June 13, 2019 by The Catholic Spirit

High schools in diocese hold graduation ceremonies, pages 13-37

Spirit atholic C THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

JUNE 13, 2019 • VOL. 24 NO. 10• $2.00

John Glynn, second row, fifth from left, director, diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry; and Charity Sister Maria Lan Ana Nguyen, front row, left, director, youth ministry, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, were among the attendees from the diocese at the New Jersey Catholic Youth Rally. — Hal Brown photo

Faith of young Catholics from diocese energized at annual event By Jennifer Mauro JACKSON — “I love this song,” a young man, one of more than 2,500 faithful gathered for the May 19 New Jersey Catholic Youth Rally, said as he jumped to his feet in the Six Flags Great Adventure arena. Turning around 360 degrees, he raised

his arms to encourage those around him to stand up and sing as the praise band sang from the stage, “Our God.” But his encouragement wasn’t needed, as youth from parishes in the ﬁve (arch)dioceses in the state, their families and youth ministry leaders were already standing, hands in the air, and singing,

“And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, then what could stand against?” Such was the message the musicians, led by Gez Ford — youth ministry coordinator and leader of the praise and worship band in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton — impressed upon the thousands

who attended the event. It was a lesson that, only moments before, had been preached by Bishop David M. O’Connell, who presided at the Mass that rounded out the annual event — a day of roller coasters, faith and camaraderie. “Are you willing to be known as a Continued on page 6

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Catholics of Korean descent plant spiritual roots in 70-year-old parish...3 This issue was mailed on June 11 Your next issue will be June 27

2 UP FRONT

Expect, yearn, pray for New Pentecost in our midst Bishop James Checchio We are in the midst of a very special time in the life of our Church. As we progress in our year of spiritual awakening in preparation for the consecration of our diocese to Jesus through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pentecost provides us with the graces and charisms we need as a diocese. On the eve of Pentecost, we had a first for our diocese: an all-night prayer vigil with Eucharistic Adoration at our Cathedral to pray that these graces and charisms would flood our diocese. This of course, was in addition to the scores of confirmations that have been taking place over these past months with thousands of our youth and adults receiving the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of confirmation. These days are beautiful reminders of God’s love for us. As you know, all the apostles were with Jesus during his three years of public ministry, and they watched and heard all the wondrous miracles He performed. They had such high hopes as they were inspired by listening to Jesus teach, day in and out about the Kingdom of God and what it would be like. After three years of their listening to His every word and watching His loving and compassionate deeds, they believed that Jesus was the Way, the Truth and the Life. He was their Savior who would take them all to be with the Father in Heaven. They were ready to follow Him anywhere. They were all in! But then it seemed everything fell apart, and so quickly: they had to watch Jesus be put on trial; they watched Jesus be mocked, spat upon, scourged at the pillar and even crowned with thorns. They watched as Jesus carried His own

cross and ﬁnally was nailed to it and left to die. They must have been so discouraged, dejected, depressed and even fearful for their lives. Then the Resurrection changed everything, and the Apostles were comforted as they saw Jesus again, no longer a lifeless body, but risen in glory. They were with Jesus as He appeared in His resurrected body to thousands of different people. They shared meals with Him, and watched Him perform miracles again. For the Apostles it was like old times. But then, Jesus told them that He would be going away again, ascending back to heaven. For us the Ascension is a happy feast, but for the apostles and early disciples, it was not. As Jesus ascended to the Father, the Apostles must have felt like Good Friday all over again. Alone, without Jesus, they felt deserted once more. But Jesus does not desert the Apostles. In fact, He makes a great promise to them. He tells them the Father will send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit who will teach and guide them. The Holy Spirit would be the divine presence for the Apostles. They are told that even in their most challenging times, they should remember the Holy Spirit will be with them. Jesus promises them and us as well that through the Holy Spirit, God Himself would intimately be with us forever, to accompany us throughout our lives until we return to the Father in heaven. During these past weeks, I have been praying intensely for a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit on us, our families and our diocesan Church. I thank all who have joined us in praying to our Advocate and want to remind everyone that we are not alone in this prayer. Mary, Jesus’ own mother, was with the Apostles in that Upper Room in Jerusalem, and she is always with us as we pray. The Holy Spirit who made the Immaculate Virgin Mary His purest

Catholic Spirit THE

JUNE 13, 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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home and sanctuary likewise chooses to make each of us beautiful temples of His, too. Our all-night prayer vigil at our Cathedral will no doubt help to produce good gifts of the Spirit for us. Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in their midst, Jesus told us, and so He hears our every need. And we have many needs this year. Indeed, the Holy Spirit who comes upon us in baptism and confirmation is the same Spirit who came upon the Apostles at the first Pentecost, giving birth to the Church. The Holy Spirit sent them into the world to proclaim the wonderful works God had accomplished in Christ. The Spirit now sends each baptized person into the world to witness to Jesus and build up His Body, the Church. Our diocese is filled with countless charisms in each of you that enable us to make Jesus more known and loved. It is beautiful to see the Holy Spirit gently blowing across our diocese. I ask you to join me in praying that the charisms of the Holy Spirit will flood our Church and set on fire the soul of each believer. There will be no renewal in our diocese without begging the Holy Spirit to pour out once again those graces that were poured out on that first Pentecost. We must personally and communally expect, yearn and pray

for a New Pentecost in our midst. Your participation in our prayers is very important, so please join me and so many in our diocese who are praying that the Holy Spirit will protect each of us, keep us in the truth, guide us and pray for us. Let us join in prayer, too, that the Holy Spirit will pour His gifts on all our young people who have just graduated from elementary schools, high schools and colleges. Let us pray that He will be generous, too, in the gifts He gives to our ﬁve permanent deacons and three transitional deacons, as well as our three priests to be ordained for service in our diocese in the upcoming weeks. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is our Advocate, our eternal friend and comforter each day. What a gift God has given to each of us. Thanks be to Him. Know of my gratitude for each of you, my love for you and my prayers, and please keep me in your prayers, too. Holy Spirit come ﬁll the hearts of your faithful so that we may renew the face of the earth. God bless you!

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

The Bishop’s Schedule June 10

June 12 June 15 June 15 June 16 June 16 June 18 June 18 June 19 June 21 June 22 June 22 June 23 June 23 June 25 June 26 June 26 June 26 June 27 June 28 June 29 June 30 June 30

12:30 p.m. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations Meeting, Baltimore June 11 7:45 a.m. Pontifical North American College Janiuculum Hill Foundation Meeting, Baltimore June 11-13 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops General Session Meeting, Baltimore June 11 6:30 p.m. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations Meeting, Baltimore 9 a.m. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Region III Meeting, Baltimore 10:30 a.m. Ordination of Transitional and Permanent Deacons at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen 4 p.m. Mass at Transfiguration of the Lord Parish, Guardian Angels worship site, Edison 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Parish, Raritan noon Mass at St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook 3:30 p.m. diocesan Finance Council Meeting – private event 5:30 p.m. Evening Prayer and meeting with recent years of ordained priests – private event 10:30 a.m. Priest Personnel Meeting – private event 6 p.m. Eucharistic Holy Hour for Vocations at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway 10:30 a.m. Ordination to the Priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen 4:45 p.m. Mass of Thanksgiving with Rev. Michael Tabernero at St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough 9:00 a.m. Mass of Thanksgiving with Rev. Matthew Marinelli at St. Philip & St. James Parish, Phillipsburg 11 a.m. Mass of Thanksgiving with Rev. Joseph Illes at St. Philip & St. James Parish, Phillipsburg 10 a.m. Visit to Bishop George Ahr Religion Camp, Edison 10 a.m. College of Consultors Meeting – private event 1 p.m. Presbyteral Council Meeting – private event 6 p.m. Seton Hall University Board of Regents Dinner Meeting, South Orange 11 a.m. Closing Mass for Quo Vadis Retreat for priesthood discernment at Mary Help of Christians Church, Stony Point, NY 4 p.m. Candidacy for Holy Orders Mass for Jose Lim at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, New Brunswick 5p.m. Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway 9 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield 11 a.m. Mass at St. Mary of Czestochowa Parish, Bound Brook

For updates on Bishop Checchio's schedule visit: http://diometuchen.org/bishop/schedule

Image the of

Where in the diocese can it be found?

SPECIAL FEATURE

Week

Korean community makes smooth transition to new home By Stacey Daly Correspondent SOUTH BOUND BROOK — The members of Our Lady of Mercy Parish not only opened their doors, but also their hearts, as they ofﬁcially welcomed the Korean Catholic Community into their parish May 19. To celebrate the occasion, Bishop James F. Checchio presided at a bilingual Mass concelebrated by Father Namwoong Lee, administrator; and Msgr. John N. Fell, director, Ofﬁce for Priest Personnel, who lives at the parish. Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, who assisted in facilitating the

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The image, which was featured on page 3 of the May 30 issue of The Catholic Spirit, can be found at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Martinsville.

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Jim Maye, parishioner at Blessed Sacrament, Martinsville.

JUNE 13, 2019

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.

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Deacon Ignatius Seock Ro Youn proclaims the Gospel from the ambo at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Deacon Youn celebrated his 15th anniversary as a member of the diaconate this year.

relocation of the Korean community, was Bishop James F. Checchio, center, poses with Father Namwoong Lee, administraalso on hand for the celebration. Addressing the united parishioners tor, Our Lady of Mercy Parish, and memduring his blessing at a reception, Bish- bers of the parish and Korean Catholic — Sean Daley photos op Checchio said, “I tried to express my Community. thanks upstairs, but I want to reiterate how much hope you give. Our world esan Korean community whose members and our Church need hope right now travel from all around central Jersey to and this is such a hopeful scene. I am celebrate their faith in their native tongue. grateful for the hope that you share by This was extremely important for those individuals that only speak Korean. striving to share the Gospel message.” “The Korean Catholic Community Commenting after the reception, he added the two communities have a lot [KCC] has needed a parish where they can be united in this American culture to offer one another. “In and I think that today my mind, it is a marriage they are a symbol of made in heaven. Early "Our world and unity,” explained Faindicators are that it is. ther Lee in speaking They are working well our Church need of the newly joined together and are benefitparishioners. He noted hope right now ting from each other.” He that there were approxnoted that prior to this and this is such imately 250 parishiomove, the Korean comners already attending munity was part of a a hopeful scene. Our Lady of Mercy, merger which brought I am grateful for which has added about together four communi190 new Korean Cathoties. As the smallest of the hope that lic Community parishthe groups, it was hard ioners. “Even though you share by for the Koreans to get we are celebrating tothe times they wanted or striving to share day, they [KCC] came needed to do things. With over in October. We Our Lady of Mercy, they the Gospel are still adjusting and have more opportunities. message.” finding ways to make The Koreans are a growthings work.” He added —Bishop James F. ing community, with a that the first big test lot of youth with needs Checchio was during the Christfor catechesis, times for mas Mass, which was prayer, and social activities. This new parish will also be able to offered in both English and Korean. provide for their needs going into the fu- Some of the English-speaking parishture, as the Korean community continues ioners noted they could not understand the Korean, while some of the Koreanto grow. At Our Lady of Mercy Parish, a speaking parishioners noted they could Sunday Mass offered in Korean has been not understand the English. He added Continued on page 8 added at 11:30 a.m. to serve the dioc-

Jesus, center of our lives: a message to graduates

PERSPECTIVES

When I was teaching World Religions at St. John’s University, in the early years of this century, I purposely taught my students a segment on Confucianism. Why? Because Confucius, at the time in which he lived, noticed that there was a lot of division in China. People were selﬁsh. Tribes were warring against each other. What used to be good manners and citizenship, an appreciation for Truth, Goodness and Beauty or what Confucius called

to Chinese society. Through an emersion harmony, a respect for oneself and others, in music, art and the philosophy of wise manners, values, and an other-centered people and an appreciation of the hereaf- existence. It is Jesus who holds the diverter, Confucius’ approach to “Deliberate sity of your graduating class in the unity Tradition,” began to take root. People of his personhood. It is from Jesus that we not only learn “Deliberate showed respect to each Tradition.” It was through other, practiced manners, It is Jesus who the study of Scripture and developed a love for Truth, Tradition, the nexus of our Goodness and Beauty and holds the Christian Deliberate Tradicohesion once more united diversity of your tion that we have learned the diverse provinces of China into one People. So graduating class how cohesion, that is harmony, unity, peace, mutual powerful were the results in the unity of respect and an appreciaof Deliberate Tradition, following his death, Conhis personhood. tion of Truth, Goodness and Beauty is feasible. fucianism, as it would be It is from Jesus Just glance at the called, became the official platforms of social media. “religion” of China. that we not only Pick up a newspaper. Turn Graduates, I’ve come to appreciate, to a certain learn “Deliberate on the TV. It seems that what bothered Confucius degree, the “Deliberate Tradition.” has returned to modern Tradition” which your day society: common administrators, teachers, aids, support staff and parents inculcated sense has gone out the window, as have in you. Now take what you acquired from manners, family values, a respect for the world of academia and compare it to others, divisiveness within communities the Truth, Goodness and Beauty which — be these faith based or secular, conflict accrues from a personal relationship with and discord continue to escalate. It’s up Jesus, whether it be from a retreat, medi- to you, graduates of the Class of 2019 to tating on a passage of Scripture, personal incorporate the Deliberate Tradition of prayer or your participation at Mass. The Jesus into the rhythm of your daily lives, Way of the Lord Jesus is the “deliberate especially as you begin a new leg of your tradition” of the Christian experience. education or enter the marketplace with Why? Jesus is the key to unity, oneness, your first full-time job. By making the

Gospel of Life and Love your personal mantra, you will plant a seed which will take root and yield a bountiful harvest, the beneﬁts of which future generations will reap countless blessings. Whether you attend a Catholic, private or public school — every institution of higher learning needs cohesiveness, an understanding of what is true, good and beautiful; however, only you can exemplify these by making the Way of the Lord Jesus, your “Deliberate Tradition.” This means that you must teach your peers by the example of your lives. Stand up for what is right and speak out when what you see is wrong. Be all-inclusive in your interactions with classmates, so that none of your peers will feel ostracized, bullied or excluded from any learning, athletic, artistic or social opportunity. Accordingly, you will demonstrate how cohesiveness, in which unity, concord, mutual respect and benevolence are embryonically contained, is possible, especially when everyone views academics, the ﬁne and performing arts and sports, through the eyes of God. Finally, always remember that the laurels of scholarship, athleticism and artistry pale in comparison to the reward which awaits us in heaven — our ultimate destiny. Class of 2019, congratulations and God bless you all.

gers. She also taught us how to paddle sumingly shared her time, her talents and her antique canoe around the nearby herself with others. lake. As we got older, my aunt would As I read Pope Francis’ recent postsit on the dock reading a synodal letter, “Christus book as we took the canoe Vivit,” in which he enAlthough she out to explore the lily pads courages the young and along the shoreline or ride the old to form strong never had chilBy Sister Constance Veit, l.s.p. the waves created by the I realized what a My fondest memories of summer speeding motorboats. But dren of her own, bonds, blessing my aunt was to are the times spent with my favorite aunt she always kept one eye our family, for she permy aunt took at her cottage nestled in the Adirondack on us in case we got into sonified the ideal of elders Mountains. As a middle school teacher, trouble. a lively interest as wisdom figures and she had a gift for relating to kids in a way Although she never memory keepers. in all her nieces very different from parents, like a wise had children of her own, “What do I ask of friend or a trusted confidante. My aunt my aunt took a lively inand nephews the elders among whom I patiently taught us how to knit and sew; terest in all her nieces and count myself?” our Holy until the very she listened to our stories and nurtured nephews until the very end Father wrote. “I call us to our dreams as if each niece or nephew of her life. She never gave be memory keepers…. I end of her life. were the only one. us lectures, expressed disenvision elders as a perShe took us on long walks in the approval or told us how manent choir of a great woods, pointing out her favorite wild- things should be done, but she always spiritual sanctuary, where prayers of flowers and teaching us to recognize kept an eye on us. She remained creative supplication and songs of praise support fresh bear tracks and other potential dan- and curious long after retiring and unas- the larger community that works and struggles in the field of life. It is a beautiful thing when “young men and maidens together, old men and children, praise the name of the Lord” (Ps 148:12-13). If you were sexually abused by a member of the clergy or anyone representing When her life was coming to an end the Catholic Church, or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged my aunt felt she had very little to leave us, but as my siblings and cousins came to report that abuse to law enforcement and/or by contacting the Diocesan from all over the country to bid her fareResponse Officer at (908) 930-4558 (24 hours/7 days a week). well, it was obvious that because she had given us so much of herself, she would For more information on how to report abuse, visit our diocesan live on and even blossom in us. website: https://diometuchen.org/report-a-suspected-abuse. “What can we elderly persons give

to the young?” Pope Francis asked in “Christus Vivit.” “We can remind today’s young people, who have their own blend of heroic ambitions and insecurities, that a life without love is an arid life…. We can tell fearful young people that anxiety about the future can be overcome…. We can teach those young people, sometimes so focused on themselves, that there is more joy in giving than in receiving, and that love is not only shown in words, but also in actions.” This is what my aunt taught us! The following words of our Holy Father brought her memory to life in a special way: “During the Synod, one of the young auditors from the Samoan Islands spoke of the Church as a canoe, in which the elderly help to keep on course by judging the position of the stars, while the young keep rowing, imagining what waits for them ahead.” He concluded, “Let us all climb aboard the same canoe and together seek a better world, with the constantly renewed momentum of the Holy Spirit.” So, this summer, be intentional about bringing the generations in your family or neighborhood together. Take time for long walks and slow canoe rides, and for sharing memories and dreams. You won’t be disappointed! Sister Constance Veit is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Body & Soul By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD “Spontaneous Tradition” was no longer instinctive or, better, second nature. So, this wise man decided that to restore the cohesiveness that once united the Chinese, people needed to learn, through education, the “elements” of Spontaneous Tradition. He called this process “Deliberate Tradition.” Through the study of history, family values, respect for the elders, an acknowledgement of the intercessory power of the deceased ancestors in heaven, whose role he perceived on a par with our understanding of saints, the lost appreciation of Truth, Goodness and Beauty would return

This summer, let young, old climb aboard same canoe

JUNE 13, 2019

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Year of Consecrated Life

How to report abuse

Compiled from the Catholic News Service

Washington’s new archbishop calls for renewed faith Ukrainian Catholics enthrone new leader

WASHINGTON — During his installation ceremony as the new archbishop of Washington, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory acknowledged the struggles that have recently impacted the Catholic Church and urged Catholic leaders and laity not to lose faith. “We stand at a defining moment for this local faith community,” he said in his homily during the May 21 Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, stressing that “our recent sorrow and shame do not define us” but should chasten the archdiocese to continue the work ahead. The archbishop, reflecting on the day’s Gospel reading about the apostles who had grown fearful with turbulent weather at sea, said the narrative is a “worthy metaphor for us as people of faith who have been tossed about” by “waves of unsettling revelations.” The former leader of the Atlanta Archdiocese who also had served as the bishop of Belleville, Illinois, and as an auxiliary bishop of Chicago, did not mention the sexual abuse crisis by name but clearly he didn’t have to. The congregation in the basilica greeted the archbishop with some cheers during the opening procession, sustained applause after his formal acceptance of the role as their shepherd and in waves of applause during the recessional at the end of the two-hour Mass, when some reached out to him and many took pictures with

Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory receives the papal bull on his appointment to Washington from Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, during his installation Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington May 21, 2019. — CNS photo/Jaclyn Lippelmann, Archdiocese of Washington

their cellphones. His message focused primarily on comparing the church now with frightened apostles at sea who had forgotten that Jesus was on the boat with them. “I know in my heart and I believe.”

