Newly ordained priests celebrate first Masses, pages 13, 16, 17
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JULY 11, 2019 • VOL. 24 NO. 12• $2.00
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
Bishop James F. Checchio stands with, from left, Father Joseph Illes, Father Matthew Marinelli and Father Michael Tabernero after the bishop presided at their ordination to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, June 22. Story on pages 14-15. ——John Batkowski photo
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Faithful in Perth Amboy process on feast of Corpus Christi..3 This issue was mailed on July 9 Your next issue will be July 25
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New priests told to conform their lives on Lord’s cross Editor’s note: Printed below is Bishop “Receive the oblation of the holy people, James F. Checchio’s homily given at to be offered to God. Understand what the Mass in which he ordained Father you do, imitate what you celebrate, and Joseph Illes, Father Matthew Marinelli conform your life to the mystery of the and Father Michael Tabernero to the Lord’s Cross.” What clear instructions priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Francis the Church gives you today: As priests, you are to conform your lives on no less of Assisi, Metuchen, June 22. We gather in this beautiful cathedral to- than the mystery of the Lord’s Cross. Yes, there will be more dramatic day to celebrate again the paschal mystimes in your priestly teries but also happily life when you will be to ensure their conasked to ascend a cross tinuance in our local My brothers, this is too, but most often Church of Metuchen your call and your you will be called to through the ordination sacrifice daily through of three new priests of salvation as St. the faithful, generous Jesus Christ. We rePaul reminded us service of the flock call that it was by the to your care, shedding of His own today in our second entrusted as you are asked to blood on the Cross on give up your wants, that first Good Friday, reading, it’s your your desires, your that Jesus established road to sainthood wishes for the good these paschal mysteries, of which we are and the only reason of the person the Lord has placed in front of the beneficiaries. That you or anyone else you with a need. Our moment is what our modeled this Lord came for. Jesus should ever receive Lord type of service for us not only offered the this precious gift when He washed the sacrifice, but became feet of His disciples Himself the worthy and sacred respon“as a concrete way of sacrifice who opens exclaiming the primaup again direct access sibility of the holy cy of His love — a to God, for all peopriesthood. love that serves even ple for all times, so to the point of giving we can be with God, oneself, anticipating completely. Hence, the supreme sacrifice Jesus is the Eternal of giving His life, which He was to High Priest. My brother priests and particularly do the following day on Calvary.” My our three brothers to be ordained today, brothers, this is most basically the role as priests, we must not only offer that of the priest, at its heart, imitating that sacrifice but our lives too need to be- sacrifice of Jesus Christ, conforming our come a sacrifice offered in love for God lives to the cross. Indeed, the priesthood and sacrifice and His good people. Joseph, Matthew and Michael, in a few moments and go together and are almost synonymous. at the heart of this priestly ordination, St. Augustine said, “Because there is I will anoint your hands with Holy sacrifice there is priesthood. If there is Chrism, and immediately afterwards, I no sacrifice there is no priesthood.” St. will hand you the instruments of your Thomas Aquinas likewise said that the priestly ministry, the bread on a paten chief office of the priesthood is to offer and wine in a chalice, and I will pray, sacrifice. Jesus is a priest because He
Catholic Spirit THE
sacrificed Himself to the Father. You and I are told to conform our lives on the mystery of the Lord’s cross. . . yes, we are to follow His example and we are also called to lead our people daily in the Eucharist, the Paschal Sacrifice. Indeed, each day brothers, you will be privileged to renew yourselves and our faithful in that sacrifice as you offer and celebrate that sacrifice at the altar. But furthermore, through our own purposeful offering of every day’s adjustments, pains, or even just our busyness associated with modern daily living of the priesthood, we priests, worthy of the name, must be perceived as teachers in the art of the Paschal sacrifice. This is the only authentic route to the renewal of the priesthood so needed in our day — our going further into the mystery of the cross, identifying ourselves, our lives and ministry with it. Matthew, Michael and Joseph, like Christ the eternal high priest did Himself, you also today come to your own Calvary as you enter this sanctuary, to turn yourselves over . . . giving your energy, your youth — as well as your middle years and old age — your desires, your wants, your hopes, your wills, your very lives. . .and you will return to Calvary each day of your priestly ministry by your obedient, prayerful and celibate lives of service to Christ and His Bride, the Church. My brothers, this is your call and your salvation as St. Paul reminded us today in our second reading, it’s your road to sainthood and the only reason you or anyone else should ever receive
this precious gift and sacred responsibility of the holy priesthood. As priests, Calvary is perhaps the strongest reminder for us of not only what we are to do with our lives, but truly who we are called to be at the heart of the ministerial priesthood. As you begin your priestly lives today, I urge you to take time to pray each day in front of or holding a cross, reminding yourself of what a beautiful thing you and God did together today; pray that you may conform your life on Jesus alone and the cross you are praying with. Your daily rosary and time spent in prayer with the Blessed Mother who stayed at the foot of the cross with her Son will aid you in this. You take on a new place in her heart today as you are configured to her Son. When you look at the cross, learn anew the meaning and cost of true love, the meaning of your yes, your “ad sum,” “present” you uttered so freely and willingly a few moments ago when your name was called out and we all asked the Church to confirm your call and your desire to be ordained. Yes, it is good for you to climb your own Calvary hill today as you enter this sanctuary to lay down your life, but be sure to take time each day of your life before the cross, reaffirming your own “yes Lord, you know that I love you”. . . We all beg the Lord to make your hearts steadfast, and that He gives you His divine help so that you may love Him ever more, making over your hearts to be like His own. God bless, keep and protect you today and always!
The Bishop’s Schedule July 11
7 p.m. Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway
July 12
11:45 a.m. Mass at McAuley Hall Health Care Center, Watchung
July 13
10 a.m. Mass for the Installation of New Jersey State Officers of the Knights of Columbus at St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction
July 13
5 p.m. Mass at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lambertville
July 14
9 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Victories Parish, Baptistown
July 14
11 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Parish, Alpha
JULY 11, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
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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July 15-16 9 a.m. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Budget and Finance Meeting, Washington DC July 18
11 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Senior Home, Woodbridge
July 19
3:30 p.m. Evening Prayer and Meeting with Seminarians, followed by BBQ with their families, Hillsborough – private event
July 20
4:30 p.m. Mass at Annunciation Parish, Bloomsbury
July 21
10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Parish, Carteret
For updates on Bishop Checchio's schedule visit: http://diometuchen.org/
Correction
On page 7 of the June 27 edition of “The Catholic Spirit,” the last name of Father Michael Tabernero was misspelled in a headline.
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Image Week
of the SPECIAL FEATURE
Where in the diocese can it be found?
Last issue's image... By Marianne Zanko Komek Correspondent PERTH AMBOY — Catholics processed through the streets of the Bay City to give witness to their faith on the Feast of Corpus Christi, June 23. Organized by Msgr. John B. Gordon, pastor, Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, the procession included stations at the city’s three parishes where there were readings on one aspect of the Eucharist, and a blessing with the monstrance. [This is name given to the ornate, liturgical vessel made of gold medal. Sometimes it is decorated with jewels or precious stones. It is used as the “throne” in which the consecrated
host sits. A monstrance is carried in processions, or rests on the altar for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and, in some cases, Benediction]. The faithful’s first stop was at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish’s Holy Trinity worship site, where the focus was on “The Eucharist as Sacrifice.” Msgr. Gordon placed the Eucharist in the monstrance and blessed the congregation with the Blessed Sacrament. While participants reverenced it, Msgr. Gordon read the Gospel of Matthew 26:17-29 in English. He stated, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it and gave it to his disciples saying, ‘Take and eat. This is my body.’ Then
Continued on page 7
The image, which was featured on page 3 of the June 27 issue of The Catholic Spirit, can be found at Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.
The winner is...
Deacon Rick Fortune, parishioner at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. 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 11, 2019
he took the cup, gave thanks and gave it to them saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you, for this is the blood of my covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.’” Msgr. Gordon then led the priests, deacons and faithful out of the worship site. Under a canopy carried by men from various religious organizations, he held the monstrance aloft, much like the Torah was carried through the desert during the Exodus in the days of Moses. Following Msgr. Gordon were clergy and members of the three Catholic parishes. They prayed the rosary and sang hymns in English, Spanish, Polish, Portuguese and Latin as they walked through the city. Brian Hudak, a member of St. John Paul II Parish, walked in front of Msgr. Gordon incensing the Blessed Sacrament. In front of Our Lady of Hungary, another worship site of Most Holy Name of Jesus, the faithful arrived at their second station, where they focused on “The Eucharist As The Food For Our Soul.” Father Waldemar Latkowski, pastor, St. John Paul II Parish, reverenced the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance and then read the Gospel of Mark: 8, 1-9 in Polish. It recounted
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Msgr. John B. Gordon, pastor, Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy, leaves the Holy Trinity worship site holding a monstrance that contains the Blessed Sacrament and leads the faithful on a procession through the streets of — John Batkowski photos the city.
A monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament is shown at Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Our Lady of Hungary worship site, during a procession on the Feast of Corpus Christi. The procession included Gospel readings relevant to the Eucharist during each stop. Participants also prayed the rosary and sang hymns.
4 PERSPECTIVES
Two currents of ecclesiology found in one Church redemption of the world. St. John Paul Threshold of Hope” that each lay man and II insisted that man and woman were the woman has the same dignity as the pope road on which the Church must walk. in bringing Christ to the world. The distinction beOur horizon therefore can tween ordained and lay is no longer be merely the “The whole not involved in the mission parish community but life beyond the community. Church consists of the Church to the world. It’s involved in the way The parish is the Church of the entire our community is strucinserted into the neightured internally. borhoods of the world. People of God, Each member of the Or, better, it is the village that whenever Church is an apostle befountain from which all cause each is sent to repcan come to drink. This the Church resent Christ in the world. was a favorite image for acts the whole Again looking at then and the Church used by Pope now, we once would have John XXIII. While the People acts.” held and some still do to parish is the Church insert—“Lumen — Gentium,”33 a degree, that the Church ed into the neighborhoods is somehow complete in of the world, we must be itself and, in that sense, attentive to our neighborhood. Our “skyline” has to lives apart from the world. In this vision, we came to expand beyond our parish, as should our structure. This is perhaps understand the Church as a refuge from the most radical statement of the Second the world. We wanted, perhaps, a real disVatican Council. “The whole Church tinction between secular and sacred. We consists of the entire People of God, that assumed that the secular was opposed to whenever the Church acts the whole Peo- the sacred. Many of us grew up as Catholics ple acts.” [“Lumen Gentium,” 33] The ordained have no more dignity than have with the notion that in order really to pray, laymen and women in the presentation of we have to depart from the world. We Christ to the world. As a matter of fact, St. need a place apart. We had a sense that we John Paul II said in a series of interviews would somehow profane the sacredness published under the title “Crossing the of our Church if the world intruded too
much in it. This goes against the grain of statements by St. John Paul II and Vatican II. The Church dwells in the world for the sake of the world. The task of the Church is to bring Jesus to the world so that every single man and woman may meet Christ and the life he brings. The secular, St. John Paul II insists, is a manifestation of the sacred. They are not to be thought of as mutually exclusive. This world is literally the venue for not only the work of lay men and women as they endeavor to bring Christ to the world. It is also the place in which and through which they find their own call to holiness. We are challenged by the two currents of ecclesiology, the self-understanding of the one Church. In order to bridge these two into one current, we must set aside some of the presuppositions that we would normally have brought to any discussion of our faith. Every single one of us has been sent by Christ as apostles to bring the good news of salvation to the world. Every single one of us has been gifted for this purpose. We can no longer understand the Church as a refuge from the world. To the contrary, the Church must be leaven through which the salvation of our Lord meets the world. Father Comandini is managing editor of “The Catholic Spirit”
son with “one can of soda snuck out of the wait for the surprise moment when he refrigerator by poppy.” would press their unsuspecting fingers They sat next to each other without against the pew and chuckle under his speaking a word, looking breath, or who would be over the newly mowed on his team for croquet. When parents lawn and my father’s Most of all, I think, many flowers with the satare busy with the they loved when he would isfaction of lords looking crack their toes. practical, grandover their manor. I wish my grandchilMy dad was the kind dren could have known parents give the By Mary Morrell of man who made even him. precious — the simplest of moments There is no doubt in my mind. God created With the summer upon us and a memorable and rich, essharing stories, grandparents to teach the chance to spend more time on our back- pecially for his grandsons yard deck, it never fails to call to mind an who treasured long walks telling jokes, buy- rest of us how to love. Grandparents are image I have of my dad and one of my and an endless collection ing ice cream, those people who always sons, a white-haired, blue-eyed handful of of rocks, coins, pinecones have the time — no matter a child, perhaps four-years old at the time. and paraphernalia gathplaying games how busy they really are. I looked out through the sliding glass ered as they journeyed. and giving hugs. They fought over They just seem to know door in my dad’s kitchen to see them both, that the most important sitting in their respective lawn chairs on who would be next to play way to use their time is to the patio, my dad with his customary “one checkers with Poppy, who can of beer on a hot summer day,” and my would stand next to him in church and give it away to someone else. For them, the recipients are their grandchildren. Grandparents are those people who know, without a doubt, where their treasure lies — in the faces of little munchIf you were sexually abused by a member of the clergy or anyone representing kins covered with peanut butter and jelly, or the wily teenager who knows just the the Catholic Church, or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged right thing to say to wrangle a few dollars to report that abuse to law enforcement and/or by contacting the Diocesan from a generous soul. When parents are busy with the pracResponse Officer at (908) 930-4558 (24 hours/7 days a week). tical, grandparents give the precious — sharing stories, telling jokes, buying ice For more information on how to report abuse, visit our diocesan cream, playing games and giving hugs. website: https://diometuchen.org/report-a-suspected-abuse.
