July 30, 2020

Graduation ceremonies held for high schools in diocese, 13-33

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THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

JULY 30, 2020 • VOL. 25 NO. 8 • $2.00

BACK TO SCHOOL

Principals of Catholic schools in the diocese were invited to gather recently for fellowship and an end-of-year luncheon at St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park. The group, which included two new principals, was greeted by Bishop James F. Checchio, center, who affirmed the administrators for their role in navigating through the challenges of the past few months. The principals were also greeted by Father Timothy A. Christy, diocesan Vicar General, and staff of the Office of Schools, among them Ellen Ayoub, Secretary for Education; Dr. Robert Lockwood, now former Superintendent, and Barbara Stevens, Assistant Superintendent. See article on preparations to ensure safety of students, page 12.

— Debra Knox photo

INSIDE Perspectives Our Faith

Hi-Tech Teaching

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Diocesan Events

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Priests provide catechesis to potential worldwide audience from rectory in Flemington . . .3 This issue was mailed on July 28 Your next issue will be August 20

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Thanks for return to Mass, sacraments, new clergy

UP FRONT

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

Bishop James Checchio These days our lives seem like anything but normal. Our usual and planned vacations this summer have been cancelled or disrupted by restricted travel. Most summer camps and vacation Bible schools are either not opened or have been scaled back.

Even simple family barbeques are not held.

Since March there have been very few people I have socialized with in person. In fact, to be cautious, I only visit my 83-year-old mother outdoors, even though I have had no symptoms of COVID-19.

The warmer weather has certainly helped us in this regard, as it seems the virus is less contagious outside, and I know we try to focus our gatherings accordingly.

As the routines of our life continue to change, so have our religious practices and prayer. Pastors tell me that the number of people coming for confession is thankfully getting back to the numbers previous to the virus outbreak. The number of people attending weekday and Sunday Mass in person is still down quite a bit, but many still choose to participate virtually. Some families come during the week for Mass when the crowds are smaller, and then participate in Sunday Mass online. Thanks be to God for the option of virtual Mass and spiritual communion, especially for the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions.

Virtual celebration of sacraments, however, will never become the “new” normal. These “virtual” celebrations are helpful measures for an extraordinary time. The sacraments, one of the greatest gifts the Lord left to His Church, are designed to be personal. Ours is a “bodily religion,” which means that we admit we are both body and soul. The act of bringing our “body” to the gathered community in Church for worship of the Father is the unique way that Christ has designed for us to receive His sacramental grace.

Sunday is the Lords’ day. It is the time when we “come” to worship the Father which is His due. We come in “thanksgiving” for the blessings of life, as well to pray as “One Body” for all our needs. I know our priests and deacons are anxious to have everyone back at Sunday Mass! While the Mass is efficacious even when the priest offers it alone, there is nothing like celebrating Mass together in our one act of worship of the Father!

We become more who we are called to be when we come on the “First Day of the Week” to commemorate the most powerful event in history: the resurrection! At the end of each Mass we are sent forth again for the upcoming week “equipped” to do the work of a disciple in the midst of the world. The lay person is to consecrate their places of work, rest and play by their very presence for the Kingdom of God. Now for some more good news. Jesus promised to remain always with His Church.

One significant way He does that is through the witness of His ordained ministers. I had the awesome privilege to ordain four of our young brothers to the transitional diaconate on July 25 for service in our diocese. On Aug. 22, five more will be ordained to the holy priesthood! This is new life for our Church! I am pleased to tell you, too, that last month, the diocese accepted 17 men for a new class preparing to become permanent deacons. In addition, in September nine new seminarians will begin study for our diocese as they enter seminary formation. This is the largest number of new seminarians we have had in 30 years! So, even in the midst of the destructive forces of the pandemic the Holy Spirit refreshes us as only He can. This is the result of so much prayer and encouragement from you, the faithful of our diocese. Our Lord hears us, and is fulfilling our needs, even as He asks us to continue to provide for one another.

One of the ways we take care of each other is through the diocese’s ministries.

Your ongoing generous support of your parishes, as well as your generosity for the Works of Mercy provided by our diocese through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal continues to make a real difference in people’s

Catholic Spirit

JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

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

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

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lives. I am so grateful to you for your support and I hear all the time that your pastors are too. They report that online giving has increased. Many parishioners personally bring their weekly or monthly donations to their parish. Remarkably, your generosity has brought us to 97 percent of this year’s goal for the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, even without our usual in-pew solicitation!

As you know, the expenses of our diocese and parishes continue to rise. The needs of many have increased during this pandemic, especially those who have lost their jobs or have had hours of work reduced. The coronavirus itself has wreaked havoc on families and has taken the lives of too many. The customary ways of helping us deal with death and stress have been disrupted, too. We need spiritual solutions to our conflicted stresses of the world.

Your generosity has allowed your parishes, Catholic Charities, and the diocese to step forward in faith and try to respond and bring the mercy of Jesus to those in need. I know in my heart, Christ himself is

grateful for your goodness and generosity “to the least of our brothers and sisters.”

God is calling us. We are all meant to play a role in fashioning the Kingdom of God by our daily responses to His grace. I am so grateful for all of you. You are a great blessing for our local Church and me, too, as I strive to shepherd our four counties to the best of my abilities with your help!

Let us recommit each day to some quiet time with Our Lord: reading scriptures, praying the rosary, visiting Him in the Blessed Sacrament or attending Mass.

Know of my love and prayers for you. I keep you in my heart and prayers, even as I miss seeing you regularly in our parishes, institutions, and at so many events.

I gratefully depend on your prayers, too!

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

Bishop’s Appointments Bishop James F. Checchio recently announced the following priestly appointments. Unless otherwise noted, appointments are effective Sept. 1 Pastors / Administrators Rev. Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, from pastor of St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, New Brunswick, to pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville Rev. Jason Pavich, from parochial vicar of St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, New Brunswick, to administrator of that same parish Rev. Thomas Naduviledathu, S.D.V., from pastor of St. Cecelia Parish, Iselin, to pastor of St. James Parish, Woodbridge Rev. Msgr. Charles Cicerale, from pastor of St. James Parish, Woodbridge, to retired status Rev. Deniskingsley Nwagwu, S.D.V., to administrator of St. Cecelia Parish, Iselin Rev. Michael Fragoso, from pastor of St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg, to pastor of Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick Rev. Msgr. Joseph J. Kerrigan, from parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, South Amboy, to pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook Rev. Benny Chittilappilly, S.D.V., from administrator of Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick, to ministry as assigned by his religious congregation Parochial Vicars Rev. Nalaka Silva, from parochial vicar of St. James Parish, Woodbridge, to parochial vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge Rev. Wojciech Kusek, from parochial vicar of St. Philip and St. James Parish, Phillipsburg, to parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, South Amboy Rev. Virgilio Tolentino, from parochial vicar of St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg, to parochial vicar of Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick Rev. Edmund Luciano, from parochial vicar of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater, to parochial vicar of Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick Rev. Mhonchan Ezung, from parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood, to parochial vicar of St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, New Brunswick Rev. Javier Flores, S.D.V., from parochial vicar of Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick, to ministry as assigned by his religious congregation Rev. Khin Maung Htwe, S.D.V., from parochial vicar of Parish of the Visitation, to ministry as assigned by his religious congregation Rev. Anthony Dukru, from parochial vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge, to ministry as assigned by his diocese; this appointment was effective March 31

Five to be ordained to priesthood Bishop James F. Checchio will ordain five men to the priesthood for the Diocese of Metuchen at the Blue Army Shrine, Asbury, Aug. 22, 9:30 a.m.

Transitional deacons David Edward Keyes, Thomas William Lanza, Gustavo Andres Rodriguez-Perez, Gilbert Zacha-

riah Starcher and Oratorian Brother John Fredy Triana-Beltran will be ordained in a rite that will be livestreamed via the Internet. Access can be found on the diocesan website: diometuchen.org.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the event is not open to the public.

of the

SPECIAL FEATURE

Where in the diocese can it be found?

3

Image Week

Priests spin new teaching ‘Web’ during COVID-19 lockdown

By Karen Corpora Correspondent

The image, which was featured on page 3 of the June 25 issue of The Catholic Spirit, can be found at St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg.

The winner is...

Sandra Bohinski, parishioner at St. James the Less, Jamesburg.

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

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

JULY 30, 2020

Continued on page 8

Last issue's image...

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

FLEMINGTON — Many people are familiar with the EWTN show, “Web of Faith 2.0” which Father Kenneth D. Brighenti and Father John Trigilio Jr., have been co-hosting for the past 10 years. Many more individuals, especially parishioners of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, were introduced to a new version of the show during the pandemic.

Once the coronavirus spread, Father Brighenti, pastor of St. Magdalen, and Father Trigilio, Jr., who had been teaching at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., until the coronavirus caused a lockdown and he moved into the Hunterdon County parish, decided to do a quarantined version of their show. Posted on the parish’s website and YouTube, “Web of Faith 2.1½” is filmed in the parish rectory.

In need of someone to film and edit their show, the two priests quickly cajoled Father Matthew J. Marinelli, parochial vicar at the parish, to be the film crew and editor.

“If we are going to be locked down, we need to do something catechetical,” Father Brighenti told Father Trigilio. Their EWTN show features questions about the faith that are sent in by viewers and answered by the two priests. They used the same format for much of their new version of the show.

The trio has filmed and edited more than 55 episodes of their half hour show, which started when the lockdown began. “We have pretty much covered the whole Catechism,” Father Brighenti noted. “What’s nice about it is if you watch all the episodes of these questions and answers, you’ve

got a pretty good grounding in the Father John Trigilio, Jr., left, and Father Catholic faith.”

Kenneth D. Brighenti, co-hosts of their On one of the episodes, a viewer "Web of Faith 2.1½" home show, broadcommented, “Father, I’m 70 years old. cast an episode from the rectory at St. I learned more in two months than I Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, have in all my years in the Catholic because of the coronavirus lockdown.

— Father Matthew J. Marinelli photo faith.”

The priests have enjoyed makFather Brighenti and Father Triing their shows but acknowledge they gilio have amassed their vast knowlwould not exist without people sendedge of the Church as co-authors of ing in questions. Carmella Kinney, the parish secretary, receives e-mails with a series of books for Wiley Publishquestions, then forwards them to Fa- ing, Inc., including “Catholicism for ther Brighenti to be used on an episode. Dummies” (2003, updated in 2017); “Women in the Bible “It has been fun,” she for Dummies” (2005); said. “We have been “The Catholic Answer getting questions from “We have pretty Book: the 300 Most people around the U.S. Frequently Asked much covered the that are not even part Questions” (2007); of our parish. They are whole Catechism. and “Saints for Dumfans of the show folmies” (2010). lowing along on our What’s nice about When it comes website or YouTube.” to sharing that knowlit is if you watch While most edge in shows for episodes of “Web of all the episodes EWTN, they try to Faith” are based on make it an enjoyable of these quesquestions and anexperience for the auswers, some episodes tions and answers, dience. are a sort of show John is and tell, dedicated to you’ve got a pretty very “Father entertaining,” Fatopics such as altar ther Brighenti noted. good grounding in vessels, priest’s vest“He’s like Johnny Carments and spiritual the Catholic faith.” son, and I’m sort of reading materials that —Father Kenneth D. like the Ed McMahon were mentioned on of ‘The Tonight Show.’

Brighenti former episodes. The We have a good rapepisodes also have port and people enjoy featured guests. Father that. We are teaching James G. Tucker, parochial vicar, St. the faith but in an entertaining way.”

Mary Parish, Alpha, shared his puppet “Working on ‘Web of Faith’ durministry; Christian Charity Sister Faustina Nguyen of the parish’s Social Min- ing COVID-19,” Father Trigilio said, istry, did a session on flower arrange- “has helped me spiritually by moving ments, and the parish organist taught the focus away from me and it helped me to focus outward to helping others.” the background on liturgical music.

4 PERSPECTIVES

Given our world with its tribulations, is this the end?

If ever we felt like the world was going to end, it would be here and now. COVID-19 has incapacitated all walks of life and paralyzed the workplace, schools, hospitals and even our Church. Who would have thought a year ago that we would all have to don masks when not able to keep six feet from others? Who would have thought that our children’s schools would be closed for six months and Zoom would become the new classroom? Who would have believed that ordinations to the diaconate and priesthood in our own diocese would be postponed to late summer?

With businesses closed, many people have lost their jobs or have been furloughed. Unemployment numbers have not been this high since the Great Depression. We are told that we must adjust to the “new normal,” that is, wearing masks, social distancing, working remotely whenever possible, no physical contact whatsoever. As a result, we feel disconnected from our families, our neighbors, our colleagues at work and our parishes. There is enmity between the races, distrust toward renegades in

law enforcement, long lines at the food banks, COVID-19 testing centers and the NJDMV. Is it the end of the world?

Before the beginning of time, before creation, God existed all alone. The love of God was the only love there was. We are not creators, we are only receivers and transmitters of the love of God. And we can transmit only as much as we receive. To tell us of his love and to redeem us of our sinfulness, God sent his only Son. “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

(Jn 1:14) Jesus is the greatest expression of the love of God for us and the greatest expression of the human response to that love. Jesus was divine, the Son of God. He was also human, the son of Mary.

He spoke with divine authority but he spoke in human language. He spoke in the simple language of ordinary people of his day about the things they were most familiar with: the birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the sower and the seed, the vine and the branches. When he wanted to tell his apostles how important they were he said that they were the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth.” And when he wanted to tell us of God’s love for us he used the heart, the human symbol of love. He told us that we should learn of him that he was meek and humble of heart and we would find rest

There is great irony in the twists and turns of our journey through COVID-19. Despite the obvious simplicity of the three basic means of limiting the spread of the virus — hand washing, social distancing and the use of facemasks — more and more people seem to be ignoring the advice of public health experts. As a society we only seem to pay attention when the numbers reach crisis proportions and the intensive care units fill up.

This situation reminds me of the biblical story of Naaman, a Syrian army commander and a leper, who visits a prophet in Israel seeking a cure (2 Kings, chapt 5). After a long trip Naaman arrives at the

home of Elisha the prophet with his retinue.

A messenger appears, telling Naaman to go and wash in the Jordan River seven times and he will be cured. Naaman balks at these simple instructions and walks away in a rage because he feels that the rivers of Syria must surely be better than any water in Israel. His servants intervene, however, suggesting that perhaps he ought to follow the prophet’s instructions. So Naaman washes in the Jordan and sees his skin miraculously restored.

Naaman was angry because he expected a reception befitting an important public figure. He wanted a big show with the prophet waving his hands and doing something dramatic on his behalf. But Elisha didn’t even bother to come out and greet him and his prescription seemed far too mundane for a person of his prominence.

We’re a bit like that today. We’re told over and over that the key to controlling COVID-19 is wearing facemasks, washing our hands and avoiding crowded spaces —

Body & Soul

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD

for our souls.

The contemporaries of Jesus knew this meek and humble heart of Jesus and they knew that it beat with unconditional love for them. Rough, simple fishermen leave their boats and nets to follow him.

Learned doctors sit at his feet to hear his wisdom. A tax collector leaves his money table to become his disciple. Multitudes follow him for days, so captivated that they forget to provide food to eat. The sick fight their way through the crowds to procure healing of their many ailments.

Two thousand years later, the human condition has similar concerns to those who lived during Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Our anxiety is still a fear of the unknown.

People wonder why the good suffer, the wicked seem to prosper and many have doubts about or simply dismiss the hereafter. Most of us, however, like our forefathers and mothers, are looking for whatever will fulfill us. Some of us mistakenly think that this “whatever” is a thing, such as money, a big home, a fancy car, romance or even a pet. The truth is “whatever” should read “whoever,” and that person is Jesus. Only God can fulfill us because, in the words of St. Augustine, “our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” Theologians are saying that amid the chaos of our times, it is necessary to capture the transcendent God in a symbol that is relevant for you; in other words, to capture the unconditional love of God in a symbol that is meaningful for

us. Jesus tells us, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Mt 11:28-29) The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the symbol of the fidelity of the love of God. It reminds us that God loves us unconditionally with a love we can never merit. And he loves us for ourselves, not as we should be, or possibly could be, but as we are with all of our shortcomings, quirks and failures.

He loves us whether we are gainfully employed or jobless, sick with COVID-19 or healthy, black, brown or white, in law enforcement or any other vocation. Having said this, let us return to the initial question of this column. Is the world coming to an end? Jesus tells his disciples that not even he knows the day or the hour. Only God the Father knows the day and time (Matthew 24:36).

Far be it from this writer to speculate if the world is ending or will end soon.

However, we can use the tension, turmoil and uncertainties of this time to reform our lives by doing good and avoiding evil. We can prepare ourselves for “the end” as if the Second Coming might happen tomorrow. By doing this, when Jesus returns in glory, he will find us serving, not hurting, each other through freedom and love, which is the way to build the Kingdom as children of God. Father Comandini is managing editor of “The Catholic Spirit”

JULY 30, 2020

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Personal sacrifices must be made during pandemic

How to report abuse

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

For more information on how to report abuse, visit our diocesan website: https://diometuchen.org/healing

and yet as a society we can’t follow these simple directives.

There are any number of reasons for neglecting such common sense measures — from political loyalties and claims of personal autonomy to naïve notions of invincibility and even “pandemic fatigue.” But it seems to me that what’s really lacking is a real sense of social responsibility and authentic concern for the most vulnerable members of our families and local communities.

For a time, we seemed to celebrate the heightened sense of connectedness and solidarity to which the pandemic gave rise. We admired the charitable initiatives publicized on social media and the celebrity appearances on Zoom. But we quickly grew tired of it all.

Social consciousness and solidarity in this situation, it seems to me, should be measured over the long haul, even when this entails sacrificing the habits and pastimes we most enjoy. This is what our elderly Residents at the Little Sisters’ Homes have had to do for the last four months, and for them there is no end in sight.

While young people have begun going out to beaches and bars, elderly nursing home residents are virtual prisoners in their own rooms. They remain deprived of many of the daily activities they most enjoy. They eat alone in their rooms and haven’t had a

haircut or a hug from their loved ones in months. On the rare occasions when they are allowed out of their rooms, they must wear a mask and so must their caregivers.

No exceptions.

In the world of long-term care, we are subject to constant oversight by outside agencies. We have no choice but to accept the advice of experts. There are few voluntary recommendations and many obligatory regulations. Yet everyone seems to understand that we are all in this together and that personal sacrifices must be made for the good of all. Everyone goes on smiling behind the masks.

I dare say that what sets the elderly and our devoted caregivers apart from the beachgoers and bar frequenters is that they know how to put the good of others above their own and they’ve discovered how to find joy in little nothings and mundane moments spent together. Perhaps this wisdom comes from not having a lot to start with, or from living close to death on a daily basis.

