In 1997, then-Pope, now St. John Paul II, appointed Msgr. Paul G. Bootkoski auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Newark. It was not an honor he expected and on seeing him after he received the news, a religious told him, “You look beet red.” Yet, after being ordained to the Episcopacy on Sept. 5, 1997, Auxiliary Bishop Bootkoski embraced his new role as vicar general and moderator of the curia.
Four years later, on Jan. 5, 2001, when their archbishop was reassigned, Newark’s College of Consultors elected Auxiliary Bishop Bootkoski as administrator. He became responsible for the temporary management of the archdiocese until the pope announced a new shepherd. He was in charge of an archdiocese that had 235 parishes, 176 Catholic schools, several prep schools, and five hospitals. The year was 2001 and shortly after he became Administrator, he was faced with one of the biggest challenges in his life — the terrorists attack on 9/11.
On that fateful day, Bishop Bootkoski was in his office when the Director of Security came in to tell him planes had crashed into the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. “My first thoughts were of my brother-in-law, Fred, who worked in building two of the towers. It would be a long time before we learned that he had
escaped,” recalled Bishop Bootkoski. “In the archdiocesan center, we went to a meeting room with windows facing the New York skyline. We watched the horror unfold and prayed. Days later, I presided at a memorial Mass at the Cathedral of Sacred Heart. It was filled with people grieving, others thankful to be alive or have family who survived, all praying for the firefighters, police, and emergency medical personnel. It was a sight and a time I shall never forget.”
Before the end of the year, Bishop Bootkoski learned his life was about to take a dramatic change. Just before Christmas, he was told that he would become the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen. Pope John Paul II made the announcement Jan. 4, 2002.
Once again, Bishop Bootkoski was surprised at the change. He told a reporter that he had thought once the Newark Archdiocese would have a new bishop, he would go to Israel to study Scripture on site. He knew only one or two individuals in the Metuchen Diocese. He knew very little about the four counties he was now to lead, but said he was thrilled to have the opportunity to use his pastoral skills as the ordinary of a diocese and to make Christ present to the faithful in his new diocese. He found his flock to be very welcoming.
Bishop Bootkoski’s installation was
set for March 19. Approximately 3,000 people, including 40 bishops and 300 priests, gathered at the New Jersey Convention Center, Edison, as the bishop who
had been born, raised and spent his whole life in the Newark Archdiocese, became the shepherd of the Metuchen Diocese.
page
As part of the rites ordaining him to the episcopacy, Bishop Bootkoski kneels as an open Book of the Gospels is placed over his head Sept. 5, 1997. Bishop Bootkoski was ordained an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark, where he served for ve years before becoming the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen.
The Catholic Spirit file photo
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Still a priest with a pastor’s heart, the new shepherd told everyone to call him “Bishop Paul.”
After the Mass of Installation, the media surrounded the bishop and he faced the first of his major challenges in his new diocese. Two months earlier in Boston the sexual abuse of minors by priests became headline news. The press sought Bishop Bootkoski’s reaction.
He told the reporters that at a prayer service at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, the night before his installation he had pledged to protect the children in the Diocese of Metuchen. He had emphatically stated, “I will not tol erate child sexual abuse.”
The diocese’s new shepherd ad dressed the crisis in a letter to all the faithful and ordered a review of all clergy files. To help keep children safe, in 2003 he established the Office of Child and Youth Protection and required all priests, deacons, and employees working with minors to undergo criminal history back ground checks and complete the Virtus’ “Protecting God’s Children” program.
One of Bishop Bootkoski’s most poignant memories in dealing with the sexual abuse crisis was of the first three victims he met. Their lawyer had ac companied them to their meeting with the bishop. “At the end of our talk, they asked if we had a church, so I took them to our chapel,” the bishop recalled. “Their lawyer and I did not go in, but we could hear them crying, sobbing over what they had been through.” The lawyer told the bishop it was the first time in years that they had stepped into a church.