Archbishop ‘deeply disappointed’ by S.B. 360

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles speaks during a lecture at The Catholic University of America in Washington Feb. 6, 2019. The Los Angeles Archdiocese and five other California dioceses, Fresno, Orange, Sacramento, San Bernardino and San Diego, announced a new independent compensation program for sex abuse victims. Archbishop Gomez and the state’s other Catholic bishops also are speaking out against a bill to do away with the seal of confession in cases of abuse. —CNS photo/Bob Roller

— CNS photo/courtesy Archeparchy of Philadelphia

the centerpiece of a weeklong celebration, according to Father John Fields, an archpriest of the archeparchy who is its communications director.

West African bishops pledge help for victims OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – Bishops’ conferences from Francophone West Africa have pledged solidarity with Christian communities after a spate of Islamist attacks and urged governments and religious leaders to do more to counter “unlookedfor menaces, tragedies and catastrophes.” “Terrorist outrages are sowing desolation and disorder, especially in Christian communities -- with hearts full of emotion and sadness, we think of brothers and sisters who’ve paid with their lives for fidelity to the Gospel and devotion to the Virgin Mary,” said the Regional Episcopal Conference of Francophone West Africa, known by the French acronym, CERAO. “We express our strongest condemnation at this disquieting wave of violence and assure our bruised brethren of solidarity, prayerful communion and compassion.” In a joint pastoral message, published May 22 after their weeklong assembly in Ouagadougou, the bishops said epidemics, ecological disasters and “new outbreaks of intercommunal and interreligious violence” had been compounded by chaotically organized elections, attacks on democracy and “new forms of terrorism,” as well as mass migration, which had made young people vulnerable to slave traders and human traffickers. “Religious leaders must rise together to denounce any instrumentalization of religion, particularly killings perpetrated in the name of God,” said the Catholic bishops from Burkina Faso, Niger,

An elderly displaced Christian woman rests in a church in Kaya, Burkina Faso, May 16, 2019. Bishops’ conferences from Francophone West Africa have pledged solidarity with Christian communities after a spate of Islamist attacks. —CNS photo/Anne Mimault, Reuters

Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Benin, Mali, Togo, Ivory Coast and Guinea. The bishops said “bad governance, insecurity, education system disfunctions and lack of employment opportunities” had all contributed to local misfortunes, adding that the Catholic Church was promoting education and entrepreneurship, while helping combat “poverty, criminality, despair and unemployment.”

JUNE 13, 2019

or neglect unless the information about the abuse was obtained during confession. S.B. 360, authored by a Bayarea Democrat, Sen. Jerry Hill, seeks to eliminate this so-called “exemption” for “penitential communication.”

Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak is pictured March 3, 2019, in the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia. An estimated 50 bishops were present at the cathedral June 4 for the Divine Liturgy and enthronement of Archbishop Gudziak as head of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

\ LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Archbishop Jose H. Gomez said he was “deeply disappointed” by the California Senate’s passage of a bill that would force priests to disclose information about child sexual abuse that they hear in the sacrament of confession. “I continue to believe we can strengthen mandated reporting laws to protect children’s safety while at the same time preserving the sanctity of penitential communications,” he stated. As the bill, S.B. 360, made its way through the Legislature, the California bishops urged lawmakers to strengthen and clarify mandated reporting requirements while maintaining the traditional protections for “penitential communications.” Before the measure went to the Senate floor, lawmakers “accepted several of the church’s recommendations to strengthen mandated reporting requirements for clergy,” as Archbishop Gomez noted in a May 20 statement. The bill as passed by the Senate now protects the seal of the confessional – except in cases where a priest is hearing another priest’s confession or in cases where a priest is hearing the confession of a co-worker. However, despite the changes, the bill remained “an unacceptable violation of our religious freedoms that will do nothing to protect children,” the archbishop said in his May 20 statement. Current California law requires clergy to report suspected abuse

PHILADELPHIA -- In what promises to be one of the most impressive liturgical ceremonies in recent Philadelphia memory, an estimated 50 bishops will be present June 4 in Philadelphia for the enthronement of Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak as head of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia. The Divine Liturgy and enthronement ceremony for the prelate will take place at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He will be the seventh metropolitan-archbishop of the archeparchy and as such, he will be the spiritual leader of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States. He succeeds Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka who resigned for health reasons in April 2018. Since then, the archeparchy has been led by Bishop Andriy Rabiy, an auxiliary of the archeparchy, as apostolic administrator. The appointment of Archbishop Gudziak, the 58-year-old native of Syracuse, New York, by Pope Francis was announced Feb. 18 following the recommendation by a synod of Ukrainian Catholic bishops held in September 2018. The Ukrainian Catholic Church worldwide is the largest of the Eastern Catholic churches that have distinctly different liturgies than the Latin Catholic Church but are nevertheless in full communion with Rome. The enthronement and the inauguration of Archbishop Gudziak’s ministry is really

WORLD & NATION

6 OUR DIOCESE JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Young Catholics from across New Jersey enjoy fun, fellowship with peers Continued from page 1

Catholic? As a Christian?” he asked in his homily. “Does your faith make a difference in the way you show yourself to others, in the way you live as a young person? “Here’s the fact: We are all created by God just as we are, and God loves us just as we are, regardless of what others may think about us. Don’t let anyone tell you differently,” continued the bishop, who was ordained to the Vincentian congregation. “At every moment of our lives, God is present, offering us his love. Our strengths, our talents are God’s gifts. Our weaknesses are God’s gifts, too, opportunities to grow. No one is perfect. Everyone is different. We grow. We change. We mature. But right now we are who we are. “Gifts can come in all kinds of packages. You are God’s gifts, every one of you. What’s on the outside of the package is only the means to cause you to open up and find the gift, to use the gift, to share the gift — your true self. … Love is our true self. Show your true self to everyone you meet, with all your strengths and even with all your weaknesses. That is the message of our faith.” David Beauchamp, a member of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, said the bishop’s homily resonated with him as a young person. “That message that ‘God loves us

Bishop David M. O'Connell of the Diocese of Trenton gives the homily at Mass at the New Jersey Catholic Youth Rally at the Six Flags Great Adventure arena. Bishop O'Connell, who presided at the Mass, reminded the youth that they are a gift from God and he is present in every moment of their lives. — Hal Brown photo just the way we are is something that is always good to hear,” he said. “A lot of people my age forget who they are and think they have to be someone else.” The annual Catholic Youth Rally, organized by the dioceses of Trenton, Camden, Metuchen, and Paterson as well as the Archdiocese of Newark, brought together parish youth ministries and leaders, families and faith communities for a day of fun, lunch, Mass and a concert by Christian artist Matt Maher.

This year’s event was hosted by the Diocese of Trenton as part of the Diocese’s Year of Youth, decreed last June by Bishop O’Connell. Faithful of all ages roamed the park in the hours before Mass, many wearing T-shirts that represented the parish and town from which they hailed. Theresa DeGuzman, executive assistant, diocesan Vicariate for Administration, also took time for photos with several youth members from the diocese: Elijah Miller of St. Bernadette Parish, Parlin; Jordan Coellar and Jazael Coellar of St. Peter the Apostle University & Community Parish, New Brunswick; and Tess DeGuzman of Holy Trinity Parish, Bridgewater. “We had a wonderful time,” DeGuzman said. “It was great to see youth from across the state there, with Christ as the common thread. It was great for my kids to see other youth like them, proud of their faith.” “It’s special to have a bunch of people here with the same beliefs,” said

John Ruona of St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford. “It makes me feel proud that we can come together as a group of Catholics,” said Brandon Wiese of St. Agnes Parish, Clark, as his friends approached, dripping wet from riding the Saw Mill log flume. Hannah Dalton, of St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, was all smiles as she posed for a photo with her youth ministry friends. “It shows that you are committed to a group and committed to Jesus,” she said of the event. Indeed, that feeling of connection was felt during Mass, as after Bishop O’Connell’s homily, nearly a dozen concelebrating priests from the Diocese of Trenton and beyond went out into Great Adventure’s Northern Star Arena to distribute the Holy Eucharist. They were joined by teenage extraordinary ministers of holy Communion. “Having Mass in a big open concert area was way different than being in your own church,” said Beauchamp, of Toms River. “It’s bigger and there’s more enthusiasm being with all the dioceses.” That enthusiasm is something Father Martin O’Reilly, Diocese of Trenton youth chaplain, believes is important to priests as well. “The faithful look to us for enthusiasm,” he said. “They have their own faith and they know we [priests] have our faith, but they need our enthusiasm. If they can sense our enthusiasm that we believe in this, then they take on that belief — and then that transmits down to our young people. “It’s important for priests to be enthused,” he continued. “Bishop O’Connell does a very good job of it because anytime we are gathered, he makes it his business to go around and speak to every priest and call us by name.” Mauro is managing editor of “The Monitor,” newspaper of the Diocese of Trenton

Theresa DeGuzman, executive assistant, diocesan Vicariate for Administration, third from left, poses with (from left) Elijah Miller of St. Bernadette Parish, Parlin; Jordan Coellar and Jazael Coellar of St. Peter the Apostle University & Community Parish, New Brunswick and Tess DeGuzman of Holy Trinity Parish, Bridgewater at the annual Catholic Youth Rally at Great Adventure. — photo courtesy of Theresa DeGuzman

from Toshiba Corporation to address this problem with our students as they learn from a real life situation, using problem solving skills, to address the importance of environmental issues. This project was chosen to represent the Diocese of Metuchen at the State House during Catholic School Week.” Jorgensen also embraced the school’s classroom without walls initiative, which invites experts into the classroom virtually or in person to share knowledge and experience with the students. The watershed project is one example of the collaboration. Jorgensen and a colleague were scheduled to present the program at a National Catholic Education Association Conference in Parsippany June 17-19. Jorgensen also brings her personal philosophy of helping the needy to St. James School. She is active in the community garden at St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia, and Woodbridge Township’s Clare Avenue Garden. St. James’ ﬁrstgraders plant green beans in their library class and Jorgensen transplants them to the Community garden, where the students and their parents are encouraged to come and help with gardening and harvesting. The harvested beans are given to the St. James Food Pantry. In the fall, the now-second grade tours the food pantry with. Jorgensen to learn how their produce helps feed the hungry. As a moderator of Student Council, Jorgensen involves students in corporal works of mercy from feeding the hungry to housing the homeless. Under her direction the student council also participated in Catholic Charities Junior Board. The students spoke at Masses and to the underclassmen about the needs of the homeless. They then gathered items to make welcome home baskets for the homeless as they transitioned to new homes. The prayer shawl ministry of St. James made blankets for the baskets, making the baskets a parish project. Jorgensen also moderates the Mock Trial Club for grades seven and eight sponsored by The New Jersey State Bar Foundation. Members of the club write a brief and compete in an annual mock trial

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Maureen Jorgensen, right, a middle school language arts and science teacher at St. James School and Childhood Center, Woodbridge, poses with Robert Paul, Past Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus Council 857, Woodbridge, after she was selected as the Knights of Columbus Parochial Teacher of the Year for the State of New Jersey.

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For the second time in three years, a teacher from St. James School and Childcare Center, Woodbridge, was selected as the Knights of Columbus Parochial Teacher of the Year for the state of New Jersey. Middle school language arts and science teacher Maureen Jorgensen received the honor for “dedication and devotion to teaching the Catholic children in our community” in a recent ceremony. Jorgensen is in her third year as middle school language arts and science teacher. She has been a Catholic school educator for more than 15 years. St. James’ first-grade teacher Kelly Wilson earned the Parochial Teacher of the Year award two years ago. “I am very proud of our teachers for achieving this honor,” said Fran Comiskey, principal. “Having two teachers in three years receive the Knights of Columbus Parochial Teacher of the Year Award for the State of New Jersey speaks to the dedication our faculty has to the students of St. James School. “Our teachers continually update their pedagogy by attending webinars and other types of professional development. Through our STREAM [Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art and Math] Curriculum and the use of technology, we enable our students to immerse themselves in a for 21st-century learning environment. The teachers of St. James School see their work as their vocation, not just their job.” In a letter nominating Jorgenson, Comiskey wrote, “Mrs. Jorgensen uses a hands-on approach with her students integrating STREAM into the students’ daily experience. The current seventh and eighth grades are working on a watershed project with Rutgers University [New Brunswick] and Woodbridge Town Planners to alleviate the flooding problems connected to the Woodbridge Creek. During Superstorm Sandy, houses were flooded and subsequently bought by FEMA because of the potential for future flooding. “As the grant writer for St. James, Mrs. Jorgensen wrote and won a grant

Parochial school teacher receives fraternal organization’s top honor

8 OUR DIOCESE

Faith unites diverse members of 70-year-old South Bound Brook parish Continued from page 3

that this is a big period of adjustment for everyone, but it is going well. In addition to the obvious cultural adjustments, Father Lee noted the parish has Korean counterparts to the already existing parish support system. “We needed one more desk, one more chair, one more cabinet, so space is a little tight,” he explained, noting that Our Lady of Mercy now has a Korean counterpart for many duties. One of those duties is the role of the parish secretary, which is key to carrying out all of administrative duties that keep a parish functioning. Our Lady of Mercy now has two. “Minjoo [Kim] and I are a team,” said Diane Mosko of her new Korean counterpart. “We are happy to welcome the KCC as we call them, the Korean Catholic community. We want to make us all one. This will allow us to keep Our Lady of Mercy a vibrant parish. There is now activity here every day, and I think it is going great.” Mosko has been a parishioner at the parish for 62 years, which she notes is her whole life. “I was baptized here. My son was baptized here. I was married here. This is my home.” Kim, the parish secretary for the Korean Catholic community, noted that they feel very welcome. “This is

allowing us to continue our faith here in America,” Kim said. “Our faith brings us together, even though we may not all speak the same language. We are able to come here and be parishioners. Many of us have not been here long, and now we have a place that feels like home. We have all been made to feel as though we belong.”

Above, Bishop James F. Checchio, center, reads the Collect at the beginning of a Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, South Bound Brook, officially welcoming the Korean Catholic Community to the parish. From right, Msgr. John N. Fell, Father Namwoong Lee, Deacon Ignatius Seock Ro Youn, and Msgr. Joseph G. Celano are also shown. Left, Bishop Checchio, concelebrants and assisting deacons priests and altar servers process from the church. — Sean Daley photos

Health Care

Bishop James F. Checchio, left, poses with Deacon Vincent Brigande, director of Pastoral Care at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, and longtime hospital chapel volunteer Florence Vela at a recognition brunch celebrating Volunteer Awareness Month. JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— Michael Castronova photo

Memorial Day A wreath-laying ceremony concludes Mass for all fallen soldiers on Memorial Day at Resurrection Cemetery, Piscataway. The faithful sang “America the Beautiful.” Msgr. Joseph G. Celano presided and gave the homily. At the same time at the other diocesan cemetery, Holy Cross, Jamesburg, Msgr. John N. Fell presided and gave the homily at Mass. — Theresa DeGuzman photo

OUR DIOCESE

NEW BRUNSWICK — Bishop James F. Checchio helped Saint Peter’s Healthcare System’s hundreds of nurses celebrate National Nurses Week at a lunch for the staff and an awards ceremony in the Sister Marie de Pazzi Conference Center May 3. National Nurses Week (May 1 to 5) is one of the nation’s premier health care celebrations and one of the largest. The week is used to recognize the contributions and commitments nurses make and all they do to educate the public about the significant work they perform. The nurses at Saint Peter’s, which last spring became only the fifth hospital in the world to be awarded the prestigious Magnet recognition for nursing excellence a fifth consecutive time, fulfilled the week’s spirit by honoring some of the best in their profession and others who support nursing. Among the special programs held throughout the week were: recognition awards presented on Nurses Day include: First Year Award (to an outstanding firstyear nurse); Community Service Award; Friend of Nursing Award; Lifetime Achievement Award; MVP Award; Nursing Research Award; Partners in Care Award (to a department that supports nursing); Physician Partnership Awards; Team Award, Aspiring Nurse Leader Award; Nurse Mentor Award; Nurse

Nurses pose for a photo after Mass at the Saint Peter’s University Hospital Chapel during National Nurses Week. Above right, Father A. David Chalackal, chaplain, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, who presided at Mass, blesses a list of patients held by registered nurse Reshma Joseph.

— Michael Castronova photos

Manager Award, and The Advance Practice Nurse Award. Other celebrations during the week: Mass, blessing of the hands, Florence Nightingale pledge, poster day, cupcake challenge, scholar day, breakfast/lunch/ dinner for staff, showcase of 2016 Daisy Award recipients, boxed lunches sent to

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off-site locations, essay and poster contest winners announced, art exhibit, and special treats for nursing units. “I couldn’t be more proud of my nurse colleagues. It is my honor and my pleasure to work with them. They are the best in the business,” said Linda Carroll, RN-BC, MSN, chief nursing ofﬁcer.

Leslie D. Hirsch, interim chief executive officer and president of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, said, “Our nursing staff is one of the finest in the world. They set the standard for care, always keeping patients and families first in their work. National Nurses Week recognizes that excellence.”