As I walk through the hallways of our Home for the elderly, I try hard to keep smiling behind the mask even when my heart is aching. So, I implore you, keep your mask on and hum whatever tune lifts your spirits above the present gloom!

Sister Constance is the director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.

regulatory contraceptive requirements for employers with religious and conscientious objections.”

“We further hold that the rules promulgating these exemptions are free from procedural defects,” he added.

In a joint statement, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee for Religious Liberty, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kan., chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, wrote, “This is a saga that did not need to occur. Contraception is not health care, and the government should never have mandated that employers provide it in the first place. Yet even after it had, there were multiple opportunities for government officials to do the right thing and exempt conscientious objectors.”

The archbishops concluded their statement with a warning.

“We welcome the Supreme

Court’s decision. We hope it brings a close to this episode of government discrimination against people of faith.

Yet, considering the efforts we have seen to force compliance with this mandate, we must continue to be vigilant for religious freedom.”

The near decade-long court battle of the Little Sisters of the Poor dates back to 2011, when the Obama administration required employers to provide cost-free coverage for contraceptives, sterilizations, and “emergency birth control” in employee health plans under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Although the Obama administration granted an “accommodation” to the Little Sisters and other objecting religious nonprofits, the sisters sued the government in 2013 saying the process still required them to essentially give a “permission slip” for contraceptive coverage to be delivered through their health plans.

In 2016, a divided Supreme Court sent the case back to the lower courts

and instructed both the administration and the nonprofits to reach a compromise where cost-free contraceptive coverage could still be offered to employees while respecting the moral objections of religious groups.

In 2017, the Trump administration granted a religious and moral exemption to the mandate for the sisters and other objecting groups, but then the states of Pennsylvania and California filed lawsuits saying that the burden of providing coverage was being shifted onto the states and claiming that the administration violated the Administrative Procedure Act in setting up the exemption.

The Supreme Court took up their case against the states in January, hearing arguments by phone in April following the COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic.

This article was reprinted with permission from the Catholic News Agency. Information from the USCCB was included.

OUR DIOCESE

WASHINGTON (CNA) — It was a win for religious freedom and the Little Sisters of the Poor on July 8 when the Supreme Court upheld the conscience rights of religious objectors to the “contraception mandate,” in the Affordable Care Act. The mandate obliged employers to provide for contraceptive coverage for employees through their health care plans.

In a 7-2 decision, the Court’s majority sided with the sisters in the latest round of lawsuits against them over the mandate, this time brought by the states of Pennsylvania and California, who argued that the exemption crafted by the Trump administration for organizations with religious or moral objections to the mandate shifted the cost of providing contraceptive coverage to the states and was procedurally flawed.

Writing for the majority, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the Trump administration had “the authority to provide exemptions from the

5

Supreme Court recognizes right of Little Sisters to religious freedom

Diocesan newspaper honored by Catholic Press Association

By Joanne Ward

JULY 30, 2020

headlined, “Prayer helps spell victory The first issue sent to the CPA, for youth in national competition,” published Nov. 14, featured a story described how Christopher Serrao re- and photo of the diocese’s pilgrimage lied on his faith to win the prestigious to the Shrine of Our Lady of GuaScripps National dalupe in Mexico Spelling Bee. The on page one. The “When one considers story concluded spiritual journey the number of submiswith Serrao saying, was in preparation “When the odds for the diocese’s sions in the best newswere against me, I consecration to knew faith in Jesus Jesus through the paper category and the and prayers would Blessed Mother small size of our staff, help me overcome under her title, any obstacle.”

Our Lady of Guaour award is no small All three stodalupe. The issue accomplishment. The ries were judged in included coverage the “Non-weekly of the diocese’s staff’s collaboration, Diocesan Newscelebration of Mispaper, Circulation sion Sunday, as perseverance and 25,000 or Less” well as a suppleprofessionalism category. ment on vocations.

For the “Best A photo of continue to leave me Newspaper” award, couples attending more astonished.”

“The Catholic the diocesan Silver Spirit” received an and Gold Anniver— Father Glenn J. Honorable Mention sary Prayer SerComandini for three consecuvice for Catholic tive issues it submarriages of 25, mitted to the CPA, which has more 50 or more years, filled page one of than 600 member organizations in the the Nov. 28 issue submitted to the United States and Canada.

CPA. Inside the feature story was on

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

For the second consecutive year, the Catholic Press Association (CPA) has recognized “The Catholic Spirit” for excellence. This year, because of the COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic, the Catholic Media Conference was held virtually from June 30–July 2.

It concluded with an online awards program during which “The Catholic Spirit” was one of the “Best Newspaper” recipients in the category “Non-weekly Diocesan Newspaper, Circulation 25,000 or Less.”

In addition, the newspaper earned three other CPA awards.

For his story on the diocese’s nine-mile pilgrimage, “The Way of St. Juan Diego,” Tony Salamone earned a third-place award for best writing on a local/regional event. Featured on page one of “The Catholic Spirit,” the pilgrimage was part of the diocese’s Year of Spiritual Awakening. Seven hundred individuals, including Bishop James F. Checchio, participated.

In the same category, Christina Leslie received an Honorable Mention for her story, “Bishop Checchio initiates inmates into Sacramental Life of Church.” Featured on page one, too, the story told of Bishop Checchio administrating baptism and confirmation to inmates at the Mountainview Youth Correctional Facility in Annandale.

Leslie received a second CPA award in the “Best Writing on a National Event,” category. Her story

the diocese’s “Choices Matter” daylong conference held at the Rutgers Student Center. The issue’s supplement introduced the 2019 investees into the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, referred to as modern day Knights and Ladies.

Members of the papal organization, who advanced within the order, were also recognized.

The consecration of the diocese to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe was highlighted on a page one photo and in a supplement inside the Dec. 19 issue. In his column, Bishop Checchio also focused on the consecration for which the diocese had been preparing during a Year of Awakening. Closing his column, the bishop wrote, “May our consecration bear great fruit in making God known and loved more throughout our beautiful four counties.” Stories on a retreat for the diocese’s deacons and on the bishop’s “ad limina” visit to Rome were also included in the issue.

Reflecting on the paper’s recognition by the CPA, Father Glenn J. Comandini, managing editor, said, “When one considers the number of submissions in the best newspaper category and the small size of our staff, our award is no small accomplishment.

The staff’s collaboration, perseverance and professionalism continue to leave me more astonished.”

Since it was established in 1996, “The Catholic Spirit” has received 63 CPA awards, 11 of them for general excellence.

6 OUR DIOCESE

Newly Ordained In photo at left, Bishop James F. Checchio (left) and Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski (right) pose with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who was ordained and installed as the eighth shepherd of the Diocese of Paterson at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Paterson, July 1. In photo at right, Bishop Checchio (left) and Bishop Bootkoski (right) pose with Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, who was ordained and installed as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Newark, June 30. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Bishop Lorenzo entered St. Mary's Abbey, Morristown, in 1983 and made his first monastic profession in 1985. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1989. Bishop Lorenzo, who is a former Vicar for Religious in the Diocese of Metuchen, was elected Abbot President of American Cassinese Congregation, an association of Benedictine monasteries, in 2016. Bishop Lorenzo was ordained and installed alongside Bishop Gregory J. Studerus and Bishop Michael A. Saporito, now auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese. Family Care Placement, — photos courtesy of Bishop James F. Checchio

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OUR DIOCESE

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Top of page, deacons from the diocese accompany the casket holding the remains of Deacon Tom Sicola (above) after a funeral Mass at Our Lady of the Mount Church. Deacon Sicola exercised his ministry at Our Lady of the Mount Parish for 25 years. Left, Msgr. William Benwell, a concelebrant, delivers the homily.

— John Batkowski photos

ing their home, stayed with them three years; how they welcomed an exchange student who had no place to stay; regularly brought food and clothing to the men’s shelter; and as chaplain at the Somerset County Jail counseled and guided young men.

Laura concluded her eulogy saying, Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love the Lord God with all your heart, soul mind and strength and love your neighbor as yourself. “Dad lived both of these.”

At the end of the Mass, Father Kenny said Deacon Sicola like St. Francis of Assisi was a channel of God’s love and like John the Baptist always pointed to God. He was “a graced vessel, a temple of the Holy Spirit.”

Then as Deacon Sicola’s family placed their hands on his casket, Father Kenny said, now as we sing the Litany of Saints, the angels and saints will join us as they welcome him home.

JULY 30, 2020

would eventually marry. He spoke, too, of the Vietnam War, when his father was drafted, but instead of carrying a rifle, he carried drumsticks as a specialist in the Army band. He recalled his teaching instrumental music to more than four generations of musicians at the Hillside Middle School, Cranford, “earning the love and respect of students and colleagues.”

Laura reflected on her father’s sense of humor for which she said he was known. Watching reruns of TV shows, “he would sit there and crack up in anticipation of his favorite parts.

No matter how many times he had seen the same episode.”

Besides his sense of humor, Thomas said, “one of the most beautiful things about dad was that he truly believed in helping people. Service was truly the foundation of who he was. He would always do whatever he could to help.” He said his parents took in two parishioners who, after los-

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

ties, Diocese of Metuchen’s Ozanam Inn Men’s Homeless Shelter, New Brunswick; helped the parish clothing WARREN — ‘“How did you treat me ministry; visited the hospitalized and when you encountered me in the least homebound, and ministered to the inof my brothers and sisters?’” is the mates at the Somerset County Jail.

Deacon Sicola was born to the late question Jesus will ask us at our judgment,” Msgr. William Benwell said Lillian and Thomas Sicola. The family, during his homily at the funeral Mass which included his three brothers, Paul, Simone and Joseph, lived in Jersey for Deacon Tom Sicola.

“In all sincerity I have met very City before moving to Scotch Plains. few people in my life as prepared as Deacon Sicola met his high school sweetheart and wife of Tom Sicola to stand at 53 years, Nadine (Janthe gates of heaven and “He [Deacon Tom nuzzi), at the Scotch answer that question,” Fanwood High he added.

Sicola] exemplified Plains School.

They moved Family, friends, to Warren in 1986 with the two essential and clergy remembered their children, Thomas Deacon Sicola as a properties of and Laura. They lived “man of service” at there for 35 years, movhome, Our Lady of the diaconia, the ing to Basking Ridge Mount Parish for 25 Greek word for this past spring. years, and in the comIn 1966, Deacon munity at the Mass, service. The first Sicola earned a Bachwhich was held at Our elor of Ats degree in was an element Lady of the Mount music from the ManhatChurch. The 76-yearof sacrifice, giving tan School of Music. old deacon died at He served in the Army home July 3. selflessly. Ask him band from 1971-1974.

Father Sean W. to do anything. It He was a music teacher Kenney, pastor, presided in the Cranford public at the funeral Mass, became his schools for more than which was livestreamed first priority. ” 40 years, retiring in because the coronavirus 2004. He played perpandemic limited the —Msgr. William Benwell cussion in “the Capris” number of mourners for 30 years. permitted in the church.

At St. Elizabeth College, MorrisIn his heartfelt homily, Msgr. Benwell, who was pastor of Our Lady of town, Deacon Sicola earned a Master the Mount for part of the time that Dea- of Arts degree in education and a cercon Sicola served there, also spoke of tificate in diaconal ministry. Bishop the rituals and symbols of the funeral Edward T. Hughes ordained him to the liturgy. They are meant to remind ev- diaconate, May 5, 1996 at the Catheeryone of the deacon’s baptism and the dral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. responsibilities that came with his new He then ministered at Our Lady of the life, “to walk always as a child of the Mount for a quarter of a century. In addition, he served as the chaplain at the light.”

“I consider his great legacy to Somerset County Jail, Somerville, for be what he taught us, sometimes with 18 years.

At the beginning of Deacon Siwords, always by example, what it is cola’s funeral Mass, first his sister-into walk as a child of light, a disciple of law, Diane Horning, and then his son, Jesus Christ,” he stated.

“Tom was a deacon before he be- Thomas, and daughter, Laura, shared came a deacon,” added Msgr. Benwell, personal reminiscences. Horning spoke pastor of St. Mary’s–Stony Hill Par- about how she asked her brother, when ish, who encouraged Sicola to join the he became a deacon, to continue atdiaconate. He went on to explain, “He tending family gatherings on Christmas exemplified the two essential proper- Eve. He kept that tradition for the past ties of diaconia, the Greek word for 50 years. “It was Tom’s gift to me,” service. The first was an element of she said. She closed her brief remarks sacrifice, giving selflessly. Ask him with words from Ann Tyler, who wrote [Tom] to do anything. It became his that missing a loved one is like missing water. Every day you notice that first priority.”

He then spoke of service, the sec- person’s absence more. “Tom, I want ond essential property of the diaconate. you to know we miss you like water,” He said the Lord was most pleased with she said.

Thomas talked first about how service rendered to those in most need his father’s musical talent had “a treof it, the poor, the marginalized, those hurt in any way. “Tom was no stranger mendous impact on the events that to any of those people,” asserted Msgr. shaped his life.” He recalled how playBenwell. He recounted how the deacon ing instruments in their high school had taken food to the Catholic Chari- band brought together his parents who

7

Beloved deacon remembered for his life of service

8

Internet allows priests in Flemington to continue catechizing to world

OUR DIOCESE

Continued from page 3

When answering a viewer’s question, “How do the three of you keep from driving each other nuts?” Father Trigilio responded, “By respecting each other’s personal space, making sure we have some quiet private time alone as well as concelebrating Mass, sharing meals, and doing ‘Web of Faith’ together. Balance is the key and gratitude for being with patient colleagues.”

“I appreciate the different personalities we possess that complement each other,” Father Trigilio added.

“Father Ken is very organized and a great leader/shepherd/pastor and a holy priest. Father Matt is our tech guy. He is low key, very prayerful and spiritual. The danger of personality conflicts is overcome by true priestly fraternity. We love being priests.”

Father Marinelli quickly adapted to his role as camera man and editor of this series. He confessed that his job was much easier than that of Father Brighenti and Father Trigilio. “They would answer questions sent in off the top of their head. That was impressive.

I enjoyed listening to their answers,” he said.

As for his role as camera operator and editor, Father Marinelli said,

“I learned a lot. It was a little timeconsuming at first since I had no idea what I was doing, but I figured it out pretty quickly.” He uses Movavi Video Editor, which is consumer-friendly editing software, and recorded the audio with Audacity. “Then I just put the audio and video together and that was pretty much it,” he said.

During the lockdown, the trio taped five days a week, Monday through Friday. Going forward, they will tape a single, one-hour show each week. After they move the show to EWTN, which will air once a week, they will phase out the parish episode.

Their new series, which was set to begin taping in March, did not occur because of the lockdown. The hope is that they will begin again sometime over the summer.

Father Brighenti said ‘Web of Faith 2.1½,’ the home version of his and Father Trigilio’s show will become “Web of Faith 3.0” when they return to EWTN and it moves from television to the EWTN website.

Reflecting on “Web of Faith,” he added, “Doing this show has kept us creative and we are able to reach people virtually since we were unable to be with them physically.”

Above, Father Matthew J. Marinelli, parochial vicar, St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, is the camera man and editor of the "Web of Faith 2.1½" show.

Right, Father John Trigilio, Jr., weekend assistant, and Father Kenneth D. Brighenti, pastor, co-hosts, discuss a topic during a recent taping of the show at the St. Magdelen de Pazzi rectory.

— Father John Trigilio and Father Matthew J. Marinelli photos

JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Catholic Charities benefits from former deacons’ effort to feed poor A ministry formed to feed the needy in the diocese that ended in 2018 is still helping people through Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM).

In the Ordination Rite of Deacons, the bishop prays the following prayer.

“Oh God, who taught your ministers of the Church to seek not to be served but to serve their brothers and sisters.”

That prayer solidifies the ministry of service as a major pillar in the ministry of all deacons.

With that service objective in mind, Deacon Samuel J. Costantino, now retired but then serving at Good Shepherd Parish, Hopelawn, founded the “Deacons’ Table” Soup Kitchen in 2013. It began serving dinners to the needy in the basement of Holy Spirit worship site, Perth Amboy, in 2014.

With the help of a nucleus of devoted deacons and wives, the Deacons’ Table provided meals on Wednesday evenings at Holy Spirit before moving to Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary worship site in 2015.

From 2014 to 2018, the Deacons’ Table served about 11,000 meals that consisted of salad with tomatoes; pastas such as ziti, penne or fusilli with meatballs or sausage; various cakes and pies for dessert, coffee/tea and candies.

In addition, several stores provided an assortment of breads and bagels for the guests to take home. Deacon Peter

Volunteers at the “Deacons’ Table” Soup Kitchen pose at Good Shepherd Parish, Hopelawn, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary worship site, Perth Amboy, when it closed in 2018. Shown in photo are: Deacon Stephen Laikowski, St. Mary Parish, South Amboy; Deacon Albert Coppola, Deacon Scott Titmas, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge; Deacon Vincent Brigande, St. Helena Parish, Edison; Deacon Roel Mercado, St. James Parish, Woodbridge; Deacon Peter Barcellona, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Port Reading; Natalie Laikowski and Deacon Samuel J. Costantino, then of Good Shepherd Parish, now retired. Missing are Deacon Ed Rodes and Sarah Costantino.

— photo courtesy of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen

Barcellona, who exercises his ministry at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Port Reading, was responsible for providing most of these menu items.

One evening, a woman approached

Deacon Costantino and said, “Deacon Sam, I am alone every night of the week and I am happy all of you are here to give me an opportunity to socialize with other people.”

It was then he realized that the “fellowship” experience for many of the guests was as important as the meal they were providing.

The funding to support the financial needs of the Deacons' Table came directly from the Diocese of Metuchen, Catholic Relief Services, deacon community, members of various parishes, local government agencies and corporations.

After the Deacons’ Table closed in 2018, some of the money remaining in the account was used to help several deacon families and some charitable organizations.

The arrival of the coronavirus pandemic or COVID-19 prompted additional challenges for the needy in the diocese. Because of that, Deacon Costantino directed the diocesan Finance Department to terminate the Deacons’ Table account and issue a check to Catholic Charities for $4,429.28 to be used where they think it is most needed.

“We serve the most vulnerable among us,” said Julio Coto, acting executive director, CCDOM. “Families, who struggled prior to the COVID-19 crisis, are even more vulnerable now.

Through its donation, the Deacons’ Table will continue to serve and unite its community in love and service through food insecurity programs provided

by Catholic Charities throughout the Diocese of Metuchen.”

ed our efforts to date. Collectively, our individual sacrifices come together to reach one common goal; that is to advance the presence and mission of our faith, in order to bring Christ to those that need him the most.

There is still time to join us in our efforts. Please consider a gift to this year’s appeal. Through prayer and reflection, consider a gift of sacrifice by giving to the best of your means. With so many people negatively impacted by COVID-19 it is important to bring people the opportunity to be a part of this mission, our faith and the work of God. There is still opportunity to participate by responding to the most recent mailing or by making an online pledge at https://diometuchen.org/ways-to-give.

