November 25, 2021

A special issue on the 40th Anniversary of the diocese will be published December 9

NOVEMBER 25, 2021 • VOL. 26 NO. 10 • $2.00

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

For the first time since the pandemic began in 2019, Bishop James F. Checchio met with the priests of the diocese at a convocation held Oct. 12-14 in Spring Lake.

Msgr. James P. Moroney, author, TV host and director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Worcester, Mass., gave the keynote address. During the gathering, the bishop concelebrated Mass for the six clergy marking milestones in their priesthood. Story on page 10. — photo courtesy of Msgr. Joseph M. Curry

INSIDE Perspectives Our Faith

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Kid’s Corner

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Diocesan Events

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Happy Anniversary

Diocese recognizes married couples at Mass... 18 This issue was mailed on November 23 Your next issue will be Dec. 9

2 UP FRONT

Despite challenges, God gives us much for which to be thankful Bishop James Checchio My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, This issue of “The Catholic Spirit” is published on a special national holiday — Thanksgiving. It is a day we are called upon to give thanks to God even amidst this continuing pandemic and dealing with the aftereffects of Hurricane Ida which have caused untold difficulties, sacrifices and losses. For some, these may have caused a change in their daily routine, in the balance of school, work or home responsibilities, or in not being able to see and hug loved ones. For others, it may have meant coping with depression, isolation or addiction; dealing with the loss of a job or grieving the loss of a loved one. I join you in prayer today to support you with God’s loving divine assistance.

The pandemic has pushed many to their limits in their capacity to handle any more than they already have — any more sickness, devastation, pain or loss. But at the same time, we have also been pushed towards grace, in our ability to handle more than we ever thought possible,

all with God’s help, of course. We have been given a gift in this time in our lives, to look to our loving Father even more closely and regularly, to rely on Him and to deepen our friendship with Jesus, the only One who can help us through our struggles.

Yes, we have been challenged and changed, yet we have much for which to be thankful. When we were forced to attend Mass virtually, we experienced a true and deep longing and desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, not just spiritually but physically. It was a challenge, yet now it is an important reminder to us that we should not take Jesus for granted.

He desires to be with us too…always!

We are indeed blessed, each of us, even if we sometimes fail to see it. God is working in us and through us and that is something which we can and should always be grateful for, as we discern ways to bring Him to those we encounter throughout our day. As we celebrate and give thanks to God this Thanksgiving, I pray we will let Him enter deeper into our heart.

In our Gospel for Mass on Thanksgiving, we are reminded to always remember to be grateful for the blessings we have in life. They do not come to us by mistake or by our efforts alone but rather through God’s grace, and we

We have been given a gift in this time in our lives, to look to our loving Father even more closely and regularly, to rely on Him and to deepen our friendship with Jesus, the only One who can help us through our struggles. should always remember that, and thank God for that! So many in our world don’t recognize God’s goodness to them, and it is a grace we personally should not take for granted. I know you don’t, and I am so grateful for your commitment to the greatest thanks we can give, the Eucharist sacrifice. I thank God for your commitment this Thanksgiving, for each of you recognizing this in your own lives and striving to build up His Kingdom right here in our midst!

We have just started our 40th anniversary year as a diocese and that is certainly a time for us to give thanks, too.

One of our priorities for the year will be to focus on prayer, deepening our friendship with Jesus. Perhaps attending Mass more often, even during the week, is a good place to start. Also, this weekend we will start the season of Advent; a season of hope as we prepare our hearts for the Birth of our Lord. And we will be called

to focus even more intently on Him and His coming more fully into our world and our lives. He has so much to give us. He is the answer to all our struggles, so let’s not lose sight of Him and all the hope He gives to each of us and to our world; and let’s spread that hope in Him. Know of my love and prayers for you and your families. Remember that our Lord is with you always. I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving and a blessed start to the Advent season.

With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ,

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

Pope: Trust Christ’s presence, learn to invoke Holy Spirit

NOVEMBER 25, 2021 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In times of trouble, Christians must be like the disciples in the boat on the stormy sea, calling out to Jesus and waking him up, Pope Francis said.

“We must rouse Christ in our hearts, and only then will we be able to contemplate things with his eyes, for he sees beyond the storm,” the pope said Nov. 10 at his weekly general audience.

With an exhortation to trust Christ’s presence and to learn how to invoke the

aid of the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis said he was concluding his series of audience talks about St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. The concluding talk was the 15th in a series that began in late June. The Letter to the Galatians, he said, should generate enthusiasm in Christians for following “the way of freedom, to ‘walk according to the Spirit.’”

Christian freedom has nothing to do with “debauchery” or a sense of being completely self-sufficient and not needing God’s help, he said. Instead, St. Paul taught

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that freedom exists under “love’s shadow” and is exercised in acts of charity and service. Christian freedom is not freedom from the law, the pope said, but rather is the fulfillment of it. But, he said, “the temptation always is to turn back. One definition of Christians in the Scriptures is that we Christians are not people who go backward, who turn back. It’s a good definition. The temptation is to turn back to feel more secure, to turn to the law alone, disregarding the new life in the Spirit.”

“Someone may say, ‘Father, how do you invoke the Holy Spirit, because I know how to pray to the Father, with the Our Father; I know how to pray to Our Lady with the Hail Mary; I know how to pray to Jesus with the Prayer to the Holy Wounds, but what about the Spirit? What is the prayer of the Holy Spirit?’”

“Prayer to the Holy Spirit is spontaneous; it must come from your heart. In moments of difficulty you must ask, ‘Holy Spirit, come,’” he said.

Bishop’s Appointments Bishop James F. Checchio announced the following assignments effective November 1, 2021, except as noted: Rev. Nalaka Silva, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge, to Pastor, Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Monroe Township.

Rev. Abraham Lotha, renewed for a second term as Pastor, Transfiguration of the Lord Parish, Highland Park/Edison, effective October 1, 2021.

Rev. Damian Breen, renewed for a second term as Pastor, Corpus Christi Parish, South River, effective October 19, 2021.

Rev. Eugeniusz Fasuga, C.Ss.R. to Parochial Vicar, Saint John Paul II Parish, Perth Amboy, and Corpus Christi Parish, South River, with special responsibility for the Portuguese-speaking Catholic community.

Rev. Paulus Marandi, C.M.F., from Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Perth Amboy, to Parochial Vicar, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge.

Rev. Robert Pinnisi, from administrator, Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville, to on leave.

Rev. David Pekola, parochial vicar, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, to administrator, Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville.

Where in the diocese can it be found?

SPECIAL FEATURE

synod begins in diocese at liturgy

3

Sixteenth Church

Last issue's image...

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

Continued on page 6

Top of page, Deacon Rick Fortune and Deacon J. P. Saggese lead a procession into the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi at the start of the Synod Mass Oct. 16.

Above, Bishop James F. Checchio prays the consecration at the altar. Above center, Christian Charity Sister Mathilde DeLucy leads singing from the ambo.

Above left, participants of the synod from parishes in the diocese were among the congregation.

— Mike Ehrmann photos

The image, which was featured on page 3 of the October issue of The Catholic Spirit, can be found at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Hackettstown.

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Anne Berberich, parishioner at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Hackettstown.

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 25, 2021

METUCHEN — The diocese will join with sister dioceses across the world in a journey of prayer initiated by Pope Francis, explained Bishop James F. Checchio at a Mass celebrated Oct. 16 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.

“The synod is a process that, as Pope Francis explains it, of journeying with the Lord, walking with the Lord, being with Him, staying close to Him and the Holy Spirit to listen with one another and all those we encounter along the way,” the bishop said.

On April 24, Pope Francis announced the convocation of the Sixteenth Ordinary Synod of Bishops with the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” The word “synod” comes from the Greek word for “assembly” or “meeting” on a matter of doctrine or administration.

The synod began with a Mass celebrated Oct. 10 by the pontiff in the Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City. The Holy Father asked every diocesan bishop throughout the world to celebrate a Sol-

emn Opening Mass the following weekend. The synod is scheduled to conclude in October 2023.

In his homily, Bishop Checchio, clad in red vestments to invoke the aid of the Holy Spirit, reminded the congregation “God can use flawed people and limited resources and do such magnificent, wonderful things to build up his kingdom.

“Whoever wants to be great should be looking for opportunities to reach out to those in need,” he continued. “Never forget to stay close to God. He will continually transform us into the disciples He wants us to be and needs us to be to build up the kingdom in 2021 here in Metuchen. The Mass, the Eucharist, private prayer, devotions, adoration — that’s how we stay close.”

Bishop Checchio then outlined the steps taken by Pope Francis to commence the two-year-long synodal process, and his hopes that the members of the diocese might join in action and prayer for its success.

“This weekend, every diocese in the whole world will have a Mass,” he said, and gestured to the diocesan personnel seated in the front pews before him.

4 PERSPECTIVES

Through glory of Incarnation, humans can experience God in personal way, through divine person of Jesus Body & Soul

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD “Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” (Heb 2:14-18) This last verse from this passage taken from the Letter to the Hebrews speaks volumes about why, we, Christians, can relate to God in a personal way, and vice-versa. In Jesus, we have encountered the God who, beforehand, was unapproachable. Through the glory of the Incarnation, we can experience God in a personal way, through the divine person of Jesus Christ. In addition, because Jesus’ human nature was like ours in all things but sin, God can understand what it means to be human, what it means to live in an imperfect world. Through Jesus’ divine nature, however, we now can comprehend, to a degree, what a heavy burden it is to be God. Through Jesus’ divine nature, we also gain insight into the unfathomable compassion of our

God, who, in and through the suffering endured by Jesus in his ministry, passion and death, has delved into the depths of human sorrow. Through Jesus’ human nature, God freely assumes the blood, sweat and tears of our humanity into his divinity. So these two natures (human and divine) united without commingling into the divine person of the eternal Son, who became man and was known to us as Jesus, amounts to us knowing God intimately and God knowing us in every fiber of our being.

Sometimes, we tend to think that God cannot understand what we’re going through in life. “God could not possibly understand the emptiness of my life since my husband died.” Another says: God has no clue about the heaviness of my heart since my daughter’s losing battle with drug addiction. Still another insists: God cannot appreciate the weight of my suffering, which deepens with each passing day of my mother’s war with cancer. Maybe one of you is saying: God cannot imagine the degree of bitterness I bear over my pending divorce, my estrangement from my brother, the death of my daughter.

We tend to believe that God lives safe and secure in his own little world, a place where it’s always sunny, always happy, where everyone gets along with everyone else, a place where there is justice and peace, a place where there is no disease, no bereavement, no emptiness, no loneliness. In our image of the divine, God is completely and totally free from the separation, suffering and sorrow that is woven into the fabric of humanity, apart from the ups and downs, the uncertainties and anxieties that riddle our sometimes miserable lives on this planet.

The Letter to the Hebrews corrects the fallacy that God cannot know our pain. The truth of what the human author was inspired to write is perennial.

It is the Word of God — and thereby applies to all people of every generation. So what is God communicating to us through the pen of the human author of Hebrews? Through Jesus, God understands our pain. Precisely because Jesus shared completely in our humanity — with all its joys and sorrows, with all its doubts and deceit, its moments of elation and hours of despair. Jesus can relate to

our problems because all of our crosses, regardless of what shape they take, are contained embryonically in the Cross, on which hung the Savior of the world.

Because God accepted this oblation of love of Jesus on the Cross, in raising his only Son to new life, and giving him supreme dominion over all powers and principalities, God is saying to humankind: “Through Jesus, I understand your pain.” That’s the message of Hebrews.

That’s the message we’re sending each other by our attendance at Mass. And that’s why the Crucifix hangs year-round above the altars of our churches. As incarnate spirits, we all need reminders about the truth concerning God. He is immutable ontologically; yet his affectivity is mutable. Otherwise, “how could God create us if he did not know what it means to be us?” “Not for angels did the Word become flesh, but for us and our salvation.” Yes, through Jesus, God understands our afflictions. If the Cross above the altar is any indication — one day this same God, through Jesus, will transform our sorrows into joy!

Father Comandini is managing editor of The Catholic Spirit

High court scheduled to hear arguments on pro-life law Thoughts on Life

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Jennifer Ruggiero “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. “(Ps 139:13-14) For those of us who have worked over the past many years in the pro-life movement to promote the sanctity of life in the womb, this is a time of great hope and anticipation. In May 2021, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) agreed to take up Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. SCOTUS is scheduled to begin hearing oral arguments in this case Dec. 1, marking the greatest opportunity in a generation to overturn Roe v. Wade, the infamous 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion on demand in all 50 states. Since this landmark decision, ap-

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proximately 62 million unborn lives have been lost due to abortion.

The Dobbs case (named after Thomas E. Dobbs, State Health Officer of the Mississippi Department of Health) involves Mississippi’s Gestational Age Act, which was enacted in 2018 and which seeks to protect the wellbeing of pregnant mothers, the life and dignity of unborn babies and the integrity of the medical profession. The law does so by essentially banning abortion after the baby reaches 15 weeks gestational age, except in medical emergencies or for severe fetal abnormality.

As Christians, we know that throughout Sacred Scripture the sanctity of life in the womb is affirmed. King David illustrates this beautifully in Psalm 139. And on this point the Bible and science agree.

Thanks to advances in ultrasound technology and the science of fetal development, we know that by 15 weeks a baby has a heartbeat, can move and kick, can sense movement outside its mother’s womb. The baby has eyes and eyelids that are beginning to open, can hiccup and can hear her

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).

or his mother’s heartbeat.

It should be noted that Mississippi’s law is consistent with 90 percent of countries worldwide. In fact, the United States is one of only of four countries, including China and North Korea, that allows the abortion of a child at any time during a woman’s pregnancy.

Immediately after Mississippi’s law was signed into law by Gov. Bryant, Jackson Women’s Health, the only abortion provider in Mississippi, challenged the law, claiming that it is a direct violation of Roe v. Wade. In November 2018, the federal district court ruled that the Gestational Age Act is unconstitutional and so ordered stoppage of the law.

In response, Mississippi asked SCOTUS to review the case and they agreed.

The specific question that the SCOTUS will answer is whether a state may enact limits on abortion before viability, when the baby is capable of living outside her mother’s womb, usually around 24 weeks.

In doing so, the Court will access the previous rulings in Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), which limit the ability for states to protect their interests in the unborn and the health of the mother. More than 80 friend-of-thecourt briefs have been filed in support of the Mississippi law. An opinion on the case is expected in June 2022.

If SCOTUS were to overturn Roe. V. Wade, the move would not make abortion

illegal throughout the nation, but would return the issue to the individual states to be decided. Considering current state laws, if SCOTUS were to allow states to ban abortion pre-viability, 18 states would immediately ban abortion, 13 states and DC would protect abortion and others would need to pass new laws addressing abortion access.

As all of this is unfolding, there has been an unprecedented, unified effort by faith leaders across the nation to join together in prayer and fasting to end abortion. A National Virtual Prayer Event was scheduled to be held Nov. 18 to bring together Christians of all denominations to pray for a just outcome that protects unborn babies and their mothers.

A special website has been set up to provide resources on what each of us can do, not only as individuals but also as the Body of Christ, to raise awareness, educate others and promote prayer at this historic time. You can download these resources by visiting: www.prayfordobbs.com/resources.

Together, during this critical moment in our nation’s history, let us pray for the state of Mississippi, for the justices, for all women facing unplanned or crisis pregnancies and for unborn babies in danger of abortion and, trusting that God hears us, let us ask for a decision that safeguards all human life.