Another challenge Bishop Boot koski faced in the first years of his epis copacy in Metuchen dealt with Saint Peter’s University Hospital’s regional perinatal center. Its status as the only such center in central New Jersey was challenged by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. A protracted court battle ensued, but the bishop led the fight successfully. He also provided new leadership for the hospital, which is sponsored by the diocese.
Bishop Bootkoski receives the apos tolic mandate appointing him "Bishop of Metuchen" from Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States, March 19, 2002.
As he settled into his new diocese, Bishop Bootkoski started to make changes. He reorganized the administration of the diocese to include the new Department of Administration and Legal Services. He established leadership programs for the laity and appointed lay leaders for the diocesan departments, convened the first Diocesan Synod, opened Immaculate Conception School, the diocese’s first Catholic school in Hunterdon County, and by the end of 2002 established a formal partnership with the Diocese of Santa Rosa in Guatemala.
Always a strong advocate for education, Bishop Bootkoski was in strumental in establishing the diocese’s Spotlight on Education dinner, the first of which was held April 8, 2003.
Twelve years later, the bishop would receive the St. John Neuman Award at the 2015 Catholic Schools Education Dinner. In presenting the award, the late Msgr. Michael J. Corona, then executive director of the diocesan Department of Education, said, “Bishop Bootkoski has made Catholic schools a priority in the diocese.” He noted the honor was “an expression of gratitude for his ongoing support for the teachers, administrators, and most importantly the children at tending our Catholic schools.
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The Catholic Spirit file photoDe nition: Blazon (n.)
1. Heraldry
Galero with tassels (6)
a. To describe (a coat of arms) in proper terms.
b. To paint or depict (a coat of arms) with accurate detail.
2. To adorn or embellish with or as if with a coat of arms: "the stars and moons and suns blazoned on that sacred wall" (G.K. Chesterton).
Bishop Bootkoski Blazon:
Quarterly, in the first Argent two fish respecting to dexter hauriant and to sinister uriant; in the second Azure an open book Argent bound Or; in the third six barrulets wavy Azure and Argent; in the fourth Gules a cross issuant from a wagon wheel Argent (Bootkoski). Overall an escutcheon in pretense (Diocese of Metuchen). Ensigned with a processional cross palewise behind the shield Or and a galero with cords and twelve tassels disposed in three rows of one, two and three all Vert.
Bishop Bootkoski
The two sh (1)
The open book (2)
The Diocese of Metuchen coat of arms
Six barrulets (3)
T
he complete heraldic achievement of the Most Reverend Paul G. Bootkoski shows the arms of the Diocese of Metuchen marshaled with his personal arms and displaying external ornaments of a bishop.
It is customary in North America to depict the arms of a bishop joined on the same shield with the arms of his diocese. Bishop Bootkoski has elected an unconventional, though perfectly correct manner of doing this. Since his personal arms divide the shield into four quarters the arms of the Diocese of Metuchen are placed on a smaller separate shield overlapping the bishop’s personal arms. In heraldry this is known as an escutcheon "in pretense."
