March 17, 2022

Funeral services held for two priests who served diocese for decades, 12-13

Spirit atholic C THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

MARCH 17, 2022 • VOL. 27 NO. 2 • $2.00

Prayers for Peace

A woman lights a candle at a prayer service at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Perth Amboy, Feb. 24, for an end to the war in Ukraine. The parish is a Byzantine rite community in the Metropolitan Archeparchy of Philadelphia (Ukrainian). Bishop James F. Checchio was present at a divine liturgy for peace at the church March 3. See story on page 3.

— Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo

INSIDE Perspectives Our Faith

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Kid’s Corner

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Diocesan Events

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Pastoral Care Diocese observes World Day of Sick...5 This issue was mailed on March 15 Your next issue will be April 14

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This Lent, draw closer to the Lord, increase prayer

MARCH 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

UP FRONT

My brothers and sisters in Christ,

Mass, consider attending daily Mass when you are able to during Lent, or to stop in our churches for a visit with the Blessed Sacrament and our mother, Mary.

Another prayerful opportunity we have is to attend the Stations of the Cross on Fridays. It is a wonderful Lenten prayer that immerses us in Prayers for a blessed Lent! On Ash the Lord’s paschal mystery. Pray as a Wednesday, we heard the Prophet family, even before meals if you do Joel in the first reading for the day’s not normally do so. Take a moment, liturgy call us to “return to the Lord too, as you begin your day to ask the with your whole heart!” How we need Lord to guide you throughout the day, to do that this year as we seek to rest and at the end of it, reflect on how in Our Lord’s merciful Sacred Heart as God might have guided you during the we watch on television day, and thank Him for the horrific situation in graces you received.

I also encourage the the Ukraine with more As you know, for our than two million women you to embrace 40th anniversary, in my and children fleeing their recent Pastoral Letter, I another priority asked us all to increase homes and homeland to Poland and other neigh- of this anniversary our prayer during this anboring countries. Our niversary year, deepening hearts are indeed broken year, the 40 Works our friendship with Jesus, as we call out in prayer Lent is an opportune of Mercy, so that and to our loving Father for time to do so. all Ukrainians even as we I also encourage we put our faith assist them financially you to embrace another and in so many other into action, for as priority of this anniverways.

St. James reminds sary year, the 40 Works of This unsettling time Mercy, so that we put our us “faith without faith into action, for as St. also occurs as we are just coming to a new and betreminds us “faith works is dead.” James ter place with the terrible without works is dead.” worldwide pandemic There are many opportuwhich has turned our lives upside down nities for us to do spiritual and corporal and has created so much suffering and works of mercy that take place during loss for so many. Others of us are still this Lenten season. Pray for others in recovering from the damaging effects need, participate in operation Rice of Hurricane Ida. These situations and Bowl and Friday Fish Fries, and don’t others have made us feel isolated and forget to contribute to collections, like disconnected at times as we also see the the one we recently had that supported fragility of life and peace, which can be Ukrainian relief efforts. These are just unsettling too. some of the ways we can help those in So yes, now is the time to return need of food, housing, or other necesto the Lord and to draw closer to Him, sities of life, and assist those who are clinging to Him with our whole heart. sick or in prison. Of course, wouldn’t I encourage all of us to embrace more it be wonderful if each household supprayer this Lent which will sustain us ported the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, and guide us. In addition to Sunday which reaches out to so many in need

Bishop James Checchio

Catholic Spirit THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

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of physical, pastoral, and spiritual support throughout our diocese. You do a wonderful act of mercy by supporting this diocesan wide effort to assist those in need.

These past days during the beginning of Lent, I have been so encouraged by my visits to our parishes and schools, and by my conversations with many of you about the large number of people who came for Ash Wednesday Masses and services. Thanks be to God! Hopefully this Lent becomes a time of recommitment to attending Sunday Mass, increased prayer and works of mercy. Why shouldn’t it be as the words of the prophet Joel on Ash Wednesday hit home, “return to me with your whole heart!” It is by resting in the Lord, that we find our source of Peace and Love which does not change, and it is the place where our hearts are made more unto like Our Lord’s Sacred

Heart, beating in love for others.

I am thinking about you each day during Lent, offering prayers and sacrifices for you. I am praying for a blessed Lent for you all. May it truly be a time of more fully returning to the Lord for all of us.

Know of my appreciation for your commitment to the faith and your good witness during these challenging, sometimes confusing, and scary times.

God always awaits us, and so desires our further turning to Him each day.

Know of my love and prayers for you, and I ask for a remembrance of me in your prayers too; I need them as I strive to serve you as best as I am able.

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

Solemn Ceremony Bishop James F. Checchio makes the sign of the cross with ashes on the forehead of a member of the congregation at Mass at St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, New Brunswick, on Ash Wednesday. The day began the 40-day Lenten season that ends at sundown on Holy Thursday. The ashes symbolize the dust from which God made man. When the ashes are applied, the priest says, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The priest may also say, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” According to Church teaching, ashes also symbolize grief, specifically for sinning, which causes division from God; and as a sign of penance.

— John Batkowski photo

Solemn Evening Prayer & Benediction on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 3 at 4pm

and, for the first time, Tenebrae Celebrating Christ as the Light of the World on Spy Wednesday, April 13 at 7pm.

St. Joseph Church 59 Main St. High Bridge, NJ for more information call 908-638-6211

3 OUR DIOCESE

Bishop joins in liturgy to pray for peace in war-torn country

By Tara Smith

Above, Bishop James F. Checchio addresses the students and faculty of the Ukrainian Assumption Catholic School and Perth Amboy Catholic School, at a Liturgy for peace in the Ukraine. At right is Father Ivan Turyk, pastor of the Ukrainian Church.

— Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photos

fortifies us for the challenges that we do face, so do not ever take it for granted.

Remind yourself each day of the presence of our loving God with us,” said the bishop. “No matter what we are facing, we have someone who loves us always and who is with us always and protects us.”

The liturgy was the latest in a series of diocesan efforts to support Ukrainians, both those in the war-torn country and those around the world, including those in the diocese who are left to worry about their loved ones and their home country from afar. The day before, on Ash Wednesday, heeding the call by Pope Francis to participate in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine, all parishes and schools in the diocese were asked to pray the rosary. In solidarity with the Ukrainian people, students and faculty of Assumption Catho-

Because of reduced space available in each edition of "The Catholic Spirit," the Image of the Week has been canceled.

— Bishop James F. Checchio the many students and faculty members who have family and friends still in Ukraine. “We are united in prayer and we are storming heaven for peace in Ukraine.”

Last issue's image...

The image, which was featured on page 3 of the February issue of "The Catholic Spirit," can be found at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Perth Amboy.

The winner is...

As of press time, no one has correctly identified the image.

MARCH 17, 2022

Image Week of the

lic School prayed the rosary in English and Ukrainian and a recording of their prayer was shared with all parishes and Catholic schools in the diocese for the universal day of prayer and fasting.

Bishop Checchio also asked parishes in the diocese to participate in a special Collection to Aid the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, which will allow the faithful to provide assistance to the victims of war in Ukraine and many other projects the collection supports in the region, especially with refugees entering Poland and other countries.

Anyone wishing to support to the collection is invited to donate online by visiting: diometuchen.org/Ukraine.

“On behalf of the Diocese of Metuchen, we are united with you at this time and with the people of Ukraine,” Bishop Checchio said, speaking to Father Turyk, the religious sisters, and

“We have certainly been through a tough period.

First, the pandemic turned everything upside down and caused great suffering and loss. Now, on top of that, we have this aggression in Ukraine. It is heartbreaking to watch the news and to see what is happening there, as we watch mothers and children fleeing and becoming refugees, and as we watch young men and even older men taking up arms to protect their family and their homeland.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

PERTH AMBOY — Unified only by their prayers and faith, their city, and the blue and yellow ribbons on their school uniforms proudly displaying the colors of the Ukrainian flag, the students and faculty members from Ukrainian Assumption Catholic School and Perth Amboy Catholic School, gathered in a prayerful response to the humanitarian crisis in the Ukraine.

With Bishop James F. Checchio present and Father Ivan Turyk, pastor, Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, presiding, the students stood side by side at the March 3 Divine Liturgy at Church of the Assumption and prayed for peace in Ukraine.

“We have certainly been through a tough period,” Bishop Checchio said, addressing the students from beneath the shimmering gold dome of the church. “First, the pandemic turned everything upside down and caused great suffering and loss. Now, on top of that, we have this aggression in Ukraine. It is heartbreaking to watch the news and to see what is happening there, as we watch mothers and children fleeing and becoming refugees, and as we watch young men and even older men taking up arms to protect their family and their homeland.”

Solemnly acknowledging the struggles caused by the pandemic and the challenges now being faced in Ukraine, Bishop Checchio reminded the students that one thing never changes, even amidst the difficulties in life: our friendship with Jesus Christ.

“The Holy Spirit was sent to be present with us until the end of time, and the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist nourishes us, strengthens us, and

4 PERSPECTIVES

Church support of Ukraine includes food, evacuations BALTIMORE — As the Ukrainian conflict continues as of publication date, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is deploying staff and resources to support the Church as it responds to the unfolding humanitarian crisis across a handful of affected countries.

“The scale of the suffering is devastating,” said Sean Callahan, CRS’ president and chief executive officer.

“It’s easy to forget that there are human faces behind the staggering headlines.

As we pray for peace, we must continue to do everything possible to support the survival and dignity of Ukrainian families.”

According to the United Nations

Refugee Agency, more than five million Ukrainians could be forced to flee the country if fighting persists, while millions of others could be displaced internally. Poland, Moldova and Romania are already seeing considerable upticks in the number of refugees crossing their borders. Poland has received nearly 1.5 million refugees as of March 11, and is preparing for many more. The Polish government has since set up reception centers near the border to process new arrivals. Regionally, as many as 500,000 people have fled Ukraine to date.

CRS is sending staff and resources to support local Caritas partners in

Ukraine, Romania, Moldova and Poland to address the growing needs.

The Church’s initial support of displaced families includes, but is not limited to: • Food distributions • Support with reception centers at Caritas offices, train stations, and transit hubs.

• Transportation services • Support for evacuation centers, which provide shelter, food and counseling services.

• Evacuation of vulnerable children from conflict areas to centers in safe zones.

Pope Francis announced March 2 as

a day of fasting and prayer for Ukraine.

President Biden spoke about the unfolding humanitarian crisis during his State of the Union address.

“The U.S. government must prioritize the needs of the Ukrainian people while at the same time balancing those needs with the many other crises playing out globally,” Callahan said.

“We don’t know how long the conflict will last. But we do know that the Church’s support is vital to make sure those caught up in the fighting don’t pay with their lives. As the Holy Father has said, ‘Ordinary people are the real victims who pay for the follies of war with their own skin.’”

In face of tragedy, trust that God is with suffering Body & Soul

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD Why is it that a medical transport helicopter carrying a newborn and two nurses enroute to Philadelphia Children’s Hospital crashed “safely” in Drexel Hill, Pa., in January with the pilot and passengers exiting the wreckage with non-life-threatening injuries; yet a fire in the Bronx, N.Y., started by a faulty space heater left 17 people dead, including eight children?