Please know we are praying for the safety of you and your loved ones as well as all impacted by the pandemic.

Prayer intentions can be sent at: https:// diometuchen.org/prayer-intention.

Smith is director, diocesan Office of Development and Stewardship

OUR DIOCESE

Miraculous Icon of The Mother of God “Helper of Mothers” or “Helper in Childbirth”

By Thomas J. Smith

As the coronavirus continues to affect our lives, it seems we are living in a new world each month. There has been a significant decline of COVID-19 related deaths and hospitalizations in our state yet increases in other states have left many of us to question when will there be normalcy again. Or is this the “new normal?”

Fortunately, within the past month, we Catholics have started to take steps not to a “new normal” but to a return of something we have longed for since COVID-19 caused a lockdown of schools, businesses, and even churches. Parishes throughout our diocese have unlocked their doors and taken the first steps to letting parishioners return for Mass, and despite restrictions they are coming back. This could not have happened at a better time. I have heard from so many of our parishioners how they yearned for the physical sacraments during the time gatherings were suspended. With all of the current tension in the world the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament is what people need right now.

Whether one attends Mass physically or virtually now is the time for personal reflection on what faith and parish community mean. Without question, we have changed spiritually as individuals and as faith-filled communities. So, we are all challenged to consider our own responsibility to the wider community as Disciples of Christ. A parishioner said it best in a conversation we recently had together, “We want to share what God has blessed us with because there are many people in need right now.”

The 2020 Bishop’s Annual Appeal is at 97 percent of its $7.2 million goal.

Thank you to all those individuals and families that have generously support-

9

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10 OUR DIOCESE JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Kendall Park Parish welcomes third statue blessed by Pope Francis

By Anthony Salamone Correspondent Friar. Stigmatist. Mystic. Saint. Padre Pio — St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Italy — lived a holy life, and it is remarkable to think he died only a little more than a half-century ago.

Now, members of St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, can venerate a 5-foot wooden statue of the humble Franciscan that was recently blessed by Pope Francis in Rome.

It is a story that began earlier this year with Father Robert G. Lynam, pastor, seeking a donor or donors so the parish could obtain a statue of St. Padre Pio. Reflecting on why the Italian saint, Father Lynam said St. Padre Pio is known for the miraculous gifts he exhibited in hearing confessions.

“When he would read souls, he would never embarrass the person, but he wanted to set the person free from their sins,” Father Lynam said. “He also lived through the Spanish flu pandemic early in the [20th] century and is a modern-day role model for Catholics to turn to during our resent pandemic,” he added.

Money from an anonymous donor led to the crafting of the statue in Italy, to building a pedestal for the statue by Mark Dzierewianko — a craftsman near Birmingham, Ala., who is originally from Kearny — to the blessing by the pope, to being transported across the Atlantic Ocean until landing at its final resting spot in the parish.

How Father Lynam obtained the papal blessing is a tale in itself. Ordinarily, Father Lynam explained, Pope Francis blesses artifacts such as saints during his weekly general audience for the public outside the Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City. But the coronavirus pandemic put a pause on such encounters, limiting them to being livestreamed from the Vatican.

“I said, ‘That’s it. It’s over,” recalled Father Lynam, who earlier this year ordered the statue from Demetz Art Studio in northern Italy, after receiving a $5,000 gift from the anonymous parishioner. But Father Lynam did not stop hoping. He sent a letter to the pope’s personal secretary asking if the Holy Father could still bless the statue. Arrangements were made to transport the statue from the factory to a store in Rome that is near the Vatican.

On May 23, Father Lynam received a call from the Vatican that Pope Francis would bless the statue at his residence in St. Martha’s House, a building used for Vatican officials adjacent to St. Peter’s Basilica.

“I was very excited when the answering service

Above left, Pope Francis blesses a wooden, Italian-made statue of St. Pio for St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, at his home, St. Martha's House, Vatican City, May 28. Right, the statue, which was bought by an anonymous donor, was delivered to the parish June 25 and eventually placed between confessionals at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church. The saint, who died Sept. 23, 1968, is said to have spent up to 16 hours each day hearing confessions.

— photos courtesy of the Vatican and St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish

said, ‘The Vatican wants you to call them,’” Father Lynam said.

Five days later, the blessing took place. A photo shows the pope with his right arm extended in sanctifying the statue. The carving shows St. Pio’s right arm raised as a symbol of absolution. The saint, who died Sept. 23, 1968, is said to have spent up to 16 hours each day hearing confessions, helping people who came to him receive God’s mercy and resolve to make permanent changes in their lives.

The photo of the pope and the saint statue almost appears as if both were preparing to greet each other with a handshake or other form of greeting.

The statue arrived June 25 at Newark Liberty International Airport and transported to the parish.

Father Lynam had the statue placed in the sanctuary during the first two weekends in July. After July 12, the statue was placed between the parish’s confes-

Prayer to Saint Padre Pio Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, holy father, you now live with our loving Father and God Jesus Christ. You grew in holiness and resisted the seductions of the evil one. You were physically beaten by the infernal spirits of evil who sought to force you to leave the road to holiness that you had chosen to follow. Pray for us to God that through your intercession and in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we may find the spiritual courage to renounce sin and be strengthened in faith until death.

sionals.

“In a sense, it was unexpected,” the pastor said, “and I’ll consider that a grace from God that the Holy Father was able to bless it to present to our parish.”

On Jan. 22, 2014, Pope Francis blessed two other statues that are inside St. Augustine’s: St. John Paul II and St. Peter. Father Lynam called those papal dedications a “gift from God.” The dual blessings also happened on the date of the United States Supreme Court decision in 1973 that paved the way for legal abortions, and the pastor noted how then-Pope John Paul II spoke out strongly against abortion and — as his successors have — constantly urged Catholics to remain pro-life.

“It just shows you the connection between Rome and the Diocese of Metuchen and the local parish of St. Augustine,” said Father Lynam, who was appointed pastor Oct. 10, 1995, by the late Bishop Edward T. Hughes.

St. Padre Pio, whose feast is celebrated Sept.

23, became famous for having the “stigmata,” replicas of the wounds suffered by Jesus during his crucifixion.

“He is also a role model for priests,” Father Lynam said. “In this day and age, his whole lifestyle also reflects upon the reality of what priests have been going through the past few years,” he explained.

Besides his role as a confessor, St. Padre Pio, who was canonized June 16, 2002, by John Paul II, is known as a patron of civil defense volunteers, adolescents, stress relief and more.

The National Centre for Padre Pio is in Barto, Pa., less than a two-hour drive from St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish.

— Greg Parris and Maria Tapia Burch.

Parris is also the president of “100 Black Men of NJ” — an organization that In the context of the Black Lives Matter implements programs designed to improve movement and the protests taking place the quality of life for African Americans around the country, Father Abraham Ora- and other minorities, with a focus on providing an intense number pankal, pastor, St. Matthof resources toward youth ias Parish, Somerset, predevelopment.

“Everyone is our sided at a prayer service Burch, a lector and at St. Matthias Church neighbor, and career carnival volunteer, that was livestreamed via is also chairwoman of the YouTube in June. especially anyone Somerset County HisIn an interview after in need is our panic Caucus; involved the event, Father Orawith voicing and advancpankal said the goal of the neighbor — as ing issues affecting the service, titled “Solidarbrought out clearly Hispanic community. ity with and for all God’s The focus of the People,” was to express by the Gospel of Gospel readings and the the parish’s solidarity speakers, Father Ora“with all those who sufthe Good Samaripankal said, was on two fer the evil consequences tan as taught by lessons. of racism, discrimina“Jesus commanded tion and prejudice, as we Jesus himself.” us to love our neighbor,” condemn all ideologies —Father Abraham Father Orapankal said that promote these evils Orapankal about the first lesson. “Evduring the nationwide eryone is our neighbor, protests marches.” and especially anyone “We wanted to show that we need to come together as people of in need is our neighbor — as brought out faith, especially because our parish of St. clearly by the Gospel of the Good SamariMatthias is a multicultural one,” he added. tan as taught by Jesus himself.

“Second, we wanted to focus on the In addition to Father Orapankal, speakers were Msgr. Joseph Curry, paro- necessity of having a spiritual foundation chial vicar, and two members of the parish for attaining true justice and peace for all.

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In the present context of the nationwide protest and unrest, only a spirit of prayer, guided by the Bible and the teachings of the Church, can make it truly peaceful.

Otherwise it can bring about violence and riots as we have seen happening.”

Father Orapankal added that unity in diversity is an important characteristic of the Church. The St. Matthias community is a prime model of that, he said, “as we welcome and include everyone without

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“Some of the prayers, especially the ‘Examination of Conscience,’ were taken from the resources provided by our Bishops as given on the USCCB website.”

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In a screenshot, Father Abraham Orapankal, pastor, St. Matthias Parish, Somerset, leads a prayer service livestreamed via YouTube from St. Matthias Church in June.

In addition to Father Orapankal, speakers were, from left: parishioners Greg Parris and Maria Tapia Burch, and Msgr. Joseph M. Curry, parochial vicar.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Jennifer Ruggiero, Director

OUR DIOCESE

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor

11

Parish holds special prayer service to build solidarity among races

12 OUR DIOCESE

Safety, well-being of students main concerns for reopening schools

By Ellen Ayoub “Everything has suddenly changed. What we previously took for granted seems to be uncertain: the way we relate with others at work, how we manage our emotions, study, recreation, prayer, even the possibility of attending Mass,” says Pope Francis in “Strong in the Face of Tribulation: A Sure Support in Time of Trial.”

These words certainly describe what we have experienced in our Catholic schools since March when we closed our schools as our students and staffs went into quarantine, and we began the process of virtual learning.

We never dreamed that we would remain locked down for the rest of the school year, or that our 2020 graduations for the most part would be virtual! Yet, with little warning our pastors, principals and teachers prepared lessons and entered into a unique partnership with parents to continue to provide instruction to all of our students that introduced new concepts and advanced the learning at all grade levels. In addition to academics, we continued to provide faith formation for students as well as prayer services and live streamed Masses. It was remarkable what our teachers did every day! It has been especially pleasing to see the messages from parents expressing their gratitude to principals and teachers for the care and attention the students have received. In our parent surveys, the parents expressed confidence that their children would be prepared for the 20202021 school year.

Happily, Gov. Phil Murphy has told us that we may prepare to welcome our students back to school in September. We

are confident that all efforts to “bend the and provided guidelines to each school curve” will continue and there will be to enable them to begin to craft their Reno change of plans for that reopening. opening Plan. The guidelines were based Every school in New Jersey is required on information from the Center for Disto create a “Reopening Plan” that will be ease Control, World Health Organization, made available to all one month before New Jersey Department of Education, school begins so that parents will feel “The Road Back” and “Leading with confident about having Hope” from the Andrew their children return to M. Greeley Center for Even though the school. The plans are Catholic Education, to be guided by the folplans will be posted Loyola University. In lowing principles: their plans, each school on each website • Continuity of Inwill address: struction • The way the on Aug. 1, that will • Employee and stuschool will monitor the dent safety measures health and safety of staff not signal the end • Access and equity and students of planning. With all for all students • The health and • Communication safety measures that of the changes and with stakeholders: staff, will be provided: sothe uncertainties, families, school boards/ cial distancing, masks, school advisory counsels partitions, cleaning and there will be ongo• Promoting Cathodisinfecting ing monitoring and lic Identity in remote • The way meals spaces will be provided revising of plans Our first step was • Sports and extrato establish a Diocesan curricular activities as they are Task Force to begin • The way teachimplemented. the discussions on the ers will assess students return to schools. The to assure that they are Task Force began by on grade level and preinviting a group of parents from various pared to move forward schools to be our Parent Focus Group.

• The provision for any special serThis was the opportunity to hear from vices students may need, either in the parents regarding their concerns about school or remotely the reopening of schools and to give • The technology needs of students feedback about both parent and student in case there is a need to go back to virneeds. These conversations had to take tual learning. In order to assure equity into account three possibilities for in- in education, schools have provided and struction: (1) in-person (2) hybrid and will continue to provide computers to (3) remote. those students that need them.

The Task Force completed its work • The ongoing faith formation of the

students During the summer, principals will be providing professional development opportunities for teachers that will focus on enhancing the ability to provide instruction if we are called upon to teach remotely again. We know that even though the schools will be open, there are some parents that will not be comfortable sending their children into the classroom yet.

Each school will be prepared to deliver instruction to students that are staying home, and the professional development that is being provided will enable teachers to continue to meet the academic needs of each student.

Even though the plans will be posted on each website on Aug. 1, that will not signal the end of planning. With all of the changes and the uncertainties, there will be ongoing monitoring and revising of plans as they are implemented. The guiding principle is and will remain the safety and well-being of each of our students.

This will require that our principals be vigilant, flexible and always attentive to the needs of our families. While that has always been the hallmark of the administrators in our schools, it certainly has taken on new meaning now.

As we move into a new school year, not certain of what this year will look like, we are reminded throughout Scripture not to be afraid. With God all things are possible. St. Teresa of Avila tells us, “let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. Those who know God have everything. God is enough.” May God bless the Catholic school community of the Diocese of Metuchen.

Ayoub is Secretary for Education, diocesan Department of Education

High school graduates receive $110.5 million in scholarships, awards

JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Tara Smith After facing unexpected challenges and despite not being able to finish their senior year in the classroom, the 492 graduates of the four Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Metuchen, who together amassed more than $110.5 million in scholarships and awards, have reached the culmination of their high school careers and have left behind a lasting legacy of perseverance, resilience and fortitude.

Across the four Catholic high schools — Immaculata, Somerville; St. Thomas Aquinas, Edison; Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, and Saint Joseph, Metuchen — graduates of the Class of 2020 averaged $224,600 in scholarships and awards per student, totaled 58,675 hours of service over the course of their four years, and have achieved a 100 percent college acceptance rate, with an average of 81 percent of graduates receiving scholarships and awards.

Seniors at Immaculata were the first to graduate in the diocese this year, marking

the occasion first with a virtual graduation ceremony May 29, and then a sociallydistanced in-person diploma ceremony July 9, on the school’s football field.

More than $26.8 million in scholarships and grants were awarded this year among the 127 graduates of Immaculata, a co-ed college preparatory high school lead by lay administrators, faculty, staff, and a priest, who serves as the full-time Director of Catholic Identity. Over the course of their four years, the Class of 2020 accumulated 19,280 hours of service and 99 percent of graduates will continue their studies at a college or university, with 92 percent of the seniors accepted to their first-choice school.

Valedictorian Michael Blandino plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Villanova University (Pa.), and salutatorian Samuel Jaskolski plans to study chemical engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y. On June 4, families and loved ones of the graduating seniors at The St. Thomas Aquinas were invited to celebrate with a

virtual commencement ceremony while a drive-through distribution of diplomas was held simultaneously at the school.

Members of the Class of 2020 were the first to graduate from the school under its original name, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, since the return to the name happened during the 50th anniversary of the school. Founded in 1969, the diocese’s co-educational college preparatory school is led by two Franciscan Felician Sisters and a team of lay administrators, faculty, staff, and a diocesan priest, who serves as the full-time Director of Catholic Identity at the school.

The 151 graduates earned $35 million in scholarships and awards and over their four years, accumulated 32,795 hours of service.

Of the 98 percent of graduates who will continue their studies at a college or university, 25 percent will go on to study at a Catholic university or college.

Valedictorian Bianca Villadolid plans to pursue a degree in philosophy at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass., following the school’s pre-med track; and salutatorian

Maia Lim plans to study at the University of Pittsburgh’s Honors College of Mathematical Biology, under the eight-year dental program.

Seniors at Mount Saint Mary were welcomed back to the school’s campus July 18, where they were joined by a limited number of their loved ones for a commencement ceremony on the school’s Angels of Victories Field.

The 76 graduates were awarded $20.1 million in scholarships and awards. All graduates of Mount Saint Mary, a Catholic, private all-girls high school owned and operated by the Sisters of Mercy of the Mid-Atlantic, will continue their studies at a college or university.

Valedictorian Christina Tillinghast received the Presidential Award from Villanova, a renewable, merit-based award covering full tuition, room, meals, general fees, and the cost of textbooks for eight semesters. Salutatorian Anna Muller will study at the School of Business at the Continued on page 15

13 GRADUATION THECATHOLIC CATHOLICSPIRIT SPIRIT JUNE JULY 13, 30, 2019 2020 THE

Top of page, seniors at Immaculata High School, Somerville, process into a diploma awards ceremony July 9.

Below, seniors at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, process into commencement exercises July 18. — Frank Wojciechowski and John Batkowski photos

14 GRADUATION

Congratulations

Catholic School Graduates Class of 2020

Go in peace to love and serve the world!

JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Office of Schools • Diocese of Metuchen 732-562-2446 diometuchen.org/schools

Congratulations to our 2020 graduates! We have spent the past few weeks celebrating the accomplishments of our graduating high school seniors and eighth-grade students.

The celebrations were quite different this year; indeed, the school year also ended quite differently as we closed the year in a virtual setting. It was remarkable to see the dedication of our teachers as they quickly prepared to offer instruction in a remote setting. Fortunately, our schools are fully equipped with technological devices, which

were offered to students in need of a device at home. Many grade levels were already using learning platforms for student collaboration and communication, all of which assisted in the successful transition to remote learning.

There were, however, many things that never changed at all, including the stellar achievements of our students, the challenging education offered by our schools, the care and concern shown by the administration and faculty for all students.

Most importantly, the opportunity for our students to learn and grow in their rela-

tionship with Jesus Christ was a constant throughout this period of distance learning.

Our parents must be recognized for their partnership with schools in the education of their children. We are so thankful for their willingness throughout the years to sacrifice time and talent as we worked together to meet the spiritual, academic, and emotional needs of the children. The presence of parents in the schools, at academic functions, and at spiritual celebrations helped to complete the well-rounded, values-based education offered by our Catholic schools.

As our graduates move forward to meet new challenges, we are confident that they are fully prepared to excel in their endeavors. The rich foundation of their Catholic education has equipped them to solve problems and make decisions based upon the moral compass of their Catholic faith.

We are so proud of our 2020 graduates and wish them God’s blessings in all that they do to make a difference in our world! May God bless you and keep you, graduates, and may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Stevens is assistant superintendent, diocesan Office of Schools

GRADUATION

By Barbara Stevens

15

Students, parents, educators deserve praise for meeting challenges

Bishop reminds graduates God is ‘constant’ in their lives they never lose Continued from page 12

University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind. Saint Joseph High is scheduled to graduate 138 seniors on July 27. Among the graduates of the private, Catholic allboys college preparatory school run by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, $28.6 million in scholarships and grants were awarded. The Class of 2020 accumulated more than 6,000 hours of service over the course of their four years and 100 percent of graduates will continue their studies at a college or university.

