June 20, 2024

Spirit

Six perpetual pilgrims and friends rest on the steps of St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, New Brunswick on the second of three stops of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage traveling the Seton Route through the Diocese. See our complete caption, pg. 2; pilgrimage coverage pgs. 6-8, 48 —Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo

To bring us Eucharist, prayers and hearts open to God’s voice are needed for more priests

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

The love of Jesus for us, present to us in the Eucharist was abundantly clear as the Eucharistic Pilgrimage arrived in our Diocese. The Seton Route, one of four processions, arrived in our Diocese from New York on the afternoon of Memorial Day.

The priesthood Ordinations for our Diocese on June 8 made that day blessed, as well. We had five candidates for Ordination, which is wonderful. The last time we had five priests ordained for the Diocese was in 2002, so this was an historic occasion. I did have the blessing of ordaining five men to the priesthood in 2019 when I ordained four men for our Diocese and one for the Oratory in Raritan.

For our Ordination this year, our cathedral was full with people even standing in the back. I am told that there were 130 priests at the ordination, along with deacons and many religious. The choir sang beautifully; our seminarians served devoutly and well. Even the weather cooperated with a perfect day.

It was extra special that the Ordination was on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I’m always grateful when our Ordinations can be on feast days of Mary or the Apostles. Fortuitously, four of the new priests were ordained deacons

Cover photo: Pilgrims,

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from

on the memorial of Our Lady of Fatima, so they certainly will have a close bond with our Mother, Mary.

Mary must have a special place in her heart for all priests, as in a way, we emulate her in bringing Jesus into the world. When God decided that it was the time for Jesus to come into the world as our Saviour, He had to decide how that would happen, and His thoughts obviously turned to Mary. God didn’t force Mary though, He asked her, and awaited her “yes” to the Archangel’s question, “Will you be the Mother of God?” Her yes allows God to use Mary to bring Jesus into the world and forever changes our world.

Likewise, God doesn’t force any of us to become priests. He gently and lovingly invites us. I think in our day, with all the noise in our world, it is hard for young men to quiet themselves so that they can hear the Lord. It is our “yes,” the concrete yes of the five men on June 8, that allows God to now use them to bring His Son into the world anew as they lead our faithful in praying the Eucharistic prayer at Mass. So how important it is for we priests to draw close to Mary in prayer, often, so we can try to emulate her more closely in how we live our lives.

I ask that you pray for our priests, our new ones of course, but also for all our priests, who bring Jesus to you. Pray, too, for more men to be able to quiet themselves to hear the call of God to follow Jesus in His priesthood. We are blessed with good seminarians and have seven who are applying or have applied

are Christoph Bernas, Natalie

Zoe

Dom-

Father James Tucker, a priest of the Diocese, and Sister of Christian Charity Anna Nguyen, diocesan Delegate for Religious and Consecrated Life. See our pilgrimage coverage pgs. 6-8, 48

to join the Diocese this year, which is wonderful, but we need more to have enough shepherds for all our parishes. Your role in praying for vocations and promoting them, asking men to consider it with their lives, is so important. Thank you for all you do.

Next month, a group of us from the Diocese will go to Indianapolis for our Eucharistic Congress, the first one in over 80 years. This will be an historic event, too! It is nice that we had the Eucharistic Pilgrimage pass through our Diocese as we prepared for the Congress. So many of our faithful were able to participate in the processions, which certainly heightened our awareness and enabled us to be a part of this wonderful event.

I will certainly be praying for all

of you, asking the Lord to help us all to draw closer to Him in the great gift of the Eucharist. I will also be praying for more priests, so we always have priests to serve in all our parishes and provide us with the Eucharist. No doubt, our Blessed Mother will assist us in our prayers! Know of my love, prayers and gratitude for you all during this wonderful time in our Church. God bless you all, and please remember to pray for me.

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

Diocese welcomes new Camden bishop

The Diocese of Metuchen welcomes the news from our Holy Father, Pope Francis, of the appointment of the Most Reverend Joseph Williams as the Coadjutor Bishop of Camden.

The faithful of the Diocese of Camden are wonderful people dedicated to the Church, deepening their friendship with Christ and spreading His love throughout South Jersey. Bishop Williams will find himself well supported by the generous clergy and religious in bringing God’s mercy to the people of the diocese. Indeed, Bishop Sullivan’s devoted leadership, a true blessing, will serve as a guiding light for his new coadjutor bishop.

The Holy Father has given the Camden Diocese a wonderful gift in Bishop Williams, who brings a pastor’s heart focused on Christ and the service of all His people. All of us in the Diocese of Metuchen join together in praying for Bishop Williams and the faithful of the Diocese of Camden. I personally look forward to collaborating with our new Bishop in serving the good people of New Jersey.

May Our Lady of Guadalupe be near and intercede for him and all of us.

Ad multos Annos! Bishop Williams!

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

How to report abuse

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

pictured

left,

Garza,

inic Carstens, Amayrani Higueldo, Marina Frattaroli, and

Dongas. Guests, from left, are

Tucker, sister of

On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, patron of the American Province of the Little Servant Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, Bishop James F. Checchio made a special visit to their Provincialate - Novitiate in Cherry Hill to celebrate the Jubilees of Religious Life of Sister Mieczyslawa Koczera (50 years) and Sister Monika Aleksandrowicz (25 years). The Little Servant Sisters serve in St. Joseph Senior Home-Assisted Living and Nursing Center, Woodbridge. —Joe Warner photo

Religious Freedom Week 2024: Called to the Fullness of Dignity

● Religious Freedom Week takes place June 22 – 29 each year. It begins with the feast day of Ss. Thomas More and John Fisher, includes the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, and ends with the feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. The theme for this year is Called to the Fullness of Dignity.

● The USCCB provides “Pray–Reflect–Act” resources at www.usccb. org/ReligiousFreedomWeek–one for each day on different religious liberty topics. These materials help people learn about religious liberty from a Catholic perspective, pray about particular issues, and act on what they learn by advocating for policies that promote religious freedom.

● Building on this year’s Annual Report, the Week highlights concerns about attacks on houses of worship. There is no greater threat to religious liberty than for one’s house of worship to become a place of danger, and the country sadly finds itself in a place where that danger is real.

● The Week also calls attention to threats to Catholic ministries that serve immigrants. In recent years, Christian services to migrants have faced vile attacks by both media personalities and political leaders seeking to make a point about current immigration trends. While debates about immigration and borders are simply part of American political life, the attacks on Catholic charitable services, which have led to threats of violence against the faithful and those they serve, have nothing to do

with healthy debate. A nation that respects its religious institutions will recognize the Church’s right to carry out her mission to vulnerable people, including migrants and refugees

● The attacks on both sacred spaces and ministries to migrants reflect the political and cultural polarization that has come to characterize so much of American life. Religious Freedom Week encourages Catholics do their part to promote civility by recognizing the dignity of all people and inviting others to do the same.

● This year, the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty, in collaboration with the Secretariat of Catholic Education and Our Sunday Visitor Institute, hosted a religious liberty essay contest. The competition was open to high school juniors and seniors. This year’s theme is “Witnesses to Freedom.” Contestants were asked to share the story of witness to freedom—a story of the people who inspire us. The top essays from the competition will be published during Religious Freedom Week.

● Connect with the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty. Text FREEDOM to 84576 and sign up for First Freedom News, the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty’s monthly newsletter.

● Through prayer, education, and action during Religious Freedom Week, we can promote the fundamental right of religious freedom for Catholics and for people of all faiths

Bishop James F. Checchio joins members of the Tri-State Italian-American Congress on May 28 in St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, for the distribution by the Congress of $40,000 in scholarship monies to 40 students in four schools of the Diocese, including Immaculata High School, Somerville; St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison; St. Joseph School, Carteret and Sts. Philip and James School, Phillipsburg. Providing educational opportunities for Italian-American children is one of the goals of the Congress. —Hal Brown photo

On June 2, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Corpus Christi, Bishop Checchio joined Rev. Msgr. Eugene Prus at Blessed Sacrament Church, Martinsville as he marked his 60th Anniversary to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ. —Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo

Bishop Checchio is blessed by students during his May 31 visit to Koinonia Academy with Father Tom Lanza, diocesan vocations director, where Bishop celebrated Mass and met with the school community. —Koinonia Academy photo

By Deacon Patrick Cline Correspondent

The breadth and depth of the rich cultural makeup of the Diocese of Metuchen was clearly evident June 8, in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, as Bishop James F. Checchio ordained five men to the priesthood. The new priests – two from Vietnam, one from the Philippines, one from Costa Rica and one from Poland – were welcomed and supported

Bishop Checchio extended his greetings to the congregation, thanking the faithful in attendance and noting the number of visitors from across the U.S. and other countries. His words of welcome were shared in Spanish, Polish and Vietnamese by select representatives.

Bishop Checchio served as principal celebrant and homilist, while concele-

Esmilla, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, along with more than 100 priests from the Diocese as well as priest relatives and friends of the ordinands from other dioceses.

In his homily Bishop Checchio reflected on the Gospel passage for the Mass, Jesus calling his first four disciples by promising them that he will make

them fishers of men. The Bishop said that this was an indication the Lord, “wished to redirect their natural talents and skills to accomplish important work for the Gospel, the building up of his Kingdom.”

Addressing the five men he would ordain – Randy Gamboa Espinoza, Joseph Ho, Larrydom Magdasoc, Dawid Malik and Peter Phan – the Bishop told them, “that the Lord does exactly this same thing to you that he did with all the

1. Deacons Joseph Ho, Randy Gamboa Espinoza, Dawid Malik, Larrydom Magdasoc and Peter Phan, stand in the sanctuary in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, June 8, before Bishop James F. Checchio and the congregation who express their assent through their applause to the men who have been chosen for Ordination to the Priesthood. 2. More than 100 priests of the Diocese, along with others hailing from various parts of the state and country, helped fill the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi to celebrate the men who would become priests. 3. The five deacons prostrate themselves on the floor of the sanctuary as a sign of humility while the congregation and choir sing a litany invoking Jesus and all holy men and women to pray for them. 4. In silence, Bishop Checchio lays hands on the head of Deacon Espinoza, calling down the Holy Spirit on the one to be ordained. Ordination takes place with the laying on of hands and the following Prayer of

Consecration. 5. Brother priests follow the Bishop in laying hands on the head of those to be ordained, asking the Holy Spirit to give them a sacred character and set them apart for their ministry. 6. Father Larrydom Magdasoc shares the Greeting of Peace with Bishop Daniel F. Blanco of the Archdiocese of San Jose, Costa Rica. 7. Father Joseph Ho offers a first blessing to the parents of Father Michael Tabernero, a priest of the Diocese. 8. The joyous occasion of Ordination to the Priesthood June 8 brings together, from left, Father Randy Gamboa Espinoza; Father Joseph Ho; Bishop Effren Esmilla, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; Bishop James F. Checchio; Bishop Daniel F. Blanco, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Jose, Costa Rica; Father Larrydom Magdosac; Father Dawid Malik, and Father Peter Phan. —Mike Ehrmann

Supernatural life needs supernatural nourishment

By Rev. Br. Steven Bolton, CO Special Contributor

It is common knowledge that our bodies need food and water to continue their biological processes of regeneration and growth. Without food and water, our bodies begin to slow down and struggle to function properly. If we wait long enough, death may occur, at which point no more biological processes are functioning and our bodies begin to decay and break down.

If we can see this natural relationship between physical nourishment and our physical bodies, then why is it hard for many to see the logical connection between our spirits and spiritual nourishment?

Maybe it is precisely that we don’t “see” this connection since the spiritual realm is not visible to our organic eyes. Instead, we intuit the spiritual realm via our perception that we are more than a bunch of organic cells. However, we don’t need to rely only on intuition, for Our Lord has revealed to us that our lives are more than the physical!

Therefore, the need for spiritual nourishment should be a logical progression in our thought. Nevertheless, if this is still not the case for some, then at least the experience of a “dry spirituality” should wake one up to this basic necessity.

By our faith we know that what we are called to is a supernatural reality. Life in Christ is not simply a utopic ideal of natural human life. Instead, life in Christ is a completely new creation – Man infused with the Divine! Thus, we (in very serious and matter of fact terms) cannot achieve this life by our own nature, nor can we sustain it once given to us. And

Thoughts from the Heart: Reflections on the Eucharistic Pilgrimage in the Diocese

herein lies our need for supernatural nourishment.

We are creatures with the capacity for the supernatural when reborn in Baptism and infused with the Holy Spirit. This reality continues to be a lived reality when we allow the Spirit to abide with us and to continually animate our nature in supernatural ways. However, this abiding of the Spirit can be removed if we turn back to our natural tendencies and reject the ways of God. The weakness of our fallen nature is such that we are content with so little, even when we are offered everything we could imagine and more!

Because our spirits are not subject to decomposition like our bodies are, our spirits’ “decay” is not the same. The “spiritual decay” of a person is experienced through the internal agitation of bitterness, anxiety, anger, lust, greed, malice, etc. You know, those unsettling experiences that seem unmanageable and even painful to many in human history.

Well, Our Good and Gracious God did not leave Man (male and female) in his fallen, miserable state! He saved us by providing the Way, the Truth, and the Life that all human persons are called to conform to. In Christ we don’t just have a pattern of how human life is meant to be lived, we also have the bridge from earth to heaven! Christ’s very body is the conduit that the Father in heaven desires to infuse supernatural grace into His children on earth. Baptism only opens the door to the supernatural life in Christ; the other Sacraments help nurture, sustain, and increase this supernatural reality!

Thus, the Eucharist is not just bread and wine, but the true body, blood, soul, and divinity of Our Savior (under the appearance of bread and wine) so that

The eucharistic perpetual adoration chapel at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore features a gold-plated tabernacle custom made in Spain. —CNS photo/Kevin J. Parks, Catholic Review

our very spirits can be nourished by God Himself!

Once one sees the logical connection between physical natures and their natural necessities for sustenance, I believe it’s easier to see that the spiritual dimension shares this logical dependency as well. The difference is that the nourishment is not of this world, but from God Himself, for the nourishment is God Himself.

It is only God who is (properly speaking) supernatural, for all other created things have natures (i.e., are natural

Father Landry’s talk on Monday night was really engaging. He spoke about how this was the first national Eucharistic pilgrimage ever and it made me excited to be a part of it. Then he said we would be walking 15 miles, and I became nervous thinking to myself, “What have I gotten myself into?!” The walk was a beautiful experience. Just walking with Jesus and seeing other people’s reactions as we came by was incredible. One lady put on her flashers, stopped her car, and knelt on the pavement as we came past. Another beautiful experience was walking with someone I had known a long time but never really talked significantly with. The time passed by so quickly as we got lost in conversation and walking with Jesus the 15 miles together.

SUSAN JANKIEWICZ DURAN

OUR LADY OF LOURDES, WHITEHOUSE STATION

beings). The Eucharist is the supernatural nourishment for the Catholic because the life it sustains is not our own, it’s first and foremost God’s. Thus, I encourage you to NOT ignore the Eucharist. Prepare well and often to receive Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament at Mass. He truly is the bread that has come down from heaven.

Oratorian Brother Steven Bolton is assigned to Holy Trinity Parish, Bridgewater, and assists as deacon in all parishes under the care of the Raritan Oratory, including the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.

“I’m so grateful to have been able to walk last week with Jesus through the streets of New Jersey. I’ve been seeing the pilgrimage online on my Facebook page for a month or so and just felt like I wanted to go to Indianapolis for the Congress, but honestly couldn’t afford to do it at this time. I had a customer who invited me on the Diocese of Metuchen walk on Tuesday and I was thrilled to be invited. I felt a part of this beautiful pilgrimage.”

JANICE GENSHEIMER, DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN, PA., ST. ANTHONY’S OF PADUA, EASTON

“The need for Eucharistic Revival coincides, and indeed thrives, alongside the Catholic approach to unity. The notion of “both/and” has been a common theme in my prayer life in recent years, and the journey toward the Eucharistic Congress this summer has been a great way to see that meaning in action. It’s been an absolute spiritual sight to uphold getting to meet the pilgrims and see processions across our great state.”

MATT PANA, DIRECTOR OF EVANGELIZATION FOR YOUNG CATHOLIC PROFESSIONALS NORTH JERSEY 2024

Memorial Park, Metuchen, Seton Route —Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo

Perpetual Pilgrims make journey of a lifetime, bring National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to the Diocese

By Robert Christie, Correspondent Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor

Hundreds of faithful gathered in St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Metuchen, May 27, to welcome six Perpetual Pilgrims on their journey to the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana which takes place from July 17 - 21. The national pilgrimage, the first in 83 years, consists of four walking routes from divergent parts of the country who will all meet in Indianapolis. Arrival in the Diocese of Metuchen, which is part of the Seton Route, marked day 11 for the pilgrims.

The World Apostolate of Fatima-Our Lady’s Blue Army pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which goes before the pilgrimage along the Seton Route, arrived at the Cathedral in late afternoon.

Franciscan Friar of the Renewal Father Luke Mary Fletcher, chaplain of the World Apostolate of the Blue Army shrine, Asbury, delivered a talk asserting the apparition of Our Lady at Fatima “was the most prophetic of all Marian apparitions” and had many links to her son, the Eucharistic Presence.

“Mary came to request a chapel to be built, and processions be held,” Father Fletcher said. “The last time Mary came was the time the sun could be seen dancing. The rising sun reminded them of the resurrection of Jesus. The miraculous dancing of sun in the sky was a miracle, and the Eucharist is THE miracle.” He added, “Even the beautiful tabernacle is not the final destination of the Eucharistic Jesus. It is us.”

The evening event was led by Bishop

1. After welcoming hundreds of pilgrims May 27 to the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, the first stop in the Diocese of Metuchen on the Seton Route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrim, Bishop James F. Checchio stands in prayer before the crowned National Pilgrim Statue of Fatima.

2,3. Pilgrims from across the Diocese and country spent hours in praise and adoration of Jesus in the Eucharist the evening of May 27, many staying in the Cathedral throughout the night until the morning hours.

4. Youth from Catholic high schools in the Diocese carry the canopy covering the monstrance as pilgrims leave the Cathedral May 28 for the next stop at St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, New Brunswick.

5. Pilgrims pray with the Eucharist as the pilgrimage makes a stop in Memorial Park, Metuchen, on its way to New Brunswick.

Eucharist aids faithful in becoming saints, says pilgrim priest

By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor

“They’re coming!”