To wonder why God saved those in the helicopter crash but not those in the Bronx raises the problem known in

theological circles as “theodicy,” that is, the question of God’s justice vis-àvis human suffering and death.

Since the beginning of time, people have been asking about this complex issue. The answer lies in how we envision God. Do we understand God as do the Deists, a Creator who stays on the sidelines and watches his creatures fend for themselves? In this scenario, God applauded when the captain maneuvered the helicopter to the ground without the loss of life, damage to property, bystanders or vehicles, and God cried when the Gambian and Dominican inhabitants of the 19-story apartment building died of smoke inhalation.

On the other hand, maybe we perceive God as did some of the French authors of the 17th century, who often

How to help Anyone interested in providing

MARCH 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine can do so at the diocesan website: www.diometuchen.org/ukraine

How to report abuse

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

resolved a seemingly tragic ending by occur, some of which, we just cannot inserting a literary technique known explain? Now, that makes sense to as Deus ex machina, in other words, me. Why one group survived virtually it’s tantamount to the Deuteronomic unscathed while the other choked on theory of retribution, which holds smoke until death has nothing to do that God rewards the good, in this with God’s love for or disdain of any life, and punishes the particular person. wicked, in this life. So, We do not know why God loves all in 17th century French people, without reserGod chooses not to vation, without excepplays by Corneille, Racine and Moliere, God intervene when he tion. All we can do in swoops onto the scene the face of tragedy is foresees something trust that God was with and saves the day. This then permits the good, those souls in their fitragic in the future, who suffer injustice, to nal moments on earth, be rewarded in the end. but there is one thing and that their agony I would say that was cut short by His that we do know: most of us, Catholics, merciful love — and fall somewhere in the God is with us in our that they are now in the middle between these place where there are suffering, just as he no freak phenomena, two extremes. We’d like to believe that God where there is no sorwas with Jesus as rewards the just and row, no separations, punishes the wicked. our Lord hung upon no disease, no war, We want to hold for no accidents, no more the Cross. free will. So, we don’t suffering, tears or envision God meddling mortality. too often in our lives.

That my friends Yet, we want to believe in miracles is where hope kicks in! And what is because this fuels hope. hope? In the words of Jacques Ellul, “How, then, do we interpret the a 20th century French theologian: two January events — one in Drexel “Hope is our response to God’s siHill which was, in the opinion of lence.” It is our stance when God many, nothing short of miraculous — does not account for some tragic and the other which was a nightmare, a flaw in this world. But it is also our backdraft the smoke of which claimed conviction that in the end, God will anyone in its path, in the halls, in their have the last word, as he did when apartments in the stairwells?” The the Father raised his only Son to new truth is, there is no one answer to this life in the Resurrection. It is trustquestion of theodicy. We do not know ing that God will bring good out of why God chooses not to intervene this evil; that he will vindicate those when he foresees something tragic in who suffered injustice and that the the future, but there is one thing that consummation of God’s saving plan we do know: God is with us in our suf- marked by Jesus’ Second Coming, fering, just as he was with Jesus as our will transform this “vale of tears” Lord hung upon the Cross. into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Maybe the captain and passengers Until then, we pray: “Come, on board the helicopter were lucky! Lord Jesus.”

Or, what if we take the stance that we Father Comandini is managing live in a world where freak phenomena editor of The Catholic Spirit

NEW BRUNSWICK — Ministering to the sick as Jesus did is an integral part of the mission of the diocesansponsored Saint Peter’s University Hospital, said Bishop James F. Checchio during a Mass celebrated at the health care facility’s chapel Feb. 11.

“Just as [the deaf-mute man] is fortunate to have these believers care enough to bring him to Jesus, I would say the sick who come here to St. Peter’s are also fortunate for the community they find here at our hospital,” he said in his homily marking the 30th World Day of the Sick.

Instituted by then-Pope, now St. John Paul II and first observed Feb. 11, 1993, the World Day of the Sick also commemorates the ill and their caretakers. The date coincides with the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, patroness of the shrine in France where many have been healed through her intercession.

This year’s theme for the celebration Peter’s: to care of the sick and most is “Be merciful, even as your Father is vulnerable.”

In his homily on the Gospel of merciful.” (Lk 6:36) Prior to Mass, Mark (7:31-37), “Although Pope Francis has Bishop Checchio the group toured the hospital. it was the never been to this hospital or noted Bishop Checchio community of visited patients our diocese, I think he must faith that brought and healthcare the sick man to have had a community like Jesus. The sick workers on numerous wards, yours in mind when he said who come to Saint Peter’s Unicheerfully posed for cellphone this: ‘The extraordinary dedica- versity Hospital, pictures and besaid, were tion and generosity of health- he stowed blessings grateful for the on the sick. care personnel, volunteers and caring commuAt the Mass, nity they encounLeslie D. Hirsch, support staff … serve the sick tered, especially president and and their families with profes- during the ongoing COVID-19 chief executive sionalism and love…” officer of Saint or coronavirus pandemic.

Peter’s, welcomed —Bishop James F. Checchio Bishop Chec“Saint Peter’s chio and hospital has responded so board members, noting, “World Day of well to this worldwide health crisis and the Sick fits with our mission at Saint I think it shows what the community is

like,” the bishop said. “Although Pope Francis has never been to this hospital or our diocese, I think he must have had a community like yours in mind when he said this: ‘The extraordinary dedication and generosity of healthcare personnel, volunteers and support staff … serve the sick and their families with professionalism and love… It is a precious balm that provides support and consolation to the sick and suffering.’”

The World Day of the Sick is an opportunity to recognize one of the subtle signs of Jesus’ love for us, he continued. The miracles God works at Saint Peter’s and the care medical personnel bestow upon its patients each day, the bishop noted, “must be for the full person.”

“I am so grateful this community does it so well,” he concluded.

“Pray fervently for the sick and their healing, and for all those who care for the sick, especially throughout this pandemic. We pray for the healing of all.”

OUR DIOCESE

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

5

Bishop Checchio lauds healthcare workers in homily at annual Mass

Clockwise from left, Bishop James F. Checchio (center) prays the consecration at Mass on World Day of the Sick at the Saint Peter’s University Hospital chapel; distributes communion; blesses the baby of Katarzyna and Eric Wojda at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of The Children’s Hospital; blesses Michael Opaleski and the staff.

— Marlo Williamson and Michael Castronova photos

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 17, 2022

6 OUR DIOCESE

Palm Sunday collection will support residence for retired clergy keep all of our priests in your daily prayers.

We depend on your prayerful support in order to accomplish the work of the Gospel Members of the diocese will have an oppor- in our challenging times.”

Any financial support is greatly appretunity to thank some of their former familiar shepherds by donating to the diocese’s ciated, said Father A. Gregory Uhrig, one of 11 residents of the facility annual “Collection for our come from a variety of Retired Diocesan Priests” Although they are who ethnic backgrounds, includthe weekend of Palm Sunday (April 9-10). officially retired ing Chinese, Colombian and Irish. “There is a good Donations will be desfrom active min- spirit in the house. Guys get ignated solely to support the operation of Maria Regina istry, many of the along pretty well,” he said.

Mass is celebrated Residence, Somerset. priests who live each day at 8 a.m. in the In a letter to be pubchapel, but some lished in parish bulletins, at Maria Regina facility’s priests prefer to do so in Bishop James F. Checchio wrote, “Currently, the Dio- celebrate Mass at their suites, Father Uhrig said. Although they are cese of Metuchen has 32 retired priests, 10 living at our various parishes in officially retired from active ministry, many of the Maria Regina Residence for the diocese on priests who live at Maria retired priests while others weekends.

Regina celebrate Mass at live in rectories or in private parishes on weekends. homes or apartments which One resident, Father John Pringle, they or their family and friends have arrecently began serving as interim adminisranged...

“Your generous response to next trator of St. Luke Parish, North Plainfield, week’s special collection is a practical way because of the death of Msgr. Michael J. to convey your personal appreciation to Corona, pastor.

A retired priest may choose where to our retired priests for their many years of service as well as make it possible for us to live and some are in other states.

The Maria Regina Residence costs continue to properly care for them. Please

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor

“Come follow me” (Mark 10:21)

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

If you think maybe...

Contact the

Office of Vocations:

home to deer, squirrels and a fox, Father Uhrig said.

The collection for retired priests is separate from the annual collection for retired religious in December. That collection is for sisters, priests and brothers whose religious orders have worked in the diocese.

Above, this year’s Collection for our Retired Diocesan Priests will help subsidize the Maria Regina Residence, Somerset, which is home to 10 retired members of the clergy. Right, Father Charles F. Kelly, a former resident of Maria Regina who recently moved to a health care facility, poses after recently concelebrating Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Milltown.

Like some of the residents of Maria Regina, Father Kelly is officially retired from active ministry, but assists on weekends at Mass, while others also hear the sacrament of reconciliation.

— Chris Donahue photos

MARCH 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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

about $550,000 a year to operate. The collection helps provide for a support staff of cooks and domestics.

Built during the tenure of Bishop Edward T. Hughes, the facility opened its doors in 1989. Maria Regina is situated in a “relaxing surrounding” that is also

Join the directory for as little as $30 a month. Email ads@catholicspirit.com

7 OUR DIOCESE

April 2, 2022 The Anniversary of the death of

Saint John Paul II

The Faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen are invited to visit the

Church of Saint Augustine of Canterbury Kendall Park to pray before the reliquary of Saint John Paul II

In his hands the First Class Relic of his hair presented to the parish by Msgr. Oder, Postulator of the Cause of his Canonization which was given to the Bishops attending his Beatification On the wall beneath the Crucifix First Class Relic of his blood presented to the parish by His Eminence Stanislaus Cardinal Dziwisz during his pastoral visit to the parish May 17, 2014 following the Canonization of Saint John Paul II on April 27, 2014 45 Henderson Road, Kendall Park

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 17, 2022

8 OUR DIOCESE

Faith in Action The Mother Seton Knights of Columbus Council 15540 of the Knights of Columbus recently donated $1,000 to Operation Jersey Cares (OJC) and Elijah’s Promise, New Brunswick. Posing for a photo, from left, Knight Ed Koch; OJC member Pete Grice; Knight Tom Monroe, OJC president and retired Marine Rosemary Fleming, and OJC trustee Jane Fidacaro. OJC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting armed forces members, their families and veterans. Elijah’s Promise provides meals to the needy. In the past, the Council has supported the organization by donating clothing and serving meals. The Council is based at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges, where it recently paid for an upgrade to the parish’s AED lifesaving device.

— photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus Council 15540

MARCH 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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ISELIN – Joyful parishioners gathered at St. Cecelia Church Feb. 6 for a Mass to mark the beginning of the faith community’s centennial year.

