. Cronin, far right, and Bishop Checchio.

— Marlo Williamson and Chris Donahue photos

more readily identify with a variety of people and situations. While I am a cradle Catholic, my father was Jewish.

I’ve always attended public schools.

I’ve also travelled to 66 countries. My hope is that I can continue to put all this to good use for the benefit of the parish and the glory of God.” In his homily, Bishop Checchio, who presided at the liturgy and Rite of Installation, said that among Father Skoblow’s many responsibilities as pastor will be “to teach, sanctify and shepherd this community; but the most important and joyful of all the things he does, is to lead you in the celebration of the Eucharist, and it will feed him for all his other responsibilities. It will help him to exemplify in his life the meaning of the sacred ministries which he celebrates.”

“May our mother, Mary, wrap her mantle around Father David and lead

him and all of you closer into the heart of her blessed son, Jesus Christ, who loves us so much that He poured out His own Blood to save us,” the bishop said, adding, “I thank you for making the Eucharist an important part of your lives. It certainly encourages me to see your love of the Lord and His Eucharist.

Praised be Jesus Christ.”

According to the parish’s website, it was named after the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Virgin near Avellino, Italy. In 1924, Luigi and Filomena Curcio donated the property and promised to provide the altar and statues if a church could be built in Middlesex and named for the church they remembered and loved in Italy. The original mission church was completed in 1925. The parish was erected in1943, and the present church was completed in 1971.

al Section A Speci

of The Catholic Spirit � July 21 ,2022

TH

18 MILESTONES

Celebrating 65 Years Father Vincent Chen turned 92 years old in June. He has been a priest for 65 years, including a half-century in the U.S. Age has slowed him somewhat, and he fully retired from his ministry in 2017. He said, however, that he never really considered himself retired from his priestly duties.

“I can’t hear,” Father Chen said during a recent telephone call to the Maria Regina Residence, Somerset, where he lives.

“I’m hard of hearing,” he added, yet he is still very much a priest.

Father Chen was from the Fujian province on the southeastern coast of China, where the Formosa Strait separates China from Taiwan. He grew up in a family of devout Catholics, and entered the seminary in the Fujian province at 17, before leaving for Rome. There, he studied theology and philosophy, and was ordained a priest Dec. 21, 1957. He continued his studies in Rome, where he earned a doctorate in canon law.

Five years later, the bishop of Taiwan assigned him to teach at a diocesan high school, where he later became principal. In 1972, President Richard Nixon’s visit to China helped open doors to the western world, and

Chinese priests in Taiwan were allowed the Diocese of Metuchen, according to to apply for passports, Father Chen said. an online history of Our Lady of Mount Having resettled first in Italy, then Carmel. It happened about two years afin America, Father Chen is a role model ter the diocese’s formation during a time on learning to adapt in other cultures, when the call went out for more priests “You have to [adapt],” he asserted on to serve parishes in the new diocese. having to settle away from Father Chen spent home. “If you are living more than 30 years serv“The Catholic there, there is no choice. ing as parochial vicar at St. Church is You have to eat, pray, sleep Philip and St. James Parish, and study in order to be a universal, and Phillipsburg, said Father priest. I never got homesick.

John Barbella, the longtime no matter “Quite a few priests pastor who was recently from Taiwan came here [the to St. John Vianwhere you go, reassigned U.S.] to help in parishes. At ney Parish, Colonia. the same time, we applied if you serve the For more than 20 of to work in mainland China those years, Father Chen people with was chaplain at Warren because we had American passports, but went back as Hospital, now known as St. your heart, tourists because we were Luke’s Hospital – Warren people will not allowed to go back as Campus, Phillipsburg. Even [Catholic] missionaries. retiring from his hospireturn the love.” after “The Catholic Church tal chaplaincy, Father Chen is universal, and no matter celebrated Mass at the parwhere you go, if you serve the people ish and also said Masses at local nursing with your heart, people will return the homes, noted Father Barbella. love.”

“Indeed, these were very much his In the U.S., Father Chen was first little parish, and he was very attentive assigned to minister at Our Lady of to things like bringing holy Communion Mount Carmel Parish, Lyndhurst, where and the sacrament of anointing of the in 1983, parishioners helped him cele- sick to the residents,” Father Barbella brate the 25th anniversary of his ordina- added. said. tion. In July that same year, he moved to Father Chen, also enjoyed drawing

smiles and laughter out of children, often distributing lollipops to youngsters after Mass.

“I love children,” Father Chen said in a 2017 interview marking his 60th anniversary. “Every Sunday is my day, because I see the children, get to hold the children. They are a gift from God.” Well-wishes can be sent to Father Chen, in care of Maria Regina Residence, 5 Dellwood Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873.

— Anthony Salamone

The Priests, Deacons, and people of

CONGRATULATE

Fr. Vincent Chen on the occasion of his

JULY 21, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

65th Anniversary of priestly ordination.

We thank God for your many years of priestly ministry in our parish, and assure you of our continued prayers. Your faithful ministry to the sick, your visits to the Care Centers, and the joy you brought to the little ones of our parish will never be forgotten.

“Be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

1 Peter 5:3-4

Congratulations and Best Wishes from Parishioners of Our Lady of Victories Church Baptistown to

Msgr. David I Fulton

Celebrating 55th Anniversary of His Ordination!

19

Celebrating 55 Years Parish, Princeton, and St. James Parish, Hospital, New Brunswick.

Pennington; as an assistant at Aquinas Msgr. Fulton has served as an Institute, Princeton, and a chaplaincy at educator for more than 40 years. He taught Mount St. Mary Parish, Watchung. biomedical ethics at New Brunswick He was pastor at St. Matthias, Theological Seminary; theological Somerset, and Our Lady of Victories, ethics for the College of St. Elizabeth, Baptistown.

Morristown, and nursing and In March 2006, he was “When I was religious ethics at Felician named chaplain of honor to College, Lodi. Concluding first ordained, his teaching career back His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, with the title Reverend I talked about where he began, he worked Monsignor. at St. Mary Seminary for 14 In addition to his parish theology. I failed years, retiring in 2020. work, Msgr. Fulton has served Fulton admitted to realize how his Msgr. the Church in New Jersey in instructional approach various ways. For the Diocese we as humans and focus has shifted over the of Trenton, he was a deputy years. respond to presiding judge and director “When I was first of continuing education for ordained, I talked about things of the clergy; in Metuchen, he filled theology,” he recalled. “I the roles of tribunal judge, heart. I went for failed to realize how we as promoter of justice, director respond to things law and order, humans of continuing education for of the heart. I went for law clergy, theological consultant not freedom and order, not freedom and to the bishop, consultant for grace.” and grace.” theology, and others.

Today, Msgr. Fulton Msgr. Fulton was a lives in Wynnewood, Pa., and consultant for theology and canon law for celebrates Mass each weekend, alternately the N.J. Catholic Conference, a member at St. Colman Church, Ardmore, Pa., of the advisory committee on professional and Our Lady of Victories Church. The ethics for the N.J. Supreme Court, and priest also travels and preaches for Cross a member of the neonatal bioethics Catholic Outreach, an organization that committee at Saint Peter’s University financially assists programs for the poor

MILESTONES

“We are all damaged goods -- grace makes the difference,” observed Msgr. David I. Fulton as he looked back upon his 55 years of grace-filled priestly service.

Born in 1941 in Philadelphia, he attended St. Aloysius Academy, Bryn Mawr, and St. Joseph Preparatory School, Philadelphia, where he first began to consider pursuing the priesthood.

“It was a Jesuit high school. Of the 197 graduates, 19 entered the Jesuits and four of us went into diocesan priesthood,” he reported. “I though it was a decent way to spend my life, share some value for people and yourself. The life of a priest is humanly satisfying and spiritually rewarding.”

Msgr. Fulton graduated from St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Continuing his education in Rome, he earned a licentiate of canon law at Gregorian University, and a doctorate of sacred theology from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas. He returned to Gregorian University to earn a doctorate in canon law in 1996, and was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Trenton on May 20, 1967, by Bishop George W. Ahr. Over the course of his priestly service, Msgr. Fulton served as a parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish, South Amboy; St. Paul

in 80 different countries.

Not surprisingly, his advice to a prospective priest reflects his unique blend of the practical and the scholarly.

“Read St. Augustine over and over.

He is a linchpin,” Msgr. Fulton said. “Go to St. Aquinas as well. I used to tell the seminarians they had to look into a mirror and practice saying three things each morning, well, four, including ‘thank you.’

“Practice saying, ‘I don’t know,’ ‘I need your help,’ and ‘I ask your forgiveness.’”

— Christina Leslie

Celebrating 55 Years vocation to the priesthood he jokingly said, “You will never be unemployed as long as you can walk and talk.”

He feels that young people need more interaction with priests to show them how fulfilling the vocation can be when they meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of their parishioners.

“I am sure that God is calling an awful lot of people to the religious life and the priesthood, but for one reason or another they are not being exposed to it,” he said. “We need priests and bishops to be out there encouraging vocations.”

Looking back over the years, he feels he made the right decision to become a priest. “People don’t realize this is a wonderful life. No job is absolutely perfect but, overall this is top choice,” he said.

His advice to current priests is they should do as much as they can and are able to do.

“You can’t do it all. There is a lot of work and few to do it,” he said.

Msgr. Herlihy noted that when he was ordained, there were several seminarians in his class. Now there are few. “These few men are replacing big numbers from years gone by who are all retiring at the same time.”

He said prayer and focusing the priest on the people, not administration, is a way to get people back to Mass.

“Let us do what we were ordained to do rather that all the other things that take us away from what is important.”

Small groups and service project activities involving the young people should also be encouraged.

“We forget who is in charge of the whole lot. It is God himself. We are simply workers on his behalf. We are the ones in the field, and we need to call for his help.

We can’t do it ourselves. The harvest is ready, but the workers are few and far in between.”

— Karen Corpora

JULY 21, 2022

Russell June 11, 1967, in the cathedral at Waterford.

Msgr. Herlihy began his priestly ministry in the Diocese of Albany, N.Y., and in January 1986, moved to the Diocese of Metuchen, where he served as parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish, South Amboy; Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway; St. Cecilia Parish, Iselin; and as pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, South Bound Brook.

In 2002, he was appointed as Episcopal Vicar of Somerset County. He is a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre and was a member of the diocesan Future Staffing of Parishes Commission.

He said his favorite part of being a priest is doing what he was ordained to do: administer the sacraments and assist the people with their needs.

“I wasn’t ordained to do administrative work,” he said.

“We were not trained for that, so I had to pick it up on the run. I enjoy what I am doing now, which has no administrative responsibility.”

He enjoys walking every day and stopping to talk with the people he meets along the way. He also keeps up with spiritual reading and never misses his prayer time, which he enjoys more now that he has fewer responsibilities.

When asked about discerning a

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

After decades of service as priest, Msgr.

Daniel J. Herlihy, now 80, is retired, but still keeping very busy. Commenting on his life, he said, “The word retirement isn’t the correct word at all. I only retired from administration. We are not retired from the priesthood. I was told by others before I left the administrative side I could possibly be busier after than I ever was before.”

Which, in his case, has turned out to be true.

In 2015, Msgr. Herlihy returned to his family home and now lives in the Diocese of Kelly in Ireland and serves the Rothmore Parish, where there are four churches and one priest.

“I am in good health and enjoy the life I have,” he said. “I cover for vacations, baptisms, funerals, weddings and whatever else they need.” He also assists other parish priests if they need help.

Prior to leaving the Diocese of Metuchen, Msgr. Herlihy’s last assignment was as pastor of Transfiguration of the Lord Parish, Edison-Highland Park.

Born in Cork City, Ireland, Msgr.