Ruggiero is secretary, diocesan Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life

5

Compiled from the Catholic News Service

Rite of committal, burial on All Souls’ Day offered closure to those who kept cremains of loved ones

Christ’s mission ‘is our mission,’ prelate tells attendees of diocese’s special gathering

BALTIMORE — If you have an urn or vessel containing the remains of a loved one sitting on a shelf in your home, Father Patrick Carrion would like to help you put that to rest. As director of the Office of Cemeteries for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Father Carrion organized a rite of committal and burial for cremated remains on All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2, at Holy Cross Cemetery. Two years ago, Father Carrion conducted a similar service, with 18 to 20 urns buried, but there was no such service last year becaue of pandemic restrictions. He expected there could be more than 20 urns buried this year. He noted that there are many reasons why people might have ashes of loved ones at home. Perhaps one spouse died and the other chose to keep the ashes in memory, and with the intention that when the surviving spouse died, they would be buried together. That then leaves the responsibility of handling the remains to children or heirs. “Now the kids have two urns,” Father Carrion said. “What do they do with them? It just

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In his welcoming remarks to open the diocesan eucharistic congress, Memphis Bishop David P. Talley told attendees that “we are all the living body of Christ, in that we are what we receive” — the Eucharist.

Christ’s mission “is our mission, for we are members of his body,” he said. “Our work is with our parishes, our parishioners and all of those who have not heard the words of Jesus Christ,” emphasized the bishop, who was installed as the sixth bishop of Memphis in April 2019.

Guided by the theme, “That All May Be One” [Jn 17:21], the Memphis Diocese celebrated its 50th anniversary with its first eucharistic congress, held at the city’s downtown Renasant Convention Center the evening of Oct. 8 and all day Oct. 9. The congress — and the anniversary celebration — was delayed a full year by the arrival of COVID-19, and the havoc it caused. Passion and a sense of purpose were evident nonetheless — and in great abundance. The diocese in western Tennessee was established June

A pall-covered vault containing ashes of the deceased awaits burial before an All Souls’ Day rite of committal in 2019 at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn, Md. —CNS photo/courtesy Archdiocese of Baltimore Office of Cemeteries

gets punted down the line.” The burial or entombment of remains can provide some closure, Father Carrion said. It also allows other relatives and loved ones to visit a burial site to pray and pay respects, which they would not do if the remains are at a private home.

‘We are called to discover Christ in poor,’ pope reminds faithful before visit to event in Fatima

nary Time — was scelebrated Nov. 14 this year and focuses on a verse, “The poor you will always have with you” (Mk 14:7). In his message for the 2021 celebration, Pope Francis wrote: “We are called to discover Christ in them [the poor], to lend them our voice in their causes, but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to understand them and to welcome the mysterious wisdom that God wants to communicate to us through them.”

—CNS photo/Karen Pulfer Focht

20, 1970, and has a Catholic population of 70,000. The “Opening Mass for All” was celebrated Oct. 8 by retired Memphis Bishop J. Terry Steib, who was the diocese’s fourth bishop and its first African American shepherd. He headed the diocese for 23 years, retiring in 2016.

Cardinal describes pope’s encylical as ‘road map’ for engaging in critical social issues

WASHINGTON — In a dialogue that hinted at the themes of the 2023 Synod of Bishops, a panel of young leaders and Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory looked at the Scriptural call that forms the central thesis of Pope Francis’ 2020 encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti.” It is the question asked of Jesus by his followers, “Who is my neighbor?” Cardinal Gregory said the encyclical is a road map by Pope Francis for how to engage in the most critical social issues of our time.

And that begins with dialogue, he said Oct. 7 in the first of three gatherings this fall on how “Fratelli Tutti,” calls young people to aid “our wounded church and broken world.” The series is a joint project of the Archdiocese of Washington and the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University. Scholas Occurrentes — a project of the pope’s aimed at developing young adults’ commitment to the common good — also assisted with the arrangements for the program.

Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory, top right, is seen in an Oct. 7 screen grab of a virtual discussion on “Who Is My Neighbor?” It was organized by the Archdiocese of Washington and the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University.

Also pictured in the top row are Muzhgan Azizy, a refugee from Afghanistan now in the United States, left, and Anna Gordon, the initiative’s project manager. In bottom row are, from left, Juan Aznaran, the partnerships manager for the Newcomer Network of Catholic Charities in the Washington Archdiocese; Gerald Smith Jr., principal at St. Thomas More Catholic Academy in Washington; and Omayma El Ella, project associate for the Just and Inclusive Society Project at Democracy Fund.

—CNS screen grab/Andrew Biraj, Catholic Standard

NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis prepared for his celebration of the World Day of the Poor by spending time listening to and praying with 500 poor people from across Europe, who gathered in Assisi in November, the Vatican said. The pope had what the Vatican described as “a private meeting” with his special guests Nov. 12 at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi, said the announcement.

The World Day of the Poor — marked each year on the 33rd Sunday of Ordi-

Retired Bishop J. Terry Steib of Memphis, Tenn., celebrates Mass Oct. 8 at the Renasant Convention Center in that city during the diocese’s eucharistic congress.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Pope Francis greets people during a meeting with the poor in the archbishop’s residence in Assisi, Italy, in this Oct. 4, 2013, file photo. The pope was scheduled to travel to Assisi Nov. 12 for a time of listening and prayer with 500 poor people from several countries.

—CNS photo/Paul Haring

WORLD & NATION

WORLD & NATION

6 OUR DIOCESE

Diocese begins two-year synod Continued from page 3

“These good ambassadors in our diocesan pastoral council met beforehand and we charted out how we are going to do this journey together. We will be doing this for the next five or six months in our diocese.

There will be opportunities for us to journey together, to listen to one another in the Holy Spirit, and see what the Lord might be asking of us today so we can respond more fully to him, to remake our earth, our diocese. That is the mission of the Holy Spirit: to renew the face of the earth.”

Bishop Checchio informed the congregation that, over the next six months, the diocese will offer numerous opportunities for its people to gather in prayer, including Forty Hours Adoration in each deanery and listening sessions to see how the Holy Spirit is enabling the people to respond as Jesus’ disciples. “It is only by drawing close to him in prayer that we will know what to say and be transformed to do what he says,” the bishop told them.

At the end of the six months, the diocese and each American diocese will send a report with their recommendations to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for compilation.

Next, the Holy Father has requested the seven continents of the world to unite and review their continent’s reports before forwarding them to Rome, where in

“There will be opportunities for us to journey together, to listen to one another in the Holy Spirit, and see what the Lord might be asking of us today so we can respond more fully to him, to remake our earth, our diocese.”

— Bishop James F. Checchio October 2023 Pope Francis and bishops will analyze the results.

“They will come up with some documents, some vision for what we might be able to do better, to be more effective as Jesus’ disciples,” Bishop Checchio said.

Concluding with the request for prayer that the Holy Spirit might accomplish his goals for the synodal journey, he added, “We should recommit ourselves to be people of prayer. It is such a beautiful thing that the Lord chooses to meet us.

We need to fortify ourselves to stay close to our Lord, and I am so grateful to be on this journey with you.”

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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

Top of page, Bishop James F. Checchio prays at the Synod Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Asssisi Oct. 16.

Father Timothy A. Christy, Cathedral rector (left), and Deacon J.P. Saggese, who exercises his ministry at the Cathedral, are also shown with Bishop Checchio. The bishop presided at the liturgy and gave the homily. Above, concelebrants from parishes in the diocese pray during the consecration.

Right, clergy, deacons and altar servers process down the center aisle of the Cathedral at the close of the liturgy.

— Mike Ehrmann photos

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7 OUR DIOCESE

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

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8 OUR DIOCESE

Youth

in diocese deepen faith at annual gathering

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Kyra Stevko Correspondent HILLSBOROUGH — “Gratefully, we have the best youth in the country,” Bishop James F. Checchio said in his opening remarks at the diocese’s annual Youth Day at St. Joseph Parish Oct. 23.

Bishop Checchio had been speaking about a conversation he had with Pope Francis while in Rome a week before, responding to a question about how the youth were handling the pandemic. The bishop continued to paraphrase Pope Francis, stating that the pontiff had wanted him to “tell the young people not to be afraid to give themselves to Jesus” and that “Jesus wants nothing from them, he just wants to be with them and to accompany them, to assist them throughout their lives.”

The event, dedicated to the youth aged 13 to 17, began with Bishop Checchio greeting some of the more than 40 attendees with fist bumps. Before leaving, the bishop gave his blessing and prayed with the youth. “[Lastly I want to] bless our efforts this morning, and bless all the young people in our diocese, especially those who are struggling at this time,” he said.

Youth Day, which was organized by Megan Vantslot, director, diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, included games and activities for spiritual growth.

The theme of the event was “All Things New” and focused on the scripture from Revelation 21:5, “Behold, I make all things new.”

“After the past year and a half I think we’re all craving newness,” said Vantslot about the goal of the event and the questions it sought to answer. “However, to be made truly new, we need to allow Jesus to come into our struggles and meet us there in his mercy. This sounds nice, but what does this actually look like? How do I invite Jesus into my frustrations?”

After the bishop’s visit, the event continued with Jeffrey Beer Jr. and Rachael Flanagan of Fiat Ventures leading activities such as a fun icebreaker, Kahoot trivia about St Joseph, music worship in which attendees sang and danced to songs such as “Trading My Sorrows” [Yes Lord] and “Deep Cries Out” before

the keynote address by Gene Zannetti and and a witness by Mark Brenner. They spoke about growing up Catholic and practicing their faith, but not truly understanding why they believed in God – a question many young people face.

Zannetti, the owner of Wrestling Mindset, spoke about the topics: “5 Proofs of the Existence of God” and the “Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary.”

He then spoke about what life is like after the acceptance of God. “Once it makes sense, now you have to choose.

You can’t say I believe Jesus is the truth, but I’m going to live however I want,” he said.

Continued on page 9

Top of page, Gene Zannetti, the owner of Wrestling Mindset, gives the keynote address at the diocese’s annual Youth Day at St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough.

Zannetti spoke about the topics: “5 Proofs of the Existence of God” and the “Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary.” Above, some of the more than 40 attendees participate in a small group discussion. Youth Day was organized by Megan Vantslot, director, diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

— Mike Ehrmann photos

Zannetti, whose brother, Father Gregory J. Zannetti, is a parochial vicar at St. James Parish, Basking Ridge, noted that you can still play competitive sports and have significant others after accepting God into your life, you just have to follow some rules. Although it might feel strange to say grace or stop doing certain things amongst peers, “Confidence and mental toughness can be hard, but it is also very rewarding,” he said.

He also pointed out that confidence, in its Latin roots, means to trust, and if you trust in God you will prosper.

Brenner, a senior at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, spoke about how he strayed from God in his first couple years of college. “Walking with Jesus is hard sometimes. We have a lot of pressure from the world to conform to the world,” he said.

However, despite momentarily growing apart from God, he came to find “Jesus loves you and will always welcome you back” and “no matter your sinfulness, no matter your brokenness, no matter what you’ve done in life or where you are in life, [Jesus] wants to make you a new creation.”

After the talks, attendees were given time to reflect in groups before lunch.

OUR DIOCESE

Continued from page 8

9

Diocese’s annual Youth Day includes speakers, music, discussion, Mass

The day continued with group competitions, guided prayer and music worship and concluded at a Mass celebrated

by Father Zannetti.

Left, some of the attendees of the diocese’s annual Youth Day at St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, discuss what they heard in presentations by speakers. Right, Mark Brenner, a senior at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, discusses his faith journey.

— Mike Ehrmann photos

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10 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Annual gathering for priests from diocese resumes at shore

By Christina Leslie Correspondent SPRING LAKE — “We [priests] are the greatest resource each other has in this time,” declared Msgr. Joseph M. Curry, director, diocesan Office of Ministry to Priests, about the annual three-day convocation for priests. “[It] is a graced moment.”

Priests from the diocese gathered to refresh body and soul while celebrating their fraternal bonds at the convocation, which was held Oct. 12-14 at The Breakers on the Ocean. It was the first such meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019.

The convocation addressed the spiritual and the sacred, with the priests participating in Morning and Evening Prayer, Eucharistic adoration and the sacrament of reconciliation.

A mobile unit from Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, offered flu shots, health screenings and the opportunity to speak with doctors and pharmacists.

On Oct. 14, Bishop James F. Checchio concelebrated an afternoon Mass with the clergy celebrating milestones at St. Margaret Church. Marking their silver anniversary were Father Joseph Kabali, parochial vicar, St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Edison; Father James A. Kyrpczak, pastor, St. Joseph Parish, High Bridge, and Father Ronald Machado, pastor, Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy.

Clergy celebrating 40 years of service are: Father William J. Smith, pastor, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Port Reading; Carmelite Father Sebastian Kaithackal, in residence, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords; and Father Wladyslaw Wiktorek, parochial vicar, Holy Family Parish, New Brunswick.

Msgr. James P. Moroney, author of “The Mass Explained” and host of “The New and Eternal Word” on Catholic TV, gave the keynote address. Msgr. Moroney, who also serves as director, Office of Worship, for the Diocese of Worcester, Mass., discussed “The Priest and the Liturgy: Toward an Ars Celebrandi,” stressing that both prayer and the poor must

Shepherd of Metuchen elected to key positions at USCCB

At the priest convocation, Bishop James F. Chechio poses with Msgr. John N. Fell, far left, director, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel; Msgr. Edward C. Puleo, far right, episcopal vicar, diocesan Vicariate for Clergy and Consecrated Life, and clergy celebrating milestones in their priesthood (from left): Father Joseph Kabali, Father William J. Smith, Father James A. Kyrpczak, Carmelite Father Sebastian Kaithackal, Father Walter Wiktorek amd Father Ronald Machado at St. Margaret Church. — photo courtesy of Msgr. Joseph M. Curry define and reflect the priesthood.

In the Prayer of Ordination, the speaker reminded his brother priests, the bishop prays on behalf of the newly ordained that he “be joined with us, Lord, in imploring your mercy for the people entrusted to his care and for all the world.”

Msgr. Moroney concluded, “Sustaining the Ars Celebrandi, then, is all about no longer wishing to break the appointment. Morning by evening, winter by spring, to pray. To pray the liturgy of the Church with your whole heart and soul, the Mass, the sacraments and the breviary…and to pray for the people in the quiet of your room. To be a friend to Jesus, and to his mother, as well.”

In his homily during morning Mass celebrated Oct. 14 at St. Margaret

Church, Msgr. Curry, who also serves as parochial vicar, Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, noted Msgr. Moroney’s reference to the Lord as a priest’s faithful friend and treasure to whom they have committed their lives.

“Great priests who have gone before us told me that they found this faithful friend, they committed their lives to a treasure they found, it changed them, it gave them hope and made their lives different,” he said. “They showed us the wonder of committing your life to that great treasure, the priesthood. It enlivens us. Just look at him, and let him look at us. He likes what he sees.”

Msgr. Curry continued, “There is always joy in the simplest of times. Just because we have no individual connection to any one significant person, it doesn’t

mean we are not a member of a family. I believe one of the secrets is to rediscover the faithful friend, the pearl the treasure I was willing to change my life for…

“We show the people the power of the faithful friend, the gift of the great treasure and the will to help them discover it. They never take that for granted and neither should we.”

“As the bishop said, this is the first time in two years we have gotten together,” said Father Thomas J. Serafin, pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges.

“This gathering is important.”

Carmelite Father Pauly Thekkan, chaplain at RWJ Barnabas, Somerset, noted, “This is fraternity. We know each other.

This is pastoral. We learn to work through our own limitations when we come together.

This is unity and fraternity.”

BALTIMORE — Bishop James F. Checchio was elected treasurer and chairman of the Committee on Budget and Finance at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) November General Assembly, their first in person meeting in two years in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bishop Checchio was elected to the positions by a vote of 135 to 106 over Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle on Nov. 16. Bishop Checchio had been a member of the Committee on Budget and Finance and is also a member of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. He also chairs the Audit Subcommittee for Budget

and Finance as well as the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.