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

Vocationist Father Deniskingsley Nwagwu, pastor; Vocationist Father Cyril Offlong, parochial vicar; Society of Divine Vocations’ provincial superior, Father Michael Reardon, and fellow Vocationist Father Louis Caputo concelebrated.

Just as St. Peter was prompted to trust Jesus when asked to once again cast his nets for fish (Luke 5:1-11), deeper involvement in parish ministries will not force the faithful to take leaps beyond

their ability, but instead past their com- kingdom of God here in Iselin in 2022… fort zone, said the bishop in his homily.

There is no St. Peter to do it, just you “Jesus slowly asked more and more and I. from Peter,” he said, “As you begin this “He [Jesus] starts eventually prompting yearlong celebration, it the fisherman to make a with lesser com- is a perfect opportunity lifelong commitment to to pause and look at our mitments, and discipleship. “It’s how lives, recommit ourselves Jesus works in our lives trust in God, and help encourages us to to as well. He starts with us see clearly we rest in his lesser commitments, use our talents, gifts, hands: the perfect place to and encourages us to be. Not just now, but for use our talents, gifts, and resources for his the generations to come and resources for his after us.” purposes.” purposes.”

Archival photos, gathHe continued, “As — Bishop James F. Checchio ered with the assistance of Jesus’ faithful disciples Woodbridge librarians, today, we are asked to adorned the church narcontemplate how we can help proclaim thex. Elizabeth Conway, chair of the the Gospel better, how to build up the 100th anniversary steering committee,

narrated a short documentary which detailed the first chapter of the parish’s history.

In 1912, on the Colonia estate of Charles C. Freeman, a member of the New York Cotton Exchange, Catholic services were introduced to the area to minister to the Irish Catholic immigrants employed there. By 1919, the church was serving as a mission church to St. Mary Parish, South Amboy. Land was donated in the spring of 1923, and the original church, once the nurses’ recreation hall on Freeman’s Colonia estate, was purchased, dissembled, transported to Iselin’s Middlesex Avenue and reassembled at its current location.

The new church was blessed that year by Bishop Thomas J. Walsh of Camden.

— Marlo Williamson photos

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 17, 2022

Clockwise from above left, Bishop James F. Checchio delivers the homily at St. Cecelia Parish’s anniversary Mass; the bishop prays the consecration; Vocationist Father Deniskingsley Nwagwu, pastor of St. Cecelia’s, addresses the congregation, the bishop prays the consecration. Left, posing with the bishop are (left to right) Vocationist Father Louis Caputo, former superior general of the Society of Divine Vocations; Father Nwagwu; Vocationist Father Cyril Offiong; Vocationist Father Michael Reardon, provincial superior of the Vocationists, USA Quasi-Province; and Deacon Anthony Pepe. Middle left, Father Mwagwu distributes communion.

OUR DIOCESE

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

9

Parish begins yearlong celebration of 100th anniversary at Mass

10 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 17, 2022

School community remembers deceased staff, alumni at liturgy said.

Kuboski read aloud the roster of the most recently deceased alumni, SOMERVILLE — The gymnasium at staff and faculty, referencing those Immaculata High School served as the who had contributed to the school’s site of a large, yet intimate, family re- Guardian Angel Scholarship Program, union Feb. 27 as hundreds gathered, in which enables donors to offer finanboth laughter and tears, to commemorate cial assistance to Immaculata students.

Noting she had joined the ranks of the those who had gone on before them.

Every aspect of the 18th annual grieving at the death of her brother Spartan Memorial Mass was steeped and parents 23 years before, Kuboski in tradition and ceremony; each prin- advised the Spartan community to cipal player was either a member of rely upon each other as they progress the current staff, student body or rep- through the uneven grief process.

“In every row, there are family resentative of the alumni of the high school. An alumnus bagpiper ushered and friends who have lost so much, in attendees; graduates proclaimed the but have allowed themselves to reScripture readings and prayers of the build their lives around the grief,” she faithful, and altar servers, extraordi- said. “They legitimately can comfort nary ministers of holy Communion; our new grievers, who are ensconced and a deacon were all members of in sadness, to let them know that they, too, can recover. Not the Immaculata High School family. Symbols “Heaven is full of only have they walked in our shoes, they know such as the Holy Bible, a mortar board, the our Spartan angels. how to tie the laces…

“Grief comes in two school Service Award How would they parts: the first is dealing Medal, red roses and rowant us to grieve? with the loss, the second sary beads all signified the reshaping who you the deceased from each They would want to isare.” of the school’s 60 years Kuboski reminded of educating young be an integral partthe group that the Catholics.

Joan Silo, head ner in our recovery.” Blessed Mother is the —Terry Lavin Kuboski patroness of Immaculata of school, greeted the High School, “serving congregation saying, as a model for kindness, “We pray hope fills us with the Lord’s consolation and peace. patience and goodness.” By her examMay we one day be united with all ple, “she demonstrates how to mourn the saints and angels and those gone with grace and faith.”

The congregation then prayed to to rest before us… Once a Spartan, the Mother of God: always a Spartan.”

“Watch over our deceased loved Before Mass, family members of the deceased were invited to process ones. Give them mercy and peace in towards the altar, each bearing a white your loving embrace. You experienced carnation to add to a large vase in profound grief with the loss of your son, husband and parents. Support us memory of their loved ones.

Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, pastor, with your comfort, courage and guidImmaculate Conception Parish, and ance. Grant us the grace to meet life’s director, Immaculata High School, challenges as you did, with faith, hope presided at the Mass and gave the and love. Amen.” homily.

In his homily, he evoked laughter when he likened gossip to feathers cast upon the wind. Once critical words are caught by the wind, however, there is no taking them back, he warned.

“All of us stand on common ground before God, broken and sinful and yet called to holiness, friendship with the living God,” Msgr. Celano said. “Christian discipleship is an ongoing process of believing, learning and living. There is only one teacher, and all of us are still students.”

Retired faculty member Terry Lavin Kuboski (Class of 1969), who helped establish the Memorial Mass, gave the closing remarks.

“Heaven is full of our Spartan angels. How would they want us to grieve? They would want to be an integral partner in our recovery,” she

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

Members of the congregation place carnations in a vase in remembrance of a deceased loved one before the 18th annual Spartan Memorial Mass at the Immaculata High School gymnasium. Left, retired faculty member Terry Lavin Kuboski, a member of the school’s Class of 1969 who helped establish the Memorial Mass, gives the closing remarks.

— Mike Ehrmann photos

Above, Msgr. Joseph G. Celano (right), pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish and director of Immaculata, prays the consecration. Left, members of the congregation bring carnations to a vase in memory of their loved one. At the Mass, Joan Silo, head of school, greeted the faithful by saying, “We pray hope fills us with the Lord’s consolation and peace. May we one day be united with all the saints and angels and those gone to rest before us.”

11 OUR DIOCESE

Shiver at Shore

Frosty Fundraiser

Staff, students and members of the St. John Vianney School, Colonia, community participated in the annual Ancient Order of Hibernians Polar Plunge for Catholic School Education in Sea Bright March 5. John O’Halloran, vice principal, once again led the plunge for the school.

The Fathers Club of Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, held its annual Polar Plunge in conjunction with the Ancient Order of Hibernians at Sea Bright March 5.

Above, in the center of the front row Mercy Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, directress, poses with members of Fathers Club, parents and alumnae who helped raise $20,050 for the MSMA’a annual fund. Michael Fontana, president of the Fathers Club said, “Sister Lisa presented us with a direct challenge to raise $20,000 to trigger her entry into the water. The club, in conjunction with the Advancement Office led by Kathleen Staudt, responded to the challenge by raising twice as much as we have raised in prior years.”

— photo courtesy of St. John Vianney School Publicity

— photos courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy

Grow more deeply in your faith.

Our Summer 2022 Course Schedule is now available.

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 17, 2022

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Pursue one of several graduate certificates, or simply take a graduate course.

OUR DIOCESE 12 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 17, 2022

Retired pastor mourned in church of his youth, priestly ministry

By Deacon Patrick J. Cline Correspondent PHILLIPSBURG — Msgr. Terrance M. Lawler, a priest for 45 years who ministered in the diocese since its founding in 1981, died Feb. 6 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Warren.

From 2005 to 2021, Msgr. Lawler served as pastor of St. Mary Parish, Alpha. He then retired from active ministry and was a priest in residence at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Martinsville.

Bishop James F. Checchio, presided at a funeral Mass at St. Philip and St. James Church Feb. 12. A longtime friend of Msgr. Lawler, Father Brian J. Nolan, pastor of Blessed Sacrament, gave the homily.

In his homily, Father Nolan emphasized Msgr. Lawler’s connection to Philipsburg and St. Philip and St. James Parish.

“Monsignor was baptized in this church, he received his first holy Communion and confirmation here,” Father Nolan said.

“After his ordination he celebrated his first Mass in this parish, and now he will be laid to rest next to his parents in the parish cemetery,” he added.

Father Nolan mentioned Msgr.

Lawler’s love for Ireland and that a pilgrimage to that country and celebrating Mass at the shrine of Our Lady of Knock, County Mayo, with his mother, Jane, in attendance, was one of the highlights of his priestly ministry.

In a heartfelt message in his parish’s bulletin, Father Nolan said it was easy to invite Msgr. Lawler to live at Blessed Sacrament. “His warmth and good humor,

his love for [University of] Notre Dame at St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, football and his embrace of our parishio- Trenton. ners made him a rich and treasurer addiHe served as a parochial vicar at St. tion to our parish community,” he wrote.

Peter the Apostle Parish (now University Before the final blessing and com- and Community Parish) and chaplain at mendation at the funeral the now-closed St. Peter Mass, Bishop Checchio ”His [Msgr. Lawler] the Apostle High School, offered his condolences both in New Brunswick. warmth and good to Msgr. Lawler’s family Prior to retiring Msgr. and thanked them for his Lawler served as pastor, humor, his love for many years of service to St. Joseph Parish, North [University of] Notre Plainfield; Our Lady of the people of the diocese.

The night before Parish, SayreDame football and Victories the funeral Mass, Bishop ville; and Our Lady of the Emeritus Paul G. Boothis embrace of our Mount Parish, Warren. koski presided at a Mass of For the diocese, Msgr.

Commemoration. Father [Blessed Sacrament] Lawler served as the direcMichael A. Angeloni, a parishioners made tor of both the Office for classmate of Msgr. LawlPriest Personnel and the him a rich and er’s at the now-closed St. Office of Vocations.

Mary College (Ky.), who He was appointed treasured addition episcopal serves in the Diocese of vicar of MiddleWilmington, Del., gave sex County and he served to our parish the homily. as dean of the Raritan Bay community.”

Very close to the Deanery. As episcopal —Father Brian J. Nolan community of the Sisvicar, Msgr. Lawler was ters of Jesus our Hope in a member the College of Bloomsbury, upon hearing Consultors. In addition, he of Msgr. Lawler’s death, one of the sisters was a member of the diocesan Board for commented, “We have lost a shepherd. Seminary Education.

We have lost a father.”