Valedictorian Miguel Zavalla will study at the College of Science at the University of Notre Dame, and salutato-

rian William Zafian will also attend Notre Dame, where he will pursue a degree in chemical engineering.

The graduating seniors who received the 2020 Bishop James F. Checchio Award for Religion are: Michael Blandino of Immaculata; Bianca Villadolid of St. Thomas Aquinas; Ashleigh Cotter of Mount Saint Mary; and Alexander Internicola of Saint Joseph.

Addressing graduates in a video message, Bishop Checchio said he was disappointed to not be with the graduates in person, yet he acknowledged his disappointment pales in comparison to their own.

“In some strange way, this is prob-

ably good preparation for you,” Bishop Checchio said of the cancelled milestone celebrations and rescheduled graduation ceremonies.

“Life is full of all kinds of interruptions and disappointments. So many things come into our lives that we’re not expecting and how we react to them is so important.”

Posing questions to the graduates, who have already been faced with unprecedented circumstances and challenges, he asked, “How do we let this draw us closer to our Lord and depend on Him?” “He is the constant in our lives that we never lose, no matter what comes our way,” the bishop continued. “Draw closer

to Him throughout this time, so you have that strong relationship with Him throughout your lives, no matter what comes.”

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Metuchen will safely welcome students back to school and are now enrolling for fall 2020. With small class sizes and a sensible approach, the schools are prepared to shift, no matter what the school year may bring. For more information about enrolling a child or to find out how you can help support the privately-funded programs, which provide tuition assistance to aid low-and moderate-income families within the diocese, please visit diometuchen.org/schools or call (732) 562-2446.

Congratulations to our Graduates!

Class of

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2 0 2 0

JULY 30, 2020

16 GRADUATION JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

High school graduates 151 on its 50th commencement exercise are able to stand our ground against hardship and adversity. We missed what little freedom we could have had together, but, “This is a graduation like no other in still, we carried on. We cannot predict the history,” said St. Thomas Aquinas High struggles we will face, but we can strive to School valedictorian Bianca Villadolid be prepared with our awareness, determiin a speech she gave alone in her home. nation, empathy and endurance.”

Compared to the pandemic’s death “It is a celebration nonetheless… We are strong, resilient and proud; though we are toll, job losses and efforts of first respondsuffering, we have much to be grateful ers, “in the grand scheme of things, our complaints are trivial,” Villadolid said in for.”

In a ceremony necessitated by the her address. “We have no less a right to ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Villadolid be disappointed… Thanks to our adminisand the rest of the 151-member Class of trators, teachers and parents who unceas2020 gathered virtually June 4 to celebrate ingly and unconditionally offered love the conclusion of a unique school year, and support no one else could have.”

Villadolid, who will study philosophy the 50th in the school’s history. Though on a pre-med track physically separated, at Boston College, the Edison Catholic “In some strange way, Chestnut Hill, Mass., secondary school’s reflected on the Scripfaculty, administrait is probably good tural quote beneath tion and others were her senior yearbook united in exhibiting preparation for you. photo: “All things their love and respect Life is full of interrupare possible with God for one another via (Mk 10:27).” a series of Internet tions and disappointShe said, “I will postings, salutes, and ments, how we react carry it with me… videos.

The one thing we The school’s to them is so imporneed, the key to our virtual graduation success is faith. Incoropened with an tant: do they fill us up, porate that verse into address by associmake us stronger, or your life, and watch ate principal Harry your dreams become Ziegler, who declared get us off course? Use a reality.” the students would this time wisely, let Above the join the ranks of the strains of the tradi“Greatest Generaus draw closer to our tional “Pomp and Cirtion,” which endured cumstance,” Ziegler the Great Depression Lord. He is a constant read the names of the and World War II, by in our life we members of the Class grappling with the of 2020, then invited pandemic. Recalling never lose.” them to turn their the March 13 ces—Bishop James F. Checchio tassels to indicate sation of in-person they had graduated classes for all students from high school. He of the diocese, he said, “The world you knew came to a halt. You were told to introduced a video message from Bishop pack your belongings for what we thought James F. Checchio, who expressed his was a few weeks. Yet, despite this difficult regrets for being unable to attend the cerscenario, there is great reason for opti- emony in person.

“I am praying for you, lots of people mism due to your refusal to be defeated.”

Ziegler noted the enforced quarantine are, as you mark this milestone in your had enabled the students to build closer life,” the bishop said. “In some strange ties to family and communities, and taught way, it is probably good preparation for them adaptability, grit and determination. you. Life is full of interruptions and disHe added, “We are counting on you to cre- appointments, how we react to them is ate a better tomorrow. You have faced the so important: do they fill us up, make us pandemic with courage and compassion stronger, or get us off course? Use this time wisely, let us draw closer to our Lord. and emerged as future leaders.”

Salutatorian Maia Lim asserted that He is a constant in our life we never lose.”

Felician Sister Donna Trukowski, the Class of 2020 could be defined by four valuable traits: awareness, determination, principal, addressed the class for the fiempathy and endurance. Teachers and nal time, saying, “I hope we have given administrators had nurtured the students’ you a better vision of life and helped gifts, she said, “and parents instilled our you to strive for perfection…Trust God life values, hope and conviction for the is always ruling your life, whether you future, willingly sacrificing their time, like it or not.

“What you get out of life is what hard work and car gas to make sure we you put in,” she continued. “If you love succeeded and got to this stage.”

Lim, who is bound for the University yourself and love God you will reach out of Pittsburgh Honors College to major in to your neighbors. Life will put you in mathematical biology, continued, “We many situations…Follow your dreams.”

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

Above, Felician Sister Donna Trukowski, principal, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, addresses the Class of 2020 during a virtual graduation and drive-in ceremony. The event was streamed live at the same time as the drive-in ceremony so students like Derrick Grant, right, and family could watch in their cars. Sister Donna told the students, “I hope we have given you a better vision of life and helped you to strive for perfection…Trust God is always ruling your life, whether you like it or not."

Left, Michelle Penny, Class of 2020 Advisor, gives a diploma to Craig Mollica, Class President. St. Thomas Aquinas High School ceased holding in-person classes March 13 because of the coronavirus pandemic. In his comments, Harry Ziegler, associate principal, told the students, "The world you knew came to a halt. You were told to pack your belongings for what we thought was a few weeks. Yet, despite this difficult scenario, there is great reason for optimism due to your refusal to be defeated.” Members of the Class of 2020 earned $35 million in scholarships and 98 percent planned to attend college.

— Lors Photography photos

17

GRADUATION

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

JULY 30, 2020

GRADUATION

18

St. Thomas Aquinas High School Awards Valedictorian: Bianca Mikaela Villadolid Salutatorian: Maia Lim The Spirit of Blessed Mother Angela Award: Bethany Ciccarelli, Joseph Dunn, Claire Froehlich, Bianca Mikaela Villadolid Friends of South Amboy: Derrick Golden Middlesex County Principal and Supervisors Association Outstanding Student Award: Bianca Mikaela Villadolid Middlesex County Scholar Athlete Award: Boy - Joseph Dunn Girl – Alyssa DeJianne National Hispanic Scholar: Jason Pinga National Honor Society Scholarship: Maia Lim National Merit Scholarship Program: Avni Bhavsar, Anne Hoban, Grace Metz, Gabriella Toryk, Bianca Mikaela Villadolid, Frank Wilhelm IV New Jersey Army National Guard Community Service: Nicole Kubiak NJSIAA Scholar Athlete: Devlin Stein President’s Volunteer Service Award: Christina Raspa Prudential Spirit of Community Award – Certificate of Merit: Amanda Markert, Christina Raspa Prudential Spirit of Community Award – Certificate of Achievement: Maia Lim Rotary Club of Carteret: Sydney Samuelson Society of Women Engineers: Avni Bhavsar

Woodbridge Township – 2019 Mayor’s Youth Volunteer Award: Bethany Ciccarelli Zolnier Student Leadership and Service Award: Alyssa DeJianne

Valedictorian Bianca Mikaela Villadolid St. Bernadette Columbiettes: Grace Metz St. Augustine of Canterbury Columbiettes: Kristen Choi St. Vincent de Paul: Maya Shah, Riea Srinivasan Stringer Award: Avni Bhavsar Air Force Technology Education: Samantha Soldo

Salutatorian Maia Lim U.S. Army Scholar Athletes: Gerard Chiricolo, Samantha Miel U.S. Marine Corp Scholastic Excellence: Alyssa Pitarri U.S. Marine Corp Athletic Award: Christina Raspa, Parker McCall U.S. Marine Corp Semper Fi: Joshua Arnault

MEMORIAL AWARDS Stanley Briski Memorial Scholarship: Christina Raspa, Syndey Samuelson, Julia Kebuladze Robin Cone Memorial Award: Kathleen Chan Kathleen Duffy Memorial Award: Frank Wilhelm IV Therese E. Ghegan Memorial Award: Mary Pucci Karen Trautvetter Award: Faith Dodge Art: Jessica Bodnar Chinese: Kristen Choi English: Maia Lim French: Faith Dodge Health & Physical Education: Girl – Garbriella Toryk. Boy – Christian Kadi Italian: Alyssa DeJianne Latin: Anna Rivera Math: Avni Bhavsar Physical Science: Avni Bhavsar Biological Science: Bianca Mikaela Villadolid Social Studies: Alyssa Pittari Spanish: Lara Espiritu Bishop Checchio Religion Award: Bianca Mikaela Villadolid

St. Thomas the Apostle School

CLASS OF 2020

JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

graduates

Where you’ll find our graduates in September...

Mater Dei • St John’s Vianney • St Joseph’s • Red Bank Catholic • St Thomas Aquinas • Union Catholic • Trinity Christian Brothers • Roselle Catholic • Freehold Regional • Old Bridge High School • Princeton High School Marlboro High School • Monroe High School 333 HIGHWAY 18, OLD BRIDGE, NJ · 732-251-4000 · STTAOB.COM

19 GRADUATION

Future Leaders

Three high schools in the diocese held commencement exercises livestreamed and/ or outdoors with precautions over the past few months. Above left and below, Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung; above right and left, St. Thomas Aquinas, Edison; below right, Immaculata High School, Somerville. Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, was scheduled to hold its graduation July 27. — John Batkowski, Frank Wojciechowski and Lors Photograohy photos

Congratulations to our dear graduates WE LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.

JULY 30, 2020

St. Helena School

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Father Anthony, Sister Charles and all the teachers & staff from

20 GRADUATION

Be a Part of Something BIG,

By Starting Someplace SMALL.

“Everyone at Immaculata, from my friends, to my teachers, to my coach, has pushed me to reach my maximum potential. Without these people and the opportunities afforded by a smaller school environment, I couldn’t be the person I am today nor would the same possibilities await me.”

— Michael Blandino ’20, Valedictorian – Villanova U. ’24, Mechanical Engineering

92%

Academics to Expand Your Horizons • Marian Scholars for advanced students • 19 AP Courses • 33 Honors Courses • Rutgers Health Science Careers • Chesterton Classical Studies • Early College Credit with four colleges + universities • Digital Arts Program — Learn from the professionals!

of graduating seniors accepted to first choice college.

81%

We Believe in Community In Campus Ministry, faith, and service are a way of life. Mass, prayer, and reconciliation are offered each day.

No service hours are required, yet more than 80% of students participate in 160+ outreach opportunities from Cooking for Christ to building homes in Appalachia.

JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

of graduates received a total of $26.8 million in merit and athletic scholarships.

Music…Like No Other High School • Marching Band 14 time state/regional/national champions • Concert Band • Indoor Percussion • Jazz Band • Choir • Music Ministry + more.

No experience necessary — we will teach you!

Join Our Mailing List!

Stay informed on our plan for a safe return this fall.

Immaculatahighschool.org/contactlist

19 Varsity Sports 73% of Spartans are student-athletes; walk-ons for most athletic teams are welcome!

immaculatahighschool.org

IHS graduates receive diplomas

By Christina Leslie Correspondent The powerful coronavirus may have abruptly ended the senior year of the 127-member Immaculata High School Class of 2020, but the pandemic could not end everything, asserted Joan M. Silo, head of school.

“It cannot take away your accomplishments, it cannot break your bonds of friendship, and it cannot hold the joy we all feel for this moment,” Silo said during the Somerville Catholic school’s May 29 virtual graduation ceremony, the first of two celebrations for the outgoing class.

Gazing out on the empty pews of Immaculate Conception Church, each administrator in turn addressed a livestream audience huddled around computers or smartphones eager to view the academic milestone. Students delivered each speech, song, or instrumental performance smiling A senior at Immaculata High School at the camera lens representing their holds her diploma after receiving it classmates and loved ones. from Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan at a Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan, pastor, ceremony at the football field July 9.

Immaculate Conception Parish and — Frank Wojciechowski school director, read from the Book of Jeremiah wherein God promises Rather than focusing on moments that continual protection of his own, then should have been, let’s concentrate on prayed, “I ask you to continue to watch memories we did share.”

Jaskolski, who will study chemiover and guide these men and women, cal engineering in the fall at Rensguide their footsteps. Like your people selaer Polytechnic tested through the Institute, Troy, experience of exile, N.Y., added that we have been tested “I ask you to continue the school’s strong by the pandemic. We to watch over and sense of community know you are near. and heart nurtured Fill the hearts of guide these men the students into these young gradubecoming “signifiand women, guide ates with your love cantly more confiand your peace.” their footsteps. Like dent and capable…

In a video mes[and] prepared us sage, Bishop James your people tested for any challenges.

F. Checchio exthrough the experiToday isn’t just pressed his regrets day,” Jaskolski for being unable to ence of exile, we have the concluded, “but our attend the ceremony day to celebrate the been tested by the in person, but noted, memories. Make the “I am praying for pandemic. We know most of it.” you. Lots of people Though there are as you mark this you are near. Fill the is no way of knowmilestone in your hearts of these young ing what life has in life. In some strange store, “as Spartans way, it is probably graduates with your we have learned we good preparation can turn to God,” love and your peace.” for you. Life is full said valedictorian of interruptions and — Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan Michael Blandino. disappointments and “God has a plan how we react to them for all of us.

He will bring you to is so important… Use this time wisely.

Let us draw closer to [the Lord]. He is where he wants you to go on his own timeframe. Trust your life is in God’s a constant in our life we never lose.”

In his comments, salutatorian hands and good will come of it,” said Samuel Jaskolski said, “This isn’t Blandino, recalling the message from how I imagined our graduation would the class’ senior retreat in December: occur: staring out at an empty church “We walk by faith, not by sight.”

Continued on next page and a camera, but we all would agree that curve balls are a part of life…

GRADUATION

Blandino, who will study mechanical engineering at Villanova University (Pa.), in the fall, concluded by saying, “Selfdiscovery is a lifelong process. Embrace the challenge of becoming the amazing and unique person God wants you to be.

If there is one thing you take away today, don’t ever let your life pass without being grateful for it. Gratitude can change your world.”

The Class of 2020 also was feted July 9 at a public diploma awards ceremony on the HIS football field. Gowned graduates, all sporting face masks emblazoned with the Immaculata High School logo, strode proudly to their seats arranged six feet apart on the field before a stage festooned with banners detailing the school’s four tenets of faith, scholarship, service and friendship.

Immaculata’s dean of student affairs, Edward J. Webber, read the names of the 127 graduating seniors, 38 of whom qualified for National Honor Society honors, and 21 of whom were legacy, or second-

21

Continued from previous page

Above, members of the Class of 2020 at Immaculata High School, Somerville, — wearing face masks because of the coronavirus pandemic — process into the football field July 9 for a diploma awards ceremony. Right, one of the class members holds his diploma. Of the 127 graduates, 38 qualified for National Honor Society honors.

— Frank Wojciechowski photos

generation Spartans. One by one, they approached the stage for their diplomas and their loved ones’ applause.

“I pray these graduates may be endowed with the heart of a Spartan,” said

Msgr. Brennan, “formed after the likeness of the loving heart of your son, strong and unshakable, that beats steady and true…

We send you forth into this wider world, to continue to serve this community.”

Immaculata High School Awards

Salutatorian Samuel Jaskolski

Kathryn Plocic The Edward “Ted” Gaughan Memorial Scholarship: Lauren Nicole Ellis The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award: Ashley Erika LiBrizzi The John Philip Sousa Award: Gerard Felipe Rabulan The Susan Bruns Award: Victoria Kathryn Plocic, Madeline Claire Dowe President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society: Haley Rose Rogers Awards for Excellence in the Visual Arts: Victoria Kathryn Plocic Award for Excellence in Digital Arts (Gift of the Art Club): Catherine Kendall Ludlow Service Awards President of the Student Council (Gift of the Rev. Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan): Margo Caroline Cherry President of the Senior Class (Gift of the Immaculata Student Council): Julia Elise Hoffman President of the National Honor Society: Caroline Elizabeth Onderko, Michael Blandino National Honor Society Tutorial Service to School: Alexis Marie Garcia, Kate Morgan McHale, Stephanie Claire

Zannella President of the Spanish National Honor Society (Gift of the Spanish National Honor Society): Isabel Victoria Aldana Service to the Magnificat Yearbook (Gift of the Immaculata Journalism Program): Tara Elizabeth Ryan, Emily Nicole DelSordo Christian Spirit Award (Gift of the Immaculata High School Spartan Club): Rose Maria Camiolo, Gerard Felipe Rabulan Campus Ministry Award: Rose Maria Camiolo, Michael Blandino U.S. Army Green Beret Staff Sergeant Andrew T. Lobosco Scholarship Award (Gift of Mr. Felix Ciattarelli of Value Towing): Tara Elizabeth Ryan Law Enforcement (Gift of the Somerville Police Benevolent Association Local 147): Ryan Patrick Enright Recognition Awards Marine Corps Academic Award: Alexis Marie Garcia Marine Corps Athletic Award (Gift of the Marine Corps recruiting station): Thomas Charles McGuire, Julia Elise Hoffman

JULY 30, 2020

Valedictorian Michael Blandino

Branchburg Rotary Club Scholarship: Isabelle Rose LaRoche, Haley Elizabeth DeAngelo The Rotary Club of Somerville and Bridgewater Scholarship, Von Stade Music: Joseph M. Sapone The Rotary Club of Somerville & Bridgewater Paul F. Davis Memorial Scholarship: ???

The Rotary Club of Somerville & Bridgewater Scholarship: ???