The bishops also elected chairmen of five standing committees. The elected bishops will serve for one year as the treasurer-elect or as committee chairman-elect before beginning a three-year term that begins at the conclusion of the bishops’ 2022 Fall General Assembly. The bishops also elected three members to the Board of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and a general secretary for the Conference.

Bishop Earl A. Boyea of Lansing as chairman-elect of the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations in

a 137-103 vote over Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver.

Bishop Steven J. Lopes of Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter as chairman-elect of the Committee on Divine Worship in a 121-120 vote over Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of St. Louis.

Archbishop Borys Gudziak of Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, as chairman-elect of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development in a 125-116 vote over Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, Ill.

11

OUR DIOCESE

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

12 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Parish begins celebration of its centennial anniversary at Mass

By Christina Leslie Correspondent OLD BRIDGE — “We rest upon the firm foundation given to us by former pastors, priests, religious, benefactors and parishioners … who answered the call given to them by God to serve his people here in Old Bridge,” declared Father Jerome Johnson at the start of the 100th anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

“We give thanks to all them who have made it possible for us to face the future with hope and confidence as we now strive to do what they did: to carry out the Church’s mission to lead the people to a real relationship with Jesus by devout worship and the sacramental life of parish, prayer, fellowship and service.”

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

In his homily, the bishop recalled the temerity of the apostles James and John, who asked Jesus to sit at his right and left hand in heaven. Standing in the sanctuary beneath the mammoth wooden sculpture of St. Thomas encountering the Risen Christ, he reminded the congregation, “The Gospels were not sanitized.

The apostles give us great encouragement, because they were flawed like we are. Being in Jesus’ presence transformed them over time, and being in Jesus’ presence transforms us.”

Reflecting upon the parish’s century of faith, the bishop said, “Thank God for the generous woman who gave the land for that first parish to be built, and those who built the first church and school… so we can come and be in God’s presence through the Mass. He can take away the flaws.

“The Gospel pays tribute to what a parish is to do: to bring us together so that our faith is Biblically based and sacramentally energized, and to propel us to do the work of service. This parish has done so well for so many years. Stay close to Jesus and let him transform you into the person he needs you to be, right here in Old Bridge in 2021.”

According to its website, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, which has about 4,500 registered families, traces its beginnings to 1921 with the construction of a mission church of Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville. Twenty years later, Diocese of Trenton Bishop William A. Griffin established it as an independent parish with Father James S. Foley as pastor. Over time, its contin-

ued growth enabled the launch of new parishes: Corpus Christi, South River; Immaculate Conception, Spotswood; St. Bartholomew, East Brunswick, and St. Ambrose, Old Bridge.

The parish’s second pastor, Father Walter A. French, bought 11.7 acres of land in what was then Madison Township on Route 18 in 1957 to serve as the site for a new church and school, which opened in September 1959 with an enrollment of 154 children. In 1961, the parish achieved its goal to purchase a 66-passenger school bus; it took the faith community 18 months to acquire and paste $5 million S&H Green Stamps into books.

Designated in 2018 as a National Blue Ribbon School, the parochial institution currently serves about 400 children.

Subsequent pastors included Father (later Msgr.) John B. Syzmanski (19732007), Msgr. Richard Behl (2007-2016); Father Jerome A. Johnson (2017-present).

In an interview following the anniversary Mass, Father Johnson shared the parish’s goals for its physical plant: to install solar panels on the school’s roof, pave the large parking lot and schedule major plumbing and heating repairs.

Calling the congregation “enthusiastic and involved,” he detailed its slow but steady return to active ministerial life post-COVID. The parish’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul chapter was renamed the Msgr.

Behl Aid Society in honor of their late beloved pastor. They receive food deliveries twice weekly from a local grocer for distribution to the poor. The Knights of Columbus have been quite helpful, the pastor reported, and the parish’s “Fun Raising Committee” conducts regular picnics, luaus, and an Oktoberfest gathering.

In addition, “We have conducted two ‘call brigades’ where volunteers have called each family in the parish twice during the pandemic just to check on them,” Father Johnson said. “We have a great ethnic mix of parishioners who work together: Anglo, Indian, Sri Lankan, Filipino, Hispanic. It’s been a blessing.”

Above, Bishop James F. Checchio (at microphone), welcomes the faithful to St. Thomas the Apostle Church at the start of a Mass to begin a celebration of the 100th anniversary of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. Center right, Bishop Checchio, who presided at the Mass, gives the homily; center left, Father Jerome A. Johnson, the parish’s fifth pastor, addresses the congregation. Below, signs welcome visitors to the parish, which also serves about 400 children in in its parochial school. The school opened its doors in September 1959 with an enrollment of 154 students.

— Frank Wojciechowski photos

13 OUR DIOCESE

Major Milestones Above, Bishop James F. Checchio, center, poses with religious women celebrating significant anniversaries in consecrated service in 2021. They were honored at a Mass, presided by Bishop Checchio, at St. Cecelia Church, Iselin, Sept. 23. Shown with their anniversary year, first row, from left: Mercy Sister Rita McGurk (75), Mercy

Sister Faith Moore (75), Mercy Sister Valerie Balbach (80), Mercy Sister Loraine Wolliard (60), Mercy Sister Lee Ann Amico (60) and Christian Charity Sister Martha Garzon. Back row, from left: Vocationist Father Cyril Adim Offiong, parochial vicar, St. Cecilia Parish; Mercy Sister Mary Gomolka (70), Mercy Sister Kathleen Curnyn

(60), Mercy Sister Kathleen McDonnell (60), Mercy Sister Alice Swartz (60), Vocationist Sister Ermelita Gella (25), Vocationist Sister Lucia Spinelli (60) and Father Deniskingsley Nwagwu, administrator. Not shown: Mercy Sister Michaelita Popovice (60) and Christian Charity Sister Marie Colette Martelli (60).

Above, jubilarians listen to the homily at Mass at St. Cecelia Church. Below, Bishop Checchio distributes communion to altar servers.

— Marlo Williamson photos

Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

retiredreligious.org Visit retiredreligious.org/2021photos to meet the religious pictured.

©2021 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC • All rights reserved • Photo: Jim Judkis

Please donate at your local parish December 11–12 or by mail at:

National Religious Retirement Office/MET 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194

Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

Like the women and men religious shown here, thousands of elderly sisters, brothers, and religious order priests spent decades ministering in Catholic schools, hospitals, and more—usually for little pay. Today, many religious communities struggle to care for aging members due to a lack of retirement savings. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious helps provide nursing care, medicine, and other necessities. Please be generous.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Retirement Fund for Religious

14 OUR DIOCESE

Parish opens doors to convent for consecrated religious sisters St. James Parish, Basking Ridge, recently announced the opening of a newly renovated convent for the Sisters of Christian Charity who serve at the parish and its parochial school.

On Oct. 26, Msgr. Sylvester J. Cronin, pastor, presided at a Mass at the convent. Father Gregory J. Zannetti, parochial vicar, and Msgr. William Fadrowski, a retired priest in residence, concelebrated.

At the end of the liturgy, the Blessed Sacrament was placed in the tabernacle for the first time in the convent.

In his homily, Msgr. Cronin noted that when the sisters were invited to St. James in 2015, Sister Mary Edward Spohrer, then-provincial superior, said there were no sisters available, and that the parish had to pray, get out of the way, and let the Holy Spirit work, which they did.

“Having religious sisters living on our campus is historic,” Msgr. Cronin said. “The last time religious women lived on the property of St. James, Basking Ridge, was in 2000. The Felician Sisters of Lodi were in ministry here from 1964 to June 2000.”

The Sisters of Christian Charity have been in ministry at St. James since 2016. There are six sisters on staff with four of them living in the convent: Sister Joann Marie Aumand, provincial superior, and Sister Esther Falzone, a member of the provincial council, attended the Mass. A reception followed.

For more information about the founder of the order and its beginning, visit their website https://scceast.org.

The Sisters of Christian Charity invite any woman who may be discerning a call to Consecrated Religious Life to contact them.

Posing for a photo after Mass at the newly renovated convent at St. James Parish, front row, from left: Christian Charity Sister Elena Pierce, first grade teacher at St. James School; Christian Charity Sister Annelyth Pandi, local leader and parish catechetical leader for grades six to eight; Christian Charity Sister Faustina Nguyen, pastoral associate; and Msgr. William Fadrowski, retired priest in residence at St. James Parish. Back row, from left, Christian Charity Sister Marie Luu, parish catechetical leader for grades one to five at St. James School; Father Gregory J. Zannetti, parochial vicar; Msgr. Sylvester J. Cronin, pastor; Christian Charity Sister Joann Marie Aumand, provincial superior, Mendham.

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— photo courtesy of St. James Parish

Parochial school’s cross country team outruns competition St. James School, Basking Ridge, capped a league-first undefeated season with a sweep at the four components of the Championship race at Oak Ridge Park, Clark., Nov. 7.

The school accomplished the sweep despite having some of its top runners unable to compete.

In the scoring races, which started with the girls junior varsity, St. James

took five of the top 10 places to win that title. St. James’ Riley Bevevino finished third to win a bronze medal.

In the boys junior varsity race, St. James won four of the top ten places to win that title. St. James’ Kaden Pye finished second and Liam Johnson third.

In the boys varsity race St. James was led by fifth-grader Eddie Collins, who was asked to move up in order to fill

a slot that was vacated by captain Chase Lynch, who was unable to compete. Eddie finished fifth and his brother, Dylan, finished sixth.

In the girls varsity race, St. James seventh-grader Caroline Naulty was followed closely by Ella Lawlor and Meaghan Wizeman rounded out the top 10.

By winning all four components of

the Championships, St. James became the first team to sweep all duals, win all the invitationals and take all the races at the Championships.

St. James coach Matthew Wizeman noted, “You are only as good as your final scorer. Without a complete team effort you lose. No matter how good your elite runners are, you need depth to win.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

— Marlo Williamson photo

OUR DIOCESE

Bishop James F. Checchio raises the Eucharist at Mass at Holy Trinity Church, Bridgewater, Oct. 31. According to Catholic teaching, the bread and wine, upon consecration, become the body and blood of Christ.

Oratorian Father Jeffrey M. Calia, pastor, Holy Trinity Parish, concelebrates.

And in his Nov. 16 presentation of the 26-page statement titled “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church,” Bishop Rhoades said it “addresses the fundamental doctrine about the Eucharist that the church needs to retrieve and revive.”

In his short presentation to U.S. bishops, followed by just a handful of comments from the floor, the bishop said the document is addressed to all Catholics in the United States and “endeavors to explain the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of the church.”

He also said it is intended to be a theological contribution to the bishops’ strategic plan and to the bishops’ planned eucharistic revival “by providing a doctrinal resource for parishes, catechists and the faithful.”

Discussion from the floor included a request from Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces, N.M., that the document include more about the paschal mystery, or the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Bishop Richard F. Stika of Knoxville, Tenn., wondered how the document would be understood by college students, high schoolers or children, noting that “a lot of it’s over their heads” and they would have to have some kind of theological foundation to grasp it.

“We have these beautiful, beautiful documents that sometimes are just ignored,” he said, suggesting that it should be made “more readable and understandable.”

In response, Bishop Rhoades said the document “as it stands is really meant for adults,” but he could see it being used in high schools with a teacher who would explain it better. He also said it could be developed by publishers as a resource for catechesis for grade school students.

The draft of the document explains the importance of Communion, often calling it a gift, and uses references from Scripture, prayers of the church and Second Vatican Council documents to back this up. It also explains, citing words of the saints, how Communion is not just a symbol but the real presence of Christ.

This transformation of bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, the document says, is “one of the central mysteries of the Catholic faith” which is a “doorway through which we, like the saints and mystics before us, may enter into a deeper perception” of God’s presence.

It notes, almost halfway through, that the Vatican II document “Lumen Gentium” (The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church) describes the Eucharist as “the source and summit of the Christian life.” It also says that as Catholics understand what the Eucharist means, they should more fully participate in Mass and also reach out to serve those in need, citing the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which says: “The Eucharist commits us to the poor.”

It concludes with examples of saints who were transformed by their reception of the Eucharist and their deep understanding of what it means.

15

The draft of the document explains the importance of Communion, often calling it a gift... ...how Communion is not just a symbol but the real presence of Christ.

BALTIMORE (CNS) — The U.S. bishops approved their statement on the Eucharist with 222 “yes” votes Nov. 17, the second of two days of public sessions during their Nov. 15-18 fall general assembly.

Their OK came a day after their discussion of the document — a discussion that took a drastically different tone than their previous debate about what the document could potentially contain during their virtual assembly five months ago.

At that June gathering, a major focus highlighted whether it would address denying Communion to Catholic politicians who support abortion.

Some bishops said a strong rebuke of President Joe Biden, the nation’s second Catholic president, should be included in it because of Biden’s recent actions protecting and expanding abortion access, while others warned that this would portray the bishops as a partisan force during a time of bitter political divisions across the country.

The document the bishops discussed and approved does not specifically call out Catholic political leaders, but it does more generally point out the seriousness of the sacrament.

The discussion, just prior to the vote, focused on some of the statement’s wording. Specific amendments were approved and additional comments about wording changes that were raised on the floor did not.

One of the bishops, for example, wanted to add the word “etcetera” after a list of vulnerable people the Church was responsible for in order to show its broad inclusion, but the bishops, who had already added to the list to include the unborn, chose not to add the additional descriptor.

As points of discussion, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., outgoing chairman of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee, stressed the prelates must not forget the responsibility they have to “take care of the souls” of Catholic politicians who do not publicly support church teaching on abortion.

And Bishop Donald E. DeGrood of Sioux Falls, S.D., noted that there is a healthy tension for the bishops, to call out what isn’t right but to do so in love and to be united as they find ways to apply this new document in their dioceses.

The document on the Eucharist states: “One should not celebrate Mass or receive holy Communion in the state of mortal sin without having sought the sacrament of reconciliation and received absolution.”

It also says that if a Catholic in his or her personal life has “knowingly and obstinately” rejected the doctrines of the Church or its teaching on moral issues, that person should refrain from receiving Communion because it is “likely to cause scandal for others.”

Back in June, at the end of the bishops’ discussion of the document, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind., chairman of the bishops’ doctrine committee, said the draft would not focus on denying Communion to people but would emphasize the importance of the sacrament.

16 OUR DIOCESE

Faithful worship again fully at liturgy for Hispanic community

By Kyra Stevko Correspondent METUCHEN — After a challenging year of limited in-person gatherings and worship, parishioners from throughout the diocese gathered Oct. 15 for the annual Hispanic Heritage Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.

Included in the more than 300 worshipers were many families and groups of individuals from various parishes coming together to celebrate their faith and their heritage. They were invited by Bishop James F. Checchio in conjunction with the diocesan Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry.

The Mass was celebrated in Spanish

by Oratorian Father John Fredy TrianaBeltran, vice rector, Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan Borough.

Priests from the diocese concelebrated, and deacons assisted. More than a dozen priests from parishes with large populations of families of Hispanic descent were among the attendees.

“We’re so grateful for you, your dedication to the faith, to the Church, especially to our Blessed Mother, your warm hospitality that you show and your love of family.”

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— Bishop James F. Checchio

The Mass began with more than a dozen individuals approaching the altar carrying decorated banners representing the congregations that were present to proudly celebrate their love of God, their procession enhanced by a beautiful Spanish hymn.

After receiving Communion, the choir began a joyful song announcing various Central or South American countries’ titles for Mary. The congregation stood and began waving flags that had been given to the attendees as they entered the cathedral. Each flag showed a different country in which Spanish is the primary language.

Many individuals began dancing and swaying in the pews as a procession of men and women, dressed in ethnic clothes, carried down the aisle various Marian images whose origins reflected the countries and songs being sung. As each country of origin was announced, a different picture of the Blessed Mother was raised proudly for all to see, each

image unique and beautiful.