The personal arms of Bishop Bootkoski, modified slightly from the original arms he bore as Titular Bishop of Zarna and Auxiliary Bishop of Newark, combine elements alluding to the bishop’s heritage and ministry. The two red fish on a silver background are reminiscent of the arms of the Klimek family (the bishop’s maternal ancestors). The name "Klimek" is a variation of "Clement" who was the third successor to St. Peter as Bishop of Rome. The fish remind us of Peter, the Fisherman and his successors. Their inclusion also honors the faith-filled witness of Bishop Bootkoski’s maternal grandparents and the influence they had on his life and faith. (1)
The book with the gold binding on a blue background has a twofold significance. First, it stands for the Word of God which Bishop Bootkoski has preached throughout his priestly ministry and now preaches in a special way as a successor to the apostles and chief shepherd of a local church. The book also stands for the Holy Rule of St. Benedict. This is a tribute to a saint for whom the bishop has a personal devotion and to the Benedictine Order whose monks have had a great formative influence in the bishop’s spiritual life, education and vocation. (2)
The quadrant containing the six blue and silver wavy lines (barrulets) borrows these from the arms of the Arch-
diocese of Newark. The bishop served as priest bishop and administrator in this Archdiocese before coming to the Diocese of Metuchen. These wavy lines represent the six rivers that touch the Newark Archdiocese (Hackensack, Hudson, Passaic, Rahway, Raritan and Saddle Rivers). (3)
The last quadrant shows a red background with a silver wagon wheel. The wheel is broken at the top and has a cross issuing from the center. This is from the family arms of the bishop’s paternal ancestors from Poland. Polish heraldry often makes use of what are called "house marks" utilized by various tradesmen as symbols of their profession. The wheel was used as a symbol of the carpenter’s trade. The Butkowski (Bootkoski is a variant) family were apparently carpenters. The silver cross issuing from the center of the wheel is both an indication of their faith and an expression of their hope that their work might give glory to God. (4)
The principal colors on the shield are also significant. The first and fourth quadrants alluding to the bishop’s family employ red and white, which are the national colors of Poland. The overall design makes use primarily of red, white and blue. These are the national colors of the United States of America on whose national day of Independence (July 4) the bishop was born. Behind the shield, and visible extending above and below it, is a gold processional cross. A green ecclesiastical hat called a "galero" is placed above the shield. Hanging on each side of the shield is six green tassels. These are the external ornaments proper to a prelate with the rank of bishop according to the Instruction of the Holy
Motto (7)
Motto: Explaining his reason for selecting these words, Bishop Bootkoski told The Catholic Spirit that during his priesthood he had become more focused on Scripture as part of his prayer life. As the namesake of St. Paul, Bishop Bootkoski felt particularly inspired by Pauline writings, and wanted to draw from them when selecting the motto for a coat of arms. The bishop explained, “I’ve never been so out of control of my life as when I became a bishop. I know that what is most important is to depend on the grace of God and to trust that all will work unto good if you trust in the Lord.” (7)
See, "Ut Sive Sollicite" of March 31, 1969. (5)(6)
For the motto depicted on a scroll below the shield Bishop Bootkoski has chosen the phrase, "God’s Grace Suffices." This is taken from the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians (2 Cor 12:9) in which St. Paul recalls God’s words to him in time of trouble. These words remind all Christians that God is with us and provides the strength we need to accomplish the task God sets before us. (7)
Father Michael M. Walters of the Archdiocese of Newark originally designed the personal coat of arms of Bishop Bootkoski. The coat of arms was modified, marshaled to those of the diocese and emblazoned by Father Guy W. Selvester, a priest of the Diocese of Metuchen, as well as a heraldic designer and member of the American College of Heraldry.
The Parish Community and the School Community of
of Canterbury
Continued from page 5 June 14, 2003, Bishop Bootkoski signed the decree convoking the diocese’s first diocesan synod. In the fall, he re-estab lished the diocese’s Blue Mass honoring all in law enforcement. Thelityrgy is still celebrated annually.
It was in 2003, too, that Bishop Bootkoski first led the diocese to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Im maculate Conception, Washington, D.C. on a Pilgrimage of Thanksgiving. During his episcopacy, he led two more pilgrim ages, one in 2006 during the diocese’s 25th anniversary and the other in 2011 to celebrate the diocese’s 30th anniversary.
To reach out to mission countries and strengthen the partnership the dio cese established two years earlier, from Jan. 28 to Feb. 6, 2004, Bishop Boot koski led a group of Catholic Relief Service workers to the Diocese of Santa Rosa in Guatemala. Reflecting on that humanitarian mission, the bishop said, “In Guatemala our diocese helped to es tablish water treatment plants, facilitate the rotation of crops, and our hospital, Saint Peter’s, opened six health clin ics, one of which performed c-sections for women.”