Msgr. Lawler served as chaplain Msgr. Lawler was born the son of the to the Knights of Columbus Councils in late Frank E. and Jane (Connolly) Lawler. Sayreville and Warren.

He graduated from St. Philip and St. In 2002, Msgr. Lawler was installed James School and Phillipsburg Catholic as a Knight in the Equestrian Order of the High School.

Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He was elAfter earning a bachelor’s degree in evated to the rank of Knight Commander philosophy at St. Mary College, he earned in the Order in 2013. The designation of a Master of Divinity Degree at Pontifical Chaplain to His Holiness with the title College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio. of Monsignor was bestowed upon him in He was ordained to the priesthood 2004.

May 24, 1974, by Bishop George W. Ahr In a story in “The Catholic Spirit”

Clockwise from above left, pallbearers carry the casket holding the remains of Msgr.

Terrance M. Lawler after a funeral Mass at St. Philip and St. James Church, Phillipsburg, Feb. 12; Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski, who presided at a Mass of Commemoration for Msgr. Lawler the night before, raises the host during the consecration; Bishop James F. Checchio, who presided at the funeral Mass, incenses the casket; and Sean O’Hare, 11, grand-nephew of Msgr. Lawler, does a reading at the Mass of Commemoration. Prior to retiring in 2021, Msgr. Lawler’s service to the diocese included parochial vicar at St. Peter the Apostle (now University and Community) Parish, New Brunswick; and pastor at St. Joseph Parish, North Plainfield; Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville; Our Lady of the Mount Parish, Warren; and St. Mary Parish, Alpha. When he died Feb. 6, he was a priest in residence at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Martinsville.

— Ed Koskey Jr. photos

when he reached a significant anniversary in his priesthood, Msgr. Lawler said: “I cannot believe that it has been 25 years.

In one sense it seems like a long time ago, but in another sense it seems like only yesterday.” He said that all of the people he had met in his assignments throughout the years, “have made these years of service joyful and so personally beneficial.”

Msgr. Lawler is survived by his nephews, Terry O’Hare, and his wife, Lisa; and Brian O’Hare (Peggy); and brother-in-law Thomas O’Hare; greatnieces Emily, Jane, Christine (Matt), Julia (Andrew) and Maura; and great-nephews Daniel and Sean.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister and best friend, Judith O’Hare.

Funeral arrangements were handled

by Doyle-Devlin Funeral Home Inc., Phillipsburg.

Deacon Cline exercises his ministry at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater

NORTH PLAINFIELD — The life of Msgr.

Michael J. Corona, a longtime priest, educator and proponent of stewardship who “always had the view of resurrection in mind,” was celebrated at a funeral Mass Feb. 10 at St. Luke Church.

Msgr. Corona, who was appointed administrator of St. Luke Parish in 2017, died Feb. 5 at the age of 80.

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the liturgy. Father Edmund A. Luciano III, who served as parochial vicar at St. Ann Parish, Raritan Borough, during Msgr. Corona’s pastorate there, gave the homily.

The evening before, Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski presided at a Mass of Commemoration at St Luke’s. Father Peter G. Suhaka, chaplain at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, gave the homily.

Father Suhaka said that Msgr. Corona “loved being a priest, loved being in persona Christi, in the person of Christ, as he celebrated Mass.”

He “felt the call of Christ to the priesthood at 6, 7 or 8 years of age.”

“His first Mass was not really in May 1968 just after his ordination, but years earlier in his family’s living room in Raritan, where he would ‘celebrate’ Mass for some of his young friends.”

Father Suhaka described Msgr. Corona’s life as “filled with drive and energy and a desire to do good things for his people in his priesthood.” He said that although in his later years Msgr. Corona slowed down, he kept helping people. “A good priest does not stop,” Father Suhaka said.

Before the final blessing, Bishop Bootkoski said that “all Msgr. Corona wanted to be

a good priest and he was, a good priest with a good heart. May he rest in peace.”

In his homily, Father Luciano, parochial vicar, Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick, said, Msgr. Corona wanted the liturgy to glorify God and people to know Jesus.

Noting Msgr. Corona’s gifts from his family were often converted into endowments, Father Luciano described the significance of the chalice used at the funeral Mass. “It is from his 15th anniversary and goes to the heart of the two things most important in his life: worshipping the Lord and having his family around him,” he explained. “The chalice has 12 stones. In the Book of Revelations, we are told there are 12 gemstones, foundations for the New Jerusalem.

“The enamel of the saints is specific to the names in his family. It is a sign of what was the most important thing in his life: to offer the Eucharist in a fitting way for, and with, his family and friends.”

Father Luciano concluded, that every one of Msgr. Corona’s homilies and letters in the church bulletin closed with ‘May God always be pleased with us.’”

He explained the significance of the coat of arms that adorned the cover of the funeral booklet.

“It reads ‘Finis Coronat Opus’: the End Crowns the Work,’” said Father Luciano.

“What crowns his life is a man who carried the cross as it was given to him and strove to be like the saints who surrounded him. His mission was learned from the Religious Filippini [Sisters] who taught him: Go and Teach.”

To the faithful at St. Luke’s, he said, “You gave him life, helped him continue to be a priest, crowned his work. Now, Michael, the gift of paradise crowns your work. May God always be pleased with you.”

Msgr. Corona was born and raised in

Raritan Borough, where his family were members of St. Ann Parish and where he attended schools.

He graduated from the now-closed St. Peter the Apostle High School, New Brunswick, where his vocation was sparked by Msgr. Carl Wagner, vocations director.

Msgr. Corona attended the minor seminary at St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md., and then earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy at Saint Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, where he also studied theology.

In 1975, he earned a master’s degree in education at Seton Hall University, South Orange. In 1996, he was awarded a doctorate in education at Williamstown University, Delaware.

Msgr. Corona was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop George W. Ahr for the Diocese of Trenton May 25, 1968, at St. Mary Cathedral, Trenton. His first assignment was as a parochial vicar at St. Peter the Apostle [now St. Peter the Apostle University and Community] Parish, New Brunswick, then parochial vicar at St. James Parish, Red Bank.

In 1974, he was assigned to Holy Cross High School, Delran, where he served as vice principal and then principal.

In 1979, Father Corona was installed as the 11th pastor of St. Philip and St. James Parish, Phillipsburg, a position he held for almost 30 years. When the parish became part of the newly established Diocese of Metuchen in 1981, he served on the Presbyterial Council and the College of Consultors and was moderator of the Scouting Apostolate. He also started a Serra Club for vocations in Warren County.

In 1983, Msgr. Corona was named director, diocesan Communications, and two years later, vice-chancellor of Communications, a position he held until 1992 when he was appointed director of Development (later Stewardship). In 1997, Msgr. Corona joined

— John Batkowski photos

the executive board of the National Catholic Stewardship Council, which evolved into the International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC). He chaired the organization’s Millennium Conference in Washington, D.C., and served as president.

In 2003, Msgr. Corona was appointed executive director, diocesan Department of Education. Six years later, he returned to St. Ann. In 1991, then-Pope, now St. John Paul II named Msgr. Corona a prelate of honor. At the behest of Bishop Bootkoski, Pope Benedict XVI named Msgr. Corona a Protonotary Apostolic Suprenumerary, the highest level of the Prelates of Honor — the second priest in the diocese to receive such recognition. He was also a Commander for the Holy Sepulcher.

Msgr. Corona is survived by a brother, Bernard, and sister-in-law Maria, many nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Theresa (Tarangelo) Corona, and his brothers, Daniel and Carmine; twin brother, James, and sister, Roseann “Sissy” Corona.

Entombment was at St. Bernard Cemetery, Bridgewater. Arrangements were handled

by Bongiovi Funeral Home, Raritan Borough.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 17, 2022

Clockwise from above left, priests from the diocese process into St. Luke Church, North Plainfield, at a funeral Mass for Msgr. Michael J. Corona; Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski, who presided at a Mass of Commemoration for Msgr. Corona the night before, prays the consecration; pallbearers carry the casket holding the remains of Msgr. Corona; and Father Peter G. Suhaka, chaplain, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, gives the homily at the funeral Mass. Msgr. Corona, who was appointed administrator of St. Luke Parish in 2017, and died Feb. 5 at the age of 80.

OUR DIOCESE

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

13

Priest who served many roles for dioceses of Trenton, Metuchen laid to rest

14

Synod Journey

OUR DIOCESE

Father Timothy A. Christy, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia (holding microphone), addresses attendees before giving an opening prayer at a Synod Listening Session in the basement of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, Feb. 22. About 60 people attended the session, which was facilitated by Carol Mascola, director, diocesan Office of Discipleship Formation for Children.

Synod Listening Sessions were held at parishes in each of the eight deaneries in the diocese. The Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi is a member of the Cathedral Deanery. A two-year ‘synodal’ process is taking place in the Church from October 2021 that will culminate in the final Synod Gathering in Rome in October 2023.

— Jennifer Ruggiero photo

Generous Community Immaculata High School and Immaculate Conception School in Somerville raised more than $8,500 from a recent dress-down day fundraiser to assist with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Typically, dress-down day fundraisers raise about $800. Additionally, both schools encouraged students and faculty to support the relief effort by donating specific supplies, which included diapers, first aid kits and protein bars. The items will be sent to Poland and then brought to the border of Ukraine to aid in the refugee crisis. Many student organizations as well as individual students, including sophomores Angelica Ordonez and Madison Schuhrer, helped put together the student effort.

— photo courtesy of Immaculata High School

PHOTO

MARCH 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

PHOTO

Mary Parish Family St.St. Mary Parish Family Alpha, NJ Alpha, NJ

“The CNOR Strong designation we not only encourage our nursing is evidence that the majority of nurs- staff to take advantage of continues in the operating ing education, but we room have achieved “The CNOR Strong make it easy for them to the highest level of do so, providing many designation is evi- opportunities through skill in their practice,” said registered classes and semidence that the ma- onsite nurse Anna Prendernars at times that are gast, nurse manager jority of nurses in the convenient and flexible of Saint Peter’s Pregiven our nurses’ varied Operative Care Unit, operating room have work schedules.”

Operating Room achieved the highest “I could not be and Post-Anesthesia prouder of our nursing level of skill in Care Unit. team,” said registered “Nurses seeking nurse Linda Carroll, their practice.”

CNOR certification vice president, Patient —Anna Prendergast reflect a commitCare Services and chief ment to exceptional nursing officer at Saint patient care, patient Peter’s Healthcare Syssafety and the most up-to-date train- tem. ing regarding evidence-based practic“This is the ninth consecutive es,” she continued. “At Saint Peter’s, CNOR recognition for Saint Peter’s

and given the extenuating circumstances of the past two years, it speaks volumes that throughout these challenging times our nurses remain committed to be the best in class with goals to exceed the status-quo when it comes to patient safety and procedures in the operating room.”

Established in 1979, CCI provides the CNOR® and CSSM® credentials to more than 40,000 registered nurses, making it one of the largest specialty nursing credentialing organizations and the leading certification body for perioperative nurses. The mission of CCI is to lead competency credentialing that promotes safe, quality patient care and that supports lifelong learning.