In his closing remarks, Bishop Checchio said, “I want to thank you for being here tonight at Mass. I want to thank you more importantly for all you do for our diocese and our Latino community tonight,” he said, noting the contributions the Latino community provides to the parish.

“We’re so grateful for you, your dedication to the faith, to the Church, especially to our Blessed Mother, your warm hospitality that you show and your love of family. It’s a great example for all to see.”

The choir then sang the closing hymn to Our Lady of Guadalupe, leaving those in the congregation to gather and talk with one another, many lingering long after the hymn was over.

Outside, a variety of authentic Hispanic foods that had been prepared by some parishioners were available to the attendees, who continued to talk in groups.

Top of page, priests from the diocese are shown at the Hispanic Heritage Mass, which was celebrated in Spanish, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. Left, a worshiper holds a flag from Chile, one of the flags from Central or South America that were given to the faithful as they entered the Cathedral. Center, Bishop James F. Checchio accepts the Communion gifts. Right, Oratorian Father John Fredy Triana-Beltran, vice rector, Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan Borough, gives the homily. The liturgy included a procession of the faithful carrying banners with the image of the Blessed Mother. After Mass outside the Cathedral, worshipers socialized and ate food from Hispanic cultures that were prepared by some parishioners.

— Frank Wojciechowski photos

Angela Beatz, who attended the Mass with her mother and three children, said she had been coming to the liturgy “for the past few years” and that “it was nice to resume the normal processions,” which had been limited the previous year because of precautions related to the COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic. The Marian images

were something she was glad returned.

Fellow parishioner Andres agreed, stating that the Marian procession “was [his] favorite part.”

Large groups of people could be seen talking and laughing outside the cathedral for a half hour, relishing their shared faith and heritage and the community of which they are a part.

OUR DIOCESE

By Christina Leslie Correspondent PERTH AMBOY — Our Lady of Fatima Church was filled to overflowing Sept.

19 as its members knelt to pray the rosary. Its pews were bedecked with silver and gold bows; its sanctuary was crowded with dozens of roses of many hues, and statues depicting the Blessed Mother were also lovingly adorned to celebrate a half-century of joyful and reverent worship.

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the golden anniversary Mass in the little church just blocks from Raritan Bay. Assisting him were Claretian Father Gilles D. Njobam, pastor; and fellow members of the Claretian Missionaries who had been invaluable assets during the faith community’s foundation.

440, then-pastor Father Raymond Bianchi acquired an apartment building on Smith Street; its large garage was used as a chapel and was dedicated by Bishop George Ahr in 1968. That building remained in use until the Sept. 18, 1971, dedication of the current church on Smith Street.

Our Lady of Fatima ministers in a bilingual capacity to approximately 1,400 families, the majority of which are of Hispanic descent from nearly every Latin American nation.

Individuals who had been instrumental in the design, construction and funding of the church stood to applause; one trustee revealed that a loan of $1.25 million from Bishop Ahr was repaid

— Frank Wojciechowski photos

within two years. “He gave us a large loan with a lot of trust,” the man said, “and our commitment never failed.”

Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin J. Caba read a proclamation that declared Our Lady of Fatima Parish “a community of faith, a spirit of unity and a bond of peace for many generations to come.”

“Nosotros somos la iglesia [We are the Church],” Father Njobam reminded the congregation.

NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

According to the parish website, Bishop William Griffin of the Diocese of Trenton welcomed the Claretian Missionaries to New Jersey in 1945 to minister to the newly-arrived Spanishspeaking braceros, or railroad workers.

Focusing their efforts in the city of Perth Amboy, the diocese purchased houses in the neighborhood as social clubs and for worship by the Hispanic, and, later, Portuguese populations.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish was officially incorporated in New Jersey in December 1960, though it had already been canonically erected in 1952. When Perth Amboy decided to raze the chapel on Laurence Street to make way for Route

Top of page, members of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Perth Amboy, gathered at Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church Sept. 19 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the building. Above, Bishop James F. Checchio (right), who presided at the liturgy, is shown with Claretian Father Gilles D. Njobam, pastor, welcoming the faithful. Below left, Bishop Checchio greets the parish choir and then a member of the congregation. Left side of page, Father Njobam speaks to the faithful. The parish, which was canonically erected in 1952, serves about 1,400 families, the majority of which are of Hispanic descent. The parish also offers a food pantry for the needy and celebrates Mass at at the Alameda Center for Rehabilitation & Healthcare for senior citizens in Perth Amboy.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Standing in the ambo across from a gold banner proclaiming the parish’s cornerstone, “Many Cultures, One Faith,” Bishop Checchio reflected upon the Gospel of Mark (9:30-37), which describes the disciples’ arguments about which of them was the greatest.

“Jesus told them not to argue who was the greatest, but who could serve better,” the bishop began. “Jesus transformed them into great saints, and he wants to do the same for you and me.

“We are Jesus’ closest friends, his disciples in 2021 in Perth Amboy,” he continued. “His mission is our mission.

He wants us to do the same thing -- to reach out to those who are hurting, to those who need assistance, to the captive, to those who are hungry. We are the Body of Christ.”

Reflecting upon the half-century of service by the parish named for Our Lady, he continued, “This is a great celebration of 50 years of people coming to this building because of Jesus. The closest we can be with him in our daily lives is to receive the Eucharist. It sustains us and fills us up.”

Bishop Checchio thanked Father Njobam and the other Claretian missionaries for their creativity and perseverance during the pandemic, and urged the congregation to “stay faithful to the Eucharist, to the Mass. Stay close to Jesus.

We will be transformed.”

17

Church built for spiritual needs of railroad workers marks milestone

18 OUR DIOCESE

Couples celebrating their milestone wedding anniversaries last year during the pandemic or this year, together with their family and friends, filled the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, Oct. 17, for the diocese’s Silver and Gold prayer service. A poignant moment in the evening service came as the couples, three pictured here, renewed their commitment to one another as they recited their wedding vows. Each couple also had a photo taken with Bishop James F. Checchio, who presided at the liturgy and gave the homily. In his homily, the bishop told the couples “you have made God present in our Church and in our world and that is a great gift you have given to us.” In remarks at the end of the service, Cristina D’Averso Collins, director, diocesan Office of Family Life, told the 126 couples gathered at the Cathedral, they were being honored for being a profound witness to the sacrificial love of Christ.

— John Batkowski photos

Married couples honored for being ‘visible signs’ of God

NOVEMBER 25, 2021 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor METUCHEN – After 50 years of marriage, Paul and Barbara Gallo have a perspective of the sacrament that not many couples live long enough to experience.

Speaking after attending an evening prayer service for couples in the diocese celebrating their 25th, 50th, 60th, 65th and 69th wedding anniversaries, the Gallos stressed the importance of their Catholic faith as a key reason for the longevity of their marriage.

In addition, the Gallos, who are members of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Milltown, added a few more reasons.

“Patience. Understanding,” Barbara said.

Paul, a former New York City police officer, noted with a smile, “I say, ‘Yes ma’am.’”

“Working together through the hard times,” he added.

As for any advice they would give to a couple that is engaged to be married, both referred back to faith in God. “In good times or bad, you thank the Lord for what you have, for forgiveness when you need it and help to do the right thing for your family,” Barbara said.

“Our parents both had long marriages so they were good role models and we try to be good role models for our children and grandchildren.”

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the liturgy, which was held Oct. 17 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.

Cristina D’Averso Collins, director, diocesan Office of Family Life, welcomed Bishop Checchio and the 126 couples with an excerpt from then-Pope, now St. John

Paul II’s Apostolic Exhortation, Familiaris Consortio.

“By virtue of the sacramentality of their marriage, spouses are bound to one another in the most profoundly indissoluble manner,” he wrote. “Their belonging to each other is the real representation, by means of the sacramental sign, of the very relationship of Christ with the Church.

“Spouses are therefore the permanent reminder to the Church of what happened on the Cross; they are for one another and for the children witnesses to the salvation in which the sacrament makes them sharers.

Of this salvation even marriage, like every sacrament, is a memorial, actuation and prophecy: ‘As a memorial, the sacrament gives them the grace and duty of commemorating the great works of God and of bearing witness to them before their children. As actuation, it gives them the grace and duty of putting into practice in the present, towards each other and their children, the demands of a love which forgives and redeems. As prophecy, it gives them the grace and duty of living and bearing witness to the hope of the future encounter with Christ.’” [32] In closing, D’Averso Collins said, “Today is a moment on your journey where you gather to renew your initial decision to enter into this great sacrament and thus become once again a profound witness to the sacrificial love of Christ. In celebrating with you today, we honor your commitment and express our deepest gratitude to you.

“Let us now enter into this celebration with grateful hearts for all of the Lord’s blessings.”

In his homily, Bishop Checchio said he always loved weddings and priests are so spoiled because they get to go to so many.

Manual and Severina Valdez, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Perth Amboy Gerard and Jeannette Vella, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Metuchen Dennis and Emily Vinciguerra, Good Shepherd Parish, Perth Amboy Anthony and Genevieve Virgilio, St. Brigid-St.Elizabeth Parish, Far Hills-Peapack Stephanie and Joseph Volpe, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords Michael and Catherine White, Transfiguration of Our Lard Parish, Highland Park Eddie and Bettina Willis, St. Luke Parish, North Plainfield Robert and Claire Zaborowski, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Thomas and Anna Zimmerman, St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Edison

65 Years

John and Patricia Hughes, Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale William and Virginia Kwiatkowski, Parish of the Visitation Parish, New Brunswick Joseph and Helen Resua, Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale

60 Years

Albert and Jean Kuchinskas, St. Helena, Edison Charles and Adeline Spinola, St. Lawrence Parish, Laurence Harbor Nicholas and Ophelia Teleck, Mary, Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough

26 Years

Reynaldo and Ana Rose Cruz, Queenship of Mary Parish, Plainsboro Arturo and Yamiris Marcano Colom, St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington Richard and Catherine Esposito, St. James, Woodbridge Ronald and Deborah Fischang, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Martinsville Richard M. and Pamela S. Houghton, St. Helena Parish, Edison Jules and Emily Laput, St. James Parish, Basking Ridge William and Lucy Lawrence, Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish, Middlesex Albert & Catherine Malone Lenhardt, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Gerardo and Ofelia Marquez, St. Bernard of Clairvauz Parish, Bridgewater Jorge and Angelica Diaz Martinez, St. Peter the Apostle University & Community Parish, New Brunswick Craig and Diane Neunert, St. John the Evangelist, Dunellen Rony and Marie Rojas Rojas, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway Manoj Loy and Saritha Pinto, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Mario and Rhodora Soriano, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge Romeo and Donna Tiu, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Windell and Tammy White, St. Bernadette Parish, Parlin

51 Years

Ernesto and Lourdes Averia, Transfiguration of the Lord Parish, Highland Park Russell and Janet Baker, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Pascasio and Angelica Banaria, Church of Sacred Heard of Jesus, South Plainfield John A. and Dorothea Borkowski, Blessed John Paul II Parish, Perth Amboy John W. and Mary Anne Budd Jr., St. Mary Parish, Alpha John and Florence Capriotti, St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Edison Angelo and Ida Corradino, Christ the Redeemer Parish, Manville Joseph and Victoria Catherine Fazio, St. Ann Parish, Hampton Michael and Judith Garni, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Joseph and Rosanna Gnudi, Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, South Plainfield Joseph and Barbara Ianelli, Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood Vincent and Catherine Iovine, St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater Daewood Peter & Jaesoung Theresa Lee, Our Lady of Mercy Parish, South Bound Brook John and Sharon Maher, Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville Christopher and Janet Malzone, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges Francis and Carole McKeever, St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook John and Maureen O’Brien (no parish listed) Joseph and Rose Ragucci, St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia William and Diane Satterthwaite, St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish, South River Frank & Laurie Tighe, St. Peter the Apostle University & Community Church, New Brunswick John and Karen Waldron, St. Helena Parish, Edison Ronald F. and Linda L. Wass, Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville

50 Years

“And today, I look out and see so many brides and grooms it certainly is a special day,” he continued. I can feel the love filling this Cathedral of St. Francis. It is moving to be here with you.”

Bishop Checchio said he was fortunate to witness the “sacrificial love” found in marriage by the witness of his parents, who were together for 58 years.

“They certainly had their disagreements, but they were quick to forgive, quick to renew their promise by their acts of love to one another and to us,” he said.

Bishop Checchio reminded the faithful of what the Church teaches about a sacra-

25 Years

Terence and Barbara Golda, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges Ferdinand Sr. and Celina Hamada, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Frank and Patricia Harris, Church of the Sacred Heart, South Plainfield Kevin and Patricia Higgins, St. Helena Parish, Edison John and Kathleen Hogan, St. James Parish, Woodbridge Blair and Rose Marie Hunter, St. James Parish, Basking Ridge John and Sandy Iacona, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Thomas and Paula Krieger, St. Andrew Parish, Avenel Aurelijus and Marilyn Kepenis, St. Matthias Parish, Somerset Robert and Linda Krupski, St. Lawrence Parish, Laurene Harbor Gregory and Christina Madlinger, St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater Andrew and Denise Mudrak, St. Joseph Parish, High Bridge Philip and Rose Marie Nardone, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bernardsville Stephen & Laura Nawrocki, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Hackettstown Robert and Edna Nellegar, Transfiguration of the Lord Parish, Highland Park Ramon and Olanda Nunez, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Perth Amboy Jaime and Virginia Quintong, St. Helena Parish, Edison Kenneth and Bernardine Revolinsky, St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Sayreville Reinert and Maureen Roaldsen, St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg Mel and Myrna Rodriguez, St. Augustine of Canterbury, Kendall Park Augusto and Aida Santos, St. Matthias Parish, Somerset Gregory and Grace Sconzo, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lambertville Michael and Barbara Smalley, Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish, Middlesex James M. and Lois Ann Smith, St. Bernadette Parish, Parlin Christopher and Diane Tomasello, Our Lady of the Mount Parish, Warren

ment, and how the seven sacraments “guarantee us an encounter with God.” “They are an outward sign of interior grace that God gives us,” he continued. “In the sacrament of marriage, the husband and wife are to make God present in the world through their faithful love of one another, by being true to their word, by trying to follow the faithful example of Jesus, who knew well the cost of true love. And we know where it landed – on the cross.

“Today I want to thank you, for you have been examples of that type of sacrificial love, and, hence, you have made God present in our Church and in our world and

James and Kathleen Baio, St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg Carlos and Sandra Bernal, St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg Mark and Elizabeth Caloza, Mary, Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough Bo and Kimberly Carlson, St. Stanislaus Parish, Sayreville David and Ann Marie Carrick, St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction Miguel and Nancy Carvalho, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Ford Isaias and Maria Angelica Segura Cruz, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Perth Amboy Patrick and Lisa Cusack, St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough Barry and Mary DeHart, St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Sayreville Leonard and Rosemarie DeToma, Most Holy Redeemer, Old Bridge/Matawan Edmund and Kimberly Domanowski, St. Jude Parish, Blairstown Brian and Tara Duggan, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Dunellen Mario Powell and Maria Perlie Fabella, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway Thomas and Susan Fiore, Our Lady of Peace Parish, North Brunswick Mino and Olga Gustavo, St. Philip & St. James Parish, Phillipsburg John and Sandy Iacona, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Ariel and Melissas Jacinto, St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Edison Dervis and Cathleen Magistre, Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood Francis and Mary Ann McGann, Our Lady of the Mount, Warren Jaime and Freda Magsino, St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction Ryan Richter & Mercedes Richter/DaLomba, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge Thomas and Andrea Rigatti, St. Joseph Parish, High Bridge Thomas and Rosa Oh, Our Lady of Mercy Parish, South Bound Brook Stephen and Marianne Tasy, Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale Michael and Ellen Walter, St. Lawrence Parish, Laurence Harbor

that is a great gift you have given to us.”