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National Nurses Week observed at diocese-sponsored hospital

10 OUR DIOCESE

Faithful urged to pray, act in Religious Freedom Week Thoughts On Life By Jennifer Ruggiero As part of their ongoing efforts to uphold religious liberty, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has declared Religious Freedom Week to be held June 22-29. It is

a time when Catholics are encouraged to reflect, act and pray in support of religious liberty at home and abroad. The theme for this year, Strength in Hope, is taken from the Second Vatican Council’s Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity: “Among the trials of this life they find strength in hope, convinced that ‘the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come that will be revealed in us’ (Rom. 8:18)” (Apostolicam actuositatem, 4). The Church teaches that religious

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• Children in need of foster care freedom is rooted in human nature and is, therefore, a fundamental right. or adoption would have fewer service Unfortunately, religious freedom is providers under the Equality Act. not something to be taken for granted. Because many faith-based agencies’ The first half of this year has already principals require the child’s right been marked by violent attacks on re- to a mother and a father, they would ligious freedom around the world and be shut down. The current number of at home including mass shootings in children in foster care is more than mosques in New Zealand, bombings 400,000 and is increasing in the midst of churches in Sri Lanka and attacks of the opioid crisis. The Equality Act’s nondiscrimination clauses would not in synagogues in California. Nonviolent religious discrimina- widen the paths for placing children in tion also takes place around the globe. need with families; they would do the We live in a time of rapid social change exact opposite. • Counseling and other social and as the tide of the culture wars has turned against those with traditional and wellness-based services are critiviews on marriage, family, and sexu- cal to helping disadvantaged persons. ality, religious believers and institu- Those who commit themselves to tions adhering to those views have such roles often do so with a love of others that comes from increasingly sought extheir faith. Faith-based emptions from laws and The Church employers in these fields regulations that reflect must retain the ability and promote new norms. teaches that to hire talented people These efforts have met religious freein diverse backgrounds, resistance from those including religious, who who fear that religious dom is rooted in do not publicly act in accommodations will human nature contradiction to prinundermine these new norms and harm those and is, therefore, ciples of their service organization’s mission. that new laws are dea fundamental • All other signed to protect. Here, charitable services that in the United States, the right. Unfortuwould seemingly have current climate of political polarization has innately, religious little to do with “sexual orientation” or “gender creased tensions among freedom is not identity,” such as food policy makers resulting or refugee services, in partisan clashes and something to could still be affected bitter fights instead of be taken for by the Equality Act becompromise. cause financial impacts Just last month, the granted. upon any component of U.S. House of Reprea multifaceted charitable sentatives passed the organization would have so-called “Equality Act” (H.R.5/S.788), a bill which if signed a ripple effect on other components. The bishops have stated: “We into law would result in a severe conflict between the federal government must pursue justice and equality for and the Church. The Equality Act anyone denied it; but The Equality Act would add the terms “sexual orienta- is a regrettable approach.” No valid tion” and “gender identity” to the and just law can claim to end discrimidefinition of sex in federal law, and nation when it would drive valuable, insert them into a range of civil rights necessary charitable institutions out of and antidiscrimination laws. It would existence. As Religious Freedom Week apalso explicitly prohibit the bipartisan Religious Freedom Restoration Act proaches, let us take time to reflect, of 1993 (RFRA) from applying to it, act and pray. Read more about relisubjecting Americans of faith to much gious freedom by visiting: www.ushigher bars to have rights vindicated ccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek. Consider contacting your senators today in court. The USCCB has written on some and urge them to oppose the “Equality of the diverse concerns with the Equal- Act” by visiting: https://www.humanity Act, speciﬁcally on how the bill will lifeaction.org/take-action/. God, our Creator, through the pose problems to faith-based charities who serve all people in need, regardless power and working of His Holy Spirit, of their sexual orientation or gender iden- calls us to live out our faith in the midst of the world. Let us pray that we be tity. Here are some key points: • Emergency, transitional or blessed with strength in hope in makother charitable shelters, including ing our voices heard on behalf of the but not limited to those run by faith- rights of His Church and the freedom based organization, would be required of conscience of all people of faith. Ruggiero is secretary, diocesan by the Equality Act to house vulnerable, sometimes traumatized women Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life with biological men or be shut down.

Though 13-year-old Christopher Serrao studied long, complicated and obscure words for hours on end to win a prestigious spelling bee, the most important word in his arsenal had just five letters: F-A-I-T-H. Christopher, a resident of Whitehouse Station and member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, joined seven other contestants in taking home a trophy and $50,000 grand prize May 30 in the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in National Harbor, Md. A seventh-grade student at Readington Middle School, he had been inspired by his older sister, Danielle, to compete in the annual test of knowledge and endurance. Studying word roots and language patterns two to three hours daily, and longer on weekends, helped enlarge his vocabulary and sharpen his spelling acumen, but Christopher relied upon his faith to get him into the winner’s circle. “When I was nervous, I said a prayer to God and would hold the cross in my hand. I also wore a rosary around my neck,” Christopher said. Christopher said his pastor, Father Leonard F. A. Rusay, “told the congregation that I was in the contest and had everyone pray for me.” Christopher is a member of the parish choir and a lector. Danielle is a cantor and sang the National Anthem at the spelling bee the day Christopher competed. Daily 8 a.m. Mass on competition days in nearby St. Columba Church, Oxen Hill, Md., also reinforced his faith. “They were really nice,” he said. “The congregation prayed for me. The community was really supportive.” This is the third time Christopher qualified for the national competition. He finished in 34th place last year. He and the other seven “octo-champions” survived 20 rounds of competition, 12 of them in the evening. He spelled “cernuous,” (which means pendulous or nodding), before being declared one of the eight winners. With the money he won, Christopher plans to “maybe buy a dog, but save the rest for college.” But the lessons he said he learned throughout the whirlwind experi-

OUR DIOCESE

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

Clockwise from top left, Christopher Serrao celebrates after becoming one of eight co-champions of the 92nd Scripps National Spelling Bee May 30; Christopher holds his trophy; his sister, Danielle, sings the national anthem before the event; and Christopher spells Logudorese (a Sardinian dialect). — Mark Bowen/Scripps National Spelling and Dominic Serrao photos ence were just as important: to be calm, how to study and how to deal with the media. Then, he returned to that all-important word: faith. “My win is a reaffirmation of the power of prayers,” he said. “When the odds were against me, I knew faith in Jesus and

prayers would help me overcome any obstacle.” “We are proud of the effort Christopher put in and the gracious God-loving attitude he has displayed throughout,” said his father, Dominic. “This journey began seven years ago

with our daughter, Danielle,” said his mother, Matilda. “There were a lot more downs than ups along the way. “However, our faith carried us through. This win has strengthened our faith even more and that our God is the one that makes impossible things possible.”

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13 GRADUATION

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Catholic Spir l Section of The

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JUNE 13, 2019

Bishop George Ahr High School, Edison, was one of four Catholic institutions in the diocese to hold commencement exercises. — Mike Ehrmann photos

14 GRADUATION JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Congratulations

Catholic School Graduates Class of 2019

Go in peace to love and serve the world! Ofﬁce of Schools • Diocese of Metuchen 732-562-2446 · diometuchen.org/schools

received the best instruction possible, but more importantly, our teachers gave their students opportunities to be formed, informed, and transformed into disciples of Christ through their ministry of Catholic education. As our graduates continue to develop their faith when they enter college the workforce, or the military, we pray that they will always remember the values they learned from our schools and evangelize to the world. Our students will forever represent their high schools and our Church. This means that they will carry the responsibility of representing all of us with the excellence of those who have gone before them. We will pray for our graduates as they enter the next phase of life, and we ask our graduates to pray for the peers and teachers they leave behind. In closing, I leave our graduates with a prayer from St. Francis de Sales, a 16th century French Saint and Doctor of the Church. St. Francis believed that we are all called to sainthood, and that we can do anything with God by our side. St. Francis writes: “Go forth, then…to do the work for which God has elected you. He will be your right hand so that no difficulty shall move you; he will hold you by his hand so

GRADUATION

they developed throughout their time at school. These relationships have The Office of Schools staff whole- been important and will continue to be heartedly congratulates each of our important throughout their life. And graduates on successfully completing the most important of these relationan important milestone in what will ships is the one they have formed with Jesus Christ. Through be one of many acthe teachings of complishments in Teachers guided Christ, our graduates their lifetime. This were instilled with our graduates and year we had 558 stureligious values and dents graduate from ensured that they ethics in an increasour four high schools: ingly unethical world. Bishop George Ahr, received the best Most importantly, our Immaculata, Saint Joinstruction posgraduates were led seph and Mount Saint to deepen their faith Mary. sible, but more with Christ by learnGraduation from importantly, teachers ing how to pray. high school marks a They were given significant passage gave graduates the the opportunity to into the real world of deepen their faith adulthood. Our gradopportunities to be by their mentors. Of uates have learned formed, informed course, parents are important life lessons both inside and outand transformed into the first teachers of the faith. We thank side of the classroom disciples of Christ... them for trusting us to during their years in help form their young school. What impactmen and women, and ed them most? I could write about the academic achieve- we thank them for the sacrifice of ments of our graduates, the service choosing a Catholic school. We also projects that they completed, or the attribute the growth of our students to total of $112 million in college schol- the dedication, passion, and kindness arships they earned. But what they will of our gifted teachers. They guided remember the most is the relationships our graduates and ensured that they

By Dr. Robert Lockwood

Graduation marks rite of passage into ‘real world’ of adulthood

Dr. Robert Lockwood, superintendent, diocesan Office of Schools, Department of Education. that you may walk in his path. So be of great courage, and may your courage endure. And the way to get it is to keep on asking Him who alone can give it to you; He will give it to you if you follow the leading of his grace with a simple heart. May the love, peace and consolation of the Holy Spirit be in your soul forever. Amen.”

Congratulations Class of 2019

Bishop George Ahr High School Immaculata High School Mount Saint Mary Academy

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Saint Joseph High School

16 GRADUATION

Bishop George Ahr High School The Class of 2019 has been awarded 98% of students are attending college

2019

Class Valedictorian: Isabella Adorable Class Salutatorian: Arnav Bhavsar

Art Award: Jessica Soos English Award: Isabella Adorable Spanish Award: Aryana Dehghan Italian Award: Jacob Domingo Math Award: Arnav Bhavsar Biological Science Award: Melina Colasanti Social Studies Award: Avery Murillo Excellence in Writing Award: Cheyanne Diem Physical Science Award: Isabella Adorable Bishop Checchio Religious Award: Avery Murillo Excellence in Technology Award: Kristen Delgado Excellence in STEM Award: Charli Zaretsky Health and Physical Education Award: Sachi Negri, Ryan Pittari

JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Class of

$35 million in scholarships

Emily Julie Abrams Arias Jesus Acosta Sarah Adlassnig Isabella Lauren Adorable Ariyana Rani Agarwala Temitayo J. Agbabiaka Harry A. Allegra Valentina Arango Joel Luis Arcelay Sonya Asdhir Jeffrey Luis Ayllon Jariel Azcona Bianca Bella Bacchione Sean Ryan Baelis Bethany Isabel Aquino Barber William Harrison Barlow Anabel Batista Carlos Bermudez Jr. Sohini Bhattacharjee Arnav Nikhil Bhavsar Ishan Bhadresh Bhavsar Marquise J. Billingsley Hailey Anne Bojar Lauren Alexis Bonavitacola Shakthi Boobalan Ryan Joseph Breyta Jalen Brooks Jalen Gerard Buliyat Rachael Esperanza Calero Kristopher Austin Campbell Patrick Kevin Campbell Yujeong Choi Melina Natalie Colasanti Jacqueline Elizabeth Columbus Madeline Marie Covington Christopher Joseph Crespo

Perfect Attendance Award: Temitayo Agabiaka, Katherine Perez National Merit Scholarship Program (Letter of Commendation): Arnav Bhavsar, Shakthi Boobalan, Ryan Loftus, Dhruv Patel, Rohan Tonk National Merit Scholarship Program (Finalist): Ishan Bhavsar Excellence in Video Production (On-Camera): Ryan Breyta Excellence in Video Production (Behind the Scenes): Philip Mezzacappa

Colleen Michele Cronin Jared Michael Currie Saadia Elizabeth Daoud Skylar Yvonne Davisson Aryana Dehghan Kristen Victoria Delgado Martin Geoffrey Delgado-Yactayo Gina Marie deLutio Isabella DeVivo DeMesa Angela Michelle DeVoe Cheyanne Nicole Diem Emily Eileen Dietzel Jacob Gabris Domingo Amanda Juliette Donato Darell Z Dorrah Jessica Christy Herrera Dugtong Marie Sandra Elbert Nicholas John Federico Emily Grace Fedor Antonio A. Feliciano Alencia Felix Conor Thomas Forrest Morgan Paige Frazee Anthony Joseph Gambotto Katherine Garcia Lauren Ann Garda Francis W. Garon Jazmin Denise Genao Justin Patrick Gomez Kassandra Lee Grifﬁn Caitlin Paige Guntner Shamalca Angelica Cartalla Gutkowski Olivia R. Hajdu-Nemeth Lianna Amanda Hallett Ryan Han Nelson Thomas Hardwick III

Dyson Nahshon Hardwick Sarah Elizabeth Hardy Sean Michael Healy Kyle Brennon Heyman Jerry Hill Jr John Hulsart Matthew Eddie Irizarry Paul Iskander Gabriella Rose Jakielaszek Laurie Jimenez Ian Robert Travers Johnson Melissa Noreen Juarez Shreyas Keerthi Elizabeth Victoria Kubiak Mutairu Giwa Michael Layode Mellody Gamas Leal Jayda Noelle Ledford Melody Mazza Lenhardt Megan Ver Lim Ruixi Liu Yunxi Liu John Patrick Loftus Ryan Michael Loftus Calvin Anthony Lovelace II Johanna Ming-En Lu Ava Grace Lynch Morgan Nicole Maguire Cara Emily Makoski John P. Makuch Roxana Lebnan Maroun Calliann Lastimosa McCraney Lois Esther Mejia Rodriguez Philip Nicola Mezzacappa Cyprain Ogochukwu Mgbako Cecile Angeli Molina Jaleel Allen Mondesir

The Spirit of Blessed Mother Angela Award: Cheyanne Diem, Megan Lim, Philip Mezzacappa, Avery Murillo, Girley Oyola, Jenna Reyes, Madison Squeri, Martin Vavrak 2019 Benjamin Banneker Award for Excellence in Science: Desiree Twumasi-Ankrah Stanley Briski Memorial Scholarship: Gina Santorella, Desiree Twumasi-Ankrah Robin Cone Memorial Award: Emma Walsh Brian Crelin Memorial Award: Ian Johnson Kathleen Duffy Memorial Award: Avery Murillo Therese E. Ghegan Memorial Award: Tristan Palyha Karen Trautvetter Award: Lauren Bonavitacola

Avery Justin Murillo Sachi Alairce Negri Nicolette Christina Nunes Kaileigh A O’Connor Kevin John O’Neil Kirkzebedee Manalo Olandres Kyle Joseph Orta Girley Yamilett Oyola Tristan Thomas Palyha Brianna Danielle Paredes Upasna M. Parikh Arjun Patel Dhruv D. Patel Joshua Perez Katherine Alexis Perez Samuel Perez Sebastien Perez Sasha Tatiana Pierre Samantha Christina Pignatello Ailyn Elizabeth Pilamunga Ryan Anthony Pittari Kayla Marie Plaskon Bryon Plonski-Kicki Gregory Manuel Polanco Trisha Ann Ponik Richard Theodore Ptaszynski Joseph William Puerschner Britney Alana Rafols Freddy Alexander Ramirez Lazo Jolisa Belle Ramos Marie-Sybille Rateau Joseph Robert Repsher Jenna Renee Reyes Joy Marie Noelle Reyes Nicholas William Rhodes Justin David Rodriguez

Gianna M. Rossi Carl John Rubinski Jr Gina Rose Santorella Nicholas Matthew Schroll Ethan Joseph Sepetjian Jenna Rose Sheedy Alyssa M. Sierra Lilah Marie Silar Hunter Anne Smith Jessica Amber Soos Madison Lorraine Squeri Ivanna Samantha Starozytnyk Jacob Henry Michael Sugrim Daniel John Swanson Deijahnna Hannalin Symister Rohan Roopal Tonk Caroline Jennifer Trevino Michael James Trinidad Jr Jay Laurence M. Turiano Desiree Nimoh Twumasi-Ankrah Allison Nicole Van Demark Martin Frantisek Vavrak Angelissa Lydia Vazquez Martin Philip Villanobos Julia Grace Viviano Kobe Myles Walker Emma Salvatrice Walsh Elonnie Emily Walters Kelly Anne Welsh Deborah Carrie White Rudolph Constantine Willis Jr Ethan Wojcich Brianna Sydni Wright Andrew Isaiah Xon Charli Marie Zaretsky Jin Zhou

know Jesus by conversing with him and speaking with him. When you need him in life, he will be a ready friend for you.” Establishing a relationship with God EDISON — The 180 students who celwas just one of the messages given to the ebrated the 47th annual commencement ceremony at Bishop George Ahr High graduating students. Felician Sister Donna Marie TruSchool June 1 received a special message from Pope Francis delivered by Bishop kowski, principal, told them, “We’ve given you a very good education here at Bishop James F. Checchio. The bishop told the graduates that he Ahr but we’ve done some other things. First of all, we were lived in Rome for able to talk about several years and God. Hopefully, he during that time got will always be in to know Pope Franyour life. cis. So, when he was “Also, we in Rome recently, he were able to teach met with the Holy you about yourself Father who asked and have you feel him about the youth More than $35 million in good about yourin the Diocese of scholarships and grants self. Metuchen. “We really “I told him we were awarded this year want you to live in have the best youth the moment. It is in the United States to the graduating seniors such a challenge. in Metuchen and that at Bishop Ahr and aproxiThere are so many we were blessed. I gadgets around told him I was headmately 98 percent of the today to distract us. ing back home and graduates will study at a We miss the things I was going to be are right in with a big group for college or university. It was that front of us. Do we graduation,” he said. open the door for this bright future that the Pope Francis someone? Do you then asked Bishop class’ top graduates spoke greet someone? Do Checchio to do him a favor. “He said that I about to their classmates. you notice when someone is sad? Or should tell the young happy? All of these people not to be afraid to be generous and giving of themselves to things are part of being human. We are not Jesus. He said that Jesus wants nothing from robots. We all have hearts. Everyone needs you. He just wants to accompany you and to someone to care about. Hopefully, you be with you, to nourish you and to bring you have learned that.” During their four years at Bishop Ahr, home to his Father.” The bishop then added his own ad- the class of 2019 averaged nearly 188 hours vice, “When you get to college next year of community service. Commenting on or if you move on to work or do something the graduates’ service, associate principal else, find your chapel or church so that you Harry Ziegler said, “Whether handing out

meals at a local soup kitchen or showering the AHR Stars with gifts of affection at the spaghetti dinner, you have made it a point to brighten the lives of others. Remember, life is meaningless without those moments of human connection.” When it was the students’ turn to speak they emphasized the family atmosphere they felt while at the school. “We are blessed to have had the chance to cross paths and make friendships and connections that will last a lifetime,” said class officer Aryana Dieghnan. “Bishop Ahr is not just a high school we are all graduating from. It is and will always be a home away from home. We ‘Ahr’ a family.” Fellow class officer Sasha Pierre echoed those sentiments. “As we go our separate ways, we want you to remember we may not be together physically but we are with you in spirit so don’t give up! You can do anything you put your mind to! Pierre then led the student body in the familiar chant, “We Ahr!!!! BISHOP AHR!” More than $35 million in scholarships and grants were awarded this year to the graduating seniors at Bishop Ahr and approximately 98 percent of the graduates will study at a college or university. It was this bright future that the class’ top graduates spoke about to their classmates. Salutatorian Arnav Bhavsar, who will study mechanical engineering at the Honors College of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, summed up the meaning of the day for his fellow graduates. “This is more than a conclusion of four years together. It is a celebration of the bright future ahead of us,” he said. “Bishop Ahr has given us an extraordinary

experience, and I hope that we will always remember the school, the faculty, and the friends that made us who we are today. But this is only the beginning. Congratulations to the Class of 2019! We stuck together through it all and have finally made it.” In her address, class valedictorian Isabella Adorable, who will pursue a degree in biochemistry on a pre-med track and is considering attending UCLA, NYU, Boston University or Boston College, said, “We are who we are today because of where we have come from and what we have learned here. “We have lived our lives to the fullest here at BGA, but now the world is ready to embrace us and our talents. We just have to take a leap of faith and explore beyond what is comfortable to us. I have every reason to believe that we are capable of doing that and so much more because...I’m going to take a quick time jump back to our childhood because no one could have said it better than Christopher Robin: ‘You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.’ “Whatever your story was here, it was just the beginning. Be thankful for the past that built you and look forward to the future to come.”