The following year to foster voca tions Bishop Bootkoski opened the St. John Vianney House of Discernment originally located in Highland Park. In 2005 he also established the diocesan Office of Evangelization, the Department of Diocesan Planning, the diocesan Of fice for Hispanic Ministry, the diocesan Office of Social Justice, and the diocesan Office for Multi-Cultural Ministry. Af ter an eight-year absence, in 2005, too, Bishop Bootkoski re-established the Diocesan Youth Day.
At a Mass on Nov. 19, 2005, Bishop Bootkoski opened the Synod and launched a year-long celebration of the diocese’s 25th Anniversary. He promul gated 59 synod norms at a prayer service Jan. 31, 2007, and that same month, say ing it was time for the Church to provide a full-service cemetery, broke ground for a crematory in East Brunswick. It was the first to be built in the United States by a diocese in a Catholic cemetery.
One of the outcomes of the Synod was the bishop’s first pastoral letter is sued in 2009. “The Family You Have Gathered: A Pastoral Letter on Vibrant Parish Life,” was drawn from the bish op’s experience as priest and pastor. It highlighted several key elements of a vi brant parish, including intergenerational faith formation, youth ministry and pas toral councils.
In 2010, four major events took place. The first was on Jan. 29, when Bishop Bootkoski cut the ribbon to open the diocese’s new Catholic Center at Rutgers, New Brunswick. Involved in campus ministry as a young priest, the bishop remained committed to serving the pastoral needs of college students.
Previously located in a small house, the new Catholic Center was created through a two-year renovation of a convent next to St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish in New Brunswick.
“We don’t want to lose contact with young adults, and we have to try every thing we can to touch their hearts, help them become aware of the Gospel mes sage and apply it to their lives. I thought it was a major apostolate we should have,” reflected the bishop.
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Bishop Bootkoski blesses police officers following the 2011 Blue Mass. It was in 2003, that the bishop re-established the diocese’s Blue Mass which honors all who serve in law enforcement in the four counties of the dio cese. At the Blue Mass, the diocese also pays special tribute to those law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. The first Blue Mass was held at Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville. Held annually, the first Blue Masses were celebrated at a different parish each year. Today, the Blue Mass is celebrated in the diocese’s Mother Church, the Cathe dral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. — The Catholic Spirit file photos
On Nov. 19, 2005, Bishop Bootkoski officially opened the the diocese's first synod at Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. The bishop accepted the final recommen dations passed by synod delegates and on Jan. 31, 2007, promulgated 59 norms at a prayer service at Queenship of Mary Church, Plainsboro. The bishop then appointed members of the clergy, religious and laity from a variety of backgrounds to the Commission for Synod Implementation (CSI). In 2008, the process of implementing the norms began following a period in which CSI listened and obtained input from pastors and parish lay leaders. Priorities identified included personnel in ministry, communications, multi-cultural min istry and youth and religious formation. The CSI completed its work after the Department of Diocesan Planning was established. In photos, from top, CSI members gather at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway; in 2003, Bishop Bootkoski signs the document convoking of the synod; CSI members Msgr. Gregory E.S. Malovetz, Erin Jones, Judy Tabert and Bishop Bootkoski sing at the start of a “Synod Reunion;” Bishop Bootkoski, assisted by then-Father, now Msgr. Robert W. Medley, signs a document with the promulgated 59 norms; and Bishop Bootkoski addresses “Synod Reunion” participants.