In closing, the bishop said: “Today, we thank God for all of you, for your witnessing to that love for us, a love that perseveres through sickness and health, though good times and bad, loving and honoring one another every day until God calls us to himself.

“We need this witness now probably now more than ever, and you give it to us.

“May God bless you and keep you, and from the Church of Metuchen we say, ‘Thank you for witnessing this to us. Thank you for making God visible to us through the sacrament.’”

After the jubilarians were presented, Bishop Checchio invited them to remember their pledge of love and fidelity they made to each other and to renew their commitment to the marriage covenant.

After an Episcopal Blessing, Bishop Checchio greeted each couple, then posed with them for a photo taken by a professional photographer. The couples received a copy of the photo paid for by the bishop and a certificate.

The liturgy ended with the singing of “Love Has Brought Us Here Together.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

Patrick and Teresa Antonelle, St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg Anthony and Donna Amabile, St. John Vianney, Colonia Frank and Elsa Austin, Queenship of Mary Parish, Plainsboro George and Maureen Balint, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords Arturo and Corazon Bermudez, St. Helena Parish, Edison Lester G. and Patricia B. Deotte, Our Lady of the Mount Parish, Warren Fran and Ripillino Dominick, Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Monroe Township Skip and Donna Emanuelli, St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook Eugene and Ada Marceline Enfield, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Jack and Nancy Fearing, St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington Lou and Mary Frangione, St. Ann Parish, Raritan Borough Michael and Patricia Egan, St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg James and Jane Farmer, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station Genaro A. and Evangelina V. Fernandez, St. Helena Parish, Edison Richard and Patsy Ann Ferri, St. James, Woodbridge Lou and Mary Frangione, St. Ann Parish, Raritan Borough Joseph and Judy Gallo, Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Monroe Township Paul and Barbara Gallo, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Milltown

OUR DIOCESE

69 Years

Joseph and Elizabeth Geis, St. Joseph Parish, Carteret

19

Couples in the diocese celebrating significant wedding anniversaries in 2021 honored at the diocese’s Silver & Gold evening prayer service

OUR DIOCESE

20

Classes advance in formation to diaconate for diocese

By Deacon Patrick Cline PERTTH AMBOY — The diocese’s first Hispanic class preparing for the diaconate took their last formation step to becoming deacons when they received the ministry of acolyte from Bishop James F. Checchio at a Mass, Oct. 23.

At the liturgy, the bishop also accepted 16 men, in their second year of formation, as candidates for ordination. The Mass, celebrated at St. John Paul II Parish, St. Stephen worship site, was concelebrated by 19 priests from the diocese.

At top, Polish cadets lead a procession at St. John Paul II Parish, St. Stephen Church, Perth Amboy, where 15 men received the ministry of acolyte and 16 men became candidates for ordination to the diaconate. Above, clockwise, the new deacon candidates fill the front pews; several new candidates smile as they prepare to profess their desire to become deacons, and then those to become acolytes line up to receive a blessing from Bishop Checchio; as a sign of their new ministry, the bishop symbolically hands a chalice and paten to Deacon Candidate Fritz Molina; after the Mass, Deacon Acolyte Freddy Perez and a family friend pose with the bishop, the diocese’s newest deacon candidates have a class photo taken with the bishop.

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— John Batkowski photos

As ministers of the acolyte, the 15 Hispanic men are called to assist the celebrant at the altar and specifically to prepare the altar and sacred vessels during the Offertory. The new acolytes are in the fourth year of their five-year program leading to ordination, scheduled for 2022.

Paul Flor, who will be ordained a deacon next year, referred to the rite of acolyte as, “a beautiful experience.” He said he felt, “that the combination of the Mass and the beauty of the environment of the Church made the presence of God totally discernable to the people present.”

“Seeing the look of joy on the faces of the men as they prepared to kneel in front of Bishop Checchio and symbolically receive from him a chalice and paten as signs of their new ministry,” was what impressed Michelle Fortier, the

wife of Deacon Steven Fortier, one of the assistant formation directors for the Class of 2024. She remembers how meaningful this moment was for her husband and their family three years ago.

During their installation, the new deacon candidates declared their willingness to continue their journey to receive sacred orders. Bishop Checchio then accepted them as candidates for ordination to the diaconate and called on them to continue their preparation. The new deacon candidates are in the 2024 ordination class.

Mai Chirinos, a member of Mary Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough, and the wife of new acolyte William Chirinos, was struck by the diversity of those present that evening. She said, “it was not just the communities of the parish, but more so by the rich cultural mixture of men in the two classes. It reminded me of the wide diversity of our Catholic Church.”

After the Mass, Deacon Stephen F. Kern, director, diocesan Office of the Diaconate, reflected, “Really, it was a small miracle that Freddie Perez of the Class of 2022 was able to be there [at the Mass] at all. He suffered a stroke approximately six weeks ago. But by the grace of God, he has come a long way in his rehabilitation. He initially resumed his classes on-line, but has now returned to the in-person classes.”

In his homily, Bishop Checchio referenced the Gospel in which Jesus cured a blind beggar. Through that miracle, he said, Bartimaeus was called to be a disciple of Jesus and to listen to him. The bishop then reminded everyone present how necessary it is for all Catholics to be disciples of the Lord, listen to him, pray regularly, read Scripture and then share with others what they hear.

The Bishop added that, “Each of us, especially our brothers preparing to enter into the diaconate, always need to be that type of disciple — one who listens to Jesus and does what he says.”

At the end of Mass, the bishop commented on the number of priests present in the sanctuary, most of whom were pastors and parochial vicars from the parishes of the men in formation. He said this was a great show of support for the members of both ordination classes.

With St. John Paul II Parish celebrating the feast day of its Patron Saint the weekend of the diaconate rites, after Mass, Redemptorist Father Slawomir Romanowski, pastor, graciously invited the new acolytes, candidates and their families and friends to celebrate with parishioners at a reception in the school auditorium.

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

— photo courtesy of John Cusolito

By Paul J. Peyton Correspondent Two members of the Brotherhood of Hope, who serve at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. were among seven men who professed temporary vows at a Mass July 31 at St. Basil’s Salvatorian Center, Methuen, Mass.

Among the seven were Brother Brennan Robinson, who professed first vows, and Brother Patrick Stucker, who professed third vows. Brother Brennan’s first assignment is at the Brotherhood’s community outreach at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, where Brother Patrick has been serving.

Also professing were: Joseph McBride, first vows; Brother Martin Buganski, third vows; Bother Austin Riordan, fourth vows; and Brother Brandt Haglund and Brother Matthew Warnez, fifth vows.

By professing first vows, Brother Joseph and Brother Brennan helped increase the total number of Brothers by 50 percent over the past six years (18 to 27 men).

Brother Patrick Reilly, director of

the Catholic Center at Rutgers University, told “The Catholic Spirit” that the Brotherhood of Hope is part of the Missionary Corp at Rutgers and, as such, is a ministry of the Diocese of Metuchen.

He said Brother Brennan and Brother Patrick, along with Jesus Our Hope Sister Anna Palka, give the Catholic Center at Rutgers three religious members under the age of 30.

Brother Reilly said there are probably “not many places around the country that have three young religious under 30 working and serving together.”

“It’s kind of a unique story that we had three young folks that made the plunge to enter the concentrated life,” Brother Patrick added.

When asked what the brothers presence means to Rutgers’ Catholic students, Brother Patrick said they are “incredibly vital.”

“They each are an authentic witness of Christ and the Gospel and they’re an incarnate witness of that [meaning] other young people,” he continued. “Many young people just think that religion is

either for old people or is just irrelevant.

You just can’t dismiss these young religious who have set aside everything… romantic relationships, money, cars and possessions and this crazy vow called obedience.”

The brothers, he said, are “vital to the witness of Gospel and that young people can actually make a radical commitment to Christ.”

Brother Reilly said Brother Brennan and Brother Patrick and Sister Anna set up a table in middle of the Rutgers campus and have questions to engage students by “opening up a conversation.”

One of the questions posed to students was “are you generous?”

“We are truly blessed to have all of these outstanding men seeking and following the Lord’s call for them to blaze the way to renew the Church,” said Brother Ken Apuzzo, general superior of the Brotherhood of Hope. “We are overjoyed with our brothers’ desire to evangelize college students at a critical time in the lives of young people and to transform them into lifelong disciples of Christ.”

The Brotherhood of Hope is a 41-year-old community of Catholic Brothers whose primary mission is evangelization on secular college campuses.

In addition to Rutgers, the Brotherhood represents the Church at Northeastern University, Boston; Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla.; University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla.; and the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

The Brotherhood of Hope is based in Boston under the supervision of Cardinal Sean O’Malley and has 20 perpetually professed Brothers and two dozen men in various stages of formation. The community was founded in 1980 in the Archdiocese of Newark by Father Philip Merdinger and five laymen.

The charism of the Brotherhood is the All-Sufficiency of Christ, which is expressed through the life and mission of each member. The Brotherhood’s formation process takes at least seven years.

The novitiate year is the most intensive component and the only period of fulltime formation. Brothers typically profess temporary vows for five years before professing perpetual vows. They also serve in the Brotherhood’s campus ministries during this period of formation.

The Brotherhood of Hope’s members live together, pray together and serve together under the inspiration of its founding charism that “Jesus Christ is All-Sufficient.”

Their primary mission is to evangelize students on secular college campuses. Its work is in response to the Church’s call to share the good news with the spiritually poor, to lead young women and men to a deep conversion to Jesus Christ and his Church.

—photo courtesy of St. John Vanney School

— Sister Mary Charles Wienckoski photo

NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

For Halloween this year, the teachers of St. Helena School, Edison, along with Father Anthony M. Sirianni, pastor, St. Helena Parish, decided to announce this year’s STREAM Theme, farming and agriculture, by dressing the part. All students, PreK3 through eighth grade will be investigating various aspects of the country’s oldest and most important industry. The theme can easily be integrated across all disciplines.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Saint John Vianney School National Junior Honor Society

recently inducted its newest members: Phoebe Mouris, Joseph Marinello, Isha Sharma, Annalise deLeon, Connor Bailey.

The group is mentored by Amanda Mille.

OUR DIOCESE

Members of Brotherhood of Hope who professed temporary vows at St. Basil’s Salvatorian Center, Methuen, Mass., front row, from left: Brothers Brandt Haglund, Brennan Robinson, Joseph McBride, and Martin Buganski. Back row, from left: Brothers Austin Riordan, Patrick Stucker and Matthew Warnez.

21

Growing religious community offers ‘hope’ at Rutgers University

22 OUR DIOCESE

Weekend program scheduled for couples seeking to save marriages

By Redemptorist Father John Murray Retrouvaille (French for “rediscovery”) is one of the Church’s best kept secrets. The weekend program, based on Marriage Encounter, helps couples rescue their failing marriages.

It is targeted to any couple whose marriage is more miserable than merry.

Some have already separated, but still want to give it another try. A necessary condition to the weekend is that both the husband and wife must apply for the program and that may be the reason its success rate is so high. Both must want to save their marriage. The registration itself often becomes the first step in rescuing the marriage.

The program is presented by a team of one priest and three couples who have already gone through a weekend. They are not marriage counselors and do not

give advice, but they honestly talk about their own struggles and how their marriage is working successfully. Since couples do not want people to know that their marriages are failing, confidentially is an important part of Retrouvaille and no last names are used.

It takes more than a weekend to repair a marriage, so six follow-up sessions are part of the program. This ongoing support is one of the distinctive values of Retrouvaille. But, come prepared to work. It is not a time to catch up on lost sleep and to watch a ball game on the television. Leave your golf clubs and tennis rackets at home.

The weekend begins by looking closely at ourselves, to see what baggage we bring to our marriage. The team talks about the couple’s pain in a failing marriage, the healing and forgiveness that must take place and the importance

of accepting and sharing feelings rather than judging them. They stress a sensible faith and a lasting relationship with God as an integral part of every Christian marriage. (Retrouvaille is open to couples of all faiths.)

The major problem with many failing marriages is poor communication.

Where communication is bad, trust is difficult. The team makes communication its major focus and tries to illustrate it through their own honest and open sharing. There is no group sharing, but the program demands honest sharing between husband and wife. It emphasizes communication as a listening skill more than simply talking. More than anything else, it teaches “dialogue” as a useful and proven tool in communication.

Married love is rarely wedding bliss. For most couples, growth is never a straight path, but a rocky road that

winds and climbs through peaks and valleys. Most marriages have their share of misunderstanding and insensitivity.

Some of these dark moments last a long time, stretching on for months. They may wonder whether the love is gone and the marriage is over. If there are difficulties and problems in your marriage.

Retrouvaille is one avenue you can use to rediscover “the seed beneath the bitter snow.”

The next weekend is scheduled for Feb. 25-27, 2022 in Somerset.

For information about cost and other questions call Rich and Annette Colasuonno at (732) 236-0671 or e-mail 3024@helpourmarriage.org.

Father Murray, who lives at the St. John Neumann Residence, Timonium, Md., led a number of Retrouvaille weekends in the Diocese of Metuchen before retiring from active ministry

Special Devotion Father Timothy A. Christy (second from left), rector, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, presided at a Rosary Rally in the building’s plaza Oct. 16. Christian Charity Sister Mathilde DeLucy is shown at the podium leading the recitation of a decade of the rosary. Kathy Divorkin, president of the Cathedral’s Altar Rosary Society, is at far left.

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— Deacon Guido Brossoni photo

Role Models Father Abraham Orapankal, back row, center, pastor, St. Matthias Parish, Somerset, poses with fifth-graders at St. Matthias School dressed as saints after Mass on All Saints Day, Nov. 1, at St. Matthias Church. A reception for grandparents was held after the liturgy.

— Marlo Williamson photo

patients have the best possible chance of survival after a stroke,” said Maria Bartman, BSN, RN, CEN, stroke coordinator at Saint Peter’s and chair of Saint Peter’s Stroke Committee. “Get With The Guidelines-Stroke supports our teams in putting proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis to improve outcomes for stroke patients.”

Each year, program participants apply for this recognition by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, participants also provide education to patients to help them manage their health and rehabilitation upon returning home from the hospital.

“We are pleased to recognize Saint Peter’s for their commitment to stroke care,” said Dr. Lee H. Schwamm, national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and executive vice chair of Neurology and director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get With The Guide-

lines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”

Saint Peter’s also received the Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

“We are very proud to receive the Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Award this year,” said Linda Carroll, MSN, RN, RN-BC, vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer at Saint Peter’s. “Every second counts when you’re treating a patient for stroke — it can be a race against the clock. This additional recognition shows how our staff has prioritized and streamlined care for our stroke patients, ensuring the best possible outcomes.”

Earlier this year, Saint Peter’s achieved certification as a primary

stroke center by The Joint Commission, demonstrating that the hospital has consistently met quality metrics and provided some of the best evidence-based care for its stroke patients. A primary stroke center is the first line of defense in diagnosing and treating stroke and preventing or minimizing permanent brain damage to the patient. Saint Peter’s was also the first hospital in New Jersey to be recognized as an AgeFriendly Health System by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, and this certification by The Joint Commission further emphasizes Saint Peter’s commitment to older adults.

Get With The Guidelines® is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that provides hospitals with tools and resources to increase adherence to the latest research-based guidelines.

Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than nine million patients since 2001.

OUR DIOCESE

Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines.

Stroke is the fifth cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and speeding recovery times.

Get With The Guidelines-Stroke was developed to assist healthcare professionals provide the most up-to-date, research-based guidelines for treating stroke patients.

“Saint Peter’s is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for our dedication to helping our

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Diocesan-sponsored hospital recognized for patient stroke care

Parish-based collection supports Free concerts will assist school, aging men, women religious orphange for children in Congo

Caritas Chamber Chorale will present a series of a cappella Christmas concerts, entitled “In Silence and Celebration” for the benefit of Adorno Fathers’ African Mission.