The Angelo Mystrena Memorial Award (Gift of Aaron (class of 1989) and Michele Kowalski: Pelton C. Esannason Jr. The Esther and Joseph Cusick Memorial Award (Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cusick): Julia Anne Florin The John Collins Memorial Scholarship (Gift of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Knights of Columbus, Somerville Council 1432): Haley Rose Rogers The Thomas M. Jubak Jr. Memorial Scholarship (Somerville Elks Lodge 1068/Class of 1980 /Gift of the Jubak Family): Matthew James Valencia The Kenneth G. Hermann Memorial Scholarship (Reno Somerville Elks Lodge 1068/Class of 1981): Seth Patrick The Kristin A. Culley Memorial Scholarship (For the student who attains a personal best in service to others. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Culley): Sarah Elizabeth Grimmer Somerville Elks/Susan Kelly Memorial Scholarship (Somerville Elks Lodge 1068/Class of 1980): Isabelle Jalandoni The Richard D. Tyler Memorial Award (Gift of Mrs. Richard D. Tyler): Isabella Rose Barca An Award for Merit (Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ribbans.): Madeline Claire Dowe The Robert Briski Citizenship Award (Gift of Mrs. Carol Briski.): John David Williams The Sheila M. White Scholarship (Gift of the Immaculata Guidance Department): Xavier Willis Harris, Andrew Yang Waskin IHS Alumni Scholarship (Gift of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Association): Thomas Albert Sviderskis-Carroll, Meghan Rose McCabe The Monsignor Eugene B. Kelly (Gift of IHS Head of School.): Ryan Edward Daly

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Highest General Average (Gift of the Immaculata High School Spartan Club): Michael Blandino, Samuel Richard Jaskolski Excellence in Theology (Gift of the Most Reverend James F. Checchio, J.C.D., M.B.A. and Martinsville Knights of Columbus 5959): Michael Blandino Excellence in English (Gift of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2137): Carly Colleen Johnson Excellence in Social Studies (Gift of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2137): Kate Morgan McHale Excellence in Mathematics (Gift of the Fraternal Order of Eagles): Michael Blandino, Samuel Richard Jaskolski Excellence in Chemistry (Gift of the Immaculata Science Department): John Ouellette Kerekes Excellence in Physics (Gift of the Immaculata Science Department): Michael Blandino Excellence in Biology (In Honor of Sr. Mary Ann Besitka, I.H.M.): Maryjaneane Sabariaga Bautista Excellence in Spanish (Gift of the Somerville Knights of Columbus 1432): Natalie Elizabeth Fazekas Excellence in French (Gift of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2137): Stephanie Claire Zannella Excellence in Computer Science (Gift of the Vossen Family): Michayla Claire Norton Excellence in Business Education (Gift of the Vossen Family): Derrick Patrick Ricci-Riner Excellence in Journalism (Gift of the Immaculata Journalism Program): Ethan Joseph Russell Music & Arts Awards Sister Dolores Margaret Scholarship for Excellence: Gerard Felipe Rabulan Connie Tarentino Memorial Award (Gift of the Tarentino Family): Isabelle Rose LaRoche Music Department Award (Gift of Mrs. Mary Frances Gertsen): Haley Rose Rogers The Marie E. Laggini Vocal Excellence Award (In Memory of Marie E. Laggini): Deirdre Antoinette Tobin Excellence in Music; Service to School, Church and Community (Gift of the Drama Department): Michael Blandino “Semper Fidelis Award” (Marine Recruiting Station): Ryan Edward Daly Excellence in Dramatics: Gerard Felipe Rabulan, Victoria

22 GRADUATION

Congratulations Class o

— John Batkowski photo

— Frank Wojciechowski photo

— John Batkowski photo

— Frank Wojciechowski photo

The Diocese of Metuchen Catholic High Schools

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 30, 2020

— John Batkowski photo

St. Thomas Aquinas • Immaculata Saint Joseph • Mount Saint Mary

— Frank Wojciechowski photo

Because Saint Joseph High School held its commencement exercises July 27, coverage will be in the Aug. 20 edition of The Catholic Spirit.

23 GRADUATION

of 2020

— photo courtesy of Lors Photography

— photo courtesy of Lors Photography

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 30, 2020

— photo courtesy of Lors Photography

24 GRADUATION JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

All-girls, college preparatory school awards 76 diplomas to seniors virtually. “You are unbelievably strong.

Look what you have been through and look what you have accomplished. You WATCHUNG The Mount Saint Mary are living in an upside-down world now Academy Class of 2020 gathered in a but you are a survivor. You are a gradunontraditional way July 18 with facility ate.”

Sister Karen gave the graduates and parents for the institution’s commencement exercises. The graduating three tips to proceed. First: mourn the loss and move on. “It’s OK to be sad class was comprised of 76 seniors.

Just as the COVID-19 or coronavi- about what you missed out on but you rus pandemic has affected and changed need to move forward.”

Second: shift your focus to the many aspects of people’s lives the past few months, it also altered the tradi- positive. “Don’t dwell on what you lost, tions of graduation at the Mount. From focus on the good things that have happened and the good the time the girls memories you hold enter the school as “You are a Mercy from school.” freshmen, they look Third: Focus on forward to graduation Woman. You have what you can control. and the baccalaureate “You can’t make COMass celebrated in the been given a great VID-19 go away or school chapel. foundation in make your chosen uniThis year, howversities have classes ever, graduation was academics and in in the fall, but you can held under a tent on your spiritual life. make use of this time the academy’s Angels to learn a new skill. of Victory Field.

The one constant Do what you can, with “There was a what you have, where great deal of virtual in your life is God. you are until you meetings to plan this Don’t forget to gradually feel like you event,” said Michelle are back in control of Daino, Director of pray. Our world is your life.”

Communications for hurting and you are “You are a Mercy the academy. “It has Woman,” she added. always been a tradia gift that we are “You have been given tion to have graduation in the chapel, and giving to the world.” a great foundation in academics and in your the girls look forward —Mercy Sister Karen spiritual life. The one to that moment.”

Schneider constant in your life As difficult as is God. Don’t forget the decision was to to pray. Our world is change the venue, the organizers were eager to comply hurting and you are a gift that we are with the unfolding and changing health giving to the world.”

Salutatorian Anna Muller said in safety recommendations.

Not knowing if an-in person gradu- her remarks, “I cannot tell you how ation would take place, school officials grateful I am to finally celebrate with produced a virtual graduation video, a all of you after being apart for so long. copy of which each graduate will re- These past few months do not define ceive. “We wanted to make sure if we our senior year, and they certainly do were not able to do something in person, not define the four years we had at the we would still be able to provide some Mount.”

She thanked her classmates for sort of experience that the girls could enjoy and be honored by,” Daino added. helping her have the best high school Those who attended the ceremony experience she could ever ask for. “I were limited to the graduates and their hope the way our year ended isn’t the parents. Chairs were set in socially dis- first thing that comes to mind, because a tanced rows of three. Unlike other years place like the Mount deserves to be rewhen the students would sit together as membered by all the lessons we learned a class, each graduate sat with her par- and all the people here that we love. I ents. Masks were required for all who can’t wait to see all the amazing things attended and the graduates processed in you will accomplish.”

Valedictorian Christina Tillingwearing matching masks emblazoned with Mount Saint Mary Academy on it. hast said, “This was not the ending we The graduation was both live and wanted or deserved. It was heartbreakvirtual. Sophie Callahan, the class presi- ing to not spend our last few months dent, joined in a prerecorded video to together as Mounties. As we set out on give the welcome speech. Callahan, who our college journeys, remember to strive is now at the United States Air Force for grace, not perfection. Boldly and unAcademy in Colorado, had to leave apologetically, go after what excites you most. Follow your calling to make this home before graduation took place.

The guest speaker, Mercy Sister world a better place and be sure to savor Karen Schneider, MD, MPH, also joined the process.”

By Karen Corpora Correspondent

Above left, a member of the Class of of 2020 at Mount Saint Mary Academy has the tassel on her cap moved from the right side of her cap to the left to indicate she is a graduate. Above, a senior places a rose in a vase in front of a statue of Mary. Left, graduate Grace Cull holds the Humanitarian Service Award.

— John Batkowski photos

Tillinghast plans to study at Villanova University (Pa.) in the fall.

She received the school’s Presidential Scholarship, which includes full tuition and an invitation to the honors program.

Seven students were honored in the program as Legacy graduates. Legacy parent Danielle Porchetta Siana graduated in 1988. “This is very special to me because the Mount holds a special place in my heart,” she said. “Cayla had four wonderful years here growing spiritually, emotionally and academically. It was very important to my husband and me that she wanted to continue the legacy and embrace all the values that are promoted and instilled here.

“We are so happy to be able to be here today. [Mercy] Sister Lisa [D. Gambacorto, directress] worked hard to make this ceremony happen for the girls. She really loves them. You can

hear that in her speeches and actions.

We are extremely thankful to her and for all she helped the girls accomplish.”

Sister Lisa handed out diplomas and awards but her address to the students was issued through a prerecorded message.

“Use your knowledge to do amazing things” she said. “Use your heart to feel compassion, empathy and love for a world that is bleeding from illness, pain, violence, injustice and poverty.

Use your voice to speak for those who have no voice or little voices. Be light for those who sit in dark places. Fight for good. Be an ambassador for mercy.

“Remember always you are a Mercy Girl. You are now and for all times loved. God Bless you on your journey.”

The total scholarships money awarded to the 76 members of the Class of 2020 was more than $20 million.

Congratulates the Class of 2020

GRADUATION

Academy

25

Mount Saint Mary

Our 76 Graduates in the Class of 2019 Received a Total of over $20 Million in Scholarships/Grants

Ciara Garahan ~ University College Dublin Danielle Garofalo ~ Fairfield University Isabella Genova ~ Monmouth University Olivia Genovese ~ Millersville University of PA Cecilia Guarnuccio ~ University of Notre Dame Olivia Hadad ~ Texas Christian University Claire Hannan ~ Stevens Institute of Technology Caroline Hannon ~ Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville Olivia Hennessy ~ Villanova University Grace Hogan ~ Lehigh University Francesca Holl ~ University of Delaware Emily Howlett ~ Rutgers University Anita Imbornone ~ Fordham University Abbey Kelly ~ Baylor University Michelle Kodua ~ Duquesne University Natasha Koetje ~ American University Katherine Kwiatkowski ~ Univ. of Richmond Kaitlyn Lentz ~ Fairfield University Jinyu (Jessy) Li ~ Univ. of California, San Diego

Emma Puglisi ~ College of the Holy Cross Nina Rhines ~ University of Michigan Alana Rocco ~ Carnegie Mellon University Sydney Rose ~ Saint Joseph’s University Katherine Schwartz ~ Stevens Inst. of Technology Cayla Siana ~ Franklin and Marshall College Amelia Sidlowski ~ Bucknell University Olivia Spero ~ Providence College Lauren St. Louis ~ University of Pennsylvania Abigail Stout ~ Texas Christian University Kendall Terchek ~ Providence College Olivia Tiboni ~ University of Virginia Christina Tillinghast ~ Villanova University Melanie Valliciergo ~ Northeastern University Carli Van Haute ~ Bentley University Julia Vanco ~ King’s College Chun (Tracy) Wang ~ University of Pittsburgh

Salutatorian Anna Muller

1645 U.S. Highway 22 at Terrill Road, Watchung, NJ 07069 (908) 757-0108 • www.MOUNTSAINTMARY.org

*Valedictorian **Salutatorian

JULY 30, 2020

Valedictorian

Christina Tillinghast

Claire Loder ~ Siena College Reese Lynch ~ Fairfield University Gabrielle Mack ~ Johns Hopkins University Delia Mairo ~ Boston College Aria Malhotra ~ Carnegie Mellon University Sarah Martinez ~ Boston College Kristen McGuire ~ Seton Hall University Stephanie Mendes ~ New York University Gianna Mendiola ~ Northeastern University Alexa Mistichelli ~ University of Notre Dame Andrea Morin ~ Georgetown University Anna Muller ~ University of Notre Dame Kristin Nastasi ~ College of the Holy Cross Nicole Nunez ~ Syracuse University Pilar Paradiso ~ New York University Isabella Percario ~ Fordham University Shanelle Philistin ~ Pennsylvania State University Christine Polakiewicz ~ Villanova University Leah Postol ~ University of Vermont

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Catherine Archer ~ Santa Clara Univ.

Bernadette Avila ~ The Catholic Univ. of America Amanda Belej ~ Stockton University Margaret Brautigan ~ The Catholic Univ. of America Alexis Brown ~ Drexel University Natalie Bruzzese ~ Fairfield University Sophie Callahan ~ United States Air Force Academy Katiana Carter ~ Howard University Lily Condodina ~ University of Notre Dame Anastasia Condolon ~ Pepperdine University Grace Cormier ~ Providence College Ashleigh Cotter ~ University of Notre Dame Grace Cuddihy ~ Boston College Grace Cull ~ Villanova University Elizabeth DiGrande ~ Elon University Rebecca Fekete ~ American University Emma Finnegan ~ College of the Holy Cross Bridget Finneran ~ Purdue University Natalie Fontana ~ The George Washington Univ.

26 GRADUATION JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Mount Saint Mary Academy Awards Valedictorian (Live): Christina Tillinghast General Excellence - Four Years – Valedictorian (Gift of the Mercy Guild): Brigid Meisenbacher Excellence - Four Years – Salutatorian (Gift of the Fathers Club): Elisabeth Incardona High Honors - Four Years (4.0 GPA or higher each year for all four years at MSMA. Gift of Mount Saint Mary Academy Administration): Lily Condodina, Katherine Kwiatkowski, Pilar Paradiso, Ashleigh Cotter, Alexa Mistichelli, Olivia Tiboni, Grace Cuddihy, Anna Muller, Christina Tillinghast Bishop Checchio Religion Medal 2020 (Gift of the Diocese of Metuchen): Ashleigh Cotter School Leadership Award (Gift of The Alumnae): Ashleigh Cotter, Elizabeth Digrande, Kristin McGuire, Pilar Paradiso, Nina Rhines, Lauren St. Louis School Spirit Award (Gift of the Fathers Club): Elizabeth Digrande, Cecilia Guarnuccio Catherine McAuley Award (Gift of the Sisters of Mercy): Catherine Archer, Natalie Bruzzese, Carli Van Haute Christian Leadership Award (Gift of Campus Ministry): Alexa Mistichelli, Christina Tillinghast Sister M. Eloise Claire Kays Memorial Award (former directress of MSMA): Lily Condodina Natalie Fontana Sarah Martinez Sister Mary Kerwin ’45 Memorial Award (former directress of MSMA): Ashleigh Cotter, Grace Hogan, Gabrielle Mack Sister Diane Szubrowski Humanitarian Service Award (former New Jersey Regional

Graduation Prayer

Valedictorian Christina Tillinghast President of the Sisters of Mercy): Grace Cull, Claire Loder, Christine Polakiewicz Outstanding Leadership Award (Gift of the directress): Alexa Mistichelli National Merit Commended Scholars: Alexa Mistichelli Anna Muller Christina Tillinghast 2020 Cum Laude Society. MSMA Chapter: Sophie Callahan, Katherine Kwiatkowski, Alexa Mistichelli, Lily Condodina, Gabrielle Mack, Anna Muller, Ashleigh Cotter, Delia Mairo, Pilar Paradiso, Grace Cuddihy, Sarah Martinez, Olivia Tiboni, Cecilia Guarnuccio, Kristen Mcguire, Christina Tillinghast National Honor Society: Sophie Callahan, Abbey Kelly, Nicole Nuñez, Lily Condodina, Fran-

Salutatorian Anna Muller cesca Holl, Anna Muller, Grace Cormier, Katherine Kwiatkowski, Pilar Paradiso, Ashleigh Cotter, Kaitlyn Lentz, Christine Polakiewicz, Grace Cuddihy, Jinyu Li, Emma Puglisi, Grace Cull, Reese Lynch, Nina Rhines, Elizabeth DiGrande, Gabrielle Mack, Alana Rocco, Rebecca Fekete, Delia Mairo, Katherine Schwartz, Bridget Finneran, Aria Malhotra, Cayla Siana, Natalie Fontana, Sarah Martinez, Lauren St. Louis, Ciara Garahan, Kristin McGuire, Abigail Stout, Cecilia Guarnuccio, Stephanie Mendes, Olivia Tiboni, Olivia Hadad, Gianna Mendiola, Christina Tillinghast, Claire Hannan, Alexa Mistichelli, Melanie Valliciergow, Grace Hogan, Andrea Morin, Tracy Wang, Emily Howlett, Kristin Nastasi

Father, I have knowledge, so will You show me now how to use it wisely and find a way somehow to make the world I live in a little better place, and make life with its problems a little bit easier to face.

Grant me faith and courage and put purpose in my days, and show me how to serve Thee in effective ways, so my education, my knowledge and my skill may find their true fulfillment as I learn to do Thy will.

And may I ever be aware in everything I do, that knowledge comes from learning, and wisdom comes from You. Amen

Meredith Benson

Julia Bienkowski

Reilly Botto

But thank you anyway and we love you too!!”

Being a Catholic school within the Archdiocese of Newark, the graduates of MSR look forward each year with great anticipation to their Baccalaureate Mass, a thanksgiving celebration held to honor each year’s graduating class and to thank God for the blessings given to the graduating students and their families. Recognizing that the students would miss this beautiful opportunity to gather in prayer with their classmates, families and faculty, Sister Mary Anne Katlack, campus minister, began to gather ideas about how to bring the seniors and everyone who loves them together in prayer while still being safe and socially distant. Before too long and with the help of other faculty members, a virtual Mass was planned. Father John Gloss, pastor, St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia, presided at the liturgy and gave the homily in the school’s convent chapel, where it could be videotaped and then edited to include students reading, singing and praising God all through the magic of technology. The Mass was broadcast on the school’s website May 27.

The Seton Ensemble, the high school’s choral and instrumental music group, led by Paul Carroll, joined in virtually. Two of the senior ensemble members, Rachelle Montillus and Taylor Eccles, sang a duet entitled “For Good” from the Broadway musical WICKED, which was electronically added to the Mass along with a slide show of the graduates sharing special moments with their classmates throughout the school year.

In his homily, Father Gloss reminded the graduates that “Mother Seton Regional has given you gifts that you must reflect on — the song says you must learn from those who have helped you most and then you must help them in return.”

Later that evening, via the Internet, the Senior Award Ceremony was held. Corinne Wnek, director of Guidance

Sydney Bratro

Ronald Bumb

Adam Bunger-Spiecha

Miabella Catalano

GRADUATION

CLARK — Typically, when you think about high school seniors, very specific images and events come to mind: proms, yearbook signing events, and, of course, graduation day.

For the graduates of the Class of 2020, though, these rights of passage were threatened to be non-existent as they prepared to finish their high school careers under the cloud of the coronavirus pandemic. These students, along with their parents, teachers, and school administrators, were left at a loss while trying to find a way to properly celebrate and commemorate this milestone in their lives.

However, as soon as the pandemic began to have a significant impact in New Jersey, Sister Jacquelyn Balasia, principal, Mother Seton Regional High School, along with her faculty, took action to ensure that the Class of 2020 would graduate with all of the pomp their commitment to academic excellence warranted regardless of the circumstances.