Herlihy is the son of the late Margaret O’Callaghan and Denis Herlihy. After attending elementary and high school in Ireland, he received his seminary training from 1961-1967 at St. John Seminary, Waterford, Ireland. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Michael

MILESTONES 20 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

Celebrating 55 Years As he celebrates 55 years since his ordination, for Redemptorist Father Marco Cáceres his “spontaneous, pleasant reaction is recognition and appreciation of God’s presence and action during my priestly lifetime.”

“God not only showed his loving purpose by calling me to the priesthood, but above all by maintaining his unwavering faithfulness each and every day of my priestly ministry,” he said.

Father Cáceres has served the Church in North and South America, initially serving 10 years in his homeland of Columbia, 15 years in Venezuela and 25 years in the United States. “Different countries, different people, different cultures, different challenges. But at this moment I can bear witness to God’s loving care, who at all times and places provided me with his guidance, assistance, and encouragement in my achievements, as well as in my endeavors and failures,” Father Cáceres said. “This assistance and encouragement have come to me through human instruments, like the Redemptorist religious community, my bishops, and fellow priests.”

Born in Columbia in 1943, Father Cáceres attended elementary school and high school there and began his priestly studies at the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer Seminary. In 1967, he

moved to Rome, where he earned a degree in theology at Gregorian University.

He also earned a degree in liturgy at St. Anselm University.

Father Cáceres was ordained to the priesthood Aug. 1, 1967, at San Alfonso Church, Bogota, Columbia. He served as a pastor in Columbia until 1982 and in Venezuela until 1996. He also was a liturgy professor at the University of St. Bonaventure, Bogota, and then at Bolivarian University, Medellin.

He moved to the United States in 1996, and was assigned as parochial vicar at St. Anthony Parish, Hightstown, in the Diocese of Trenton. He was next assigned parochial vicar at La Asuncion Parish, Perth Amboy, now The Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, in the Diocese of Metuchen.

“The closest, subtle but effective support, has always come to me from the communities I have served pastorally. Their religious practices, their commitment, their understanding, their genuine though simple faith expressions have been for me a source of inspiration, confidence, and appraisement of both their spiritual values and my priestly vocation,” he said.

As an example, Father Cáceres related a special story that has stayed with him throughout his priesthood.

“When I was in Venezuela, one of my parishioners, a 28-year-old doctor, had a

car accident and became paraplegic and consequently was reduced to being in bed in an indefinite, irreversible and painful situation” he said. “I used to bring him holy Communion weekly. Each time I entered his room, he was thrilled with immense excitement and his joy and smile were so notorious and contagious that I still keep that image deep in my spirit.

“For this and many other expressions of faith on the part of the communities I have served during 55 years, I give thanks to God who in his boundless, compassionate love called me to share in Christ’s priesthood. Through those people, especially the simple, the lowly, the unlearned, I found nearby signs of God’s presence, and have been able to better read and understand Jesus’ words: ‘My Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I am grateful that you hid all this from wise and educated people and showed it to ordinary people,’” (Mt 11,25) he said.

Father Cáceres was named administrator at St. John the Baptist Parish, New Brunswick, now the Parish of The Visitation, in 2000, and dean of the New Brunswick Deanery in November 2003.

After his retirement to the Maria Regína Residence, Somerset, Father Caceres was a weekend assistant at St. Paul’s Church, Highland Park, and St. Joseph’s Parish, Bound Brook.

“I want to express my gratitude, accompanied by my prayers and blessing, to the communities I have served as an active priest in the Diocese of Metuchen,” Father Cáceres said.

He also expressed his “sincere gratitude to the Diocese of Metuchen, to our Bishop James F. Checchio, and his staff, as well as to my fellow and gentle priests at Maria Regína Residence. May the Lord bestow showers of blessings upon all of them.”

— Paul J. Peyton

21

Celebrating 50 Years that his high school teacher, Bill Ryan, influenced him and encouraged him to reach his goals. He added it was at the age 18 that he decided he wanted to pursue a vocation to the priesthood. He attended St. John College and Seminary in Waterford, Ireland. Bishop Michael Russell ordained him for the Diocese of Trenton at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Waterford, June 4, 1972.

Msgr. Brennan first served as parochial vicar at St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, then as associate pastor at St. Philip and St. James Parish, Phillipsburg. He became incardinated in the diocese after it was established in 1981.

In 1982, he was appointed temporary administrator, then pastor at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lambertville where he served for four years.

In 1985, on the feast of St. Matthew the Apostle, Msgr. Brennan was installed as pastor of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Edison, which he shepherded for 17 years.

In 2002, he was appointed pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville.

Msgr. Brennan began serving at St. Matthias in February 2021. Except for his first assignmen,t all of the others parishes where he ministered had schools.

He said he enjoyed working with the administrations, principal, Mercy Sisters and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters in those schools.

For the diocese, Msgr. Brennan has served as vicar for Personnel in Ministry; pro-synodal judge of the Tribunal; exofficio member of the Presbyteral Council and Administrative Council; chairman, Board of Seminary Education; dean of Cathedral Deanery; and a member of the Priests Personnel Board; College of Consultors; County Seat Deanery; Commission for Collaborative Ministry; and Engaged Encounter Apostolate.

Msgr. Brennan currently serves as Dean of the County Seat deanery and is a member of the College of Consultors and Presbyteral Council. He was recently appointed to the Board of Perth Amboy Catholic School. In 1991, he was elevated to the rank of Prelate of Honor with the title of Reverend Monsignor by then-Pope, now St. John Paul II. As for what advice he would give to a man considering a vocation to the priesthood, Msgr. Brennan said, “Go for it.

It is a great life. With the Lord’s grace and the support of other priests it is possible to live a priestly life. Continue to pray about it and be in touch with the Vocations director in your diocese, and become involved in the liturgy program in your parish.”

Noting that his priesthood has been a mystery to him, Msgr. Brennan said, “There is no reason I can see for this call.

I was a farmer and lover of sports with no

MILESTONES

In celebrating his 50 years in the priesthood, Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan wrote a reflection printed in the St. Matthias Parish bulletin.

It read in part: “I think of my priesthood in the two words then-Pope, now St. John Paul II used regarding his priesthood — gift and mystery. No one is worthy to share in the priesthood of Christ and to stand at the altar to consecrate the Eucharist or to sit in the confessional and absolve sin. But through the power of his Spirit, God has shared with me this gift. By definition, a gift is unexpected and unmerited, but God has given me this gift. Totally out of God’s generosity, he has given me a share in his priesthood.”

Now a senior priest living at the Somerset parish, Msgr. Brennan no longer has any administrative responsibilities, but continues his priestly ministry celebrating Masses, hearing confessions, anointing the sick and presiding at baptisms, weddings and funerals.

Born in Portlaoise County Laois, Ireland, Msgr. Brennan was the fifth of 13 children born to James Brennan and the late Mary Martin. He said his parents and siblings were all very supportive of him in all aspects of his life. They worshiped at Mass together, prayed the rosary together, worked the family farm together, and played football and soccer together.

The 74-year-old monsignor noted

particular gifts in learning or leadership or service. I had been an altar server and assisted as an usher but was not otherwise involved much in church. But in the great mystery of God’s plan, he called me to serve as a priest.”

Expressing appreciation for those who have helped him, Msgr. Brennan asserted, “I am deeply grateful for the example and encouragement I have received all along this journey, starting with my parents and siblings and continuing with my fellow priests and the parishioners I have served.”

— Sue Getz

The parishioners and staff at St James the Less

CONGRATULATE

Rev. Msgr. Raymond Cole on the 50th Anniversary of his ordination

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

22 MILESTONES

Celebrating 50 Years At 79 years young, Father Ray – as his friends and parishioners call him – has a biography worthy of the most experienced religious.

He first realized the Holy Spirit calling him at the age of eight, finding joy in the Mass at the McGuire Air Force Base chapel, Lakehurst, where his father was stationed. Later, he attended Holy Cross High School and was an altar server at his parish, where he went to confession weekly, formed a choir and became adept at liturgical procedures.

Along with the other congenial parish priests, Father Francis Sergel had a great spiritual influence on the teen – as well as sharing in fun fishing expeditions.

After an initial year in a monastery, young Raymond decided to leave and enroll at LaSalle University, Philadelphia, and major in Classical Studies.

In the summers, he worked in construction and as a security guard. It was after college graduation, however, that he re-entered formation at Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, N.Y., in 1968. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1972 at the Cathedral of St. Mary, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr. With stints as a pastor at St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough for more than 30 years, as well as associate pastor and parochial vicar roles at parishes in

Bordentown, Trenton, Bernardsville, and South Amboy before that, Msgr. Cole now serves as a weekend assistant at St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg.

Fluent in Spanish, he is a welcome celebrant to the parish’s Mass celebrated in that language. He especially finds this skill useful for his occasional trips to Guatemala to assist in activities with a sister parish there, which he launched during his years as pastor. His fundraising acumen helped build a village chapel, buy a truck for hauling, and allow the people in that Central American country to gain easier access to clean water – thanks to the generosity of St. Joseph parishioners.

His accomplishments at St. Joseph’s also include moving the parish family from the original small house of worship in the East Millstone Historic District and building a much larger church, parish center and rectory; installing energy-saving solar panels on the grounds; establishing a bond with the poor in Appalachia through material and monetary donations; expanding visitations to the sick, homebound, and at Carrier Clinic; and creating Bible Study and social service programs.

“Being a pastor for 33 years in one parish enabled me to be ‘father’ rather than ‘administrator.’ Something in me brought about a desire to collaborate

and reach consensus in real pastoral matters,” he explained. “I believe in forward movement and risk with careful understanding of building community and respecting Ecclesiastical expectations. I have loved being a priest and still do.”

Msgr. Cole’s responsibilities over the course of his vocation include being a member of the Diocese of Trenton’s Catholic Charismatic Renewal Steering Committee, Council of Priests, Commission for Continuing Education for Priests, Priestly Life and Ministry Commission, and Seminary Review Board; and co-moderator for the Diocese of Metuchen’s Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

In addition, Msgr. Cole has been Chair of the Spirituality Committee; Priestly Life and Ministry Committee; the Commission for Collaborative Ministry; executive director of the diocesan Department of Pastoral Life; member of the priests’ personnel board, diocesan curia, and College of Consultors; Chaplain for the First Aid Squad, Fire Company, and Knights of Columbus in East Millstone; plus Dean of the County Seat Deanery.

“Taking care of my spiritual life is especially rewarding continuing to help build up the Kingdom of Christ with priests and bishops from around

the United States,” he said about his current role on the leadership team of the Association of United States Catholic Priests.

“I’ll never give up, even after these 50 years,” he said. “It’s too exciting, and there is still so much to do.”

In-between doctor appointments, Msgr. Cole jokes, he likes to enjoys reading and preparing weekend homilies.

— Debra Stevko Miller

CONGRATULATIONS

Monsignor Robert J. Zamorski!

JULY 21, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

For 50 years you have walked in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd and have watched over the flocks entrusted to your care with total dedication, love, and respect for each of your “sheep.” You have been, and continue to be, a blessing to countless individuals.

Congratulations on this important milestone in your priesthood!

You are celebrated, loved, and appreciated! forever!” ““You You are a priest forever!

Your Friends in Christ, Sister Rebecca, Sister Dorothy & Joan Polonkay

ean Winters.

y that you have inspired and touched over the

trength, wisdom and knowledge to continue serv-

nniversary servant of God.

—St Joseph Parish Carteret

Celebrating 50 Years

MILESTONES

rsary of Priestly Ordination

23

Rev. Msgr. James Moran Happy 35th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination

Fr. Sean Winters

Happy 35th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination

Fr Sean Winters.

Thank you for your service to so many that you have inspired and touched over the years. May our good Lord give you strength, wisdom and knowledge to continue serving for many years to come.

Happy Anniversary servant of God.