The program marks Caritas Chamber Chorale’s post-COVID-19 or Coronavirus pandemic return to public performance.

“In Silence and Celebration” is both a meditation on the incarnation and a celebration of the meaning of Christ’s birth for us. It features Rheinberger’s “Ave Maria” and Bruckner’s “Virga Jesse,” as well as marvelous arrangements of Advent and Christmas hymns and carols.

The concert will be presented Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. — Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, 600 Harris Ave., Middlesex Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m. — St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 61 Main St., Flanders Dec. 5, 3 p.m. — St. Catharine Church, 215 Essex Avenue, Spring Lake

All concerts are free and open to the public. The entirety of a freewill offering will benefit the Gianni Diurni Primary School and the Foyer de l’Enfance Paolo Di Nardo Orphanage, run by the Adorno Fathers’ St. Francis Caracciolo Mission in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa.

Caritas Chamber Chorale is dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor through the art of sacred music. Since its founding in 2005, the Chorale has sung for the benefit of the Adorno Fathers’ St. Francis Caracciolo Mission in DRC, Africa.

Caritas Chamber Chorale is directed

by Barbara Sanderman.

All parish COVID-19 protocols will be followed.

For more information, visit www.caritaschamberchorale.org or call (732) 718-0775

NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

that 26,330 women and men religious in the United States are older than age 70. The total cost for their care exceeds $1 billion annually.

To help address the deficit in retirement funding among U.S. religious orders, Catholic bishops of the United States initiated the Retirement Fund for Religious collection in 1988. Distributions are sent to each eligible order’s central house and provide supplemental funding for necessities, such as medications and nursing care. Donations also underwrite resources that help religious communities improve eldercare and plan for long-term retirement needs.

Religious orders typically do not receive diocesan funding, but rather are financially autonomous and thus responsible for the support and care of all members. While many dioceses hold separate appeals for their retired priests’ fund, the once-yearly Retirement Fund for Religious collection is for members of U.S. religious orders and benefits both men and women religious.

The 2020 appeal raised $20.7 million, and funding was distributed to 321 U.S. religious communities.

“We are blessed by countless supporters who share our mission to ensure all religious can enjoy a safe and modest retirement,” said Sister Stephanie.

For more information, visit retiredreligious.org

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

The Diocese of Metuchen will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection Dec. 11-12. The parish-based appeal is coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) in Washington, D.C. Proceeds help religious communities across the country to care for aging members.

Last year, the Diocese of Metuchen donated $163,394.40 to the collection.

In 2021, the Augustinian Recollect Sisters received financial support made possible by the Retirement Fund for Religious.

“I am continually heartened by the generosity of U.S. Catholics,” said Sister Stephanie Still, NRRO executive director and a member of the Sisters of the Presentation of San Francisco.

“Even in difficult times, they find a way to give back to those who have tirelessly served our Church and our world.”

Hundreds of religious communities in the United States face a large gap between the needs of their older members and the funds available to support them. Historically, Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests — known collectively as women and men religious — served for little to no pay.

As a result, many communities now lack adequate retirement savings.

At the same time, health-care expenses continue to rise, and an increasing number of older religious require specialized services. NRRO data shows

OUR DIOCESE

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service One day, Jesus and the apostles were traveling toward Jericho.

Along the way, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. He heard a crowd going by and learned that Jesus was coming. “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” the blind beggar shouted.

Jesus had the man brought to him and asked what he could do for him. “Lord, please let me see,” he answered. “Have sight; your faith has saved you,” Jesus said as the man’s sight was restored.

As Jesus and his friends entered Jericho, a resident of the city named Zacchaeus was eagerly awaiting his chance to see Jesus. But Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector, was short in stature and could not see over the crowd. So, he decided to run ahead, climb a sycamore tree and wait for Jesus to pass by. When Jesus came near the tree that Zacchaeus had climbed, he looked up. “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house,” Jesus said.

Zacchaeus immediately scrambled down from the tree and received Jesus with joy.

When people in the crowd heard and saw what was going on, they began to grumble.

“He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner,” they complained.

Zacchaeus knew that the people of Jericho thought badly of him because he was a tax collector.

During Jesus’ time, some of the most hated people were tax collectors.

Not only did they work to collect tax money from fellow Jews on behalf of the oppressive Roman Empire, they greedily charged more than was owed and kept the extra money for themselves. Zacchaeus looked at Jesus. “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over,” he declared. Jesus looked pleased with what Zacchaeus had promised.

“Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham,” Jesus said. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

Using the hints provided, fill in the blanks in the sentences about tax collectors and paying taxes.

1. Doesn't your teacher pay the _________ tax?

(Matthew 17:24) 2. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a __________ or a tax collector. (Matthew 18:17) 3. The tax collectors and _________ were all drawing near to listen to him. (Luke 15:1) 4. This is why you also pay taxes, for the __________ are ministers of God. (Romans 13:6)

Answers: 1. Temple; 2. gentile; 3. sinners; 4. authorities

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Jesus stays with a tax collector in Jericho

1. What did Zacchaeus do so he could see Jesus?

Luke 19

2. At whose house did Jesus want to stay in Jericho?

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

THE UPPER ROOM SPIRITUAL CENTER 3455 W. Bangs Ave., Building 2, Neptune, NJ 07753 Phone: 732-922-0550 • Fax: 732-922-3904 www.theupper-room.org · office@theupper-room.org BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA SHRINE 674 Mountain View Rd. E., Asbury, NJ 08802 908-689-7330 • retreat@bluearmy.com

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

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

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

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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.

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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

COME AS YOU ARE ...

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

Q

Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

October 13, 2021 …In the call to freedom we discover the true meaning of the inculturation of the Gospel. What is this true meaning?

Being able to announce the Good News of Christ the Savior respecting the good and the true that exist in cultures. It is not easy! There are many temptations to seek to impose one’s own model of life as though it were the most evolved and the most appealing. How many errors have been made in the history of evangelization by seeking to impose a single cultural model! Uniformity as a rule of life is not Christian! Unity yes, uniformity no! ….The freedom of Christian faith — Christian freedom — does not indicate a static vision of life and culture, but rather a dynamic vision, and vision that is dynamic even in tradition. Tradition grows, but always with the same nature. Let us not claim, therefore, to possess freedom.

We have received a gift to take care of.

Rather, it is freedom that asks each one of us to be constantly on the move, oriented towards its fullness. It is the condition of pilgrims; it is the state of wayfarers, in continual exodus: liberated from slavery so as to walk towards the fullness of freedom. And this is the great gift that Jesus Christ gave us.

I don’t believe that God the Father “required” that Jesus die such a gruesome death to redeem us from our sins. But your question reflects a theological debate that has gone on for centuries. On one side is the 11thcentury thinker St. Anselm, who championed what was known as “satisfaction” theology. Anselm believed that Christ’s sacrificial death was necessary to free mankind from sin and that the blood of Jesus was “payment” for that sin.

But isn’t God all-powerful and couldn’t he have done anything he wanted to? He could certainly have acted, as the father of the prodigal son did in the Gospel, by simply forgiving humanity outright and restoring us to his good graces.

In contrast to Anselm, I prefer to side with St. Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas said that while any manner God chose would have sufficed for our salvation, the passion of Christ was the perfect means because “man knows thereby how much God loves him and is thereby stirred to love him in return” (Summa III, 46, art.

3). So, to my way of thinking, we are in

A

Q

Question Corner

By Father Kenneth Doyle

The first step, of course, would be for your pastor to take the woman aside and have a quiet conversation with her. This conversation would highlight the fact that, in fairness to other parishioners, a church needs to be a quiet place where people can pray peacefully. I am going to assume that your pastor has already tried this approach without success.

Some dioceses have written policies for approaching such situations.

The Diocese of Stockton in California,

a disturbance during the liturgy, it is the responsibility of the usher(s) to escort the individual outside the church if the individual is willing to go. Otherwise, the usher should call the police and ask that the individual be removed from private property.”

It’s important to know that churches are private property and church officials are entitled to extend or withdraw the invitation to enter their premises as they see fit. Simply because a church’s services are open to the public does not mean that a parish is legally bound to admit someone who disrupts those services. Involving the police seems the wisest and safest approach, especially since in many jurisdictions law enforcement is allowed not only to remove such individuals but to bring them to a local hospital for evaluation.

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

anything good come from there?”

As a student still in religious education classes, my first thought was, “Oh, boy, he just put down Jesus. Sister Mary Catherine wouldn’t be happy about that!”

Plus, I thought for sure he was going to be in big trouble with Jesus. I mean, you just don’t say that kind of stuff about the Son of God. As I read on, I saw that Jesus was aware of Nathanael’s cynical, stereotyped comment but instead of being angry Jesus responded, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

I was both confused and in awe of what transpired between the two of them, and probably got myself in to a few bits of trouble by following Nathanael’s outspoken example before I had grown enough to better understand the story. There was more Scripture to read, more time needed for prayer, before I understood that Jesus didn’t just hear Nathanael’s words, he knew Nathanael’s heart. He knew Nathanael was a man looking for the truth, but Nathanael’s prejudice regarding Nazareth was clouding his vision. That would change.

The transformation happened when Nathanael finally encountered Jesus and asked, “How do you know me?” He was astounded at Jesus’ reply, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree,” and declared Jesus the Son of God. This new and inspired disciple went on to evangelize and minister to Samaritans, Jews,

Romans, Greeks and even those Pharisees who were willing to listen.

“How do you know me?” is a question I find myself asking God often, usually when I am running headlong down the wrong path until God shoves me on to the runaway ramp so I don’t crash and burn.

Sometimes, like Nathanael, I overcome an obstacle and move forward as a disciple.

At other times, it is not so easy to let go of what skews my judgment.

Prejudice and division, often dependent on each other, are obstacles, not only to Christian life but to the good of humanity. Often, they are thrust upon us; sometimes we participate in their creation and nurturing. It is important to be aware of our complicity. To truly be disciples, anxious to live a life of trusting relationship with God, we must strive to let go of prejudice and, instead, strive for unity, not only for the Church but for the sake of all God’s children.

On the night before he died, Jesus prayed to his Father five times “that they may be one” as Jesus and his Father were one. Theologians may point out that Jesus was praying for his disciples, or for those who believed in Jesus, but I understood his prayer to cover all who were in the world then, and all who would come to be.

It makes sense to me because “oneness” is an act of love, and since God’s love knows no bounds, it is not up to us to set limits on it.

A

As a child, my parents gave me two very oversized, illustrated books of Scripture — one of Old Testament stories and the other of New Testament stories. I loved those books and while their pages are worn and broken away from the binding, I still have

NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

them for my grandchildren to read.

The hand-painted, vibrant, illustrations were, no doubt, the reason I remember so many Bible happenings. My favorite was always the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walking in the fiery furnace with an angel of God behind them. But it was probably a less exciting vignette that had greater impact on my faith and my life over the years. It was the image of two disciples, walking together toward Jesus. One disciple, Philip, tells another soon-to-be disciple, Nathanael, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote — Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

Nathanael scoffs, “Nazareth! Can

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Amen.

For more than 10 years, a member of my parish has been disrupting Mass on a regular basis.

She will sit in the pew rocking back and forth, throwing her arms toward heaven and calling out in a loud voice — sometimes “Papa” and sometimes just a guttural scream.

At Communion, she will sometimes come up to the altar before anyone else has been directed to leave the pews. She has a faraway look in her eyes and physically resists if anyone tries to have her move on. Our current pastor has told her that she is no longer welcome, so she now waits until he has begun Mass before appearing and taking her place. What can we as a parish church do? (Richmond, Va.)

for example, says on its website that “in the event that an individual should cause

To truly be disciples, strive for unity

Prayer for the faithful departed O loving Father, source of all life, please accompany your servant, (here name the deceased) from this earth, to the Kingdom of heavenly peace, rest and eternal life that You have prepared for us.

Forgive any sins that have been committed and welcome this departed soul into the joyful embrace of Your never-ending love.

no way compelled to believe that God deliberately willed the suffering of his son.

OUR FAITH

I wonder about Jesus being a “sacrifice” for the expiation of sins. Why did God the Father “require” that Christ be a “sacrifice” for the forgiveness of the sins of mankind?

(Louisville, Ky.)

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‘Sacrifice’ of Jesus?/Disruptions at Mass

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SCRIPTURE STUDY By Msgr. John N. Fell

OUR DIOCESE

Follow Jesus faithfully every day First Sunday of Advent (C)

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for November 21, 2021 Revelation 1:5-8 / John 18: 33b-37

Following is a word search based on the First and Gospel readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King, Cycle B. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

CHRIST FIRST BORN MADE US FOREVER AMEN ANSWERED NATION

FAITHFUL FREED US KINGDOM BEHOLD KING OTHERS PRIESTS

WITNESS BLOOD GLORY PIERCED JESUS ABOUT ME I WAS BORN

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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© 2021 TRI-C-A Publications; tri-c-a-publications.com

Even though we begin the new Church year this First Sunday of Advent, our Gospel reading really turns our attention more to endings rather than beginnings. Our Gospel reading this Sunday is a scene taken from the latter part of St. Luke just before the preparations for Holy Thursday. In this passage Jesus is warning his followers of the dramatic signs that will portend the Second Coming.

Just as the world was shaken when Jesus Christ came to earth the first time, it will again be rocked when he returns in glory.

Jesus’ teaching in the first part of the reading is a type of theology known as eschatology. Eschatology deals with the “end times,” both universal (the coming fullness of the Kingdom of God, the Second Coming, Last Judgment) and personal (death, personal judgment, purgatory, heaven, hell). There are two key messages in this section of the Gospel reading. First, we learn that Jesus Christ is at the center of all the trials and tumult that will announce the end of time. The Son of Man will come in a cloud (a sign of God’s majestic presence) in glory to serve as Judge of the living and the dead. That this is the case brings us to the second point — for those who follow Christ and live upright lives, there will be nothing to fear. Jesus advises his followers to “stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand” (Lk 21:28). Many people become so concerned about looking for the signs of the end of the world that they forget the main message — to follow Christ faithfully every day, so that whenever the Day of Judgment dawns they will be ready.

The second section of this Sunday’s Gospel deals with a similar matter. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, and in the years just following it, the Christian faithful expected the end of time to come almost immediately. There was a profound sense of urgency in preparing for the Last Judgment, which was expected to come within hours or days. In such an atmosphere, the community was highly motivated to remain faithful to Christ’s teaching. As the years and decades passed, however, popular opinion saw the Second Coming as less imminent — instead of living as though the world would end today or tomorrow, the community began to live as though the Second Coming was far off in some distant future. Being a faith-

WEEK IN SCRIPTURE Sun 28 Mon 29 Tues 30 Wed 1 Thurs 2 Fri 3 Sat 4 Sun 5 Mon 6 Tues 7 Wed 8 Thurs 9 Fri 10 Sat 11 Sun 12

ful Christian thus became a less urgent matter and laxity began to drain away some of the fervor of the earliest Christian community.

It was at such a moment that St. Luke emphasized Jesus’ teaching contained in the latter part of this Sunday’s Gospel. Even though the Second Coming may not occur immediately (or it might occur later today!), Jesus warns that “that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth” (Lk 21:35). He exhorts us not to let our “hearts grow drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life” (Lk 21:34). And, even those who do not engage in carousing and drunkenness are warned about giving in to daily issues. How many of us let ourselves be subtly drawn away from the Lord by the demands or simple busyness of our daily routines? If we knew that the end of the world was coming tomorrow would we really neglect our prayer time or an opportunity to reach out to someone in need in order to do something “more pressing”? This Gospel text reminds us that our relationship with the Lord is always the most important, most pressing detail of our lives.

Jesus’ advice in the face of this is to “be vigilant at all times and pray . . .” (Lk 21:36a).