The joyful declaration sprang from the lips of those standing outside St. Augustine of Canterbury Church as they spotted the group of pilgrims following behind a monstrance held high as it processed along Henderson Road the afternoon of May 28. The group, though weary, thirsty and sunburned after their 15-mile walk, nonetheless shared their joy with jubilant smiles as they entered the Kendall Park church for a program of prayer, Benediction and a talk by Father Roger Landry on the third of three stops in the Diocese of Metuchen.

The pilgrims traveling along the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage had begun their visit to the Diocese with a stop at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in bucolic Metuchen, then a six-mile walk to the city of New Brunswick for a stop at St. Peter’s University and Community Parish, the oldest church in the Diocese.

“If you receive Holy Communion

more and better, you can become saints,” asserted Father Landry in his talk entitled “The Eucharistic Path of Holiness.” The priest, who serves as chaplain of New York’s Columbia University, advised the congregation to follow the four pillars of the Church and ask for the intercession of saints who can help us to live them well to reinvigorate worship with the help of St. John Paul II; have a personal encounter with Jesus with the help of St. Manuel Gonzalez Garcia, one of the two co-patrons of the National Eucharistic Revival; show charity with the help of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the patron of the eastern route of the pilgrimage, and embrace mission to spread Eucharistic knowledge and faith with the help of soon-to-be-canonized Blessed Carlo Acutis, the other Revival co-patron.

“There is a Eucharistic path to holiness which encompasses these four pillars,” said Father Landry. “We can be a sacrament of love in the midst of the world… Ask these saints to pray for us to be a catalyst, a leaven, to lift up the whole Church in Eucharistic knowledge, faith,

1. On May 28, the towering buildings of New Brunswick rise up before the pilgrims who lead the Eucharistic procession in front of the Monstrance which holds the body of Christ. An umbrella is held over the Monstrance and the priest who carries it as a protection from the sun. 2. After arriving at St. Peter the Apostle Church, the oldest church in the Diocese, pilgrims celebrated daily Mass and shared lunch before getting on the road again to St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park.

3. The Eucharistic procession from St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, New Brunswick, arrives at St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, the late afternoon of May 28, accompanied by police cars and a support vehicle.

4. Father Roger Landry, one of the six Perpetual Pilgrims and a National Eucharistic preacher for the National Eucharistic Revival, carries the Monstrance and Eucharist out of St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish to the sound of bagpipers, and takes it to the Eucharistic Revival Van for transport to the Diocese of Trenton, the next leg of the Seton Route. —All photos are Gerald Wutkowski Jr. except #4 by Mark Lee.

amazement, gratitude, love and life.”

Father Jay Toborowsky, Metuchen Diocese Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, issued a challenge to the pilgrims who were on the liturgical walk of their lives.

“So many times in the Gospel we read about Jesus entering villages where he heals and teaches, then he moves on,” said the priest. “We never quite think about how the village is after Jesus left. What is that village like after the presence

of God? They would remember what they had experienced and [issued] the challenge to make it a part of their lives.”

Father Toborowsky then introduced Msgr. Thomas Gervasio, Trenton Diocese Vicar General, who accepted the golden monstrance, saying, “We are unworthy to have you under our roof, but say only the word and our souls will be here. May Christ be carried to the Diocese of Trenton. Touch, transform and heal our hearts.”

Forgiveness, for ourselves and of others, is lived out in Eucharist

Article 187 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 2838-2845

We all know people who feel “unable” to forgive or refuse to forgive. Perhaps you are among them. Some people are “unable” to forgive or refuse to forgive for all the wrong reasons. Some cannot reconcile the deep hurt or betrayal they’ve experienced. Others assume that forgiveness (as in “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”) implies that we must resume former friendships that went sour or otherwise spend time with the one who “trespassed against us”. None of this is asked of us in the Lord’s Prayer. In fact, we don’t even have “to like” the person we are called to forgive, certainly not their negative or sinful behavior. In any case, we are not called to like such people, but to love them – to love the person, not their sin or behavior or disposition or immoral deeds; to love the human being made in the image and likeness of God.

find a photo of a wasp on the internet and to magnify it. Many may be surprised to find that a wasp is in fact a quite attractive creature. The wasp flies most gracefully with its pronounced head, shiny wings and body stripes that are absolutely beautiful. Yet, as attractive as a wasp might be, few people really like wasps because they easily “get angry” and stick us with their sharp, painful stingers.

Similarly, when we become angry, people often try to avoid us as they would avoid the sharp, painful stingers of a wasp. Anger is the feeling we have when someone hurts us or we believe someone has hurt us. It is the feeling we have of wanting to hurt that person back. These feelings of anger are one example of what this portion of the Lord’s Prayer counsels us to avoid – to forgive our trespasses AS we forgive those who trespass against us!

I once read a story entitled: Don’t Be Like A Wasp. It began by asking: Have you ever studied a wasp up close and personal? Unlike my high school biology classes, nowadays it is much easier to

As disciples of Jesus Christ, “we are clothed with the baptismal garment, [but] we do not cease to sin, to turn away from God. …In this new petition, we return to Him like the prodigal son and, like the tax collector, recognize that we are sinners before Him” (CCC 2839). This petition begins with a recognition or confession of our wretchedness and an affirmation of God’s incredible mercy. “Our hope is firm because, in His Son, we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (CCC 2839).

The point made by this petition of the Lord’s Prayer is that the gift of God’s “outpouring of mercy cannot penetrate our hearts as long as we have not forgiven those who have trespassed against

us” (CCC 2840). The Catechism advises: “we cannot love the God we cannot see if we do not love the brother or sister we do see” (CCC 2840). Additionally, “in refusing to forgive our brothers and sisters, our hearts are closed and their hardness makes them impervious to the Father’s merciful love; but in confessing our sins, our hearts are opened to His grace” (CCC 2840).

As a priest, I have always found it astonishing that so many people who daily invoke this phrase from the Lord’s Prayer continue to struggle with forgiving others. Too often, people miss the requirement that we first must forgive others before God will forgive us. The Catechism explains: “our petition will not be heard unless we have first met a strict requirement…our response must come first, for the two parts are joined by the single word ‘as’” (CCC 2838). In other words, the condition placed in this prayer by Our Lord is that our trespasses are forgiven by our Heavenly Father ONLY IF we forgive those who “trespass against us”. It is a condition! Thus, it is forgiveness, then, that “is the fundamental condition of the reconciliation of the children of God with their Father and of men with one another” (CCC 2844).

Paramount in forgiveness is our openness to God’s grace. Left to ourselves, we can do little or nothing. When we place ourselves into God’s hands, all things are possible. Recall the words from Saint Matthew’s Gospel: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26). All is possible when we remain in God’s grace.

Throughout the New Testament, we

Faced with our shortcomings, Jesus extends patience

It isn’t easy these days to get 400 people into a parish church, but Mark D. Conklin found a way.

Conklin, a music executive and producer, is the creator of “The Gospel of According to Mark,” recently released on a CD in which he is the lead performer, accompanied by a gaggle of accomplished singers and musicians.

The CD program comprises 12 songs – which Conklin either wrote or co-wrote – each inspired by a passage from the oldest of the four Gospels. The songs have touches of gospel, soul, country, and rock. Conklin is the lead performer, singing and playing guitar. The scripture passages are narrated by musical recording legend Gloria Gaynor.

Conklin attends Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Whitehouse Station where our pastor, Father Leonard Rusay, invited him to hold the release party in May. Hence the gathering of the four hundred, more or less, on a Sunday afternoon, to hear some of the songs performed live.

Whether or not it was deliberate, the timing of the release was appropriate since the Church is in the midst of the liturgical cycle in which passages from Mark’s Gospel are read at Mass on most Sundays. This is a relatively recent development in the context of two thousand years of Church history. That seems to have been because much of what Mark’s account contains is present in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and content in those two Gospels is absent from Mark.

Scholars have recognized, however, that Mark’s work has its unique value, so now it has a cycle of its own.

Conklin’s CD includes a song, “Unbelief,” inspired by an incident described in this Gospel. A man whose son is possessed by a demon begs Jesus to help the boy. Jesus detects the skepticism in the desperate man and says, “All things can be done for the one who believes,” and the father answers, “I believe; help my unbelief.”

That phenomenon, unbelief, is a central theme of Mark’s Gospel, with

see Jesus doing what a teacher does – repeating His teaching! He tells us in the Gospels: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34); and “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48); and “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36).

Later, Saint Paul explains in his letter to the Galatians and Philippians that “only the Spirit by whom we live can make ‘ours’ the same mind that was in Christ Jesus” (CCC 2842).

All of this leads to Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness – “the love that loves to the end” (CCC 2843). Everything happens in the heart. We are to love from the depths of our hearts. The Catechism explains: “It is not in our power not to feel or to forget an offense; but the heart that offers itself to the Holy Spirit turns injury into compassion and purifies the memory in transforming the hurt into intercession” (CCC 2843). This also extends (especially in our prayers) “to the forgiveness of enemies” (CCC 2844). The Catechism further explains: “There is no limit or measure to this essentially divine forgiveness” (CCC 2845). In fact, “the communion of the Holy Trinity is the source and criterion of truth [and forgiveness] in every relationship. It is lived out in prayer, above all in the Eucharist” (CCC 2845).

“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

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

respect not only to this father and Jesus’ nattering critics but also, and especially, among Jesus’ closest disciples. In one way or another, Jesus asks them repeatedly, “Do you not yet understand?”

What don’t they understand? That he is the Messiah who will suffer and die and rise from the dead, and that suffering – even death – as a path to eternal peace lies in store also for them. The disciples’ full comprehension of these realities will come only with the Resurrection.

Although one might infer Jesus’ exasperation with his disciples, we also can’t help inferring his patience, because he sticks with these folks no matter how they waffle and quarrel and doubt. He sticks with him even after they have abandoned him as his enemies torture and kill him.

The disciples, of course, were trying to grasp things that were unprecedented in human history, things that had never been dreamed of no less actually occurred. A human being will die and be restored to life? A human being also has

the divine nature? Perhaps Jesus’ patience with them reflects his recognition that what he was trying to get across to them was so difficult for them to accept.

Still, there is a consoling message for us in this theme in Mark’s Gospel. We may at times become indifferent to our faith and what it calls us to be. We may neglect the sacraments and defer the acts of generosity and justice that our baptismal vocation demands. We may question what we have been taught about Christ and his Church and our roles as his disciples.

But if we do those things, we can rely on his patience. When we’re ready, we need only pray, “I believe; help my unbelief.”

Deacon Paolino is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station.

THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Extends prayerful congratulations to our new priests

Rev. Mr. Randy Gamboa Espinoza

Rev. Mr. Thien Ban (Joseph) Ho

Rev. Mr. Dawid Malik

Rev. Mr. Larrydom Magdasoc

Rev. Mr. Van Ai (Peter) Phan

May you be a blessing to all.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.

John 15:16

St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, quarter page, 4.71 x 5.85”, June 3, 2024

Gadiel Lazcano/Unsplash

Diocese celebrates five new priests

Continued from page 4

Apostles. Scripture tells us that the first four Apostles left the resources of their lives and closest relationships to follow Jesus. It takes a lot of faith and courage to do that. That sounds familiar for you five as you left your homes and families to become missionaries for Jesus here in the Diocese of Metuchen. And we thank God for that.”

As the Rite of Ordination began the five men responded vigorously to Bishop Checchio’s questions regarding whether they were resolved to discharge the order of priesthood, consecrate their lives to God and promise obedience to him and his successors. The men then prostrated themselves in the sanctuary in an ancient biblical gesture of humility while the congregation and choir sang a litany invoking Jesus and all holy men and women to pray for these men.

After Bishop Checchio and the vested priests present laid their hands on the five men, the Bishop prayed the Prayer of Consecration. The Bishop then anointed the palms of each man’s hand and wrapped them in a strip of linen called a maniturgium. Each was then vested in Stole and Chasuble and presented with a paten and chalice, the symbols of their new ministry. The five new priests then concelebrated Mass with Bishop Checchio and the other priests.

Luke Fuller, who will continue his study for the priesthood at Immaculate Conception Seminary served at the Ordination Mass. “Witnessing the ordination of my brother seminarians, especially my diocesan brothers, I saw a great display of courage,” he said. “Following Jesus Christ can be challenging, but what could be better? Witnessing the newly ordained as they prostrated themselves before God and His Church fans the flame of the Spirit in me.”

“This was the first ordination Mass I ever attended,” said Katherine Zita, a parishioner at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater. “The Bishop laying his hands on the head of each man and the anointing of the hands brought to life for me the continuous 2,000 year history of the Catholic Church from the Apostles to today.”

Michael Ligoriano, representing the Order of Malta, commented, “I have been at five other ordinations at least, but this was the most amazing experience. I was thrilled to see the Cathedral completely filled with family and friends of the ordained men together with parishioners from across the Diocese.”

Bishop Checchio noted it was a historic day in the Diocese because it had been 22 years since five men were ordained as priests for Metuchen and he was grateful for that. But he also asked the congregation to not stop praying for and encouraging vocations to the priesthood.

“I believe we must serve wherever we go. I do not consider myself a missionary priest. I am just trying to fulfill my vocation the best I can.”

ewly ordained Father Randy J. Gamboa Espinoza, a native of Costa Rica, speaks both Spanish and English so he would “absolutely” like to be involved in bi-lingual ministry.

Being bilingual will make it possible for him “to help and to listen to even more people, especially nowadays when our dioceses have become multicultural,” he said.

Father Espinoza was ordained June 8 at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen by Bishop James Checchio; other men with whom he was ordained also speak more than one language.

Father Espinoza first felt the call to the priesthood during his last year of high school in Costa Rica, and he worked for two and a half years as an accounting technician and administrative assistant while he discerned that call and met with his vocational and spiritual director.

He studied at Our Lady of the Angels National Seminary in Costa Rica where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and humanities.

Though most of his family still lives in Costa Rica, some family members live in New Jersey. “I have family living in the Diocese of Metuchen. So, I applied to the diocese in 2018 and I got accepted,” he said.

Father Espinoza, 33, said Pope Francis was an influence on his desire to be a priest: “I really like Pope Francis’ approach of being close to the people, to encounter them in their reality and introduce to them, God – God who understands them, who loves them and wants them better.”

The newly ordained priest is working toward a pastoral ministry degree at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University in South Orange, and he served in diaconal ministry at St. Peter the Apostle Church, New Brunswick, where he preached mostly every weekend and assisted with spiritual retreats for the youth ministry.

His ministry experience also includes catechesis and campus ministry.

Although he was not born in the United States, he does not see himself as a missionary priest here. “I believe we must serve wherever we go. I do not consider myself a missionary priest. I am just trying to fulfill my vocation the best I can,” he said.

During his first assignment as a priest, Father Espinoza hopes to be involved in parish life and ro work with the Latino community and vocations ministry. His hobbies include soccer; spending time with his family; watching movies based on true stories, sci-fi and superheroes; and listening to music including old classics, indie and country.

By Cori Urban, Contributing Editor

“I will be a priest of Jesus Christ for everybody everywhere, so I think there will be the same mission to me that brings people to God.”

ather Thien Ban Ho worked as an event organizer before entering the seminary, so he’s got the experience for planning and undertaking parish events should the need ever arise.

But more importantly, “I would like to be a parish priest who will be available for all and doing sacraments,” he said.

A native of Vietnam, Father Ho, 35, was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Metuchen on June 8 at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen by Bishop James Checchio.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2014 from Sai Gon University in Vietnam, but he had first felt called to the priesthood in 2011. “It took me a few months to discern and to talk with some priests,” he said.

A Jesuit priest introduced him to Formation Support For Vietnam, a non-profit organization incorporated in Texas since 2010. It assists the Church in Vietnam in the formation and education of clergy, religious and seminarians for ministry and helps these students with their academic and spiritual formation by seeking scholarships from U.S. colleges and universities, seeking arrangements of room and board and providing them with academic, cross-cultural and spiritual support.

Through that organization, Father Ho was introduced to the Diocese of Metuchen.

As a seminarian for the diocese, he did transitional diaconal ministry at St. James Parish, Basking Ridge, where he preached, performed baptisms and helped prepare families for their loved ones’ funerals.

Father Ho received a Master of Divinity degree this year from Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University in South Orange.

Though it is difficult for him to be so far from home, he said he keeps close to his loved ones through prayer. “I have tried to keep in mind that I will be a priest of Jesus Christ anywhere. Also, there are many priests, seminarians, religious brothers and sisters and lay people both Vietnamese and American who have encouraged and supported me,” he said.

The newly ordained priest does not necessarily see himself as a missionary priest, though he is far from home. “I will be a priest of Jesus Christ for everybody everywhere, so I think there will be the same mission to me that brings people to God,” he said.

He has a particular devotion to St. Joseph and St. Ignatius of Loyola “because they are good listeners to the words of God,” he said, and “of course, I love Blessed Mary our Mother.”

Father Ho’s hobbies include photography and sports.

By Cori Urban, Contributing Editor

Rev. THIEN BAN (JOSEPH) HO

Rev. RANDY GAMBOA ESPINOZA

Portrait photos courtesy of the Office of Vocations

“I am really, really thankful for what the diocese has given me and what God has done for me.”

Rev. LARRYDOM JR. K. MAGDASOC

Larrydom JR. K. Magdasoc first thought it would be good for him to pursue the “amazing calling” of the priesthood when he was in high school in his native Philippines, but his parents wanted him to wait to make such a big decision until after college.

So he earned a bachelor’s degree in information technology from De La Salle Lipa (University) in Lipa City, Philippines, in 2012, then worked as a web developer at a television network in Manila for a few months.

But he was unhappy and knew that was not what he wanted to do with his life. “I came back to my first calling, to the priesthood,” he said. “God was really calling me to this life.”

Now, “Father Larry,” 32, is a priest of the Diocese of Metuchen, ordained at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen by Bishop James F. Checchio on June 8.

The journey to ordination took him first to St. Francis de Sales Major Seminary in Lipa City, Philippines, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in classical philosophy in 2018. He was invited to participate in a monastic discernment program with the Trappists in Mepkin Abbey in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, where he met a priest of the Diocese or Metuchen. When he discerned that monastic life was not for him, the priest suggested he consider the New Jersey diocese.

Knowing that many priests from the Philippines come to the United States where vocations are not as plentiful, the seminarian applied and was accepted for service here. He earned a Master of Divinity degree in pastoral ministry this year from Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University in South Orange. As a transitional deacon, he served at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Skillman, where he preached, trained altar servers and assisted with parish activities.

While in seminary, he found “brotherhood and camaraderie” with the four men who were ordained with him, of different backgrounds and ethnicities. “Being from different places binds us together,” he said, noting that they appreciate one another’s cultures and foods. (Father Magdasoc used to bring egg rolls called limpia and fried noodles called pancit to gatherings, and his friends enjoyed the food from his home country.)