JUNE 13, 2019

— Mike Ehrmann photos

Above, graduating seniors from Bishop George Ahr High School move their tassles from one side of their mortorboards to the other, signifying completion of their studies. Right, Bishop James F. Checchio presents a diploma to a member of the Class of 2019.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Some of the 180 graduates of the Class of 2019 at Bishop George Ahr High School process from the 47th annual commencement exercises June 1.

GRADUATION

By Alex Lowe Correspondent

180 BGA graduates sent into world with words from pope

GRADUATION

Bishop George Ahr High School Awards Valedictorian: Isabella Adorable Salutatorian: Arnav Bhavsar Distinguished Honors: Sarah Adlassnig, Isabella Adorable, Ariyana Agarwala Bethany Isabel Barber, Anabel Batista, Arnav Bhavsar, Ishan Bhavsar, Shakthi Boobalan, Melina Colasanti, Madeline Covington, Cheyanne Diem, Emily Dietzel , Amanda Donato, Marie Elbert, Jazmin Genao, Sean Healy, Laurie Jimenez, Melissa Juarez, Melody Lenhardt, Megan Lim, John Loftus, Ryan Loftus, Morgan Maguire, John Makuch, Calliann McCraney. Avery Murillo, Sachi Negri, Kevin O'Neil, Tristan Palyha, Arjun Patel, Dhruv Patel, Katherine Perez, Samuel Perez, Samantha Pignatello, Ryan Pittari, Kayla Plaskon, Britney Rafols, Alyssa Sierra, Lilah Silar, Madison Squeri, Rohan Tonk, Caroline Trevino, Michael Trinidad Jr., Desiree TwumasiAnkrah, Ethan Wojcich, Brianna Wright Academic Awards Four Years Principal List: Isabella Adorable, Arnav Bhavsar, Ishan Bhavsar, Shakthi Boobalan, Melina Colasanti, Cheyanne Diem, Marie Elbert, Sean Healy, John Loftus, Ryan Loftus, Morgan Maguire, Avery Murillo, Sachi Negri, Kevin O'Neil, Tristan Palyha, Arjun Patel, Dhruv Patel, Katherine Perez, Ryan Pittari, Kayla Plaskon, Britney Rafols, Lilah Silar, Madison Squeri, Rohan Tonk Four Years Honors Program: Sarah Adlassnig, Isabella Adorable, Sonya Asdhir, Bethany Isabel Barber, Sohini BhattacharjeeArnav Bhavsar, Ishan Bhavsar, Shakthi Boobalan, Rachael Calero, Melina Colasanti, Christopher Crespo, Jared Currie, Angela DeVoe, Cheyanne Diem, Jacob Domingo, Francis Garon ,Justin Gomez, Caitlin Guntner, Sean Healy, Shreyas Keerthi, Elizabeth Kubiak, Megan Lim,

JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Isabella Adorable Valedictorian Ryan Loftus, Cecile Molina, Avery Murillo, Kirkzebedee Olandres, Girley Oyola Tristan Palyha, Upasna Parikh, Dhruv Patel, Ryan Pittari, Kayla Plaskon, Nicholas Rhodes, Rohan Tonk, Michael Trinidad Jr, Emma Walsh, Charli Zaretsky Distinguished Seniors Class of 2019: Isabella Adorable, Arnav Bhavsar, Ishan Bhavsar, Shakthi Boobalan, Melina Colasanti, Jared Currie, Cheyanne Diem, Marie Elbert, Sean Healy Elizabeth Kubiak, John Loftus, Ryan Loftus, Johanna Lu, Avery Murillo, Sachi Negri, Tristan Palyha, Dhruv Patel, Katherine Perez, Ryan Pittari, Rohan Tonk, Charli Zaretsky Art Award: Jessica Soos English Award: Isabella Adorable Health & Physical Education Award: Sachi Negri, Ryan Pittari

Arnav Bhavsar Salutatorian Italian Award: Jacob Domingo Math Award: Arnav Bhavsar Bishop Checchio Religious Award: Avery Murillo Physical Science Award: Isabella Adorable Biological Science Award: Melina Colasanti Social Studies Award: Avery Murillo Spanish Award: Aryana Dehghan Excellence in S.T.E.M.: Charli Zaretsky Excellence in Technology: Kristen Delgado Excellence in Writing: Cheyanne Diem Excellence in Video Production (on camera): Ryan Breyta Excellence in Video Production (behind the scenes): Philip Mezzacappa Woody Herman Jazz Award: Carl Rubinski, Jr. Louis Armstrong Award: Shakthi Boobalan

Fred Waring Award for Chorus: Bethany Isabel Barber, Shakthi Boobalan, Martin, Vavrak Patrick S. Gilmore Award: Trisha Ponik John Phillip Sousa Award: Shakthi Boobalan The Spirit of Blessed Mother Angela Service Award: Cheyanne Diem, Megan Lim, Philip Mezzacappa, Avery Murillo, Girley Oyola, Jenna Reyes, Madison Squeri, Martin Vavrak Friends of South Amboy: Ryan Pittari Middlesex County Guidance Council Caring Award: Martin Vavrak Middlesex County Principal and Supervisors Association Outstanding Student Award: Isabella Adorable Middlesex County Scholar Athlete Award: Morgan Maguire, Ryan Pittari New Jersey Army National Guard Community Service Award: Trish Ponik NJSIAA Scholar Athlete: Tristan Palyha President’s Volunteer Service Award: Martin Vavrak Wegmans Service Award: Ethan Wojcich American Irish Association of Woodbridge: Emma Walsh 2019 Benjamin Banneker Award for Excellence in Science: Desiree Twumasi-Ankrah Stanley Briski Memorial Award: Gina Santorella, Desiree Twumasi-Ankrah Robin Cone Memorial Scholarship: Emma Walsh Kathleen Duffy Memorial Award: Avery Murillo Therese E. Ghegan Memorial Award: Tristan Palyha Brian Crelin Memorial Award: Ian Johnson Karen Trautvetter Award: Lauren Bonavitacola St. Vincent de Paul Award: Cheyanne Diem, Martin Vavrak Stringer Award: Arnav Bhavsar

St. Augustine of Canterbury School Congratulates and asks God’s continued blessings on our Class of 2019

Look back and be proud of what you have achieved … Look forward and see God’s special plan for each of you.

Alexandra Diodonet Alina Eusebio Victoria Gomez

Gianna Guzman Jeff Herrera Diana Kalynyak Diana Mendez Olena Paradovska

Nathaniel Perez Destiny Saez Joshua Sassine

GRADUATION

Cesar Cepeda Paulino Apryl Coffman Devian Cruz Natalie Daly

Congratulations to the Assumption Catholic School Class of 2019!

Aniyah Smith Jason Vasquez Noah Velazquez Andrew Zulin

May God continue to guide your journey as you begin the next step in your education.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JUNE 13, 2019

20 GRADUATION

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JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

WISHING THE CLASS OF 2019 ALL THE BEST AS THEY CONTINUE ON THEIR JOURNEY.

May God be with them and bless them always.

about being created in God’s image and I urge you to keep close to Our Lady. She will accompany you, proSOMERVILLE — Immaculata High tect you and assist you throughout School’s 133 students in the class of your life.” He challenged the graduates to 2019 gathered with faculty, family and friends on May 31 for their school’s take a few moments each day with the 53rd commencement exercises. The Lord so that when they need Him he parochial school is part of Immaculate will be a familiar name and friend to them. Conception Parish. Salutatorian During the Kathleen Mary invocation, Bishop Gorman, who will James F. Checchio attend Columbia prayed, “Today University, New we celebrate what York, plans to these graduates study history, Rushave become in sian, and political this moment in science. Aftertime. As they step “The teachers at wards, she wants forward into what to go to graduate awaits them, comImmaculata are school for interfort their fears with some of the most national relations. the full knowledge “The teachers at of your divine amazing people Immaculata are presence.” He also some of the most I have ever met. asked the Lord to amazing people I guide them and They did not stop have ever met,” protect them from she said, adding, the pitfalls of darkat merely offer“they did not stop ness while they ing an education. at merely offerhelp to lead future ing an education. generations into They have gone They have gone the warmth and above and beyond above and beyond promise of God’s being emotional light. being emotional and spiritual role Thanking the models for us.” students for giving and spiritual role She reminded him hope for the models for us.” her classmates, future and remind“We are stronger —Kathleen Mary Gorman, ing them of the and smarter than many challenges Salutatorian anything we face in our world, and when we beBishop Checchio said, “Thank you for your dedication lieve in ourselves, we can accomplish over these years to what you’ve given anything.” Gorman described the Class of and what you received from Immaculata. Remember what you learned here 2019 as a family, noting that each

Graduates of Immaculata High School’s Class of 2019 toss their caps in the air after the parochial institution’s 53rd commencement exercises at Immaculate Conception Church. — Ed Koskey Jr. photos

her first year as the head of Immaculata, announced dozens of awards and scholarships totaling more than $20 million, granted to class members of the 2019 class. At the graduation, special recognition was given to 12 seniors who completed Immaculata’s first AP Capstone Program, a vigorous academic offering, and 16 students were honored as Legacy graduates — second generation Spartans, with one or more parent being an alumnus. The parents accompanied their graduates as they received their diplomas. One student, Skyler Esposito, was recognized as a third generation Spartan. Both of his parents, Margaret Esposito (2000) and Carl Santaniello (2001) and his late grandmother Ellen Cummins Santaniello (1969), graduated from Immaculata. Legacy parents Rich (1984) and Pauline (1983) Hernderzack escorted their triplets: Jack, Kathryn and Matthew as they went to receive their diplomas. The three students were involved in athletics and campus ministry and all were members of the National Honor Society. Their father commented, “We wanted them to experience the same things we did when we came here.” Their mother added, “Katie got very close with Sister Karen and it’s hard with the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary leaving the school this year.” This was the last year the IHM religious taught at the high school. Immaculata’s Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated May 30 at Immaculate Conception Church. Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan, pastor, presided; and Father Tholitho, Immaculata’s director of Catholic Identity, concelebrated.

JUNE 13, 2019

person has something valuable to contribute and to be proud of. “Being able to learn alongside you and from you these past four years has been a blessing,” she said. Valedictorian Peter Anthony Gallo II, who will attend Saint Joseph’s sUniversity, Philadelphia, and major in business intelligence and analytics, noted that choosing to attend Immaculata was “one of the best decisions that he ever made, because of the personal growth it has helped foster.” “I have been introduced to numerous extracurricular, academic, and service opportunities and have received caring support from countless teachers that together has guided me to grow as both a student and a person,” he said. He encouraged his classmates to follow three steps as they move forward: have a willingness to learn from all who have experience and knowledge and are willing to teach you; maximize your time in the future stages of your life and involve yourself in as many activities as possible. “I challenge everyone to spend the next four years of your lives getting involved in your community like you did here at Immaculata,” he said, and live in the moment because time goes fast. Don’t wish time away. Slow life down and truly cherish the experiences, relationships and the successes earned. “Go out into the world and pursue what you are passionate about, listen to the advice of those who will help and above all enjoy every moment as you are doing so. You are the makers of tomorrow. You are also the makers of your own good old days and on that note ladies and gentlemen we’re done here,” stated Gallo Joan Silo, who is completing

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Graduates of Immaculata High School process from Immaculate Conception Church. Among the 133 graduates were triplets Jack, Kathryn and Matthew Hernderzack, whose parents, Rich (1984) and Pauline (1983), also graduated from Immaculata.

GRADUATION

By Karen Corpora Correspondent

Parochial high school holds 53rd commencement exercises

22 GRADUATION

Immaculata High School Awards Highest General Average (Gift of Immaculata Spartan Club): Peter Anthony Gallo II, Kathleen Mary Gorman Excellence in Theology (Gift of the Most Reverend James F. Checchio and Martinsville Knights of Columbus Council 5959): Kathryn A. Hendrzak Excellence in English (Gift of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2137): Emily Michele Holland Excellence in Social Studies (Gift of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2137): Carlie Chukrallah Excellence in Mathematics (Gift of the Fraternal Order of Eagles): Peter Anthony Gallo II Excellence in Chemistry (Gift of the Science Department): Sara Domenica Balsamo Excellence in Physics (Gift of the Science Department): Peter Anthony Gallo II Excellence in Biology (Gift of the Science Department): Emily Michele Holland Excellence in Spanish (Gift of the Somerville Knights of Columbus Council 1432): Lauren Veronica Frascella Excellence in French (Gift of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2137): Allison Katherine Traina Excellence in Computer Science (Gift of the Vossen Family): Peter Anthony Gallo II Excellence in Business Education (Gift of the Vossen Family): Nicholas Gabriel Jalandoni Excellence in Journalism (Gift of the Journalism Program): Bianca Marie Sasso Sister Dolores Margaret Scholarship for Excellence: Ethan Carl Pinckert Connie Tarentino Memorial Award (Gift the Tarentino Family): Sarah Elizabeth Abbott Music Department Award (Gift of Mrs. Mary Frances Gertsen): Justin Alexander Lordi The Marie E. Laggini Vocal Excellence Award

Peter Gallo Valedictorian

Kathleen Gorman Salutatorian

(In memory of Marie Laggini): Bridgette Anne LeBoeuf, GianMarci Giuseppe Scotti Excellence in Music, Service to the School, Church and Community: Carlie Chukrallah ‘Semper Fidelis' Award (Gift of the Marine Corps Recruiting Station): Yoshi Alejandro Shuyama Excellence in Dramatics (Gift the Drama Department): Bridgette Anne LeBoeuf The Edward “Ted” Gaughan Memorial Scholarship: Jack Andrew Bonham The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award: Jamie Elizabeth Mallinson The John Philp Sousa Award: Caroline Alexa Brawley The Susan Bruns Award: Bridgette Anne LeBoeuf President of Tri-M Music Honor Society: Caroline Alexa Brawley Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts (Gift of the Sister, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary): Sara Domenica Balsamo Award for Excellence in Digital Arts (Gift of the

Art Club): Nicholas Francis DePaola Award for Excellence in Photography (in memory of Edward Rolandelli, Sr.): Skyler Michael Esposito Marine Corps Academic Award: Sara Domenica Balsamo Marine Corps Athletic Award (Gift of Marine Corps Recruiting Station): Nicholas Gabroel Jalandoni Branchburg Rotary Club Scholarship: Caroline Alexa Brawley, Justin Alexander Lordi The Rotary Club of Somerville and Bridgewater Scholarship: James Thomas Cummins The Rotary Club of Somerville and Bridgewater Paul F. Davis Memorial Scholarship: Nicole Elizabeth Stevens Somerville Business Professional Association Scholarship for Service to the Borough of Somerville: Bridgette Anne LeBoeuf Somerville Metro Lions Club: Bridgette Anne LeBoeuf

The Esther and Joseph Cusick Memorial Award (Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cusick): Emily Michele Holland The John Collins Memorial Scholarship (Gift of Ancient Order of Hibernians and Knights of Columbus, Somerville Council 1432): James P. Sapp, Jr. Kelly Elizabeth Gibson Memorial Scholarship: Bianca Marie Sasso The Thomas M. Jubak, Jr. Memorial Scholarship (Gift of the Somerville Elks Lodge 1068, Class of 1980, Gift of the Jubak Family): Deonna Angelina Powell The Kenneth G. Herrmann Memorial Scholarship (Gift of the Somerville Elks Lodge 1068, Class of 1981): Nicholas Umberto Kukoda The Kristin A. Culley Memorial Scholarship (Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Culley): Molly Balsamo Somerville Elks/Susan Kelly Memorial Scholarship (Gift from the Class of 1980): Kathryn A. Hendrzak The Richard D. Tyler Memorial Award (Gift of Mrs. Richard D. Tyler): Charles Francis Bragg An Award for Merit (Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ribbans): Sarah Elizabeth Stowe, Jacquelyn Michelle Zayle The Robert Briski Citizenship Award (Gift of Mrs. Carol Briski): Shannon Elizabeth Baurkot The Sheila M. White Scholarship: Joy Fen Antonia Siconolfi, Deonna Angelina Powell IHS Alumni Scholarship (Gift of the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations): Kevin Andrew Bobrowski, Jr., Jenna Laura Mechler The Monsignor Eugene B. Kelly Memorial Award (Gift of IHS Principal): Alexander James Dunne, Timothy James Albano

JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

College sponsored by Sisters of Mercy holds graduation at Mass LAKEWOOD — Now is not the time to be afraid, dozens of Georgian Court University (GCU) graduates were told as they and the families who supported them throughout their college years gathered on campus for a special Mass celebrated by Father Anthony DePalma, campus priest May 24. “A hundred years ago, the graduates of Georgian Court were leaving college and would find the world a different place, but in some ways, it was the same,” Father DePalma said. “The first graduates likely had doubts and fears to overcome.” He noted that the students of the then-women’s college were equipped for life, however, because of the education they received the value system in which their education was delivered. “You leave today with the same timeless, unfailing values,” he told the coed audience. “They constitute a daily path to realizing success in life.” Other participating clergy included Msgr. Casimir Ladzinski, a former GCU trustee; Msgr. R. Vincent Gartland, a member of the trustee board; and Dea-

A family poses with a graduate of Georgian Court University, Lakewood, after graduation ceremonies were held May 24 at a baccalaureate Mass.

— photo courtesy of Georgian Court University

con Mike Ponteriero of St. Thomas More Church, Fairfield. Later in the day, Deacon Moore, a cardiovascular surgeon, was awarded an honorary degree for his service to the Church and community.

The baccalaureate Mass offers thanks for the blessings God has bestowed upon the graduates and their families. Father DePalma based his homily on Matthew 6: 19-21 and 25-33, offered this advice:

“In the days ahead, our Lord would not want us to worry about the small stuff,” he said. “Go forth from the university confident and unafraid because your days at Georgian Court exposed you to the education and values you need to succeed in this world.” Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is Central and South Jersey’s only Catholic university. GCU is a comprehensive, coeducational university with a strong liberal arts core and a historic special concern for women. As a forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, Georgian Court expands possibility for nearly 2,400 students of all faiths and backgrounds in more than 30 undergraduate majors and more than 10 graduate programs. In 2017, GCU was named No. 39 on “Washington Monthly’s” list of Best Bang for the Buck schools. GCU has also been recognized by “The Economist” and “Colleges of Distinction and is a Military Friendly® School.”