There is no mountain grandparents wouldn’t move, no river they wouldn’t cross, no cartoon they wouldn’t watch if it would make life happier, healthier or better for the children who add reason to their being. In our house, being a grandfather means taking time from real work plans and loading up the van with make-believe materials and driving to a make-believe job site while your young grandsons (aka bosses) give you your amazingly wellthought out work instructions. Being a grandmother means pulling the plug on my writing to take dictation from a five-year-old budding author who is writing her newest mini-book about the horrid, evil grandparents who move in to take care of two young sisters (“It’s only a story, Abuela, it’s make believe,” she assures me) or making noodles — again — for my three-year-old epicure who loves just the right amount of butter and cheese. Alex Haley, the American writer and author of the 1976 book “Roots: The Saga of an American Family,” said it beautifully: “Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.” Hopefully, it is stardust that will shine in their memories for years to come, reminding them of just how special they really are and how much they are cherished.
Body & Soul By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD The Church, even in the light of the Second Vatican Council documents, continues to be perceived as the place where we encounter personal salvation in Christ. The ordinary vista for Catholics has been the parish community and those who come to the parish seeking help for instruction. We who are members of these communities of faith strive to build up our parishes. As such, our parishes have become friendlier places. We have deliberately emphasized the building up of our community. We have been trying to find, at least, the basis for a conversation together. We have been attentive to making comfortable those who come to us and, yet, the parish still is inclined to be, the sphere of our common effort. The structure of the Church consists of ordained and lay members. The ordained are the ministers; the laity are the recipients of ministry. This, at least, is the old picture and one that is hard to dismiss. The laity is basically the non-ordained. The purpose of the Church is not just personal salvation but literally the
God created grandparents to teach us how to love “On the seventh day God rested. His grandchildren must have been out of town.” ~ Gene Perret
JULY 11, 2019
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Things My Father Taught Me
How to report abuse
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Compiled from the Catholic News Service
Nuncio discusses migration, religious freedom
New Syriac Catholic bishop in Iraq has hope
PITTSBURGH — Pope Francis follows closely the news related to immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border, Archbishop Christophe Pierre said in May 30 interview in Pittsburgh. But the pope also knows that migration is a global issue, not just an American, Mexican or Central American problem, said the apostolic nuncio to the United States. Archbishop Pierre addressed migration and other topics during an extended, wide-ranging interview with the Pittsburgh Catholic, the diocesan newspaper, while he participated in the 2019 Convening of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network. The 73-year-old archbishop, who is from Rennes, France, has served in the Vatican diplomatic corps for 42 years. He has worked in New Zealand, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Brazil and Switzerland, and been papal nuncio in Haiti, Uganda and, most recently, in Mexico (2007-2016). Archbishop Pierre was appointed the papal representative to the United States by Pope Francis in April 2016. He said that all of his assignments have provided some important insights into migration worldwide. “Now it has become a very European
BEIRUT — Syriac Catholic Auxiliary Bishop Nizar Semaan begins his new mission in Iraq with hope “that Christianity will flourish again” in his homeland. Bishop Semaan chose the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh, Iraq, his birthplace, as the site of his episcopal ordination June 7. Still scarred from the Islamic State group and not yet fully restored, the church, Bishop Semaan said, is “a symbol of what happened to our cities and villages in 2014 until the liberation (in 2017) from ISIS.” It’s also the church where the new bishop was ordained a priest in 1991. Located in the Ninevah Plain, Qaraqosh was the largest Christian city in Iraq. Its 50,000 residents – all of them Christian – were expelled by Islamic State forces in a single night during the summer of 2014. They were among 120,000 Christians uprooted from Mosul and the Ninevah Plain that summer. Of his new mission as a bishop, Bishop Semaan told Catholic News Service his ministry is “all about challenges: political challenges, economical challenges, spiritual challenges, social challenges.” Yet he is optimistic. “I’m sure with the help and prayers of many people who are interested in the Christians of Iraq, we will carry our
Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, speaks during Mass in Pittsburgh May 30. He was there for the 2019 conference of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network. —— CNS photo/Chuck Austin, Pittsburgh Catholic
problem,” he said. “But you know, the problem in America is small comparing, for example, to the Middle East.”
Vatican: ‘Gender ideology is opposed to faith’
Catholic schools must help parents teach young people that biological sex and gender are naturally fixed at birth and part of God’s plan for creation, the Congregation for Catholic Education said June 10. —— CNS file photo/Tyler Orsburn
—— CNS photo/Syriac Catholic Patriarchate
mission and we will go ahead for a brighter future,” he said.
Former NBA referee becomes permanent deacon PHILADELPHIA — If 30 years ago anyone told Steve Javie he would become a permanent deacon, he probably would have said, “No way.” Sure, he came from a solid Catholic family with Mass every Sunday, confession every two weeks need it or not, and his uncle Msgr. Anthony Jaworowski was one of the most respected priests in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, but all of that was ancient history as far as Javie was concerned. Sports was really in his blood. His dad, Stan Javie, was an NFL football referee who worked four Super Bowls. Steve played baseball, football and basketball at La Salle College High School, outside of Philadelphia, and at Philadelphia’s Temple University he continued with baseball, which was his first love. After getting his degree in business administration, Javie signed on as a pitcher in the Baltimore Orioles’ farm system, but his dreams of baseball stardom were cut short after one year because of an arm injury. In college, he’d done some refereeing and umpiring to pick up a little money, which he then considered making his career. He first worked as baseball umpire but ultimately switched to basketball, which from an officiating standpoint has more action. After five years officiating in the Continental Basketball Association, Javie was hired by the NBA in 1986, and he remained there for the rest of his 20-plus-year career. When he retired from the NBA in 2011, he said he was looking for a way to give more time serving the Lord. “It was the Holy Spirit — the word ‘deacon’ just popped into my head,”
Newly ordained Deacon Steven M. Javie, a former NBA referee, was ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul June 8, 2019. After five years officiating in the Continental Basketball Association, Deacon Javie was hired by the NBA in 1986, and he remained there for the rest of his 20-plus-year career. Today, he provides commentary on NBA officiating during telecasts of games on ESPN. —— CNS photo/courtesy Archdiocese of Philadelphia
he told CatholicPhilly.com, the news outlet of the Philadelphia Archdiocese. He went to his pastor, Msgr. Michael Picard, who advised him to go for it. On June 8, Javie joined six other men who were ordained as deacons for the Philadelphia Archdiocese at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
JULY 11, 2019
nacy,” those who teach in the name of the Catholic Church must help young people understand that being created male and masculine or female and feminine is part of God’s plan for them. The document, “Male and Female He Created Them: Toward a Path of Dialogue on the Question of Gender Theory in Education,” was signed by Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, prefect of the education congregation, and Archbishop Angelo Zani, congregation secretary. The document recognized a distinction between “the ideology of gender,” which it said tries to present its theories as “absolute and unquestionable,” and the whole field of scientific research on gender, which attempts to understand the ways sexual difference is lived out in different cultures.
Syriac Catholic Auxiliary Bishop Nizar Semaan is seen during his June 7, 2019, episcopal ordination Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Qaraqosh, Iraq, his birthplace. He previously served as a priest for 14 years in London.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
VATICAN CITY — Catholic schools must help parents teach young people that biological sex and gender are naturally fixed at birth and part of God’s plan for creation, said the Congregation for Catholic Education. In a document published June 10, the congregation said the Catholic Church and those proposing a looser definition of gender can find common ground in “a laudable desire to combat all expressions of unjust discrimination,” in educating children to respect all people “in their peculiarity and difference,” in respecting the “equal dignity of men and women” and in promoting respect for “the values of femininity.” And while great care must be taken to respect and provide care for persons who “live situations of sexual indetermi-
WORLD & NATION
WORLD & NATION
6 OUR DIOCESE JULY 11, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
High school changes name back to a great teacher of the Church EDISON — On July 1, Bishop George writings to the Medieval University, Ahr High School, a co-educational college through which he is often recognized for preparatory school within the Diocese of his examples of unity, harmony, and conMetuchen, was returned to its original tinuity of faith and reason of revealed and name, St. Thomas Aquinas High School. natural human knowledge. As a follower Founded as St. Thomof Jesus Christ, St. Thomas Aquinas High School as Aquinas’s life of faith “We are excited in 1969, the school was is an example of being renamed Bishop George renewed by wisdom, and to embark on Ahr High School in 1983. understanding — values this new chapter, After careful discernment that are ingrained in the and consultation, in coopfabric of the school and its honoring our eration with the Diocese history. of Metuchen, the school vibrant past while “The decision to leadership has decided return the name of the looking forward to return the school to its school to St. Thomas original name. Aquinas, which better to another The name change, as reflects the mission of the prestigious 50 well as several other sigschool, was made after nificant changes, will take years as St. Thomprayerful consideration place this year – the 50th and with the best interest as Aquinas High anniversary of the school of our students — past, – and will signal the inpresent and future — in School.” stitution’s commitment to mind,” said Sister Donna. — Sister Donna the legacy of St. Thomas —Felician The renaming of the Marie Trukowski Aquinas, known as one of school reflects a decision the great teachers of the to reinvigorate its unwavCatholic Church. ering commitment to providing students “The celebration of our 50th anni- with an exceptional education that inspires versary is a moment for us to honor our them to strive for excellence in all aspects history and the accomplishments of our of their lives. past, while celebrating our promising fuIn this spirit of opportunity and ture and the legacy of our school’s patron enrichment, St. Thomas Aquinas High saint, St. Thomas Aquinas,” said Felician School will introduce several innovative Sister Donna Marie Trukowski, who has new programs, including: the academiserved as principal of the school for 36 cally rigorous Aquinas Academy Honyears. ors Program; expansion of the school’s Known as the “Universal Teacher,” STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering St. Thomas Aquinas contributed great and Mathematics) curriculum; a partner-
Above, graduates of Bishop George Ahr High School, now St. Thomas Aquinas High School, and their families are shown after commencement exercises June 1. Right, Felician Sister Donna Marie Trukowski, principal, speaks during the ceremony. ——Mike Ehrmann photos
ship with Seton Hall University, South Orange, on the high school’s campus; the establishment of a formal program for students with specific learning needs; and the intentional formation of student prayer life. “We are excited to embark on this new chapter, honoring our vibrant past while looking forward to another prestigious 50 years as St. Thomas Aquinas High School,” said Sister Donna.
Scholarship Winners St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Council 10627, High Bridge, recently awarded five Joseph F. Labuta Memorial Scholarships to college-bound members of St. John Neumann Parish, Califon, and four at St. Joseph Parish. The scholarships are presented in memory of Labuta, one of the founding members of Council 10627. The St. Joseph Parish Altar-Rosary Society awarded two additional scholarships at St. Joseph. Above left (from left), Knight Mario Bernardo poses with Father James Kyrpczak, administrator, St. Joseph Parish; and Altar-Rosary Society recipients Victoria Raefski and Katie Ziegler, and Joseph F. Labuta Memorial Scholarship recipients Sher Mylbern Mariano, Jason Knoll, Alex Acevedo and Jack Ayotte; and Knight James McCloskey. Above right (from left), Joseph F. Labuta Memorial Scholarship winner Kelly Fraine and Gwendolyn King pose with Father Richard M. Rusk, pastor, St. John Neumann Parish, Califon; Knight Steve Bauernfeind and scholarship recipient Mia Ranallo. Right, Joseph F. Labuta Memorial Scholarship recipient Jessica Brynildsen poses with Father Richard M. Rusk, pastor, St. John Neumann Parish, Califon; Knight Steve Bauernfeind and scholarship recipient Madison D’Avella. —photos — courtesy of Knights of Columbus Council 10627
we can do nothing. “I am the vine, you are the miracle of the multiplication of the the branches. If you remain in me and my loaves and fish for the vast crowd. “Then, words remain in you, ask for whatever you taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, want and it will be done for you.” broke them, and gave them to the disciples At this last station, the Litany of the to distribute and did this to the fish as well. Sacred Heart of Jesus was recited in EnThey ate and all were satisfied.” glish and Spanish, followed by benediction At Our Lady of the Roand the recitation of the sary of Fatima, another worDivine Praises. ship site of St. John Paul II “...in Perth Amboy, Father Pawel DziatParish, the theme was “The kiewicz, Deacon Thomas Eucharist Eucharist Is The Pledge Of Lanza, Deacon Enrique Eternal Life.” Vincentian devotion on the Garcia, Deacon Noe CorFather Gregory Semeniuk, a tez, and Seminarian Jordan feast of Corpus Drevelus participated in the native of Perth Amboy who serves in Philadelphia, read Christi...is one of procession. the Gospel (Luke 14: 16Reflecting on the day, 24) in Spanish. The Gospel Msgr. Gordon said, “Among the highlights is about a man who invited the many heritages celebratand joys of many people to a banquet ed for the Catholic presence but they did not attend. He in Perth Amboy, Eucharistic the families read, “Go out quickly into devotion on the feast of gathered.” the streets and alleys of the Corpus Christi takes place town and bring in here the —Msgr. — John B. Gordon with the procession of the poor and the crippled, the holy sacrament throughout blind and the lame.” the streets. It is one of the Father Nicolas F. Norehighlights and joys of the na, parochial vicar, Most Holy Name of families gathered. We sing and pray in the Jesus Parish, reverenced the Blessed Sacra- various languages represented. It is truly ment at the fourth station, in front of what a blessing of the faithful and a witness in used to be La Asuncion Parish. There, the evangelization on behalf of the city.” faithful listened to a reflection on the theme Frank Semeniuk, a member of St. of “The Eucharist as the Sacrament of Uni- John Paul II Parish, said, “We want to show ty.” The Gospel (John 15: 5-11), which was people that we’re Catholic and we particiread in Spanish, stresses that without Christ pate to uphold the traditions from Poland
OUR DIOCESE
Continued from page 3
7
‘He has given them bread from heaven . . . having all sweetness within it’
Above, the faithful from Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish walk in procession along Laurie Street. Right, Catholics kneel before the makeshift, outdoor altar, called a “station,” where a passage of Scripture concerning the Eucharist was read and a brief homily was offered by a priest. ——John Batkowski photos
where Corpus Christi is a big feast.” “This feast is very important. I come every year. It’s moving to see all the cultures and to participate with all my brothers and sisters,” said Ana Portales, a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish.