For more information about the Competency and Credentialing Institute, visit www.cc-institute.org.

OUR DIOCESE

NEW BRUNSWICK — Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, has earned the CNOR® Strong designation from the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) for the ninth consecutive time.

The CNOR Strong designation recognizes facilities having at least 50 percent of its operating room (OR) nursing staff CNOR certified and provides programs that reward and recognize its certified nurses. Saint Peter’s has 88 percent of its OR nursing staff CNOR certified.

The CNOR® certification program is for perioperative nurses interested in improving and validating their knowledge and skills and providing the highest quality care to their patients. Certification also recognizes a nurse’s commitment to professional development. It is an objective, measurable way of acknowledging the achievement of specialty knowledge beyond basic nursing preparation and RN licensure.

Research shows that nurses who earn the CNOR credential have greater confidence in their clinical practice. Thus, a team of certified nurses who have mastered the standards of perioperative practice provides even more empowerment, further advancing a culture of professionalism and promoting improved patient outcomes. This strength in numbers is why CCI launched the “CNOR Strong” program — to recognize healthcare facilities committed to making a difference for its patients, both inside and outside of the OR.

15

Diocese-sponsored hospital recognized again for nursing excellence

The Legion of Mary

(Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Praesidium)

of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ PRESENTS

The Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibition Saturday, March 26th and

Sunday, March 27th Exhibit Hours: Saturday 9am – 7pm and Sunday 8am – 2pm (in Parish Center)

This Exhibit is accompanied by a First Class Relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis

“The more Eucharist we receive, the more we will become like Jesus, so that on earth we will have a foretaste of Heaven.”

– Blessed Carlo Acutis

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will never hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst”. – (John 6:35)

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 17, 2022

The next issue of The Catholic Spirit is April 14

9:00 am - 3:00pm Eucharistic Adoration on Saturday closing with Benediction (in the church) 1:00pm - 2:30pm Presentation with Father Brighenti and Father Trigilio (from EWTN) in the Spiritual Formation Center (in the downstairs of the Church) 2:30pm - 3:00pm Guided Meditation - Encounter Christ (accompanied by soft meditative music) Led by Brother Samuel of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (in the church) 3:00pm - 3:30pm Benediction led by Father Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Chaplain of the National Blue Army Shrine (in the church) 3:45pm - 4:45pm Confession 5:00pm - 6:00pm Holy Mass (Vigil) 5:00pm - 6:00pm Spanish Presentation (in the Foyer of the Parish Center) 8:00pm – 9:00pm Spanish Holy Hour (in the church)

OUR FAITH

16

Literal hell?/Who goes to purgatory?

Q

Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

What does it mean that St Joseph is “patron of the Church”?....In this case, too, the Gospels provide us with the most correct key to interpretation. In fact, at the end of every story in which Joseph is the protagonist, the Gospel notes that he takes the Child and His mother with him and does what God has ordered him to do (cf. Mt 1:24; 2:14,21).

Thus, the fact that Joseph’s task is to protect Jesus and Mary stands out. He is their principal guardian: “Indeed, Jesus and Mary His Mother are the most precious treasure of our faith” [1] (Apostolic letter Patris corde, 5). And this treasure is safeguarded

by Saint Joseph….Jesus, Mary and Joseph are in a sense the primordial nucleus of the Church. Jesus is Man and God; Maria, the first disciple and the Mother; and Joseph, the guardian….And here there is a very beautiful trace of the Christian vocation: to safeguard. To safeguard life, to safeguard human development, to safeguard the human mind, to safeguard the human heart, to safeguard human work. The Christian — we could say — is like St Joseph: he must safeguard. To be a Christian is not only to receive the faith, to confess the faith, but to safeguard life, one’s own life, the life of others, the life of the Church. The Son of the Most High came into the world in a condition of great weakness: Jesus was born like this, weak, weak. He wanted to be defended, protected, cared for. God trusted Joseph, as did Mary, who found in him the bridegroom who loved and respected her and always took care of her and the Child….

Prayer to St. Joseph,

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Patron of the Universal Church

MARCH 17, 2022

What is the Catholic view on whether there is an actual, literal hell? A lot of people, including some who are Catholics, while they believe in an actual, literal heaven, say that hell is simply death. (Indiana)

Most powerful patriarch, St. Joseph, patron of the universal Church, which has always invoke you in anxiety and trouble, Cast a loving glance upon the whole Catholic world. Let your fatherly Heart be touched at the sight of Christ’s mystical spouse And his vicar overwhelmed with sorrow and persecuted by Powerful enemies. By the bitter anguish you experienced On earth comfort the Holy Father; defend him; intercede for him With the Giver of peace and charity, so that with all adversity Removed and all error dissipated, the entire Church may serve God in perfect liberty.

Amen.

Question Corner

By Father Kenneth Doyle Catholic theology holds that there is an actual, literal hell.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “The teaching of the Church affirms the existence of hell and its eternity. Immediately after death the souls of those who die in a state of mortal sin descend into hell, where they suffer the punishments of hell, ‘eternal fire’” (No. 1035). That same section goes on to explain that “the chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God.” The teaching from the catechism is based on a host of Scriptural passages: In Matthew 25:41-46, for example, at the judgment, Jesus says to the accursed, “Depart from me ... into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels,” and in Mark 9:48, Jesus describes hell as a place where the “worm does

A

not die and the fire is not quenched.”

Some of the blessed have had visions of hell; St. Faustina Kowalska described it as “a place of great torture” where there is a “perpetual remorse of conscience” and a “fire that will penetrate the soul without destroying it ... a terrible suffering since it is a purely spiritual fire, lit by God’s anger.”

We don’t know the exact nature of that eternal punishment. Are the “flames of fire” to be taken physically, as we on earth know fire?

I’m not really sure; I think it’s possible that the inspired authors simply used the most painful things they could imagine to describe what is ultimately indescribable -- the absence of God and the presence of eternal torment.

To answer your question directly —- no, I don’t believe that only Catholics go to purgatory. Purga-

tory is the name we give to the final purification of the elect to make them ready for the glory of God’s presence. I suspect that a lot of us will need that last cleansing, and not just Catholics.

That belief of the Church is reflected in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which says: “All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven. The Church gives the name purgatory to this final purification of the elect.”

(No. 1030-31).

The Church’s belief is based on a number of scriptural passages, going all the way back to the Old Testament. In the Second Book of Maccabees (12:46) we read that Judas Maccabeus “made atonement for the dead,” that they might be freed from sin — which suggests a Jewish practice of offering prayers to cleanse the souls of the departed.

In the New Testament, Matthew’s Gospel (12:32) has Jesus saying that certain sins “will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come,” an indication that some purging of the soul may need to occur following a person’s death.

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

courses in disciplines that I hadn’t known existed. With only a 14-week semester instead of a whole academic year to master the material, the urgency of the situation quickly became clear to me. I realized in short order that the high school more or less had to keep me, regardless of my grades — The Hall not so much.

Somehow — maybe for Dad’s sake — I became a student and, in a way, I have been a student ever since.

And yet, beyond shocking me into the rigors of scholarship, my time at Seton Hall shaped my life in an even more important way; it made me a more mature Catholic.

I grew up, almost literally, in the Church. I could see our parish church from our kitchen window, and, as an altar server, I spent a great deal of time there — in fact, probably made a nuisance of myself.

I liked being around the priests; I liked putting on the cassock and surplice; I was enamored of the ritual and the music. As a public-school student, I completed the requisite parish classes in order to receive the sacraments. I was relieved when, after I had memorized the catechism answers, the bishop’s only demand of me at the confirmation Mass was, “Say the Lord’s Prayer.”

But when I went to Seton Hall, I was immediately thrown into Catholicism at a different level, into the company of Thomas Aquinas, Jacques Maritain, Etienne Gilson, Henri Bergson, and that whole crowd.

Scholasticism, a theological and philosophical system, was in vogue at the time,

and I am aware that, as a theologian reminded me in more recent years, “the fact that Aquinas said something doesn’t make it true.”

But the school of thought wasn’t the point. In grappling with ideas that never would have occurred to me when I was reciting the “Suscipiat” in my black-and white regalia, at Seton Hall I was made to think about, not memorize and regurgitate, Catholic teaching on theology, cosmology, morality, and ethics.

Moreover, whether explicitly or not, I was made to decide whether Catholic teaching and tradition would shape the way I lived and worked.

Catholic education at every level is an endangered species, for economic, social, and demographic reasons. Whether it will continue to form students from kindergarten through graduate school — and, indeed, whether it should — is a complex question that should concern anyone who values Catholic culture and its influence in the world.

The Jesuit journal “America” has devoted a lot of space to this subject. I recommend in particular, an article that appeared in the January 19 issue, available online, in which Fordham theology professor Charles C. Camosy, poses this question: “Will Catholic universities survive the upheaval in higher education?

The next 10 years will tell.”

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

Q

I live in an area where there are many other Christian churches.

When I attend funerals of friends who belonged to these churches, those funerals are called “Celebrations of Life.”

I understand that these denominations do not believe in purgatory and say that the person “has gone to be with the Lord.” So, my question is this: Are Catholics the only ones who go to purgatory, while the others go straight to heaven? (Oneonta, N.Y.)

A

Future of Catholic education uncertain When I was beginning my senior year in a public high school, my mother mentioned that my father would be pleased if I attended Seton Hall University.

Sixty years later, I still don’t know why that was Dad’s preference, but it’s an indication of how indifferent I was as a student that, based only on my mother’s remark, I applied to, was admitted to, and attended Seton Hall.

It didn’t take more than a few days for me to realize that I wasn’t going to sleep walk through four years at The Hall as I had done in high school. Everything about the two experiences was different.

For example, in high school, I schmoozed with as many teachers as would tolerate it, creating personal relationships that I imagined would influence grades. At the Hall, I saw most of my instructors for only one semester, and then only in class.

There was little opportunity for a con artist.

Also, the curriculum in my high school in the late 1950s probably hadn’t changed much since the late 1940s. It wasn’t particularly challenging, which explains, in part, how I graduated.

At Seton Hall, I was required to take

17

Bear fruit for Kingdom of God God’s expectations of humanity and the urgency of meeting those expectations are the themes of our readings this Third Sunday of Lent. Almost halfway through our Lenten journey, these readings assure us that God’s call in our lives is very real, and that whether or not we live up to that call will have great consequences.

c. 1553-1586 March 25

Crosiers

Born into a prosperous York Protestant family when Catholicism was forbidden, Margaret married wealthy Protestant John Clitherow, whose brother became a Catholic priest. Margaret soon became a Catholic and set up Mass centers in her home and a nearby inn. She was imprisoned three times for failing to attend Protestant services. When officials confirmed the secret Masses, Margaret was sentenced to death for treason. She died a martyr, pressed to death by a heavy load.