The school began by delivering to each senior’s door step her yearbook along with special gifts that were packaged with love by the senior class moderators. Danielle Roach, one of the school’s English teachers, wrote to the senior parents on behalf of the faculty saying: “We would like to start by saying THANK YOU for raising such wonderful young women. Your daughters have been exceptional and continue to do their very best during this pandemic. We would like to SURPRISE them — a little wave, smile, and a small surprise left outside for them to claim after we leave.

We miss them so much and hope this will cheer them up!”

With that, Roach, Jessica Illingworth, Natalie Rotolo and Carolyn DeMaio loaded up their cars and headed out from the school to begin the socially-distant visits to their students. Parents and students alike cheered, cried, and delighted in the gifts that were delivered. Jennifer Farrell, the mother of senior Katie, wrote “Thank you doesn’t even seem enough for all you all have been doing for these girls!!

27

Graduates of Mother Seton Regional High School receive diplomas

Madison Miranda holds her diploma as she poses for a photo with Sister Jacquelyn Balasi, principal, and other members of the administration at Mother Seton Regional High School, Clark.

— photo courtesy of Mother Seton Regional High School

and Administrative Team member, reported that more than $16.8 million dollars in academic college scholarships had been earned by the graduates.

The class valedictorian was Simran Kaur and Brooke Belmonte and Brooke Merced were co-salutatorians.

Awards were announced from each academic department as well as acknowledgements for girls who participated in clubs and volunteer organizations facilitated by the school. “Beyond the fact that these girls earned on average $330,000 per student in academic scholarships, their Continued on page 31

Michael Catalano

Kimberly Curcio

Charlotte Dameo

314 Old Allerton Road, Annandale

2019-2020 | Eighth Grade Graduates

Ava Olender Class Valedictorian

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Manny Modugno Class President

John Girgis

Veronica Girgis

Brianna Graham

Reese Hannon

Madeline McGovern

Jason Nawrocki

Angelina Nazario

Michael Olender

Melissa Ramirez

Chaz Ranges

Tyler Rogers

Anthony Rossi

Grace Ryder

Kallista Saam

Arienne San Pedro

Raymond Schiavo

Alexander Senger

Autumn Spanner

JULY 30, 2020

Gabriella Flynn

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Julian Dunham

JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

GRADUATION

28

29

GRADUATION

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

JULY 30, 2020

30 GRADUATION JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

We are so proud of the wonderful We are so proudyoung of the wonderful young men you have become and ladies and menladies you and have become and of all your accomplishments atGod bless you and of all your accomplishments at St. Bartholomew School. May St. heart Bartholomew School. keep you close to His as you endeavor on your next adventure.

May God bless you and keep you close to His heart as you endeavor on your next adventure.

Lucky above Sunshine your Lucky stars above you,stars Sunshine on youryou, way, Many friends to on love you, Joyway, in work and playMany Laughter friendsto to love you, Joy in work and playoutweigh each care, In your heart a songAndto gladness waiting everywhere, All your whole life long!a songLaughter outweigh each care, In your heart Irish Blessing And gladness waiting everywhere, All your whole life long!

Father Thomas Walsh, Father James De Fillipps, Irish Blessing Mrs. Ann Wierzbicki, and the entire Staff of the Saint Bartholomew School Family

Father Thomas Walsh, Father James De Fillipps, Mrs. Ann Wierzbicki, and the entire Staff of the Saint Bartholomew School Family

Continued from page 27

alignment with both state and archdiocesan guidelines in order to not only celebrate and recognize these girls in the way they deserved to be honored but also to keep everyone safe and healthy,” Sister Jacquelyn said. “Our students’ well-being is at the forefront of all that we do here — always — and graduation would be no exception.”

Graduation began livestreamed via the Internet on May 28. The outgoing Senior Class President, Sadia Decastro, led

the seniors in a virtual turning of the tassel, recognizing their formal promotion from students to high school graduates.

Later that day, a drive-through ceremony was held. The graduates and their families pulled up to see each of the graduates’ pictures lining the school campus.

Then, with cars spaced safely apart, as the roll call of graduates began with “Pomp and Circumstance” playing in the background, each car approached Sister Jac-

quelyn in order for the graduates to receive their diplomas.

Sister Jacquelyn briefly addressed the graduates reminding them how absolutely proud of them she is and said, “This coronavirus pandemic threatened to take so much away from all of us especially you, our beautiful class of 2020. But here we are despite the circumstances full of joy and hope because you, our girls, are going out to make a difference in our world.”

GRADUATION

commitment to the school’s mission of service to others is so beautifully recognized through awards like the ones presented by Campus Ministry. These awards not only celebrate how brilliant our girls are but also reflect their true spirit of charity,” said Laura Olden-Flammia, who serves as part of the school’s Administrative Team.

“The faculty and I spent hours creating and re-creating plans that were in

31

Principal: Coronavirus can’t stop graduates from making difference

Mother Seton High School Awards Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence: Valedictorian -- Simran Kaur. Co-Salutatorians – Brooke Belmonte, Brooke Merced.

Scholar-athletes: New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association – Samantha Jones. Greater Middlesex Conference – Rachelle Montilus. Greater Middlesex Conference Sportsmanship Award – Alyssa Janowski. Seton Hall National Women in Sports Outstanding Athlete Award – Gabrielle Alexandre.

Distinguished scholars: Brooke Belmonte, Talitha Fernandes, Danielle Bongiovanni, Alyssa Janowski, Julianne DeCastro, Simran Kaur, Sadia Decastro, Rachelle Montilus, Taylor Eccles, Amy Moore.

Art: Ruolan Wu. English: Creative writing -- Danielle Bongiovanni.

Outstanding work -- Danielle Bongiovanni, Kaitlin Farrell, Gabrielle Marino, Susana Pineros. Excellence over four years – Emily Lescano. Poetry Out Loud – Talitha Fernandes.

Math: Algebra III and Trigonometry – Monique

Valedictorian Simran Kaur

Co-Salutatorian Brooke Belmonte

Benito.

Pre-Calculus – Samantha Moses. AP® Calculus – Simran Kaur. N.J. Mathematics League – Sadia Decastro, Talitha Fernandes, Alyssa Janowski, Simran Kaur.

Physical Education: Maya Bidiak, Jessenia Maldonado. Honorable Mention – Viviana Arbelaez, Christine Clennon.

Religion: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award – Madison

Co-Salutatorian Brooke Merced

Miranda. Religious Studies – Trinity Quiatchon.

Science: Environmental – Christelle Jean-Francois.

Engineering Design Process – Jessenia Maldonado.

Anatomy & Physiology – Kayla Flowers. AP® Physics – Brooke Belmonte, Brooke Merced.

Social Studies: U.S. History II – (1212) Gabriella Marino.

(1216) – Merin Isaac.

AP® US History and Social Studies: Talitha Fernandes.

World Languages: French -- Danielle Bongiovanni.

Spanish – Maya Bidiak.

Senior Class Officers: President --- Sadia Decastro.

Vice President – Teresa Cruz. Secretary – Kaitlin Farrell. Treasurer – Julianne Decastro. Publicity Chairperson – Garbrielle Alexandre.

Student Council: President – Rachelle Montilus.

Vice President – Brooke Belmonte. Publicity Chairperson – Maya Bidiak.

Campus Ministry: Loaves and Fishes Club – Julina Abreu, Isabella Gonzalez, Viviana Arbelaez, Merin Isaac, Brooke Belmonte, Alyssa Janowski, Monique Benito, Christelle Jean-Francois, Theresa Billings, Simran Kaur, Christine Clennon, Emily Lescano, Teresa Cruz, Jessenia Maldonado, Nedda Danso, Jayla Marshall, Sadia Decastro, Brooke Merced, Kaitlin Farrell, Susanna Pineros, Talitha Fernandes, Trinity Quiatchon, Kayla Flowers, Katherine Tulko.

Immaculate Conception School, Somerville

Congratulations Class of 2020!

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 30, 2020

May God's love and grace always surround you!

GRADUATION

32

UC seniors gather for final time

Daniel Argasinski, Gianna Belmonte, Evan Chin, Adriana Ciccarelli, Mally Clancy, Oliver Collier, Benjamin Cook, Alex Deffer, Taylor Derkack, James Downing, Emily Eccles, Anthony Esteves, Olivia Fakhry, Brigid Frame, Timothy Gomez, Gabrielle Hansen, Justice Hicks, Ava Ignar, Malcolm Jackson, Jaden Kelly, Giancarlo Larino, Casey Mendoza, Rachel Milewski, Kathleen Paredes, Lukas Pereira, Joseph Perosi, Gabriella Prati, Aaliyah Ray, Noah Ray, Amber Sadowski, Emily Smietana, Johnathon Thor, Gianna Valdes, Nicolas Velasco, Christopher Walusz.

Some of the 207 members of the graduating Class of 2020 at Union Catholic High School, Scotch Plains, pose for a photo May 28.

— photo courtesy of Union Catholic High School

Colonia, NJ

JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Congratulates the Class of 2020

to the campus in their caps and gowns and decorated cars for a drive-thru ceremony.

After being greeted by the music of DJ Don Frio, the school’s music director, everyone received an Our Lady of Grace medal.

The students then received the Hart Award, which was established in 1981 to recognize a senior who exemplifies constant and outstanding contributions to Union Catholic, while overcoming difficulties and facing adversity in a noble and courageous manner. But after the events of the coronavirus, every senior was given the award.

Around the school, photos of every graduate was scrolled across the scoreboard, and the Alumni station distributed Union Catholic Alumni magnets. Then, the graduates saw huge poster size photos of themselves splashed across the windows of the school as they received their diplomas in front of the school from Sister Percylee.

Union Catholic High School Awards The Spirit Award: Chelsea Olivia Kelly Alves Fine Arts – Instrumental: The Michael Marotti Andrew Palacio. Next in Award: Andrew Palacio Merit – Gabriela Hernandez The Jane Albert Award: French: Jacquelyn Coyne.

Ryan Villani Next in Merit – LaurenThe School Consultative Marie Diawatan Board Award: Kacey BrenItalian: Justina Benvenan and Leena Morant nuto. Next in Merit – Natalie The Principal’s Award: Walker Valedictorian Catherine Tangreti Mandarin Chinese: AmeSarah Abood The Hart Award: Every lia Casale. Next in Merit – Kai Salutatorian Chiang member of the Class of Andrew Palacio 2020 Mathematics: Jacquelyn Coyne & Andrew Palacio General Excellence: Valedictorian – Sarah Abood. Salutatorian – Andrew Palacio Physical Education: Zhichao Guo Art: Julianna Zamorksi Next in Merit – Anthony Ike- Religion: Sean Thal. Next in Merit – Lauren-Marie Diawatan moto & Yimeng Yu English: Jacquelyn Coyne. Next in Merit – Tiffany Science: Jacquelyn Coyne. Next in Merit – Sarah Abood Acosta Social Studies: Cara Leegan. Next in Merit – Sarah Engineering: Sean Thal. Next in Merit – Gabriella Abood Pollard Spanish: Tiffany Acosta. Next in Merit – Kacey Brennan Fine Arts – Chorus: Kaitlyn Valendo. Next in Merit – Technology: Ziji Guo & Hunter Lee

1600 Martine Avenue • Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 908-889-1600, Ext. 302 • www.unioncatholic.org

UCH478_GradAd_CatholicSpirit_F.indd 1

SCOTCH PLAINS — Union Catholic High School’s 55th annual commencement exercises featured livestreamed events and a drive-through diploma pick-up May 28.

The event began with a virtual livestream pre-show in the morning that featured several photos of the seniors, video messages from the Class of 2020 and the Class of 1970, which celebrated its 50th anniversary, and a clap out from faculty and staff. That was followed by a virtual graduation ceremony that was livestreamed and featured speeches from Mercy Sister Percylee Hart, principal; Sarah Abood, the valedictorian; Jacob Cunha, the Student Council president; and John Rotondo, a member of Union Catholic’s Class of 2007 and current faculty member. After the ceremony, the Class of 2020 was invited into a Zoom video gathering with Sister Percylee, who pronounced the 207 members graduated.

In the afternoon, the graduates came

6/1/20 7:24 PM

through a year of turmoil and transition that they are smart, talented, and, “prepared to shape the future.”

She urged them to commit to changing the world one graduate at a time by committing to keep, learning, listening, embracing new ideas, and being conscious of the needs of those less fortunate.”

Dr. Sylvia McGeary, vice president of Academic Affairs and Mission Integration, reminded the graduates, “I’d like you to remember that a Felician graduate is a graduate who possesses competence, character and compassion and the ability to be a leader in the 21st century.”

The virtual ceremony ended with Felician’s director of Campus Ministry, Andy Fellows, reciting the Prayer for Peace and Justice, which concludes: “For it is in healing that we are healed. It is in reconciling that we are reconciled. It is in our common bond that we become whole.”

Felician University engages more than 2,300 undergraduate, graduate, and adult students through programs in Arts & Sciences, Business, Nursing, and Education. Universal Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity serve as an inclusive foundation for transforming the lives of tomorrow’s leaders.

CONGRATULATIONS PREP CLASS OF 2020!

GRADUATION

In what just might be one of their most unusual experiences at Felician University, 513 graduating seniors became part of the institution’s 56th graduating class — the first class to mark the time honored tradition of commencement online instead of on campus.

Because of social distancing restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic, the online ceremony was held May 16 following a request from graduating seniors for some kind of recognition ceremony on the actual day the commencement had been planned in May. No caps were thrown high in the air at the conclusion of the virtual event, and the rest of the pomp and circumstance associated with a traditional commencement will have to wait until Sept. 12, when an actual ceremony will be held on the Lodi Campus.

Several University officials dressed in full academic regalia as they addressed students virtually to acknowledge their accomplishments and achievements.

Speaking from her living room instead of from the dais at Breslin Auditorium, Dr. Anne Prisco, president, acknowledged that, “the graduating class of 2020 has demonstrated

33

University graduates 513 online

We’re proud to celebrate our 220 newest alumni as they continue their journeys at more than 100 outstanding colleges and universities across the country.

Class of 2020, you are Our Pride and Our Glory!

Jersey City, NJ | spprep.org

DELBARTON Thanks the Class of 2020 During a global pandemic and many challenges, these young men demonstrated resilience spirit, leadership and brotherhood.

WE SALUTE THEM ALL!

Delbarton is an independent Benedictine Catholic school for young men in grades 7 to 12.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Lear n more at Delbar ton.org

JULY 30, 2020

OUR FAITH

34

Recognizing marriages/Bow at Holy Name Q Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

Question Corner

June 24, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis on prayer, we now consider the prayer of David. Called by God to become King of Israel, David was deeply formed by his early experiences as a shepherd, which he would draw upon in leading his people. The young David was also a lover of music and poetry, and it was from his lyrical appreciation for the wonder of God’s creation that his prayer was born. We see this reflected in the many psalms traditionally attributed to his authorship.

David – as pastor and king – prefigures Jesus the Good Shepherd and universal King, whose prayerful relationship with his heavenly Father sustained his whole life. David, for his part, was both saint and sinner, full of contradictions, yet in his vocation of leadership he was constant in prayerful dialogue with God. Our lives, too, are often marked by contradictory forces and incoherent impulses, but if, like David, we persevere in prayer – whatever our own vocation and the difficulties we may face – we will come to know the closeness of the Lord and be able to share this joy with others.

JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

A Prayer for Caregivers May you see with tender eyes The wounds of those before you.

May you hear with well-tuned ears The unspoken needs of those whose voices are muted.

May you hold with gentle hands The bodies and the spirits of those you care for.

May the beauty of soul, The strength of spirit, The wholeness of being Lead you, inspire you And let you know your own Beauty of soul, Strength of spirit, Wholeness of being.

May you know that, As you care for others, God cares for you, sees you, Holds you tenderly.

Amen.

A friend and his wife, along with their daughter, were recently confirmed into the Catholic Church after being

By Father Kenneth Doyle Methodists their entire life, including getting married within the Methodist Church. They were told by some parish officials (laymen) that their marriage is not recognized by the Catholic Church and that they must be “remarried” within the Catholic Church.

That does not sound right to me, but I can’t find any specific ruling or teaching on this. (The same lay leaders also claimed that their Methodist baptism was not acceptable by the Catholic Church, but I have found letters from bishops stating specifically that baptisms in the United Methodist Church are recognized by the Catholic Church.) (Iloilo City, Philippines) Your instincts are right on target. A marriage between two Protestants, in a Protestant ceremony, is normally recognized by the Catholic Church as a valid marriage, and many Catholic dioceses state

A

this explicitly in their written guidelines.

The Diocese of Venice in Florida, for example, says this on its website: “The Catholic Church recognizes and upholds the validity of marriages of a non-Catholic man and a non-Catholic woman who marry with no impediments, such as the bond of a previous marriage ... and who enter marriage through a form accepted by their church or ecclesial community and the civil government.”

So your friend and his wife would certainly not have to be “remarried” upon their entrance into the Catholic Church.

(You are correct, too, about baptism. The vast majority of Protestant baptisms, including those done in the Methodist religion, are recognized as valid by the Catholic Church, and that sacrament does not have to be repeated when a Protestant chooses to become a Catholic.)

I don’t understand why, over the last couple of years, I don’t see folks bowing at the name of Jesus. It doesn’t seem to matter whether they are parishioners, priests or nuns. Is there some new rule on this, or am I just too old-school Catholic?

(Lacey, Wash.)

Q

The custom of bowing at the name of Jesus is a worthy one, and it has a long tradition in the Church. It takes its origin from St. Paul, who wrote in his Letter to the Philippians (2:9-10): “God greatly ex-

A

alted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend … and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

The practice was reinforced at the Second Council of Lyons, convened in 1274 by Pope Gregory X, which highlighted the special honor due the sacred name and noted that “whenever that glorious name is recalled, especially during the sacred mysteries of the Mass, everyone should bow the knees of his heart, which he can do even by a bow of his head.”

Pope Gregory followed up with a letter to the Dominican Order, which became the foremost promoters of devotion to the Holy Name. In that letter, Pope Gregory said, “We wish that at the pronouncing of that name, chiefly at the holy sacrifice [of Mass], everyone would bow his head in token that interiorly he bends the knee of his heart.”

I agree with our letter-writer that, over the past several decades, this practice is followed less widely. I also agree that more people should observe it; it serves as an important reminder of the reverence we owe the divine and reflects an interior desire to honor Jesus, who died on the cross to redeem us.

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

Mass offers encounters with Christ, others My parents subscribed to this doctrine: If you don’t go to church on Sunday, you don’t go anywhere else. And they stuck to it.

They, and I, were raised to take seriously attendance at Sunday Mass as the primary obligation under the Third Commandment — an obligation that many Catholics take much more casually in our time.

I am not making an argument for the greater holiness of Catholics in the 1940s.

It’s a little more complicated than that, because I believe that many people back then attended Mass every Sunday largely because they were afraid not to.