The Catholic Spirit file photos
During his Mass of Installation, March 19, 2002, Bishop Bootkoski spoke of the “awesome and humbling role,” he was beginning. In his homily, he said, “The text from the Lineamenta or the Synod of Bishops for the year
At Bishop Bootkoski’s ordination to the episcopacy, one of the symbols of his office he received was a pectoral cross. Derived from the Latin word pectus, which means abreast, the pectoral cross is worn on the chest, near the heart. It is intended to be a personal reminder to the bishop of his pastoral responsibility to bear the cross of Christ and witness the gospel to the world. Pictured on this page are four of Bishop Bootkoski’s pectoral crosses that hold special significance for him.
Received on the day of his ordination, this pectoral cross was a gift to Bishop Paul from his sister and brother-in-law, Annette and Fred Wagner. The bishop said the rough finish of the outer cross conveys our humanness, our sinfulness and that we are flawed. We reach out to the cross in the middle which is smooth and represents Christ in His perfection. In the center of the cross is the diamond which the bishop’s mother gave to him from her engagement ring.
The Brothers at the Western Priory gave Bishop Bootkoski a small wooden pectoral cross. They crafted it from precious woods — the outer part is made of Bolivian rose wood and the interior plug of the cross is African paddock. Found in Third World countries, the woods remind the bishop that the poor are always with us, and as a bishop he has an obligation to remember them in ministry. When the brothers gave the bishop the cross, they said, “Let this be a sign not of power but of service.”
Worn at wedding and anniversary cer emonies, this pectoral cross contains the wedding rings of Bishop Paul’s parents. His mother, Antoinette, had two wed ding rings. One was her original wedding band, and the other a 10th anniversary gift given to her by the bishop’s father, Peter. When Bishop Paul’s father passed away his mother gave him her original wedding ring along with his father’s wedding ring. The bishop had the two rings superimposed on this cross.
A gift from Pope Benedict XVI, this pec toral cross contains four small inserts. On the left is the teaching Christ; on top is the image of Christ carrying his cross, on the right is Christ scourged; and the final image, on the bottom, is the image of the pelican, from a fable that says a mother pelican pierced her breast and with the blood that flowed out, she fed her young. Bishop Paul said that is the image of Christ we must imitate.
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On Pentecost 2010, Bishop Bootkoski issued his policy on the Future Staffing of Parishes. The pro-active policy included three primary strategies: renewing the Church process, intensifying the effort to promote vocations to the priesthood and expanding multiple parish pastoring. In June 2010, the bishop ordained 29 permanent deacons, the diocese’s largest class. To keep more of the faithful informed and educated about the Church and the diocese, Bishop Bootkoski approved a plan to distribute “The Catholic Spirit,” the official newspaper of the diocese, to all parishes.
Two years later, in January, Bishop Bootkoski conferred papal honors on nine priests who were elevated to Chaplains of Honor to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and given the title of Reverend Monsignor. Later that year, four more priests were elevated to monsignor. The year ended on a somber note as Hurricane Sandy descended upon New Jersey. In an article in “The Catholic Spirit,” the bishop reflected on his visits to towns in the diocese that were devasted by the hurricane. He wrote that he heard cries of despair and witnessed acts of discipleship. He concluded his reflection writing, “What struck me as I rode home was Sunday’s Gospel that was Christ’s two-fold commandment, “Love God and love your neighbor.” In the five places I had visited I saw that Scripture being lived.”
Once the Bishop Bootkoski turned 75 on July 4, 2015, he knew he would retire when Pope Francis announced a new
shepherd for the Metuchen Diocese. In February 2016, Bishop James F. Checchio was introduced as the fifth bishop of the diocese and Bishop Bootkoski prepared to leave, but before he did, in June 2016, he presented Papal honors to 17 people who were recognized for their decades of devotion to God and exemplary service to the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen.
There is no doubt that Bishop Bootkoski has accomplished much as the Shepherd of the Diocese of Metuchen. Behind these and all his other actions has been one simple goal — to bring the people he serves closer to Christ. During his 25 years as a bishop, it is a goal Bishop Bootkoski truly embraced and continues in retirement assisting at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish, Pittstown.