Saints

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for March 20, 2022 Luke 13:1-9

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Third Sunday of Lent, Cycle C: A lesson about changing our ways. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

GALILEANS MINGLED REPENT KILLED FELL ON FRUIT YEARS

WHOSE BLOOD SACRIFICE PERISH TOWER PARABLE GARDENER CUT IT

PILATE SUFFERED EIGHTEEN SILOAM FIG TREE THREE SOIL

REPRIEVE S F K W R E N E D R A G A

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C F C

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

MARCH 17, 2022

vocations please pray for

Margaret Clitherow

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

letters YHWH, commonly known as the sacred tetragrammaton. Like God himself, the name Yahweh is unspeakably holy. A pious Jewish person to this day will not pronounce this name, substituting the word “Adonai” (Lord) or in special cases “Elohim” (God). Since 2008, the Catholic Church has also avoided mention of the sacred name during its liturgy. Scholars debate the exact meaning of the name, translating it variously as “I am who am,” “He who is,” or “He who causes to be all that SCRIPTURE STUDY there is.” The revelation of God’s name to Moses

By Msgr. John N. Fell and his people is very significant. Knowing God’s name implied a special intimacy between God and Our first reading this Sunday is taken from these people. This intimacy, developed through the Book of Exodus. After an initial two chapters the instrumentality of Moses and the events of the detailing the sad plight of the Hebrews in the Exodus, would grow into the covenant, the sacred land of Egypt, the third chapter, from which our bond between Yahweh and his people. Signifireading has been excerpted, begins the story of cantly, Moses’ faithfulness to God’s call allows the Israel’s deliverance. Moses, tending the sheep of deliverance of his people to proceed. his father-in-law, came to the foot of Mount Horeb While the first reading thus serves as an ex(a.k.a., Sinai) where he saw a bush on fire, yet not ample of the importance of following God’s call, consumed by the flames. As Moses approached our Gospel reading this Sunday stresses both the the bush to investigate, he heard urgency with which we must do so Jesus seems to use as well as the opportunity that is the voice of God calling out to him, “Moses, Moses . . . Remove these stories to make ours. St. Luke begins this account the sandals from your feet, for with Jesus telling the story of two two points: first, the then-recent disasters that resulted the place where you stand is holy ground” (Ex 3:4-5). God further the sudden deaths of a number suddenness of the in revealed himself to Moses, “I am of people. Jesus seems to use these the God of your fathers, the God deaths of those who stories to make two points: first, the of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the suddenness of the deaths of those God of Jacob” (Ex 3:6). By do- died teaches us that who died teaches us that none of us ing so, God identified himself as none of us knows knows when our own death will octhe One who Moses’ people had cur — we must live, therefore, in a known throughout their history; when our own death state of constant readiness. Second, this was the God who had watched challenging an ancient Palestinwill occur — we over his ancestors in the past, ian belief that disasters only befell and who continued to care for his must live, therefore, those who were out of favor with people right up until that day. This God, Jesus assures his listeners God was about to renew his dra- in a state of constant that the victims of such disasters matic interventions on behalf of were likely not the most wicked readiness. his people. He explained to Moses, people in the land if they were mor“I have witnessed the affliction of ally wanting at all. The message, my people in Egypt . . . I know well that they are of course, is that we will all be called to give an suffering. Therefore I have come down to rescue account of our lives at a time we do not know; the them . . .” (Ex 3:7-8). only safe course, then, is to turn to God now!

Moses was awestruck and fearful. He covered Jesus then told the story of a fig tree that his face, for legend had it that it was death for a failed to bear fruit for three years. Looking at the mortal to look upon the face of God. Moses’ fright barren tree, the master ordered it cut down. The only increased when God told him that he was to be vine dresser then appealed for the tree, asking the instrument through which God would save his that he be allowed to lavish special attention on it people. Moses objected, wondering what good he for another year, to see if that might induce it to could possibly do, doubting that the people would bear fruit. Jesus’ message, of course, is that God even listen to him. When God insisted, Moses then exercises great patience with sinners. Those who asked God’s name, so that he would have some fail to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God are given motive of credibility to carry back to his people. numerous opportunities to turn back to Christ. The Then, in a supreme moment of the Old Testament, Lenten season now underway is itself another such God revealed his name as “Yahweh” (Ex 3:14). opportunity in our own lives — may we be grateful The name “Yahweh” was God’s personal for it, and especially, may we make the most of it! name. Used more than 6,000 times in the Old Msgr. Fell is a Scripture scholar and director, Testament, Yahweh is represented by the four diocesan Office for Priest Personnel

OUR FAITH

Third Sunday of Lent (C)

18 STEPPING UP IN CHARITY

School project makes birthdays special

By Tiffany Workman

Our Lady of Tenderness

MARCH 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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: _______________________________

_________________________

As part of their celebrations for Catholic Schools Week, held this year from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5, the faculty and students at St. Matthew School, Edison, collected donations of birthday supplies to help needy families.

The “birthday bundles,” as they were referred to by the school community, will be distributed to families through Unity Square, a community organizing and social concerns initiative of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM) that works to empower community members and catalyze change in a 36-block residential neighborhood of New Brunswick.

Unity Square focuses on a target neighborhood of about 6,000 lowincome residents. Most neighborhood families are working poor and have young children, and most of the adults are Spanish-speaking immigrants from the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Through Unity Square, the community addresses a diverse set of issues, including economic development, employment, civic participation, crime and safety, immigrants’ rights, and tenants’ rights.

According to Joyce Schaefer, principal, St. Matthew School, the parochial institution regularly conducts food and clothing drives, as well as weekly mission collections throughout the year but, she said, “The Catholic Schools Week project provided an opportunity for the students to work together.

“It is important for all people to be socially conscious of the needs of others and to provide support when able,” she added. “As a Catholic school, it is truly part of our mission, of who we are. Involvement in community service is a part of our curriculum, from Pre-K through eighth grade.”

Clients of CCDOM, particularly those in New Brunswick who are assisted by Unity Square, are always appreciative of the donations provided, said Lisa Novalany, social concerns service area director, CCDOM, and a parent of two children at the school.

“We are looking forward to giving these birthday bundles to the families,” she said, adding that the specialness of birthdays adds to the excitement of distributing the donations.

Not knowing Novalany was a service area director for Catholic Charities, Schaefer said they were already in contact with Catholic Charities to determine where the bundles would be

Bishop James F. Checchio, third from left, poses with Father George C. Targonski (right), pastor, St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Edison, and staff and students of its parochial school during Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 30 ro Feb 5). During the week, faculty and students collected items such as plates, candles, icing and cake mix that can be used for birthday celebrations for the needy.

— photo courtesy of St. Matthew the Apostle School

best distributed, when she learned of the connection.

“It was a pleasant surprise to discover that a parent of two of our students would be facilitating the delivery of the birthday bundles,” the principal said. “It was the icing on the cake!”

The 24 birthday bundles amassed by the school contained supplies such as birthday plates, napkins, icing, cake mix, birthday candles, sprinkles, disposable aluminum pans, and vegetable oil.

“In addition to collecting all the items, the entire school body gathered together in the cafeteria to create birthday cards, in English and Spanish, to include with the birthday bundles,” Schaefer said.

The students were told there are families in the community and within the counties served by CCDOM — Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren — that are struggling and may not be able to afford everyday essential items such as food, clothing and shelter, much less the extra items customarily used to celebrate a birthday.

“Everyone agreed that birthdays are special days and they like to celebrate, both at school and at home,” Schaefer said. “So, the idea of providing all the items needed for making a birthday cake, and even the candles,

was enthusiastically accepted [by the students and their families].”

Even though they are young, the students recognize the value of serving others and celebrating life as a gift, the principal affirmed.

“Celebrating a birthday is important because it is a celebration of a life,” she said.

“Life is a gift from God and recognizing the day a person came into this world validates his or her importance. It is a positive experience that allows us to show others how much we value them and are thankful to God for their presence in our life.”

In a visit to the school for Catholic Schools Week, where the collection of donations was prominently displayed in the front entrance, Bishop James F. Checchio commented on the goodness of the students and their families for helping to serve those in need through Catholic Charities.

“Jesus asks us to be kind to those in need and to one another,” he said to the students in the school cafeteria, where the students were making birthday cards. He acknowledged the good works of the students, reminding them that they have a lot to be thankful for and thanking them for their kindness and their acts of charity. “You make us very proud!” the bishop told them emphatically.

Journey of Faith

By Father John Gerard Hillier

Ministry of Reader

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 17, 2022

“For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health… until death.” This vow has been declared tens of millions of times over the centuries as a pledge of love between a man and a woman embarking upon their new life as “two becoming one flesh” (see Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:5-6). Saint Paul explains further that Christian couples have “put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27) who is the model of all chastity. As such, whether married or unmarried, “all the baptized are called to chastity” (ccc 2348). In fact, “at the moment of his Baptism, the Christian is pledged to lead an affective life in chastity” (ccc 2348).

The Church teaches that the only legitimate circumstance for human beings to engage in sexual relations is within the context of a monogamous marriage between one man and one woman. For Catholics, this means enjoying the freedom to receive the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony whereby a man and a woman are willing and able to give of themselves, in the presence of God, exclusively to one another.

Therefore, “the deliberate use of the sexual faculty…outside of marriage is essentially contrary to its purpose” (ccc 2352). Why? Because the dignity of who we are as the best of God’s creation, as well as the dignity of human sexuality, “is naturally ordered to the good of spouses and the generation and education of children” (ccc 2353).

The Catechism counsels: “People should cultivate [chastity] in the way that is suited to their state of life” (ccc 2349). For example, those who choose the vocation of marriage “are called to live conjugal chastity; others practice chastity in continence” (ccc 2349).

Any kind of sexual pleasure outside of marriage “is morally disordered (since it is)…sought for itself, isolated from its procreative and unitive purposes” (ccc 2351).

The next 5 paragraphs deal with the love of husband and wife (ccc 2360-2365). The way that a “man and woman give themselves to one another through the acts which are proper and exclusive to spouses, is not something simply biological, but concerns the innermost being of the human person as such” (ccc 2361). “The spouses’ union achieves the twofold end of marriage:

the good of the spouses themselves and The Catechism comments: “Sacred child may not be considered a piece of the transmission of life” (ccc 2363).

Scripture and the Church’s traditional property” (ccc 2378).