“We will be missionary priests in that we were not born in this country, but we are here to help and to be part of the mission of priests here,” Father Magdasoc said.

When he arrives in his new parish, he would like to continue to train altar servers and participate in vocation ministry. “We need more priests and servants in the vineyard of God,” he said.

Father Magdasoc enjoys traveling, taking photos, visiting churches and other religious sites and spending quite time with the Lord and in meditation and silence.

“I am really, really thankful for what the diocese has given me and what God has done for me,” he concluded.

By Cori Urban, Contributing Editor

“I followed the examples of other good priests who were the real shepherds of their flocks.”

Rev.

Father Dawid Jan Malik was born in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, in 1985, one of seven children of Henryk and Bernadetta Malik. Desiring a life of service, he recalled, “I wanted to be a police officer or soldier but at one point of my life I realized that the most important fight in which I can be involved is fighting for human souls. I followed the examples of other good priests who were the real shepherds of their flocks.”

Father Malik attended the Pontifical University of John Paul, earning a master’s degree in theology. Before his seminary studies, he was employed in the fields of photography, storekeeping and as a cook in a fast-food restaurant.

The native Pole took a surprising route to his ordination, studying at two U.S.-based seminaries: Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Krakow/Orchard Lake, Mich., and Immaculate Conception at Seton Hall University, South Orange, where he earned a master’s degree in pastoral theology.

When asked for the reason he studied for the priesthood in America, Father Malik answered, “I had never thought about that, and I never was good at learning language, so if someone ten years ago would tell me that I will be fluent in English and will prepare for priestly ordination in the USA, I would just laugh at him, however God’s providence unfolded for me His path for me.”

During his formation, Father Malik served in the parishes of Immaculate Conception, Spotswood; St. Philip and St. James, Phillipsburg; Our Lady of Fatima, Piscataway, and Our Lady of the Mount, Warren. He includes literature, martial arts, music and hiking among his interests.

Father Malik most anticipates “the ability to bring the real presence of God in the Eucharist and possibility to reconcile man with God by the Sacrament of Reconciliation,” and would advise a young man discerning the priesthood to “just take the first step and allow God to unfold before you the next one.”

By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor

“The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus.”

St. John Vianney

“If you have a call for priestly vocation, keep praying and trust in God’s plan for you. The joy of priestly vocation cannot be measured.”

Little wonder Van Ai “Peter” Phan is one of the Diocese of Metuchen’s newest priests – he has been weighing a life of service in the Church since high school.

“When I was in college [Phu Xuan University in Vietnam], the call came back to me,” he remembered, “I paid more attention to it this time. I spent much time on prayer and any Catholic activity, especially vocation activities. At the end of my college year, I decided to join the seminary.”

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in languages, he began to listen to a more visceral tongue: the language of piety and love of the Lord spoken by his parents, Van Phung Phan and Thi Mi Nguyen, and five siblings, especially his oldest brother, Van Dong, himself a priest. “They have nourished my priestly call, helped me learn how to live, and consider the call closely,” said Father Phan.

Born in 1995, Father Phan continued his studies in St. Vincent Seminary Latrobe, Pa., and graduated from Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange. He served as a deacon in St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater.

Attending Holy Mass daily is crucial to Father Phan’s ministry; “If one day I did not go to Mass and receive the Eucharist,” he revealed, “I felt that day was boring and a terrible day to me.”

His advice to a man considering the priesthood is to listen.

“If you have a call for priestly vocation, keep praying and trust in God’s plan for you. The joy of priestly vocation cannot be measured. It is such a wonderful gift from the Heart of Christ. This gift is something that no one can give or take away, only God,” Father Phan said. “Being a priest of Christ means that one wins the favor of God, one wins the favor of others, and one wins the favor of himself. There is nothing else that can compare with this gift.”

The new priest offered advice to young men contemplating life as a priest: don’t regret the path not taken. “I am also a young man, I want to do many things. I want to be free. I want to enjoy life. Trust me, we can find this anywhere. However, finding meaning in one’s life and living for it are different,” said Father Phan.

“Being a warrior for Christ in the world today is the greatest thing to be. The love for God and others is a reason for this vocation. Of course, in the end of everything, love is forever. Therefore, why not allow yourself to hear the voice of God in this wonderful vocation?”

By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor

Rev. VAN AI (PETER) PHAN

DAWID MALIK

Diocesan Historical Records Commission makes ‘Catholic Morristown’ pilgrimage

Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor

The Diocese of Metuchen Historical Commission, led by Father Michael G. Krull, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, North Brunswick, and commission chair, sponsored a one-day pilgrimage April 20 to three notable Catholic sites in the Morristown area: the Shrine of

St. Joseph, Stirling, now celebrating its 100th anniversary; St. Mary’s Abbey, Delbarton, and St. Elizabeth University, Convent Station, to visit the Shrine and Museum of Blessed Miriam Theresa Demjanovich, the New Jersey nun on the path to sainthood.

The Diocese of Metuchen Historical Records Commission was established by

the late Bishop Edward Hughes in 1992 to preserve the history of the parishes in the Diocese.

Bishop Hughes asked every pastor to appoint two parishioners as designated parish historians to assist in this effort by collecting the documents, photographs, and memorabilia of their respective parishes and assembling them in parish archives as well as writing the history of the parish itself.

The Diocesan Historical Records Commission facilitates this work by organizing annual conferences for parish historians as well as arranging periodic pilgrimages to places of historic significance in the State of New Jersey.

Left, group photo outside Holy Family Chapel at St. Elizabeth University, Convent Station. Middle, Carl Ganz, Parish Historian of Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, addressing group on the history of St. Joseph’s Shrine in Stirling.

Right, Reliquary of Sister of Charity Blessed Miriam Theresa Demjanovich, in Holy Family Chapel at St. Elizabeth University, Convent Station. Photos courtesy of Father Michael G. Krull

The clergy, the staff and the members of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, NJ, offer prayerful congratulations to

Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish and the Vietnamese Community

Extend our prayerful congratulations to Rev. Joseph Ban Ho Rev. Peter Ai Phan On the occasion of your Priesthood Ordination

“The power of the priest, is the power of the divine person; for the transubstantiation of the bread requires as much power as the creation of the world.”

–

St.

Bernardine

OF Siena

Graduates encouraged to continue embracing the Gospel of Life and Love

When I was teaching World Reli gions at St. John’s University, I purpose ly taught my students a segment on Con fucianism. 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 “Spontaneous Tradi tion” was no longer instinctive or, better, second nature.

So, this wise man decided that to restore the cohesiveness that once unit ed 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 to Chinese society. Through an immersion in music, art and the philosophy of wise people, an appreciation of the hereafter, Confucius’ approach to “Deliberate Tradition,” began to take root.

People showed respect to each other, practiced manners, developed a love

cohesion once more united the diverse provinces of China into one People. So powerful were the results of Deliberate Tradition, following his death, Confucianism, as it would be called, became the official “religion” of China.

I’ve come to appreciate, to a certain degree, the “Deliberate Tradition” which your principal, teachers, aids, support staff and parents inculcated in you –except this time, an appreciation of the Truth, Goodness and Beauty was had through the incorporation of the Way of the Lord Jesus into each of your subjects.

Why? Jesus is the key to unity, oneness, harmony, a respect for oneself and others, manners, values, and an other-centered existence. It is Jesus who holds the diversity of the Class of

in the unity of his personhood. It is from Jesus that we not only learn “Deliberate Tradition.” It was through the study of Scripture and Tradition, the nexus of our Christian Deliberate Tradition that we taught you how cohesion, that is harmony, unity, peace, mutual respect, an appreciation of Truth, Goodness and Beauty is feasible.

Just pick up a newspaper, turn on the TV or read what’s going on in our world today, and it seems that what bothered Confucius has returned to modern day society: common sense has gone out the window, as have manners, family values, a respect for others, political, racial and religious divisiveness within communities.

It’s up to you, Class of 2024, to incorporate the Deliberate Tradition of

You can’t have too many patron saints!

Patron saints come in all sizes, shapes, and occupations. There are name patrons, saints whose name you share, there are date patrons, saints whose feast days mark some special moment in your life like your birthday, and there are action saints. I should probably call them something else, but I can’t think of a word that covers livelihood (like carpentry) and pastime (like soccer). Besides, “action saints” is an intriguing concept. It makes them sound like spiritual action heroes. Which I am sure they were! (When I wrote the previous paragraph, I didn’t know that there really is a patron saint of soccer! It is St. Luigi Scrosoppi. Look him up!)

As a writer, of course I am interested in the patron saints of writers. I gladly claim all four evangelists, as well as all the other biblical authors, and since I write for a newspaper, I can claim St. Francis de Sales as well. But I want to add another saint who is far less known, though he wrote one of the best-known hymns for Holy Week, the Vexilla Regis,

which is “The Royal Banners Forward Go.” He also wrote Salve festa dies for Easter, which in English is known as “Hail thee, festival day” and which was magnificently put to music by Vaughn Williams.

Though these hymns are well known, he himself is not. His name is Venantius Honorius Clementianus Fortunatus and he is known as St. Venantius Fortunatus. That is still quite a mouthful, so I shall call him St. Ven.

St. Ven was a Roman gentleman born around 535 near Treviso north of Venice. He suffered from an eye ailment but was cured after rubbing his eyes with oil from a lamp burning before a statue of St. Martin of Tours. He then set out on a pilgrimage to Tours to give thanks to St. Martin. Since the Lombards were ravaging his homeland, he turned his pilgrimage into a tour of Europe until he came to Poitiers. There he met St. Radegund and her nuns, who persuaded him to become a priest and stay on as their chaplain and adviser. He was made bishop of Poitiers

Jesus into the rhythm of your daily lives, especially as you begin a new leg of your education. By making the Gospel of Life and Love your personal mantra, you will do more than just take your place alongside a whole new student body in a completely new learning venue this September. 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 high school or university – 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 2024, congratulations and God bless you all.

Father Comandini is coordinator of the Office for Ongoing Faith Formation

shortly before his death in 605.

His Holy Week and Easter hymns were not his only works. St. Ven was a prolific poet, and he shares his feast day with another great poet and saint, John of the Cross. I am no poet, but my devotion to St. Ven is based on a comment about his poetry: “He was a gracious gentleman, with a facility for turning all his experiences – friendships, food, the towns he passed – into poetry.”

That statement caught my attention. I have been writing for The Catholic Spirit for a year now, and when I began, Chris Donohue gave me some good advice: “If you ever get stuck trying to think of what to write next, including a lead, seek the intercession of St. Joseph or say a ‘Hail, Mary.’ It has never failed me.” I hope St. Joseph or Our Lady won’t feel hurt if I also turn to St. Ven, because someone who could “turn all his experiences into poetry” strikes me as being a good patron to ask for help as I gaze numbly at an empty screen. I’m not asking for poetry – that’s reaching for the

stars – but as the deadline approaches, I find it reassuring to think that ordinary experiences can be suitable subjects of my next article. I can write about that life-saving cup of coffee, or that unexpected phone call, or the dog’s latest find …well, maybe not that. But ordinary experiences can be inspiring when you start to think about them.

In fact, ever since Jesus’ Resurrection, ordinary experiences, ordinary objects are not just inspiring, they are sublime, for he said, “Behold, I make all things new!” All things, even coffee and weeds and housecleaning and file cabinets have been made new. As George MacDonald wrote, “Everything real is heavenly.” St. Ven, help me to make that known!

—OSV photo

The Parish Family of Our Lady of the Mount Church, Warren, NJ

Joyfully Congratulates

Rev. Peter Ai Phan Rev. Dawid Malik

ON THEIR ORDINATION TO THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD

May God Bless You as you are ordained and may you always feel His presence as you reflect His love to all.

On behalf of Fr. Anthony Arockiadoss, Pastor, Fr. Wilson Jerusalem, Parochial Vicar, the staff and the members of St. Philip and St. James Parish, Phillipsburg, NJ Parish, we offer prayerful congratulations to

Randy Gamboa Espinoza

Thien Ban (Joseph) Ho

Van Ai (Peter) Phan

Dawid Malik

Larrydom Magdasoc

As they are consecrated to a life of service to God’s people.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. John 15:16

St. Philip and St. James Parish 430 South Main Street, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 908-454-0112

St. Philip and St. James Parish, quarter page, 4.71 x 5.85”, June 5, 2024

Fr. John O’Kane, Pastor, Fr. Fredy Triana Beltran, Parochial Vicar, the staff and parishioners of Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood, NJ, warmly congratulate Fr. Dawid Malik

On your ordination to the priesthood. Our prayers are with you as you are consecrated to a life of service to the people of God.

“The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus. When you see the priest, think of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”

~ St. John Vianney

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH

18 South Street, Spotswood, NJ 08884 (732) 251-3110

Congratulations and thank you to

Father Bob Gorman on his retirement.

We thank God for your priesthood and assure you of our prayers.

St. John Vianney Church 420 Inman Avenue, Colonia, New Jersey 07067 (732) 574-0150 Website: parish.sjvianney.com

The Catholic Spirit, Quarter page ad, 4.71 x 5.85” May 2024

God BlessOUR CLASS OF 2024 GRADUATES!

Graduation marks a significant milestone in the lives of all of the graduates and their families of Immaculata, Mount Saint Mary Academy, St. Joseph and St. Thomas Aquinas and a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, growth and accomplishment. Our graduates should be proud of themselves as well as their teachers, administrators and parents as we mark this special moment in time for the senior classes of our Diocese’s high schools. Whatever path our graduates take in the future, we hope that it is one with joy, happiness, fulfillment, faith and filled with God’s love and grace.

Congratulations to all of our 8th grade students and their families as their graduation marks a significant milestone in their educational journey. High school is a time to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and to discover new interests, grow as learners, and form lasting friendships and memories. The values that our 8th grade students have learned

in each of our schools will suit them well as they continue their educational journey as a high school student.

A Catholic education provides lessons that are unique to the mission of our high schools and builds a foundation of strength and character for the future. One of the core values instilled in our students is the importance of faith. Throughout the students’ time here, they have been encouraged to grow spiritually, to deepen their relationship with God, and to seek His guidance in all aspects of life. As they move forward, they should remember to keep their faith as their foundation. It will provide them with strength and resilience in times of adversity and joy and gratitude in moments of success.

In addition, our high schools emphasizes the value of service and that true fulfillment comes from helping others and making a positive impact on the community. Whether it’s through volunteer work, supporting a friend in need, or

contributing to a larger cause, the spirit of service should and will continue to guide the actions of our graduates. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said, “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

One of the most cherished aspects of a Catholic education in our Diocese is the strong sense of community. Our graduates have experienced the support, friendship, and solidarity that comes from being part of a faith-based community. As they move on to new adventures, they must remember the importance of building and nurturing communities wherever life leads them.

The journey through high school, especially in recent years, has tested our students’ perseverance and resilience. They entered high school during the pandemic and have faced this and other challenges with hope and resiliency, adapted to changes, and emerged stronger. These experiences have prepared them to face

future obstacles with confidence and determination.

As our students graduate, they have gained knowledge and learned life lessons. These lessons are the foundation upon which one can build a fulfilling and purposeful life. The Office of Schools is proud of each and every one of our graduates and know they will be make a positive difference in the world for themselves, for others, and their communities. In addition, we are grateful to our principals, teachers, and staff for their commitment to their schools and students.

Congratulations, Class of 2024! Go forth with confidence and the grace of God.

Barbara Stevens Superintendent of Schools

Joseph Diskin

Associate Superintendent of Schools

Sister Mary Louise Shulas

Director of Curriculum

20 Immaculata High School sends forth 138 accomplished graduates

By Robert Christie, Correspondent

The pews of Somerville’s Immaculate Conception Church were filled with joyful family and friends May 31, all eager to witness an important milestone in the lives of their favorite Catholic-educated young men and women.

The 138 blue-and-white clad members of the Immaculata High School Class of 2024 had amassed impressive statistics, having earned some $42 million in scholarship offers, 100 percent college/ institute of higher learning acceptance, and donated 18,551 service hours.

Singing of the Star Spangled Banner and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance were followed by the poignant “Unitas Caritas,” the Immaculata High School Alma Mater.

Msgr. Joseph Celano, pastor of the parish and director of both the high school and parish grammar school, introduced Bishop James F. Checchio, who told the graduates that, “You have been through a lot. Don’t forget what you learned here. Take Jesus with you as you move on. And thanks to those parents and all who sacrificed for you to be here today, including your teachers and administrators.”

The salutatorian, Maya Karina Mathews, then addressed the audience. “We did it!!” she exclaimed to cheers from her classmates. “High school graduation is a milestone. I was scared to grow up in high school. But there was a defining moment for me in freshman year. I was taking a math test and I was the last to finish. I was so upset. But then my teacher touched my hand and said, ‘You’re just meticulous.’ Now, I’m no longer scared.

The greatest lesson I learned was the help of others. And through such things as joint late night projects, a unity was built. Don’t be limited by what you think success should be.”

Valedictorian Sharbella Jacobs followed. “I am so proud to be the third successive valedictorian in my family.” said Jacobs, who had earned the Class of 2024 Bishop Checchio Religion award. “It began with my grandmother, who left Lebanon when she was just 17 with my grandfather, and they came to New Brunswick, where they opened a restaurant. They had passion and drive, like many here do. We learned at home, and we soared in high school. We enjoyed challenges, but we had even more joys.

I am so thankful to our administrators, teachers and parents. Our torches of resilience never burned brighter. And finally, and most sincerely, thanks to Jesus. He suffered immeasurably so that we might pursue our future. I hope someday our class may meet once more, in faith, service and friendship. Congratulations, class of 2024.”

Edward J. Webber, principal, then presided over the announcement of 65 awards, which included 18 for academics, 8 in the Performing and Visual Arts, 10 for Service, and 29 Recognition awards.

Following the distribution of awards, Bishop Checchio, Msgr. Celano and Mr. Webber presented each individual graduate with his/her diploma. This concluded a very special day in the lives of these students, as they marched out to the accompaniment of trumpets, French horn, trombones, tuba, and harp, most fitting for this special occasion.