To nourish his spiritual life, and draw strength for all he had to do, especially when he was Metuchen’s shepherd, the bishop went and continues to go on at least two retreats a year, most times with the Benedictine monks at the Weston Priory in Vermont. Prayer, too, has always been a priority for him, and he has drawn icons, religious art which he said is a form of prayer.
It is celebrating the Eucharist, however, that means the most to Bishop Bootkoski. “It is a joy and very meaningful. It’s the reality of the real presence of Christ in our lives.” It is through the Eucharist that people can deepen their relationship with Jesus, he added.
Joanne Ward is Advisor to The Catholic Spirit
During his episcopacy, Bishop Bootkoski led three diocesan pilgrimages to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C. Above, the bishop consecrates the host during the diocese’s 2003 Pilgrimage to the Basilica where he celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving.
— The Catholic Spirit file photos
on the occasion of his 25 th anniversary of episcopal ordination
In 2005, after an eight-year absence, Bishop Bootkoski re-instituted the Diocesan Youth Day. About 400 teens from 45 parishes in the diocese gathered at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, Somerset, to celebrate their Catholic faith and identity. The bishop continued to show his concern for the spiritual welfare of young Catholics in the diocese by attending the event each year and celebrating Mass at its conclusion. Bishop Bootkoski fostered his special rapport with youth while serving in campus ministry at the Rutgers-Newark campus and assistant vice president for student affairs at Seton Hall University, South Orange. Clockwise from top, Bishop Bootkoski dons a t-shirt from DYD 2007; Bishop Bootkoski reads during Mass at DYD 2012; Bishop Bootkoski blesses the youth at Mass during DYD 2008; Bishop Bootkoski shakes hands with attendees at the first DYD in 2005; Bishop Bootkoski speaks with teens at DYD 2009.
The Catholic Spirit file photos
Bishop Bootkoski, a former chaplain at Rutgers University-Newark, continued his commitment to serving the pastoral needs of the New Brunswick college students at a ribbon cutting to open The Catholic Center at Rutgers Jan. 29, 2010. A former convent at St. Peter the Apostle Parish was renovated to make The Catholic Center’s new home, which includes a chapel, study rooms, computer kiosks, wireless Internet, kitchen and recreation room. Previously located in a small house in New Brunswick, after a twoyear renovation, The Catholic Center at Rutgers opened in January 2010. Some of the students who have come to the center posed for a photo.
— The Catholic Spirit le photos
steadfast support for campus ministry, his vision and his provision of a, new home where students can grow in their faith as they encounter Jesus Christ in a vibrant community of faith. .
Right, 29 men prostrate themselves at a Mass of ordination to the permanent dia conate in 2010, at the Church of the Sacred Heart, South Plainfield. For the diocese, Bishop Bootkoski ordained 104 to the permanent diaconate. Below, during the bishop’s 14 years in Metuchen, 13 priests were elevated to Chaplains of Honor to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI and given the title of Reverend Monsignor. Below, shown with Bishop Bootkoski (holding croser) and Bishop Emeritus Edward T. Hughes, are priests elevated in 2011, from left: Msgr. Rob ert W. Medley, Msgr. Sylvester J. Cronin, Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, Msgr. John N. Fell, Msgr. Charles W. Cicerale, Msgr. Randall J. Vashon, Msgr. John B. Gordon, Msgr. Joseph J. Ker rigan and Msgr. Edward C. Puleo. Elevated in 2006 (not shown): Msgr. David I. Fulton, Msgr. Andrew L. Szaroleta, Msgr. Joseph M. Curry and Msgr. Gregory E.S. Malovetz.
PAPAL HONORS: Bishop Bootkoski presents Ellen Ayoub with her papal award. Other re cipients included: Msgr. Richard J. Lyons, Order of St. Gregory the Great: Robert & Joan Campbell, Anthony & Suzanne Giancristofaro, Gloria LaGrassa Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice: Deacon Samuel J. Costantino, Deacon David DeFrange, Deacon Anthony J. Gostkowski, Sister Lisa Gambacorto, Sister Mary Kerwin Benemerenti Medal: Lori Albanese, Ayoub, Monica Demkovitz, Jennifer Ruggiero, Douglas Susan, Joanne Ward .