Christ The Redeemer - Sacred Heart, Manville
51st Annual Summer Parish Festival July 23 - 27
on the church grounds at South 2nd Ave. & Filak Str.
Tues thru Fri: 6 – 10pm ∙ Sat: 5 – 10pm
HOMEMADE POLISH AND AMERICAN FOODS
JULY 11, 2019
including pierogi, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa sandwiches, potato pancakes, cabbage & noodles, sausage sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, pizza fritz and more!!!
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Bouncy’s for the Kids - Games and Family Fun! Live Music: Thursday, Friday & Saturday DJ: All Week ∙ Wednesday is Polish Night
8 OUR DIOCESE
Faithful asked to help shine light on tragic reality of domestic abuse By Jennifer Ruggiero The Gospels are filled with stories about how Jesus showed love and compassion for everyone but most especially for the poor and oppressed. He welcomed strangers, visited and healed the sick, he touched the lepers, lifted up women, and reached out to children. We, as the Church of Jesus Christ, must imitate his works, demonstrating his love and compassion in our own time. Today, although often shrouded in secrecy, domestic violence is a scourge in our world and its prevalence is quite shocking. Studies show that one in four women (24 percent) and one in seven men (13.8 percent) aged 18 and older in the United States have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. In fact, fueled by news stories involving abuse, the National Domestic Violence hotline had its busiest year ever with more than 500,000 calls in 2018. In the state of New Jersey, an act of domestic violence occurs every 7.29 minutes. Domestic violence is a pattern of intimidation, coercion and violence that is used to achieve power and control over a partner. Over time, this pattern often increases in frequency and severity. The abuse can be physical, verbal, sexual, emotional or economical. In short, domestic violence attacks the human spirit. The U.S. Catholic Bishops have written a beautiful pastoral letter on domestic violence, entitled: “When I Call for Help-A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence against Women.” In it they assert “We need to state as clearly and strongly as we can that violence against women, inside or outside the home, is never justified. Violence
in any form- physical, sexual, psycho- decree of the local ordinary or even on logical or verbal – is sinful and often a his or her own authority if there is danger in delay.” (Can. 1153 §1.) crime.” Pope Francis writes: “UnacceptMany Catholics have misunderable customs still need to be elimstandings about inated. I think what the Church particularly of the teaches about reCanon law, the governshameful ill-treatsponding to abuse ment to which when it happens ing law of the Church, women are somewithin a sacramentimes subjected, doaddresses domestic tal marriage. Many mestic violence and victims stay in an violence and states, various forms of abusive marriage enslavement which, because they don’t “If either of the spouses rather than a show want to offend causes grave mental or of masculine powGod. In fact, doer are craven acts mestic violence physical danger to the of cowardice. The fundamentally verbal, physical other spouse or to the undermines the and sexual violence Church’s teaching offspring or otherwise that women endure on the inherent in some marriages dignity of the hurenders common contradicts the very man person and the life too difficult, that nature of the conjucomplementarity gal union.” (Amorof couples within spouse gives the other is Laetitia 54) a marriage. In their Catholics can a legitimate cause pastoral letter, the also become conBishops emphasize for leaving, either by fused about the that “no person is role of suffering in expected to stay decree of the local their lives, often in an abusive marordinary or even on his justifying the torriage.” ment from abuse Canon law, or her own authority as God’s way of the governing law punishing them if there is danger in of the Church, for some other sin. addresses domesdelay.” Suffering does exist tic violence and —(Can. — 1153 §1.) and we can offer it states, “If either of to the Lord, howevthe spouses causes er, we should never grave mental or tolerate abuse in physical danger to the other spouse or to the offspring the name of suffering. A woman named Jan, who was in or otherwise renders common life too difficult, that spouse gives the other a an abusive marriage for 50 years before legitimate cause for leaving, either by she left, recently wrote to us about her
own experience with domestic violence and offered words of advice and hope to others who are victims of abuse: “I thought love would cure him but it didn’t. The abuser lowers your self-worth. He controls you and manipulates you. He will go after your psyche. Physical violence is a form of domination as is mental abuse. You are the victim here. There is no shame. Walk with your head up. Have pride in yourself. Take care of yourself. Go to safe people. Have courage because you will need it. Never give up, always have hope and start your journey today on your pathway to freedom.” Thankfully, after many years of abuse, Jan finally found help and is a now a survivor. Members of the Church are often viewed by victims of violence as safe and trusted individuals to which to turn when they need help. As a faith community we need to help shine light on the tragic reality of abuse. We need to learn the signs of abuse, respond with compassion and refer victims to appropriate resources. In this way, we can better help those suffering from domestic violence in our parishes, our workplaces and even in our own homes. Together we can help heal wounds and build a culture of peace. For more information on how your parish can help, visit: www.catholicsforfamilypeace.org For information or referral to a local domestic violence shelter, call National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or visit: www. NJCBW.org. Ruggiero is secretary, diocesan Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life
JULY 11, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Memorial Scholarship
College Bound Knights of Columbus Council 6930, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station, recently awarded cash scholarships to six college-bound members of the parish. The money was raised by the Council's parish fundraising events such as Comedy Night, games, and dinners such as the Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day. Knight Bill Quinn, chairman of the scholarship committee, third from left, poses with (from left): Frank Dolan, Carmen Kou, Emily Weisshaupt, Julia Allen and Daniel Johnson. Not pictured: Brianna Edmonds. ——photo courtesy of Knights of Columbus Council 6930
On June 23, Katelyn Maris was awarded the St. John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus 2019 Sir Richard I. Fleming Memorial Scholarship, which recognizes a young man or woman who is striving to live the life of Christ. The winning application must demonstrate how the applicant has lived their Catholic Faith, in worship and service to the Church and others. Maris plans to study at The College of New Jersey, Ewing, with a focus on mathematics–secondary education major. Maris is shown posing with Council 10024 Grand Knight Louis Failla and Father Robert B. Kolakowski, pastor, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Lambertville. ——photo courtesy of St. John the Evangelist Parish
9 OUR DIOCESE
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JULY 11, 2019
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10
Marian Devotion
OUR DIOCESE
The Blue Army Family Pilgrimage for Catholics of Hispanic descent in the diocese was held June 1 at the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Asbury. A procession with the statue of Our Lady was followed by Mass. Father Gustavo Baloco from the Shrine of St. Joseph in the Diocese of Paterson presided; Father Martin Espinoza, parochial vicar, Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, concelebrated; and Deacon Edgar Chaves of Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish, Middlesex, assisted. Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Ruth Bolarte (right), former director of the diocesan Cultural Diversity Ministries who is leaving the diocese, was presented with a bouquet of flowers and thanked for her service. Hernando Patino, a member of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, said, “The talk about the family by Father Gustavo was very timely and touching. He spoke about the 10 commandments for the family — simple but deep.” Augustina Ariss, a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bernardsville, said, “We are here at the house of our Blessed Virgin Mary, where we find peace. “ ——Ed Koskey Jr. photos
LEGION MARY DAY Legion of OFMary Day
The National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima 674 Mountain View Road Washington, NJ 07882
August 29,2019 2015 July 27, 10:00AM AM to PM 10:00 to 4:00 4:00 PM AWAKENING THE LEGION SPIRIT OF EVANGELIZATION
JULY 11, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
M
ary sion
Natural Family Planning
Legion Prayers and Rosary Legion Prayers and Rosary • Opportunity for Confession Conferences • Holy Mass • Exposition and Adoration of Opportunity for Confession The Blessed Sacrament • Benediction • Time to visit the Conferences many Shrines and Chapels Holy Mass
Exposition and Adoration The Gift Shop & Snack Bar will beofopen The Blessed Sacrament, Benediction or bring food for yourself and some to share
DAY
hrine of
Love, Naturally!
w w w. US C C
Time to visit the many Shrines and Chapels Fr. John Barbella The Gift Shop Snack Bar WillParish, Be Open Pastor& of St. Philip & St. James or bring Food for yourself and some to Share Philipsburg, NJ and the Spiritual Director
Celebrant
www.usccb.org/nfp ©2019 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce in whole, in print and/or electronically, with the following statement: ©2019 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. Used with permission. NFP Program, Secretariat of Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, USCCB, 3211 4th St., NE, Washington, DC 20017; Questions, 202-541-3240; Orders 1-866-582-0943; nfp@usccb.org; www.usccb.org/nfp/index.cfm Made possible by a grant from the Knights of Columbus. The persons depicted as models used for illustrative purposes only. Publication #1922
of the Legion of Mary Metuchen Comitium Celebrant: Fr. John Barbella Pastor of St. Philip & St. Peter JamesJ.Parish Philipsburg N.J. Deacon DePrima and the Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary Metuchen Comitium The Church of St. James
Speaker
Basking Ridge, NJ Concelebrant & Speaker: Fr. Frank Giuffre Professor of Scripture at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Philadelphia and the Spiritual Director of the Legion of Mary Philadelphia Senatus
Music by
Our Lady of Guadalupe Apostolate Music Ministry of New Jersey
Music by: Our Lady of Guadalupe Apostolate Music Ministry of New Jersey
For information contact Michael White Information: Michael White 732-572-5779 Email: queenshipofmary.michael@gmail.com 732-910-2070 or email LOMD.2019@gmail.com
B. or g/ NF P
For more information about Natural Family Planning Classes, call our Family Life Office at 732-562-1543.
11 OUR DIOCESE
Walk with Mary Msgr. Randall J. Vashon is shown praying the rosary and singing Marian hymns during the 18th annual Fatima Candlelight Procession, which started at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, May 19. The procession is held each year at venues around the world and at the site of Mary’s visit to the three shepherd children in Portugal in 1917. Msgr. Vashon, pastor, St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater, was the guest homilist at the Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church before the procession and led Eucharistic Adoration after it. Father Arlindo Paul Da Silva, pastor, served as the host and prepared and planned the procession with his team. At last year’s procession, Father Da Silva told “The Catholic Spirit:” “The procession is to remind us we walk with Mary to follow Jesus into heaven. We go into the streets to bring God to our world. The people can be inspired to turn to God for fulfillment.” Among the participants were religious women, deacons, priests, seminarians and lay faithful. ——Frank Wojciechowski photos
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12 OUR DIOCESE JULY 11, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Funeral Mass celebrated for St. Ann deacon July 2 Deacon John Raymond Pacifico, 91, who exercised his ministry at St. Ann Parish, Raritan Borough, for 42 years, died June 28 at home surrounded by his family. A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Ann Church July 2. Deacon Pacifico was born in November 1927, at 13 Doughty St., Raritan Borough, to parents Gennaro and Filomena. He graduated from Somerville High School in 1945 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and a Master’s Degree in education at Rutgers University, New Brunswick. He began work at the Johns Manville Research Center, Finderne, in the accounting department as an inventory clerk and banker. After that, he became a school business administrator, serving for 24 years with the Hillsborough Township Board of Education and later as an interim for 12 other school districts.