Top photo, members of the IHS Spartan Choir perform “Be Thou My Vision” during the Commencement Ceremony held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Somerville, May 31. • Above middle, delighted Salutatorian Maya Karina Mathews and Valedictorian Sharbella Jacobs lead fellow graduates out of the church as the graduation ceremony comes to a close. • Bottom left, new Alumnae Ava Planz, Erin Lyttle, Sharbella Jacobs (Valedictorian), Grace Racek and Elise Macmillan pose for photos for family and friends at the close of the graduation ceremony. • Bottom right, Senior Class President AJ Dzanoucakis undertakes the momentous and time-honored tradition of moving the tassle of his cap to the other side, marking his move to graduate status. —Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photos

Immaculata High School Awards

ACADEMIC

Excellence in Spanish: Abigail Rivenbark

Excellence in Business Education: Alyssa Assante

Excellence in Computer Science: Ava Khong

Excellence in French: Erin Lyttle

Italian American Club at Canal Walk: Erin Lyttle

Excellence in Journalism: Gianna Toto

Excellence in Social Studies: Grace Racek

Excellence in English: Julia Kosiorek

Excellence in Mathematics: Katelyn Almeida

Highest General Average (Salutatorian): Maya Mathews

Excellence in Chemistry: Sharbella Jacobs

Excellence in Biology: Sharbella Jacobs

Excellence in Theology: Sharbella Jacobs

Highest General Average (Valedictorian): Sharbella Jacobs

Excellence in Physics: Sophia Feuker

SERVICE AWARDS

President of Senior Class: Alexander Dzanoucakis

Service to Magnificat Yearbook: Elaine Johnson

Campus Ministry Award: Gianna Toto

National Honors Society Service Chair: Helena Polk

Campus Ministry Award: Jon Moreno

President of Student Council: Maya Mathews

President of National Honor Society: Sharbella Jacobs

National Honors Society Service Chair: Sophia Feuker

Christian Spirit Award: Roscoe Davis

Law Enforcement Award: Anthony Kowalski

MUSIC AND ARTS AWARDS

The Louis Armstrong Award: Angelina Basilone

Rotary Club of Somerville and BridgewaterVon Stade Music: Elaine Johnson

The John Philip Sousa Award: Elaine Johnson

The Edward “Ted” Gaughan Memorial Award: Gabriella Fitch

Excellence in Digital Arts: Genna Nadal

The Van Doren Award for Excellence in Dramatics: Jewelia Taylor

President of Tri-M Music Honor Society: Jewelia Taylor

Excellence in Music and Service to Church and Community: Jillian Kenny

Excellence in the Visual Arts: Jillian Kenny

“Semper Fidelis” Award: Jon Moreno

Performing Arts Department Award: Lindsey Battaglino

Marie Laggini Vocal Award: Maya Matthews

The Susan Bruns ‘75 Award: Samantha Hummel

The Sister Dolores Margaret Scholarship for Excellence: Tehya Lim

RECOGNITION AWARDS

Spartan Athletic Award: Charlotte Dameo

The Sheila M. White Memorial Award: Chigozie Anyora

Spartan Alumni Award: Connor Sanford

The Angelo Mystrena Memorial Award: Emily Barrantes

The Kenneth G. Herrmann ‘81 Memorial Award: Gabriella Taddeo

The Advancement Office Spartan Ambassador Award: Genna Nadal

The Thomas M. Jubak Jr. ‘80 Memorial: Jewelia Taylor

Italian American Club at Canal Walk: Lia Cerrachio

The Rotary Club of Somerville and Bridgewater Scholarship: Lia Cerrachio

The Robert Colucci ‘08 Award for Leadership: Maya Mathews

Branchburg Rotary Scholarship: Nathan LaRoche

The Rotary Club of Somerville and Bridgewater

Paul F. Davis Scholarship: Nathan LaRoche

The Michael Vecchio Memorial Award: Nicholas Watson

The Michael Vecchio Memorial Award: Nicolene Harkins

The Sheila M. White Memorial Award: Owen Blum

Spartan Alumni Award: Samantha Hummel

Rotary Club of Hillsborough: Sharbella Jacobs

The Christine Fox Frauenheim ‘83 Memorial Award: Victoria Watson

Alice McIntyre, RN Memorial Award: Madeline Rumain

The Goitz Family Award: Ivy Kyalo

The J. Brandon (Mackie) Maxwell Award for Merit: Lauren Daly

The John Collins ‘76 Memorial: Daniel Ferguson

The Monsignor Eugene B. Kelly Award: Garrett Priebracha

The Richard D. Tyler Memorial Award: Aidan Van Doren

The Robert Briski Citizenship Award: Zachary Junker

The Susan Kelly ‘80 Memorial Award: Vincent Plocic

U.S. Army Green Beret Staff Sergeant Andrew T. Lobosco ‘98 Scholarship Award: Collin Billups

By Mary Morrell Editor-in-Chief

Celebrate! And remember to keep walking with God

the only music was the voice of Jesus.

So, here’s the question.

Now that graduation is over, ask yourselves, how do we keep walking with God?

It’s easy when things are good, and certainly, today, there is reason to celebrate!

But how do we keep walking with God when there is no way to make sense of the senseless?

How do we keep walking with God when we are carrying pain, anxiety, or grief?

How do we keep walking with God, when every day we see the evil of violence that tears apart families, schools, communities and nations?

We can do it by walking in the footsteps of the Apostles. They walked with God for three years. During that time, they saw what Jesus did, heard his words, witnessed his prayer life and understood his powerful call to peace. He gave people hope.

And then he was gone, a victim of fear, hatred and violence.

Our challenge is the same challenge the Apostles faced after Jesus was crucified.

The need to carry on.

This is the same challenge individuals and communities have faced whenever some form of violence robbed them of the ones they love and deprived them of the safety and security everyone should have when they think about home.

The Apostles carried on, strengthened by their faith in God, the power of the Holy Spirit and each other, friends who believed in the same things and had the same mission.

Together, they changed the world.

They had heard the words of their Lord when he spoke to the great crowds who had gathered for the Sermon on the Mount – kind of like the crowds who gather for outdoor concerts today except

It was then that they heard Jesus say, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”

Peacemakers.

Now that’s a real challenge – especially when we are hurt and filled with anger. But that is when we are called to be that one person, changing one heart at a time if that’s all we can do.

It’s in the heart that peace has its beginning. That’s why we need the Grace of God, his help to make what seems impossible possible. That’s why we need prayer.

The Apostle Paul saw the effects of the peaceful, prayerful heart of Christ, the man who loved the world into goodness through his death.

Paul later wrote to the community of the Romans and told them what he had learned from Jesus. “Do not be overcome by evil, but rather overcome evil with good.”

To respond to evil with evil, to become people of rage, would be to become less than God calls us to be. We cannot change the evil that rips thousands of lives apart through war, terrorist attacks or violence of any kind.

But if we answer Jesus’ call to be people of peace, youth committed to a peaceful world, we can continue to walk with God in faith and hope and love.

Martin Luther King once said that “peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.’

Martin Luther King was a wise man. If we are not at peace with each other in our homes, in our schools and in our workplaces, we cannot be at peace in our communities, in our nation or with other countries.

So what should we do now?

Make peace – one prayer and one person at a time. Continue walking with God and take friends with you.

Valedictorian: Sharbella Jacobs Salutatorian: Maya Matthews

Mount Saint Mary Academy

Congratulates the Class of 2024

KATHLEEN ALTOBELLI

AAYUSHI ARVIKAR

SOFIA BARGHASH

REMY BATISTA

AMELIA BENJAMIN

MARIN BOHLMAN

JULIETTE BRADY

TAYLOR BUBNIAK

RACHEL CASTELA

SAI CHAVAN

LIA CHIANG

NATALIA COLON

ZOE DALY

AVA DeANGELIS

CATHERINE DeCIANTIS

LILLIAN DEL ROSSI **

GEORGIA DINH

KAYLA DUBOIS

KAILA DULA

CAITLYN FALKOWSKI

ANAMARIA FARRELL

VICTORIA FEKETE

KATHERINE FERRIS

ISABELLE FRETZ

JUNE GILL

EMMA GOODBODY

MAHALIA GORHAM

REESE HANNON

NINA HEIM *

CAROLINE HEINZE

ADDISON HOEFT

EMMA HUMPHREY

KAITLYN IORIO

SEKAI JONES

CHARLOTTE JOTZ

AKSHAYA KARANAM

VANESSA KOSUDA

CATALANA LAHR

ABIGAIL LICCARDI

KATHERINE McCARTHY

BRYNN MERKLINGER

AVA MISKO

THERESA MORRISON

MIA MORTARULO

GWENDOLYN OAKLEY

NICOLE PARISI

LAUREN PEENEY

SOFIYA PIEDE

SOFIA PURPORA

MELISSA RAMIREZ

AVA REDMAN

SHANNON ROONEY

CORNELIA ROVITO

SOFIA SALERNO

GIANNA SAVATTA

ZOE SCHACK

AOIFE SCOTT

MIKAYLA SHARIF

EMMA SHILES

ELIZABETH SHOULBERG

ISABELLA SILVA CASTILLO

LUCY STEMMLER

EMMA SZABO

ANNE TIGHE

MAYA ULLRICH

SIENNA VIEITES

OLIVIA WARDZINSKI

DYLAN ELIZABETH WOLSKI

GABRIELLE ZURETTI

24 Mount St. Mary Academy graduates 69 women of Mercy

By Robert Christie Correspondent

The strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” accompanied 69 Mount St. Mary Academy young Mercy women in procession for their June 1 graduation from the “Mount.”

Bishop James F. Checchio joined Mount Saint Mary Academy Directress Mercy Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, families, faculty, staff, administrators and Board of Trustee members for the ceremony held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel. Their Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated in the Chapel, May 31, led by Msgr. William Benwell, pastor, St. Mary’s-Stony Hill, Watchung.

In her welcoming address, salutatorian Lillian Del Rossi asked her classmates to reflect on the present moment and to be mindful they are “approaching a time of great change. Soon, we will em-

that’s remained shockingly unchanged: the winding drive up the hill each day. Even though it has become second nature to drive up the twists and turns of the hill, this steep, upwards path reminds me of the change that we will soon face. Throughout your journey, you may find yourself constantly and unexpectedly being thrown in different directions. Let your faith be your guiding light.”

She encouraged them to “take the chance to reflect on what memories stand out most to you about the Mount. Think about how they have shaped your faith. … Let it prompt you to lead with humility and compassion as you make your mark on the world. Your drive up the hill is about to get a whole lot bigger as you face the many upcoming changes. When it comes to change, you can either fight it or make the best out of it.”

Assistant Directress Jacqueline C. Muratore, class of ‘01, presented the

Lawler, Board Chairman; Bishop Checchio and Sister Lisa. The distribution of individual awards followed, after which the faculty and staff sang “Find Your Wings,” for the graduates.

Valedictorian Nina Heim offered a retrospective of the many varied experiences of the high school years that played a part in graduates’ formation and shared an excerpt from The Velveteen Rabbit: “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or who have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”

Heim reflected that in their small school community, “we were enabled and encouraged to become, to become our real selves. … We really have been loved well by the Mount and by each other and by

God, and we are all the better for it.”

In his closing comments, Bishop Checchio offered thanks “to Sister Lisa, administrators, teachers and parents for your sacrifices. You won’t regret it.” He reminded those present to “take Jesus with you … and please pray for me,” and then concluded with his blessing.

As the ceremony came to an end, graduates processed out of the chapel with diplomas in hand to the sound of applause, as faculty, staff, administration and members of the Board clapped them out on the next stage of their journey, a tradition that began when graduates were freshmen and clapped in through the main doors by the entire school community lining the school stairs and hallway.

This year’s graduates earned more than $25 million in scholarships and awards, with a college acceptance rate of 100 percent at four-year colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. One hundred percent of graduates intend to enroll in institution of higher learning.

1. Gathered after commencement exercises, members of the Mount Saint Mary Academy Board of Trustees, comprised of past parents, alumnae, and Sisters of Mercy, remain an essential and visible part of the school’s legacy. 2. Graduate Theresa Morrison shakes hands with James N. Lawler, board chairman; Bishop James F. Checchio, and Mercy Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, directress. Theresa will be attending the University of San Diego in the fall where she will focus on environmental science.

3. Graduates, like Maya Ullrich, center, experience a range of emotions as they wait for their diplomas and the next big step in their lives. Maya is heading to the University of Rochester where she will focus on biology, pre-medicine, and recently committed to play field hockey, Division 1. 4. Excited graduates process out of the Chapel following Commencement exercises to the congratulatory clapping of faculty and staff – a long-standing tradition at the Academy. —Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photos

MSMA Awards

Salutatorian: Lillian Del Rossi

General Excellence - Four Years - Valedictorian

Gift of the Mercy Guild, Nina Heim

Excellence - Four Years - Salutatorian

Gift of the Fathers Club, Lillian Del Rossi

High Honors - Four Years

Gift of Mount Saint Mary Academy Administration, 4.0 GPA or higher each year for all four years at Mount Saint Mary Academy:

Rachel Castela, Lillian Del Rossi, June Gill, Akshaya Karanam Zoe Daly, Caitlyn Falkowski, Reese Hannon, Sofiya Piede, Catherine DeCiantis, Victoria Fekete, Nina Heim, Zoe Schack, Isabelle Fretz, Charlotte Jotz

Bishop James F. Checchio Religion Medal 2024

Gift of the Diocese of Metuchen, Victoria Fekete

School Leadership Award

Gift of the Alumnae, Amelia Benjamin, Catherine DeCiantis, Katherine Ferris, Isabelle Fretz, Nina Heim, Theresa Morrison

School Spirit Award

Gift of the Fathers Club, Reese Hannon, Zoe Schack

Christian Leadership Award

Gift of Campus Ministry, Ava DeAngelis, Mikayla Sharif

Catherine McAuley Award

Gift of the Sisters of Mercy, The student who made the most of her potential while at Mount Saint Mary Academy: Akshaya Karanam, Emma Szabo

Sister Mary Eloise Claire Kays, RSM Memorial Award

Former Directress of Mount Saint Mary Academy

The student who best exemplifies grace and Mercy hospitality: Lia Chiang, Aoife Scott

Sister Mary Kerwin ‘45, RSM Memorial Award

Former Directress of Mount Saint Mary Academy

The student who best exemplifies school loyalty and compassionate service: Zoe Daly, Lauren Peeney

Sister Diane Szubrowski,

RSM Humanitarian Service Memorial Award

Former New Jersey Regional Community President of the Sisters of Mercy, The student who has performed an extraordinary amount of service: June Gill, Nicole Parisi

Outstanding Leadership Award

Gift of the Directress, Given at the discretion of the Directress - not an annual award: Katherine Ferris

Graduation Prayer

Good and gracious God,

This is the day, Lord! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Today is the culmination of years of work, years filled with challenges and triumphs, losses and laughter, friendships and growth.

We thank you, Lord, for getting us safely to this day.

We thank you for the gift of family, friends and teachers who have supported these children of yours and celebrate with them now.

Dear God, bless these graduates, every one, and fill them with the Spirit of your love.

We pray that as they go forth to set the world on fire, may they remember you are in all things and all people.

May they continue to challenge themselves intellectually and share the fruit of their knowledge.

May their commitment to justice lead them to make a positive difference in our world.

May they build community wherever they go and remain forever the important part of our community that they are today.

And may they, through their ongoing growth in wisdom and grace, bring others to you as they share their talents in the wider world.

We ask you to protect and guide these young men and women for others throughout their lives.

We ask this in the name of your son Jesus, who unites us with one another and with you forever.

AMEN.

Resilient 2024 graduates in Diocese earn more than $113 million in scholarship monies

By Mary Morrell Editor-in-Chief

As another remarkable school year comes to a close, more than 450 students in the Diocese of Metuchen walked through their school doors as alumni, taking with them a total of some $113 million in scholarship and award monies, with a college acceptance rate of 100 percent and 99.75% of students continuing on to higher education.

Behind their achievements, which included undertaking more than 45,000 service hours in total, lies a generosity of spirit, dedication to learning and the qualities of perseverance and resilience, all of which are nurtured through their Catholic faith and the Catholic identity of the four high schools within the Diocese: Immaculata in Somerville, St. Thomas Aquinas in Edison, St. Joseph in Metuchen, and Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung.

Among the numerous awards presented to students was the 2024

Bishop James F. Checchio Award for Religion, recipients of which included Jacinta Garcia, St. Thomas Aquinas High School; Sharbella Jacobs, Immaculata High School; Victoria Fekete; Mount Saint Mary Academy, and Evan Chin, Saint Joseph High School.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Catholic Education describes Catholic schools as serving “both the faith community and society by educating children, young people and adults to contribute to the common good by becoming active and caring members of the communities, cities, and nation in which they live.”

This year’s graduates are on their way to doing just that, acknowledged St. Thomas Aquinas principal Harry Ziegler, who reminded students of their high school beginnings during the COVID-19 pandemic and stressed to his graduates, “Your generation triumphed over one of the most serious global events of the century. And now you are thriving and ready to make your mark on the world.”

Valedictorian: Nina Heim

Graduate Vanessa Kosuda is transported from the Mount Saint Mary Immaculate Conception Chapel, Watchung, by Tiffany Firmino, athletic trainer, during the tradition of “Clapping Out” the seniors as congratulations upon their graduation. They are “Clapped In” on their first day as freshmen. Prominently congratulating Vanessa is Phil Iuliano, field manager. —Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo

A Band of Brothers, in Jesus: Saint Joseph High School graduates 118 young men

By Robert Christie, Correspondent

The 118 members of the Saint Joseph High School Class of 2024 celebrated the birthday of the Church May 19 with a milestone of their own: all the pomp and circumstances one might expect to mark the next joyous milestone on their academic paths.

Sacred Heart Church, South Plainfield, was the site of the Metuchen boys’ Catholic secondary school graduation, slated for the Pentecost feast. School officials, dignitaries and clergy, including Bishop James F. Checchio, filled the sanctuary. Bishop Checchio served as principal celebrant for the Baccalaureate Mass. Homilist was Father Michael Krull, pastor, Our Lady of Peace Parish, North Brunswick, and a member of the

St. Joseph High School Class of ’76.

In his homily, Father Krull reminded the young men how the disciples felt confused and unsettled by Jesus’ Death, Resurrection and Ascension and were dramatically changed ... “They went out into the world bold, unafraid, strengthened; they let others know what they had experienced: the power of their faith in God.”

Alluding to their emotional growth over the four years at Saint Joseph, he said, “Like those disciples, today you go forth. You’ve learned your strengths and weaknesses, and about serving others ... the Gospels give us hope: ‘Do not be afraid. Know that I am with you always. With your faith, you can go forward with confidence.’”

The priest concluded with words of wisdom from one of his favorite saints,

St. Catherine of Siena, saying: “‘Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire!’ Congratulations, and welcome – to this very special ‘band of brothers.’”