Class of

GRADUATION

Congratulations to our graduates! St. francis cathedral school, metuchen

2 0 1 9

*Recipients of $108,500 in annual high school scholarships*

St. Thomas the Apostle School

CLASS OF 2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS & ACCEPTANCES

Marine Academy of Science and Technology • Wardlaw-Hartridge • St. Joseph of Montvale • St. John Vianney Bergen Catholic • Red Bank Catholic • St. Joseph of Metuchen • Bishop Ahr • Old Bridge High School

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JUNE 13, 2019

Middlesex County Vocational and Technical • Colts Neck High School • Marlboro High School

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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

24 GRADUATION

Congratulations

— Mike Ehrmann photo

The Diocese o Catholic Hi — Marlo Williamson photo

BISHOP GEO SAINT JOSEPH · MOUNT SA

JUNE 13, 2019

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— Ed Koskey Jr. photo

— Mike Ehrmann photo

s Class of 2019!

GRADUATION

— Marlo Williamson photo — Marlo Williamson photo

of Metuchen igh Schools — Ed Koskey Jr. photo

ORGE AHR · IMMACULATA AINT MARY — John Batkowski photo

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— John Batkowski photo

— Mike Ehrmann photo

JUNE 13, 2019

— John Batkowski photo

26 GRADUATION JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

97 receive diplomas at Mount Saint Mary commencement and unwavering love.” Branthover expressed gratitude for the supportive community at Mount WATCHUNG — In a commencement Saint Mary Academy, and for teachers ceremony rich with joy, love, hope, and, who not only taught them to succeed in inevitably tearful farewells, the 2019 academic endeavors, but also encourclass of Mount Saint Mary Academy re- aged their creativity. “They helped us ceived their diplomas June 1. The gradu- flourish into the radiant and fascinating ation was a memorable one as during the people we are today.” Of her peer graduates, Branthover benediction Bishop James F. Checchio delivered a special message to the class said, “We’ve broken school records, raised expectations in the classroom, and from Pope Francis. Hundreds of family, friends, faculty, are attending some of the most amazing alumni, and trustees attended the sunny colleges in the country…but beyond the Saturday morning event in the Immacu- basics, no one tears up the dance floor like we do!” Laughing along with the late Conception Chapel at the Mount. Diplomas were conferred by the audience, she added, “It is with passion, bishop, Mercy Sister Lisa D. Gambacor- courage of conviction, and strong sense to, directress, Elizabeth A. Weiler, board of self that we take our next steps into the chair, and Denise E. Materia, assistant world…you must always have faith in directress. Class awards which spanned people, and most importantly, you must always have faith in the categories of yourself.” scholarly achieveBishop Checment, leadership, chio offered his school spirit, grace, remarks prior to the service and potenclosing benediction. tial were distributed “It’s always a by Sister Lisa and pleasure to be back Karen L. Calta, ashere on the Mount… sistant directress. With all the probThe 97 memlems we have in our bers of the class “A word of gratitude world, our families, have been accepted too, to the adminisour church, when I to 160 colleges come to the Mount, across the country tration, teachers, staff, I leave with a greatand have received er sense of hope, more than $23 board of trustees, and that’s because million in college benefactors, parents, of you.” scholarship awards. He praised the Additionally, two and family members faculty, staff, truststudents won full who have supees, and students for academic scholarkeeping the Mercy ships to Villanova ported our graduates values strong in University (Pa.) and their lives. He enCatholic University throughout these couraged graduates of America, Washfour years." to “find the chapel” ington, D.C. —Bishop James F. Checchio at college, and to Class salutatoalways spend a few rian Hope Zamora and valedictorian Madeline Branthover moments in prayer each day. He relayed a message to the gradugave inspiring speeches, prompting responses of appreciative laughter, ap- ates from Pope Francis, who he visited with recently in Rome. “He said, ‘tell plause and tears. Zamora compared leaving the acad- them to be generous in giving themselves emy as young women to the childhood to Jesus! They have nothing at all to lose experience of beginning kindergarten. by giving themselves to him. He just The second day of kindergarten, she said, wants to accompany you, to be with you, was more significant than the first, be- to strengthen you throughout your lives cause “we were all faced with a choice: so that you’re never, ever, ever alone.’” The bishop concluded with, “So I we could board the bus again, excited for another day…or we could bolt in the pass on the Holy Father’s words to you, opposite direction, unwilling to face the ‘be generous in giving yourselves to Jesus.’ Know of my love and prayers for changes that overwhelmed us.” Smiling broadly at her fellow stu- you. We look forward to hearing great dents, she challenged them to “Embrace things over these next years as you move the change! Climb up on that big, yellow on from the Mount. A word of gratitude bus…with wide smiles and teary eyes, too, to the administration, teachers, staff, and know in your heart that college and board of trustees, benefactors, parents, life will be what you make of them.” and family members who have supZamora thanked her fellow students, fac- ported our graduates throughout these ulty and parents for teaching “intellect, four years. Thank you for all you do, and empathy, self-improvement, friendship congratulations to our graduates!” Following the graduation, families, By Cathy Stevens Correspondent

Above, graduates at Mount Saint Mary Academy receive their diplomas during commencement exercises at Immaculate Conception Chapel. Right, Bishop James F. Checchio assists Mercy Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, directress, in giving diplomas to the seniors. Below, graduates process from the chapel. Members of this year's class have received more than $123 million in college scholarship awards. Two students won full academic scholarships to Villanova University (Pa.) and Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. — John Batkowski photos

friends, administration and faculty gathered outside the chapel, bearing bouquets of ﬂowers and balloons, and posing for pictures. Andrea and Tom Clarke of Randolph are staunch advocates of the merits of an education at The Mount, where their daughters have been or are still enrolled. Class of 2019 graduate Mallory is headed for Fordham University, Bronx, N.Y.; their oldest daughter, Hannah (Class of 2018), is studying pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh, and their youngest, Emily, will begin her junior year at The Mount in the fall. A pharmacist, Andrea says the caliber of science and technology at the Mount is “far above other schools,” and that the all-female environment fosters self-conﬁdence, empowerment and

positive encouragement. She adds that the students learn about other religions in their theology classes, which widens their perspective and deepens their own Catholic faith. Sister Lisa, also shared fond words of pride for the outgoing class. “Since their freshman year, the members of the 2019 senior class at Mount Saint Mary Academy have embodied the spirit of service and compassion for others, academic and athletic success and empowerment and leadership. I am conﬁdent that these young women, who share an unbreakable bond of sisterhood fostered here at the Mount, will continue to reﬂect the Mercy Core Values as they go out into the world to accomplish great things. We are truly proud of them.”

27 GRADUATION

Mount Saint Mary

Academy

Congratulates the Class of 2019 Our 97 Graduates in the Class of 2019 Received a Total of over $23 Million in Scholarships/Grants

Pennsylvania State University Pitzer College Pratt Institute Providence College Purdue University Quinnipiac University Ramapo College of New Jersey Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rice University Rider University Roanoke College Roger Williams University Rowan University Rutgers University Sacred Heart University Saint Anselm College Saint Francis University Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Saint Joseph’s University Saint Leo University Saint Michael’s College Saint Peter’s University Santa Clara University Savannah College of Art & Design Seton Hall University Southern Methodist University Spelman College St. Bonaventure University St. John’s University Stonehill College Susquehanna University Syracuse University Temple University The Catholic University of America The College of New Jersey

The George Washington University The Ohio State University The University of Alabama The University of Scranton The University of Tampa Towson University Trinity College Union College University of California, Davis University of California, Los Angeles University of Cincinnati University of Colorado at Boulder University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of Denver University of Florida University of Georgia University of Illinois University of Kentucky University of Louisiana University of Louisville University of Maryland University of Massachusetts University of Miami University of Michigan University of New England University of New Haven University of NC at Chapel Hill University of NC at Wilmington University of Notre Dame University of Pittsburgh University of Portland University of Rhode Island University of Richmond

University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of St. Andrews University of Tennessee University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin Ursinus College Vanderbilt University Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth Univ. Virginia Tech Wagner College Wake Forest University Washington College Washington Univ. in St. Louis West Chester Univ. of Pennsylvania West Virginia University Widener University William Paterson Univ. of NJ Williamette University York College of Pennsylvania

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

Valedictorian

Madeline Branthover

Salutatorian Hope Zamora

*Valedictorian **Salutatorian

JUNE 13, 2019

Georgia State University Georgian Court University Gettysburg College Haverford College High Point University Hobart & William Smith Colleges Hofstra University Howard University Immaculata University Ithaca College James Madison University John Jay College of Criminal Justice Kent State University La Salle University Lafayette College Lehigh University Lewis and Clark College Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Maine Maritime Academy Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marist College Michigan State University Misericordia University Molloy College Monmouth University Moravian College Mount St. Mary’s University New York University North Carolina State University Northeastern University Northwestern University Norwich University Pace University

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Albright College American University Arcadia University Barnard College Baylor University Belmont University Boston College Boston University Brandeis University Bucknell University Cabrini University Caldwell University Case Western Reserve Univ. Castleton University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University College of Charleston Cornell University DeSales University Dickinson College Drew University Drexel University Duke University Duquesne University Elon University Emerson College Fairfield University Fairleigh Dickinson University Fashion Institute of Technology Fordham University Franciscan Univ. of Steubenville Franklin & Marshall College George Mason University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology

28 GRADUATION

Mount Saint Mary Academy Awards General Excellence – Four Years – Valedictorian (Gift of the Mercy Guild): Madeline Branthover Excellence – Four Years – Salutatorian (Gift of the Fathers Club): Hope Zamora High Honors-Four Years – 4.0 GPA or higher: Madeline Branthover, Caroline Cull, Caroline DiGrande, Catherine Jennings, Shreya Karthikeyan, Emma King, Gianna Laura, Erica MacDonald, Gabriela Rivera, Grace Schleck, Gabriela Valdez Chia, Michaela Walsh, Hope Zamora Bishop Checchio Religion Medal 2018 (Gift of the Diocese of Metuchen): Gabrielle Agugliaro School Leadership Award (Gift of the Alumnae): Luna Cortelezzi, Caleigh McGuir,e Caroline DiGrande, Erin Brennan, Olivia Leonardis School Spirit Award (Gift of the Fathers Club): Nicole Alfonso, Claire Waldron Catherine McAuley Award (Gift of the Sisters of Mercy): Anne Hamilton, Bailey Klemm, Corinne Rosso Christian Leadership Award (Gift of Campus Ministry): Gina Neigel, Vanessa Sousa Sister M. Eloise Claire Kays Memorial Award (former directress of MSMA): Grace Schleck, Kelly Smith

Madeline Branthover Valedictorian Sister Mary Kerwin ’45 Award (former directress of MSMA): Hailey Longstreet, Madeline Newall Sister Diane Szubrowski, RSM Humanitarian Service Award (former NJ Regional Community President of the Sisters of Mercy): Caroline Brady, Caroline Cull, Fiona Hadley, Brenna McGahan Outstanding Leadership Award (Gift of the Directress): Caroline DiGrande

Hope Zamora Salutatorian National Merit Commended Scholars: Shreya Karthikeyan, Emma King, Erica MacDonald, Emily Metzger, Hope Zamora National Hispanic Achievement Scholar: Luna Cortelezzi, Gabriela Rivera, Gabriela Valdez Chia, Hope Zamora National Cum Laude Society Mount Saint Mary Chapter: Caroline Brady Madeline Bran-

thover, Luna Cortelezzi, Caroline Cull, Caroline DiGrande,Kathrina Durante, Catherine Jennings, Shreya Karthikeyan Emma King, Gianna Laura, Erica MacDonald, Brenna McGahan, Madeline Newall ,Gabriela Rivera, Grace Schleck, Gabriela Valdez Chia, Michaela Walsh, Sophia Wan, Hope Zamora National Honor Society ~ Mount Saint Mary Chapter: Caroline Brady, Madeline Branthover, Erin Brennan, Aleena Brown, Elizabeth Callahan, Mallory Clarke, Margaret Coleman, Luna Cortelezzi, Caroline Cull, Meghan Decker, Elisabeth Dekker, Caroline DiGrande, Kathrina Durante, Angelea Elenis, Kendall Ellmer, Francesca Fazio, Abigail Gagliano, Abigail Galeota, Grace Gordon, Fiona Hadley, Caitlin Haviland, Caroline Hendrix, Brianna Hunt, Catherine Jennings, Shreya Karthikeya, Bridget Keele, Emma King, Gianna Laura, Fernanda Lazarte, Olivia Leonardis, Hailey Longstreet, Erica MacDonald, Therese Maligranda, Brenna McGahan, Caleigh McGuire, Emily Metzger, Gina Neigel, Madeline Newall, Emrit Nijjar, Gabriela Rivera, Grace Schleck, Lauren Snyder, Vanessa Sousa, Gabriela Valdez Chia, Claire Waldron, Michaela Walsh, Sophia Wan Lingbo, (Olivia) Wang, Faith Zamora, Hope Zamora

JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Dominican-operated college awards degrees to 467 graduates CALDWELL — Caldwell University celebrated its 77th annual commencement May 19, awarding degrees to 467 graduates. Marisa Castronova, of Nutley, gave the student address at the graduate commencement ceremony. She advised her fellow graduates to consider the person who earned the degree and to remember that he or she is the driving force behind the degree. “A degree is not a living entity… It can’t walk, it can’t talk,” she said. Castronova, who received her doctorate in educational leadership in December, added, “Consider you, the person who earned it. Consider you, the person who decided to embark on an educational trek requiring hard work, dedication and sacrifice.” She encouraged graduates to take time to reflect on what they have learned about themselves. “For knowing who you are and what you are capable of will enable you to transform knowledge into something great,” said Castronova, a science educator at Robert L. Lazar Middle School, Montville. Kathryn Marano, also of Nutley, gave the undergraduate commencement ceremony address. She suggested to graduates that they are all “rocket scientists” who have been building rocket ships that will lift off when they leave the auditorium. Utilizing the image of the rocket ship, Marano said the classes they took were the framework of the ship, while the attributes they learned at Caldwell including kindness, resilience, integrity and respect would help them navigate the rocket

Graduates of Caldwell University move the tassle of their caps from one side of their mortarboards to the other signifying completion of schooling during the institution's 77th commencement May 19. — photo courtesy of Caldwell University

ship “through tough and uncharted territory.” The most important components of the rocket ship are the team of professors, classmates and staff whose guidance students will take with them after graduation, she said. “With the rocket ship complete, we are ready to take on the world, and I am confident that we will be the pioneers of the future and successful in whatever paths we choose,” said Marano, who will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with minors in small business entrepreneurship and marketing in August. An honorary degree was awarded to

Rochelle Hendricks, who served as the first secretary of higher education for the state of New Jersey from 2011 to 2018. She encouraged the graduates to imagine the world the way they would like it to be and to let the light of God shine through them as they strive to make the world a better and brighter place. “As you make a living, be sure to make a life,” she said, “and remember the values that are timeless and transcendent.” Members of Caldwell’s class of 1969, marking their 50th anniversary, were recognized. Caldwell President Nancy H. Blattner presented doctoral students

with their Ph.D.s and Ed.D.s, graduate students with their Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration or Master of Science degrees and undergraduates with their Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Science in nursing degrees. A Master of Science in Accounting degree was awarded posthumously to Kelly Marilly Gonzalez. Her brother accepted the degree. President Blattner told the graduates that it was a day of great joy and pride for them, their family members and loved ones who supported them. She said the university was “sending you forward, not just as graduates, but as people who we expect to make a difference.” She advised them to stay connected to their alma mater that has “not only been your learning community but also your family for four years.” Each student, she said, “has made an indelible impression on me.” Laurita Warner, chair of the Board of Trustees and alumna, said some things at Caldwell never change, like a welcoming environment, dedicated and caring faculty, “an administration who work tirelessly to provide a campus where students can thrive and learn, and the mission inspired by Saint Dominic and our Catholic tradition to prepare students to think critically, pursue truth and contribute to a just society. And friendships that last a lifetime.” She extended two wishes to each of the graduates, “the gift of memories of Caldwell University as fond as mine are and the very best future life has to offer.”

GRADUATION

We are very proud of you. Congratulations on a job well done!

St. Bartholomew School and Parish Family Congratulates our Class of 2019

Father Thomas Walsh, Mrs. Ann Wierzbicki, St. Bartholomew School Faculty, Staff, and Students and the entire Parish Community

St. Bartholomew School, 470 Ryders Lane East Brunswick, NJ • 732-254-7105 • school.stbartseb.com

Congratulations to the Class of 2019! Arturo Banegas · Ridge HS

Grace Bush ·

Donnie Catanese

Marina Cialdella · Mt. St. Mary Academy

Ridge HS

Immaculata HS

Nick Faccone ·

Pingry

Jack Feinberg · St. Jude

Ian Gaibor · Immaculata HS

Cadence Graf · Villa Walsh Academy

Patrick Griffin · Bernards HS

Maggie Haran · Mt. Saint Mary Academy

Sophie Henry · Immaculata HS

Fin Herron · Ridge HS

Liam Jones · Oratory Prep

Adrian Kurylko · Pingry

Luis Lapenta Sira · Oratory Prep

Bobby Leon · St. Peter’s Prep

Emily Lozowski · Ridge HS

Kenny McGoldrick · Immaculata HS

Michael Ozgar · Seton Hall Prep

Lily Palumbo · Mt. Saint Mary Academy

Anthony Panuccio · Ridge HS

Ava Petrus · Union Catholic HS

Marisa Sblendorio · Union Catholic HS

Emerson Sheehan · Mt. Saint Mary Academy

Michael Vaccaro · Delbarton

Brenna Watkins · Mt. Saint Mary Academy

Ilayda Webber · Saddle River Day School

Ian Wizeman · Watchung Hills HS

Kevin Woods · Union Catholic HS

God bless you on your journeys! From the Administration, Faculty and Staff of Saint James School, Basking Ridge

JUNE 13, 2019

Matthew Yeager · Oratory Prep

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

James Etergino · Bernards HS

30 GRADUATION

PERTH AMBOY CATHOLIC SCHOOL with pride congratulates our

Class of

2019 Bb

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL Somerville

CONGRATULATES OUR CLASS OF 2019!! JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

May Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love and grace always surround you!

GRADUATION

Clockwise from top, a member of the Class of 2019 at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, takes a photo before the seniors processed into Church of the Sacred Heart, South Plainfield, for Mass and commencement exercises; Anne Rivera, principal, poses with salutatorian Michael Botting (center) and valedictorian Matthew Vergel; graduate Howard McBurnie poses with Spanish teacher Tracy Uler; and Bishop James F. Checchio bestows a diploma to a graduating senior as Rivera and Justin Fleetwood, school president, watch. — Marlo Williamson photos

Baccalaureate Mass: his father, Christopher, a 1989 Saint Joseph graduate. “It was well worth every ounce of blood, sweat, tears and dollars for Joey to graduate from a Catholic high school,” Christopher Deibert said. Sharing that his son had been awarded the high school’s exact same International Thespian Award that he had won 30 years before, Deibert continued, “This is a legacy.”