Deacon Pacifico was a mentor and consultant for the New Jersey State Department of Education and has served as president of the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials. Deacon Pacifico served on the Raritan Recreation Commission for more than 30 years, including 10 years as chairman. He also served for 10 years on the Raritan Borough Council; was chairman of the borough’s 50th Anniversary Committee; and was chairman of the 100th Anniversary Committee of St. Ann Church. For 15 years, he served on the Bridgewater-Raritan Youth Services Commission. He was a member of the John Basilone Committee for more than 33 years, including 31 as chairman. Deacon Pacifico’s religious service began in 1935 as an altar boy at St. Ann Church, where he later served as a lector and extraordinary minister of holy
Communion. He was ordained in the first class of permanent deacons in the Diocese of Trenton in 1977. In 1984, he was appointed the first assistant director of Deacons in the Diocese of Metuchen. He was a leader of many parish activities and had served as president of various religious organizations, including the Somerset County Federation of Holy Name Societies, the Industrial Catholic Men's Club and the Somerville Area Ministerial Association. Deacon Pacifico served in the United States Army of Occupation in Germany and France in 1951 and 1952. From 1971 to 1973, he served as the Commander of VFW Post 1748 in Raritan. In 1980, he was presented with an Extraordinary Service Award from the Hillsborough Township Board of Education for his perfect attendance at all 307 regularly scheduled official Board meetings
Deacon John Raymond Pacifico from Sept. 14, 1964, to Feb. 25, 1980. In 1996, he received the Marconi Scholar Award from the Marconi Foundation and the Regina Nostra Medal from the Diocese of Metuchen, and in 2002, the Legion of Honor Humanitarian Award from the Chapel of Four Chaplains. His honors in 2005 include the UNICO National Americanism Award in recognition for organizing annual parades for Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Marine Sgt. John Basilone and a Joint Legislative Resolution unanimously adopted by the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly commending and congratulating him for his exceptional endeavors in honoring Basilone. Also in 2005, the Raritan Recreation Commission placed his name on a memorial at the Frelinghuysen Field as one of the Founding Fathers of Raritan Recreational Programs. In 2006, the North Plainfield World War II Veterans Committee presented him with an award for his many years of service as chairman of the John Basilone Parade Committee, and the Holy Name Society of St. Ann Parish granted him a Lifetime Membership Award. In 2007, he received Raritan Borough’s first Volunteer of the Year award. In 2009, he was elected the first president of the Raritan Chapter of UNICO National. In 2010, he was presented with a proclamation and a bronze replica of the famous Iwo Jima Statue from Gov. Chris Christie for his 23 years of service as Chairman of the Annual John Basilone Memorial Parade and for his commitment to honoring those who have fought to defend our freedoms and preserve our way of life, and for his many years of civil and public service to the residents of the Garden State. His service for the diocese also included: Study Commission of the Diaconate, Council for Financial Affairs, Diocesan Pastoral Council; Task Force on Education; and Historical Records Commission. His wife of 58 years, Dorothy, died Jan. 25, 2017. He is survived by his children: Jean Pacifico (William Urban) and John R. Pacifico Jr. (Linda). Interment was at St. Bernard Cemetery, Bridgewater. Arrangements were handled by Bongiovi Funeral Home, Raritan.
PHILLIPSBURG — What a blessing it is for a parish to celebrate one of their own sons being ordained to the priesthood. So, St. Philip and St. James Parish was doubly blessed June 22 when Bishop James F. Checchio ordained three men to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. The home parish of
Father Joseph Illes raises the host during the consecration. He began serving as a parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, July 8.
two of the new priests, Father Matthew Marinelli and Father Joseph Illes, is St. Philip and St. James. With faith renewed, the parish gathered on June 23 to worship with the newly ordained as they each celebrated their first Mass. Father Joseph Illes, who attended Saint Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, presided at the 11 a.m. Mass. “I want to especially commend those of you who are on your second first Mass of the day,” said Father John J. Barbella, pastor, to the congregation. “My own priesthood and faith have been renewed watching Joe and Matt grow in faith, prayerfulness and all those things that will make them good and effective priests.” In his homily, Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, episcopal vicar, diocesan Vicariate for Administration, spoke mainly to Father Illes. “You are the loaves and fishes in the hand of the Lord, a meager offering. Blessed, broken and given to feed the hungers of our times. Given by God’s hand it can feed a hungry multitude,” Msgr. Celano said. He challenged the new priest saying, “Father Joseph, do not shrink from the task that lies before you. You are no longer your own. You are Christ’s and whom Christ calls he accompanies with grace and abundance and a faithful love that will never grow weary. Today and forever you are as Christ is a priest forever in the line of
Melchisadeck.” Father Illes thanked all those who helped and participated at the Mass and along his journey to the priesthood. He also followed an ancient tradition in the Church, where a newly ordained priest presents his maniturgium, the cloth the bishop binds his hands with during ordination, to his mother. Tradition has it, that his mother will be buried with the cloth in her hand. She will present it to St. Peter saying, “I gave God my son as a priest.” His first confessional stole which, symbolizes the priestly office and the oath of Christ, is to be given to his father, who will in turn present it to St. Peter saying, “My son, too, shared in your priesthood.’ “Since my father and grandfathers all passed,” Father Illes said, “I decided to give this confessional stole to my first spiritual director — Father Greg Gresko, who traveled from Rome to be with me today. He is a model of the priestly and spiritual fatherhood and inspired me to discern my vocation. And his constant prayer and support brings me here today.” At the end of the Mass, Father Illes led the priests and congregation in a Eucharistic procession around the church which concluded with Benediction. Bishop Checchio, who attended the Mass said, “We don’t know what the Lord has in store for us but we know he is with us. He is providing so richly for us by giv-
OUR DIOCESE
By Karen Corpora Correspondent
13
Father Joseph Illes returns to home parish to preside at first Mass
Father Joseph Illes addresses the faithful at his first Mass, which he celebrated at St. Philip and St. James Church.
——Ed Koskey Jr. photos
ing us Joseph and Matt. We are grateful to the Lord for giving them the ability to participate in his priesthood.” Father Illes’ mother, Kathy Godlesky, was moved to tears, “I’m very proud of him. He did an amazing job. The whole thing is very overwhelming. I feel such joy with this blessing.” Father Illes began his first assignment July 8 as parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville.
Fr. Michael Saharic, Pastor of Saint Ann’s Church, Hampton, extends prayerful congratulations to
Fr. Joseph Illes
on the occasion of his priestly ordination for service to the Diocese. THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Joseph, may Christ the High Priest grant you the grace to be an ardent but gentle servant of His Gospel and Sacraments.
JULY 11, 2019
14 ORDINATION
By Christina Leslie Correspondent
JULY 11, 2019
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Above, Bishop James F. Checchio anoints the hands of newly ordained Father Joseph Illes with holy oil. The anointing signifies that the hands of the newly ordained priest are being prepared for the sacred duties and vessels that will be part of the priestly ministry. Left, Bishop Checchio lays hands on the head of Deacon Matthew Marinelli, invoking the Holy Spirit to come down and give him a sacred character, setting him apart for the designated ministry. Below, the three deacons lay prostrate before the altar to symbolize their unworthiness for the office to be assumed and dependence upon God.
METUCHEN — With hundreds of joyous faithful filling the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Bishop James F. Checchio, Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski and scores of priests and deacons processed into the mother church of the diocese. All were there to witness three men reaffirm Christ’s call to serve his people as they received the sacrament of holy orders at a Mass June 22. At the beginning of the liturgy, Bishop Checchio said the ordination of Deacon Joseph Illes, Deacon Matthew Marinelli and Deacon Michael Tabernero was a glorious day for the diocese and the Church. Following the Liturgy of the Word, the deacons were presented for Ordination. Told that they were found to be worthy of their new roles, the bishop responded, “Relying on the help of the Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, we choose these men, our brothers, for the Order of the Priesthood. Deacon Illes and Deacon Marinelli, whose home parish is St. Philip and St. James, Phillipsburg, and Deacon Tabernero, a member of St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, then asserted they had come willingly and faithfully to the priesthood and promised obedience to the authority of the Church, to which the bishop replied, “May God, who has begun great work in you, bring it to fulfillment.” The congregation indicated its support with resounding applause. In his homily, Bishop Checchio reminded the deacons that their lives need to become a sacrifice to Jesus, the eternal high priest. “What clear instructions the Church
gives you today,” declared the bishop, who then added, “‘Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate and conform your life in the mystery of the Lord’s Cross.’ “As priests you are to conform your lives to no less than the mystery of the Lord’s cross. You will be called to sacrifice daily for the flock entrusted to your care. Our Lord modeled this service for us when “You will he washed the feet of his disciples on Holy Thursto sacrific day.” for the Imitating this selfless sacrifice is the inteentrust gral responsibility of the your ca priest, Bishop Checchio continued, turning to Lord mo address the three to be ordained. Jesus modeled this servic the ultimate sacrifice as when he he climbed Calvary. “Sacrifice and the the feet priesthood go hand in discipl hand… Today you also come to your own CalHoly Thu vary, this sanctuary,” he —Bishop said. “You will return to Calvary every day if you Checc live a prayerful, obedient and celibate life. As you begin your priestly lives today I urge you to make a priority to pray each day to the cross, pray you conform your life.”
Sacred Characters
During the Rite of Ordination, Deacons Illes, Marinelli and Tabernero declared their willingness to undertake the tasks and obligations of the priesthood. The men knelt before the bishop to promise fealty to him and his successors, then lay prostrate before the altar to symbolize their unwor-
15 ORDINATION
——John Batkowski photos
JULY 11, 2019
Kiss of Peace. Then they joined the prelates at the altar to concelebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist and for the first time consecrate the Bread and Wine, which became the Body and Blood of Christ. After the Mass, Father Illes, Father Marinelli and Father Tabernero bestowed their first priestly blessings upon Bishop Checchio and Bishop Bootkoski. After processing out of the cathedral, they returned to the sanctuary to bless the hundreds of congregants who formed long lines at the altar rails. Families and friends of the new priests expressed their joy at the momentous decision made by the three men. Father Tabernero’s mother, Mary, was a one-woman welcoming committee to the cathedral and smiled broadly as she embraced each newcomer to the pews reserved for the parishioners of St. Joseph. “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice!” she exclaimed mid-hug. “We filled up a bus, and had to turn people away,” recounted Deacon Larry Bevilacqua of St. Philip and St. James Parish, Phillipsburg. His wife, Carol, added, “We know both of these men personally. This is an exciting, joyous time, and they are wonderful men.” Father Thomas J. Walsh, pastor, St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick, smiled as he spoke of the three men whose “yes” echoed his own made 25 years ago. Reflecting upon the trio joining the ranks of priests in the diocese, he said, “We need to have our eye on the mission and vineyard of God.” The smile upon the face of Helen Qua, a consecrated virgin of the diocese, stretched ear to ear after Father Illes bestowed a blessing on her. “We need more good and holy priests,” she declared.
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
thiness for the office to be assumed and dependence upon God and the prayers of the Christian community as the Diocesan Festival Choir led the congregation in the timeless chant “Litany of the Saints.” As the last notes of the litany faded, the three men arose to approach Bishop Checchio. One at a time, they knelt before him and he laid his hands on the of each one ordaining be called head them to the priesthood. He invoked the Holy Spirit ce daily to come down upon them e flock giving them the sacred character of the priesthood ted to and setting them apart for re. Our their designated ministry. Then, one by one, odeled their fellow priests filed from the pews into the ce for us sanctuary to lay their washed hands on the new priests blessing their new brothers t of his in faith. les on Following the ordination, Fathers Illes, ursday.” Marinelli and Tabernero p James F. were each assisted by their fellow priests as the chio vestments of a deacon they were wearing were replaced by a stole and chasuble, the garments of a priest. After the three were clothed in the vestments of their office, they knelt once more before the bishop and he anointed their palms with holy chrism. The bishop then presented each one with a paten and chalice, which he had blessed the night before at a Holy Hour for Vocations. The ordination rite concluded as each new priest was embraced by Bishop Checchio and their fellow clerics during the
In photo above center, Bishop James F. Checchio (center) poses with Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski, second from left, and (from left) newly ordained Father Joseph Illes, Father Matthew Marinelli and Father Michael Tabernero after Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi June 22. Above, Bishop Checchio presents Father Tabernero with his paten and chalice. Right, from front to back, Deacon Illes, Deacon Marinelli and Deacon Tabernero process into the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi at the start of the Mass. Below (from left), Father Illes, Father Marinelli and Father Tabernero kneel as Bishop Checchio reads the consecratory prayer before they were vested in a stole and chausible, the garments of a priest.
16 ORDINATIONS JULY 11, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Father Matthew Marinelli asks faithful for prayers to be ‘worthy minister’ Karen Corpora Correspondent PHILLIPSBURG — St. Philip and St. James Parish was filled with excitement June 23 as the faithful gathered to celebrate the first Mass of not one, but two of their very own newly ordained priests. The day before, Bishop James F. Checchio ordained Father Matthew Marinelli, Father Joseph Illes and Father Michael Tabernero at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. St. Philip and St. James Parish is the spiritual home of Father Marinelli and Father Illes. Father Tabernero is from St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough. Father Marinelli presided at the 9 a.m. Mass. Father Boniface Hicks, spiritual director at Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pa., where Father Marinelli studied for the priesthood, gave the homily. “The image of bridegroom and bride is a reason for us to rejoice on days like this because we celebrate a new bridegroom celebrating Mass for the first time,” Father Hicks said. “When there is a new bridegroom, it makes the bride feel young. We all feel young today. “To have this new bridegroom leading us in this celebration of the Eucharist renews the whole Church. It is a sign that God continues to provide for his people and renews our faith.”