Principal Anne Rivera addressed her graduates. “Don’t forget to think big. You owe it to your parents to be the best version of yourself that you can be. They made a choice to invest in a Saint Joe’s education so that you can succeed. Take advantage of everything life has to offer, for you are and always will be a Falcon,” she said.

The Class of 2024 earned $30 million in scholarships from 681 institutions, and performed 13,738 service hours. Evan Chin earned the Bishop Checchio Religion Award This year’s senior class appointed two valedictorians: Caeleb Chendorain, who plans to study at Stevens Tech this fall, and Aryan Jeena, bound for the University of Pennsylvania.

Chendorain shared a positive spin on the academic pressures he experienced at Saint Joseph High. “When pressure arises, you are given two choices: succumb or prevail,” he said, “but we all know there is only one right decision.

You have been given the tools to succeed … Happiness will be a guaranteed result, and if that happiness is from internal victories, then all material desires become immaterial.”

Jeena revealed that his many academic and sports pursuits brought him joy and taught him valuable lessons. “[But now] we face true adversity; in this very rare moment we are free from concrete expectations and open to possibilities,” he said. “I can say, with confidence, that we have nothing to fear. Take control of your future, defy expectations, and dare to be bold in the pursuit of your dreams.”

President John Nolan assisted in the awarding of the diplomas and shared his final words of advice with the class to conclude the ceremony. “The Class of 2024 holds a special place in my heart, as we both started our Saint Joe’s journey together. Over the past four years you have grown into your own version of a Saint Joseph Man through hard work, dedication, and service. Don’t forget to stay strong in your faith, be true to yourself and know that your Saint Joe’s family will always be here for you.”

1. Bishop James F. Checchio greets June Matwijec, Theology Department Chair, a member of the faculty who are known as Partners in Ministry at the school. Bishop Checchio congratulated faculty and thanked them for their work and sacrifice. 2. Graduates, and now alumni, from left, William Kwiatkowski, John Risley, Cameron Moghaddas, and Jack Kemler, share proud smiles with family photographers after the Commencement Ceremony. 3. A line of St. Joe’s young men file into Sacred Heart Church, South Plainfield, May 19 for the Baccalaureate Mass ahead of principal celebrant Bishop James F. Checchio, watching at right. 4. Graduates Jason Nawrocki, carrying the cross, Lorenz Matanguihan, left, and Jack Kemler, right, take part in the procession for the Baccalaureate Mass.

Wutkowski Jr. photos

SACRÉ COEUR AWARD AND FALCON AWARDS

Art National Honor Society

Sacré Coeur Award: Lucas Rodriguez

Falcon Award: Nicholas Campanella

Chess Team

Sacré Coeur Award: Jason Nawrocki

College Bowl

Sacré Coeur Award: Christian Concepcion

Falcon Award: Adrian Perdomo

Computer Club

Sacré Coeur Award: Aryan Jeena

German National Honor Society

Sacré Coeur Award: Owen Smythe

Falcon Award: Thomas Ogrodnik

International Thespian Honor Society

Sacré Coeur Award: Christian Concepcion

Falcon Award: Aryan Jeena

Investment Club

Sacré Coeur Award: Adam Cannizzo

Falcon Award: Zachary Kovacs

Latin National Honor Society

Sacré Coeur Award: Giovanni Oliveti

Falcon Award: John Risley Iv

Literary And Art Magazine: Vignette

Sacré Coeur Award: Giovanni Oliveti

Falcon Award: Jake Stephen

Math League

Sacré Coeur Award: Aryan Jeena

Falcon Award: Oluwaniademi Ogundana

Mock Trial

Sacré Coeur Award: Christian Concepcion

Falcon Award: Thomas Deamorin

Model United Nations

Sacré Coeur Award: Giovanni Oliveti

Falcon Award: Tyler Quesnel

National Honor Society

Sacré Coeur Award: Giovanni Oliveti

Falcon Award: Aryan Jeena Newspaper: The Falcon

Sacré Coeur Award: Evan Chin

Sacré Coeur Award: Giovanni Oliveti

Robotics Team

Sacré Coeur Award: Peter Meier

Falcon Award: Sean Bhagat

Science National Honor Society

Sacré Coeur Award: Evan Chin

Falcon Award: Kaiden Thomas

S.J. Broadcasting

Sacré Coeur Award: Jack Kemler

Falcon Award: William Kwiatkowski

Spanish National Honor Society

Sacré Coeur Award: Aryan Jeena

Theatre Company: Actors

Saint Joseph HS Awards

Sacré Coeur Award: Jason Magistre

Sacré Coeur Award: Ryan Xavier

Theatre Company: Tech

Sacré Coeur Award: Thomas Deamorin

Tri

M Music National Honor Society

Sacré Coeur Award: Tyler Quesnel

Falcon Award: Owen Smythe

Yearbook: Evergreen

Sacré Coeur Award: Aedan Small

Falcon Award: Logan Rotunno

Campus Ministry

Sacré Coeur Award: Nereo Rossi III

Falcon Award: Kyle Giuliano

Falcons and Friends

Sacré Coeur Award: William Kwiatkowski

Falcon Award: John Risley IV

Falcons for Safety

Sacré Coeur Award: Lucas Estela

Falcon Award: Patrick Grospin

Respect Life Club

Sacré Coeur Award: Kyle Giuliano

S.J. Outreach

Sacré Coeur Award: Jason Nawrocki

Falcon Award: Lorenz Matanguihan

Student Council

Sacré Coeur Award: Kaiden Thomas

Falcon Award : Andrew Adams

ACADEMIC AWARDS

Cum Laude

Four-year (seven semester) cumulative GPA > 3.8

Andrew Adams, Patrick Cruise, Devin Gorman, Giancarlo Hailes Perilla, William Kwiatkowski, Lorenz Matanguihan, Clifton McCormick, David McCray, Arjun Nath, Logan Rotunno, Elias Scott

Magna Cum Laude

Four-year (seven semester) cumulative GPA > 4.0

Brandon Adams, Aidan Angeles, Kevin Antony, Sean Bhagat, Nazariy Bilichak, Adam Cannizzo, David Caruso, Lucas Estela, John Paul Farrelly, Kyle Giuliano, Owen Griffin, Matthew Hohmann, Alexander Kozak IV, Michael Lee, Georgi Manianchira, Raymond McCraney III, Nicholas Michelen, Jason Nawrocki, Oluwaniademi Ogundana, Tyler Quesnel, Nereo Rossi III, Asket Singh, Andrew Sivulka, Avery Small, Aidan Sorge

Summa Cum Laude

Four-year (seven semester) cumulative GPA > 4.40

Michael-Tristan Almonte, Andrew Azzinaro, Colin Brockman, Caeleb Chendorain, Evan Chin, Christian Concepcion, Thomas DeAmorin, Jeremy DeCaro, Philip Frangie, Aryan Jeena, Devon Kiessling, Andrew Kojima, Zachary Kovacs, Jason Magistre,

Cameron Moghaddas, Thomas Ogrodnik, Giovanni Oliveti, Jason Park, Shlok Patel, Adrian Perdomo, Terrence Quinn, John Risley IV, Owen Smythe, Giuseppe Spagnuolo, Jake Stephen, Noah Stout, Gavin Szilvasi, Kaiden Thomas, Ryan Xavier

SPECIAL AWARDS

Alumni Award: David Caruso and Kaiden Thomas

Bishop Checchio Medal: Evan Chin

Capt. Walter C. Callari “Lead By Example” Scholarship: Patrick Grospin and Aidan Sorge

Damon Ferber ’88 Memorial Scholarship: William Kwiatkowski

Dino Galiano ’79 Memorial Scholarship: Christian Concepcion

Gavin Macdonald ’81 Memorial Scholarship: Jason Magistre

Joseph Mangiapane ’98 Memorial Scholarship: Caeleb Chendorain

Cpl. Kevin Reinhard ’05 Memorial Scholarship: Andrew Delabar

Ryan Terracciano ’09 Memorial Scholarship: Aryan Jeena

DEPARTMENT AWARDS

Computer Science and Applied Technology

For Excellence: Sean Bhagat

Department Award: Devon Kiessling

English

For Excellence: Adrian Perdomo Department Award: Alexander Kozak IV Fine and Performing Arts

For Excellence: Giancarlo Hailes Perilla

Department Award: Adrian Perdomo

Health and Physical Education

For Excellence: Kyle Giuliano

Department Award: Nicholas Michelen

Mathematics

For Excellence: Oluwaniademi Ogundana

Department Award: Jason Magistre

Science

For Excellence: John Risley IV Department Award: Andrew Azzinaro

Social Studies

For Excellence: Christian Concepcion

Department Award: Gavin Szilvasi

Theology

For Excellence: Evan Chin

Department Award: Jason Magistre

World Languages

German

For Excellence: Thomas Ogrodnik

Department Award: Owen Smythe

Latin

For Excellence: Giovanni Oliveti

Department Award: John Risley IV

Spanish

For Excellence: Michael-Tristan Almonte

Department Award: Evan Chin

HONORS DIPLOMA

Caeleb Chendorain

Evan Chin

Philip Frangie

Aryan Jeena

Jason Magistre

Scholar-Athlete Award:

HONORS PREVIOUSLY AWARDED

National Merit, Commended Students

Aryan Jeena, Varun Krishnan, Jason Magistre,

Thomas Ogrodnik, Shlok Patel, Adrian Perdomo, Jake Stephen, Ryan Xavier

National Hispanic Recognition Program

Scholars:

Michael-Tristan Almonte, Jeremey DeCaro

Lucas Estela, Nicholas Michelen, Giovanni Oliveti

National African American Recognition

Program Scholars: Owen Griffin, Cameron Moghaddas, Oluwaniademi Ogundana

Saint Joseph High School 48th Annual

Robert Frost Literary Contest 2023

Senior Division (first, second, and third place)

Fiction:

Owen Smythe – “A Step into Perfection”

Kevin Antony – “A Rock’s POV”

Aryan Jeena – “Titos and Hydra”

Nonfiction:

Nazariy Bilichak – “My Heritage”

Adrian Perdomo – “Success is Never Final, Failure is Forever”

Tyler Quesnel – “The Ghost of Eureka Hall”

Poetry:

Oluwaniademi Ogundana – “Janus”

Giancarlo Hailes Perilla – “The Return”

Nereo Rossi III – “Grand”

Edison Rotary Seniors of the Month

Michael-Tristan Almonte, Colin Brockman, Evan Chin, Thomas DeAmorin, Lucas Estela, Kyle Giuliano, Aryan Jeena, Devon Kiessling, Andrew Kojima, Zachary Kovacs, William Kwiatkowski, Michael Lee, Georgi Manianchira, Lorenz Matanguihan, Oluwaniademi Ogundana, Giovanni Oliveti, John Risley IV, Nereo Rossi III, Aedan Small, Aidan Sorge, Giuseppe Spagnuolo, Kaiden Thomas, Ryan Xavier

Senior of the Year as Chosen by the Edison Rotary: Michael Lee

Athletics:

NJSIAA Scholar Athlete Award: Jeremy DeCaro

GMC Scholar Athlete Award: Kyle Giuliano

GMS sportsmanship Award: Evan Chin

Math League

New Jersey Math League First Place Overall: Aryan Jeena

American Scholastic Mathematics Association

First Place Overall: Aryan Jeena

Model United Nations

Conference on National Affairs Delegate: Giovanni Oliveti

National German Exam Level IV

Goldurkunde: Thomas Ogrodnik

Silberurkunde: Devon Kiessling, Owen Smythe

Bronzeurkunde: Christian Concepcion

Thomas Ogrodnik

Giovanni Oliveti

Shlok Patel

Kaiden Thomas

Evan Chin, Devon Kiessling

Valedictorian Award:

Caeleb Chendorain, Aryan Jeena

Seal of Biliteracy – German

Functional Fluency: Devon Kiessling

Working Fluency: Christian Concepcion, Thomas Ogrodnik, Owen Smythe

Outstanding Senior Award

Congressman Pallone’s Office: Michael Lee

Co-Valedictorian: Aryan Jeena

Co-Valedictorian: Caeleb Chendorain

30 Aquinas commencement celebrates class of 2024’s faith and achievement

By Michael Kowalczky Special Contributor

Illuminated by the stained-glass windows of the Church of the Sacred Heart, St. Thomas Aquinas High School celebrated the Class of 2024 with its annual Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, June 6, marking an important milestone with faith, reflection and anticipation for the future.

True to STA tradition, the day began with a Baccalaureate Mass, a longstanding ritual of prayer and thanksgiving. The Mass was a moment to thank God for what has been and to ask for His blessings in what is to come, setting the spiritual tone for the day’s celebrations. The ceremony began with the presentation of the symbols of the class: the friendship chain, drama mask, musical note, diploma, class ring, uniform and Christ candle, each emblematic of the diverse experiences and achievements of the members of the Class of 2024.

The homily by Father Mike Tabernero resonated deeply with the congregation: “Just as the bread and wine are transformed into the Eucharist, so too can your talents and knowledge be transformed into gifts for others as you illuminate those around you.”

Music, an integral part of the school’s liturgical life, was performed by the liturgical choir led by alumnus Joseph Cullinan ’02. The choir’s rendition of familiar hymns such as “Our God Is Here,” “We Are One Body,” and “City of God” created a sense of community and shared faith. As a segue between Mass and the graduation ceremony, the graduates were treated to a final rendition of student-favorite worship song, “Big House.”

To inaugurate the Commencement Ceremony, Bishop James F. Checchio bestowed a blessing upon the graduates.

The ceremony then proceeded with speeches from the class salutatorian and valedictorian, each providing a unique perspective on the shared experiences of the graduates. Salutatorian Marissa Nieves praised the excellence that she witnessed in her classmates, from athletic fields to theater stage to classrooms. “Most of all in our class, I see friendship and connections: those that have been there since day one, those that we’ve fostered along the way, and the new and unexpected ones that seem almost serendipitous,” she remarked.

Valedictorian Annika Schmidt spoke with heartfelt sentiment about the difficulty of leaving a place that had become a second home over the past four years. She urged her peers to prioritize personal happiness and passion in their future endeavors. “In your journeys toward success, make sure you keep yourself

in mind. Make sure you do what you do because you love it, not because you are trying to please someone else. Make sure you are happy in what you do, and you leave yourself room for fun experiences and building relationships,” she said.

Bishop Checchio then conferred diplomas to each of the graduates as their names were read by Class Advisor Mr. Vincenzo Dama ‘14, marking their transition from students to alumni of St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

After an enthusiastic celebration, it was four-year class president Olivia Alicante’s turn to share her thoughts with the audience, encapsulating the collective experiences and aspirations of her peers. “We’ve faced a pandemic, online school, and many uncertainties, yet here we stand, ready to embrace the future. Let us carry the lessons of STA with us, cherish the memories, and strive to make a positive impact on the world,” she declared, her words echoing the resilient spirit of the Class of 2024.

In his address to the students and their families, Principal Harry Ziegler echoed the sentiments of the three student speakers, reflecting on the resilience and growth of the students throughout their high school journey: “Your generation triumphed over one of the most serious global events of the century. And now you are thriving and ready to make your mark on the world.”

As the new graduates turned their tassels and left the church to celebrate their achievement with family and friends, they carried with them not just their diplomas, but the enduring values, lessons, and friendships forged during their time at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Michael Kowalczyk serves as communications director for St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

graduates Ava Aure, Anthony Campora,

Angeleena Figueroa, Matthew

and

add their voices to the moving moments of the graduation ceremony. —Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo • Above, Father Michael Tabernero, principal celebrant of the Baccalaureate Mass and director of Catholic Identity at the school, receives the gifts of bread and wine from graduates Sandra Abrantes and Elijah Abass-Shereef. Father Keith Cervine, interim president of the STAHS served as concelebrant of the Mass. —Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo • Below left, Bishop James F. Checchio presents a diploma to graduate Ann-Michelle Afere, who is now one of the newest alumna of STAHS. —Michael Kowalczky photo • Below right, Bishop Checchio congratulates John Schilp as a graduate and new member of the alumni at the close of STAHS graduation ceremonies. —Bishop Office photo

Top,

Caithlyn Caballero, Jacinta Garcia,

Gluchowski, Matt Andrei Guipo,

Sean Lacko

St. Thomas Aquinas Awards

VALEDICTORIAN/SALUTATORIAN TROPHIES

TOP 10%

Caithlyn Caballero, Ashley Calix, Frances Danner, Caroline Devlin, Katie Farrar, Kayla Foley, Jacinta Garcia, Matt Andrei Guipo, Yoanna Iskander, Jack Joyce, Sophia Llaguno, Marissa Nieves, Gabriella Rambaud, Madeline Rogala, Annika Schmidt, Nicholas Tonzola III.