I’m not sure fear was the emotion the Church was aiming for when the Sunday obligation was first described as early as the reign of the emperor Constantine in the fourth century. But the fact is that part of the reason Catholic churches were packed on Sunday morning 60 years ago and more was that many folks did not want to risk the

eternal consequences of skipping Mass, or at least try to explain it to Father in confession.

None of us in that era could foresee the period we’ve just lived through, and are still living through in many places, in which no one attends Mass on Sunday or any other day.

Now that many churches are open to worshippers, with elaborate restrictions and precautions, many Catholics, mindful of the lethal potential of the virus, are still reluctant to come, and that’s understandable.

Meanwhile, many people have watched Masses streamed online or broadcast on television, and some have attended small-group meetings or other religious gatherings via Zoom or similar software.

I have heard a lot of speculation during this pandemic that the experience is going to “change everything” and that “life will never be the same.” Some of that speculation focuses on the fact that more people than ever before have learned to use streaming services and social media and virtual programs such as GoToMeeting, and that many of those people may opt to continue making those tools a large part of their lives.

I’m no Luddite, but that doesn’t sound to me like a healthy trend. It would be especially problematic if it meant that people

will be satisfied with watching a streamed or broadcast Mass or with simply forgoing Mass more frequently now that they’ve broken the pattern of going.

Obviously, that would mean neglecting the opportunity to hear the word of God proclaimed and to receive Jesus in the Eucharist as often as possible, brushing off the intimacy with God that we can experience in no other way.

And staying away from Mass would also mean forsaking one of the great gifts that came with our baptism — membership in the community of the Church, the body of Christ, the universal Church and the parish.

We can’t help noticing how often the Gospels tell us that Jesus was in the company of his disciples. It’s a powerful image, reflecting his will that the Church not be composed of millions of solitary figures but that it be a community that continues his ministry of justice, mercy, and forgiveness.

The best result that can come from the isolation the pandemic has imposed on us is a newly enflamed desire to be with the assembly of the faithful, to encounter the Lord in each other as well as in the Eucharist, and to work together in building his kingdom on earth.

Deacon Paolino exercises his ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station

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Constancy of God’s love SCRIPTURE STUDY

By Msgr. John N. Fell Our Second Reading this Sunday comes from the concluding section of the Eighth Chapter of Paul’s Letter to the Romans. This passage amounts St. Paul’s triumphant boasting of the constancy of God’s love for his people. Looking over the many real difficulties that Christians faced, Paul asked if any of them would ever be sufficient to tear the believer away from the embrace of God’s love. In a bold proclamation of his assurance of God’s eternal devotion to his people, Paul exults that “I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!” (Rom 8:38-39). God’s love will always be extended to his people, perhaps a message that is meant to touch our hearts with special power during this season of pandemic.

Our other readings this Sunday portray this love, demonstrating Jesus’ tremendous care and compassion. The reading from St. Matthew’s Gospel begins just after Jesus learned of the violent death of John the Baptist. Whether out of sadness or disillusionment, or just a desire to regroup, Jesus tried to go away by himself, most probably for some quite time with his Father.

Jesus may have felt a special need for such a respite as he faced the growing opposition of the crowds and the resentment of the leaders of the people. He knew that Herod, who had just executed John, would might now be casting his attention upon him.

And yet, despite his desire to get away, and ignoring the fickleness of his followers, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity when he encountered the crowds who had been following him. He saw them as sheep lacking a shepherd and so he reached out

WEEK IN SCRIPTURE

SUNDAY, JULY 26 - SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

1842 - 1909 feast - August 8

Google, public domain

Mother MacKillop is Australia’s first native-born saint and its patron.

The oldest of eight children of Scottish immigrants, Mary began working with children as a governess. With encouragement from a priest-adviser, Mary founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the continent’s first religious order, to open schools and orphanages for poor children in rural areas and to serve the aged and friendless by setting up women’s shelters. She took the name Mary of the Cross, and survived episcopal opposition, disrespect and even excommunication. The order received papal approval in 1888, and her 2010 canonization in Rome drew thousands of pilgrims from Australia, where she is considered a national heroine.

Saints

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for August 2, 2020 Matthew 14: 13-21

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A: about 12 baskets of leftovers. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

JESUS PLACE TOWNS GO AWAY ORDERED BROKE TWELVE

WITHDREW

BY HIMSELF CURED FIVE LOAVES GRASS ALL ATE BASKETS

IN A BOAT FOLLOWED EVENING BRING HEAVEN TOOK UP WOMEN

 L E G O

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N A B O A T K

W B O W

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T H D R E W P

K R A D E T A L D S E L B O W S A Y L

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Y K A S K T L V R S V C H E Y W H E A V E N E E I

P U K O O T K D W U V

M M C C L M E S F O G E S D F E U O E H S T N N E D V J O R G N N A L

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F O L L O W E D N H B G © 2020 TRI-C-A Publications; tri-c-a-publications.com

JULY 30, 2020

1 Kgs 3:5, 7-12 • Ps 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130 • Rom 8:28-30 • Mt 13:44-52 Mon 27 Jer 13:1-11 • Dt 32:18-19, 20, 21 • Mt 13:31-35 Tues 28 Jer 14:17-22 • Ps 79:8, 9, 11, 13 • Mt 13:36-43 Wed 29 Jer 15:10, 16-21 • Ps 59: 2-3, 4, 10-11, 17, 18 • Jn 11:19-27 Thurs 30 Jer 18:1-6 • Ps 146:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab • Mt 13:47-53 Fri 31 Jer 26:1-9 • Ps 69:5, 8-10, 14 • Mt 13:54-58 Sat 1 Jer 26:11-16, 24 • Ps 69:15-16, 30-31, 33-34 • Mt 14:1-12 Sun 2 Is 55:1-3 • Ps 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18 • Rom 8:35, 37-39 • Mt 14:13-21 Mon 3 Jer 28:1-17 • Ps 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102 • Mt 14:22-36 Tues 4 Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22 • Ps 102:16-18, 19-21, 29, 22-23 • Mt 14:22-36 Wed 5 Jer 31:1-7 • Ps 31:10, 11-12ab, 13 • Mt 15:21-28 Thurs 6 Dn 7:9-10, 13-14 • Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 9 • 2 Pt 1:16-19 • Mt 17:1-9 Fri 7 Na 2:1, 3; 1-3, 6-7 • Dt 35cd-36ab, 39abcd, 41 • Mt 16:24-28 Sat 8 Hb 1:12 – 2:4 • Ps 9:8-9, 10-11, 12-13 • Mt 17:14-20 Sun 9 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a • Ps 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14 • Rom 9:1-5 • Mt 14:22-33 Mon 10 2 Cor 9:6-10 • Ps 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9 • Jn 12:24-26 Tues 11 Ez 2:8 – 3:4 • Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131 • Mt 18:1-5 Wed 12 Ez 9:1-7; 10:18-22 • Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 • Mt 18:15-20 Thurs 13 Ez 12:1-12 • Ps 78:56-57, 58-59, 61-62 • Mt 18:21 – 19:1 Fri 14 Ez 16:1-15, 60, 63 • Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 • Mt 19:3-12 Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab • Ps 45:10, 11, 12, 16 • 1 Cor 15:20-27 • Lk 1:39-56 Sun 16 Is 56:1, 6-7 • Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 • Rom 11:13-15, 29-32 • Mt 15:21-28 Mon 17 Ez 24:15-24 • Dt 32:18-19, 20, 21 • Mt 19:16-22 Tues 18 Ez 28:1-10 • Dt 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab • Mt 19:23-30 Wed 19 Ez 34:1-11 • Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 • Mt 20:1-16 Thurs 20 Ez 36:23-28 • Ps 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19 • Mt 22:1-14 Fri 21 Ez 37:1-14 • Ps 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 • Mt 22:34-40 Sat 22 Ez 43:1-7ab • Ps 85:9ab, 10, 11-12, 13-14 • Mt 23:1-12

Mary Helen MacKillop

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Sun 26 Mon 27 Tues 28 Wed 29 Thurs 30 Fri 31 Sat 1 Sun 2 Mon 3 Tues 4 Wed 5 Thurs 6 Fri 7 Sat 8 Sun 9 Mon 10 Tues 11 Wed 12 Thurs 13 Fri 14 Sat 15 Sun 16 Mon 17 Tues 18 Wed 19 Thurs 20 Fri 21 Sat 22

to them. Matthew records that Jesus healed the sick among them, showing himself to be the Good Shepherd, the one who would always care for his sheep.

Jesus was thus busy ministering to the crowds when his disciples came to him with the practical concern that there was little food for the great number that had gathered. They suggested that Jesus dismiss the crowd to go off and fend for themselves, attempting to buy whatever food they could in the surrounding villages. The Good Shepherd, however, not about to cast away his flock, told the disciples that he would provide. Taking the few provisions the disciples could gather, five loaves of bread and two fish, Jesus gave thanks to his Father, blessed the food, broke it, and gave it to the masses. Even the basic necessities of daily living do not escape God’s providential concern for his people.

For the past several weeks, St. Matthew’s Gospel has been providing us with various descriptions of the Kingdom; in today’s Gospel, he actually gives us a taste of what life in the fullness of the Kingdom is like — God lovingly sustaining his people for all eternity. Even the detail that there were 12 baskets of leftovers is significant here. This is a sign that God does not provide just enough of what his people need, but that he provides in abundance. God’s mercy and love for his people is not measured out sparingly, but is lavished upon those who seek to do his will.

The miracle in this Sunday’s Gospel is truly an event about which Jesus’ followers should rejoice.

Echoing the bountiful welcome that constituted our First Reading from the Prophet Isaiah, “All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money. Come receive grain and eat! Come without paying and without cost!” (Is 55:1), the feeding of the multitude underscores God’s care for each of us, a care that extends to both this earth and the life to come.

Msgr. Fell is a Scripture scholar and director, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel

OUR FAITH

18th Sunday iof the Year (A)

36 STEPPING UP IN CHARITY

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

The ministryfollow of this Hermitageme” is God’s gift, “Come a life of prayer, freely given to our diocese JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

STEPPING FORWARD

(Mark 10:21)

for you. Please accept this free gift. It is a privilege to be united with you in prayer.

Is God calling you still and know am God. - Psalm 46:10 toBeserve asthata I priest, Prayer Request: deacon, religious sister _______________________________ or brother? _________________________

Shelter receives delivery from ‘neighbor’

Children extend care to military veteran in

EDISON — A UPS truck pulled into the parking lot of the Ozanam Family Shelter on When July 24, hauling a delivery that was not Child Care Catholic Charities’ ordered, but donated.

Site Supervisor Jenelle Clauson read The donation included more than 500 a Facebook about aface104-year-old individual personal post care packages, masks and nearlyspecial 1,000 bottles of shamMarine’s plea for Valentine’s poo. Employees from the UPS Edison wishes, she gathered her colleagues division, with centers in Edison, Linden Hatchery Hill School, andatDayton, donated the items,Elementary which will benefi t individuals and families served by Hackettstown, and organized a project Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen for the children in the Catholic Chari(CCDOM). ties’ after care “They may school seem like child little bags of program to toiletries, but these little bags are actually respond to the oldest living Marine’s big impact bags for the families we serve,” request. said Julio Coto, acting executive direcMaj.which Billis White, a World War II tor, CCDOM, supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

“PeopleHeart come recipient, veteran and Purple here with nothing, so there is nothing too shared his wish during an interview with small for someone who is in need.”

KTXL-TV in Sacramento, According to Glenn Thimons, a busi- Calif., Above, and Julio Coto (far left), acting ness for UPS, three centers themanager request wentallviral.

He toldexecutive the teledirector, Catholic Charities, in the division worked together to collect Diocese of Metuchen, poses with staff vision hosts that one of his favorite hobthe donations as part of the company’s and clients of the Ozanam Family bies is scrapbooking, helped Neighbor-to-Neighbor program, which which has Shelter, Edison, after boxes of donaextends to local communities tions were him support to keep track of his and extensive life.delivered to the facility, provides employees with service opportu- which provides temporary housing Now he wanted to add some Valentine nities. for families that would otherwise be cards to many his collection mementos.

With so in need and aoflarger homeless. Right, a UPS driver unloads workloadOnce as the word result of of the boxes, which were filled gotCOVID-19, out aboutoneWhite’s Thimons said their task to serve can some- with personal care items such as soap, request, staff and children from Benetimes seem daunting, but, he added, “we toothpaste and shampoo donated by dictfind A.a way Cucinella Elementary School, employees from its facilities in always and that’s what we do UPS Children in the Catholic Charities' after school child c Edison, at UPS. We’re always going going Grove Linden Long Valley, andto keep Willow El- and Dayton as part of Hatcheryprogram.

Hill Elementary School, Hackettstown, send t Neighbor-to-Neighbor and find a way to help the next person.” ementary School joined with its Hatchery — Mike Ehrmann photosa World War II veteran and Purple Heart While Catholic Charities is just one Major Bill White, andorganizations togethertothey of Hill the many which sent UPS’ three large — photo co Neighbor-to-Neighbor has do- Valentine envelopes full program of hand-made families on taking steps toward reintegranated, it holds a special placeto in the heart of cards and wishes honor White and to some UPS employees, like Carla Johnson, tion, according to Coto. support Maj.enWhite and we are all re- child care for bring and joy to the retired Marine.

“From the time these to families who helpedlove to coordinate the donation. ten workit simultaneously those distric school minded of how are important is to provideto help the shelter, our case managers “In my past, to turn toabout Catholictheterresponse “We are soI had thrilled in need.

It is one of the largest nonprofi t individually working with them to fi nd Charities when I was in a bad situation and we received from the school district,” recognition to those who have served Somerset and they came through for me,” said Johnson. permanent housing, work, or education,” social service agencies in the state of New For more saidhelped Child Care Area Director Coto. “Everyour clientcountry.” that walks in here Jersey, assisting all those in need regard“They me and my Service daughter, so I said less of race, religion orDioethnicity.Charities’ child Lastthatyear, Catholic Charities, a personal case manager will help wasKrista excited to learn of the opportunity Glynn.

“The staff toandhaschildren All programs offered counties them get back intocese the community.” help in return.” of Metuchen provided affordablein theccdom.org/chil were so excited to send their love and Because those temporarily housed at served by the diocese — Middlesex, SomJohnson’s story is a familiar one to Coto, who has heard similar stories from the shelter are continually working toward erset, Hunterdon and Warren — have been many clients seeking assistance over the reestablishing themselves in the commu- operating throughout the pandemic.

“During these last five months, I nity, donations like the one made by UPS years. have been especially grateful for the work are even more appreciated.

“Homelessness can affect anyone, “As the clients at our shelters find of our staff and those donations from the at any time, so the clients living here are from all different walks of life,” Coto said. permanent residency, those little bags individuals, families, parishes, schools “Need doesn’t have a type or a timeframe, filled with toiletries can travel with them and communities — like the donation we and that need — the need to buy shampoo, received from UPS — which have helped even and especially during a pandemic.”

To allow for social distancing, the soap, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. — then to keep our programs going and the needs Ozanam Family Shelter is currently housing becomes one less thing they need to worry of the people in our local communities met,” said Coto. more than 60 families, but before the pan- about,” said Coto.

To learn more about how you can The more than 150 services and prodemic the shelter often reached nearly 90.

The shelter provides temporary hous- grams offered by CCDOM, among them help and how even a small donation can ing for families who would otherwise be the shelters, rental assistance programs, make a big impact on someone’s life, visit homeless and the staff works with the and resource and referral programs, of- www.ccdom.org

Journey of Faith

By Father John Gerard Hillier COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus, has taken our country and the world by surprise, like nothing ever experienced in the life of anyone living on planet earth today! What began as something considered “worse than the flu” became an outright war against an invisible enemy.

Among the lessons we continue to learn is included the importance of how we are meant to live and function in society. The Catechism tells us that humanity’s vocation is that all people, everywhere “are called to the same end: God himself” (ccc 1878). But, in the meantime, the Catechism continues, “the human person needs to live in society” (ccc 1878).

The idea of living in society is something we generally take for granted. In the past several months, this has changed so drastically that there are now few among us who do not think about what it means to live in society. This is especially the case in a free society like ours when overtaken by a pandemic like the coronavirus.

The notion of “society,” we are told in the Catechism, is not an “add on” or something unrelated to us, but a “requirement of our nature” (ccc 1878). It is defined in the Catechism as “a group of persons bound together organically by a principle of unity that goes beyond each one of them” (ccc 1880). As such, a society which is “at once visible and spiritual...endures through time: it gathers up the past and prepares for the future” (ccc 1880). Isn’t this the case when we consider how often government officials have made reference to

past pandemics like the 1918 Spanish Flu or the 2009 Swine Flu (H1N1 virus)? Likewise, we also hear authorities offer assurances that there are brighter times ahead with scientists working 24/7 to find an appropriate vaccine for the present coronavirus and vaccines for other viruses that may follow.

As members of the human family, we “owe loyalty to the communities of which we are part and respect to those in authority who have charge of the common good” (ccc 1880). In the United States, this means loyalty to our friends, neighbors and fellow citizens, as well as respect to our governor, our president and other civil leaders. “Loyalty” and “respect” does not necessarily mean, however, that we must “agree” with everything said or done by our fellow citizens or by those in authority. It means simply that we must recognize and appreciate their presence and function in society.

Although “the family and the state...are necessary” for us humans (ccc 1882), other initiatives are likewise encouraged, including “the creation of voluntary associations and institutions... on both national and international levels, which relate to economic and social goals, to cultural and recreational activities, to sport, to various professions, and to political affairs” (ccc 1882).

This “socialization” also expresses the natural tendency “for human beings to associate with one another for the sake of attaining objectives that exceed individual capacities” (ccc 1882). As such, we are more often than not, able to make more positive accomplishments when we work together for a common goal.

The next paragraph in the Catechism warns that there can be “dangers” when the state intervenes excessively in the workings of society. In the words of the Catechism: “Excessive intervention by the state can threaten personal freedom and initiative” (ccc 1883). Several current examples of this include: 1.) States that create their own “laws” during the coronavirus pandemic and issue tickets to church-goers whose only

The lack of discussion often leads to suspicion on the part of many otherwise “reasonable” citizens.

We are told in the next paragraph of the Catechism that “society is essential to the fulfillment of the human vocation” (ccc 1886). In the final paragraph in this section of the Catechism entitled “Conversion and Society,” we are taught: “Without the help of grace, [we] would not know how to discern the often narrow path [of]...charity, that is, of the love of God and of neighbor” (ccc 1889).

The Catechism continues: “Charity is the greatest social commandment.

It respects others and their rights. It requires the practice of justice, and it alone makes us capable of it. Charity inspires a life of self-giving” (ccc 1889).

We all need to live in society, to contribute to it and to be given comfort in knowing that the authorities on whom we depend have our best interests at heart, otherwise known as the common good. May we also be the best of critics, however, so that those to whom we show allegiance do not betray their duty to those whom they serve.