Father John J. Barbella, pastor, St. Philip and St. James Parish, addressed the congregation saying, “There is something very energizing about attending a priest’s first Mass. We are grateful to God for calling Matt and also Joseph. God is truly blessing our Church and our parish today.” Near the end of Mass, Father Marinelli thanked Bishop Checchio and those who supported him with their love and prayers through his journey to the priesthood. “I thank our Lord for bringing me to the priesthood and Our Lady for keeping me under her protection and care these last three years,” he said. “I know that she will continue to guide me and to give me a priestly heart. “I just ask you to keep me in your daily prayers as I start my priestly ministry. Pray that I will be a worthy minister of the word and the Eucharist.” Bishop Checchio, who attended the Mass said, “Having two priests from one parish is amazing. This is certainly a time of grace for us to have three new priests in our diocese. The ordination was beautiful and moving and the first Masses were also moving.” Father Marinelli’s mother, Linda Schofield, was moved to tears and said, “I am very proud and happy that he is doing what he always wanted to do. I knew he was special from the day he was born and that God had a plan for him.” His father, Michael Marinelli, beamed
Above, Father Matthew Marinelli (right) speaks to the congregation at his first Mass, and, right, raises the host during the consecration. Father Marinelli serves as a parochial vicar at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington. ——Ed Koskey Jr. photos
with pride. “This is awesome!” he said. “This is his dream and he is getting to live it. How many of us can say that? I am so happy for him. This is his day to shine and I know he will be great.” Father Marinelli began his first assignment as a parochial vicar at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, July 8.
HILLSBOROUGH — On the morning of June 22, Bishop James F. Checchio ordained Father Michael Tabernero, Father Joseph Illes and Father Matthew Marinelli to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. That afternoon, one of the newly ordained priests, Father Tabernero, celebrated his first Mass
at his home parish — St. Joseph in Hillsborough. As Bishop James F. Checchio, Father Francis “Hank” Hilton, pastor, St. Joseph Parish; Father Marinelli and other clergy processed into St. Joseph Church, the choir sang the hymn, “The Summons.” The hymn set the tone for the liturgy with the question, “Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?” In his opening remarks, Father Tabernero noted the intrinsic connection between the sacraments of holy orders and holy Eucharist, which were instituted by Christ at the Last Supper on the first Holy Thursday. The Mass that afternoon was appropriately the Vigil for the Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Father Daniel R. Peterson, a friend of Father Tabernero’s who serves at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Cedar Grove, gave the homily. He reminded Father Tabernero and the congregation that the role of the priest is, “to share the sacred meal, to bring about the holy sacrifice and to share in the real presence of the Lord.” Father Michael Tabernero hugs his father, Peter, as his mother, Mary, watches during the first Mass celebrated by their son on the Vigil for the Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.
Father Peterson added that the reason to celebrate at that Mass was not because Father Tabernero was a good friend, a good son or a good brother, which he is, but because, “Jesus Christ has honored him and called him to stand at the altar of the Lord and repeat the words St. Paul tells us were the words of Jesus Christ Himself, ‘This is my Body.’” At the end of his Mass, before the Final Blessing, Father Tabernero spoke about the tradition that after the anointing of his hands by the bishop the newly ordained priest would wipe the Chrism from his hands with a white cloth, called the maniturgium. That cloth is later presented to the priest’s mother so that when her earthly pilgrimage has ended she would be able to answer the question “What have you done for God’s Holy Church?” by saying “I have given the Church a priest.” In addition to presenting that cloth to his mother, Mary, he presented his father, Peter, with one of his stoles, as a symbol of the influence, direction and support he had provided his son on his journey to the priesthood. On July 8, Father Tabernero began his life of priestly service as a parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale. Deacon Cline exercises his ministry at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater
OUR DIOCESE
By Deacon Patrick Cline Correspondent
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Father Michael Tabernero begins priestly journey at spiritual home
Father Michael Tabernero raises the chalice during the consecration for the first time as a priest at Mass at St. Joseph Church, Hillsborough. Father Tabernero serves as a parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale. ——Frank Wojciechowski photos
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Jesus' siblings?/Teaching on death penalty Q
Pope Francis
APOSTOLIC LETTER kk
“Vos estis Lux Mundi” [“You are the Light of the World”]
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Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt taken from the prologue of the apostolic letter given "motu proprio" to the bishops of the world concerning their responsibility in the prevention of sexual abuse.
JULY 11, 2019
Several weeks ago in your column, you stated that Mary remained a virgin after Jesus’ birth and for the rest of her life. The Bible states otherwise. Matthew 1:24-25 says that Joseph “did not know her until she had brought forth her firstborn Son.” Other passages reveal that Jesus had other siblings, born to Joseph and Mary
The crimes of sexual abuse offend Our Lord, cause physical, psychological and spiritual damage to the victims and harm the community of the faithful. In order that these phenomena, in all their forms, never happen again, a continuous and profound conversion of hearts is needed, attested by concrete and effective actions that involve everyone in the Church, so that personal sanctity and moral commitment can contribute to promoting the full credibility of the Gospel message and the effectiveness of the Church’s mission. This becomes possible only with the grace of the Holy Spirit poured into our hearts, as we must always keep in mind the words of Jesus: “Apart from me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). Even if so much has already been accomplished, we must continue to learn from the bitter lessons of the past, looking with hope towards the future. This responsibility falls, above all, on the successors of the Apostles, chosen by God to be pastoral leaders of his People, and demands from them a commitment to follow closely the path of the Divine Master. Because of their ministry, in fact, Bishops, “as vicars and legates of Christ, govern the particular churches entrusted to them by their counsel, exhortations, example, and even by their authority and sacred power, which indeed they use only for the edification of their flock in truth and holiness, remembering that he who is greater should become as the lesser and he who is the chief become as the servant” (Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium, 27). What more closely concerns the successors of the Apostles concerns all those who, in various ways, assume ministries in the Church, or profess the evangelical counsels, or are called to serve the Christian People. Therefore, it is good that procedures be universally adopted to prevent and combat these crimes that betray the trust of the faithful. Given at St. Peter’s Square on May 7, 2019
Question Corner By Father Kenneth Doyle after the birth of Jesus. (James is named as one of the half-brothers of Jesus). It would be helpful if you were to make this correction in a future column. (La Belle, Mo.) According to the consistent and centuries-old teaching of the Catholic Church, no correction is needed. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, quoting St. Augustine from the 5th century, Mary “remained a virgin in conceiving her Son, a virgin in giving birth to him, a virgin in carrying him, a virgin in nursing him at her breast, always a virgin” (No. 510). The early leaders of Protestantism, in fact, including Calvin, Luther and Zwingli, virtually all accepted the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary. Regarding the passage you quote from Matthew (1:25), as my earlier column explained, the Greek word that is translated “until” says nothing about what happened afterward. (Greek translators used the same word — “eso” — to say in 2 Samuel 6:23 that the daughter of Saul “had no children
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until the day of her death.”) But the main reason I have chosen to run your question is to comment on your view that Jesus had other siblings. All four evangelists do, in fact, make some mention of his brothers and sisters. Mark 6:3, for example, asks: “Is he [Jesus] not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not his sisters here with us?” Some Catholic scholars explain that the Greek word “adelphos” can mean not just blood brothers, but half brother, stepbrother or even cousins — the speculation being that Joseph may have had children from a previous marriage, making them step-siblings of Jesus. (There is no record of Joseph’s age at the time of his betrothal to Mary, and some commentators think that Joseph may have been considerably older than Mary since he is not mentioned at all in the Gospels after the childhood of Jesus.) The crucifixion scene would seem to corroborate the Catholic belief that Jesus was the only child of Joseph and Mary: In Jewish custom, the obligation of caring for a widowed mother would pass to the next oldest if anything happened to the firstborn son; but since Jesus had no “blood brother,” he entrusted Mary on Calvary to the care of John, the beloved disciple.
It is true that the position of the Catholic Church against the use of the death penalty has
been strengthened because of a textual change in the Catechism of the Catholic Church announced by Pope Francis in August 2018. Previously the catechism had read: “The traditional teaching of the church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggression” (No. 2267). (The same section was quick to point out, though, that the cases which warranted the execution of the offender in today’s society were “very rare, if not practically nonexistent.”) The new catechism text authorized by Pope Francis, however, will speak even more absolutely and will now read, “The church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, ‘that the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person,’ and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide.” The Church’s moral teaching has been developed and refined over time, as is evident from its positions on slavery and on usury (charging interest on loans). The new text of the catechism will itself explain the thinking behind the revision, pointing out that: “Today … there is an increasing awareness that the dignity of the person is not lost even after the commission of very serious crimes. “In addition, a new understanding has emerged of the significance of penal sanctions imposed by the state. Lastly, more effective systems of detention have been developed, which ensure the due protection of citizens but, at the same time, do not definitively deprive the guilty of the possibility of redemption.” Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@gmail. com and 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, N.Y. 12203.
warning with a mound of human hair, which the Nazis had harvested for use in manufacturing, a woman standing near me sobbed as she asked, “How could they?” It’s the central question about all the atrocities committed by Nazis. Whenever we think about these things and about the Holocaust in general, my wife and I recall that when we attended public school, from 1947 to 1960, the Nazi program of extermination of Jews, Romani people, homosexuals, and others was never mentioned in our history classes. The Nazis and their collaborators could do what they did, because they were able, in their minds, to reduce Jewish people, and others who didn’t fit the Nazi “ideal,” into something less than human beings. They were able to consign human beings to categories of creatures that had numbers rather than names. The Nazis were not the first to dismiss whole categories of people as though they were not made in the image and likeness of God. Nor were the Nazis the last.
Governments, political groups, social movements, and individual men and women — some of them our neighbors — do the same thing in our time. The persecution of Jews in Europe began as conversation about “those people” before it mutated into an insane attempt to eliminate the Jewish population on the continent. Once, it was talk; then it was the deaths of more than six million souls and the traumatizing of millions more down to the present generation. The fact that discrimination is not practiced on the industrial scale adopted by the Nazis does not make it any less dangerous nor any less contrary to the teaching of Jesus Christ, who gave a clear example in his relationships with Samaritans, Gentiles, lepers, and social outcasts of every sort. We are called to imitate him with equanimity in how we speak, how we “post,” how we text, and how we think about those — no matter who or what they are — who share the dignity God has given to every human being.
Until recently the Catechism of the Catholic Church said that capital punishment was acceptable under some circumstances. Now it says that the death penalty is inadmissible. Therefore, if the teaching was wrong before, then it may be wrong now. (Woodbridge, Va.)
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History sounds warning for us today
When we visited Poland in 1990, one of the stops on the tour was the former Nazi concentration camp at Auschwitz.
Mustard Seeds By Deacon Charles Paolino Some of the folks on the tour opted out; I don’t know their reasons. We had gone to Poland, a party of six, principally so that my wife’s mother could see the town and country of her parents’ birth. But all of us felt that, since we were given the opportunity, we should face what men and women did to their fellow human beings at Auschwitz and at other camps of its kind. It was a grim experience overall and at times emotionally overwhelming. When we were confronted without
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Love your God, neighbor St. Luke’s telling of the Parable of the Good Samaritan in this Sunday’s Gospel is one of the key illustrations of the practical mercy that a merciful God expects from his beloved people.
SCRIPTURE STUDY By Msgr. John N. Fell This Sunday’s Gospel reading is probably best understood when considered as two separate, but related sections. In the first, Jesus reiterates the important Old Testament commands to love God and neighbor. In the second, Jesus presents the Parable of the Good Samaritan showing exactly how that love of God and neighbor is to be lived out. In answer to a lawyer’s question, “What must I do to inherit everlasting life?” (Lk 10:25), Jesus responds with the Great “Shema” prayer of the Hebrew faith, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind;” (Lk 10:27). To the pious Jew, this statement, based upon the command of Deuteronomy 6:4-9, expresses the basic creedal statement of Israel. It professes their faith in the one God and obligates them to a profoundly loyal observance of the covenant. The words of the “Shema” express the fundamental, all-inclusive stipulation and summary of the covenant — the People of Israel are to love God, they are to teach their children to love God, their private lives and public institutions must always and everywhere manifest this love of the God who has made them his own. The command calls for complete, undivided loyalty to God — their emotions, consciousness, physical prowess, and intellect must be dedicated to the observance of the covenant. Jesus’ great novelty is that he adds an additional requirement to that of the “Shema” — the love of God demands that we love our neighbor as ourselves. The command to love one’s neighbor was previously held by the People of Israel (see Leviticus 19:18), but Jesus elevates this requirement, equating it with the love of God as one’s fundamental religious duty. In this case, Jesus signals that the most genuine way of showing one’s love for God is to express that love for others — Temple sacrifices were to be replaced (or at least accompanied) by a compassionate heart. If one is required to love his neighbor, the lawyer asks, then who should be considered one’s neighbor. Old Testament usage required only fel-
low Israelites and resident aliens living in Israel to be so considered. Jesus responded with the story of the Good Samaritan. In this great parable, a man is robbed, beaten, and left for dead on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Both a priest and a Levite pass by the man, see him, and decide not to help. Of course, Jesus’ hearers could have supposed their motives. In order to be eligible for Temple service, such officials had to maintain ritual purity. If they came in contact with blood or a dead body, they would have become ritually unclean and would have been disqualified from their duties at Temple. Adhering to the letter of the Law, the priest and Levite left the man in order to attend to other duties they considered more important. A third man, a Samaritan, came upon the injured victim. Instead of passing him by, the Samaritan cared for the man, bathed his wounds, and took him to an inn to recover. What would have sounded so striking to Jesus’ hearers was that a Samaritan was the hero of this story. Jews and Samaritans harbored intense prejudice against each other; making the Samaritan the hero of this story was like making Osama bin Laden the hero of an American patriotic tale in our own day. When Jesus questioned the lawyer, asking who showed himself to be the true neighbor of the injured man, the lawyer was forced to admit it was “the one who treated him with compassion” (Lk 10:37a). While the priest and Levite knew well the precepts of the Mosaic Law, they had failed completely to internalize its spirit. The Samaritan, likely unversed in Jewish religious law, showed himself to have a better instinctive understanding of religious requirements than either of his two more learned contemporaries. Jesus’ point, of course, was that one’s duty to love God is fulfilled principally in the loving service we render one another. The powerful words of St. John come to mind, “If anyone claims to love God, while at the same time hating his neighbor, he is a liar” (1 Jn 4:20). The Parable of the Good Samaritan, coming as it does on the heels of Jesus’ rendering of the Shema, interweaves our love of God with the way we treat our neighbor. Just as there is no more pressing requirement of the disciple than to love God wholeheartedly, there is no more pressing way of fulfilling that task than by reaching out in compassionate, heartfelt service to one another. In this case, then, our neighbor becomes every person who needs our love. The Samaritan proved himself a well-qualified disciple by his outreach to the person in need. With this mind let us pray that we might all take up Jesus’ commission to “go and do the same.” (Lk 10:37b).
fourth century July 20
Crosiers
This virgin and martyr, the patron saint for a difficult childbirth, is associated with a series of stories about Pelagia of Antioch, who may have been martyred when Emperor Diocletian ordered the last persecution of Christians in 303. St. John Chrysostom in the sixth century and later St. Ambrose knew of a Margaret or Pelagia in Antioch (Marina in the Eastern church) who jumped off a building to save her chastity. Margaret had a strong following as one of the 14 helper saints in the Middle Ages, and was one of the “voices” that St. Joan of Arc heard, urging her to save France.