SATOMA NEWS

Social Media Representative: Angelina Samson, Maria Giannotto

Broadcast Journalism On Camera Excellence:

Zachary Diaz, Angelina Samson

Broadcast Journalism Outstanding Contribution Behind the Scenes: David Mejia Rodriguez, Malaysia Cowherd, Sylvia Nicole Rivera, Nicole Robinson, Christopher Fogarile

Rebecca Grant, Matt Andrei Guipo, Misha Hercules, Sophia Llaguno, Liam Lugay, Grace Mandy, David Ryden, Sara Saglimbeni, Gianna Sarmiento, Khalil Stubbs, Samuel Villanueva, Brianna Wynn

Director’s Award for Outstanding Dedication to the STA Drama Department over four years:

Michael Corradino, Matthew Gluchowski, Carlie Kolomyetz, Sean Lacko, Gabriella Morelli, Emmanuel Owusu, Lukas Pereira, Amanda Ponik, Celeste Popola, Viviana Rodriguez, Madeline Rogala, Angelina Samson, Annika Schmidt, Emily Smietana, Jasmine Torres

Director’s Award for Excellence In Production Assistance: Annika Schmidt

Director’s Award for Backstage Excellence: Sara Saglimbeni

Director’s Award for Most Improved Performer Over Four Years: Matthew Gluchowski

Director’s Award for Excellence In Acting: Jasmine Torres, Matthew Gluchowski, Gabriella Morelli, Sean Lacko, Amanda Ponik

Director’s Award for Most Outstanding Actor: Michael Corradino

Director’s Award for Most Oustanding Actress: Viviana Rodriguez

Director’s Award for Most Outstanding Performer Over Four Years: Michael Corradino

BAND & MUSIC AWARDS

Student Council

President: Nicholas Basilico

Vice President: Gabrielle Rambaud

Athletics Chairperson: Trevor Lavelle

Social Events Co-Chairperson: Kayla Foley, Natalie Neno

Historian: Frances Danner

Middlesex County Scholar Athlete Award - Boy: Jack Joyce

Middlesex County Scholar Athlete Award - Girl: Kayla Foley

NJSIAA Scholar Athlete: Jack Joyce

Robin Cone Memorial Award: Caithlyn Caballero

Middlesex County Principal’s & Supervisor’s Outstanding Student: Sophia Llaguno

Scott Stringer Award: Gabrielle Rambaud

Zolnier’s Student Leadership & Service Award: Olivia Alicante

Brian Crelin Memorial Scholarship: Gianna Varady

South River Historical & Preservation Society: Carlie Kolomyetz

Kathleen Duffy Memorial Award: Prutha Parikh

Therese E. Ghegan Memorial Award: Gabriella Morelli

National Merit Scholarship Program – Letter of Commendation: Madeline Rogala

Spirit of Blessed Angela Award: Jacinta Garcia

St. Vincent De Paul Award: Sophia Llaguno

Director’s Award for Participatory Excellence in

Zachary Diaz, Angeleena Figueroa, Kayla Foley,

4 Year Award (Stayed active on a Music Roster for 8 full seasons): Ava Aure, Anthony Campora, Angeleena Figueroa, Jacinta Garcia, Matt Andrei Guipo, Carlie Kolomyetz, Sean Lacko, Gabriella Morelli, Emmanuel Owusu, Lukas Pereira, Amanda Ponik, Celeste Popola, Gabrielle Rambaud, Viviana Rodriguez, Madeline Rogala, Sara Saglimbeni, Annika Schmidt, Jasmine Torres

Director’s Award for Excellence in Band: Ava Aure

John Philip Sousa Award for Instrumental Excellence: Annika Schmidt

Leonard Bernstein Musicianship Award: Madeline Rogala

National High School Choral Award: Matt Andrei Guipo, Gabriella Morelli

Director’s Award for Excellence in Chorus: Matthew Gluchowski, Viviana Rodriguez, Celeste Popola

Frederick Chopin Piano Award: Caithlyn Caballero

Director’s Award for Meritorius Contribution to Music: Sara Saglimbeni

Director’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music: Angeleena Figueroa, Emmanuel Owusu, Liam Lugay

Most Improved Over 4 Years:

Band: Sean Lacko, Carlie Kolomyetz

Chorus: Ava Aure, Michael Corradino

Semper Fi Marine Corps Marching Award: Ava Aure

National School Color Guard Award: Annika Schmidt, Jasmine Torres

Woody Herman Jazz Award: Anthony Campora

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award: Celeste Popola

Blood Drive Scholarship: Frances Danner, Nicholas Basilico

STA/BGA Alumni Scholarship: Anna Martins

4 Years Honors Program: Olivia Alicante, Ashley Calix, Frances Danner, Caroline Devlin, Katie Farrar, Kayla Foley, Jacinta Garcia, Matt Andrei Guipo, Jack Joyce, Sophia Elisse Llaguno, Marissa Nieves, Prutha Parikh, Gabrielle Rambaud, Madeline Rogala, David Ryden, Annika Schmidt, Nicholas Tonzola, Shreya Vempati

SUBJECT AWARDS (MEDALS)

Art Award: Sara Saglimbeni

English Award: Marissa Nieves

Health & Physical Education Award: Ava Ignar, Trevor Lavelle

Math Award: Annika Schmidt

Physical Science Award: Madeline Rogala

Biological Science Award: Marissa Nieves

Social Studies Award: Nicholas Tonzola III

Spanish Award: Rachel Milewski

French Award: Rachel DeMesa

Latin Award: Sophia Llaguno

Italian Award: Annika Schmidt

Bishop Checchio Religion Award: Jacinta Garcia

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Excellence in S.T.E.M.: Victoria Aldridge, Sandra Abrantes, Natalie Mercado

Excellence in Technology: Prithvi Parikh

Excellence in Writing: Caithlyn Caballero

Valedictorian: Annika Schmidt

Salutatorian: Marissa Nieves

The St. Bartholomew School Faculty and Staff Congratulate the

Class of 2024

Lucky stars above you, Sunshine on your way, Many friends to love you, Joy in work and play.

Laughter to outweigh each care, In your heart a song, And gladness waiting everywhere, All your whole life long.

Contemplative Eldering Retreat a transformative week offering new vision of aging

By Rev. Msgr. Joseph J. Kerrigan Special Contributor

“It’s not how old you are, but how you are old.” With these opening remarks by Cistercian Father Guerric Heckel, the tone was set for four days of thought-provoking, affirming and challenging moments during Mepkin Abbey’s Contemplative Eldering Retreat April 29-May 2.

Fourteen participants filled the Abbey’s Retreat Center in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. Eleven were from the Metuchen Diocese, with one each from the Paterson, Newark and Arlington Dioceses. The daily schedule was a mix of themed presentations by Father Heckel and his retreat team, along with prayer exercises and rituals.

The retreat started by defining the terms of “contemplative eldering.”

Negative stereotypes of aging were confronted. Rather than a time of failure, decline and diminishment, retreatants were asked to instead consider aging as a time of ripening and growth. An elder was described as someone who is fully present to what is – especially the work of the divine – in the second half of life.

The contemplative motif was suffused throughout the retreat. Participants were invited to reflect upon both our naturally contemplative selves that are drawn to deep and soulful places, as well as to conditions especially fruitful for contemplation, such as nature, solitude,

Mepkin

prayer, art and human relationships.

The retreat ground rules fostered silence, yet even in moments of group discussion, retreatants were asked to observe “contemplative conversation.”

Key to this format is not engaging in crosstalk (responding to what another person has just shared). The idea is that when people are doing more listening and less reacting to each other, the time together will be deeper and more fruitful.

Participants were given moments to focus on grief, self-forgiveness and letting go. One evening concluded with a fire ritual. The group was first asked to write something that each felt they needed to let go of at this point in their life. Each person was then asked to voice that item, before burning the note paper in a small bonfire, to the accompaniment of a sung refrain calling forth the renewing Holy Spirit.

Two unique features also available to augment the retreatants’ experience were the opportunities to participate in the monastic prayer life of the Abbey, and to explore the vast and beautiful 3,000-acre monastery property along the Cooper River, not far from Charleston, SC. These aspects folded in nicely with the overriding contemplative aspect of the retreat.

Participants could rise as early as 4 a.m. to chant shoulder-to-shoulder with the Cistercian monks in their choir stalls as they prayed the Psalms for the day’s opening service, Vigils. In doing so, re-

treatants could appreciate the Psalms at a slower, richer level. Retreatants could return again for prayer services at 6 a.m., noon, 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Likewise, the abbey grounds were open wide for traversing. With sunny weather and spring in full bloom, retreatants were not disappointed. The retreat schedule included three outdoor-specific activities: a walking meditation, a group labyrinth exercise, and a prayer practice called “Lectio Terra,” very similar in design to Lectio Divina. Instead of poring over a specific Scripture text, however, as in Lectio Divina, participants in Lectio Terra were asked to spend an hour in nature, allowing some aspect of creation to draw itself to the retreatant and become

the “text” for meditation.

The contemplative elders retreat concluded with a ritual of blessing and anointing, as those who felt called and ready to assume the mantle of contemplative elder came forward to be prayed over and to be welcomed. A powerful and transformative week thus ended with participants having a new sense of call for this time in their lives, a new way of seeing themselves in relation to others, and a new mode of serving in the community, as contemplative elders.

Msgr. Kerrigan is pastor of St. Joseph Church, Bound Brook, and a founding member of the World Community of Christian Mediation contemplative clergy network.

Abbey Retreat was time to see ‘God’s hand at work’

By Deacon Edgar Chavez Special Contributor

A few weeks ago, 14 of us, mostly from St. Joseph Parish in Bound Brook, attended a silent retreat at Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina. I appreciate so much the depth and spirituality of the retreat, which was guided by the Cistercian Father Guerric Heckel and organized by Msgr. Joseph Kerrigan. Many thanks for the life and energy they put into the retreat; it was all engaging and thought-provoking.

I want to share my personal experience with Lectio Divina with you. Lectio Divina used to be part of my daily praying life, but with the busyness of my life and the responsibilities of the church, little by little, I stopped doing it. But here, God began to re-establish the lost thread to me. I enjoyed the silence in my monastery room, the short inputs, the silence at meals, and the walks, and I began to deepen in my praying life diary.

This time was incredibly good for me. This was a breakthrough for me, my

life, and my ministry. I loved a breath of fresh air … It is a moment of grace that has helped set my heart on fire to what “transformation” really means and how to pray—a great awareness of the Love of God for me and each human being.

The experience of waking up early in the morning, walking to the church, and praying all the hours (Liturgy of the Hours) during the day with the monks was a touching aspect for me. What I learned during Lectio Divina is how timely God’s Word speaks into my life situations. I have encountered him myself by letting it touch me how Jesus encounters people. I have regained the joy of reading the Bible. And I heard God’s voice again, speaking to me personally and daily.

It was beautiful to see God’s hand at work not just in me but also with my other brothers and sisters from St. Joseph Church accompanying me on this path, the grounds of this blessed place, and the presence of the Holy Spirit upon us. It was beautiful to rest before God, let His words influence me, and experience His

voice. And the good thing was: it didn’t end with that week. I had received a tool for my everyday life.

Abbey is a place where you

The Mepkin Abbey Church, where monks pray up to seven times a day, and where retreatants and guests are also welcome. —Photo by retreatant George Hundt

Mepkin Abbey is set scenically along the Cooper River in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. —Photo by retreatant George Hundt

loving

Mepkin

sit in the presence of Christ in the silence and solitude of your heart and wait. Deacon Edgar Chaves serves in St. Joseph Parish, Boundbrook.

A ‘Come and See’ for single men in the Diocese

Holy Cross Abbey, Berryville, VA is offering a “Come & See” weekend July 26-28 for single men in the Diocese of Metuchen between the ages of 18-50 who are curious and/ or interested in the contemplative monastic life. Take part in the inside life of Trappist monks by praying and working with them within the cloister. This is a unique, behind-the-scenes opportunity to experience their life.

Msgr. Joseph Kerrigan (jkerrigan@ diometuchen.org) and Deacon Edgar Chaves (deacon.edgar@sjcbb.net) are organizing the outreach within our local area and will accompany retreatants to the monastery. If interested,

For

those who venture forward, the rewards of retreats are many

who was sharing his own struggle with a failed marriage. Because time had passed and the speaker had received some good counseling, he could share a message of hope and peace. Most of all, he admitted he had learned to accept imperfection in his life and could forgive himself and accept God’s forgiveness.

While that man was speaking, Tom was soon in tears. A few others noticed it, but even then Tom chose not to speak about his own struggles: a spouse who had left him, kids who were trying to be brave and uncertainty about ever being happy again.

As the retreat continued, Tom sought out the speaker. They sat down and talked. Eventually, Tom chose to ask the entire group for prayer. The others responded with sincere love and deep respect. Tom’s situation wasn’t remedied by any means, but he left with some hope that he had not experienced before.

By Father Herb Weber OSV News

Although the secular world has appropriated the concept of retreats for management teams, sales forces and various boards, the original use of the term “retreat” is religious in nature. In short, it is a time to step back from one’s many activities to reassess how one’s life is reflecting the baptismal call.

Most spiritual retreats fall into one of two categories: quiet or loud. To put it more gently, reflective or interactive. Some of the quieter, more reflective experiences allow the retreatants to meet with a personal director who guides them through a process, often based on Scripture readings. Some quiet retreats require silence, even if there are various persons

participating at the same time.

In more recent years retreats include interaction and group discussions. Our parish men’s retreat, an example of this, has encouraged participants to listen and then share at their own comfort level.

One man, whom I will call Joe, came to a retreat simply because his closest friend promised to come as well. For Joe, religion was not an active part of his life. Living his faith meant little more than going to church and having the kids receive sacraments.

At the parish retreat, something said by one of the speakers, a fellow parishioner, caused Joe to reflect on his own life. Never before had he truly shared his faith experiences.

What Joe found was an opportunity to review what he was doing with his

life. He knew he was restless and desired something more satisfying, especially regarding his employment. But he never thought that a career change was possible. Even more, he certainly had not considered that what he did professionally could be a reflection of his faith.

Listening to the other man and then discussing this throughout the weekend, he realized that he could make a difference in the world and bring about some spiritual enrichment of others through his work. A seed had been planted.

Not every retreat is life-changing. Some are simply times for people to become inspired or re-motivated in their faith journey. At other times, healing takes place.

At one particular retreat, Tom quietly sat at a table, listening to a speaker

Interestingly, a couple of years later Tom returned to the retreat to be one of the speakers, sharing how he had come out of darkness into light through the help of the others at the previous retreat and after. That, of course, is a reminder that what follows a retreat is important.

The men from our parish retreats created an ongoing network of prayer support, dialogue and encouragement, often reaching out to each other with short emails and texts. They have been there for each other when someone got sick, lost a job or suffered other setbacks.

What I find most gratifying is that the faith that was discussed at the retreat was put into action in the days following, thus truly validating the retreat itself.

Father Herb Weber is founding pastor of St. John XXIII Catholic Church in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Left, Cistercian Father Guerric Heckel prepares to present a cake to retreatants at the end of the contemplative Right, the monastic chapel at Mepkin Abbey —Kathy Champignon photo.

Men on retreat walk through a garden praying the Stations of the Cross at Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center in Houston.

—CNS photo/James Ramos, Texas Catholic Herald

New Maryknoll Mission priest celebrates first Mass in Kiswahili at Dunellen Parish

, Editor-in-Chief

A life-long dream was realized the weekend of June 8-9 when now Father Joshua Maondo, 29, was ordained as a Maryknoll priest June 8 at Maryknoll, New York, and then celebrated his first Mass in St. John the Evangelist Parish, Dunellen, June 9 with the Kenyan family and community, including Father Alphonsus Kariuki, pastor, that have embraced him.

Father Maondo, along with Father Charles Ogony, were ordained by Auxiliary Bishop Peter Byrne of the Archdiocese of New York in the Mission Society’s Our Lady Queen of Apostles Chapel, Westchester County, N.Y., before a full congregation, including a choir of Kenyans from New Jersey, Minnesota, Seattle and other parts of the country.

Father Maondo, who was born in Kakamega in western Kenya and whose

faith was nurtured at a young age by his grandmother, celebrated his first Mass in St. John the Evangelist Parish, coinciding with the Kiswahili Mass held every second Sunday of the month in the parish. Kiswahili is the Bantu language of Swahili.

Father Maondo first learned about Maryknoll missionaries while studying at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya, and his life-long dream of becoming a priest became a dream of becoming a Maryknoll Missioner.

According to the MaryKnoll website, Catholics in the U.S. have responded since 1911 to the worldwide cry of the poor by becoming Maryknoll Missioners – priests and brothers. Today, Maryknollers help people overseas build communities of faith.

Some work in war zones with refugees, others minister to the sick, the elderly, orphans or people with AIDS.

Through lives of service, Maryknollers translate the Gospel of Love into different languages and in different cultures.

Father Maondo trained overseas two years for mission formation in Cochabamba, Bolivia, at the outbreak of COVID-19. There he ministered to prisoners in the maximum security prison of El Abra and served as a tutor for children at Hogar San Martin-San Vincent home

for at-risk children and youth.

He returned to the U.S. to complete his studies at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, working with the immigrant community, serving as a deacon in St. Basil-Visitation Church, and assisting at St. Benedict the African Church, as well.

To learn more about Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers visit: https://missionarysociety.org.

Above, women from the Kenyan community of St. John the Evangelist Parish, from left, Joyce Muthee, Irene Gichinga, and Dr. Emily Wanyoike, lead the procession for Father Joshua Maondo’s first Mass, June 9, in the Dunellen church. • Below, Maryknoll Fathers Rodrigo Ulloa and John Waldreb, from left, concelebrate a joyous Kiswahili Mass with Father Lance Nadaeu, Maryknoll provincial superior in the U.S., and homilist, on the occasion of the first Mass of Maryknoll Father Joshua Maondo, not pictured. • Bottom photo, Father Joshua Maondo, right, distributes Communion during his first Mass, celebrated in St. John the Evangelist Church assisted by Maryknoll Deacon Matthew Sim. —Hal Brown photos

Congratulations

Dear

Fr. Thien Ban Ho

“Joseph”

We loved having you here as our summer seminarian! We wish you joy, happiness and success in your priestly ministry, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received, to serve others”

1 Peter 4 10-11

With great admiration, The Very Rev. John C. Grimes, Pastor and all your friends at St. Ambrose.

The Catholic Spirit, half page ad, 9.6 x 5.85”, 2024-05-22

WORLD & NATION

Amid horrors of war, Ukrainian youth make pilgrimage to Medjugorje, praying for peace

MEDJUGORJE, Bosnia and Herzegovina (OSV News) – A group of Ukrainian youth have made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, asking Mary to bring peace as Russia doubles down on its 11-year war in Ukraine and brutally targets civilians. “This was a drop of water in the desert,” said Basilian Sister Lucia Murashko, who along with 45 youth and 10 adults traveled from the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia to the site of long-running alleged Marian apparitions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Daily liturgies, eucharistic adoration, recitations of the rosary and a four-hour walk in bare feet up the rocky “Apparition Hill” gave the war-weary pilgrims “relief,” and the youth are “more calm now,” said Sister Lucia. “They feel that they left their troubles, their burdens on top of the mountain, near the cross. So I hope it can help us to live more in peace with ourselves too, and in a good relationship with Mary. … She listens to our prayers.” As Russia’s attacks on civilians intensify while Western aid falters, Sister Lucia urged the world to unite in prayer with her and the

pilgrims. “Don’t stop praying for peace in Ukraine,” she said. “There is no other way to stop the war; only by prayer. We ask people to pray and support Ukraine as much as they can, because without your prayers – without the help of God, of Mary – we will not survive.”