The theme of this Gospel is “Be Prepared!” We are called to live under the shadow of the Second Coming, each of us realizing that the end of our lives may be far off or very near -- we simply do not know. Rather than fruitlessly trying to interpret the signs in the skies or on the seas, it is better simply to live all our life so that we may not be ashamed whenever the Lord calls us to give an account of ourselves, to follow the advice of our Second Reading, taken from the earliest of New Testament writings, St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. Paul advises his readers “to increase in love for one another and for all, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father . . .” (1 Thes 3:12-13). Rededicating ourselves to following the Lord in this way and renewing our relationship with him in prayer are ways to unite this focus on the end of times with the current beginning of our Advent season. Each year, the Season of Advent gives us the opportunity to prepare to meet Christ — not only as a child in the manger, but as the Lord of Life and Eternal Judge whom we must face at the end of time.

Msgr. Fell is director, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28 TO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12

Jer 33:14-16 / Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14 / 1 Thes 3:12-42 / Lk 21:25-28, 34-36 Is 2:1-5 / Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9 / Mt. 8:5-11 Rom 10:9-18 / Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 / Mt 4:18-22 Is 25:6-10a / Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 / Mt 15:29-37 Is 26:1-6 / Ps 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a / Mt 7:21, 24-27 Is 29:17-24 / Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 / Mt 9:27-31 Is 30:1921, 23-26 / Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 / Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 Bar 5:1-9/ Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6 / Phil 1:4-6, 8-11 / Lk 3:1-6 Is 35:1-10 / Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 / Lk 5:17-26 Is 40:1-11/ Ps 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13 / Mt 18:12-14 Gn 3:9-15, 20 / Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 / Eph 1:3-6, 11-12 / Lk 26-38 Is 41:13-20 / Ps 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab / Mt 11:11-15 Is 48:17-19 / Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 / Mt 11:16-19 Sir 48:1-4, 9-11 / Ps 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19 / Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Zep 3:14-18a / Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6 / Phil 4:4-7 / Lk 3:10-18

27

School Spirit

OUR DIOCESE

Father Jack Grimes, second from left, back row, pastor, St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge, poses with staff and students at St. Ambrose School Oct. 29 and items collected for a food drive for the parish’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul chapter food bank. The Home School Association and staff assisted in collecting nonperishable items that will be distributed to the needy. Donnay Kingston, of the St. Vincent de Paul ministry, commented, “The food you donated will make a positive difference in our community, and it is because of caring people like you that our pantry has been able to prevent hunger and reduce stress for families in need. It is so heartwarming to know that we can depend upon the St. Ambrose School families.” Alsoposing in the back row, from left: Rita Naviello, principal; Kingston; Joan Abitabile, parish business manager; Paul Caban, maintenance; Kelly Meehan, kindergarten teacher; and Kathleen Vitale, HSA president.

DIOCESE OF METUCHEN FILIPINO APOSTOLATE

— photo courtesy of St. Ambrose School

Community Outreach

2021 Theme:

“ Towards a Sy noda l Church t hrough C ommuni on, Partici pati on an d Miss ion” In celebration of the 500 th year Anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines and in preparation for Christ's joyous birth, join us in this beautiful Filipino Advent tradition via in -person or live stream (www.facebook.com/diometuchenfa) from the following parishes across the Diocese of Metuchen

15th December | 7:00 PM

Wednesda y

CATHEDRAL OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI 32 Elm Avenue, Metuchen

Celebrant: Most Rev. James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA BI SHOP OF M ETUCHEN

16th December | 7:00 PM

PARISH OF THE VISITATION 192 Sandford Street, New Brunswick

Thursda y

ST. FRANCES CABRINI CHURCH

18th

December | 7:00 PM

ST. HELENA CHURCH

19th

December | 7:00 PM

ST. BERNARD OF CLAIRVAUX CHURCH

Friday

208 Bound Brook Avenue, Piscataway 950 Grove Avenue, Edison

Saturday

Sunday

500 US Highway 22, Bridgewater

20th December | 7:00 PM

QUEENSHIP OF MARY CHURCH

21st December | 7:00 PM

ST. AMBROSE CHURCH

Monday

16 Dey Road, Plainsboro

83 Throckmorton Lane, Old Bridge

Tuesday

22nd

December | 7:00 PM

ST. JAMES CHURCH

149 Grove Street, Woodbridge

Wednesday

23rd December | 7:00 PM Thursday

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville

Celebrant: Very Rev. Timothy A. Christy, VG VI CAR GENER AL - DI OCES E O F M ETUCHEN

MISA de GALLO

NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

— photo courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy

December | 7:00 PM

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

The Helping Other People Everywhere (H.O.P.E.) Club at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, exceeded its goal in this year’s “Sock It to 'Em Drive.”

A total of 500 pairs of socks, ski socks, knee socks, athletic socks, kids’ socks and holiday socks were donated to Elijah’s Promise Community Kitchen, New Brunswick, to share with its clients.

Posing in photo, front row, from left: Julia Pierce (Enrollment Management associate) and students Jerrine George, Sidra Al-Ktaish, Giuliana Pelcher. Back row, from left: Nicole Parisi, Kelsie Neidenbach, Payton Kochanski and Donna Toryak (director of Enrollment Management and H.O.P.E. Club advisor). Sidra, Giuliana, Jerrine and Payton represent the H.O.P.E. Club Leadership Team.

17th

December 16 - 24 | 5:00 AM ST. LADISLAUS CHURCH ▪ 215 Somerset Street, New Brunswick OUR LADY OF VICTORIES CHURCH ▪ 42 Main Street, Sayreville

FR. GERR Y PADERON DMFA DIRECTOR 609.789.7511 FINAL R0 - 11/15/2021

28 STEPPING FORWARD IN CHARITY

Babies showered with gifts at special event

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: _______________________________

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

_________________________

To order extra copies of this issue of The Catholic Spirit, call: (732) 529-7934

Ozlem Uslum received diapers, wipes, a car seat and a stroller at the baby shower.

— photo courtesy of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen’s Mobile Family Success Center (MFSC) held its Second Annual Community Baby Shower Sept. 25 in collaboration with and sponsored by Healthier Middlesex and WellCare.

The event was held at the Edison Senior Center and was themed “What Will Baby Bee.” Health education, community resources and support for new and expectant parents were provided with support from Saint Peter’s University Hospital, Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, Community Child Care Solutions, Parents as Teachers, Central Jersey Health Consortium, Edison Municipal Alliance, Middlesex County Court Employees, Middlesex County Office of Health Services, Nurse-Family Partnership, VNA Health Group, United Way, Safe Kids Middlesex County, and Community Bank/NJ SNAP. As part of the community baby shower, Middlesex County residents re-

ceived diapers, wipes, clothing and fresh produce boxes. Parents were welcomed to attend health education workshops.

Free car seat inspections were conducted by child passenger safety technicians from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital’s Safe Kids Middlesex County program. All of the families present met with local community providers and received essential resources for new parents.

MFSC of Middlesex County is a community-based, family centered program, utilizing neighborhood gathering places where any community resident can go for family support, information and services. The program currently focuses on bringing services to East Brunswick, Edison, North Brunswick, Piscataway and Sayreville, but events are open to all residents of Middlesex County.

Last year, CCDOM provided more than 160,000 hours of service to people in the counties served by the diocese: Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset and Warren.

CCDOM celebrates milestone of longtime employee Employees of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen’s Social Service Center, Phillipsburg, recently helped Mercy Sister Michaelita Popovice, program director, celebrate her 80th birthday.

When asked how she would describe reaching that milestone, Sister Michaelita quoted Pope Francis: “Life is a gift and when it is long it is a privilege. The ‘wealth of many years’ is a wealth in terms of the persons themselves, their experience and history.”

Sister Michaelita has been an employee of Catholic Charities for 30 years and a member of the Sisters of Mercy for 60 years.

As program director, Sister Michaelita’s role includes supervising staff, working closely with up to 60 volunteers, setting budgets, grant-writing, and community networking.

She is an active member in her community and belongs to the Warren County Housing Subcommittee, Warren County Hunger Coalition, and the Food Shed Alliance.

Described by her supervisor as “living and breathing the mission of CCDOM,” Sister Michaelita serves as an example for all staff in the approach she uses when meeting a person. With a focus on encountering individuals where they are, with a kind approach and a listening ear,

and looking beyond disadvantages such as poverty and food insecurity, Sister Michaelita welcomes all those who enter the Social Service Center with compassion and warmth.

To learn more about CCDOM and its 100 programs and 20 service areas, which provide a path to self-sufficiency and hope for a brighter future for people from all walks of life, all races, all religions and all economic levels, visit www. ccdom.org.

Mercy Sister Michaelita Popovice poses with Julio Coto, executive director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, at her 80th birthday party.

— photo courtesy of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen

Those familiar with the popular 1970s television show M*A*S*H may know that the lyrics of its theme song were quite controversial becasuee it dealt with suicide. Initially created as a joke, the refrain is: The game of life is hard to play I’m gonna lose it anyway The losing card I’ll someday lay So this is all I have to say Suicide is painless (suicide) It brings on many changes (changes) And I can take or leave it if I please.

The Fifth Commandment, which teaches: “You shall not kill” (Ex 20:13 and Dt 5:17), is not joking when addressing the theme of self-inflicted violence or suicide. The Commandment requires that we do no harm to others, and that we respect ourselves and our own bodies, as well.

The Catechism states: “Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls” (ccc 2280).

Although we live in a society that promotes a culture of death that often includes accepting a person’s decision to terminate his or her own life, as well as physician-assisted suicide (euthanasia), the fact remains, as the Catechism explains, that “we are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of” (ccc 2280).

The beginning and the end of human life is a mystery which must remain in God’s hands, not ours. As the Catechism affirms: “Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life...Suicide is contrary to love for the living God” (ccc 2281).

The final years or months of a person’s life are very important, a time when he or she prepares to meet God. Infanticide and

physician-assisted suicide are really closely linked, because both involve taking to oneself a right which belongs only to God. While “voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law” (ccc 2282), … “grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide” (ccc 2282). As for those left to mourn, “…we should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to them alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives” (ccc 2283).

The Catechism also teaches: “The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others’ safety…” (ccc 2291).

Such abusive behavior not only does serious harm to a person’s life, but may also cause temptation or “scandal [by]... leading another to do evil” (ccc 2284).

Scandalous behavior like this prompted Our Lord Jesus to utter: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be thrown into the sea” (Mt 18:6).

The Catechism further states: “Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God” (ccc 2288). As with many things, there is a hierarchy of matters to consider. And, while all are important, some are less destructive to physical health and well-being than others…

For example, alcoholism is a disease that does serious harm to the body and the entire life of a person. When alcohol consumption causes problems in a person’s marriage or employment or finances or general self-respect, then the person is likely an alcoholic. “Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness...endanger their own and others’ safety” (ccc 2290). Active alcoholism is generally accompanied by massive doses of denial. Total sobriety is

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By Father John Gerard Hillier Thankfully, in recent years, some tattoo artists have offered to cover hateful, vulgar or pro-death themes, transforming them into more acceptable images. This helps people who made sinful or ‘dumb’ mistakes to create something more consistent with their current, more acceptable way of living life to its fullest in Christ.

Body piercing, too, has become a fascination to the extent that some people have multiple piercings. It is difficult to imagine any circumstance when it is necessary for a human to be pierced or branded. Even animals are only pierced or branded when it is absolutely necessary.

Self-destructive behavior takes many forms. Whatever it might be, we each need to consider why we would ever want to damage the greatest of God’s creation, which is none other than ourselves and the life with which God has so abundantly blessed us.

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

NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

Choose ‘n Cut Christmas Trees Thousands of trees in our fields

Journey of Faith

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

St. Paul’s Abbey Christmas Tree Plantation

being able to accept this truth: “I am helpless and I need God’s power to overcome the power that alcohol has in my life.”

Besides alcohol, other forms of drug abuse include illegal drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, as well as prescription drugs like fentanyl and oxycodone.

“The use of [such] drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life” (ccc 2291). Once used, the person often experiences a yearning for that drug that becomes more powerful than any other desire. That is why “their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense” (ccc 2291).

Tobacco and e-cigarettes are legal drugs that can be easily purchased. In recent years, new studies have established that smoking is the cause of many serious, and often fatal, illnesses. Every effort should be made to stop smoking since it also shows a lack of respect for the gift of life from God. Less dangerous to one’s health, but nonetheless disrespectful to one’s body, are certain permanent tattoos and the piercing of body parts. Tattoos, especially those with vile messages, violate the dignity of a person’s body, which God never intended to become a human canvas. Even the ancient Book of Leviticus in the Old Testament underscores such idolatrous practices as unethical: “Do not tattoo yourselves. I am the Lord” (Lv 19:28).

FAITH ALIVE

Article 156 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 2280-2291

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Life, health ‘precious gifts entrusted to us by God’

30 OUR DIOCESE

Amelia Benjamin, a sophomore at

Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, gave a presentation about the legend of the Native American dreamcatcher to members of the Peer Ministry Club Nov. 4. She explained that there are five specific aspects of dreamcatchers. Next, the students made their own dreamcatchers while listening to Native American music. They also compiled information regarding St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Native American dance, music, art, authors and literature, clothing and traditional foods in a PowerPoint that was shared with the school community. They also watched a TED Talk by Tara Houska, a Native American tribal attorney who advocates on behalf of tribal nations.

Sarah Hobbie, a freshman at Mount Saint Mary Academy, holds a dreamcatcher that she created during a Peer Ministry Club meeting.

Academy scholastic team earns prestigious honor

WATCHUNG — The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) recently awarded Charter status to the Speech and Debate Team at Mount Saint Mary Academy, John V. Maldonado, English teacher at the institution, recently announced.

Charter status is the highest honor that the NSDA awards to scholastic teams and places the Mount’s team among the best in the nation. An NSDA Charter designation demonstrates that not only is the team growing and competing at a high level, but that its students and coaches uphold the highest standards of integrity,

humility, respect, leadership, and service to their community.

In addition, five members of the team recently used their time and talents to encourage local middle schoolers on the “I’m Just Sayin’” Speech Team of Somerset.

Emily Abbott, (team captain) Aayushi Arvikar, Akshaya Karanam, Mikayla Sharif and Melissa Ramirez led breakout rooms for the middle schoolers, which were moderated by Mount coach Lana Abbott, and Franklin Township Recreation educators.

“Our Mounties offered thoughtful

The Speech & Debate Team at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watching, poses with moderator John V. Maldonado (far left) and coach Lana Abbott (far right).

— photos courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy

insights and helpful remarks after observing the sixth- to eighth-graders perform their speeches,” Abbott said. “One goal of our Mount Forensics Team is spreading positivity through inspirational speech and respectful debate.”

Hospital earns ‘A’ for patient care from watchdog group Estate Planning

□ Last Will and Testament □ Power of Attorney □ Living Will

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Elder Law

□ Medicaid □ Guardianships □ Social Security

Estate Administration □ Probate □ Asset Distribution □ Taxes

□ Income Only Trust □ Asset Protection

□ Estate Planning □ Asset Sheltering

□ Will Contests □ Accounting

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Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, received an “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2021, a national distinction recognizing the diocese-sponsored facility’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital.

This is Saint Peter’s third consecutive “A” hospital safety grade.

The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization, assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, injuries, accidents and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospital prevention of medical errors and harms to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

“The unwavering commitment demonstrated by the entire team at Saint Peter’s while dealing with the

many challenges brought about by the pandemic is truly very impressive,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, president and chief executive officer, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. “Receiving Leapfrog’s highest safety grade as we continue to deal with COVID-19 reinforces patient confidence in our ability to deliver evidence-based clinical practices in combination with compassionate care, making us a destination for health care in the central New Jersey region.”