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Gospel for July 14, 2019 Luke 10:25-37 Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C: the story of the Christ-like Samaritan. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle. STOOD UP INHERIT THE LORD NEIGHBOR PASSERBY POURED OIL INNKEEPER
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JULY 11, 2019
Dt 30:10-14 • Ps 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37 • Col 1:15-20 • Lk 10:25-37 Ex 1:8-14, 22 • Ps 124:1b-3, 4-6, 7-8 • Mt 10:34 – 11:1 Ex 2:1-15a • Ps 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34 • Mt 11:20-24 Ex 3:1-6, 9-12 • Ps 103:1b-2, 3-4, 6-7 • Mt 11:25-27 Ex 3:13-20 • Ps 105:1, 5, 8-9, 24-25, 26-27 • Mt 11:28-30 Ex 11:10 – 12:14 • Ps 116:12-13, 15, 16bc, 17-18 • Mt 12:1-8 Ex 12:37-42 • Ps 136:1, 23-24, 10-12, 13-15 • Mt 12:14-21 Gn 18:1-10a • Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 3-4, 5 • Col 1:24-28 • Lk 10: 38:42 Sg 3:1-4b • Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 • Jn 20:1-2, 11-18 Ex 14:21 – 15:1 • Ex 15:8-9, 10, 12, 17 • Mt 12:46-50 Ex 16:1-5, 9-15 • Ps 78:18-19, 23-24, 25-26, 27-28 • Mt 13:1-9 2 Cor 4:7-15 • Ps 126:1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6 • Mt 20:20-28 Ex 20:1-17 • Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 • Mt 13:18-23 Ex 24:3-8 • Ps 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15 • Mt 13:24-30
Margaret of Antioch
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‘Unplanned’ private viewing, discussion By Alexandra Gillett Correspondent METUCHEN — It is not often that an unashamedly pro-life film makes it into mainstream movie theaters, but “Unplanned” recently did just that. The diocesan Office of Human Life and Dignity took the opportunity to arrange a private screening of the movie at the AMC in New Brunswick for Catholics in the diocese. A few weeks later, a “Holy Hour for Life” was held at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. The hour, led by the Father Timothy A. Christy, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia, included exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, worship music, a reflection, reconciliation and Benediction. In his reflection, Father Christy explained that each Christian, through baptism, joins in the crucifixion, but also the resurrection. Therefore, we are meant to share the gift of our new life with others, bringing light, hope, vision, and perspective that the world does not know otherwise. Currently, he continued, we are tempted to fear because it seems that the faithful are becoming a minority. Since we are losing influence we are tempted to think all is lost. He encouraged those present to realize instead, that we are simply meant to change one heart at a time. “Activism is important,” he said, “but God is the one who changes hearts. He is the protagonist.” Giving every person love and respect is the vehicle God uses to move hearts, step by step. A dawning moment comes when the heart is right, as it did for Abbey Johnson, a young woman who quit Planned Parenthood. One day at Mass, upon seeing a baby and the altar in her line of vision, God led Johnson to understand the Church’s teaching on contraception. In closing, Father Christy entreated the congregation to recall that Christ in the Eucharist is not intimidated. He lets us know that he is with us and that we have a purpose. Everyone needs to be made aware of his love for him or her personally. Therefore, we need to “lift up the empty vessels that have no one to love them,” and show them his love. Jennifer Ruggiero, secretary, diocesan Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life, led a discussion for those who had seen the movie. For a portion of the film, Johnson is very supportive of abortion and eventually begins working for Planned Parenthood. Then one day, after rising to the position of director, she is asked
Above, Jennifer Ruggiero, left, secretary, diocesan Secretariat of Family and Pastoral Life, sits with John Glynn, director, diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, to welcome those who reserved tickets to view the movie "Unplanned" at the AMC in New Brunswick. At right, the theater was full of Catholics who, following the film, were able to participate in a panel discussion that pivoted on the axis of pro life advocacy, exemplified by the conversion of the protagonist of the film, Abbey Johnson. ——Father Timothy A. Christy, V.G. photos
to use ultrasound to guide the abortion of a 13-week fetus. The sight of the small person fighting to escape from the suction shocks her to the core, and she leaves the position. As in real life, Abbey then becomes a dedicated prolife advocate. During the discussion of the movie, participants were encouraged to consider and discuss a number of questions provided to them about their personal reaction to the film. The general tone was a mix of frustration with the situation in the United States and specifically in New Jersey, and hope that the popular film may inspire and increase prolife advocacy. When asked what part of the movie had the most impact, some people mentioned Abbey’s “conversion” scene. Others mentioned feeling
hopeful because of a scene showing a woman turning back from the clinic after seeing people praying there. When some mentioned the movies’ graphic abortion scenes, retired surgeon Dr. Frederick Primich, stated that those scenes were “very accurate.” When attendees were asked what prompted them to personally become involved in pro-life efforts, some individuals mentioned the recent celebratory atmosphere in New York after the recent legalization of some abortions after 24 weeks. At the conclusion of the discussion, participants were encouraged to attend additional meetings to discuss strategies for disseminating the prolife message more effectively in New Jersey.
Journey of Faith By Father John Gerard Hillier
Although more than 30 years have passed since my ordination to the Holy Priesthood, it seems as if it was only yesterday when I waited my turn for the imposition of the bishop’s hands on my head as I knelt with four other young men to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. It was a singularly unique moment in my life, difficult to describe given the intensity of the act and what it would mean not only in my lifetime, but for all eternity. Stated succinctly, “the sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred by the laying on of hands followed by a solemn prayer of consecration asking God to grant the ordinand the graces of the Holy Spirit required for his ministry. Ordination imprints an indelible sacramental character” (ccc 1597). The celebration was a solemn event which took place “within the Eucharistic liturgy” (ccc 1572). During that ordination Mass, my mind jumped to the first time I served as an altar boy at a priestly ordination when I was a teenager. The day following that ordination, I served at the first Mass for one of the newly ordained priests, and could never have imagined the immense pageantry, which included what seemed to be tons of incense and hundreds of vested concelebrating priests in attendance. The entire congregation as well was dressed in what we once called their Sunday best. Bishops alone have the authority to ordain or to administer the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Quoting from Pope
Pius XII’s document on the Sacrament same when they chose collaborators to of Holy Orders, the Catechism tells us: succeed them in their ministry, “only a “The essential rite of the sacrament of baptized man validly receives sacred Holy Orders for all three degrees con- ordination” (ccc 1577). They live a sists in the bishop's imposition of hands celibate life and promise to remain celon the head of the ordinand and in the ibate “for the sake of the kingdom of bishop’s specific consecratory prayer heaven” (Mt 19:12). In the Eastern Rite asking God for the outpouring of the Churches, priestly celibacy is likewise Holy Spirit and his gifts proper to the held in great honor and “many priests ministry to which the have freely chosen candidate is being orit for the sake of the In our Latin Rite dained” (ccc 1573). Kingdom of God,” The rite of ordinathough, “while [EastChurch, married tion or the celebration ern Rite Church] bishclergy are the of the Sacrament of ops are chosen solely Holy Orders includes, from among celibates, exception and but is not limited to, married men can be the instruction by the ordained as deacons not the norm. This (ordaining) bishop, and priests” (ccc exception includes an examination of 1580). the candidate, the litIn our Latin Rite permanent deaany of the saints...the Church, married clercons, who may solemn act of consegy are the exception cration...an anointing and not the norm. This be married before with holy chrism, exception includes giving the book of permanent deacons, ordination to the Gospels...and in who may be married the diaconate. the case of a bishop before ordination to being ordained, “the the diaconate. (On ring, the miter, and the crosier [are rare occasions, and involving a very given] to the new bishop as the sign complicated process, widowed deacons of his apostolic mission”. In the case may be granted permission to remarry.) of a priest being ordained, there is also As noted in the previous paragraph, in “presentation to the priest of the paten the Eastern Rite Churches, as well, men and chalice”,...while in the case of a deacon being ordained there is, “giving the book of the Gospels to the [new] deacon” (ccc 1574). Validly ordained bishops; i.e., those who are in the line of apostolic succession, validly confer the three degrees of the sacrament of Holy Orders [episcopacy, presbyterate and diaconate]” (ccc 1576). As the Catechism states, “no one has a right to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders” (ccc 1578). Sacred Scripture puts it this way: “No one takes this honor upon himself but SPOTLIGHT PILGRIMAGE: only when called by God, just as Aaron was” (Heb 5:4). Following the example of Christ, CHRISTMAS ON THE who chose the college of the twelve DANUBE apostles, and the apostles, who did the
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may be married prior to ordination, though married Eastern Rite priests are not eligible to become bishops. “In the East as in the West a man who has already received the sacrament of Holy Orders can no longer marry” (ccc 1580). The Catechism explains further: “The college of bishops, with whom the priests are united in the priesthood, makes the college of the twelve [the Apostles] an ever-present and ever-active reality until Christ's return” (ccc 1577). The Church, thus, has no right to change the intent of Christ himself as to who is eligible to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders. “For this reason,” the Catechism teaches, “the ordination of women is not possible” (ccc 1577). The Sacrament of Holy Orders is held in high esteem for many reasons. Regarding the ordained priesthood, we are reminded often that without the priest there is no Eucharist; without the Bishop, there is no priest; and, without the deacon (a position to which priests and bishops have also been ordained), we lack a prominent witness of service proclaiming the Gospel of Christ in word and deed. Father Hillier serves as Director of the Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Censor Librorum and oversees the Office for Persons with Disabilities
FAITH ALIVE
Article 121 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 1572-1580
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Sacrament of Holy Orders is held in high esteem
22 OUR DIOCESE JULY 11, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
Students strengthen faith, deepen relationship with Lord at event EDISON — Eighteen students at Bishop George Ahr High School, renamed St. Thomas Aquinas High School on July 1, recently participated in the diocesan institution’s fifth annual Ahr Service Week — Building a Civilization of Love. The event, sponsored by the Campus Ministry Department — John Roche, Father Keith M. Cervine, Kevin McCarthy, Felician Sister Cynthia Marie Babyak and Patricia Krupinski — provided the students with the opportunity to learn about the two feet of Catholic Social Teaching: charity and social justice, deepen their relationship with God, and discuss the issues that are impacting our/their world. On June 25, the students had the opportunity to meet and share with Bishop James F. Checchio what it means to be a prophet in today’s world and to discuss the issues that young people face. Before the bishop arrived, the students were given a presentation on prophets by Sister Cynthia, Campus Minister, and then were provided an opportunity to share about the prophets that have made an impact in their life. The next day, the group discussed what it means to feed the hungry. Krupinski, a Latin and French teacher, spoke about the need to meet the basic needs of every human being. The students helped to prepare 400 lunches that
were then taken to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK). In the afternoon, Felician Sister Antonelle Chunka spoke to the group about the work she has done with people who live on the street, gangs, immigrants, and those in prison. That night, the students learned how “charity begins at home” and began their service project for the Bishop Ahr community. Their task was to clean all of the lockers in the building. Lynne Braine, Social Studies chair and “Queen of the Locker clean-up,” joined the group and taught the students the best way to effectively clean the lockers. June 27, the group explored various ways of praying. Felician Sister Mary Rebecca Piatek gave a presentation on the Divine Mercy Chaplet and provided the students with the experience of how strengthening prayer lives can give the faithful what they need to do God’s work. At various times during the week, the students were provided opportunities to go to Mass, receive the sacrament of reconciliation and to learn more about social justice issues in the world such as poverty and the Syrian refugee crisis. They watched two documentaries from the nonprofit Living On One to put a face on a story.