JUNE 13, 2019

Beaming with pride as he snapped another picture of Andrew, the elder Thorsen explained, “I love the smaller class sizes and Catholic education teaches great values and creates great kids.” New graduate Joseph Deibert was accompanied to the church by an enthusiastic contingent of family members and friends, including his grandmother and uncle. But no one was prouder than the music minister playing the organ for the

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

else’s narrative. “We all share a common set of emotions, ideas and values in a special SOUTH PLAINFIELD — It was a day combination that makes us distinct from to celebrate the newest members of an one another … links us all together and forges our shared bond of humanever-growing family of faith. May 19 marked the 55th Bac- ity,” Botting said. Botting, who plans calaureate Mass and commencement to study at the University of Alabama, ceremony of Saint Joseph High School, continued, “Our ability to incorporate Metuchen. Bishop James F. Checchio, this understanding into our treatment of faculty and staff of the Catholic sec- other people will allow us to live out the ondary school, and hundreds of family tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred members and friends filled the Church Heart.” Valedictorian Matthew Vergel deof the Sacred Heart, each one eager to clared the virtues witness 146 greenof faith, caring and robed Falcons fly excellence were the the nest. pillars of success at Brother of the Saint Joseph. Sacred Heart Louis “Just as the Couvillon, chaplain Trinity is the founof the Catholic high dation of our spirischool who presided tual life, faith, carat the Mass, noted ing and excellence his order’s nearly are the foundations 120 years of service of our worldly in the Diocese of “Be disciplined, lives, guiding our Metuchen. “You are moral compasses,” part of a great tradiresponsible, honorable, said Vergel, who tion. Love and complans to study at courageous, cheerful, passion has formed Johns Hopkins Unia brotherhood. You of service, value family versity, Baltimore. see it, you feel it, “Our faith inspires you celebrate it. and community, work us to care for others That’s what we are hard and make your just as God loves all about,” he said. us, our caring moPoignant reown opportunities. I feel tivates us to strive membrances of for excellence and a tremendous sense of the past and looks our excellence is toward the future hope. You are the ammanifested in faithmarked the reflecful service to othtions by Saint Jobassadors of hope and ers.” seph High School the leaders of today.” Following the administrators. presentation of di—Justin Fleetwood Principal Anne Riplomas to the class, vera said that as of Bishop Checchio May 1, the graduatrelated a conversaing class had accrued more than $34 million in scholar- tion he had had with Pope Francis the previous week during a trip to Rome. ship offers. “It’s been a great four years to be a The pontiff had sent a message to the Falcon,” Rivera said to the young men youth of the diocese: don’t be stingy in seated before her. “Hold onto your faith, giving themselves to Jesus. “He only wants to be with you and think big, don’t settle. You’ve got this. is a reason for your hope,” the bishop You are ready for what’s next.” Justin Fleetwood, school president, said. “Keep your relationship with God attested that the Class of 2019 seated with you so he can fill you.” Parents of the graduating students before him was on a parallel with the World War II-era “greatest generation.” reaffirmed their decision to choose a They had the same mission as these Catholic education for their sons, in some cases a decision made multiple times. forefathers, he asserted. Louis Thorsen carefully steadied “Be disciplined, responsible, honorable, courageous, cheerful, of service, his camera then clicked the shutter revalue family and community, work hard peatedly as son Andrew walked to the and make your own opportunities,” sanctuary for his diploma. Catholic Fleetwood said. “I feel a tremendous education had been a priority in the sense of hope. You are the ambassadors Thorsen family: daughter Elizabeth had graduated from Mother Seton Regional of hope and the leaders of today.” Salutatorian Michael Botting re- High School, Clark, and elder son, Miminded his fellow graduates that not chael, had graduated in 2012 from Saint only were their family, friends and Joseph before earning a diploma from teachers an integral part of their life The Catholic University of America, story, but that they were part of someone Washington, D.C.

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

Principal encourages graduates to ‘hold onto your faith’

32 GRADUATION

Saint Joseph High School Â®

Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Metuchen since 1901

Congratulations TO THE CLASS OF 2019

100% College Acceptance 83% received a college scholarship

JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

$34,111,096 in scholarships 1 National Merit Scholar Finalist

1 National Merit Scholar Winner

OUR YOUNG MEN HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES SUCH AS: JOHNS HOPKINS CORNELL UNIVERSITY NOTRE DAME CARNEGIE MELLON NEW YORK UNIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA PURDUE VILLANOVA

6 National Merit Scholar Commended www.STJOES.org (732) 549-7600

145 Plainfield Ave. Metuchen, NJ 08840

Summa Cum Laude – 4-year cumulative GPA >4.40: Aniket Agnihotri, Andrew Au, Ajaydeep Baghiana, Christopher Bakhos, Michael Botting, Ryan Campbell, Liam Cotter, Matthew Dekovics, Liam Doran, Christopher Esteban, Robert Hermitt, Lorenzo Ladao, Joonsub Lee, Jason Mercado, Matthew Parayil, Joseph Smieya, Garrett Smith, Ryan Stephen, Adam Thompson, Andrew Thorsen, Matthew Vergel, Matthew Zyra Magna Cum Laude – 4-year cumulative GPA >4.0: Matteo Agresti, Sivaprakash Annadorai, Matthew Araujo, Daniel Brandafi, Anthony Caicedo, Andrew Carchio, Lewis DeAngelis IV, Peter Demirjian, Michael Ettore, Ian Fonseca, Aidan Formisano, Brian Gates, Nicholas Granick, Ryan Granito, John Hall, Jack Hogarty, Robert Kelly, Diljeet Khokher, Kevin Laieta, Gaurav Mahajan, Joseph Manacop Jr., Jack Martin, Brendan McCann, Sean McMenamin, Jayesh Mistry, Thomas Moore, Aaron Nunn, Robert Okupski, Logan Olsen, Thomas Palumbo, Bobby Putra, Matthew Rayski, Thomas Spallone, Constantine Stavrianidis, Trent Tighelaar, Alexander Uhrik Kevin Warmke, Nathaniel Wyatt

Matthew Vergel Valedictorian

Cum Laude – 4-year cumulative GPA >3.8: Thomas Faggioni, David Gbogi, Richard Hoffman, Grant Hollyer, Jordan Joseph, John Kasztelan, Andres O’Connell, Corey Pein, Brian Reilly, Paul Ross, Thomas Scarpa, Gurpartap Singh, Trevor Terpanick, Nicholas Van Der Veer Alumni Award: Ryan Granito, Trent Tighelaar Anthony S. Spezio Memorial Award: Austin Phillips Bishop Checchio Medal: John Kasztelan The Curtis Nurnberger Memorial Award for

Michael Botting Salutatorian

Excellence in Music: Anthony Caicedo The Gavin MacDonald Memorial Award for Excellence in English: Matthew Dekovics George F. Smith Memorial Award: Robert Hermitt Kevin Reinhard ’05 Memorial Scholarship: Christopher Esteban, Thomas McNulty, Garrett Smith, Trevor Terpanick Edison Rotary Senior of the Year: Joseph Smieya William Perdue Memorial Excellance in Mathematics Award: Aniket Agnihotri Excellence in Computer Science and Applied

Technology: Nicholas Granick Department Award: David Gbogi Excellence in English: Matthew Parayil Department Award: Aniket Agnihotri Excellence in Fine and Performing Arts: Andrew Au Department Award: Joseph Smieya Excellence in Health and Physical Education: Trent Tighelaar Department Award: Liam Doran Excellence in Mathematics: Christopher Bakhos Department Award: Robert Hermitt Excellence in Science: Adam Thompson Department Award: Robert Hermitt Excellence in Social Studies: Michael Ettore Department Award: Garrett Smith Excellence in Theology: Andrew Thorsen Department Award: Robert Hermitt Excellence in French: Christopher Esteban Department Award: Ajaydeep Baghiana Excellence in German: Peter Demirjian Department Award: John Kasztelan Excellence in Latin: Liam Cotter Department Award: Matthew Parayil Excellence in Spanish: Jason Mercado Department Award: Christopher Bakhos

GRADUATION

Valedictorian Award: Matthew Vergel Salutatorian Award: Michael Botting Scholar-Athlete Award: Nathaniel Wyatt Honors Diploma: Aniket Agnihotri, Christopher Bakhos, Michael Botting, Matthew Dekovics, Christopher Esteban, Robert Hermitt, Joonsub Lee, Matthew Parayil , Adam Thompson, Matthew Vergel

Saint Joseph High School Awards

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JUNE 13, 2019

34 GRADUATION

Regional High graduates encouraged to ‘serve others first’ Mother Seton Regional High School, Clark, held commencement exercises May 30. Diplomas were presented by Sister Jacquelyn Balasia, principal, and Joan Barron, principal. Sister Mary Anne Katlack, campus minister, delivered the invocation and the closing benediction. Sister Jacquelyn recognized the scholarships that the Class of 2019 achieved and announced, “The Class of 2019 has achieved in excess of $15 million dollars in academic scholarships and awards.” In her congratulatory remarks, Barron said, “You are empowered by your faith. Trust God. He has a plan for you. Embrace the education you have received here at Mother Seton. “Many of you have experienced success not only in the field of academics but also on the playing fields as well. Remember to continue to give service to others first. Congratulations Class of 2019!” The Principals’ award for academic excellence during the past four years was awarded to Valedictorian Victoria Silverman, a member of the Diocese of Metuchen, and Co-Salutatorians Andrea Sanchez and Hanna Campiglia. Mariella Brillantes, Christine Carvajal, Emili Darrow, Maria Del Rosario, Rachel Muniz, Isabella Felix, Thalia

Victoria Silverman, Valedictorian

Hanna Campiglia, Co-Salutatorian

Lantin were among the graduates who live in the Diocese of Metuchen. The Saint Elizabeth Anne Seton Award for exemplary witness to Christian values during the past four years was awarded to Priscila Cruz. “You are some of the brightest, kindest, and most beautiful young women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” Silverman said. “Continue to work for others and make a difference in the world-even if that difference is made one person at a time.” Silverman plans to attend the University of San Francisco and major in chemistry. “As for the class of 2019,” Sanchez said, “congratulations to all of you, because you made it. You made it through another chapter in your life: high school. Despite any doubts you had throughout

Andrea Sanchez, Co-Salutatorian

the past four years, here you are in your cap and gown ready to leave the place you’ve called home since freshman year.” Sanchez plans to attend New York University and major in biomolecular engineering. Campiglia noted, “The banner hanging in the back of the gym says, ‘How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.’ “And as much as we have to admit it, this is goodbye. It is goodbye to high school, to uniforms, to seeing each other in the halls every day, to class trips and to this chapter of our lives. But by saying goodbye to this chapter, we say hello to the next one. It is my hope this next chapter will be just as remarkable and life-changing for all of us as Mother Seton was.

Departmental Awards for academic excellence: AP Biology, Margaret Carney; AP Calculus, Victoria Silverman; AP Chemistry, Xiaoyi Zhang; AP English, Victoria Silverman; AP French, Emili Darrow; AP Physics, Hanna Campiglia; AP Spanish, Alyssa Del Rio, Victoria Silverman; AP U.S. History, Hanna Campiglia; Art, Shiqi Chen; Physical Education, Cararose Coppola; Religious Studies, Victoria Silverman. National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Student: Victoria Silverman. Seton Distinguished Scholars: Hanna Campiglia, Margaret Carney, Christine Carvajal, Cararose Coppola, Emili Darrow, Rachel Muniz, Victoria Silverman. Scholar Athletes: New Jersey State Interscholastic Association, Cararose Coppola; Greater Middlesex Conference, Margaret Carney; Greater Middlesex Conference Sportsmanship Award, Jenna Mikolay; National Women in Sports Outstanding Athlete Award, Jaclyn Shrubsall. “As for me, I will be spending my chapter at Rutgers University studying cell biology and neuroscience with the hopes of later attending medical school and becoming a neurosurgeon.” Priscila Cruz, senior class president, invited the members of the class of 2019 to join her in turning their tassels as a symbol of their graduation from Mother Seton Regional High School. Cruz plans to attend St. John’s University, Queens, N.Y., and major in biology/pre-med.

MOTHER SETON REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

CONGRATULATES THE GRADUATES OF THE CLASS OF 2019

A Tradition of Academic Excellence and Seton Spirit

7 SETON DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS • 1 NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENT Our graduates earned in excess of $15 million in academic scholarships and grants.

Mother Seton Regional High School is a Catholic, regional high school of the Archdiocese of Newark. We are a college prep school for young women in grades 9 through 12. The school is served by the Sisters of Charity of Convent Station NJ and lay faculty members.

1 Valley Road, Clark, New Jersey 07066 • 732-382-1952 • www.motherseton.org

Congratulations & God Bless the Class of 2019

May you have WISDOM in heart and mind SUCCESS in every challenge you find COURAGE to seek life’s purpose for you BELIEF in yourself to make it come true STRENGTH to do your best and endure And the guiding light of FAITH to ensure That wherever you go, whatever you do, God’s LOVE will always see you through. ~Lisa O. Englehardt

GRADUATION

St. James School, Woodbridge

Gelleane Amarra Thomas Beglan Macy Billings Thomas Bonner Zongyue Chen Mattison Chiera Neal Choksi Noelle Ciccarelli

Alexis Cutignola Marina DeNezza Adrianna Dindayal Grace Farrell Catherine Glick Elena Hesse Aria Hicks Adrian Hou Rachel Hou

Patrick Kelly Kailynn Knappenberger Ava Lubeski Isabelle Marinello Tyler Martin Gabriella Mouris Charlotte Murphy Charles Ndegwa Serena Nguyen

Michael Orlowski Avianna Perez Ryan Pyo Jack Rachinsky Ajanae Thompson Colin Thompson Soﬁa Tiseo Jeffrey Trinca Angelica Tryzna

420 Inman Avenue Colonia, NJ 732-388-1662 www.school.sjvianney.com

Achieving academic excellence within a faith filled community.

Congratulations and best of luck to St. Matthias School Class of 2019! 18 merit scholarships totaling $192,000 (over 4 years) to area Catholic High Schools including: Bishop George Ahr, Immaculata, and St. Joseph

Wesley Newton Julia Parmelee Giavanna Pechilio Christopher Plaskon Timothy Reeves Samuel Santillan Jessica Shea Marcus Shearer Caleb Sheil Katherine Tami Asha Toczek Michael Trovato Dalton Vassanella Meghan Wickman

JUNE 13, 2019

William Harding Megan Hauss Molly Hauss Madison Hayes Belle Hnasko Manuel Hoedoafia Jaime Holbeck Hailey Huseth Michael Jurina Lukas Kebuladze Jessica Kubiak Jeremy Mellyn Marissa Mellyn Timothy Neville II

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Noelia Abreu Ramon Abreu Ashley Alessi Alexandria Bannister Brianna Barbarite Peyton Bonds Juliet Bou Mansour Alexander Cocuzza Joy Drecolias Christopher Dziuba Mia Fares Luke Furnell Grace Glynn Alexandra Hajdu-Nemeth

36 GRADUATION

Union Catholic High School Congratulates the Class of 2019 Valedictorian Olivia Mae Panko

Salutatorian Matthew Bourne Reed

on obtaining a remarkable $30,036,747 in college scholarships.

God Bless the Notre Dame Class of 2019 601 Lawrence Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 609.882.7900swww.ndnj.org

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

UCH454_GradAd_CatholicSpirit_F.indd 1

6/3/19 6:15 PM

DELBARTON

JUNE 13, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Salutes the Class of 2019!

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

Learn more at Delbarton.org

After years of hard work and perseverance, 558 graduates of the four Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Metuchen, who together amassed more than $112 million in scholarships and awards, reached the culmination of their high school education when they were presented their diplomas. Seniors at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, were the first graduating class in the diocese this year, marking the occasion May 19 at the Church of the Sacred Heart, South Plainfield. Graduates of Immaculata High School, Somerville, received their diplomas, awards and honorable recognitions May 31, followed a day later by graduates of Bishop George Ahr High School, Edison, and Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, which held commencement exercises June 1. Among the 180 graduating seniors at Bishop George Ahr High School, Edison, more than $35 million in scholarships and grants were awarded this year. Over the course of their four years, the Class of 2019 averaged nearly 188 hours of community service per student; and 98 percent of the graduates will continue their studies at a college or university. The diocese’s co-educational college preparatory school was founded in 1969 and is administered by two Franciscan Felician Sisters with a dedicated team of lay administration, faculty and staff, and a diocesan priest, who serves as the full-time Director of Catholic Identity at the school. Class valedictorian Isabella Adorable will pursue a degree in biochemistry on a pre-med track and is considering attending UCLA, NYU, Boston University or

Boston College, while salutatorian Arnav Bhavsar will study mechanical engineering at the Honors College of Rutgers University, New Brunswick. At Immaculata High School, members of the Class of 2019 earned more than $20 million in college scholarships. More than 12 percent of the 134 graduates are legacy students, who have a parent – and in one case, a late grandparent – who also attended the co-ed college preparatory high school. Part of Immaculate Conception Parish, Immaculata is the currently staffed by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM). The school is also led by a dedicated team of lay administration, faculty and staff, and a diocesan priest, who serves as the full-time Director of Catholic Identity. Valedictorian Peter Gallo will pursue a degree in business intelligence and analytics at Saint Joseph University in Philadelphia, and salutatorian Kathleen Gorman plans to study history, Russian, and political science at Columbia University in New York City. At Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, the 147 graduating seniors cumulatively received more than $34.1 million in scholarships. The Class of 2019 had a 100 percent college acceptance rate; 83 percent of the graduating seniors received a college scholarship; and 75 percent of the graduates received scholarships in excess of the fouryear cost of attending the private Catholic all-boys college preparatory school run by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Valedictorian Matthew Vergel will pursue a degree in biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and salutatorian Michael Botting plans to study general business at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Left, A student from the Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, Class of 2019 has her tassel turned at the June 1 commencement exercises held at the school. — John Batkowksi photo

Below, Members of the Bishop George Ahr High School, Edison, Class of 2019 turn their tassels after they receive their diplomas at the June 1 commencement exercises held at the school. — Michael Ehrmann photo

GRADUATION

By Tara Smith

High school graduates earn more than $112 million in scholarships

Bishop James F. Checchio presents diplomas to the Immaculata High School, Somerville, Class of 2019 seniors during the May 31 commencement exercises held at Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville. — Ed Koskey Jr. photo

Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, Principal Anne Rivera (left) poses with salutatorian, Michael Botting (center), and valedictorian, Matthew Vergel (right), at the May 19 commencement exercises held at the Church of the Sacred Heart, South Plainfield. — Marlo Williamson photo

JUNE 13, 2019

graduates to commit to deepening their friendship with Jesus as they enter the next phase of their young adult lives. “Young people today are faced with so many challenges and will continue to face obstacles in the years ahead,” said Bishop Checchio, “but it brings me hope to witness their enthusiasm and faith.” “If our young people continue to live their Christian lives to the full, they will bring that hope and light out into the world, turning away from the cynicism and darkness that is so perverse in today’s world,” Bishop Checchio said. “I encourage them to share that hope and remember the words of St. Peter the Apostle, ‘Always be prepared to give a reason to anyone who asks you for the hope that you have’ (1Pt 3:15),” Bishop Checchio said. “If they grow in their relationship with Him, they will be filled with hope and every aspect of their lives will be transformed.” Catholic schools in the Diocese of Metuchen are now enrolling students for fall 2019. For more information about enrolling your child or to find out how you can help support the privately-funded programs which provide tuition assistance to aid low-and moderate-income families within the diocese, please visit diometuchen.org/ schools or call (732) 562-2446. Smith is the public relations assistant for the diocesan Office of Communications. and Public relations