Ukrainian youth pray on Apparition Hill (Mount Podbrdo) in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina during a May 1927, 2024 pilgrimage for peace as Russia escalates attacks on their nation amid a war now in its 11th year. —OSV News/ Sister Lucia Murashko/Oksana Dmyterko

Euthanasia bill in France may be ‘the marker of the end of a society influenced by Christianity’

French President Emmanuel Macron attends a conference on the end-of-life, after a panel of citizens worked on the issue in recent months, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France April 3, 2023. OSV News photo/Aurelien Morissard, Pool via Reuters

PARIS (OSV News) – French deputies began to work on the proposed “end of life” bill May 27, which, as it now stands, promises to be extremely permissive regarding euthanasia and medically assisted suicide. From May 13 to 17, a special commission made up of 71 parliamentarians worked to propose over 3,000 amendments to the government bill. As presented to the entire parliamentary assembly on May 27, the bill would be even more flexible than the laws already in force in Canada or Belgium – the latter considered the world’s most liberal law

on physician-assisted suicide. Earlier in April, 80 healthcare professionals, philosophers, representatives of religious denominations and associations addressed the deputies of the parliamentary commission, Catholic bishops among them. Archbishop Pierre d’Ornellas of Rennes and Archbishop Vincent Jordy of Tours, who is the vice president of the French bishops’ conference, expressed their strong disagreement with the bill, which paves the way for euthanasia and medically assisted suicide. “The dignity of a human society consists in accompanying life until death, not in facilitating death,” the French bishops declared on April 24. At the same time, the Christian point of view may get little attention in France where, according to opinion polls, 90% of citizens are in favor of “active assistance in dying.” Father Bruno Saintôt, head of the Biomedical Ethics Department in Paris’ Centre Sèvres, a Jesuit research institute, warned that such opinion polls may be corrupted in methodology: “You have to pay attention to the questions asked by polls,” he told OSV News. “The terms ‘euthanasia’ and ‘assisted suicide’ are not mentioned in the government’s bill, even though they are central to it,” Father Saintôt point ed out. “It is a serious matter to want to numb consciences in this way!” For Father Saintôt, the discussed bill can be seen as “the marker of the end of a soci ety influenced by Christianity.” Compiled

US bishops sue EEOC over regulation adding abortion to pregnant worker protections

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, alongside other Catholic groups, filed suit May 22 against a federal agency for including abortion in regulations implementing a law meant to add workplace protections for pregnant workers. Final regulations for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, issued in April, granted workers protections for time off and other job accommodations for pregnancy-related medical conditions like miscarriage, stillbirth and lactation –but also for abortion, which was opposed by many of the bill’s supporters, including the USCCB. Chieko Noguchi, USCCB spokeswoman, told OSV News May 23 the conference “enthusiastically supported passage of this law, because it had nothing to do with abortion.” The EEOC, “which is an unelected federal agency, hijacked the law, which doesn’t mention abortion at all,” she said. “And they’re mandating that employers accommodate employee abortions, and it also prevents us from encouraging employees to choose life.”

A spokesperson for the EEOC referred OSV News to the Justice Department for comment. The latter did not immediately respond. Becket, a Washington-based

religious liberty law firm, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on behalf of the USCCB, as well as The Catholic University of America and the dioceses of Lake Charles and Lafayette in Louisiana.

A pregnant woman is seen outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington in this 2016 file photo. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, alongside other Catholic groups, filed suit May 22, 2024, against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for including abortion among final regulations for a law meant to add workplace protections for pregnant workers. —OSV News photo/Tyler Orsburn, CNS

Calif. Catholic groups urge Legislature to fix bill, protect all minors from sex trafficking

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (OSV News) –Catholics in California are urging state lawmakers to include all minors in legislation that would make it a felony to purchase or solicit a child for commercial sex, after the Senate Public Safety Com-

This is a file photo of the exterior of the California State Capitol in Sacramento. Catholics in California are calling for state lawmakers to protect all minors from sex-traffickers, mandating felony charges and sex offender registration, after the Senate Public Safety Committee watered down a bill to protect only 15-year-olds and younger. —OSV News photo/Max Whittaker, Reuters

mittee limited the bill to include those 15 and under. Under current California law, purchasing or soliciting a child for sex is a misdemeanor offense carrying a maximum penalty of up to a year in jail and a $10,000 fine. Senate Bill 1414 would implement harsher penalties for such offenders: making it a felony to solicit or engage in commercial sex with a minor with a maximum penalty of up to four years in prison and a $25,000 fine. The original bipartisan legislation, spearheaded by state Sen. Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, would have applied to all minors; however, the Senate Public Safety Committee amended the bill to give courts discretion as to whether such crimes would be misdemeanors or felonies and limited it to crimes concerning the purchase of minors under the age of 16. Critics of the original legislation argued it was overly broad, a claim Grove disputed. The amended bill unanimously passed the Senate May 23, but Grove and Catholic groups are calling on the Assembly to restore the bill’s original intent and protect all minors. Kathleen Domingo, executive director of the California Catholic Conference, told OSV News that the state’s Catholic bishops “join their voice to those legislators and other state leaders in advocating that all children under the age of 18 deserve our protection.”

The Staff and Congregation of Church of the Immaculate Conception, Spotswood, NJ, congratulates

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Rev. Thien Ban (Joseph) Ho

Rev. Dawid Malik

Rev. Larrydom Magdasoc

Rev. Van Ai (Peter) Phan

On their ordination to the priesthood on June 8, 2024. May the Lord’s Grace sustain them as they minister to His holy people.

The Faculty and Staff of Holy Savior Academy congratulate the graduating Class of 2024

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In times of trial, faith assures us of God’s unconditional love

12th Sunday of Ordinary Time (B)

“Who can this be that the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41). The disciples’ question highlights their unbounded amazement at Jesus and the miracles he worked. This Sunday’s Gospel presents the great miracle of Jesus calming of the sea, demonstrating his authority even over the powerful forces of nature. St. Mark also uses this Gospel to shore up the faith of the early Christian community during their time of trials.

Our first reading from the Book of Job prepares us to recognize the greatness of Jesus’ miracle. Having endured

the questioning of Job and the hapless theories of his friends, the Lord God thunders forth a series of questions designed to emphasize his divine grandeur and Job’s human lowliness. The Lord said, “Who shut within doors the sea . . . and said, thus far shall you come but no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stilled?” (Job 38:8,11). In this particular section of the Book of Job, God stresses his own power over creation –only God can calm the raging sea.

St. Mark sets this Gospel in the evening just as Jesus and his disciples decide to cross the Sea of Galilee. Ringed by mountains, Galilee is subject to sudden, intense storms. One such storm broke during this crossing. This storm must have been especially violent as it aroused such great fear among these followers, many of whom were fishermen by trade. As the waves buffeted them and the boat filled with water, the disciples panicked (in the words of Psalm 107, “their hearts melted

SCRIPTURE SEARCH®

Gospel for June 23, 2024

Mark 4:35-41

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B: Asleep during the storm. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

ON THAT DAY CROSS OTHER SIDE CROWD THE BOAT WAVES STERN ASLEEP CUSHION WOKE TEACHER PERISHING REBUKED THE SEA BE STILL CEASED CALM FAITH FILLED GREAT AWE OBEY

BE STILL

C

“For it is this faith that assures us that no matter what storms we might face, and storms are often part of the Christian landscape, there is no force in heaven or on earth that can sweep us away from God’s unconditional love and protecting might.”

away in their plight”) and ran to Jesus who was sleeping in the stern. Once aroused, Jesus immediately commanded the wind and the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” (Mark 4:39). In doing so, Jesus fulfilled the words of the psalmist, “They cried to the Lord in their distress . . . the Lord hushed the storm to a gentle breeze and the billows of the sea were stilled” (Psalm 107:28).

The people of Jesus’ day saw the raging sea as a sign of demonic activity. In Jesus’ ordering the sea to be calm, St. Mark uses the same Greek word that Jesus used in Mark 1:25 when he expelled the demon from the man at Capernaum.

Pope Francis’s Monthly Prayer Intentions

July

For the pastoral care of the sick We pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick confer to those who receive it and their loved ones the power of the Lord and become ever more a visible sign of compassion and hope for all.

This particular word signifies not only a rebuke, but in the extra-biblical literature of the day was also used to indicate a spell cast upon a demon rendering him unable to harm others. In any case, this miracle clearly stands out as a sign of Jesus’ power over the forces of evil – in nature and otherwise.

In the midst of the storm, the fearful disciples confront Jesus, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). This is basically the same question Job had been asking the Lord prior to the incident recalled in our first reading– why didn’t the Lord seem to be more active in relieving the suffering of his people. Both God the Father in the Old Testament and Jesus in the New answer their interrogators with a question. Jesus chastises the disciples, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” (Mark 4:40). Jesus’ tone belies his disappointment with his followers – after all the time he had already spent with them, and after all the signs he had given them, their faith in him was still pretty weak. This ongoing failure of the disciples to understand Jesus and his mission is a basic theme of St. Mark’s Gospel.

St. Mark uses both the terror of these disciples and the fact of Jesus’ coming to their rescue as teaching examples. Writing for the early Christian community, St. Mark is encouraging them to remain stalwart in their faith despite whatever trials they might face. St. Mark emphasizes that God’s plan might not always be evident to human eyes, but that, in the end, God’s saving work will always triumph over the forces which seek to devastate his people. This Gospel serves as a lesson on Christian discipleship in times of difficulty. The true disciple, both in St. Mark’s era and in our own, is cautioned to remain firm in his or her faith in Jesus, lest they too become the object of the stinging rebuke, “Do you not yet have faith?” For it is this faith that assures us that no matter what storms we might face, and storms are often part of the Christian landscape, there is no force in heaven or on earth that can sweep us away from God’s unconditional love and protecting might.

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

James F. Checchio, whose welcome letter expressed heartfelt thanks: “The Church of Metuchen receives you with open hearts and outstretched arms. Thank you for answering the call, ‘Come and follow me,’ as you journey with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in what might be the longest Eucharistic Procession in world history.”

The World Apostolate of Fatima-Our Lady’s Blue Army pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fatima was crowned at the outset of the evening. Bishop Checchio then welcomed Father Roger Landry, one of the six Perpetual Pilgrims and a National Eucharistic Preacher for the National Eucharistic Revival, to address the congregation about “The Pilgrim Church on Earth: The Christian’s Life-time Procession with the Eucharistic Lord.” He noted the revival’s focus on the parish, with four elements: the way we celebrate Mass, encounter with the Eucharist, charity and mission, which is how to pass on the Word made flesh.

Expounding on these four elements, Father Landry noted that “every Mass is an Emmaus scene,” recalling when the resurrected Jesus encountered two disciples as they journeyed from Jerusalem to the town of Emmaus. They didn’t recognize Jesus until that night at dinner when Jesus repeated the Last Supper Eucharistic service. He admonished them: “How slow you are to believe despite all the Old Testament evidence.”

The Crucifixion was a confirmation, not a contradiction, of the Old Testament, Father Landry stressed. “That same Lord Jesus is here. Mother Seton, after whom this leg of the journey is named, encoun-

tered Jesus in the Eucharist: ‘Help me if you are really there,’ she prayed, which saved her faith. She was thereby convert ed and went on to establish the first school for girls, the foundation of the American Catholic education system. An Emmaus journey is a Eucharistic journey.”

Regarding charity, “You can’t just write checks,” he said. “You can’t use charity as a way out of practicing love of the Lord.” Addressing mission, he proclaimed that “We share the gift of the Eucharistic faith because life with Jesus is so much richer! That’s why we share it.”

Father Landry then united their walking pilgrimage to the entire Church community, noting that walking is a very important verb in Scripture, especially walking in truth and in light. “We are pilgrims in a strange land,” citing both St. Peter and Vatican II. “Parish” is from the ancient word for stranger in a foreign land. A parish is “a temporary home, a place to crash. The whole Church is a parish to feed us along the way, as we are always moving, a family journeying in time. But we are not alone. Jesus is with us, as he said: ‘I will be with you always.’ The Eucharist is the best way.”

Following Father Landry’s talk, pilgrims had the opportunity for personal prayer, followed by “Let’s go to meet Jesus in the Eucharist” with the diocesan Hispanic Charismatic Movement. The cathedral remained open for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a vigil of Eucharistic reparation offered by the World Apostolate of Fatima, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament which continued throughout the night.

Morning brought the Rosary and

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Benediction, after which the Perpetual Pilgrims would be back on the road following breakfast, making their way in Eucharistic Procession to St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, New Brunswick.

Raquel Chile, an attendee from Immaculate Conception Parish in Somerville, referred to Father Landry’s presentation as “awesome. I loved his teaching.” Mary Wolfrom, a daily com-

municant at the Cathedral, considered the talk “so powerful. I loved how he explained that Jesus couldn’t come in the flesh, but rather as bread and wine.”

The four-piece quartet, Marisel Rodriguez and Band, played at intervals during the evening, with harmonies, melodies, and rhythms that lent an especially aesthetic dimension to the evening.

Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor, contributed to this article.

Father Roger Landry, one of the six Perpetual Pilgrims and a National Eucharistic preacher for the National Eucharistic Revival, addresses a crowded Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, May 27, speaking on “The Pilgrim Church on Earth: The Christian’s Life-time Procession with the Eucharistic Lord.” —John Batkowski photo

Stepping forward in charity Stepping forward in charity

Catholic Charities child care centers are thriving

By Tiffany Workman, Special Contributor

A Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen’s Child Care parent that works for NORWESCAP brought The Mirror Project to Phillipsburg Primary After School Program for a series of workshops. During each workshop, the kids learned how important it is to speak kindly to themselves and about themselves. They played games, made crafts, earned prizes, and spoke positive affirmations to themselves in the mirror. Special thanks to Ms. LaRaya Manuel and NORWESCAP for bringing this program to CCDOM Child Care at Phillipsburg Primary School!

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen Staff members recently attended the New Jersey School Age Child Care Conference. The NJSACC Conference is an annual statewide conference focused around out of school time professionals. Over 45 workshops were offered with more than 300 people in attendance from across the state.

Maureen Coultas from Hope’s Promise stopped the Phillipsburg Primary School with Michelangelo, a 10 year old miniature therapy horse. The children in the program learned all about Michelangelo and the wonderful healing and happiness he has brought to thousands of people. Maureen explained how to safely pet Michelangelo, and each child got a chance to come and see him. Thank you to Maureen & Michelangelo from Hope’s Promise Equine Assisted Activities Programs for visiting! You both put smiles on the faces of the children and adults at the Phillipsburg Primary School.

Parents of children at the YES Early Learning Center at St. Ladislaus were invited to participate in an event called, “Living Healthy.” The importance of eating well was discussed followed by some Zumba! Everyone in attendance had a lot of fun! Big thanks and appreciation goes to Replenish for the apples and oranges!

Catholic Charities Child Care Group Leaders in Hillsborough participated in a recent Child Care Bootcamp Training Series. The staff partnered to create a lesson plan that would teach children conflict resolution skills. The assignment was a team building ac tivity and also addressed a ‘real’ need in the programs, helping children become conflict resolvers. The Group Leaders were tasked with facilitating the lesson plan they developed and would receive feedback. Nine employees participated and three of them were previous participants in the program when they were young. We are happy to see children that were in our program now working for us!

STEPPING FORWARD IN CHARITY

Both The YES Early Learning Center at Holy Family Parish, and the YES Early Learning Center at St. Ladislaus held “moving up ceremonies” this past week. Each class performed for their families and they said “farewell” to students moving up to kindergarten.

Tiffany Workman serves as diocesan Communications Specialist.

N.J. Catholic Youth Rally at Six Flags a true ‘Great Adventure’

For the youth of Sacred Heart Parish, South Amboy, the words on their t-shirts summed up the “fantastic” day of “Faith, Fun and Friendship.” The parish was one of 15 in the Diocese that sent some 200 youth to N.J. Catholic Youth Rally at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, May 19. The day included an opening ceremony in the Showcase Arena hosted by the Archdiocese of Newark, hours of rides, food and drinks, and closing Mass in the Stunt Arena.

Back to the Land: Following the Land’s Liturgy

We shook on it. After too many moves, my wife and I committed to move once more into a small cabin on the land. After years of false starts, it finally happened, as I wrote back in January. More than any of the practical things we hope to do, it was a move for our family, seeking to root ourselves in a rhythm of daily prayer and work. We were seeking a liturgy of life rooted in the land’s own ordering to God.

With the rise of remote work and growing frustration within American cities, the back-to-the-land movement is in full swing. Often, people arrive in the country with lofty or overly idealized expectations and are not ready for the hardships, skills and financial commitments involved in homesteading. My friend and neighbor, Jason Craig, recently offered a book with Thomas van Horn on discerning whether and how to begin homesteading: The Liturgy of the Land: Cultivating a Catholic Homestead (TAN Books, 2024).

The term “liturgy of the land” might sound unusual at first, but it recognizes that the entire cosmos has been created for the glory of God as his temple. Craig and Van Horn open the book by grounding their approach in the way faith should guide and direct all things:

“If it is the family that makes a piece of land a homestead, it is true Faith that

makes the homestead Catholic. Our Faith is not merely a sort of religious branding that surrounds the practical work of the land; rather, it guides and sanctifies our work. We don’t just pray our work goes well, but the work itself becomes actual prayer. Our Faith is the very life of our homesteads, and the liturgy we work on our land is nurtured by and united with the liturgy of the altar. The teachings of our Faith shape how we approach and cultivate our land and homes. We often hear that you can’t separate work and ‘real life’ from Sunday Mass and your life of faith. The same is even more true when the liturgical seasons and the seasons of nature are more closely united” (4).

The authors show that the family’s common efforts on the homestead bolster their work and faith by letting nature teach us how to live while pointing us to the Creator.

The book is not simply a “how to” guide about homesteading. Rather, it

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serves as an apologetic for the blessings homesteading offers, though in a sober manner that recognizes the many challenges that arise along the way. The authors do not argue that everyone should homestead. Rather, they offer help in discerning if it is the right step for a family and guidance on what is needed to begin.

“Understanding and examining our motivation for homesteading, therefore, is a helpful step in considering it as a way of life. This book’s contribution to that consideration is not in the technical aspects of growing and harvesting, though we will touch on that regarding broad decision-making. … What we want to do is point out that this life of integration – of work, land, family, leisure and home – should be approached with a truly Catholic lens. … To do that, we must understand that the work of the homesteader, the liturgy of the land, requires a recalibration of both thought and action. The Catholic homestead is simply

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built on different foundations than those of today’s secular world, and we must understand those foundations, aided by faith, for the house to be built to last” (25).

Craig and Van Horn offer practical wisdom learned from their own mistakes and successes, along with the examples and mentorship of others.

The book’s chapters continue to unfold the change in thinking and living that comes from a move out of the city, which constitutes an enormous lifestyle shift. Homesteading requires everyone’s attention and effort, meaning family members cannot keep going in different directions, with jobs outside the home, school, countless activities and constant entertainment and distractions. More than anything else, this led my family to the land, seeking to invest our time in common activities rooted in our homestead. Craig and Van Horn speak of the move as “an essentially practical reorientation of the home as an econom[ic] unit. … and we are reconceiving not just how we think of a home but what a home is for” (153).