Thank you for your service to so many that you have inspired and touched over the

St. Joseph Parish, years. May our good Lord give you strength, wisdom and knowledge to continue servCarteret ing for many years to come. Happy anniversary servant of God.

—St Joseph Parish Carteret

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

24 MILESTONES

Celebrating 50 Years Many clergy can pinpoint when and where they decided to pursue the religious life – perhaps as a youth or young adult in conversation with their parish priest, or when kneeling in prayer in their childhood church.

Father John R. Pringle’s call came later in life and geographically far north of his Orange birthplace, he recalled.

“I attended public grammar and high school in West Orange, and after I graduated in 1958, I joined the U. S. Air Force and stayed for three-and-ahalf years,” he said. “I didn’t study in high school, and there was not much going for me right then. I worked as the lowest rank, a cook: at least, being a cook, you were always near the stove and was warm.”

Father Pringle noted that his last assignment at an isolated Alaskan outpost “gave me too much time on my hands.”

“I started taking my religion seriously, began reading the Bible every day. I still do,” he said.

After his military discharge, he applied to numerous local seminaries, but, he said, “they were not interested in me.”

“There were a lot of guys applying,

and they were very selective,” he as parochial vicar at Our Lady of continued. “Since I didn’t have a the Mount Parish, Warren, then the Catholic school background, no Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, pastor would recommend me. But I Metuchen, from 1981-1985. was hungry for the priesthood. Where Realizing he would rather there is a will, there’s a serve nearer his New “Since I way.”

Jersey-based family, His persistence Father Pringle asked didn’t have a and prayer led him to to be incardinated into discover the order of Catholic school the diocese in 1985 the Priests of the Sacred and began his 33-year background, no pastorate at Holy Trinity Heart in Wisconsin, hundreds of miles from Parish, Bridgewater. pastor would his New Jersey home.

When pressed for recommend me highlights of his long “It was a needle in a haystack,” the future he quipped, “I [for a seminary]. tenure, priest admitted. held the line, I paid He began his But I was hungry the bills, I was always seminary studies in available.” Then he 1965, first at Kilroe for the priesthood. added, “There were a lot Seminary, Honesdale, Where there is a of blessings in between.”

Pa., then at Sacred Heart In 2015, Holy Trinity Monastery, Milwaukee, will, there’s a way.” renamed its renovated where he was ordained parish center for its to the priesthood Sept. 9, 1972. beloved pastor.

Father Pringle ministered across the Father Pringle retired in 2018 in U.S. as a Sacred Heart priest in numerous name only, subsequently serving for parishes. He served for a year in Great two years at St. Joseph Parish, Bound Barrington, Mass.; seven years in Brook, and for six months each at St. Houston and San Antonio, Texas, Joseph Parish, North Plainfield, and and Corona and Berkeley, Calif., for St. Luke Parish, North Plainfield, two years before his 1981 assignment where he is currently interim pastor.

When asked what advice he would give to a man considering a vocation to the priesthood, his words echoed his own choices as a young man from West Orange and military veteran.

“Go for it,” Father Pringle said confidently. “Full speed ahead, leave everything and go.”

— Christina Leslie

With heartfelt blessings and congratulations to

JULY 21, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Rev. John Pringle AND Rev. Marco Caceres, in thanksgiving for their generous service to St. Joseph Catholic Community, Bound Brook over the years.

To many more! h tt p s : / / w w w. d re a m s o f s tj o s e p h . o rg /

minor orders, the sub-diaconate and the diaconate, at Saints Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake.

Bishop George W. Ahr ordained Msgr. Zamorski to the priesthood May 27, 1972, at St. Mary Cathedral, Trenton, and assigned him to St. Mary of Ostrabrama Parish, South River. Three years later, he was released by the Diocese of Trenton to join the seminary faculty of the Orchard Lake Schools.

“When my father’s body died in 1977, I returned to New Jersey as an associate pastor, first at Sacred Heart Parish, Manville, and then again at St. Mary of Ostrabrama,” he recalled.

Father Zamorski’s first pastorate was at St. Stephen Parish, Perth Amboy where he served from 1980 to 1986, when he was appointed administrator and then pastor at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords. He led that parish for 23 years. He was elevated on April 12,1996 (his father’s birthday) to Prelate of Honor with the title of Reverend Monsignor by then-Pope, now St. John Paul II and installed June 26, 1996 by Bishop Edward T. Hughes.

Msgr. Zamorski was appointed Episcopal Vicar of Middlesex County East in June 2001 by Bishop Vincent DePaul Breen. In June 2004, he was also appointed for one year as pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Woodbridge.

He was appointed the fourth Rector of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, and the pastor of the parish by Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski and installed Sept. 8, 2009, a position he held until retiring June 30, 2021.

He now lives at the diocese’s home for retired priests -- Maria Regina Residence, Somerset.

“I have fond memories of all the parishes I served,” said Msgr. Zamorski. Respected and well-liked, in a story when he was named rector, one individual from his previous parish was quoted saying, “He has a true and genuine concern for his parishioners.”

Upon his retirement in the bulletin was

a thank you to the priest the parishioners affectionately called, “Monsignor Bob.” It said in part, “we will miss your presence, your wisdom and the many homilies that have emboldened our faith and brought us closer to God over the years.”

Among his accomplishments as rector, Msgr. Zamorski mentioned the installation in 2012 of two chapels created inside the cathedral: one a tribute to St. Francis of Assisi and the other honoring Blessed John Paul II. He added that in 2018, the parishioners funded the renovation of the cathedral’s pipe organ.

The most rewarding parts of his priesthood Msgr. Zamorski said, “were the promotion of the respect for human life as well as the times that I either brought people back to the Church or kept them in the Church, especially married couples.”

During the past four decades, Msgr. Zamorski has served not only in parishes, but also on more than a dozen diocesan boards, task forces, commissions and committees. In addition to the Priests Personnel Board, he was a member of the Presbyteral Council as well as Secretary for the College of Consultors. When appointing him

MILESTONES

Reflecting on his 50 years in the priesthood, Msgr. Robert J. Zamorski stated, “I could say with little doubt that God destined me for priestly ministry before I was in my mother’s womb.” His words were based on a quote from Jeremiah 1:4-5: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I consecrated you.”

“I could add from my experience,” he said, “that it was not only me that was engaged in that determination.”

Given the precarious state of his mother’s health when she was pregnant, her doctor’s advice was that she abort her baby in order to save her life. A devout Catholic and a friend of Father Walter Urbanik, pastor, Sacred Heart Parish, South Amboy, she pointed to heaven and told her doctor that God would decide.

“Father Urbanik visited my mother daily while she was in Saint Peter’s Hospital, New Brunswick waiting to deliver,” Msgr. Zamorski related, then added, “One time when he was returning home from the hospital, he went to Church, knelt before the tabernacle, and promised God if the baby was born a boy, he would be a priest and if a girl she would become a nun. My mother and Father Urbanik kept this promise a secret for 16 years.”

The fourth child of Walter Dominick Zamorski and Helen Elizabeth Skarzynski Zamorski did survive and was named Robert. It was not until he was a sophomore at the now-closed St. Mary’s High School, South Amboy, however, when the future priest confided in Father Urbanik that he wanted to pursue his vocation. Father Urbanik then disclosed his promise to God. After graduating from St. Mary’s, Msgr. Zamorski was assigned by the Diocese of Trenton to matriculate at St. Mary College, Orchard Lake, Mich., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He then earned a Master of Divinity degree, all the

25

Celebrating 50 Years

as rector of the Cathedral, Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski said, “in all Msgr.

Zamorski’s capacities, I found him to be cooperative, upfront and wise in his recommendations.”

Recognized for his work outside the diocese, in 1983 Msgr. Zamorski received the Distinguished Sobieski Medal from the Polish-American Congress, and in 2000 was honored as the Chaplain of the Year by the New Jersey State Knights of Columbus.

— Joanne Ward

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

26 MILESTONES THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

Celebrating 40 Years The highlight of Father Paolo Fedrigoni’s 40 years as a Consolata missionary has been an experience that some might consider unpleasant — living in a poor farming community in the desert filled with stones, sand, thorns and snakes. But for Father Fedrigoni, living in a desert village in Kenya was “beautiful” because of the people and what they taught him about dependence on God. “It made me think how really the poor are the blessed [from God],” he said. “’Blessed are the poor.’ They don’t have many goods, but they have other things that we don’t have.”

The oldest of three children of Celestino and Bruna Fedrigono, the young Paolo was inspired to enter the priesthood by his childhood pastor who was “good to everyone.” He chose the Consolatas because he had wanted to be a missionary in Africa ever since watching a movie in elementary school that showed a Consolata missionary in a land rover surrounded by lions.

Father Fedrigoni studied in London at the now-closed Missionary Institute, where he learned theology, the history of different religions, anthropology and sociology. He was ordained July 25, 1982, in his small village instead of at the cathedral at Marcena di Rumo, Trent, Italy.

Father Fedrigoni was originally assigned to a mission in Ethiopia, but when his visa approval failed to come through, his

uperiors sent him to a parish in Kenya, where people grew tea and coffee as income crops along with corn and beans for their own subsistence. The mission there was pastoral in nature, and Father Fedrigoni worked with the youth who were placed in charge of providing Sunday school for the young children and planning other activities for them, such as sports and theater. Two-and-a-half years later, he was sent to the desert community that has been his favorite so far, despite the scarcity of rain. From his contacts in Italy, Father Fedrigono raised money to buy a tractor for the community and helped implement a large irrigation project, which he said “really changed the life of many people.”

After two-and-a-half years, his superiors gave him a “surprise,” requesting that he return to Italy to study civil law at the University of Turin for five years to become an expert on any legal issue that the Consolata Society might have, and to be able to implement proper strategies for managing the donations and legacies that were given to the Society in Italy for the missions. Having been classmates with many attorneys and experts, they were often available to help him whenever he had a question in his next role, as the legal representative of the Consolata Society in Italy, a position he held from 1992 until 2002.

Father Fedrigoni found that even while managing finances and legal issues, he was

still able to be a missionary. “For many of them, it was the first time they met a priest who had studied civil law, and so they could talk to me on a professional level, but also move on and talk about Christianity and about life,” he said.

In 2002, Father Fedrigoni was asked to travel to Mongolia as one of three Consolata missionaries selected to open a new mission.

He accepted, but was diagnosed with a serious health issue that required him to take a sabbatical year. Instead, after recovering, he was sent to Brussels, Belgium, to work as a lobbyist with the Africa Europe Faith and Justice Network, which works to encourage just laws and policies at the European Union, to protect economical justice for African nations. In 2007, he wasassigned to Canada, where he worked at a mission in Montreal and in Toronto. In 2013, he was assigned sent to the mission in North Brunswick, where the Consolata fathers primarily focus on helping immigrants. In 2020, Father Fedrigoni was named superior of the North American province. He added Spanish to his repertoire of languages, and travels to visit the Consolata missions. Under his leadership, the missionaries plan to open missions at some of the Native American reservations as soon as they have enough personnel.

Father Fedrigono said that as a Consolata, especially his time in Africa, has “helped me to discover the faith of a mer-

ciful God, in the sense that you meet as a missionary people of different religions and you see that God makes wonders in them.

“I am also weak, with my failures and shortcomings, but God is there. He loves us, each one of us, not so much looking at our or my own achievements, but at His own heart, His own mercy. It made me, I think, be more understanding of people with their own problems.