“An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a tremendous achievement, of which this community should be extremely proud,” said Leah Binder, president and chief executive officer, The Leapfrog Group.

“I thank the leadership and workforce of Saint Peter’s University Hospital for its commitment to prioritizing patients and their safety, especially during these trying times.”

To see Saint Peter’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter and Facebook.

Prayer for Advent

Mercy Sister Joan Gavron Mercy Sister Joan Gavron, 89, formerly Sister Mary Zita, who taught at several schools in the diocese and was a principal at St. Mary High School, South Amboy, her alma mater, died Nov 9.

Sister Joan was born in Sayreville. Her parents encouraged spiritual values in their four daughters and one son, and her mother encouraged them all to become teachers.

Sister Joan entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1949 and earned degrees in education and history at Georgian

OUR DIOCESE

Father in heaven, our hearts desire the warmth of your love and our minds are searching for the light of your Word.

Increase our longing for Christ our Savior and give us the strength to grow in love, that the dawn of his coming may find us rejoicing in his presence and welcoming the light of his truth.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.

Amen.

Court University, Lakewood, and Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

She was an engaging teacher, a leader and inspirer of the students and staff in numerous New Jersey Catholic schools, including St. Paul Elementary School, Princeton; Cathedral High School, Trenton; Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville and Holy Spirit High School, Absecon, St. Pius X High School, Piscataway; St. Peter the Apostle High School, New Brunswick.

Sister Joan loved books, movies and travel, and rooted chiefly for the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, In.; Rutgers and the New York Mets.

She stayed connected to and is survived by her sisters, Doris Evanovich, Laverne Bauer and Mary Ann Gavron; her brother Raymond Gavron and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as the Sisters of Mercy and numerous friends and former students.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Nov. 17 at Immaculate Conception Chapel at Mount Saint Mary, Watchung. Burial was at Holy Redeemer, South Plainfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy or to a Catholic school.

Arrangements were handled by Higgins Home for Funerals, Watchung.

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OBITUARY

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

32 OUR DIOCESE

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ACROSS 2 ___ in terris 7 There is a basilica to this saint in Quebec.

8 Moved by God 9 Commandment word 10 Patron saint of divorced people 12 People St. Patrick converted 13 The feast of St. Catherine of Siena is in this month 14 Catholic performer and “Laugh-In” classic 15 Son of Ner 16 “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will ___ me three times.” (Mt 26:34) 18 From the ___ of Peter 20 Sacred song 22 Jesus is the ___ of God 23 Jesus referred to Himself as this, rejected by the builders 24 Deaconess in the early Church 26 There might be an antependium in front of it 28 Color of smoke if no pope is elected 29 ___ of Prague 31 Wife of Adam 32 Kind of angel

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Monastery chamber In biblical times this was often paid in commodities

DOWN 1 The Pharisee was surprised to notice that Jesus did not do this 2 One of the apostles and namesakes 3 Ancient Palestine 4 Bishop’s hat 5 Cain and Abel 6 Vessel for perfuming the altar 11 St. ___ Stein 12 Feet in the image beheld by Nebuchadnezzar 16 “___ gratias” 17 Land in which Cain settled 19 Worship of a false god 21 Father of Rachel 22 What the flesh is sometimes 23 “…fill the earth and ___ it” (Gen 1:28) 24 Presider at Mass 25 Divine ___ 27 It started in 1545 30 “…and there was no man to ___ the ground” (Gen 2:5)

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Answers can be found on page 35

OUR DIOCESE Members of the Edge Middle School Youth Ministry at St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, pose for a photo after participating in a program about hunger.

— photo courtesy of St. Augustine of Canterbury School

Organization for state’s Catholic bishops fills vital role on ‘team’ TRENTON — The New Jersey Catholic Conference (NJCC) has named veteran communications leader, John W. Hardiman, as director of public relations.

Hardiman joins NJCC with nearly 27 years of increasing public relations experience and more than 15 years of leadership experience. Hardiman will work with NJCC staff in planning and implementing strategic communications, outreach, and public relations efforts that effectively promote the legislative and public policy interests of the Catholic Church in New Jersey.

“We are delighted to welcome John to our team,” said NJCC executive director James King. “His expertise in public relations and communications, along with his leadership experience and passion for the values of the Catholic Church, make him an outstanding fit at a time when we are looking to increase our reach to the nearly 3.5 million registered Catholics in New Jersey. We are confident in his ability to quickly begin making important contributions toward our mission.”

“I’m thrilled to be a part of an organization with such a rich history and important mission,” said Hardiman. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to utilize my skills and experience on behalf of an organization whose work is so important to me.”

Hardiman most recently served as the director of Public Affairs for NJM Insurance Group, where he led the company’s communications, public relations, and teen driver safety efforts. He began

his career at NJM in 1994 after graduating from Rider University, Lawrenceville.

Hardiman is a Lead New Jersey Fellow, class of 2014, and a former executive board member of both the MidJersey Chamber of Commerce and the Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber. He is certified in public relations by Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and in crisis and media management by the Institute for Crisis Management, Denver.

Founded in 1949, the NJCC represents the Catholic bishops of New Jersey on matters of public policy. NJCC serves as a liaison to governmental agencies and institutions and coordinates public policy communications and activities among the dioceses and between the bishops and secular agencies.

NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

doing what is best for others but what they truly need is not always what we are offering them.”

After the simulation ended, students were mixed into smaller groups to process their experience and reaction.

Seventh-grader Nouralina Jacobs said, “This activity was a valuable lesson that brings us to the realization of how devastating poverty can be but also how we can make an impact on that reality.”

Eighth-grader Ryan Abbott noted, “I liked doing this because it was interesting to see how Group 1 reacted when they realized the differences. It made me want to give more [to others] more than I do because some people really don’t have anything and I have so much.”

The students later discussed the experience with their parents and ways their families can assist those who are experiencing food insecurity.

Eighth-grader Darleen Wournell suggested offering a school-wide dress down day to raise money that can be donated to the parish food pantry.

“I always knew there were people who were less fortunate than others” she said. “When I attended Edge I never thought it would affect me in the way that it did. This made me feel very grateful for what I have and made me realize how fortunate I am. This meeting gave me a wonderful idea that our whole school could all donate $2 or any non-perishable food item to help others and this would bring St. Augustine’s school closer as a Catholic community.”

“It is a blessing to see our young church maturely respond to a challenging simulation,” Paras said. “I am proud of the ways they are sitting with this difficult reality and responding to the invitations God has placed on their hearts as a result of this meeting.”

For more information about food insecurity or how you can help, visit https://cfbnj.org/

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

In the spirit of giving thanks for what they have, members of the Edge Middle School Youth Ministry at St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, kicked off November by learning about food insecurity.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, in 2019, about 762,530 people, including 192,580 children in New Jersey were food insecure. That means 1 in 12 individuals and 1 in 10 children live in homes without consistent access to adequate food for everyone to live healthy, active lives.

Colleen Paras, director, Youth Ministry at St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, said, “Coming off of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been focusing so much on what we have lost and all that we have to sacrifice. We felt it was important to shift the focus to help them understand there is still so much we have to give thanks for each day.”

Core Team members Heather Tedesco and Mare Ernesto prepared the meeting to help the students not just learn the reality of what happens around us but to feel empathy for those who are struggling with food insecurity.

The Core Team separated the students into separate groups. Group 1 was composed of 11 students and were served pizza, snacks, soda and dessert for dinner as well as have the chance to enjoy music and board games together.

Group 2 held 23 students, who were given half a slice of pizza with a cup of water while sitting on the floor spread out and told that they could talk, but quietly.

Group 3, which had 40 students, were spread out in the balcony area of the gym and ordered to be silent while served a bowl of rice and three ounces of water.

The Core Team treated each group of students differently in their speaking tone and generosity in what they offered.

It took less than five minutes before the students in Group 1 recognized the difference of what they were experiencing compared to the others. They began to walk around the area of Group 2 and some offered to share soda and chips.

But, as they learned that Group 3 was in greater need, they realized their supplies had run out.

Tedesco, who worked with Group I, said, “When we were planning the event, we weren’t sure that the idea of sharing would even come up. But the generosity of the students and the empathy they showed was overwhelming.”

One sixth-grader was frustrated by his inability to offer food to the other groups so he chose to offer entertainment by dancing for those who could see him.

Some students in Groups 2 and 3 shared it was a welcome distraction to the situation they were in while others voiced frustration by his display of joy.

Tedesco noted, “That was a lesson all of its own that sometimes we think we are

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Parochial school students learn lessons about effects of poverty

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Special Devotion

OUR DIOCESE

Students at St. Helena School, Edison, recently participated in a Living Rosary to mark the beginning of the 40th Anniversary of the diocese. The first four decades were offered for the 40 years the diocese has been in existence as well how it has continued its mission of “Building the Kingdom.” They prayed for the people of the diocese, past and present, those who helped mark its beginning and those who will continue to be part of its future. The last decade was offered for vocations, that men and women continue to hear God’s call to serve the Church in the diocese. Eighth grade students placed a red rose in a vase as each Hail Mary was recited and then placed the roses before the statue of the Blessed Mother.

— photo courtesy of St. Helena School

Faith Journey On Nov. 15, four seniors from Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, traveled to a four-day Kairos Retreat at the Loyola Jesuit Center, Morristown. The primary focus of Kairos is to encourage participants to contemplate their personal relationship with God. The Kairos experience is a four-day retreat based on the four “weeks” of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Posing in photo, from left, student leaders: Mei Chiang, Bridget Mooney, Diana Neste and Rebecca Gagliano.

— photo courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy.

Document your treasured family memories before another day goes by.

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

BiosToGo.com Short keepsake biographies composed by a fellow parishioner within the diocese.

Join this directory for as little as $30 a month.

Call Nan for details at 732.765.6444

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DECEMBER The state-wide Joy of Love and Family Conference Series talks will be available for viewing through December 2021. They were posted over a six month period beginning in June. They cover every stage of family and can serve as a valuable resource to individuals, families and ministry groups. For more information visit: www.lightingheartsonfire@diometuchen.org 12/4 Advent Day of Recollection for persons in Consecrated Life. Location and time to be determined. For more information contact, Sister Anna Nguyen at anguyen@diometuchen.org or call 732-562-2439 12/14 Preparing the Way for Christ, 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. As part of the Diocese of Metuchen’s 40th Anniversary celebrations, Dr. Scott Hahn will present an evening on the Holy Season of Advent from the Evangelization perspective, All are welcome to attend. Though there is no charge for admission, registration is required. To register, go to diometuchen.org/40.

Choices Matter – All Presentations of the diocese’s Choices Matter Virtual Conference Series are available for viewing by visiting: https://www.diometuchen. org/choicesmatter. Presentations delivered at the diocese’s Choices Matter Conference included: Integrity,

God’s Plan for sexuality, defending life in the black community, and fighting the legalization of assisted suicide. Each session will challenge you to reflect on why, in each of these areas, our choices matter if we want to build a culture of life and love.

DIOCESAN PROGRAMS Magnify 90 A 90 day spiritual journey for women.

To be held on Zoom on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Program to begin on September 26. For more information contact: cdaverso@diometuchen.org.

Young Couples Bible Study, An opportunity to explore the Biblical basis of Catholic beliefs. This virtual group meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on zoom. For more information contact 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

AROUND THE DIOCESE Music

Nov. 26, 6:30 p.m. — The Knights of Columbus at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges, will present “CAPTAIN JACK” The “Ultimate” Live Billy Joel Tribute Band in the church hall, 105 Summer Road, Three Bridges. BYOB dinner starts at 6: 30 p.m., the concert at 8 p.m.

Proceeds support the charitable works of the Knights and local organizations. Cost is $40 per person. For tickets, call Ed Koch at (908) 797-6500 or Roman Hnidj at (908) 256-9760, rhnidj70@gmail.com.

Nov. 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. —The Altar Rosary Society at Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood, will host the Fall Festival Craft Show, formerly Granny’s Cellar. Quality holiday and handcrafted items. Free admission and parking.

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

Crossword Puzzle Answers: W A N N S H E L D G I B T C H A

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

S P I B E L I B N G P S

C R E D N T S E E R

A L M A H O E B E F A N F A N T I I C E L L H E L

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

Advent Conference

Nov. 27, 9:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale, will host an Unbound Advent conference – “God’s Gift of Freedom for Christmas” – a simple process of prayer, understand your authority of who you are as a child of God. Facilitator: Franciscan Father Giuseppe.

Registration required at Eventbrite.com.

Mass at 4:30 p.m. is optional.

Christmas Bazaar

Dec. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. —All are welcome to attend the annual Christmas Bazaar at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Milltown. This year, new booths will feature Vintage China and Longaberger Baskets, handmade gift bags, Cherished Teddies, and more. Booths will also feature baked goods, religious items, Newto-You Christmas, fresh evergreens, vintage jewelry, Christmas ornaments, Emporium Gifts, gently-used toys (with lots of Calico Critters and other theme toys), and raffles of baskets and gift cards. Children’s do-it-yourself crafts will also be available. Attendees may sign a Christmas greeting for a veteran and, if possible, donate a small health or beauty aid, or a pair of gloves/socks/etc. for residents of the Menlo Park Veterans Home, Edison. For more information, visit www.ololchurchnj.org or search @ ololmilltown on Facebook.

REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

SELLING YOUR HOME? Willing to buy your home or townhouse in as-is condition. Quick 30 day cash closing. I’m a Licensed realtor in the State of NJ. Eugene “George” Pantozzi 908-392-2677 (call or text) georgepantozzi@hotmail.com

HOLYART - religious items and church goods, made in italy. www.holyart.com; +39 0522 1729582

ECO FLOORING

All aspects of hardwood floors.

Call Tony: (732) 670-7437 TheEcoFlooring@gmail.com

“Come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21)

SCREEN REPAIR

WINDOW & DOOR SCREEN REPAIRS Installation of Fiberglass screens for your doors and windows. Pick-up and drop off services available.

George & Sons: (908) 392-2677

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

If you think maybe… contact the Office of Vocations: (732) 562-2453 vocations@diometuchen.org

Rates

per line charges: $ 3.75 per line - 1 insertion $ 3.50 per line - 2 insertions $ 3.25 per line - 3 insertions $ 3.00 per line - 4 or more insertions

For information, call: 732-529-7934

• 24 characters/line (approx) • 5 line minimum • All ads must be pre-paid • Credit cards accepted • Display classified quote upon request

NOVEMBER 25, 25, 2021

Craft Show

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

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.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m. — Caritas Chamber Chorale will present an a cappella Christmas concert, entitled “In Silence and Celebration” — to support the Adorno Fathers’ African Mission — at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Church, 600 Harris Ave., Middlesex.

The event is free and open to the public. A freewill donation will benefit the Gianni Diurni Primary School and the Foyer de l’Enfance Paolo Di Nardo Orphanage in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. For more information, visit www.caritaschamberchorale.org or call (732) 718-0775.

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.”

OUR DIOCESE

DIOCESAN EVENTS

36 OUR DIOCESE

On Oct. 19, Mary, Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough, hosted the Treasures of the Church, which included more than 150 relics. Among the items were, according to sanctioned tradition, a fragment from the veil worn by Mary, as well as some of the largest remaining pieces of the wood of the True Cross; and relics of St. Joseph, St. Maria Goretti, St. Therese of Lisieux (the “Little Flower”), St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Faustina Kowalska and the Apostles. Treasures of the Church is a ministry of evangelization run by Father Carlos Martins of the Companions of the Cross, shown at right with Father John M. Rozenbajgier (left), pastor, Mary, Mother of God parish.

The tour is intended to give people an experience of the living God through an encounter with the relics of his saints in the form of an exposition. The tour is scheduled to visit Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville, Dec. 18, 6 p.m.

NOVEMBER 25, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

For more information, see the website www.treasuresofthechurch.com.

— Mike Ehrmann photos