Father Hillier serves as Director of the Diocesan Office of the Pontifical Missions, the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Censor Luborum

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crime is meeting in a church parking lot as a way to “remotely” practice their religious faith; 2.) Other states limiting items that are permitted to be purchased at a local dry-goods store, including paint, lawn seed and furniture; and, 3.)

Still others dismissing prisoners from prisons and jails, some of whom are high risk, under the guise of saving prisoners from the coronavirus. To deal with such circumstances, “the teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity” (ccc 1883). The general position of this principle is to guarantee the independence of lower authorities and/or local authorities to share power with higher authorities. “It aims at harmonizing the relationships between individuals and societies” (ccc 1885). Therefore, what is recommended by the Federal government would find its implementation differently from one state to another and from one geographical location within each state to another.

Most people are reasonable if they understand the rationale for a given directive from on high. On the other hand, what “rationale” might there be for disallowing people to use a boat to fish on their own lake or for not allowing people to mow their lawns? Again, to explain the reason for such directives might make sense if properly discussed.

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FAITH ALIVE

Article 140 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 1877-1889

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Living in society is delicate balance between citizens, state

38 OUR DIOCESE

Eucharistic Procession Below left: On June 14, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as the Solemnity of Corpus Christi (which translates in Latin to Body of Christ), Vocationist Father Thomas Naduviledathu (with bullhorn) pastor, St. Cecelia Parish, Iselin, leads the faithful in prayer before a public Eucharistic procession at St. Cecelia Church June 14. Father Anthony M. Sirianni, pastor, St. Helena Parish, Edison, assists by holding a monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament. The main purpose of the feast is to focus the attention of the faithful on the Eucharist.

The secondary focus of the feast is upon the Body of Christ as it is present in the Church. In other photos, the faithful in Iselin line the streets to view the procession, while others are shown in the parking lot of St. Cecelia Church.

— John Batkowski photos

JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Knights, Scouts team up to ensure U.S. flags fly high over I-78 It wasn’t long after the 9-11 attacks in 2001 when patriotic fervor in the United States resulted in unprecedented numbers of United States flags being displayed above interstate highways throughout the country. It is unknown who initiated the practice along Interstate 78 in Hunterdon County, but within a couple of years, many flags were missing or had fallen into disrepair.

The Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Council 10627 in High Bridge responded. Members of the Knights of Columbus are dedicated to four principles: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The High Bridge Knights recognized that displaying the flags on interstate highways is an excellent way to support the principle of patriotism.

The High Bridge Knights decided to replace and maintain the flags on nearly 30 miles of Interstate 78 overpasses west of I-287 in Somerset County to the Hunterdon/Warren County line.

They bought the flags and enlisted the aid of Boy Scout Troop 288 in Annandale to help to place flags — usually in time for each Flag Day on June 14.

Knight Kevin Loughney of High Bridge initiated the program and has continued to lead the effort ever since.

He formed teams of Scouts and parents who place the flags — usually on an early Sunday morning when overpass traffic is light and they can easily ob-

serve proper safety precautions. Worn flags, which are made in the U.S., to be out flags are respectfully “retired.” For placed on the fencing above overpasses several years, Troop 288 continued to and prepare the flags to ensure they participate in the program. will stand up to the strain of incessant In 2014, after the High Bridge winds. The other councils then share Knights had been hanthe costs and place the dling the effort for a few flags. years without the aid of Patriotism also is Members of Scouts, they reached in the Boy Scouts of out to the Knights of America’s DNA. Duty the Knights of Columbus Pope John to country is among the Columbus are Paul II Assembly 3293 first line in the organi(also in High Bridge) zation’s programs. For dedicated to for assistance. The 2020, Loughney asked Pope John Paul II Asfellow Knight Steve four principles: sembly is comprised of Kallesser of Clinton, charity, unity, Knights from several to get involved in the local councils in Huntprogram. Kallesser is fraternity, and erdon County who have also a leader in BSA patriotism. advanced to the 4th and Troop 121 of Clinton. final Knights’ Degree, Troop 121 responded. and which is specifiThe Clinton Scouts recally dedicated to the placed the flags on more principle of patriotism. than a dozen overpasses Loughney asked the Asrecently while Knights sembly to encourage other local Knights replaced the flags on the rest of the I-78 councils to participate. Two councils overpasses. For Flag Day 2020, all of responded: Our Lady of Lourdes Coun- the I-78 flags had been replenished. cil 6930 in Whitehouse Station and Recognizing that some flags on St. Catherine of Siena Council 15703 overpasses on I-287 and I-78 east of in Pittstown. The three councils have I-287 also require attention, Loughney since shared the responsibility for plac- recently contacted Knights of Columing and maintaining flags, with specific bus leaders in those areas suggesting I-78 overpasses assigned to each coun- that they recruit their members to excil. The High Bridge Knights buy the pand the flag replenishment program to

Kevin Loughney, a member of Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Council 10627, High Bridge, instructs Antonio Kallesser, a member of Boy Scouts Troop 121, Clinton on the proper procedure to fasten the flags to the fencing over Interstate 78 in Hunterdon County in June.

— photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Council 10627

their areas.

Many drivers who see the work in progress sound their horns and wave in salute as they pass underneath.

OUR DIOCESE

Rome, Italy (CNA) — Venerable Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager and computer programmer who died in 2006, will be beatified Oct. 10 in Assisi, Italy.

“The joy we have long awaited finally has a date,” Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of Assisi said in a statement June 13.

The beatification will take place in Assisi at 4 p.m. at the Basilica of Saint Francis. It will be chaired by Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who is prefect for the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Acutis is currently buried in Assisi’s Church of St. Mary Major.

Acutis, who died of leukemia at the age of 15, offered his suffering for the pope and for the Church. He was born in London on May 3, 1991, to Italian parents who soon returned to Milan. He was a pious child, attending daily Mass, frequently praying the rosary, and making weekly confessions.

In May 2019, Acutis’ mother, Antonia Salzano, told a CNA reporter: “Jesus was the center of his day.” She said that priests and nuns would tell her that they could tell that the Lord had a special plan for her son.

“Carlo really had Jesus in his heart, really the pureness … When you are really pure of heart, you really touch people’s hearts,” she said.

The date for the beatification was announced the same week as the feast of Corpus Christi. Acutis had a great devotion to the Eucharist and Eucharistic miracles.

“It is beautiful that this news comes as we prepare for the feast of Corpus Christi,” Archbishop Sorrentino said. “Young Carlo distinguished

39

Youth who offered suffering for pope, Church to become Blessed

himself with his love for the Eucharist, which defined his highway to heaven.”

The miracle that paved the way for Acutis’ beatification involved the healing of a Brazilian child suffering from a rare congenital anatomic anomaly of the pancreas in 2013. The Medical Council of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes gave a positive opinion of the miracle last November, and Pope Francis approved the miracle

in February.

Acutis was exceptionally gifted with computers. In “Christus vivit,” the apostolic exhortation published after the 2018 Synod of Bishops on young people, Pope Francis offered Acutis as a model of holiness in a digital age.

“The news constitutes a ray of light in this period in which our country is struggling with a difficult health, social and work situation,” Sorrentino

said.

“In these recent months of solitude and distancing, we have been experiencing the most positive aspect of the internet — a communication technology for which Carlo had a special talent.”

“The love of God can turn a great crisis into a great grace.”

The above was reprinted with permission from the Catholic News Agency

Teen who died from bone cancer named Venerable him. His hand is extended affectionately to caress his mother’s cheek.

“Saints for the Sick” reports that the day before his death, Jan. 28, 1963, he told his mother: “I have made a pact with the Madonna. When the hour arrives, she will come to take me. I have asked her to permit me to make my purgatory on this earth, not in the other world. When I die, I will immediately fly to heaven.”

At the moment of his death, in the early hours, he was holding his crucifix and St. Bernadette relic, with his head turned towards a statue of Mary.

Bonetta’s sainthood cause opened May 19, 1998. The diocesan phase of the process ended May 6, 2000. Following the decree announced July 11 Bonetta’s title will change from “Servant of God” to “the Venerable.”

The above was reprinted with permission from the Catholic News Agency

Angiolino Bonetta, who has been named Venerable by Pope Francis, touches his mother’s cheek as his father looks on.

JULY 30, 2020

Joan Carroll Cruz, Bonetta remained cheerful and his acceptance of his illness inspired conversions. When a nun suggested that he should offer up his sufferings, he replied: “I have already offered all to Jesus for the conversion of sinners. I am not afraid. Jesus always comes to help me.”

To a woman who expressed sympathy on seeing him walking painfully on crutches, he said: “But don’t you know that at every step I could save a soul?”

When the cancer metastasized, increasing his agony, he turned for comfort to the Virgin Mary and received the Eucharist daily. He held tight to a crucifix and other holy objects, including a relic of St. Bernadette of Lourdes. He spent his nights praying the rosary for other patients who were sick in mind and body.

A photo from this time depicts him lying in bed, with his parents beside

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Vatican City (CNA) — The Vatican announced July 11 that Pope Francis has recognized the heroic virtues of a 14-year-old Italian boy who died in 1963.

The pope advanced the cause of Angiolino Bonetta, along with four others, following a July 10 meeting with Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Bonetta was born on Sept. 18, 1948, in Cigole, northern Italy. A lively but virtuous boy, he excelled at school as well as at sports.

When a pain developed in his knee, he attributed it to his athletic activities.

But when he began to lose weight, his mother took him to hospital, where he was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 12. He underwent chemotherapy and his leg was amputated.

According to an account of his life in “Saints for the Sick,” a 2010 book by

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OUR DIOCESE

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JULY 30, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 3 Death on a pale green horse 9 Saintly convert executed in Auschwitz 10 Patron saint of jewelers 11 St. Philip’s surname 12 Recent pope, affectionately 13 To do this is forbidden by the seventh commandment 15 First Mass in Canada was celebrated on this peninsula 16 AKA Hadassah 17 Evil king of the New Testament 20 Seventh century pope 22 Color of Ordinary Time 23 Worship 25 Season before Christmas 26 ___ Dame 29 A priest’s are anointed during ordination 31 He called for justice to surge like waters 32 Commandment carrier, and others 35 Aaron’s staff turned into this 36 Catholic Hungarian composer and pianist who took minor orders 37 The feast of St. Catherine of Siena is in this month

DOWN 1 US state in which the Diocese of Nashville is found 2 Biblical river 3 Chi ___ 4 Sin against hope 5 New ___ Standard Version of the Bible 6 Sins against the eighth Commandment 7 Prayer of repentance 8 Old Testament hymn 14 Where Samson slew the Philistines 15 A gift of the wise men 18 ___ Testament 19 St. ___ de Beaupre 21 Bishop of a diocese 22 Catholic dancer and movie star Kelly 23 Georgia diocese 24 St. Crispin’s day is in this month 27 Founder of the Discalced Carmelites 28 Abbr. for two NT epistles 30 Faith is like a mustard ___ 33 Son of Adam 34 ___ Souls’ Day

Answers can be found on page 43

One day, Jesus talked to his followers about sin.

He told them what they should do if a fellow believer sinned against one of them.

First, the follower was to speak privately to the fellow believer about the sin. If the fellow believer didn’t listen, the follower was to return with one or two others as witnesses to establish the facts of the sin.

“If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector,” Jesus said.

“Lord,” Peter asked when Jesus was finished, “if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?”

“I say to you, not seven times but 77 times,” he said.

Jesus explained that the kingdom of heaven could be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. One servant owed a huge amount but couldn’t repay it.

“His master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children and all his

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property, in payment of the debt,” Jesus said.

The servant fell down and did the king homage.

“Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full,” he begged the king.

The king had pity on the servant and forgave the debt, Jesus said.

The servant then left to find a fellow servant who owed him a much smaller debt.

“Be patient with me, and I will pay you back,” the man said as he fell to his knees.

But the servant refused. Instead, he had the fellow servant put in prison until he repaid the debt.

When the other servants saw what had happened, they reported the whole affair to the king.

“You wicked servant!” the king said.

“I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?”

The angry king then handed over the servant to the torturers until he repaid his entire debt.

“So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart,” Jesus said.

OUR DIOCESE

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service

Artwork, courtesy of CNS

Read more about it: Matthew 8 Q&A 1. How many times did Jesus tell Peter to forgive?

2. What did the servant do that upset the king?

ESSAY: When have you forgiven someone who sinned against you?

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Kids Corner: Jesus teaches about sin and forgiveness

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OUR DIOCESE

From left, Aoife Scott and her brother, Ciaran, pose with Jeffry Alfaro, a case worker for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, and donations brought by the siblings to the Ozanam Family Shelter, Edison, in late June. The effort began when Ciaran wanted to do something for his ministry at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, so his mother called the shelter. Catholic Charities staff member Catherine Jackson provided a short list of items for the shelter’s clients. Ciaran collected the water and Aoife organized the toiletries. Family and friends assisted the effort with donations, which also included diapers, napkins, cleaning supplies and cosmetics.

— photo courtesy of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen

Care Packages From left, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM) staff member Cynthia Bagner; Khushbu Mistry and Nandini Patel, students at Rutgers University, New Brunswick; and CCDOM staff members Shahan Gilliam and Diana Mandel pose with care packages Mistry and Patel delivered to CCDOM’s Ozanam Family Shelter, Edison, on behalf of the Student National Pharmacist Association at Rutgers in June. The Student Association created care packages paid for by the proceeds of their club’s fundraiser. The club wanted to donate specifically to the Ozanam Family Shelter because, according to Khushba, “They couldn’t imagine what it must be like to assist those who are homeless and quarantined during a pandemic.” The care packages contain masks, tooth brushes, toothpaste, hand soap, snacks for adults and a coloring book for the children.

— photo courtesy of Catholic Charities

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AROUND THE DIOCESE Members Needed

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Activities include monthly meetings, charitable activities, work with area shelters and nursing homes and volunteering with the Knights of Columbus. CDC social distance guidelines will be followed. For details, contact Diane (732) 896-6558.

Crossword Puzzle Answers E R E V I I S E O D L D O C T M O B E P R

L M L I G I U E S S T E A R S T H E R R G R E E R E N O T R E E S A R K A E L I S Z I L A

P S A L M

DIOCESAN EVENTS 9/1

The Metuchen Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM), Office of Worship, will hold a virtual retreat for musicians, 7 to 9 p.m. Sr. Sandra DeMasi, SSJ, will lead a virtual retreat titled “Reimaging Faith, Hope and Love in 2020.” She will explore the ways faith, hope and love enable us to navigate the challenges of today. Three musicians of the diocese will offer personal reflections. For information and to register, visit diometuchen.org/npm.

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

Kelly Bolton’s book, “Forever is a Really Long Time: The Truth About Sex and STDs” (May 2020) can be purchased at http:// store.bookbaby.com

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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

sexually intimate with a partner, even if it is once and even if it is “protected” sex, can change one’s life forever. The aftermath can even lay hidden, only to surface months or years later without warning.

Bolton also makes the point that the “you only live once” mentality should not justify becoming sexually active before marriage because the consequences (e.g., infertility, cancer, unwanted pregnancy, and STDs) can be so severe. “Young people need to understand that these are not things that will go away if you take a pill. They will stay with you physically and emotionally throughout your entire life,” she said.

Bolton hopes the book will appeal to high school and college students, give them information that is often missing from sex education discussions, and help them understand the importance of waiting to become sexually active until marriage. “It’s critical for young people to understand what can

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Church doctrine teaches, “All Christ’s faithful are called to lead a chaste life in keeping with their particular states of life.” This thinking is often the foundation of a young person’s sexual education, that sexual intimacy is a gift that should be preserved for married couples.

Kelly Bolton, a member of Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville, and mother of two teenage boys, felt that this teaching could resonate even further with young people if they had a very clear vision of the many potential negative repercussions of having premarital sex. Such was the inspiration for her first book, “Forever is a Really Long Time: The Truth About Sex and STDs. Bolton had worked in the healthcare industry for more than two decades, including educating healthcare professionals about a treatment and vaccine for the sexually transmitted disease (STD) human papillomavirus (HPV) during her years as a pharmaceutical sales representative.

“In spending so much time with doctors and nurses working in the field of sexual health, I couldn’t believe how much I learned,” she said. “I started speaking with friends about it and we all had the same reaction: There is so much we didn’t know about sexual health. Something like contracting HPV can lead to cervical cancer or chlamydia can cause infertility if left untreated.”

Bolton, an English major but neither a healthcare professional nor a sex education teacher, knew she wanted to share this important information somehow, but had not quite come up with the proper “canvas”

for her idea. One thing that was cemented in her mind, however, was that she needed to convey the point that “safe” sex is never 100 percent safe and young people should understand how important the choice of abstinence could be to their lives.

“I would hear the frustration from gynecologists that I worked with,” Bolton said. “So many young women would come to them for help after having sex for the first time, not realizing that they could contract an STD or get pregnant after just one night with a boy. I’d hear similar stories from friends and families as well.”

Bolton’s idea to spread information about the potential consequences of premarital sex stayed in the back of her mind for years until something suddenly clicked: creative storytelling. “Forever is a Really Long Time: The Truth About Sex and STDs” is the fictional account of 13 patients in the office of “Dr. Thompson,” who write down their personal stories in the office’s communal journal as a therapeutic tool. The collection of first-person writings include “Tanya,” a married woman dealing with infertility resulting from untreated chlamydia as a teen; “Courtney,” a mother dying of cervical cancer caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), who must say goodbye to her little girl; “Rebecca,” a young woman struggling to come to terms with her decision to have an abortion; and “Sonia,” who wishes she had known about all the terrible ways that having herpes would affect her life.

Facts and figures about sexual health are interspersed within these compelling fictional accounts.

The common theme among this collection of stories is that the decision to become

OUR DIOCESE

By Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner

43

Member of diocese writes book about consequences of premarital sex

44 OUR DIOCESE

Garden for former pastor blessed, dedicated More than 100 members of St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge, gathered after Mass June 28 for a dedication and blessing of a new outdoor prayer garden in honor of Father Charles F. Kelly, a former pastor.

In photo at right, Father Jack Grimes (left), pastor, poses with Father Kelly. Father Grimes led the ceremony for the garden, which sits at the entrance to the parish and took about six months to complete.

Father Kelly, who served as pastor at St. Ambrose from 1986 to 2009, had always dreamed of building an outdoor grotto or garden for parishioners.

The garden was paid for through donations

from parishioners, with special acknowledgement to Debbie and Gary Riker, and Artie DiLeo, generous patrons.

The garden was built around an eight-foot white Carrera marble statue of the Sacred Heart, adorned by imported planters from Milan, Italy, along with carved benches, hand-made and donated by a local craftsman.

There is also a 12-foot simple wooden cross, a reminder of the sacrifice, and the entire garden is lit for nighttime prayer.

— Kathleen Vitale photos

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

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

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

www.sjbsea.org

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

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