“God is greater than our own failures. He is there to help us. He created us because he loves us. He wants to share our lives with us.” — Teresa Murphy

vacation time at his job with McGraw- Conception Parish, Somerville; Our Lady Hill, he decided to hike a portion of the of Peace Parish, Fords; and St. James Trail, beginning at the Delaware Water Parish Parish, Woodbridge, before being Gap. During his trek one foggy morning, appointed administrator at St. James in as the sun was beginning to rise, he was 1989. He served as pastor at St. Mary sitting at his campsite praying and eating Parish, Perth Amboy; Christ the King breakfast when he said, “I Parish, Manville; and St. felt God calling me to the Cecilia Parish, Monmouth priesthood. It was as simple Junction. as that.” He decided not to In addition to his “I felt God finish the Trail and instead pastoral assignments, contacted the Diocese Father Sloan has served in a calling me of Trenton’s Vocations number of roles. He was an Office. He prepared for advocate for the Tribunals to the the priesthood at St. Mary of the dioceses of Trenton priesthood.

Seminary, Roland Park, Md. and Metuchen; and director, and Immaculate Conception Metuchen Office of Catholic It was Seminary, Darlington.

Cemeteries. as simple “You learn about life He was a member of on that Appalachian Trail,” the College of Consultors as that.” he said. He said he saw and the Presbyteral Council his time on the Trail as an as well as Dean of the opportunity to experience County Seat Deanery. Father nature and discover God Sloan was chaplain for the in the beauty of the world St. Cecilia’s Knights of around us. Father Sloan also Columbus Council and for a believes that after a few days of hiking group of retired Marines, too. you start to realize what you really need Although officially retired and to carry and bring with you. “There are living with other retired priests at the some things in life you don’t need to Maria Regina Residence, Somerset, carry. Throw them off,” he advised.

Father Sloan believes it is vital to remain After being ordained, Father Sloan active. He celebrates Mass for a number served as parochial vicar, Immaculate of parishes when they occasionally need

MILESTONES

The first priest ordained for the diocese is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his priesthood. Father Daniel Sloan was ordained for the then-newly established diocese Sept. 18, 1982, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.

Father Sloan was born in New York City to the late Bridget and George M. Sloan. Growing up in North Brunswick, he felt the strong influence of the priests at Our Lady of Peace Mission. He said that as a second-grader at Sacred Heart School, New Brunswick, he wanted to be a priest. He was particularly inspired by the late Father Patrick H. Barret, an associate pastor at the parish.

After graduating from St. Peter the Apostle High School, New Brunswick, Father Sloan moved to Ohio, where he held a variety of jobs until 1964, when he was drafted into the U.S. Army.

After being stationed in Germany for 18 months, he returned to New Jersey, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and worked as an accountant at McGraw-Hill in Hightstown.

Father Sloan’s call to the priesthood occurred at what might seem to some an unusual location – on the Appalachian Trail where Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia merge. At the age of 32, having accrued a significant amount of

Celebrating 40 Years

27

Father Daniel Sloan

a priest and every Tuesday for the Sisters of Mercy McAuley Hall Health Care Center, Watchung.

While he was pastor at St Cecilia, the Sisters of Jesus Our Hope served the parish and Father Sloan has maintained a relationship with the community. He celebrates Mass at their Mother House in Bloomsbury each Sunday.

Summing up his 40 years of serving the people of God, Father Sloan says, he enjoys being a priest. “It’s a wonderful life. It is about being an instrument of the Lord.”

— Deacon Patrick Cline

The parish family of Lambertville extends

PRAYERFUL CONGRATULATIONS and asks God’s blessings upon

Fr. Robert Kolakowski

JULY 21, 2022

as he celebrates his 20th Anniversary of Ordination!

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

St. John the Evangelist

28 MILESTONES

Father Damian Tomiczek When Salvadorian Father Damian Tomiczek entered the seminary in 1975, he and residents of his native Poland treaded the difficult, fine lines of communism, atheism and the faith.

His family was Catholic, and he said his parents supported his decision to enter the priesthood. And by the time Father Tomiczek was ordained in May 1982, Poland was evolving.

Four years earlier, in 1978, his countryman, Karol Wojtyla, who had become a priest in 1946, just as the Iron Curtain descended across Poland and parts of Europe, was elected pope, adopting the name John Paul II. On one of his first papal visits in 1979 to his homeland, the pope contributed to strengthening the Poles’ resistance against communist authorities. His inspiration helped to tear down the Iron Curtain in Poland.

Father Tomiczek, who has been administrator of St. Theodore Parish, Port Murray, since 2015, holds few memories of living under communism.

“We could officially celebrate [the sacraments], but there were no Catholic schools,” he said.

He was an altar server growing up but said he had not nurtured the idea of becoming a priest until one day, his father took young Damian to the mine

Celebrating 40 Years

where he and previous generations of his father’s family had worked.

The father asked his son: “What would you like to do, to continue studying or just follow the family [work] tradition?” Father Tomiczek recalled.

Listening to Father Tomiczek recount his life story, his English laced with a heavy Polish accent, one can almost envision that the priest could consider himself fortunate as well as blessed.

He has been living in the U.S. since 1989, or nearly half of his 67 years. But he also is one to give glory to God, not his own good fortunes.

Since Church leaders in this country put out the call to his order to serve American Catholics, Father Tomiczek has served at parishes in Texas, New York, Connecticut and, most recently, New Jersey.

“I prefer to be a parish priest,” he said on a recent Sunday between Masses in the rectory.

He remembered growing up in Poland with hardly any activities besides school. “But we had nice priests, especially the associate pastors,” Father Tomiczek said. “They were dedicated to youth.”

The clergy would lead soccer or other games on the church grounds, he

CONGRATULATIONS to

Rev. Guy W. Selvester, CollMOC Titular Abbot of San Leone da Pannacchio From the Knights and Dames of the Military Order of the Collar of Saint Agatha of the Paternò

JULY 21, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

on the occasion of your Silver Jubilee

Ad Multos Annos!

said, and that made an impression on him. In San Antonio, his first American assignment, he joined with the young parishioners, including Mexicans, who love soccer, and would play almost every week. Before the pandemic, St. Theodore’s youth would gather to play soccer following the 5 p.m. Saturday Mass in the parish hall.

As St. Theodore’s only member of the clergy, he also administers sacraments to visiting nursing home, but having a parish family to shepherd is perhaps the most rewarding aspect of being a priest, he said.

The Salvatorians, or Society of the Divine Savior, whose order is based in Rome, has clergy in 45 countries on six continents. In July 1964, Salvadorian fathers and brothers were admitted into the Archdiocese of Newark and now have a monastery in Verona.

St. Theodore has about 200 registered families, Father Tomiczek said, and he is gratified to see those who have stayed in the Church, as well as an influx of young families attending Masses since the pandemic has waned.

“Sometimes, you know, people say, ‘No father, we are good,’” he said.

“That is true — I am the shepherd, but it is your parish. As long as there is faith, and you take care of the parish,

the parish will survive. Because priests can be changed,; you and your family will stay here.”

As for what advice he would give to someone who is considering religious life, he said: “First of all, try to be a good person, open to others.

Then, after ordination, reflect not on yourself but Christ, to be like a monstrance that, through you, others can see the generosity, forgiveness, love, compassion and kindness of Jesus.”

A V E RY HA PP Y

25th Anniversary

Fr. Guy Selvester!

May God guide you as you begin the next 25 years.

Wit h love f rom

Mom, Ken & Pat, Jeanne and Al

— Anthony Salamone

graduated cum laude in 1991 with a master of divinity degree. Four years later, Father Selvester graduated magna cum laude with a master’s degree in theology from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Huntington, N.Y. Father Selvester was ordained a priest Sept. 27, 1997, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen,

by Bishop Vincent de Paul Breen. He served in the Cathedral as a parochial vicar until 2000, then became parochial vicar in St. Phillip and St. James Parish, Phillipsburg. Over the course of his priestly service, Father Selvester also served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords; Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood, and St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Edison.

He was appointed rector of the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan Borough, in 2009, simultaneously serving as weekend assistant at St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish, Watchung. In 2015, Father Selvester was named pastor of St. Joseph Parish, where he serves today.

In addition to his priestly assignments, Father Selvester delved into television and radio. He served as host and moderator of “Proclaim the

Good News,” the diocesan radio show, from 1998–2003; voiced public service announcements for WCTC radio, and served the News 12 television station as color commentator for the U.S. visits of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.

The priest’s other long-held, God-centered desire is ecclesiastical heraldry, a blend of art, history, Church liturgy and protocol.

“Other than the priesthood, it is my longest-lasting and most abiding passion,” he said. Father Selvester authors a blog at exarandorum.org, and references his library of more than 250 books on heraldry to render coats of arms for subjects such as Bishop Breen, Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski, and the diocese.

Father Selvester also serves as director of the diocesan Office of Ecumenical and Interfaith affairs.

“Bishop [James F.] Checchio wanted to nurture relationships with other religions, and I have always been interested in building bridges,” he said. “I notice in the world an increasing animosity towards religion in general. People of all faiths need to share values, if not their beliefs. We can’t isolate ourselves from those we disagree with. It is better to talk with

MILESTONES

Two Christ-centered desires which first germinated in a boy growing up on Long Island, N.Y., have led Father Guy W. Selvester, now pastor at St. Joseph Parish, Washington, to 25 years of grace-filled service to the diocese.

Born in 1964 to Patricia (Moorhead) and the late Alfred Charles Selvester, he recounted, “I wanted to be a priest since I was about five years old. Our family was not particularly devout. We were ‘normal’ Long Island Catholics.”

The future priest attended public schools on the island’s towns of Plainview and Old Bethpage, and Chaminade High School, a Catholic high school for boys in Mineola, N.Y. He studied liberal arts for a year at St. John’s University, New York, then transferred to St. Francis University, Loretto, Pa., in 1983. While enrolled there, Father Selvester earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and was named to the “Who’s Who in American Universities” in 1986.

Though about two decades removed from his childhood, the goal to be a priest had not wavered.

Father Selvester recalled, “I still felt the desire in college, and my family was very supportive.” He entered St. Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pa., and

Celebrating 25 Years

29

Father Guy W. Selvester

each other.”

Father Selvester draws inspiration from the words of St. John Henry Newman: To live is to change; to be perfect is to have changed often.

“The Church is in a very different place than it was 25 years ago,” Father Selvester noted. “In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, perhaps the Church can be both smaller and more committed…

I am confident the Church is not going to disappear, for Christ said so.”

— Christina Leslie

The parish of St. Joseph in Washington, NJ wishes a very happy 25th anniversary to our pastor,

Fr. Guy Selvester

For seven years you have been our shepherd; may God continue to bless you in your priesthood for many years to come.

Happy Anniversary!

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

30 OUR DIOCESE

Arrests made in connection with burning of 19th-century church SHADY SPRING, W.Va. (CNS) — More than two weeks after a 145-year-old Catholic church was destroyed by fire, law enforcement officials announced July 12 that two suspects were arrested and charged with felonies for a blaze officials confirmed was arson.

St. Colman Church was built on Irish Mountain in the Diocese of WheelingCharleston in 1877 and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.

The original families and their descendants are buried at the cemetery that sits at the edge of the forest behind the now charred remains of their beloved church.

Masses were celebrated a few times a year at St. Colman usually on Memorial Day Weekend.

Bishop Mark E. Brennan of WheelingCharleston praised “the hard work of the West Virginia State Police” in the investigation that led to the arrests of Braxton Allan Miller, 18, of Charleston, and James Dean Elmore, 19, of Beckley, W.Va. Miller was charged with arson and conspiracy, both felonies, and Elmore with conspiracy and accessory after the fact, which also are felony charges.

The bishop thanked law enforcement “on behalf of the families who settled Irish Mountain generations ago, the local parishioners who lovingly maintained our historic chapel and cemetery there, and all those who have visited St. Colman over the years.”

In his July 12 statement, Bishop Brennan cited the efforts of Trooper D.L. Daniels in particular and also thanked the

State Fire Marshal’s Office for its part in the investigation.

According to WVNS-TV 59, Daniels was dispatched to the church the morning of June 26. He said firefighters at the scene told him the blaze had been set the previous night, but no one called 911 until that morning.