Regarding conjugal fidelity, a practice see in large families a sign of Christian couples challenged by husband and a wife are called to “give God’s blessing and the parents’ gener- the inability to have children are called themselves definitively and totally to osity” (ccc 2373). to embrace the cross of Jesus Christ. one another” (ccc 2363). As Jesus says, Sadly, there are circumstances The Catechism explains: “Spouses “They are no longer when “couples… who still suffer from infertility after two; from now on discover that they are exhausting legitimate medical procethey form one flesh…

The Church teaches sterile [and as a result] dures should unite themselves with What therefore God suffer greatly” (ccc the Lord’s Cross…” (ccc 2379). Many that the only legiti- 2374). The Catechism such couples have also found solace has joined together, let not man put asunthat legitimate in adopting children who have no parmate circumstances advises der” (Mark 10:8-9). “research aimed at re- ents. Others have given their time and Early Church Father, for human beings to ducing human sterility energy to important apostolates within Saint John Chrysois to be encouraged” the Church. As the Catechism teaches: engage in sexual stom, quoted in the (ccc 2375), though “They can give expression to their genCatechism, teaches “techniques that en- erosity by adopting abandoned children relations is within “that young husbands tail the dissociation or performing demanding services for the context of a should say to their of husband and wife, others” (ccc 2379). wives: I have taken by the intrusion of a My friends, living a chaste life monogamous you in my arms, and I person other than the means loving in pure and holy ways; love you, and I prefer couple (donation of respecting ourselves and others as bemarriage between you to my life itself” sperm or ovum, sur- ing made in the image and likeness of one man and (ccc 2365). rogate uterus), [how- God. Just as we seek true happiness for The next secever], are gravely ourselves, we should desire the same one woman. tion (ccc 2366-2372) immoral” (ccc 2376). for others because we are children of explains the “fecunAdditionally, “tech- the same God. And, taking the time to dity” of marriage as “a niques involving only use the best of God’s gifts, including gift, an end of marriage, for conjugal the married couple (homologous arti- the gift of chastity, is a life worth livlove naturally tends to be fruitful… ficial insemination and fertilization) ing. spring[ing] from the very heart of that are perhaps less reprehensible, yet Father Hillier is Director, dimutual giving, as its fruit and fulfill- remain morally unacceptable” (ccc ocesan Office of Pontifical Mission ment” (ccc 2366). Called to give life, 2377). Why? Because “a child is not Societies, the Office for Persons with spouses share in the creative power and something owed to one, but is a gift...A Disabilities, and Censor Luborum fatherhood of God. “Married couples should regard it as their proper mission to transmit human life and to educate their children; they should realize that they are thereby cooperating with the love of God the Creator” (ccc 2367).

“For just reasons, spouses may wish to space the births of their children. It is their duty to make certain that their desire is not motivated by selfishness but is in conformity with the generosity appropriate to responsible parenthood” (ccc 2368).

Quoting from Pope Paul VI’s 1968 encyclical Humani Vitae, the Church reminds us that “Periodic continence, that is, the methods of birth regulation based on self-observation and the use of infertile periods, is in conformity with the objective criteria of morality…In contrast, ‘every action which, whether in anticipation of the conjugal act, …its accomplishment, or…the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation imposDawid Malik (third from left) and Thomas Pluhar (fifth from left), seminarians sible’ is intrinsically evil” (ccc 2370) for the diocese at Immaculate Conception Seminary and School of Theology On the positive side, the opening at Seton Hall University, South Orange, pose with Auxiliary Bishop Michael words of Sacred Scripture capture the A. Saporito of the Archdiocese of Newark (wearing miter) after they were sentiment that procreation of human recently instituted in the Ministry of Reader with three other seminarians at beings is considered good: “Be fruitful Mass at the Chapel at Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Kearney. Bishop Saporito, and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). Later, who presided at the liturgy and gave the seminarians Bibles as he instituted Psalm 127 uses the analogy of arrows the seminarians as readers, is joined by, from left, Msgr. Joseph Reilly, rector, and quivers to communicate the same Immaculate Conception Seminary; an unidentified seminarian, and Father sentiment: “Like arrows in the hand of Robert Suszko, vice-rector of the seminary. Mawlik is a second-year theologian a warrior, so are the children of one’s at Immaculate Conception, Pluhar is a first-year theologian at the seminary. youth. Blessed is the man who has his — Larrydom Magdasoc photo quiver full of them” (Psalm 127:3-5).

FAITH AVLIE

Article 160 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 2360-2379

19

Living a chaste life means loving in pure, holy ways

20 OUR DIOCESE

Crossword Puzzle 1

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DOWN 1 OT book of teachings 2 Certain Mysteries 3 Book after Tob 4 First century writing on the doctrine and teaching of the early Church 5 St. ___, Martyr 6 “Eternal ___ grant unto them” 7 Hometown of Jesus 8 “If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your ___ as well” (Mt 5:40) 14 Sunday service 15 “God is the Supreme Being who ___ all things and keeps them in existence.”

18 “Altared” words 19 OT historical book 21 Fruit of the Holy Spirit 22 Cry from the congregation 23 Moses made a bronze one 24 “…___ us from evil.”

27 Articles of clothing or bones of saints 28 Satan wanted to sift the apostles like this 30 In the ___ of the Lord 33 Home of Adam and Eve 34 Certain Wednesday

ACROSS 3 Betrayer 9 Spiritual classic, The ___ of Unknowing 10 Genesis event 11 Consecrated ___ 12 You wouldn’t put one under a bushel basket 13 John Paul I did not wear this when he became pope 15 The Knights of ___ 16 Liturgical season 17 St. Edith’s surname 20 Catholic painter of ballerinas 22 Palms are burned to make these 23 Not Gomorrah 25 Type of candle 26 Isaiah spoke of a new one 29 Land of milk and ___ 31 ___-dieu 32 Color that represents purity in traditional religious art 35 Fast and ___ 36 First word in the name of Parisian basilica 37 The Law

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

Answers can be found on page 23

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Directors, I look forward to helping visiting team observed the entire opthe school’s administration continue eration of the school, including class observations, discusto push Saint Joe’s forward.” sions with the school “Here at Saint Joe’s, leadership team and The school’s leadership was noti- we strive every day to various administrafied of the accreditators, faculty, students tion in February by teach our students the and parents. school leadthe NJAIS Board of value of hard work. ership“The Directors following team deserves a lengthy application This accreditation is a tremendous amount and review process. of thanks and gratiStarting in 2020, the perfect example of tude for this honor Saint Joseph High what happens when a bestowed on Saint Joseph High School,” School leadership, under the direction group of people work Nolan said. “Without of John Nolan, presitheir dedication and together for the commitment to the dent, and Rivera, embarked on an intuitive betterment of others.” Saint Joe’s communi150-page application —Ann Rivera, principal, Saint ty, none of this would and self-study report, have been possible.

Joseph High School culminating with a This accreditation, and the process the school visit by a NJAIS visiting team. Over the course of three embarked on to receive this honor, put days in November 2021, the NJAIS Saint Joe’s into a class of its own. The

future is very bright for current and future Falcons thanks to this accreditation.”

With the NJAIS Board of Directors’ approval, Saint Joe’s becomes one of 90 NJAIS accredited schools in New Jersey. Saint Joe’s is now required to submit an action plan to NJAIS in November to showcase future goals of the school.

“It is a huge honor for Saint Joseph High School to be awarded accreditation to the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools,” Rivera said. “Here at Saint Joe’s, we strive every day to teach our students the value of hard work. This accreditation is the perfect example of what happens when a group of people work together for the betterment of others.”

The NJAIS accreditation is for 10 years, with a five-year report and site visit required in the fall of 2026 and a decennial visit in the fall of 2031.

OUR DIOCESE

METUCHEN — Saint Joseph High School was recently awarded accreditation by the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS), a nonprofit, voluntary membership association focused on educational, ethical and professional excellence of independent schools in New Jersey.

This marks the first time that Saint Joe’s was awarded the NJAIS accreditation.

“This accreditation is a testament to the Saint Joseph High School community,” said John Langdon, a member of the school’s Class of 1980 and chairman of its Board of Directors.

“I would like to personally thank the board of directors, Anne Rivera [principal] and the school leadership team, our Partners in Mission, the student body and current and former parents. Without their hard work and dedication, this would not have been possible.

“As Chairman of the Board of

21

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YOUR DIOCESAN CEMETERIES Ready to serve you!

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service

Jesus and the apostles were traveling around Galilee and Judea. Along the way, Jesus told parables and healed sick people.

He also took Peter, James and John up a mountain. He was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. Moses and Elijah also appeared and spoke with Jesus, who told his friends not to tell what they saw until the Son of Man had been raised from the dead.

Jesus and the apostles then traveled to Jerusalem. “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day,” Jesus told his friends.

A woman approached after he spoke.

It was the mother of the apostles James and John, the sons of Zebedee. James and John approached Jesus with their mother, who did Jesus homage.

“What do you wish?” Jesus asked.

“Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom,” she said. “You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” he asked James and John.

“We can,” the brothers answered. Jesus nodded. “My chalice you will indeed

drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father,” he said.

When the rest of the apostles heard this, they became angry at James and John.

Jesus summoned them. “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt,” he said. “But it shall not be so among you,” he continued. “Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.

Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

— Artwork, courtesy of CNS

Read more about it: Matthew 17 & 20 Q&A 1. Who wanted to talk to Jesus?

2. Which apostles would drink the same chalice as Jesus?

PUZZLE:

Using the hints provided, put a T next to the sentences about the apostles that are true and an F next to the ones that are false.

1. ___ The first two apostles called were Peter and Thomas. (Matthew 4:18) 2. ___ Peter asked Jesus how many times to forgive someone. (Matthew 18:21) 3. ___ Philip preached in Samaria. (Acts 8:5) 4. ___ Matthias was chosen to replace Judas. (Acts 1:26)

Trivia Answer: Judea Puzzle Answers: 1. Nazareth; 2. an angel; 3. to be enrolled; 4. shepherds

22 OUR DIOCESE

Kids Corner: James and John’s mother asks Jesus a favor

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MARCH 17, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

LOYOLA JESUIT CENTER 161 James St. • Morristown, NJ 07960 973-539-0740 • Fax: 973-898-9839 Retreats for lay men, women, priests, religious; days/evenings of prayer. Groups planning their own programs are welcome.

www.loyola.org • retreathouse@loyola.org MALVERN RETREAT HOUSE 315 S. Warren Ave., Malvern, PA 19355 610-644-0400 • Fax: 610-644-4363 An oasis of peace set on 125-acres of wooded countryside.

Retreats for men, women, families, youth, religious and clergy.

malvernretreat.com · mail@malvernretreat.com MOUNT ST. MARY HOUSE OF PRAYER 1651 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069 Retreats, Spiritual Direction, Programs

908-753-2091 • www.msmhope.org e-mail: msmhope@msmhope.org

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

ST. FRANCIS CENTER FOR RENEWAL, INC. 395 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem PA 18017

55 acres of natural beauty await you! Programs for personal and spiritual enrichment, directed and solitude retreats. Air conditioned facilities for retreats, spiritual programs, meetings and staff days for church related and not-for-profit groups.