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

At Mount Saint Mary Academy, a Catholic, private all-girls high school owned and operated by the Sisters of Mercy of the Mid-Atlantic, the 97 graduating seniors cumulatively received more than $23 million in scholarships and grants; and 100 percent of the graduates will attend a college or university. Valedictorian Madeline Branthover will pursue a degree in chemistry at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., and salutatorian Hope Zamora plans to study psychology and linguistics at Northeastern University in Boston. The graduating seniors who received the 2019 Bishop James F. Checchio Award for Religion are: Avery Murillo of Bishop George Ahr High School; Kathryn Hendrzak of Immaculata High School; Gabrielle Agugliaro of Mount Saint Mary Academy; and John Kasztelan of Saint Joseph High School. Bishop Checchio, who participated in all four commencement ceremonies, said it is uplifting to visit the schools and to attend the high school graduations. Reflecting on his recent visit to Rome and his private audience with Pope Francis, Bishop Checchio relayed a message for the students from the Holy Father, “Tell them to be generous in giving themselves to Jesus. He wants to accompany you and strengthen you throughout your lives.” Bishop Checchio echoed the Holy Father’s message and encouraged the

OUR FAITH

Pro-Life Democrat?/Worship on vacation Q

Pope Francis

GENERAL AUDIENCE

June 5, 2019 Dear Brothers and Sisters: My recent Apostolic Journey to Romania took as its theme “walking together”. I renew my gratitude to the President and Prime Minister, to the civil and ecclesiastical authorities, and to all who cooperated in making this visit possible. Above all I thank Almighty God for enabling the Successor of Peter to return to the country, twenty years after Saint John Paul II. The motto of the visit was especially evident in the variety of meetings, which showed the importance for Christians and for all citizens of “walking together” in fraternity and harmony. With deep gratitude I recall my warm meeting with Patriarch Daniel and the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church, in which I renewed the Catholic Church’s commitment to walking together towards full unity. The three celebrations of Holy Mass brought together the diverse Catholic community, and concluded with the Beatiﬁcation of seven Greek-Catholic bishops. Each of these martyrs bore witness to the freedom and mercy brought by the Gospel. Particularly joyful was my meeting with families and young people. Finally, during my visit to the Romani community I reiterated an appeal against every form of discrimination and for respect for all people. Let us pray that God will abundantly bless Romania and the Church in that land.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Prayer to the Most Holy Indwelling Trinity

JUNE 13, 2019

Recently, Time magazine ran an article about Tim Ryan, a Democrat congressman from Ohio, who announced his campaign for president. The article says that he “was against abortion rights until 2015.” It also says that he is a devout Catholic and names his parish. Ryan is quoted as saying, “To me, my faith is about love and compassion.”

O my Love, my only Good, Most Holy Trinity, I adore You, hidden in the depths of my soul. To You, to Your honor and glory, I dedicate my life. May every thought, word and deed of mine be an act of adoration and praise directed towards Your Divine Majesty enthroned in my heart. O Father, Inﬁnite Goodness, behold Your child, clothed in the likeness of Your Son. Extend to me Your arms that I may belong to You forever. O Son, Divine Lord, made man, crucify me with Yourself that I may become, in union with You, a sacriﬁce of praise for the glory of Your Father. O Holy Spirit, Fire of Everlasting Love, consume me on the altar of Divine Charity, that at the end of life, nothing may remain but that which bears the likeness of Christ. O Blessed Trinity, worthy of all adoration, I wish to remain in spirit on my knees, to acknowledge forever Your reign in me and over me, to Your everlasting glory.

Question Corner By Father Kenneth Doyle Having lived in Minnesota at one time, I know that in the Midwest it is a cultural expectation for Catholics to belong to the Democratic Party. Is it possible to be a Democrat and pro-life? And is it possible to be a devout Catholic and pro-choice? (Mt. Angel, Oregon) It is not possible to be a faithful Catholic and adopt a pro-choice position on abortion. As the U.S. Catholic bishops stated in 1989 (“Resolution on Abortion”), “No Catholic can responsibly take a ‘pro-choice’ stand when the ‘choice’ in question involves the taking of innocent human life.” As to whether it is possible to be a Democrat and still be pro-life, I believe that it is. In fact, since 1999 there has existed an organization called Democrats for Life of America, established to coordinate national efforts of pro-life Democrats.

Sadly, though, as an article in “Politico” in 2018 pointed out, pro-life Democrats “represent a dying breed in American politics.” Pro-life advocates, the article notes, “feel increasingly unwelcome in a Democratic Party that is moving left on abortion, as it did in 2016, when the party’s platform called, for the ﬁrst time, for the elimination of the ban on federal funding of abortion.” I should note that the Church’s position is not meant as an absolute dictate with regard to a Catholic voter’s choice of candidates. The U.S. bishops’ 2015 document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” says, “A Catholic cannot vote for a candidate who favors a policy promoting an intrinsically evil act, such as abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, deliberately subjecting workers or the poor to subhuman living conditions, redeﬁning marriage in ways that violate its essential meaning, or racist behavior, if the voter’s intent is to support that position” (No. 34). But the same document is quick to note: “There may be times when a Catholic who rejects a candidate’s unacceptable position even on policies promoting an intrinsically evil act may reasonably decide to vote for that candidate for other morally grave reasons” (No. 35). Now is the time of year when I book a summer tour for my family. I always try for a place where I know there will be an accessible Saturday evening or Sunday Mass; although my intentions are good, sometimes I am not successful. We then go to Mass as soon as we can on the trip, or right away when we ar-

rive home. Is it OK to go to Mass during the week to make up for an unintentional miss on Sunday? (Johnstown, Pennsylvania)

If this happens only rarely, I think you are fine, and I admire that you want to “catch up” by attending Mass later. But what I would do -- if you foresee that Sunday Mass will not be possible -- is to talk to a priest ahead of time and get a dispensation. The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” notes that “the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor” (No. 2181). Relaxation and recreation are legitimate needs, but the Eucharist happens to be the one specific way that Jesus asked us to keep his memory alive, so I wouldn’t use this permission too often. When I was in the seminary, one of the world’s pre-eminent moral theologians was a Redemptorist priest named Father Francis Connell. He had been dean of theology at The Catholic University of America and served as a ‘peritus’ (expert) at the Second Vatican Council. In 1965, in a book called “More Answers to Today’s Moral Problems,” Father Connell responded to the same question you ask. His answer was that, in the circumstances you indicate, someone would be justified in missing Mass, perhaps once or twice a year. (But he also said, “Certainly a person would not be excused from attending Mass merely because the journey to church would take an hour by car.”)

Gift of friends is one of best God gives us “May God grant you always ... A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you. Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.” ~ Irish Blessings

Things My Father Taught Me By Mary Morrell Hanging on my kitchen wall is a little plaque given to me by my dear friend, John. He found it in a quaint Irish shop in Smithville and bought one for me and one for his wife, Rose. It reads, “Sharing a cup of tea with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent.” Many cups of tea have been shared when Rose and I get together, and I’ve never wished I was doing anything else with my time. That’s what it’s like when we spend time with friends. Those who are important to us are usually the ones who listen well, who have the capacity to empathize, who share our values or, sometimes, who encour-

age us to develop qualities or share experiences that we have resisted, usually because of fear. I have also found that friends are a wealth of sage advice, and are not afraid to kick your backside when you need it — including helping you acknowledge and let go of your attachments. It’s hard to imagine a life without friends. In the middle of winter, some years ago, I was taking garbage out to the deck when I ran in to a very large spider hanging down from a single line of web. In the warmer weather, we seem to have an overabundance of spiders, but I’m not accustomed to seeing them when there’s frost on the windows. His unexpected appearance reminded me of Charlotte, the compassionate, intelligent spider of the well-loved children’s book “Charlotte’s Web.” For some reason, I never read the story until I was an adult, and I still got weepy, especially when Charlotte, who is going to die, says to Wilbur, the pig, “You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what’s life anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die. A spider’s life can’t help being something of a mess, with

all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps, I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can use a little of that.” What’s life anyway? There seem to be days when we just can’t find an answer, when things seem so overwhelming that we wonder why we are here in the first place. But then, in those moments when we are able to lift up someone’s life a trifle, or when our lives have been enriched by someone else, we know, like Charlotte, that we are here for each other. “Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. Although he loved her children and grandchildren dearly, none of the new spiders quite took her place in his heart. She was in a class by herself. It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.” Surely, if God has given us any amazing gifts, the gift of friends is one of the best, especially the kind that last a lifetime; the kind that are genuine and encourage you to do the things you need to do to live life with joy and courage and faith. This column is an excerpt from Mary Morrell’s e-book, “Let Go and Live: Reclaim your life by releasing your emotional clutter,” available on Amazon.

Power of the Holy Spirit Trinity Sunday, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, seems at first glance to be a rather unusual feast. Most celebrations during the church year involve special events in the life of Our Lord, the Blessed Mother, or the saints. Pope John XXII gave the feast of Trinity Sunday to the whole Church in 1334 to celebrate not a particular event in the history of salvation, but rather a key point of divine revelation. The dogma of the Trinity is the central dogma of the Christian faith, the most fundamental and essential teaching of all the truths of our faith. Far from being a dry “idea-centered” feast, though, the observance of Trinity Sunday focuses our worship on the Three Persons in One God, the Font and Goal of all salvation history.

SCRIPTURE STUDY By Msgr. John N. Fell Our feast this Sunday gives us a special moment to cherish the continual loving acts by which God reveals himself to humanity. From the beginning of creation, through Old Testament times, and culminating in the sending of Jesus Christ, God has sought to enter a relationship of loving rapport with humanity. “The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and the means by which the one true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 234). All Three Persons of the Trinity play a special role in calling to us. The Holy Spirit unites all believers with Jesus. By being united with Jesus, we are then privileged to share in his relationship with the Father. We partake in the riches and the responsibilities of Jesus’ Divine Relationships. This Sunday’s Gospel reading, taken from Jesus’ discourse at the Last Supper in St. John’s Gospel, focuses on the Trinitarian structure of revelation. Having just explained his mission in some detail to them, Jesus cautions the disciples that they still have much more to learn. He leaves the task of further guiding them, however, to the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete he had promised to send to remain with them forever. Jesus told them that this Holy Spirit “will not speak on his own, but he will speak [only] what he hears . . . he will take from me what is mine and declare it to you” (Jn 16:13b-14). This means that Jesus Christ himself will forever remain the pinnacle of God’s self-revelation. The Holy

Prv 8:22-31 • Ps 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 • Rom 5:1-5 • Jn 16:12-15 2 Cor 6:1-10 • Ps 98:1,2b, 3ab, 3cd-4 • Mt 5:38-42 2 Cor 8:1-9 • Ps 146:2, 5-6ab, 6c-7, 8-9a • Mt 5:43-48 2 Cor 9:6-11 • Ps 112:1bc-2, 3-4, 9 • Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 2 Cor 11:1-11 • Ps 111:1b-2, 3-4, 7-8 • Mt 6:7-15 2 Cor 11:18, 21-30 • Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 • Mt 6:19-23 2 Cor 12:1-10 • Ps 34:8-9, 10-11, 12-13• Mt 6:24-34 Gn 14:18-20 • Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4 • 1 Cor 11:23-26 • Lk 9:11b-17 Is 49:1-6 • Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15 • Acts 13:22-26 • Lk 1:57-66, 80 Gn 13:2, 5-18 • Ps 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5 • Mt 7:6, 12-14 Gn 15:1-12, 17-18 • Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9 • Mt 7:15-20 Gn 16:1-12, 15-16 • Ps 106:1b-2, 3-4a, 4b-5 • Mt 7:21-29 Ez 34:11-16 • Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 • Rom 5:5b-11 • Lk 15:3-7 Acts 12:1-11 • Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 • 2 Tm 4:6-8. 17-18 • Mt 16:13-19

In the Gospels, John, a kinsman of Jesus through their mothers, preached repentance and baptized to prepare for the Messiah’s coming. This feast marks his exceptional birth to the aged priest Zechariah and the equally aged and barren Elizabeth. The angel Gabriel announces his birth in a vision to Zechariah, who hesitates in believing and is struck mute until eight days after John’s birth. Then, Zechariah, in a beautiful canticle that ends the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel, proclaims that John “will be called prophet of the Most High.” John’s eventual beheading is commemorated with a feast on Aug. 29. A patron saint of Canada and Jordan, John is also the patron of Florence and the Knights Hospitaller of St. John.

SCRIPTURE SEARCH

Scriptures for June 16, 2019 Romans 5:1-5 and John 16:12-15 Following is a word search based on the Second Reading and reading for the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, Cycle C. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle. JUSTIFIED LORD ACCESS HOPE CHARACTER CANNOT BEAR SPEAK

BY FAITH JESUS GRACE GLORY OF GOD LOVE TRUTH WHAT IS

PEACE GAINED WE STAND PRODUCES SPIRIT GUIDE YOU DECLARE

JUSTIFIED H O B

H O P

N O

D W C

R G K

L W S

O H

T W F

R M U

O A

N O O S

R O

A O N

G U

O U

JUNE 13, 2019

Sun 16 Mon 17 Tues 18 Wed 19 Thurs 20 Fri 21 Sat 22 Sun 23 Mon 24 Tues 25 Wed 26 Thurs 27 Fri 28 Sat 29

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 - SATURDAY, JUNE 29

first century June 24

Crosiers

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

WEEK IN SCRIPTURE

Spirit will add nothing to what Jesus taught, but will enable the Church to understand and unpack the full riches of Jesus’ life and teaching. The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” reminds us that “Christ, the Son of God made man, is the Father’s one, perfect, and unsurpassable Word. In him he has said everything; there will be no other word than this one” (para. 65). Jesus explained that he rendered glory to the Father by revealing him to his disciples and by initiating the Kingdom as the Father had willed: “[Father,] I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do” (Jn 17:4). Now, Jesus continues, the Holy Spirit will render the same glory to Jesus by revealing him throughout the centuries. Everything that Jesus had hoped and taught will be handed on eternally through the Holy Spirit active in the Church. Thus, God’s selfmanifestation to humanity is rooted in the Father, revealed by the Son, and kept forever alive and fresh within the human heart and mind through the power of the Holy Spirit. Our second reading, taken from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans, similarly describes the Trinitarian involvement in the very fiber of Christian life. Paul is luxuriating in the new life of peace with God. He speaks of this peace, which comes from being in a correct relationship with the Father. This relationship was made possible only by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus; St. Paul writes, “Through [Jesus] we have gained access by faith to the grace in which we stand . . .” (Rom 5:2). Finally, Paul acknowledges that the experience of this peace, and the consequent joy it bestows, are really the works of the Holy Spirit, manifesting the Father and Son to each Christian — “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit . . .” (Rom 5:5). Thus the most basic core of our Christian experience is already tied to the Three Persons in One God. As we celebrate Trinity Sunday, then, our readings inspire us to remember the Triune God’s ongoing, active involvement in our world, to cherish our status as beloved daughters and sons, and to take up our call of drawing all people into the Trinitarian fellowship of love and peace. May we resolve to praise this God who draws us into his own loving communion, as is well expressed in the Collect of the Trinity Sunday liturgy, “Grant us, we pray, that in professing the true faith, we may acknowledge the Trinity of eternal glory and adore your Unity, powerful in majesty.” Msgr. Fell is a Scripture scholar and director, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel

OUR FAITH

Nativity of John the Baptist

Trinity Sunday (C)

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EVANGELIZATION HERE & NOW

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Evangelization HERE AND NOW

Neophytes gather to celebrate new faith By Christina Leslie Correspondent PISCATAWAY — You could see it in their eyes as they gazed towards the altar. You could hear it in their voices as they firmly proclaimed their love of God in prayer and song. The newly baptized and confirmed Catholics seated in the chapel of the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center were indeed blessed. “I hope you know what unique and special people you are,” said Father Timothy A. Christy to those new members of the Church at the annual Neophyte Mass May 20. “I am convinced you would not be here unless you were called and chosen by God, invested in and loved by the Church.” Father Christy, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia, presided at the Mass; Oratorian Father Jeffrey M. Calia, pastor, Holy Trinity Parish, Bridgewater, concelebrated; and Deacon Michael S. Tomcho of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges, assisted. The neophytes sat amongst their catechists, family and friends to join in celebration of the momentous decision they had made to deepen their faith in the Lord. They represented some 280 men, women and children who had received the sacraments of baptism, first holy Communion and confirmation in about 65 parishes of the diocese during the April 20 Easter Vigil Mass. Sara Sharlow, director, diocesan Office of Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, explained that the annual Neophyte Mass “gives them a taste of the bigger Church and encourages them to celebrate their faith.” She expressed gratitude to the catechists and family members, saying, “You nurtured your neophytes through the process. If not for you, we would not be celebrating tonight.” The word neophyte means newly planted seeds, new lifeblood of the Church, Sharlow continued, and urged their active participation in the life of their parishes. “We need your enthusiastic new ideas and gifts,” she said. “Bring Jesus’ message to those who have not yet heard it.” In his homily, Father Christy declared the neophytes’ steps of faith took courage and were countercultural. “There were expectations in your heart, and you were willing to take a risk. You are very much like the first people Jesus called 2,000 years ago,” he said. “This is a radical call, an adventure, not for the faint of heart. We need help and encouragement.” Being a catechumen is to shape and

Top photo, Father Timothy A. Christy accepts the communion gifts from neophyte Indra Ramlakan of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, and her godmother, Miriam DePasquale, of the Cathedral. Left, neophyte Clarissa Afful gives witness, and poses with Father Christy and her mother, Clara Ahenkuro. — Marlo Williamson photos form hearts, Father Christy asserted, not strictly to impart knowledge, but instead to spend time with the Lord so their hearts might learn what he is all about. The Holy Spirit would lead them into the truth and lead them into the mysteries of Jesus’ power. “We have to be open vessels to put it into practice,” he said. “We don’t always feel the consequences of our beliefs. Privilege tends to make faith wither and die. Unless you are willing to stand for Him and with Him and let Him live with us, we cannot be touched and changed. “You joined a supernatural Church which depends on us being open vessels to love,” Father Christy concluded. “Look at the fruit of this chapel tonight, people who have experienced that love and want to love that way… With all your sins and weaknesses and imperfections he loves you… He has chosen you, not by accident. He wants to go forward in power and signs and wonders and love.” One neophyte, eighth-grader Clar-

issa Afful, stood witness before the congregation to share her impressions of the Easter Vigil at St. Matthew the Apostle Church, Edison. Being baptized and confirmed and receiving first holy Communion “was an eye-opening experience I’ll never forget,” she said. “At that time, I felt touched by the Holy Spirit.” Afful chose St. Gianna Beretta Molla, the Italian pediatrician who forsook treatment to preserve the life of her unborn child, as her confirmation name in admiration of the saint’s selflessness and loving nature. She proclaimed that her full initiation into the Church had inspired her to live God’s will fully. “Just as Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, when you truly understand what he did for us, dying on the cross, you appreciate the sacrifices He made for you and everyone else,” she said. “Tell your own story, how your faith goes forth,” urged Father Christy. “You are not bragging, but witnessing God’s love in your life. The world needs that.”