Several area fire stations responded to the call, but “the church had been completely burned to the ground,” Daniels was quoted as saying.

The news outlet reported that Daniels was told by an anonymous caller that his, the caller’s, nephew and a group of friends had been at the church “drinking and partying, and one of the boys had set the church on fire.”

A police dog brought to the scene “indicated that an accelerant was present,” WVNS-TV 59 said.

When the diocese first learned of the fire, Bishop Brennan expressed his sorrow for the Catholic community of the area.

“We are united with them and we sympathize with the loss of this lovely chapel,” he said, hoping the people would not be discouraged. “The spirit of devotion where that church has been for 145 years can continue on that site where many of their ancestors worshipped and where many are buried.”

The cemetery will continue “to be maintained.”

St. Colman was designated a chapel years ago and was part of a cluster of churches under St. Patrick Parish, Hinton, W.Va. It was known as “the Little Catholic Church in the Woods,” Art Sanda said of Raleigh County’s beloved chapel.

All that remains of St. Colman Church in Dillon, W.Va., on Irish Mountain in Raleigh County, is seen June 27 after it was found burned to the ground June 26.

— CNS photo/courtesy Beaver Volunteer Fire

A member of St. Patrick Parish, Hinton, Sanda has been involved at the church for more than 20 years., and he said there are discussions underway about a fitting way to memorialize it.

“What was lost can’t be restored, it can’t be replaced,” he said. “At the same time, the feeling is very strong that something has to be done to continue the spirit of St. Colman.”

Over the years, thousands of people have visited St. Colman, said Father Bacalso. “We have dozens of completed guest books full of wonderful comments on the serenity and beauty of St. Colman, the peace and tranquility that it brought to

them while taking a moment to reflect and to meditate.”

Visitors were Catholics and nonCatholics alike and locals as well as people from other cities, counties, states and countries, he said.

In recent years, sporadic vandalism has been a problem, the priest said. When that would happen, Sanda and fellow parishioners would make the necessary repairs.

“I have spoken to many who expressed dismay and bewilderment at what has happened,” Sanda said, but they’re also determined “that something worthwhile absolutely must rise from the ashes of St. Colman, some monument that

JULY 21, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Authorities investigate destruction, arson at houses of worship BETHESDA, Md. (CNS) — A Catholic church was one of three houses of worship along the same road to be vandalized the weekend of July 9-10.

Firefighters responded about 2 a.m.

July 10 to multiple fires set inside St. Jane Frances de Chantal Church. Twenty-four hours earlier, firefighters responded to fires set outside North Bethesda United Methodist Church a few blocks away.

Pete Piringer of the Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service said in a statement that firefighters found a “significant active fire” inside St. Jane Frances de Chantal, which is in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. Piringer added that after firefighters extinguished the blaze, investigators determined the fire was arson, with multiple areas set on fire or attempted to be set on fire there. In a tweet, Piringer noted investigators also found damaged headstones and broken wood pieces scattered near Wildwood Baptist Church, a few blocks beyond the Methodist church.

“Last night our church was vandalized. Statues were thrown down, books shredded, the stations of the cross pulled off the walls, the tabernacle desecrated. It

is a horrific event for us as a church,” Father Samuel Giese, the pastor, said at the noon Mass. “The individual or individuals also attempted to burn the church. They set fire to a number of pews, but apparently the fire detection system kicked in, the fire companies came, and the fire was put out,” the priest said. “There’s an investigation, and it is still going on.”

Father Giese said, “We pray for those who persecute us. That’s the measure of our Christian faith.”

In the Diocese of Arlington, Va., at St. John Neumann Church, Reston, early June 26, “people reported they’d seen smoke coming from mulch outside the church, then later it was discovered there was graffiti vandalism on the church,” as well as on the sign in front of the church, said Billy Atwell, the diocese’s chief communications officer.

Also on July 10, in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kan., the Church of the Ascension, Overland Park, fell victim to “an overt act of hatred and incivility” at 1 a.m. local time, an archdiocesan statement said. Parish buildings, including a statue of Mary, were defaced with red spray paint, and law enforcement was notified.

Above, A wall at the grade school of the Church of the Ascension in the Overland Park, Kan., is shown July 10 with graffiti about abortion. The message was accompanied by another on the school’s front doors. — CNS photo/courtesy The Leaven Parishioners attend Mass in the school gym next to St. Jane Frances de Chantal Church in Bethesda, Md., July 10. Masses were shifted there after several fires were extinguished in the church earlier that day.

—CNS photo/Mark Zimmermann, Catholic Standard

JACKSON TOWNSHIP — For the first time in two years, the young Church of New Jersey came together again at Six Flags Great Adventure, May 15, for the New Jersey Catholic Youth Rally.

Parish youth groups and Catholic high school students from across the diocese gathered together with hundreds of individuals hailing from the four other dioceses throughout the state at this high-energy event.

Participants, who arrived before the park was open to the general public, had the opportunity to attend an Opening Ceremony, led this year by the Diocese of Trenton. At this engaging ceremony, based on the theme “Be

A Saint,” teens were encouraged and Matthias Parish, Somerset, shared a exhorted to live their faith as the saints few of her main takeaways from the they are called to be. day.

The heart of the mes“The Youth Rally “Seeing all of sage was to look to the at Six Flags Great saints as examples and Adventure was an the youth taking to see themselves as experience to rememsuch pride in saints in the making; ber, and to me, it was to live the faith witha sign of how lively their faith was so out fear using their and important youth inspiring and a day ministry truly is,” she gifts and talents to serve God. began. “Seeing all of to remember.”

Following the the youth taking such ceremony, teens had —Emily Chavez, Youth Ministry, pride in their faith the opportunity to ex- St. Matthias Parish, Somerset was so inspiring and plore the park, go on a day to remember. rides, spend time with That day gave me full their peers, and gather for lunch. confidence in the growth of the Catholic Sophomore Emily Chavez, a Church through our youth.” member of the Youth Ministry at St. Chavez was just one of many

teens at the rally hailing from the diocese. Other groups from the diocese at the rally included: St. Edward the Confessor Parish, Milford; St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison; St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park; Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway; and St. James, Basking Ridge.

The day concluded with the attendees gathering at Mass at the Batman Stunt Arena, organized by the Diocese of Camden.

The New Jersey Catholic Youth Rally is scheduled to be held again next May. The Diocese of Metuchen Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry will lead the Opening Ceremony.

Callahan is director, diocesan Office of Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry

OUR DIOCESE

By Megan Callahan

31

Youth encouraged to follow saints as role models at gathering for teens

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— Megan Callahan photos

JULY 22, 2021

Youth from the diocese joined their peers from New Jersey at the annual Catholic Youth Rally at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Township, May 15. Called to live their lives as saints, the youth explored the park, spent time with their peers, gathered for lunch, and worshiped at a Mass organized by the Diocese of Camden. The Diocese of Metuchen is scheduled to lead the opening cermony at the New Jersey Catholic Youth Rally next May.

OUR FAITH

32

Disciples are role models to do 'that much' Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

June 19, 2022 On the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, the Holy Father commented: “Sometimes there is the risk of confining the Eucharist to a vague, distant dimension, perhaps bright and perfumed with incense, but rather distant from the straits of everyday life. In reality, the Lord takes all our needs to heart, beginning with the most basic. And he wants to give an example to his disciples, saying, “You give them something to eat” (v. 13), to those people whom he had listened to during the day. We can evaluate our Eucharistic adoration when we take care of our neighbor like Jesus does.

There is hunger for food around us, but also of companionship; there is hunger for consolation, friendship, good humor; there is hunger for attention, there is hunger to be evangelized. We find this in the Eucharistic Bread – the attention of Christ to our needs and the invitation to do the same toward those who are beside us. We need to eat and feed others.”

JULY 21, 2022 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Prayer for a young person who died by suicide Dearest Lord, We entrust (name) to your undying mercy and love. While in this life, they felt much pain and found life difficult. May you enfold them now with your love where no pain can find them, but rather your love can heal them. Make them Guardian Angels for those who struggle with life, for those who struggle to see you and the love that is around them.

Give them Lord, kind admittance to your Kingdom and bring comfort to their families. We ask this, as we ask all things, through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Composed by Mike Hayes, Director of Young Adult Ministry in the Diocese of Cleveland

While I was preparing for a recent wake service, a clause in a reading from Matthew’s Gospel caught my eye. The passage described the incident in which Jesus miraculously fed more than 5,000 people who had followed him to what he thought would be “a secluded place” where he could pray. When the disciples suggested that the crowd be sent off to nearby villages to buy food, Jesus answered, “There is no need for them to go away. You give them something to eat.” Then, after being told that there was not enough food — something he would have already known — Jesus multiplied the five loaves of bread and two fish into more than enough.

According to the account in this Gospel, Jesus said nothing more about the disciples feeding the crowd, which raises the question of why he mentioned it in the first place and why the author included that remark in the

Gospel. As a general rule, because writing was such a laborious practice at the time, the authors of Gospels and other ancient texts didn’t waste words. Whatever they included in the text, they included for a reason. For example, if the evangelist wrote, “It was about noon,” when he seldom mentioned the hour, he was telling us something.

In this case, Jesus may have made that remark, “give them something to eat,” to prepare the disciples for the mission they would have when he was no longer present to perform miracles. They would not be able to excuse themselves from feeding the hungry, nor should they underestimate their ability to be of some help. It reminds me of a comment by Garrison Keillor: “You can do only so much, but you have to do that much.”

That passage from Matthew’s Gospel is not among the readings in the ritual for a vigil service, but I used it because our parishioner who had died, George De Paolo, had spent a significant amount of time volunteering for Meals on Wheels and the housing program created by Father Brian McCormick under the aegis of Martin House in Trenton. As I mentioned in my homily at the wake service, one volunteer did not

solve the global problems of adequate food or affordable housing, but he did more than most people on the planet have done.

Jesus did assure us, “The poor you will always have with you,” and if he meant that literally I guess we must accept the fact that we will not eradicate hunger and economic inequality and homelessness. However, acknowledging the size of the problems does not mean we cannot or should not “do that much.” If no one of us can make an appreciable change in the environment by recycling paper and metal and plastic, nor should any one of us add to the problem by sending all of our waste to the landfill. Do that much.

When I was preparing for that wake service, I recalled a conversation I had with Deacon Sam Costantino when I stopped in to help him at a free-meal program in Perth Amboy: “Too bad only 25 people came,” I said. “Why too bad?” Sam said. “That’s 25 people who had dinner tonight.”

Charles Paolino is a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Metuchen, ministering at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station.

Eucharistic minister at a local hospital well into his 80s and attended daily Mass until COVID-19 closed his parish doors in 2020.

Despite all of his accomplishments, what struck me most about my uncle was his generous spirit, upbeat demeanor and unselfish love for his family and friends.

Nothing gave him greater pleasure than being surrounded by his children and grandchildren, yet his interest in others reached well beyond his family.

He was known to quietly assist people who could not afford dental care to obtain it from his friends, and he enjoyed mentoring young people in the pursuit of their dreams.

Although he never mastered the use of a computer, my uncle maintained ties with everyone he loved via telephone, especially during the pandemic.

He was also an avid reader and consumer of local and national news and tried his best to keep his wife grounded in reality despite her advancing dementia.

In his message for this year’s celebration of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis wrote that the ebbing of one’s strength and the onset of illness in old age, together with the fast pace of the world, can lead seniors to implicitly accept the idea that they are useless. My uncle never succumbed to this temptation.

Pope Francis encourages seniors to remain active in their later years, especially from a spiritual standpoint. “We ought to cultivate our interior life through the assiduous reading of the word of God, daily prayer, reception of the sacraments and participation in the liturgy,” he wrote.