Above, during Bishop George Ahr High School’s fifth annual Service Week — Building a Civilization of Love, Bishop James F. Checchio, center, Father Keith Cervine and Felician Sister Cynthia Marie Babyak discuss with students what it means to be a prophet in today’s world and the issues young people face. Right, Bishop Checchio greets attendees of the service week, which included Mass, prayer and reconciliation. ——Marlo Williamson photos
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ACROSS 1 What Peter did when he heard the cock crow for the third time 4 Reader at Mass 8 Angel’s hat? 9 “On the night before he ___” 10 Genesis structure 12 NT epistle 13 Communion host 14 Angel named in the New Testament 17 “Give us this day ___ daily bread…” 18 St. Jean ___ de LaSalle 22 It follows Heb 24 Large crucifix 25 St. Martha is their patron saint 26 Notre ___ 28 Book attributed to Solomon (abbr.) 29 Diocese in Hawaii 30 Rome is called the Holy one 32 The ___ Seed 33 Catholic actor of “Gone with the Wind” fame 35 Season during which the Sorrowful Mysteries are used 36 This becomes the Body of Christ at the consecration 37 Fond name for pope whose coat of arms display an “M” for Mary 38 Biblical mount 39 The domestic church 40 Judas betrayed Jesus with one
DOWN 2 Ravens fed him 3 Hesburgh of Notre Dame, to friends 4 He wrote the “95 Theses” 5 Monk’s hood 6 Aaron made a golden one 7 “…now and at the ___ of our death. Amen” 11 Liquid used in some sacraments 12 There were 3 popes with this name in the 20th century 13 “…the Lord is ____ thee” 15 ___ to Damascus 16 One, holy, catholic, apostolic 19 Galilee, and others 20 Biblical garden 21 Type of angel that Michael is 22 ___ of Arc 23 One of the 10 plagues 26 Worms meeting that denounced 4D 27 Marian color 28 Catholic Australian author of The Shoes of the Fisherman 30 The Lord’s Day 31 ___ of the Holy Spirit 32 ___ culpa 33 Where Samson died 34 Bible section 35 Tribe of Israel 37 First Catholic president of the US
OUR DIOCESE
8
Crossword Puzzle
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Answers can be found on page 26
THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JULY 11, 2019
24 OUR DIOCESE
OBITUARIES Father Stanley Jarosz, 78, former pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Helmetta, died June 22 at his home. A funeral Mass was celebrated at Holy Trinity Church June 26. Father Jarosz was born in Konopiska, Poland, Nov. 12, 1940, to Antoni and Angela Jarosz. He was educated in Konoposka and Czestochowa, then attended the University of Lublin, where he earned a master’s degree in education. He completed his seminary training at Lesna Pdlaska, Krakow, and served his diaonate ministry in Krakow and Czestochowa. Father Jarosz was ordained June 29, 1965, by Bishop Tadeusz Szwagrzyk at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. He came to the United States in 1971 and was assigned as prefect of clerics at Orchard Lake Seminary (Mich). In 1977, he moved to New Jersey and served in the Diocese of Trenton.
He served as parochial vicar at Mary Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough, from 1977-80; and parochial vicar at St. Mary of Ostrabrama Parish, South River, 1980-88. In 1988, Father Jarosz was assigned as pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, Helmetta (he preferred the town name as “Heavenmetta”), where he served until he retired in 2015. Father Jarosz is survived by his sister, Jadwiga Koscielniak; his cousins, Teresa Przybysz, Slawomir and Lucy Oleradzki, Adam and Aldona Przybysz, Thomas and Eva Oleradzki, and Eva Goralczyk as well as his longtime secretary, friend and caregiver of more than 40 years, Patricia Pisinski. Burial was at Our Lady of Czestochowa Cemetery, Doylestown, Pa. Funeral arrangements were handled by Carmen F. Spezzi and Maliszewski Funeral Homes — Parlin, South River, Sayreville.
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years; she is survived by her sister, Barbara Hammill and her husband, Kenneth, of Whiting; a nephew, John R. Louhier; a niece, Elizabeth J. Martin; and seven nieces and nephews; her uncle, Franklin Theiss and his wife, Arlene, and their children (Robyn and Eric Theiss and their children) She enjoyed going to concerts, Broadway plays (more than 160), sporting events (Rangers and Devils hockey, Yankees and Mets baseball), and the track. She loved traveling on the train and took a number trips to Washington, D.C., Boston, Niagara Falls and Montreal and enjoyed exploring each city and visiting museums. A funeral Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi June 29. Entombment was at Cloverleaf Memorial Park, Woodbridge. Funeral arrangements were handled by Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, Metuchen.
FUNERAL DIRECTORY
Costello - Runyon Funeral Homes 568 Middlesex Ave. (Rt 27)
Georgianne Cichy, 62, of Edison, wife of Arthur Cichy, diocesan Mailroom Coordinator, died June 25 at Hackensack University Medical Center. Born in Newark, Georgianne lived in Metuchen until her marriage, then moved to Edison in 1979. She had been employed for 15 years by Medi-Physics, South Plainfield, where she was a lab tech and packaging coordinator. She was a member of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Metuchen, and a volunteer at JFK Medical Center, Edison, where she accumulated more than 9,000 hours. She was also a member of the JFK Auxiliary, helping staff the gift shop for a number of years. She was named the Catalyst of the Year for being the most inspiring Auxilian. She called shut-ins and talked to them for hours during the day. In addition to her husband of 39
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READ MORE ABOUT IT: LUKE 10 Q&A: 1. Who wanted to test Jesus? 2. Who was the injured man’s neighbor?
PUZZLE: ——cns artwork
of the road. Likewise, he did not stop to help, Jesus said. Instead, he crossed to the opposite side of the road and kept on going, just like the priest had done. “But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight,” Jesus said. Even though Jews and Samaritans did not like each other, the Samaritan man treated and bandaged the injured man’s wounds and took him to an inn to care for him. When the Samaritan had to leave, he paid the innkeeper to take care of the injured man, Jesus said. “Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back,” Jesus said the Samaritan told the innkeeper. “Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” Jesus asked the expert in Mosaic law. “The one who treated him with mercy,” the man answered. “Go and do likewise,” Jesus said
Unscramble the letters in each word and arrange them to form a quotation from the children’s story.
nad iwli ouy od vile hits Puzzle Answer: and, will, you, do live, this Do this and you will live.
Jesus loved to teach people about God. Great crowds often would gather to hear him preach. One day, a man who was an expert in Mosaic law wanted to test Jesus’ knowledge of the law. “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” the man asked Jesus. Jesus knew what the man was up to. “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” Jesus replied. “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself,” the man answered. Jesus nodded. “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live,” he said. Jesus had answered the man’s question perfectly, but the man continued to test Jesus. “And who is my neighbor?” asked the man, who wanted to justify himself. Jesus replied by telling a parable. “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead,” Jesus began. “A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side,” Jesus continued. Eventually, a Levite came along and saw the injured man collapsed on the side
OUR DIOCESE
By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service
25
The apostles receive the Holy Spirit
Diocese of Metuchen
For information about the Year of Spiritual Renewal and consecration to Our Lady of Guadalupe go to: LightingHeartsOnFire.org
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AROUND THE DIOCESE
OUR DIOCESE
Prayer and Worship
The Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan, will celebrate a sung Mass every Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in Latin. The Mass is celebrated according to the 1962 Missal in compliance with the “Summorum Pontificum.” For details, call the Shrine Rectory Office, (908) 300-8167. Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, will hold a Holy Hour of Prayer for the Dying every Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. in the church. Come and pray for those who are dying, especially those who die suddenly and unprepared to enter eternal life. For information, call (732) 968-5555. Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, will hold a Holy Hour for Religious Freedom and Persecuted Christians every Sunday at 7 p.m., in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, 50 Van Winkle Place, Piscataway. Participants are invited to silently pray the Rosary and special prayers for the intentions of Christians worldwide who are being persecuted for their faith. For information, call Becky, (703) 625-5388. Parish of the Visitation, St. Mary of Mount Virgin Worship Site, New Brunswick, invites all to come and recite The Scriptural Rosary, every Sunday, 7 to 7:30 p.m. in Visitation Chapel. The Scriptural Rosary is a modern version of the way the Rosary was
prayed throughout Western Christendom in the late Middle Ages. Materials will be provided. For information, call (732) 545-5090. The Militia of the Immaculata Prayer Village will meet on the First Saturday of every month after the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick Parish, Belvidere. Come and learn about St. Maximilian Kobe, pray the Rosary and consider consecrating yourself to Mary. For details, email mivillagebelvidere@ gmail.com. July 13-15, 7:30 p.m. and July 16, 7:15 a.m. – The Carmelite Nuns of Flemington, invites all to participate in the Solemn Triduum and Benediction of the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel conducted by Msgr. Robert Coleman. The Triduum will be held at The Carmelite Monastery, 16 Harmony School Road, Flemington.
Bible Study
July 11, 7 p.m. – St. Bernadette Parish, Parlin, will offer Bible study every Tuesday evening beginning July 11. The first topic will be “Corinthians: The Church and the Christian Community.” All are welcome. For information, call (732) 721-2772.
Carnivals
Jul 23-27 – St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge, invites all to its carnival held on the church grounds. Games and rides will be featured. Pre-sale price is $25. Call for unlimited ride
wristbands. For details, call (732) 679-5666 or visit www.stambroseschool.net. July 23-27 – Christ the Redeemer Parish, Sacred Heart worship site, Manville, will hold its 51st annual parish festival. The festival will feature rides, games, live music, homemade Polish and American food and more. For information, call (908) 725-0072 or visit www.ctrmanville.com.
Golf Outings
Sept. 9 – Church of the Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield, will hold its 10th annual golf outing at Fox Hollow Golf Club, Branchburg. The day includes green fees, use of a cart, breakfast and lunch. For details, visit www.ChurchoftheSacredHeart.net.
Volunteers Needed
Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen is seeking volunteers for its Connections Program in Middlesex County and Franklin Township. The volunteers will provide a positive friend relationship to children ages five to 18 years old who have suffered a loss or have special needs. Volunteers will be screened, receive training and staff support. For details, call Jeanette Nadonley, (732) 738-1323.
Members Needed
The Father Capodanno Catholic War Veteran Post will meet at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the parish center. The veteran organization is dedicated to
nourishing veterans in their love for country, family and the Catholic faith. You don’t have to be a War Veteran, just a Veteran to join. New members are welcome. For details, contact Al Kosiarski, (908)782-7662 Ext.159 or email, al@fdsnj.com.
Support Programs
The Diocese of Metuchen Family Life Office sponsors Courage, an apostolate of the Catholic Church that ministers to those with same-sex attractions. The spiritual support group assists those with same-sex attractions to live chaste lives in fellowship, truth and love. For information about the ministry, meeting times and location, call the Family Life office, (732) 562-2476. All calls are confidential.
Crossword Puzzle Answers: A H A B E V E I L H I T I M E V G I V E I C L E U F I D W I D E I L G O O D
E I G H T S A A T U R I N G H Y T J U C A M R D A N O N G S O N E D E N R E E A C M C U R I E E O I A N O B E L
S R T E V D E E B T S I R E A L A N D
I N S E V E R M O G N A T E N A S A U E M D G E A N
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HELP WANTED
The Pontifical Mission Office offers Mass Cards, Perpetual Masses and Gregorian Mass for the Living and Deceased. The suggested offering is from $5 to $300. To purchase a card, contact (732) 243-4580 or email pontifical.mission.societies@diometuchen.org. On December 12th Bishop Checchio inaugurated a year of preparation for the consecration of the Diocese of Metuchen to Our Lady of Guadalupe. His intention for this year is that we each open our heart wide to God’s grace so that authentic spiritual renewal can take place. In light of this you are invited to come to an evening of prayer, preaching and reflection on the message and meaning of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s apparitions on our continent in 1531. Discover how The Blessed Mother led nine million indigenous Mexican people into a life changing encounter with her Son, Jesus, and how she desires to lead you into a deep and vibrant relationship with Him as well. For a listing of participating parishes go to: www.LightingHeartsOnFire.org. 7/14 Holy Hour for Priests, Office of Evangelization, 3 p.m. St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. All are welcome. 7/16 & 17 Summer School, Office of Ongoing Faith Formation, July 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m., and July 17, 10 to 11:30 a.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The presenter will be Father Greg Uhrig. The topic will be “Laudato Si” Pope Francis’ encyclical on Care for Our Common Home (the environment.) All are welcome. 7/23 & 24 Summer School, Office of Ongoing Faith Formation, July 23, 7 to 8:30 p.m., and July 24, 10 to 11:30 a.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The presenter will be Father Greg Uhrig. The topic will be “Christus Vivit” Pope Francis’ writing on youth in the Church. All are welcome. 7/30 & 31 Summer School, Office of Ongoing Faith Formation, July 30, 7 to 8:30 p.m., and July 31, 10 to 11:30 a.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The presenter will be Father Greg Uhrig. The topic will be Our Lady of Guadalupe. All are welcome.
August
8/6 & 7 Summer School, Office of Ongoing Faith Formation, Aug. 6, 7 to 8:30 p.m., and Aug. 7, 10 to 11:30 a.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The presenter will be Father Greg Uhrig. The topic will be “The Afterlife: Heaven and Hell in the Bible.” All are welcome. 8/7 A Catholic Prayer and Support for Families Affected by Mental Health Issues, Office for Persons with Disabilities, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., St. Patrick Parish, Belvidere. The support group will offer spiritual support and tips on how to cope with mental health issues. The program will also be held through Dec. on the first Wednesday of the month. For details, call (732) 765-6432 or email catholicswithdisabilities@gmail.com. 8/23-25 Retrouvaille, Office of Family Life Ministry. Retrouvaille is a lifeline to help couples heal and renew their marriages. The program consists of a weekend experience (no group discussions) and six follow-up sessions. For details or to register, call Rich and Annette Colasuonno, (732) 236-0671 or email 3024@retrouvaille.org.