By Christina Leslie Correspondent
METUCHEN — Filled with joy and gratitude, the people and clergy of the Diocese of Metuchen united in the Ca thedral of St. Francis of Assisi Sept. 11 to give thanks for the ministry of fourth bishop to have held the title of its chief shepherd.
“Go up to the altar of God… call on the name of the Lord,” sang the con gregation and diocesan Festival Choir as Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski strode up the center aisle towards the Eucharistic table. Befitting his rank as Knights of Columbus State Chaplain, members of the fraternal organiza tion’s Color Corps preceded Bishop Bootkoski as did scores of clergy, a number of whom he had ordained dur ing his episcopacy.
In his homily on the Gospel of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-32), the bishop praised the “wonderful, forgiv ing, unconditional love” the Father shows his wayward Son.
“It took a tragedy for [the young er son] to come to his senses,” Bishop Bootkoski observed, “but they were back together as a family. As Jesus presents the parable, it stops, and you and I have to write the conclu sion. Which are you: the father? The younger brother? The older brother?”
The bishop remarked upon the irony that it took the death of Queen Elizabeth II for her two grandsons,
William and Harry, to mend fences in order to meet the population mourn ing her passing. Society’s unforgiving nature must be battled, he asserted, because we are followers of Christ.
“Let’s take that step and make that Gospel real, not something we read,” Bishop Bootkoski urged the congrega tion. “Society is in bad shape, but it has to start somewhere. We were all created by God.”
The liturgy was replete with
touches reflecting Bishop Bootkoski’s Polish heritage. Wishes of “Sto Lat” (a proclamation of long life which trans lates as “100 years”) were bade the octogenarian cleric, and the Marian hymn “Serdeczna Matko” (Beloved Mother) was sung to the Blessed Vir gin in the Polish and English tongues during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Bootkoski thanked those who had enriched his 14-year leadership of the
diocese and guests, including Bishop Dennis J. Sullivan, shepherd of the Di ocese of Camden; proclaimers of the Word, Lori Albanese, former diocesan chancellor, and Mercy Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, directress, Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, among others.
Bishop James F. Checchio, who was unable to attend the Mass because of a pre-planned event, sent his con gratulations in a letter read during the Mass. He reflected upon his predeces sor’s quarter-century of ministry, 20 years of which was serving the faith ful of the diocese as a successor of Christ’s Apostles.
“[He] had the mind of Pope Fran cis long before he took over the Chair of St. Peter in Rome,” Bishop Chec chio wrote, “as Bishop Paul called a synod here in our diocese to listen to the voice of the faithful as he forged the road forward for our local Church. Now, the whole world is gathered in such a synod.”
Bishop Paul’s ministry began at a challenging time, “and gratefully, he was a strong advocate for imple menting child protective initiatives,” the letter continued. “On behalf of all in our diocese, congratulations, Bishop Paul, and thank you for all you have done and still do for our diocese. We pray you will have many more years of good health and ser vice to the beloved people of our diocese. Sto lat!”
Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski, center, Deacon Anthony J. Gostkowski (left) and Deacon Samuel J. Costantino walk up the center aisle of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, at the start of a Mass of Thanksgiving for his 25 years as a bishop, including 14 as shepherd of the Diocese of Metuchen. Clockwise from above left, Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski, state chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, walks past an honor guard from the men’s fraternal organization at a Mass of Thanksgiving; clergy from the diocese sing the opening hymn; the bishop gives the homily from the ambo, incenses the altar assisted by Deacon Samuel J. Costantino; and members of the bishop’s family and friends pray. Frank Wojciechowski photos