“In addition to our relationship with God, we should also cultivate our

relationships with others: first of all by showing affectionate concern for our families, our children and grandchildren, but also for the poor and those who suffer, by drawing near to them with practical assistance and our prayers. These things will help us not to feel like mere bystanders, sitting on our porches or looking out from our windows, as life goes on all around us. Instead, we should learn to discern everywhere the presence of the Lord. Like “green olive trees in the house of God” (cf.

Ps 52:10), we can become a blessing for those who live next to us.”

Pope Francis has called old age “a season of enduring fruitfulness.”

He wrote, “The special sensibility that those of us who are elderly have for the concerns, thoughts and the affections that make us human should once again become the vocation of many. It would be a sign of our love for the younger generations.

This would be our own contribution to the revolution of tenderness, in which I encourage you, dear grandparents and elderly persons, to take an active role.”

My uncle never stopped bearing fruit; he was a blessing to all those who knew him.

As I thank God for his life and love, I look forward with joy to the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly on July 24.

I hope you too will celebrate this special day by opening your eyes and hearts to the seniors in your midst who are still bearing fruit for the Kingdom and who are eager to become a blessing for you.

Sister Constance Veit is the communications director for the Little Sisters of the Poor in the United States and an occupational therapist.

Open eyes, hearts to seniors in your midst With the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v Wade, June 24 will no doubt be remembered as an historic day by pro-life advocates the world over. I have to admit that my thoughts were elsewhere that day — focused on life’s last stage — as my family bid farewell to a beloved uncle, our family

patriarch.

As I tried to catch up on the news the day after his funeral, a column written by Kathryn Jean Lopez of the National Review Institute, a good friend, caught my eye.

Opining on what she believes to be abortion’s most detrimental effects on our society, Lopez wrote, “We are violent; we do not look at human beings as unique creations made with purpose and plan.”

These sad words stood in stark contrast to my uncle’s farewell celebration the day before. My uncle lived every stage of his life to the full for nearly 92 years. Though no one would have proposed him as a role model of healthy aging in terms of diet and exercise, his life was rich in relationships, purpose and faith until the very end.

An orthodontist for over 40 years, my uncle was remembered by former patients and their parents as kind, patient and genuinely interested in the young people he served. He was involved in numerous professional organizations, local causes and educational institutions, volunteered as a

33

Be persistent in prayer

Joachim and Anne first century July 26

Crosiers

Not mentioned in the Bible, Joachim and Anne are first named as the parents of Mary in the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James, which may date from the second century. In this story, they are old and childless, like the Old Testament Hannah, mother of Samuel, when angels deliver the news that Anne will conceive a child. Anne was an especially popular saint in medieval England, and her feast was celebrated in the West by 1350; Joachim’s feast was authorized or suppressed by various popes, but was joined with Anne’s in 1969.

They are the patrons of married couples; Anne is also the patron of childless women, expectant mothers and miners.

Saints

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for July 24, 2022 Luke 11-1-13

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C: Learning the Lord's Prayer. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

LORD TEACH US TAUGHT THY NAME BREAD AT MIDNIGHT THE DOOR SNAKE

PRAY FATHER GIVE US FORGIVE US LOAVES GET UP AN EGG

JOHN HALLOWED OUR DAILY DEBT ARRIVED BE OPENED SPIRIT

TEACH US L X Y L

I

A D R U O H C

O O S P

I

R

I

T

J O T B

A E R E B R E A D H H C V D A D L E E N J

I

T H G U A T

T V S

I

L Y L H

S B E O P E N E D G L Y K T G H J D A N K P F G N

I

I

O N

M K C D V W A

R U Y M M B E O H E E M Y A R E H T A F H S S Q T F O R G

I

V E U S Y X

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

JULY 21, 2022

A B T H E D O O R U D E

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

itself an act of faith in the God upon whom we depend to care for us daily. We acknowledge God as the Source of all that we have and are, and ask for his continuing good favor. Our daily bread refers to everything we need to live — both the nourishment for this life (food, shelter, etc.) as well as the nourishment needed for eternal life (Jesus, the Bread of Life).

During this period of the Church’s Eucharistic SCRIPTURE STUDY Revival, may we embrace with special fervor and draw even closer to our Lord Jesus present

By Msgr. John N. Fell in the Blessed Sacrament. May we make St. Teresa of Calcutta’s recognition about the Eucharist our own — “Jesus has made Himself characteristic.

The beginning of this text offers Jesus’ the Bread of Life to give us life. Night and answer to the request, “Lord, teach us how to day, He is there.” The Blessed Sacrament is pray as John taught his disciples” (Lk 11:1). In the Source and Summit of our Christian faith response, Jesus teaches the most basic Christian because it is Jesus — the fulfillment of all our prayer, the Our Father, to his followers. Even hopes and dreams. the beginning of the prayer, “Father,” says a We next ask God to “forgive us our sins great deal about our relationship with God. for we too forgive all who do us wrong” (Lk Never before had people dared to pray to God 11:4a-b). In this truly remarkable petition, with such intimacy. As Jesus’ disciples, we pray we ask God’s mercy for all our failings and to God who is not some distant, unconcerned offenses. We realize, however, that this mercy potentate, but rather to a God who has adopted cannot come into hearts that are closed by the each of us as his beloved child. All of our refusal to similarly reach out in forgiveness; prayer and, in fact, all of our lives are forever and so we make our own ability to forgive a colored by our inclusion in the loving embrace condition of even asking for God’s mercy. of the Father and the Son. The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” states, “Forgiveness is a “Hallowed be your name” We next ask high point of Christian prayer; only (Lk 11:2b) expresses our humble desire that God’s name be revered God to “forgive hearts attuned to God’s compassion throughout the whole of creation. us our sins for can receive the gift of prayer.

Forgiveness also bears witness God’s holiness is expressed primarily through his work in the we too forgive that, in our world, love is stronger created order. Each act of creative than sin” (par. 2844). all who do majesty, every mighty intervention Finally, we pray that God into human history, every deed of us wrong” (Lk “subject us not to the trial” (Lk love done by his disciples further 11:4c), that is, that God always give manifests that infinite holiness that 11:4a-b). In this us the ability to resist whatever is God’s alone. This prayer is at truly remarkable temptations we may face and once an act of worship as well as a protect us from the entrapments promise on our part to live in such petition, we ask of the Evil One. (For a wonderful a way as to more fully demonstrate God’s mercy for commentary on the beauty and God’s glory. St. Peter Chrysologus importance of the Our Father, please wrote, “We ask God to hallow his all our failings see paragraphs 2759 through 2865 name, which by its own holiness the “Catechism of the Catholic and offenses. of saves and makes holy all creation .

Church,” which is available on the . . God’s name is blessed when we websites of both the Vatican and live well . . .” (Sermon 71,4). the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.)

Jesus next teaches us to pray, “your Following this prayer, Jesus then tells kingdom come” (Lk 11:2c). The Kingdom of two stories further clarifying the importance God refers to God’s dynamic Lordship over of prayer. In the first parable, the Story of all. The Kingdom will be fully complete in the the Persistent Friend, he emphasizes the need heavenly recapitulation of all creation at the for persistence in prayer. Jesus assures his end of time. St. Paul tells us that the Kingdom followers that persistence in prayer ALWAYS is “justice, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” bears fruit (though not necessarily the fruit we (Rom 14:17). Inaugurated into this world by initially intend); the fruitfulness of prayer is Jesus, the Kingdom of God is further expanded that it brings us closer to the heart and mind through the work of the Church. Our prayer for of Jesus. the coming of the Kingdom involves petitioning Jesus concludes this section of his teaching God to let his divine will be fully expressed with words of great reassurance. Using the throughout the earth, while at the same time parent-child image, he offers a poignant recognizing that we are the instruments of message of hope for all who pray: “If you, with that expression; our task as the daughters and all your sins, know how to give your children sons of God is to strive mightily to make real good things, how much more will the Heavenly here in this world all that we hope for in the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask blessedness of heaven. him” (Lk 11:13).

The next prayer is that God “give us each Msgr. Fell is a Scripture scholar and day our daily bread” (Lk 11:3). This petition is director, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel In this Sunday’s Gospel, St. Luke presents Jesus speaking to his disciples about prayer.

For the past few weeks, our Gospel readings have focused on the marks of a good disciple — love and service of God and neighbor as well as devotion to Jesus — and now Jesus adds the necessity of prayer as another such

OUR FAITH

17th Sunday of the Year (C)

34 STEPPING UP IN CHARITY

McAULEY Religious Gift Shop

STEPPING FORWARD

at Mount St. Mary's

Christian Gifts, Cards & Rosaries Catholic Medals • Books • Bibles Trappistine Candies WE ACCEPT PAYMENT BY CASH OR PERSONAL CHECKS. NO CREDIT CARDS.

(908) 754-3663 , ext. "0"

Tues., Wed. & Thurs.: 10 am – 3pm Friday: 10 am – 2 pm Saturday: 9:30 am – 12 noon

Closed Sunday, Monday & Holidays

Rt. 22 & Terrill Road, Watchung, NJ 07069

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

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: _______________________________

_________________________

Couple's program gives youth a fighting chance

Children extend care to military veteran i

Square building. Once everyone is The Thompsons have youth signed in, they have snacks and then come to their gym who have been When Catholic—Charities’ Care program begins. Guest bullied, are autistic or have learning the week’s NEW BRUNSWICK Boxing gym Child speakers address a number of topics, difficulties, and children that owners Dionne Roberts-Thompson Site Supervisor Jenelle Clauson read and her husband, John (JT) Thompson including internships, post-high are overweight or have physical a Facebook post about a 104-year-old school decision-making, and resume difficulties and need discipline and want to help young people in more Marine’s forof Valentine’s writing. exercise. ways than one special with theirplea Pillars The Thompsons Brunswick Boxing Stars Success Program. wishes, she The gathered her colleagues have received a very was able to stay open during the couple have owned have been able positive response to COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic at Hatchery Hill “We Elementary School, Brunswick Boxing Hackettstown, organized project Pillars of Success and at their 100 Jersey Ave. location in Stars for about 11and to providea youth years. for the children inseminars, the Catholic Chari- are very excited to New Brunswick. Unfortunately for Christmas continue the program the Thompsons, that entire block is “We have been ties’ after school care program to throughout the being demolished for redevelopment. able to provide youth child parties, donation respondChristmas to the oldest living Marine’s summer. They plan The owners of the boxing gym said seminars, of equipment to incorporate more it was stressful looking for a new parties, request. donation seminars and services location, but they have found a new of equipment anda membership Maj. Bill White, World War II for both youth and home in North Brunswick in the and membership veteran and Purpleassistance.

Heart recipient, adults from all the same strip mall as Bowlero. The new assistance,” Dionne We surrounding areas in location is scheduled to open at a said. shared his wish during an interview with have also shared Middlesex County. date to be determined.

“We have KTXL-TV in Sacramento, Calif., and At Brunswick The Thompsons are grateful also shared other other the request went viral.

Hecommunity told the tele- Boxing Stars, a they can continue their goal to have community agencies agencies programming.” vision hosts that one of his favorite hob- family-oriented gym, a positive impact on lives through Thompsons have their gym. They have many plans for In March, the bies is scrapbooking,programming.” which has helped the gotten to know their both Brunswick Boxing Stars and Thompsons launched Thompson him to keep track of —Dionne his extensive life. clients very well. Pillars of Success as they have had their Pillars of Success 10-week Now he wanted to add some Valentine They said their Pillars such a positive response and see a of Success program need in the community and a bright program, which was cards to his collection of mementos. was established to future filled with opportunities for made possible when word got out about White’s provide the social all.