610.867.8890 • stfranciscenter@gmail.com www.stfrancisctr.org

ST. FRANCIS RETREAT HOUSE 3918 Chipman Road, Easton, PA 18045 Franciscan retreat and confrence center RETREATS FOR MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH, RELIGIOUS, PREACHED, PRIVATE, DIRECTED

Phone: 610-258-3053, ext. 10 • Fax: 610-258-2412 E-mail: stfranrh@rcn.com • stfrancisretreathouse.org ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA 400 Route 35 North, S. Mantoloking, NJ 08738 A Retreat House Sponsored by the Religious Teachers Filippini overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Offering days of prayer, retreat weekends, spiritual programs, meetings and staff days. 732-892-8494 • e-mail: sjbsea@comcast.net

www.sjbsea.org

THE SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 Day & Overnight Retreats Gift & Book Shop - open daily

908-647-0208 · www.stshrine.org

VILLA PAULINE RETREAT AND SPIRITUAL CENTER 352 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945 Preached/Directed/Guided & Private Retreats, Spiritual Direction, day & weekend programs, Spiritual Direction Formation Program

973-543-9058 e-mail: quellen@scceast.org • wwwscceast.org

This month’s featured retreat house:

Malvern Retreat House The Nation’s Oldest & Largest Catholic Retreat Center

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and experience God’s presence at our 2021 Featured Retreats led by world-renowned Catholic clergy and laity, all with powerful messages of hope and healing to share with you.

Visit our website for a full listing of our retreats for men, women, married couples, religious and clergy, and check out Malvern Live for a daily reflection, blog, news, and more.

For info call 610-644-0400

315 S. Warren Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355

To join this retreat guide, call Nan at 732-765-6444

Statewide Youth Rally at Six Flags Great Adventure. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., the Opening Session will begin at 9:15 a.m. The park will be open to all from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and there will be a 5 p.m. Sunday Liturgy. The Rally is open to Jr. High, High School, Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Scouting, Parish/School Athletic Programs, families, and all. Registration is now open. The cost for the day is $55 per person ($25 for season ticket holders) and includes advance entry into the park, a free return ticket to the park, a 3-hour all-you-can-eat buffet, Mass, the Opening Ceremony, and a free parking pass. To purchase tickets please visit the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry page on the diocesan website and register before the May 6th deadline. For more information email mvantslot@diometuchen.org.

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

Women’s Lenten Study Group Sponsored by the Office of Family Life, this group meets on Zoom each Sunday at 2:30 p.m. For details or with questions contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins, director of the diocesan Office of Family Life at cdaverso@ diometuchen.org.

Celebrating Our Neophytes The diocese has started to post the 2021 Neophyte Celebration. Since pandemic restrictions prevented the celebration of a Neophyte Mass, the Neophytes in the diocese are being honored in a different way. They have been invited by the diocese to submit a witness statement about their RCIA journey of faith, along with a photo. This invitation explained that the RCIA office was going to create a “Celebration of Our Neophytes” virtual presentation for its website. Neophytes can send their witness statement and photo to: ssharlow@diometuchen.org Celebrating the Church as a “Family of Families” As we celebrate the Year “Amoris Laetitia Family,” the Office of Communications and Public Relations is compiling a digital family photo album. We invite you to share a photo of your family – a photo of your domestic church by which our local Church of Metuchen is constantly enriched. Please consider sharing your family’s photo with us by sending your photo to communications@diometuchen.org, so we can together bear witness to the love of God through our “family of families.”

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.

March 25, April 1, April 8 --- St. Mary of Ostrabrama Parish, South River, will hold Lenten Fish Dinners pn those dates at the parish center from 5 to 7 p.m. Take-out dinners will be available starting at 4 p.m.

Adult Fish and French Fries Dinner $15.

Children’s Dinner $5. Tickets are on sale at the door and in the parish office during business hours.

Fundraiser

April 23, 8 p.m. -- Knights of Columbus Council 6930, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station, will present “A Magical Evening of Laughter,” featuring Larry Stevens, One-of-a-Kind Stand-Up Comic, at the parish’s Community Center.

Proceeds from the event, which includes dinner, dessert, beverages, supports local charities. Cost: $50 per person. Doors open at 6 p.m. For tickets, call (908) 256-9760 or rhnidj70@gmail.com; or (908) 217-4330 or tomdiquollo@gmail.com

Science Camp

June 27 to July 1 – St. Matthias School, Somerset, is accepting registration for the fifth “Camp Invention.” Campers, parents and teachers are invited to participate in all-new, hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities.

Register students going into grades 2-6 at invent.org/mylocalcamp by March 31 using SUM25 to save $25. For questions, contact camp director Christine Taylor at ctaylor@stmatthiasnj.org

Spiritual Retreats

March 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m. -- Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, Watchung, will host an in-person and ZOOM meeting focusing on men’s unique role in life as husbands, fathers, grandfathers, the single life and religious life. Where can we find time to reflect on the loss and gain of our lives?

Fourth Tuesday of the month over coffee or tea for life affirming discussions and prayer to find God in our lives and to make a difference in our own worlds. Freewill offering.

Crossword Puzzle Answers: E J C L O U C Y L I F E U M A L T A D E G A O E V O T D W H O N E E E A B S T S T

J U D D I T D L A M C H A S T E S S I V E R Y P E E A I N R T

A S T E M P H E I N D O D E L R I V E O R

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

C L O A K E S T H E D E N

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MARCH 17, 2022

WEEKLY PODCAST – Am I Not Here?

Produced by the staff of the Office of Communications, “Am I Not Here?” – a weekly podcast – highlights the good news within our local Church and those working to minister to the people of the Diocese of Metuchen. New episodes are released each Monday and once aired they are archived. To listen to any episode, or to learn more, please click the links on the diocesan Facebook page or lighting hearts on fire website

Lenten Dinners

RATES

5/15

Choices Matter – A Critical Life Issues Conference. Bishop James F. Checchio will celebrate an opening Mass 8:30 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, 94 Somerset St., New Brunswick. Presented by the diocese and the Catholic Student Association at Rutgers, the conference will begin in the Parish Hall at 10 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. This year’s topics/expert speakers include: Legislative Update Panel Discussion: Marie Tasy, James King and Dr. Gerald Burke; Building a Culture of Life Begins with Resisting the Porn Culture: DJ Hueneman; Students for Life Witness: Grace Rykaczewski; Our Lady’s Seven Sorrows and Choice: Laura Strietmann.

General registration is $35 and student registration is $15. The conference features Eucharistic Adoration, exhibits and more. The fee includes lunch and handouts. To register visit: https://diometuchen.org/choicesmatter Everyone is welcome. For questions or for more information contact: amarshall@diometuchen.org

March 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Knights of Columbus Council 6571 at St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia will host a blood drive using Vitalant blood services in a mobile unit in the church parking lot.

OUR DIOCESE

3/26

Blood Drive

23

DIOCESAN EVENTS

AROUND THE DIOCESE

24 OUR DIOCESE

Faithful in diocese invited to mark anniversary by making ‘impact’

By Tara Smith With the Lenten season underway and prayer, fasting and almsgiving already being practiced more intentionally, Bishop James F. Checchio has asked that all Catholics in the diocese more intentionally live out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy during the Lenten and Easter seasons.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the diocese, Bishop Checchio has invited Catholics in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties to participate in an initiative called “40 Act Impact: Putting Mercy into Action.” Created in response to the bishop’s second pastoral letter, “Answering the Lord’s Call Through Prayer, Works of Mercy and Vocations,” the initiative invites Catholics in the diocese to commit to doing 40 works of mercy.

“We have over 630,000 Catholics in the Diocese of Metuchen, so if each one could commit to doing 40 works of mercy, together we will have fulfilled over 25 million works of mercy,” the bishop wrote in his letter introducing the initiative. “Can you imagine what a blessing that would be to our local Church and what a witness that would be to our local communities? What a wonderful way to celebrate our anniversary and give

thanks to God!” mercy, Catholics are called to: feed the According to the United States hungry; give drink to the thirsty; clothe Catholic Catechism for Adults (USCCA), the naked; shelter the homeless; comfort the spiritual works of mercy “have long the sick; visit those in prison; and bury been a part of the Christian tradition, ap- the dead. pearing in the works of theologians and As part of the 40 Act Impact initiaspiritual writers throughout history. Just tive, the faithful in the diocese are asked as Jesus attended to the to choose 40 ways to spiritual well-being of live the works of mercy Through the those he ministered to, so that those acts might spiritual works of these spiritual works of have an impact in local mercy guide us to ‘help mercy, Catholics are communities, the local our neighbor in their Church and in the world. called to: instruct the Resources were develspiritual needs.’”

Through the spirito propose simple, uninformed; counsel oped tual works of mercy, everyday ways that CathCatholics are called to: the doubtful; admon- olics might put mercy instruct the uninformed; into action and a digital ish sinners; forgive and hardcopy commitcounsel the doubtful; admonish sinners; forgive offenses; comfort ment form is available offenses; comfort the for public use by visitthe sorrowful; bear ing: diometuchen.org/ sorrowful; bear wrongs patiently; and pray for wrongs patiently; worksofmercy. the living and the dead.

Some suggested According to the ways to live the works of and pray for the USCCA, corporal works mercy, in part, include: of mercy “are found in living and the dead. commit to learning more the teachings of Jesus about the Catholic faith; and give us a model for how we should pray for those in need of counsel or treat all others, as if they were Christ in guidance; offer to bring a friend, family disguise. They ‘are charitable actions member or fellow parishioner to receive by which we help our neighbors in their the sacrament of reconciliation; extend bodily needs.’ forgiveness to those who have hurt you; Through the corporal works of visit a friend or family member who is

2022

2022 CONFERENCE SPEAKERS DJ Hueneman International Speaker, Author Grace Rykaczewski Students for Life Laura Strietmann Executive Director Cincinnati Right to Life

Choices Matter

2022 LEGISLATIVE PANEL

March 26, 2022

James King Executive Director New Jersey Catholic Conference

OPENING MASS CELEBRATED BY BISHOP CHECCHIO AT 8:30 AM CONFERENCE FROM 10:00 AM T0 3:30 PM

Dr. Gerald Burke Reproductive Endocrinologist

St. Peter the Apostle University & Community Parish New Brunswick, NJ

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MARCH 17, 2022

Marie Tasy Executive Director New Jersey Right to Life

Di

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

A CRITICAL LIFE ISSUES CONFERENCE

This event is sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen’s Office of Human Life & Dignity and the Catholic Student Association at Rutgers University

having a difficult time; keep a prayer list of intentions and list those you know are sick and pray for them every day; support and volunteer at a local food pantry, soup kitchen, or agency that helps to feed the hungry; donate clothes or shoes that are in good condition to agencies that support the needy; visit or call the homebound, hospitalized or those in assisted living or nursing homes; donate Bibles, a subscription to “The Catholic Spirit,” or other spiritual reading materials to those who are incarcerated; or participate in a bereavement ministry.

“Through these 40 works of mercy, throughout these 40 days of our Lenten journey, and in this celebratory year marking 40 years of our diocese, my hope and prayer is that we will turn our hearts over more fully to one another and, most importantly, to the Lord,” Bishop Checchio wrote. “May this Lenten season be for us a time of grace and provide for us a moment of encounter with the Lord and each other.”

To learn more about the 40 Act Impact initiative and to commit to making an impact, visit: diometuchen.org/worksofmercy.

All are invited to share their impact by using the hashtag #FortyActImpact on social media or by sharing their photos and stories via email with communications@diometuchen.org.

SCAN ME TO REGISTER FOR THE 2022 CHOICES MATTER CONFERENCE