September
Senior Care at Home
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REAL ESTATE
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“Come, Follow me.” (Mark 10:21)
Is God calling you to serve as a priest, religious sister or brother? If you think maybe . . . call the Office of Vocations:
(732) 562-2453 or e-mail: vocations@ diometuchen.org To view more classifieds, go to The Catholic Spirit’s Web Page and click on the “classifieds” tab. To place your ad call:
(732) 529-7934
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
NEED PRO - LIFE HOUSEMOTHERS SHIFTS AVAILABLE - 7-3:30, 3-11:30, 11-7 Several Sources Shelters, a non-profit nonsectarian shelter for pregnant women is seeking kind, compassionate individuals, willing to serve God through those we help. Drivers License required Reply to : Susan Harper - Lloyd, Email: susanharperlloyd@aol.com Or call: 201-819-4699 (M-F 9-5)
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC and LITURGY Our Lady of Peace is a Roman Catholic Church established in 1919 located in Fords, NJ. OLP strives to be an active community that shares the love and good news of Jesus Christ with all in the parish. We are currently seeking a talented, dynamic and accomplished music professional for the position of Director of Music. As Director of Music, this faith-filled individual will report to and work collaboratively with the pastor and is responsible for designing, developing, directing, evaluating and expanding the parish’s existing liturgical music program and to enhance the worship of the parish community. In addition, will lead volunteer musicians and will accompany the cantor and choir at the organ during all liturgies. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Select, plan and coordinate liturgically appropriate music for all liturgies of the parish, including funerals; • Recruit, schedule, direct and mentor music groups and musicians (choirs, cantors, bell choir and instrumentalists); • Be available when needed for additional services and events; • Oversee maintenance of church-owned instruments and musical library; • Communicate faithfully with the pastor; • Other duties as directed by the pastor for the liturgical and sacramental needs of the parish. QUALIFICATIONS: • Masters Degree in Music or comparable work experience in organ performance, conducting and directing choirs; • Strong professional competence in playing the organ and piano as well as reading music; • Minimum three to five years of previous work experience desired; • Possess a working knowledge of music in the Roman Catholic Liturgical tradition; • Ability to lead, train, and work well and collaboratively with others, both staff and congregation; • Committed to the Catholic Church’s vision and leadership; • Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. ABOUT THE EMPLOYER: Our Lady of Peace is a Roman Catholic Church in the Diocese of Metuchen, NJ. Please send a detailed CV and three professional letters of recommendation to: Reverend Matthew R. Paratore, S.T.L., J.C.L., Pastor 26 Maple Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837
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JULY 11, 2019
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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
9/21 “The Way of St. Juan Diego,” a one-day, 9-mile Walking Pilgrimage, Diocese of Metuchen, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning at Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale. All youth, families and people of faith are invited to attend. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio. The cost is $20 by Aug. 30 or $25 thereafter. For details or to register, visit www.LightingHeartsOnFire.org/walking-pilgrimage.
POSITION WANTED
RATES
Eucharistic Adoration is now being held in the chapel at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. Adorers and intercessors are needed Monday through Friday 9 to 11:45 a.m. Daily Mass is held at 11:45 a.m. For information or to volunteer, call Laura Ferreras (732) 529-7932. To submit a prayer request, call (732) 765-6445.
For information call: (732 )529-7934 • E-mail: jleviton@diometuchen.org
OUR DIOCESE
July
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DIOCESAN EVENTS
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Diocesan newspaper wins six awards from Catholic media group
JULY 11, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT
OUR DIOCESE
By Joanne Ward For the 10th time since it was established in 1996, “The Catholic Spirit” has been recognized by the Catholic Press Association (CPA) for excellence. At the Catholic Media Conference Gabriel Awards banquet June 21 in St. Petersburg, Fla., “The Catholic Spirit” received a CPA award for “Best Newspaper” in the category “Non-weekly Diocesan Newspaper, Circulation 25,000 or Less.” In addition, the newspaper earned five other CPA awards, making six — the most it has received in one year. The previous record was five, received in 2008, and since it started competing in the CPA awards program has garnered 59 awards. “The Catholic Spirit’s” 2019 awards included second place for a feature story by Chris Donahue, a news story by Karen Corpora and a news photo by Mike Ehrmann; third place for best newspaper and best special supplement, and an honorable mention for a news story by Christina Leslie. All were in the “Non-weekly Diocesan Newspaper, Circulation 25,000 or Less.” For the “Best Newspaper” award, “The Catholic Spirit” submitted three consecutive issues published in 2018 to the CPA, which has more than 600 member organizations in the United States and Canada. In selecting the Metuchen diocese’s official newspaper for a third place award, the judges stated, “The Catholic Spirit” embodies the spirit of good journalism with vibrant stories that bring conditions and challenges of the community to light and put faces on the persons affected. The newspaper provides ample space for writers to tell these stories and the presentation of the paper invites readers to turn pages to find the local, national and international news of the church that it presents.” The first issue sent to the CPA compe-
Catholic Spirit Parishes, schools in diocese host Easter Week observances, activities, pages 15-19
THE
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
INSIDE
New Life
Annual Devotion
Parishioners celebrate Portuguese feast of Our Lady of the Martyrs at Mass, procession in Perth Amboy Special Feature…3
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Classifieds
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Diocesan Events
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Catholic Spirit
THE
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
THE
MAY 3, 2018 • VOL. 23 NO. 7 • $2.00
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN
By Jennifer Mauro FREEHOLD — Looking to Jesus’ rapport with the Apostles as an example, hundreds gathered April 28 as missionary disciples in an effort to grow Hispanic ministry in the Church. “Knowing Jesus is a two-way relationship – not only to encounter Jesus, but allowing Jesus to encounter us and know us as we really are,” said Andres Arango, national representative for Region III of the V Encuentro – delegates of which gathered in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral to celebrate the Regional Encuentro. “What are we doing to help others know Jesus Christ? If we ask to be missionary disciples, it’s Team Christ. …First we encounter Christ, second we follow Christ and third we share Christ. Never stop communicating.” Communication was indeed at the forefront as about 355 delegates from New Jersey and Pennsylvania – the two states that make up Region III – gathered to discuss the best practices in Hispanic Catholic
Continued on page 6
Michel Aubourg, left, and Ming Estrada, members of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, touch reliquaries holding relics of St. Pio of Pietrelcina at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.
catholicspirit.com
Continued on page 12
— Mike Ehrmann photo
This issue was mailed on April 17
This issue was mailed on May 1
Your next issue will be May 3
MAY 17, 2018 • VOL. 23 NO. 8 • $2.00
Region III ready for V Encuentro
Relics venerated
METUCHEN — Hundreds of faithful from throughout the state and beyond flocked to the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi April 17 to venerate the relics of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, the first priest in the history of the Catholic Church who bore the stigmata of Christ. The daylong event, sponsored by the New York-based St. Pio Foundation, marked the 50th anniversary of the Italian Capuchin friar’s passing and was a stop on the tour of the saint’s relics throughout the United States from March to November. It included periods for the sacrament of reconciliation and a Mass celebrated by Msgr. Robert J. Zamorski, rector, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. A stream of adorers queued to the
22-23
Around the Diocese
Catholic Spirit
Knights of Columbus Council raises money to support Catholic students at Rutgers, page 14
By Christina Leslie Correspondent
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Perspectives Our Faith
APRIL 19, 2018 • VOL. 23 NO. 6 • $2.00
Deacons in diocese celebrate significant anniversaries, pages 13-28
This issue was mailed on May 15
Your next issue will be May 17
Your next issue will be May 31
Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Ruth Bolarte, secretary, diocesan Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life, discusses best practices in ministry at the diocesan level at the Region III V Encuentro During the event, groups of delegates, including 50 from the diocese, were asked to identify two best practices in: immigration, youth and young adults, family life, Hispanic/Latino women, vocations, leadership lay formation, catechesis, Catholic education and evangelization. Story on pages 12-13. — Jeff Bruno photo
INSIDE
Bishop James F. Checchio baptizes Dana Abbey with holy water and welcomes her into the Catholic faith at the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. The bishop later confirmed Abbey, a member of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Parish who also received first holy Communion. Story on p. 18
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Missions of Mercy
Perspectives
University students help hurricane victims, needy during spring break Special Feature...3
World & Nation
— Mike Ehrmann photos
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Faith Alive
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Diocesan Events
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Kids’ Corner
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Witnesses for Christ
Perspectives
Bishop presides at Mass for Catholics who joined Church at Easter Vigil Special Feature...3
World & Nation Our Faith
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Faith Alive
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Diocesan Events
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catholicspirit.com
The 2018 editions submitted by "The Catholic Spirit" for judging in the category of "Best Newspaper," "Non-weekly Diocesan Newspaper, Circulation 25,000 or Less,” were April 19, May 3 and May 17. "The Catholic Spirit" was named third best. tition focused on Holy Week and the Easter Vigil. Page one featured a photo of Bishop James F. Checchio baptizing a candidate at the Easter Vigil. Published April 19, the paper also had stories on the feast day celebrated by Catholics of Portuguese descent, a concert by Catholic singer-songwriter Audrey Assad at Rutgers University Livingston Campus, and a feature on Sister of Mercy Judy Ward who, after having back surgery, began drawing again and in a year and a half had completed more than 250 pen and ink portraits. The May 3 issue of “The Catholic Spirit” included a supplement on the deacons in the diocese who were celebrating significant anniversaries, as well as a column on deacon’s ‘gift of self,’ and a story on the wives of deacons. This paper began with a page one photo and story on the relics of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, which were displayed in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. The paper’s feature sto-
Above left, in this Mike Ehrmann photo, which earned a second place CPA award, Bishop Checchio gives a special blessing to Theodore Batko, a Marine Corps veteran. Sept. 6, page 28. Above right, this photo by Ed Koskey Jr. accompanied Karen Corpora’s second place article on the bishop’s visit to a women’s prison. Commenting on it, one judge wrote, “The first page photo is one of the best I have seen in years of judging — a compelling picture of faith under stressful conditions.” July 26, page one.
ry described how members of the Catholic Student Association at Rutgers spent their spring break helping hurricane victims in Texas and assisting the less fortunate in New Brunswick, Canada. Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Ruth Bolarte speaking at the Region III V Encuentro along with the story of the conference was featured on page one of the May 17 newspaper. Continued on the centerfold of “The Catholic Spirit,” the story and other photos told of how delegates from New Jersey and Pennsylvania dioceses worked on determining the best practices in Hispanic and Latino ministry in their area. Other stories in the issue covered the Metuchen diocese’s neophyte Mass, participation in the New Evangelization Summit 2018, interfaith panel on the Holy Land, and Mass celebrating the 100th anniversary of Poland’s independence.
Judges’ Comments
In choosing Donahue’s story, “Two Part Series: Family Continues to Heal After Drug Overdose Death,” for second place in the “Best Feature Story” category the CPA judges wrote, “The writer expertly handles an emotional topic without being maudlin or sentimental — a difficult task. The writer encompasses the subject’s life, but also the feelings of those left behind with their family member’s death, as well as researched facts about overdoses affecting the community.” Donahue is associate editor of “The Catholic Spirit.” Corpora, a correspondent, received second place in the “Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event,” for her story, “Bishop Visits Women’s Prison.” In their comments, the judges stated, “A story that begins ‘Bishop Visits’ can sometimes introduce some dull reading but not this one. This is well-written and the quotes from the inmates are compelling reading. A fine description with the right words to let the reader know where these people are.” In this category, Correspondent Leslie received an Honorable Mention for her story on “God’s Special People.” It told of
the nearly 100 disabled adults, their aides, family and others who gathered to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Church of the Sacred Heart’s “God’s Special People” ministry with a Mass presided by Bishop Checchio. A long-time photographer for “The Catholic Spirit,” Ehrmann’s second place CPA award was for “Best Photograph — General News Photo.” Titled “Veterans Day,” it depicts Bishop Checchio giving a special blessing to Theodore Batko, a Marine Corps veteran. Batko celebrated his 96th birthday on the day the bishop celebrated Mass at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Edison. Taking a third place CPA award for “Best Special Supplement” was “The Catholic Spirit’s” “Religious Milestones,” published Feb. 22. In their critique of the supplement, the judges wrote, “Opening this section with a reflective article on the life of the ‘consecrated’ is well-served to introduce the individual lives of the many sisters profiled who have given decades of service. Pull quotes within the separate stories work to highlight each feature.” Reflecting on the CPA awards received by “The Catholic Spirit,” the paper’s Managing Editor, Father Glenn Comandini said, “I am very proud of ‘The Catholic Spirit’ staff whose stories and photos were recognized. “I am proud, too, that our selection as a ‘Best Newspaper’ and ‘Best Special Supplement’ means most of our correspondents and photographers, together with our in-house editor, graphic artist, ad rep, business manager and administrative assistant, helped win these awards and share in the accolades they receive.” He added, “Our entire staff are dedicated individuals who take their work seriously, do their best with each assignment they are given, and each issue they work on. They help us produce a first-class publication every two weeks. They all share in making ‘The Catholic Spirit’ a success.” Ward serves as Advisor to “The Catholic Spirit”