CatholicOnce Charities, support individuals in the community For more information about Unity Square,staff and and its staff opened from request, children BenePillars of Success or Brunswick the doors to Brunswick Boxing Stars need. dict A. Cucinella Elementary School, “BrunswickChildren Boxing Stars Boxing Charities' Stars, visit after their Facebook and enabled them to share their in thehasCatholic school child Longprogram Valley, Willow Grove El- a place for our children or Instagram pages, or stop by their always been newest with and the community.

Hatchery Hill Elementary School, Hackettstown, sen young adults to come and feel new location in North Brunswick.

For that, School the Thompsons say and ementary joined with Hatchery Major Bill War II isveteran and Purple He safe, loved, supported andWhite, part ofa World Workman the communications they are “very grateful.”

Hill and together they sent three large in the Office —ofphoto Participants in Pillars of Success a family while learning the art of specialist envelopes full ofathand-made Valentine Dionne said.

Communications and Public Relations meet on Wednesdays the Unity boxing,”

By Tiffany Workman

cards and wishes to honor White and to bring love and joy to the retired Marine. support to Maj. White and we are all re- child care “We are so thrilled about the response minded of how important it is to provide school dist Somerset a recognition to we those who have we received from the market. school thedistrict,” changing and competitive healthcare most vulnerable in the communities fundraising arm ofserved the hospital; Saint “AfterChild careful consideration by serve.

We are nowour assessing the best way Peter’s Health and Management Services For mo country.” said Care Service Area Director leadership, the Saint Peter’s Board of to move forward as we Last consideryear, potential Corp., which oversees outpatient facilities, Catholic Charities, Dio- Charities’ ch Krista and Glynn. staff andoptions children Governors, the Most“The Reverend James to ensure Saint Peter’s longstanding including the CARES Surgicenter, ranked ccdom.org/c cese of Metuchen provided affordable so Bishop excited to Diocese send their love and F. were Checchio, of the of Catholic healthcare mission.” by “Newsweek” as one of the nation’s best

Plans for first premier academic medical center in state halted After thorough evaluation, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System in New Brunswick, will not move forward with a proposed transaction with RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH), headquartered in West Orange.

The leadership of both organizations mutually made the difficult decision after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently filed suit to block the deal that would have enabled the creation of the first premier academic medical center in New Jersey designed to increase services, provide better access, and reduce the overall cost of such care.

The June 14 announcement culminates a discernment process at Saint Peter’s during the past several years that included a Request for Proposal in October 2018 seeking a strategic partner best suited to help the organization maintain its rich Catholic mission and identity in an increasingly

JULY 21, 2022 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

“Come follow me” (Mark 10:21)

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

Metuchen, and sole corporate member of Saint Peter’s, we have decided to terminate the Definitive Agreement to fully integrate with RWJBarnabas Health. We are very disappointed with this outcome,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, president and chief executive officer of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.

“However, we are grateful for the strong partnership we’ve had with the RWJBarnabas leadership.”

Hirsch added that, “We were truly excited about the potential of this opportunity with RWJBarnabas to create a premier academic medical center of national distinction that would have improved quality and increased access especially to

As Middlesex County’s only independent hospital not operated as part of a larger healthcare system, Saint Peter’s remains committed to providing the highest quality care and patient experience to the community through humble service, particularly to the most vulnerable and chronically underserved.

Saint Peter’s Healthcare System Inc., parent company of the Saint Peter’s healthcare delivery system, is composed of Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a 478bed acute-care teaching hospital and statedesignated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center that includes a nationally renowned Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Saint Peter’s Foundation, the

ambulatory surgery centers and number one in New Jersey; and Saint Peter’s Physician Associates, a network of primary and specialty care physician practices.

Saint Peter’s is a regional specialist in cancer care, diabetes, geriatrics, orthopedics, bariatric surgery and head and neck surgery and is a sponsor of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and internal medicine.

Saint Peter’s is sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen and is a major clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical Health and Sciences.

Visit saintpetershcs.com or call (732) 745-8600

Journey of Faith

By Father John Gerard Hillier Justice and solidarity among nations” and “love for the poor” are themes close to my heart. How are these topics related to the Seventh Commandment, “You shall not steal”? When unjust relations exist between nations or when circumstances create a situation causing people to live on the brink of destitution, we need to consider how we might lend a helping hand.

When I was a member of the laity, I spent many hours volunteering in Catholic Social Action facilities to help the poor. Long before the convenience of drop boxes for used clothing, we spent Saturday mornings and after school picking up canned food and used clothing at the homes of people wishing to make donations. We then sorted the donations and cleaned the clothing so we could make it available to those in need. We would often set a place for ourselves at soup kitchens so we could sit and eat with our visitors.

Such opportunities opened my eyes to the circumstances that led to the poverty and homelessness of so many.

I was surprised to learn that many among “the poor” were once successful individuals who came upon hard times with one unfortunate break after another. I often look back and wonder what happened to those people. I feel blessed to have helped as much as I did as a young Catholic.

Given the opportunity, I would have also embarked upon projects related to “justice and solidarity among

Nazi’s) caused the nations.” The closest I have come to this (Ukrainian is in my present ministry as Director unspeakable mutilation and death of of our Pontifical Office of Missions. 100,000 unsuspecting Polish civilians?

What makes these topics Now I have the privilege of working with donors from across our diocese complicated in our own day is the who lovingly make contributions for question of “how” we can best provide missionaries worldwide to ensure that services to those in need. To do so goods and services, in addition to based on the Gospel teaching is one spiritual outreach, are made available thing; giving free reign to unscrupulous politicians and nations to the poor and is quite another. Too destitute. I guess if I was surprised to many “self-interest we wait long enough, disguised our dreams do come learn that many among groups” true … according to “the poor” were once as “advocates” for the disadvantaged God’s plan, not ours. successful individuals seek to demolish Reading the sovereign nations Gospel narratives, who came upon and undermine the food, clothing natural and shelter for the hard times with one world’s resources given by poor seem like reasonable themes unfortunate break after God and intended that are clearly another. I often look for our use from the beginning.

Christ-centered Support should and, therefore, “part back and wonder what always be given of [the Church’s] happened to those to poor countries constant tradition” (ccc 2444). This people. I feel blessed to working for growth and freedom. “This love is inspired by have helped as much doctrine must be the Gospel of the applied especially in Beatitudes, by the as I did as a young the area of agricultural poverty of Jesus, and Catholic. labor,” (ccc 2440) by his concern for the Catechism states. the poor. “It extends Why? Because not only to material poverty but also to the many forms of “peasants, especially in the Third cultural and religious poverty” (ccc World, form the overwhelming majority of the poor” (ccc 2440).

2444).

It is not the role of the pastors of Justice among nations is likewise an extension of the Gospel imperative to the Church to intervene directly in the promote peace and justice to all people. political structuring and organization In this regard, “rich nations have a of social life. This task is part of the grave moral responsibility toward those vocation of the lay faithful acting on which are unable to ensure the means their own initiative with their fellow of their development by themselves or citizens. Social action can assume have been prevented from doing so by various concrete forms, always having tragic historical events” (ccc 2439). the common good in view and being Sound familiar? Ukraine in 2022 with in conformity with the message of the the unprovoked attacks by President Gospel and the teaching of the Church.

Putin and the Russian military? Or, It is the role of the laity “to animate the Wołyń Massacre in Poland in the temporal realities with Christian 1940s, when Ukraine Nationalists commitment, by which they show that

they are witnesses and agents of peace and justice” (ccc 2442).

How is all this related to the Seventh Commandment, “You shall not steal?” Because, as 4th century Bishop and Doctor of the Church, St. John Chrysostom, explained, “not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life.” (ccc 2446). Put another way, it is a matter of “justice” not “charity” that we give to those in need. As the Catechism states: “that which is already due in justice is not to be offered as a gift of charity” (ccc 2446).

The Catechism next outlines the works of mercy as “charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor” (ccc 2447). These include the Spiritual Works of Mercy (counseling, instructing, admonishing, comforting, forgiving, bearing wrongs patiently, praying), as well as the Corporal Works of Mercy (feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead). Among those, “giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God” (ccc 2447).

The Book of Deuteronomy (5:11) teaches us to attend to the needy and the poor. Jesus reinterpreted this passage, saying: “The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me” (Jn 12:8). By these words Jesus “invites us to recognize his own presence in the poor” (ccc 2449).

Many years later, in the 16th century, St. Rose of Lima, when her mother critiqued her for caring for the poor and the sick, said to her: “When we serve the poor and the sick, we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them we serve Jesus.” (ccc 2449) Father Hillier is Director, diocesan Office of Pontifical Mission Societies, the Office for Persons with Disabilities, and Censor Luborum

FAITH ALIVE

Article 164 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 2437-2449

35

Jesus invites us to recognize his own presence in poor

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

OUR DIOCESE

36

Crossword Puzzle 1

2

3

4

5

10

7

8

9

11

12

18

6

13

14

19

15

16

20

22

17

21

23

24

25 26

27

28

29

30

32

33

35

36

31

34

ETERNAL ADORATION

Bob Stilo “Specializing in Asphalt Paving” STILOEXCAVATING,INC.

JULY 21, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

GENERAL CONTRACTING 2907 So. Clinton Ave., South Plainfield, NJ 07080

908-754-0776 • Fax: 908-754-0425

EVANGELIZATION

DOWN 2 Lent markers 3 One of two popes who is a Doctor of the Church 4 What the apostles did while Jesus prayed in the Garden 5 Doctor Mirabilis 7 He shared an occupation with Paul 8 She tied a scarlet cord in her window 9 ___ of God 13 Country that has produced the most saints 14 Hell 15 Certain Sunday 17 Abraham, in the beginning 19 Symbol of St. Barbara, because of her imprisonment 21 Biblical instrument 25 First name of John XXIII 27 Dominican or Franciscan 29 He and Deborah defeated the army of Sisera 30 Satan 31 Gregorian music 32 Order founded by Catherine McAuley (abbr.)

34 Mon. of the Feast of All Saints (abbr.)

Answers can be found on page 39

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

CONTRACTORS

ACROSS 1 Florida town near Ave Maria University 6 Jesus healed his daughter 10 The Lord appeared to Isaiah on this 11 Religious order following the Franciscan rule 12 Serving at Mass 16 Brother of Rebekah 18 “…where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and ___” (Mt 6:19) 20 Number of the commandment that instructs us to honor our parents 21 Eastern Catholic who played Klinger on M.A.S.H. 22 “…the rich he has sent ___ empty” (Lk 1:53) 23 The one ___ faith 24 Aquinas’ opus, for short 26 Color of a Franciscan’s habit 28 Poverty and chastity follower 32 Savior 33 Type of sin 35 Catholic author and Monk 36 Moses, for one

HEALTH CARE

lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him.” The next day, the Samaritan took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with these instructions: “Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.” Jesus looked at the scholar of the law. “Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” he asked. “The one who treated him with mercy,” the scholar of the law replied. Jesus nodded.

“Go and do likewise,” he said.

— Artwork, courtesy of CNS

Read more about it: Luke 10 1. Who wanted to test Jesus?

2. Who helped the robbery victim?

1. ___ A wise man built his house on sand. (Matthew 7:24-29) 2. ___ A shepherd would leave 99 sheep to find one that was lost. (Matthew 18:12-14) 3. ___ The father did not give his younger son his inheritance. (Luke 15:11-12)

Using the hints provided, put a T next to the sentences about Jesus’ parables that are true and an F next to the ones that are false.

4. ___ The 10 virgins were all wise. (Matthew 25:2)

Answer: 1. F; 2. T; 3. F; 4. F

One day, a scholar of the law decided to test Jesus. He stood up and asked Jesus a question, even though he already knew the answer. “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” he asked.

“What is written in the law? How do you read it?” Jesus replied.”You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself,” the scholar of the law answered. Jesus nodded approvingly.

“You have answered correctly; do this and you will live,” he said. The scholar of the law was disappointed that he had failed in his attempt to test Jesus. So, wanting to justify himself, he asked another question.