Journey of Faith By Father John Gerard Hillier Once, when I was serving Holy Mass as a young teenager at the Cathedral parish where I grew up, I recall the archbishop explaining in his homily that all lay people, young and old, rich and poor, male and female, share in the one priesthood of Jesus Christ by virtue of our baptism; that through the sacraments of baptism and conﬁrmation, the faithful are “consecrated to be a holy priesthood.” Unlike most, my baptism took place at the hospital where I was born because it was an “emergency” baptism. I recall approaching the archbishop after Mass that day and asking him whether I, too, shared in Christ’s priesthood since I was not baptized in the parish church. Nor were my parents, godparents or other family members present. Instead, the priest-chaplain and a nurse or two acted as proxies. The archbishop assured me that, “yes,” I too shared in the priesthood of Jesus Christ AND I shared in Christ’s prophetic and kingly life, as well. The Catechism, in speaking about this shared priesthood of the baptized, refers to it as “the common priesthood of the faithful,” which is “exercised by the unfolding of baptismal grace – a life of faith, hope, and charity, a life according to the Spirit” (ccc 1547). The ministerial or ordained priesthood and the common priesthood of all the faithful “participate, each in its own proper way, in the one priest-

hood of Christ” (ccc 1547). Quoting sacrifices over and over again, they from the Second Vatican Council’s were “unable to achieve a definitive 1964 Dogmatic Constitution on the sanctification” (ccc 1540), since their Church, the Catechism states: “While sacrifices were tainted by imperfection [the ministerial or ordained priesthood due to their sins. Only the sacrifice of and common priestChrist (the sinless, hood] are ordered one perfect lamb of God) to another, they differ would accomplish “In his ‘Commenessentially” (Lumen this because his was tary on the Epistle Gentium 10:2). In a perfect sacrifice, what sense do they offered by the perfect to the Hebrews,’ differ? The Catechism one; “the offering St. Thomas Aquianswers: “While the of the body of Jesus common priesthood Christ once for all” nas helps us to of the faithful is exer(Heb 10:10). cised by the unfolding The Catechism understand this of baptismal grace... teaches: “everything theology of the the ministerial [or that the priesthood ordained] priesthood of the Old Covenant priesthood by is at the service of prefigured finds its stating: “Only the common priestfulfillment in Christ hood. It is directed at Jesus” (ccc 1544). Christ is the true the unfolding of the This includes the Old baptismal grace of Testament “priestpriesthood, the all Christians” (ccc hood of Aaron and the others being only 1547). service of the Levites“ What does this as a prefigurement “of his ministers.” mean? The Catechism the ordained ministry continues: “the minof the New Covenant” isterial [or ordained] priesthood is a (ccc 1541) and “Melchizedek, priest means by which Christ unceasingly of God Most High, as a prefiguration builds up and leads his Church. For this of the priesthood of Christ, the unique reason it is transmitted by its own sac- high priest after the order of Melchizerament, the sacrament of Holy Orders” dek” (ccc 1544). (ccc 1547). To help explain this, the Catechism offers an overview of the priesthood that existed in the Old Testament. “A special rite consecrated the beginnings of the priesthood of the Old Covenant” (ccc 1539), the Catechism tells us. “Instituted to proclaim the Word of God and to restore communion with God by sacrifices and prayer, this priesthood nevertheless remained powerless to bring about salvation” (ccc 1540). Why was it powerless to bring about salvation? Because, although the priests SPOTLIGHT PILGRIMAGE: of the Old Covenant repeated their

Travel

To summarize, in his “Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews,” St. Thomas Aquinas helps us to understand this theology of the priesthood by stating: “Only Christ is the true priesthood, the others being only his ministers.” As the Catechism explains, “the whole community of believers is, as such, priestly. The faithful exercise their baptismal priesthood through their participation, each according to his own vocation, in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, and king” (ccc 1546). Thanks to Christ’s invitation at the Last Supper, “Do this in memory of me ...” (Lk 22:19), we are able to share in his redemptive sacrifice “once for all” (Heb 10:10) every time we participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, where his “once for all” sacrifice is represented for us in the here and now. “The redemptive sacrifice of Christ is unique, accomplished once for all; yet it is made present in the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Church. The same is true of the one priesthood of Christ; it is made present through the ministerial priesthood without diminishing the uniqueness of Christ’s priesthood” (ccc 1545). Father Hillier serves as Director of the Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Censor Librorum and oversees the Office for Persons with Disabilities

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42 OUR DIOCESE

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SOUTH PLAINFIELD — The example of the Good Samaritan serves as a reminder of Christianity’s place in today’s society, argued Augustinian Father Paul F. Morrissey during his presentation entitled “And Who is My Neighbor?” at Sacred Heart Church Aptril 10. “It was all the same, monolithic world,” Father Morrissey recalled of his youth in Upper Darby, Penn. “We were all one tribe.” One of 15 children, the future priest watched his mother treat the less fortunate with dignity, serving them sandwiches and milk on their front stoop. He learned that although they were different, their lives had value. “How do we learn to feel about difference? In today’s crisis of merging, of assimilation, how can deal with this fear?” he asked, then answered, “We get to know them. We need others so I can be clear who I am.”

A homeless man gave this rendition of Jesus on a cardboard sign to Father Morrissey.

— Christina Leslie photos `

Father Morrissey earned a degree in civil engineering at Villanova University (Pa.). After working briefly for an aeronautics company, he entered the Augustinians, and in 2017 celebrated 50 years of priesthood. A spiritual director and prison chaplain, Father Morrissey is the author of “Let Someone Hold You: The Journey of a Hospice Priest, in 1994; a novel, “The Black Wall of Silence,” in 2015, and serves as editor of “Voices From Prison and the Edge,” a quarterly newsletter for prisoners, their families and others afflicted by crime. The priest touched upon the subject of crime, revealing he became a chaplain in the Philadelphia prison system at age 65. It was not an easy transition from hospice ministry for him. “Prison ministry showed me the other and I was afraid of that,” Father Morrissey said. “My first day, I was scared to death. It looked like a movie. I would walk through the cell block and think they were going to snap my neck.” Jesus and his encounters with the poor, the marginalized, sinners and outcasts should serve as example to us, Father Morrisey asserted. “When you come before the Lord in his kingdom, you will hear, ‘whatever you did to one of my least, you did it to me,’” the priest said. “This is our judgement day. We are to reach out because it is Jesus in his distressing disguise: in the nursing home, in the prison, in the homeless on the street.” Father Morrissey continued, “Pope Francis said, ‘The way of the Church is precisely to leave the four walls behind and search for those in the distance.’ “The whole world is waiting on the outskirts, not only to integrate those who knock on our door, but to respond to those in need in society. We will not find the Lord unless we seek him among them.” Resting against the speaker podium was a roughly drawn cardboard sign with the words “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do” and a rendering of Jesus, crowned with thorns, extending his hand pierced with a spike. The priest explained, “A wild-looking homeless man gave this to me. He pushed his way into church amongst all those ‘saved’ people. That was Jesus.”

OUR DIOCESE

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

Augustinian Father Paul M. Morrissey speaks at Sacred Heart Church. He became a chaplain in the Philadelphia prison system after serving in hospice ministry. At the conclusion of the presentation, Father Morrissey pressed “play” on a tape recorder, and the 1960s song “Get Together” by the Youngbloods ﬁlled the church, summarizing the Biblical tenets he had discussed in the vernacular: “If you hear the song I sing You will understand You hold the key to love and fear All in your trembling hand Just one key unlocks them both It’s there at your command. Come on people now Smile on your brother Everybody get together Try to love one another right now.”

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44 OUR DIOCESE

Longtime parish secretary mourned by hundreds at memorial service By Karen Corpora Correspondent PHILLIPSBURG — The death of Cathy Steigerwalt, secretary at St. Philip and St. James Parish, sent shock waves through the community. Steigerwalt, 55, who served at the parish for the past 31 years, died of smoke inhalation in a ﬁre at her home in Bethlehem, Pa., May 11, authorities said. St. Philip and St. James Church was ﬁlled with hundreds of people who came to express their condolences to her family at a memorial service May 20. In his homily, Father John J. Barbella, pastor, St. Philip and St. James Parish, said, “Tonight, we gather to pray that like Mary and the women at the tomb on Easter morning, our sadness will turn to joy when we see Cathy again in heaven.” He noted that everyone would have their own memories of Steigerwalt. He also reminded those present that as important as those memories are, Chris-

tians are called to look ahead. “We are well aware of how Cathy’s earthly dwelling has been destroyed, but the good news is that God has something better for her in heaven. Cathy believed this, and tonight we ask God to help us believe it, too,” Father Barbella said. “While believing it won’t take all our sadness away, it will give us something to hope in and look forward to.” Many of the priests and deacons who served the parish while Steigerwalt served there attended. The church choir sang songs of meditation, which added to the beauty of the evening. Following the service, all were invited to the parish hall for a reception and continued fellowship. Arlene Piatt, a longtime parishioner, said, “Cathy was the heart of the parish and much loved. I’m not sure how they will get along without her.” She also said she admired the secretary’s dedication to the parish and her professionalism. “We have an extremely busy parish with many ministries and groups and they would all contact her,” said Ann

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Foose, who knew Steigerwalt since she started working at the parish. “She basically was the glue that held everything together for the church.” She was very dedicated to her job and rarely took a day off. Father Barbella commented, “She would say that after 30 years, she still looked forward to coming to work each day, which says a great deal about how much she loved and served the people of this parish.” Nancy Ensley, a lifelong member of the parish, was hired as the new secretary, Father Barbella announced in the parish’s May 26 Sunday bulletin. “Our parish is deeply saddened by Cathy’s passing,” said Father Barbella, who worked with Steigerwalt daily for more than 10 years. “She cared deeply about the people of this parish and had a big heart. My prayers go out to Cathy’s family that God will comfort them in their loss.” Steigerwalt’s family members seemed to be greatly moved by the memorial service, the size of the crowd and the outpouring of love and support from

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Prayer and Worship

June 29, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — St. Mary Council 426, Knights of Columbus, South Amboy, will present a Men’s Day of Reﬂection facilitated by Father Sean W. Kenney. The day will begin with Mass at 9 a.m. in the church. The presentation will follow Mass in St. Patrick’s Hall. For information or to register, call John Kobiernicki, (732) 721-1514 or email jkobiernicki4@gmail. com. July 6, 10 a.m. — The National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Washington, invites all to First Saturday devotions to honor the plea of Our Lady. The speaker and main celebrant will be Benedictine Father Demetrius Thomas. The day will include confessions, speakers, Mass, recitation of the Rosary, Brown Scapular Enrollment and more. The day will conclude with Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3 p.m. For details, call (908) 689-1700, ext. 224 or visit www. bluearmy.com.

Fun and Food

June 29, 7 p.m. — St. Bernadette Parish, Parlin, will present An Evening of Pop, Opera and Song. Tribute artist, Johnny Tarangelo will sing favorites from the 50’s, 60’s, Motown and the Great American Song Book. Italian favorites and songs sung by Andrea Bocelli will be performed by tribute artist, Joe Burruano. Tickets are $25 per person. To order tickets, call Joe Tatulli, (732) 749-9413.

July 4, 9 a.m. — The Our Lady of Lourdes, Milltown, and the Our Lady of Victories, Sayreville, Respect Life Groups, invites all to join them marching in the Milltown Fourth of July Parade. Bring your church banner and wear an appropriate pro-life shirt. Shirts will be available. The group will meet in the church parking lot. For information, email Ted Tyszkiewicz, treasurelife33@gmail.com.

Carnivals and Festivals

June 19-22 — St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Sayreville, invites all to its carnival on the parish grounds. The carnival will feature rides, games, live entertainment, homemade food, a pig roast and ﬁsh fry. To purchase discount ride tickets, call (732) 254-0212.

July 21, 1 p.m. — The Knights of Columbus in conjunction with the New York Yankees, is sponsoring Send a Hero Home for the Holidays. $18 of each ticket sold goes towards helping to send service personnel serving in New Jersey, home for Christmas by providing transportation. Seat are available in Section 131 for $75 or in Section 232B for $55. For details, visit https://offer. fevo.com/new-jersey-state-knights-ofcolumbus-df77de7.

June 19-23 — Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale, will hold its annual parish festival on the parish grounds. Fireworks will be held on June 19 and 22. Wristband nights will be held on June 20 and 23. For pre-sale ride tickets, call (908) 735-7319 or visit www.icfestival.org. June 22, noon to 9 p.m. — Assumption Catholic Church, is sponsoring its annual Ukrainian Cultural Festival on the church grounds. Admission is free. The festival will feature music, dancing, homemade Ukrainian food, beer, desserts, vendors and more.

Support Programs

June 25, 7 to 9 p.m. — Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, Watchung, will present a men’s group entitled “Man to Man.” The evening will feature life afﬁrming discussion and prayer to ﬁnd God in your life and how to make a difference in the world. A free-will offering will be collected. For information, call (908) 753-2091 or visit www.msmhope.org.

Special Events

June 22 and 23 — Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish, Middlesex, will present a showing of the ﬁlm “Guadalupe: The Miracle and the Message” in the church basement after all Masses. The movie will be shown in Spanish after the 1:30 p.m. Spanish Mass. To reserve a seat, email the Evangelization Team, evangelization@ olmv.net or call the parish ofﬁce, (732) 356-2149.

Book Clubs

Corpus Christi Parish, South River, will hold a book club studying books on Catholic spirituality and the impact of technology

Marketplace

NewChinese Jersey Chinese Apostolate New Jersey CatholicCatholic Apostolate New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate 新澤西華人天主教會 New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate 新澤西華人天主教會 New中區 Jersey Catholic Apostolate 新澤西華人天主教會 OurChinese Lady of Mt Virgin Church 650 Harris Ave, 新澤西華人天主教會

on the ﬁrst Tuesday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. The club will meet at the South River Public Library in the Meeting Room. All are welcome.

Special Programs

June 29, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, Watchung, will present “I, Too, Dislike It.” The program will look at the works of Billy Collins, Kay Ryan, Robert Frost and others. Celebrate the joy of language and learn how it may inspire your own writing. Lunch is included. The cost is $45-$55 as you are able to pay. Registration is required. For information or to register, call (908) 753-2091 or visit www.msmhope.org.

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.

Outside the Diocese

June 23, 1:30 p.m. — The Shrine of St. Joseph, Stirling, invites all to a Mass of Thanksgiving in of the jubilee anniversaries of Father Ralph S.T. and Father Peter Krebs, S.T. A reception will be held in the auditorium after Mass. To R.S.V.P. email luzbasalar@stshrine.org by June 16.

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Our Lady of Peace Parish DIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND LITURGY

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.

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6/22 Priesthood Ordinations, Office of Vocations, 10:30 a.m., Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Bishop Checchio will ordain Deacons Joseph Illes, Matthew Marinelli and Michael Tabernero as priests for service in our Diocese. All are welcome. For information, visit www.diometuchen. org/vocations. 6/25 Permanent Deacon Information Meeting, Office of the Diaconate, 7:30 p.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The diocese is starting a new deacon formation class to begin in the spring of 2020. Men between the ages of 35 and 60 who believe they are being called to the ministry, are invited to attend the information meeting. For information or to RSVP, call the Diaconate Office, (732) 562-2423. 6/25-27 Quo Vadis Days, Diocese of Metuchen. Young men ages 14-17 are invited to spend three days living, praying and interacting with priests, seminarians and faith-filled teens. Dynamic talks, a visit from Bishop Checchio, sports and activities, pray, small group discussion and more will be included. For information, email quovadis@diometuchen.org.

July

7/3 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. 7/14 Holy Hour for Priests, Office of Evangelization, 3 p.m. St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. All are welcome.

August

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.

C L A Y Y L A R E L I C E T U S I N A I M O J B E N O X E N L S H E L L V A N W E A K O R L E A M M B U S H

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To view more classifieds, go to The Catholic Spirit’s Web Page and click on the “classifieds” tab. To place your ad call:

HELP WANTED

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

(732) 529-7934

“Come, Follow me.” (Mark 10:21)

Is God calling you to serve as a priest, religious sister or brother? If you think maybe . . . contact the Office of Vocations:

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

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT JUNE 13, 2019

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POSITION WANTED

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RATES

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) 2434580 or email pontifical.mission.societies@diometuchen.org.

For information call: (732 )529-7934 • E-mail: jleviton@diometuchen.org

OUR DIOCESE

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.

CLASSIFIED

June

DIOCESAN EVENTS

OUR DIOCESE

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service One day, Jesus called his apostles to him. He gave them the power and authority over all demons, and he gave them the ability to cure the sick. Afterward, he sent them from village to village to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal those who were ill. “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic,” Jesus told his friends. “Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” After their travels, the apostles

JUNE 19-22, 2

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returned to Jesus to tell him all that food. Then he broke up the bread and isfied, and the apostles did not run out they had done. Great crowds of people fish and told his friends to begin feed- of food to give. And when the leftover always surrounded Jesus, so he and ing the crowd. bits of food were gathered, there was the apostles quietly withdrew to the Everyone ate until they were sat- enough to fill 12 wicker baskets. town of Bethsaida so they could talk. But the people figured out where Jesus and his friends were going and followed them. Jesus did not turn the people away. He talked to them about God 1. How many loaves and fish did Jesus and his friends have to share and cured all those who were ick. with the crowd? As the end of the day drew near, 2. How many men needed to be fed? the apostles approached Jesus. “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and proviWhere did Jesus' first miracle take place? (Hint: Jn. 2:1-12) sions; for we are in a deserted place here,” they said. “Give them some food yourUsing the hints provided, fill in the blanks with the correct words to selves,” Jesus replied. complete the sentences about miracles. The apostles looked concerned. “Five loaves and two fish are all 1. Moses raised his _______ over the sea, and God turned the sea into we have, unless we ourselves go and _______. (Ex. 14:21-22) buy food for all these people,” they said. 2. Jesus walked on the _______ toward the apostles'_______. (Mt. 14:22-33) Jesus looked out over the crowd, 3. God worked through Elijah to make sure the widow had enough _____ and which contained about 5,000 men. “Have them sit down in groups of ______. (1 Kg.17:14) about 50,” he told his friends. 4. Jesus raised _______, who had been dead for _________. (Jn. 11:1-44) The apostles did what Jesus asked and had everyone sit down. Jesus then took the five loaves of bread and the two fish. He looked up Wed & Thur : 6:00 -10:said to heaven and the 00 pma•blessing Fri & Sat: 5:over 00 -11:00 pm