“And who is my neighbor?” he wanted to know. Jesus decided to reply by telling a parable. He told the story of a man who was traveling the road from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers.

“They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead,” Jesus said.

Eventually, another person came down the same road. ”A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side,” Jesus said. Then a Levite came by. “And when he saw him,” Jesus said, “he passed by on the opposite side.” A Samaritan man traveling the road saw the robbery victim. He was moved with compassion and stopped to help.

“He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them,” Jesus said. “Then he

OUR DIOCESE

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service

37

A Samaritan helps a man hurt by robbers

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

38 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

OBITUARY Mercy Sister Mary Marlene Cunningham, a teacher who later served as principal of St. Matthew the Apostle School, Edison, and St. Francis Cathedral School, Metuchen, died July 12. She was 85.

Sister Marlene was born in Perth Amboy and graduated from the now-closed St Mary’s High School, Perth Amboy.

Her first assignment was teaching first grade at St. Matthew the Apostle School.

She was assigned next to St Joseph School, Keyport, and then to the now-closed Holy Spirit School, Perth Amboy, in 1971. Then, she was appointed principal at St. Matthew’s, where she served for four years.

S u b s e q u e n t l y, Sister Marlene was assigned to St. Francis Cathedral School, where she taught on the intermediate level and served as vice principal for a year before being appointed principal, this time for a period of 17 years.

During that time, she spearheaded a dramatic increase in the use of technology.

Computer and science labs were not always found in elementary schools at the time, but they were designed, enrollment increased, and before and after-school programs were instituted for students whose parents’ work hours exceeded

school day hours.

During the next 10 years, she served at Georgian Court University evaluating junior student teachers as a student teacher observer and supervisor. She was also the director at the Brielle Learning Center, assistant to the supervisor of Bay Head public schools, and assistant to the principal at St. Paul School.

Sister Marlene taught on all levels in elementary schools and received awards as an Outstanding Educator in Edison Township and in the Diocese of Metuchen.

In the most recent years, Sister Marlene lived at the convent at St. James Parish, Red Bank, and served as an evening receptionist at the rectory of St. Leo Parish, Lincroft.

She is survived by her sister, Margaret Cunningham, and her loving community of the Sisters of Mercy.

A funeral Mass was celebrated July 15 at Immaculate Conception Chapel, Mount Saint Mary, Watchung. Burial was at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 1645 U.S. Highway 22 West, Watchung, NJ 07069.

Dean honored for excellence Registered nurse Teri Wurmser, dean program at Georgian Court and fostering of the Hackensack Meridian Health the relationships that made the Hackensack School of Nursing and Wellness at Meridian Health School of Nursing and Georgian Court University, Lakewood, Wellness at the college a reality. Under was recently selected as one of the her guidance, the school has grown from 2022 NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes 25 students at its inception to more than honorees. She is one of seven people 350, has added an accelerated Bachelor selected to be honored of Science in Nursing “My goal has always in the “Health tract, and will add a Care Professional” master’s program this been to support category. fall. She was named the The HealthCare nursing. It is a fabulous university’s inaugural Heroes program was dean in 2020 and served profession that offers as chair of the Nursing created to recognize excellence, promote so many opportunities. School for 11 years. innovation, and honor the In addition The work that I do is to her position at efforts of individuals and organizations making a Court, focused on elevating Georgian significant impact on the Wurmser serves as quality of health care in the nursing profession vice president of New Jersey.

Nursing Research “I am very so that our students and and Academic Affairs grateful and honored Hackensack staff can be the very for by this award, but I Meridian Health and best that they can be.” is the creator and am here because of the support of all the good current director of the —Registered nurse people and mentors Ann May Center for Teri Wurmser that I work with,” said Nursing and Allied Wurmser. “My goal Health, Wall, which has always been to support nursing. It is promotes excellence in nursing and a fabulous profession that offers so many allied health through education and opportunities. The work that I do is focused research. on elevating the nursing profession so that NJBIZ is scheduled to formally our students and staff can be the very best recognize all honorees at a Healthcare that they can be.”

Heroes breakfast awards ceremony Wurmser was instrumental in creating at 9 a.m., Aug. 10, at The Palace at the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Somerset Park, Somerset.

World Day for Grandparents and Elderly. The theme for this year’s celebration is “In Old Age They Will Still Bear Fruit” (Ps. 92:15). The theme is meant to emphasize how grandparents are a gift both to society and the Church. For more information on the theme please see the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life’s announcement. Read the Holy Father’s message for the Second World Day for Grandparents and Elderly. This year, Pope Francis is also extending the opportunity for a plenary indulgence “to the faithful who devote adequate time to visit, in presence or virtually, through the media, their elderly brothers and sisters in need or in difficulty” on July 24. ..

8/19-21 Retrouvaille for Couples in Troubled Marriages…assists couples presently experiencing problems in their marriage. Consists of a weekend experience from Friday night to Sunday afternoon and is followed by six post-weekend sessions. Both partners must express a desire to attend the weekend and a willingness to work at their marriage. To register visit: www.diometuchen.org/ retroubaille.org For additional information visit: www.retrouvaille.com 9/24

Diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. It will conclude the diocese’s year-long 40th Anniversary celebration. It is hoped that as many Catholics as possible from the diocese will be in attendance at this joyous celebration of theconclusion of the diocesan anniversary. Please save the date.

More information and materials will be forthcoming.

DIOCESAN PROGRAMS 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 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 BLUE ROSARY GUILD The Office of Family Life is pleased to announce the creation of the Blue Rosary Guild. The purpose of the Guild is for community members of all ages to make pocket Rosaries for law enforcement officers, providing them with support and spiritual strength and promoting devotion to the Rosary among all the faithful. All materials and instructions will be provided and a Zoom virtual tutorial will also be scheduled. Anyone interested should contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins, Director of the Office of Family Life at cdaverso@diometuchen.org.

B A C A O N G A O U D U E T B E A R A K

J A Q P U I L A R S D I E V E I L E

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

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

CL ASSIFIED Fax: (732) 562-0969

Phone: 732-529-7934 E-mail: ads@diometuchen.org REAL ESTATE

FOR RENT

SELLING YOUR HOME? Willing to buy your home o r tow n h o u s e i n a s -i s condition. Quick 30 day cash closing. I'm a Licensed realtor in the State of NJ. Eugene "George" Pantozzi 908-392-2677 (call or text) georgepantozzi@hotmail.com

FOR RENT

APARTMENT RENTAL

1 bedroom basement apartment with full laundry facilities; Full kitchen, lr, dining area, private entrance. $1500 / month - utilities provided.

Located in the arbor section of Piscataway.

For information call Fr. Bill:

“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

PER LINE CHARGES:

• 24 characters/line (approx)

$ 3.75 per line - 1 insertion

• 5 line minimum

$ 3.50 per line - 2 insertions

• All ads must be pre-paid

$ 3.25 per line - 3 insertions

• Credit cards accepted

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

Senior Care at Home

For our personalized placement services, call Karen at

908-377-9375

JULY 21, 2022

Senior Care at Home is the lower cost alternative to nursing homes or assisted living.

Family Care Placement, LLC, provides live-in caregivers allowing them the comfort of their own home. We specialize in placing FILIPINO caregivers.

All candidates are fluent in English with excellent References.

THE APRIL 14, 2022CATHOLIC SPIRIT

RATES

WINDOW & DOOR S C R E E N R E PA I R S Installation of Fiberglass screens for your doors and windows.

P i c k - u p a n d d r o p o ff services available. George & Sons: (908) 392-2677

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

973-518-0862

SCREEN REPAIR

Bishop James F. Checchio has extended a special invitation to the diocese’s youth and young adults to join him for World Youth Day. This special event is held every few years when youth from throughout the world gather with the pope to honor Jesus and their Catholic faith. “It is an invigorating and wonderful moment,” asserted the bishop. “I remember my first one to Spain back in 1989 with Pope John Paul II.” Next year Bishop Checchio will lead a diocesan pilgrimage to the World Youth Day with Pope Francis. It will begin July 28, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. He not only asked young people to consider going to WYD, but asked parents and others to encourage them to go.

He noted the pilgrimage will be a sacrifice, but a joyful one that “will bring us closer to our Lord.” Bishop Checchio concluded his invitation saying that it could change lives forever “through a deepening of our friendship with Jesus who wants to be with us, who wants to accompany us, to nourish us and sustain us throughout our lives until at last we join him in heaven. It’s a great opportunity. Please consider going.” For more information on WYD visit: https://diometuchen.org/wyd

OUR DIOCESE

7/24

N A P L E S S E L T H R O N E E P A S S I S T I T N S T E A L F O L E A W A Y T R E A N B R O W N O R G R E D E E M E S E L M E R T O N

39

Crossword Puzzle Answers:

DIOCESAN EVENTS

40 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 21, 2022

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The Jesu- early universe, and everything in beits at the Vatican Observatory were tween.” wowed like most people by the beauty “The science behind this telescope of the photos from NASA’s James is our attempt to use our God-given Webb Space Telescope, but the direc- intelligence to understand the logic of tor said they also are excited by the the universe,” Brother Consolmagno scientific information the telescope said. “The universe wouldn’t work if will reveal. it weren’t logical. But as these images “Such images show, the universe is are a necessary food not only logical, it is “The science behind for the human spirit also beautiful.

— we do not live “This is God’s this telescope is our by bread alone — creation being reattempt to use our especially in these vealed to us, and in times,” said Jesuit we can see both his God-given intelligence itastonishing Brother Guy Consolpower magno, the observa- to understand the logic and his love of beautory director, after ty,” the Jesuit added. of the universe.The NASA released a The Vatican first batch of images universe wouldn’t work Observatory director from what the space also noted that “asif it weren’t logical. But tronomy is a small agency describes as “the largest, most so he knows as these images show, field,” powerful space telemany of the scienscope ever built.” the universe is not only tists who helped “The images are build the instruments gorgeous, as anyone logical, it is also beautiful.” on the telescope and —Jesuit Brother Guy can see for themplan its observations. selves,” Brother Their years of Consolmagno Consolmagno said. effort, he said, “is a “It’s a tantalizing tribute to the power glimpse of what we’ll be able to learn of the human spirit, what we can do about the universe with this telescope when we work together.” in the future.”

“And at the same time,” he said, NASA described Webb’s mission “I am amazed and grateful that God as studying “every phase of 13.5 bil- has given us humans, his creation, the lion years of cosmic history — from ability to see and understand what he within our solar system to the most has done.” distant observable galaxies in the Pointing to the telescope’s

Top, The “Cosmic Cliffs” of the Carina Nebula are seen in an image released by NASA July 12. The “cliffs” are divided horizontally by an undulating line between a cloudscape forming a nebula along the bottom portion and a comparatively clear upper portion. The image is from data provided by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, a revolutionary apparatus designed to peer through the cosmos to the dawn of the universe. Speckled across both portions is a starfield, showing innumerable stars of many sizes. Above, A group of five galaxies that appear close to each other in the sky is seen in this image released by NASA July 12. Two galaxies in the middle, one toward the top, one to the upper left and one toward the bottom are seen in a mosaic, or composite, of near and mid-infrared data from the telescope.

— (CNS photos/NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Webb ERO Production Team, Handout via Reuters)

“first spectrum of water vapor in the atmosphere of an exoplanet,” a planet that orbits a star outside the solar system, Brother Consolmagno reminded readers of one of his Jesuitscientist predecessors.

“It was about 150 years ago when Jesuit Father Angelo Secchi put a prism in front of his telescope lens

on the roof of the St. Ignatius Church in Rome, and made the first spectral measurements of the atmospheres of the planets in our own solar system,” Brother Consolmagno said.

“I can only imagine how delighted he would be to see the science he pioneered applied to planets unknown to him orbiting distant stars.”