Because all Catholics need to reimagine the home today, mired as we are in the struggles of busyness and distractions, I would recommend The Liturgy of the Land even for those not considering joining the back-to-the-land movement. The book offers a beautiful experience of the land’s liturgy with its lavish photographs. As the authors recognize, most people will remain rooted in the city and suburbia. Still, even there, we can learn the land’s liturgy, make changes to our family life and begin to live a richer and more integrated Catholic life in the home.

Dr. Staudt’s column is syndicated by the Denver Catholic, the official publication of the Archdiocese of Denver.

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New president of St. Thomas Aquinas High School appointed

Following a rigorous selection process led by the Board of Limited Jurisdiction of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, Bishop James F. Checchio is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Kevin Sacco as the next president of the coeducational Catholic high school, effective July 2024. This decision comes after careful consideration and review under the guidance of Board President Father Timothy Christy, and the Board of Limited Jurisdiction.

In separate letters addressed to the St. Thomas Aquinas Community, Bishop Checchio and the Board underscored Sacco’s distinguished background and credentials. With broad experience

from the New York City Department of Education and service as a combat veteran in the United States Marine Corps, Sacco brings to his new role a distinctive combination of leadership, educational expertise and commitment to serving and nurturing youth.

Bishop Checchio expressed full confidence in Sacco’s capacity to lead the school forward, stating, “There are wonderful opportunities for St. Thomas Aquinas to shine, and I am confident that Kevin’s background will meet the demands required for the mission to flourish.”

Reflecting on Sacco’s appointment, Barbara Stevens, diocesan superintendent of schools, remarked, “Mr. Kevin Sacco’s appointment as president of St. Thomas Aquinas High School signifies an exciting new chapter for our school community. His commitment to service and pursuit of academic excellence will undoubtedly motivate our students to

excel and build.”

Sacco’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Latin and Ancient Greek Philology from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College; a Masters in Philosophy from the University of Dublin, Trinity College in Ireland, and a Masters of Arts in TESOL and Applied Linguistics from Columbia University in New York City.

In his new capacity, Sacco will report to the Board of Limited Jurisdiction and concentrate on advancing the school’s mission of cultivating young leaders who serve others through faith, academic excellence, and respect for each individual’s dignity. His extensive experience, educational background, and dedication to service assure that this appointment will herald a new era for the St. Thomas Aquinas community, promising a bright future for Catholic education and witness.

Real voting machines a real-life experience for students at STAHS Saint Peter’s UH Earns ‘A’ in safety from Leapfrog Group

By Michael Kowalczyk Special Contributor

St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, took a bold step towards promoting student democracy in this year’s Student Council elections by incorporating the same voting machines that are used in local, state, and federal elections. This initiative, in collaboration with the Middlesex County Board of Elections, aimed to provide future voters with an authentic voting experience from beginning to end by allowing students to cast their votes using the same equipment used in official elections, thus combining an exercise of democracy with a learning experience about the electoral process.

As with all elections, the process began long before election day. After fulfilling the eligibility and application process, candidates spent weeks cam-

paigning with social media posts, leaflets, stickers and speeches. On election day, the candidates made their final appeals to student voters before the polls opened. Turnout and enthusiasm among student voters were both exceptionally high, and the electronic voting machines received positive reviews.

“Using the voting machines for the first time was an interesting experience and gave me real-life experience that will help me when I’m old enough to vote,” said junior Gianna Arduini.

The decision to utilize real voting machines reflects STA’s commitment to fostering an environment where students are educated about civic duties and are actively engaged in the democratic process. By providing access to authentic voting technology, the school aims to empower students to become informed and active participants in shaping their school community.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries, and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

“When making healthcare decisions, it’s important that patients have as much information as possible to ensure that the clinical providers they choose are highly trained, but it is equally important that the facilities where those providers practice are highly focused on patient safety as a key driver to impacting positive clinical outcomes,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. “It’s a credit to the entire Saint Peter’s team that we’ve received the highest safety grade from The Leapfrog Group and a testament to our ongoing commitment to meet and exceed the highest safety standards across all areas of our organization.”

Students use official voting machines for this year’s student elections, giving them a real-life experience of voting.

—Michael Kowalczyk photo

“We believe that it’s important for students to understand the significance of their voices and the power of their votes,” said Mike Kowalczyk, Student Council advisor at STA. “By incorporating real voting machines into our Student Council election, we are not only educating students about the electoral process but also instilling in them a sense of civic duty and responsibility.”

Moving forward, St. Thomas Aquinas High School remains dedicated to providing opportunities for students to actively participate in democratic processes and to become informed and engaged citizens.

For more information about St. Thomas Aquinas High School and its commitment to student democracy, please visit stahs.net/student_life.

Michael Kowalczyk serves as communications director for St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

“Everyone who works at Saint Peter’s should be proud of this ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group.

“It takes complete dedication of at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank Saint Peter’s leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for its patients and their safety.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day nationally. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

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

Congratulations to our 2024 Graduates. May God bless you as begin your next chapter.

St. Matthias School, Somerset, half page, 9.6 x 5.85”, June

Nini Rockx Photography

Sister Joan McKeon, 87

Sister Joan McKeon, formerly Sister Mary Estelle, age 87, died peacefully on May 11 at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung, New Jersey. Sister Joan celebrated 70 years as a Mercy Sister this year, saying, “I can only give thanks to God for coming into my life and ‘sending me forth’ to many parts of the world, meeting so many beautiful people, and being the recipient of many profound experiences.”

The daughter of James and Estelle Jacoby McKeon, both now deceased, Sister Joan was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Camden. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and Camden Catholic High School.

Following graduation from high school, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1954. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Georgian Court College, now University, and her master’s degree in English and English as a Second Lan-

guage, from Kean College, Union.

Sister Joan’s early years were as an elementary teacher in St. Mary School, South Amboy; St. Joseph School, Bound Brook; St. John School, Paulsboro, and then as a high school teacher at Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville. She later moved to Mount St. Mary Academy in Watchung, to serve as the director of admissions.

Sister Joan said, “In this capacity, I met many boarding students whose homes were in South America or Asia. Here is where I began my interest in all things Asian.” It was this interest that led her to become an ESL teacher and to pursue the opportunity to work with refugees, which she did as a member of the Camden Diocesan Resettlement Staff.

After spending a year as an ESL teacher at the Jesuit Refugee School in Thailand, she returned to Mount St. Mary Academy as Director of Admissions, and then spent eight years as an ESL teacher in Jersey City.

Sister Joan spent her final years at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung. She lived and died faithful to the motto she chose at her profession: Dieu Seul Suffi (God Alone Suffices).

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 18 with burial in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield.

Memorial donations may be made to Sisters of Mercy, 1645 US Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069

Personally, the people, the pilgrims with whom I walked in following Jesus in the monstrance, made an impact on me. Among the pilgrims I journeyed with were our Bishop Checchio, our clergy, the men and women in consecrated life, the Perpetual Pilgrims on the Seton Route and friends from various parishes that I had served. These people joined various parts of the two days. One of these friends flew in from Denver, CO, just to walk the pilgrimage; another parishioner shared that her husband is Muslim but came out to walk in support of her Catholic faith; yet another pilgrim poured out in tears, crying aloud her struggles with faith, “… faith in the Eucharist and in the Catholic Church due to all that has been happening recently.” In this experience I found myself speechless and with deep emotions, realizing how much Jesus loves us as He draws us to himself despite ourselves. Christ’s love is real, and it endures through all circumstances (Psalm 136 paraphrased.) We need Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament!

SISTER OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY ANNA NGUYEN, DIOCESAN DELEGATE FOR RELIGIOUS

Thoughts from the Heart

Continued from page 6

I am glad that God gave me the opportunity to walk on the pilgrimage. From being able to gather together with others and being able and healthy to walk, it truly was a great experience.”

SOPHIA KAYE DE VERA ’27 , STAHS

“The Eucharistic Pilgrimage was an enlightening experience for me. Traveling with people from different states and schools was exciting as you saw how big and important this trip is. Once at Saint Peter’s Church, when you sat down for Mass you realized that you helped complete yet another step

“The Pilgrimage was a very peaceful and reverent event. I was honored to be a part of it. I was able to grow in faith with other teenagers my age. I was so blessed to be able to go and I will remember it for the rest of my life.”

JUSTIN HUMMELL, ’26, IHS, SOMERVILLE

“My brother is a priest in the Diocese of Metuchen. I came in from Denver, Colo., to visit my family, and it was great timing to be able to participate in the Eucharistic Pilgrimage. There’s something about traveling and walking with Jesus. As we walked behind the Eucharist, I couldn’t help but think that Jesus is leading us, and if we follow Him, He charts the path for us to go – wanting us to stay close to him. There’s something about going home to ‘pilgrim’ with folks from N.J. ... it reminds me that we’re all one in Christ no matter how far we are from one another. The Eucharistic Pilgrimage was a beautiful experience. Can’t say thanks enough.”

FRAN TUCKER, DENVER, COLO.

“The Eucharistic Pilgrimage was a wonderful experience, where I was able to fully immerse myself in prayer with a community of wonderful people. One thing that resonated with me the most, was when I was at the back of the crowd, and I saw the sea of incredible people all gathered around me to praise God. It was incredible to be a part of such a fulfilling experience, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.”

EMILY NICHOLS ‘26, IHS, SOMERVILLE

“The Pilgrimage with the Blessed Sacrament was a wonderful opportunity to spend time in the presence of Jesus both alone and with a community of people who share the same love for God.”

NATALIE DISTEFANO, ‘26, IHS, SOMERVILLE

Caption placeholder: St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, New Brunswick, NJ, Seton route. —Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo

HIGH SCHOOL CLUBS TEAM UP TO CREATE ‘A NIGHT WITH THE ST RS’ PROM EXPERIENCE

memorable experience which included dancing and dinner, student DJs, and a photo booth.

our young people is the most important thing for us, in our age.”

A crowded dance floor, good food and the festive sounds of young people laughing and singing were the hallmarks of “A Night with the Stars,” a prom held April 16 in St. Joseph High School, Metuchen.

Made possible by the team of Buddies on the Hill, a club at Mount St. Mary Academy, Watchung, and Falcon and Friends, a club at St. Joseph High School, the event brought students together with individuals with special needs for a

Tracey Coudriet, director of St. Joe’s campus ministry and moderator of Falcons and Friends, explained that the prom was another dimension of living out the goals of campus ministry, which also sponsors mission trips to various locations, such as an upcoming journey to West Virginia, which they have visited before.

Gemma Altobelli, also a Falcon and Friends moderator and parent of two St. Joe’s graduates, stressed, “Formation of

Knights award two faith-based scholarships

St John the Evangelist Knights of Columbus Council, Lambertville, awarded two $3,000 scholarships this year to Matthew Thiel and Elise Rhen. The Sir Richard I. Fleming Memorial Scholarship is a faith-based scholarship and both applicants demonstrated worthy service to the Church, God, and service to

tending Seton Hall University. Pictured, from left, are Scholarship Committee Chair Lou Failla; Elise Rhen; Father Robert B. Kolakowski, pastor, and Matthew

Emma Szabo ’24, co-founder of Buddies on the Hill with Kathleen Altobelli ’24, recalled, “This year’s Falcons and Friends/Buddies on the Hill prom was filled with smiles, laughter, and killer dance moves. It was incredible to see old and new faces at our event. We received an overwhelming amount of gratitude from parents thanking us for giving their kids a Prom Experience! I am so happy to know how much these events are enjoyed and how each event gets more and more people involved!”

Left, Prom DJ Will Becker ’25 and assistant, Nathaniel Johnson ’27 keep the music playing for the Falcon and Friends/Buddies on the Hill prom experience.

Right, Buddies on the Hill founders Kathleen Altobelli ‘24 and Emma Szabo ‘24 dance the night away at the prom held April 16 in St. Joseph High School, Metuchen.

Robert Christie photos

Knights of Columbus DIID campaign supports those with special needs

Knights of Columbus Council #15540 recently held its annual Drive for Individuals with Intellectual Disabil ities in cooperation with Shoprite of Flemington, raising some $2,600 in contributions. The funds are ear marked for donations to Special Olympics, local special needs schools and ARC of Somerset County (www. thearcofsomerset.org). The ARC of Somerset provides services to more than 1,400 individuals with intellec tual and developmental disabilities and their families annually. ShopRite has allowed the Council to hold this drive semiannually recently, in keep ing with their long tradition of help ing their community and supporting many local charities. Pictured is Jim Johnson, manager for ShopRite of Flemington.

Courtesy photo

The Parish Family of the Church of St. James, Basking Ridge Proudly Congratulates Reverend Joseph Ho on his Ordination to the Priesthood

Love is always enough

“In the evening of life, we shall be judged on love.” St. John of the Cross

I often hear that love is not enough for a relationship or marriage to work. Recently, I came across a popular podcaster who ran a whole episode based on that mistaken premise. “Love is not enough” has become a familiar cliché used to assuage a friend’s or one’s own relationship woes. Songs have even been written claiming, “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough,” as in the 1990’s hit single.

people in a relationship must have shared vision and values, and that virtues, such as kindness and trust, are necessary for the relationship to last. But he neglected to identify the source from which all virtues flow. Love is not one among many virtues it is the bedrock all virtues. Values and shared vision are lacking if they do not spring forth from love of God. Someone who loves is patient because he will temporarily deny himself comfort for the good of his beloved. “Love is patient and kind,” 1 Cor 13:4.

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love… knowing, brothers loved by God, how you were chosen.”

1 Thessalonians 1:2-4

But does love fail us or do we fail love? Presently, we seem to have an inverted sense of love due to a disordering of affections, and therefore, a misunderstanding of what love really is. Thanks to the “sexual revolution” courtship, vow, consummation became consummation, courtship, vow.

On his podcast the host shared the following: “Every relationship I’ve had has been a sexual attraction first, a chemistry, a feeling…this feels good let’s hang out again…falling into a pattern of spending more time, great sexual connection, lots of shared interests…but never talking about the values or the vision. And finding out later the hard way, do our values line up, does our vision line up?”

Premature intimacy is like playing roulette with your heart. In a relationship, it instantly takes a couple to a whole new level, even if they are not ready to be there, and even if they have not taken the time to truly get to know one another. And when you give yourself to someone without really knowing him or her well enough the intense feelings you are having may deceive you into believing that you are closer than you actually are. Emotions greatly impact your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes you may project desirable attributes onto your partner to compensate for what you don’t know about them. You construct delusions of grandeur, a fantasy in your mind, of what you wish the relationship to be.

The host was right in saying that two

Another podcast host said, “Love will never be enough to save your relationship, at least the way today’s culture has defined it.” Therein lies the problem. Today’s culture has redefined love based more on emotion than reality. The true definition of love is found in the timeless Word of God and modeled in Jesus, Mary and the saints. For Aquinas, love means, “to consistently will and choose the good of the other.”

There are various reasons why we humans often fall short in love, the first being we do not go to its source. God is love. So, those who say love is not enough are inadvertently saying God is not enough. Fulton Sheen said that the basic error of mankind is to assume that only two are needed for love, when it actually takes three: self, other selves and God; you, me, and God.

The truth is, love is always enough. Although we often fail at love it does not mean that love is not enough, it means that there is not enough love, which includes love of God and love of self. In order for love to be perfected in us, God must dwell in us (cf. 1 John 4:12). “We love because he first loved us” 1 John 4:19.

Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection made divine love a free gift to us all. Let us not waste another moment trying to love without him, for with his grace every relationship can be redeemed and strengthened. Divine love is the breath of life. The next time you hear “love is not enough” remember that Love overcame death, even death on a Cross.

One popular band had it right: Love is all you need (Real love, that is).

Anna M. Githens is a freelance writer with a career background in finance, teaching and journalism. She holds an MA in Theology, a BA in Economics and a Certification in Theology of the Body.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

Teresa of Calcutta

St.

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PCLs encouraged to embrace selfcare methods for mental health

By Jill Kerekes Special Contributor

“Your ministry is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit through you.” This and many more nuggets of wisdom were shared by Eileen Zeismer on May 16, as twenty parish catechetical leaders gathered in St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, for a presentation entitled “Mental Health for PCLs.”

Sponsored by Catholic publisher RCL Benziger, Zeismer, pastoral associate at the Church of St. Denis, Manasquan, combined her more than 30 years of experience as a licensed social worker with her extensive experience in parish ministry as the basis for her presentation.

She offered points of reflection which illustrated that PCLs can actually “start to negatively impact the people around them” if their own mental health is not in order. Good parish catechetical leadership requires empathy, which can be lacking when a PCL is overly stressed or distracted. PCLs need to be skillfully attuned to others to respond appropriately to the needs of catechists, parents, parish staff, and the children in his or her care.

Zeismer also noted that PCLs are

fully aware that “the liturgical calendar stops for no one” and intensely feel the responsibility of being physically present for all parish religious education activ ities throughout the year. When a PCL experiences unresolved mental health challenges, however, being physically present at a multitude of activities can actually contribute to the mental health “downward spiral” and be detrimental to a religious education program.

Zeismer’s experience as a parish catechetical leader for several years in the Diocese of Trenton allowed her to provide personal insight laced with a bit of humor as she gave guidance to PCLs for managing their own mental health. First, PCLs were urged to avoid “going it alone.” People are made for community and PCLs need to tap in to their colleagues in their parishes or utilize the comradery of other PCLs to navigate some of the challenges experienced in ministry.

Eileen Zeismer, a licensed social worker who serves as pastoral associate at the Church of St. Denis, Manasquan, speaks with parish catechetical leaders about mental health care May 16 in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. —Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo

sonal lives such that they do not have an overdependence on their role as PCL in their parishes. PCLs should strive to live within their financial means and have balanced personal lives outside of their parish ministry. In addition, PCLs should actively involve others in all aspects of their ministries such that others could take over essential responsibilities if needed.

Zeismer also encouraged PCLs to avoid “pretending everything is OK.” Speaking up, getting help, and making changes are healthy steps to take when trying to improve difficult situations. She stressed that “resilience does not only mean putting up with terrible circumstances, it also means knowing when you have had enough.”

To avoid ministry burnout, PCLs were encouraged to budget time with God. Intentionally taking time for quiet prayer is essential for anyone in active ministry and burnout is “a consequence of our life management.”

PCLs were also urged to intentionally take time every day for their own physical well-being and make it a priority. Zeismer pointed out that “sitting is the new smoking” and how important it is for PCLs to participate in some form of regular exercise for their mental health.

Even 15 minutes of walking every day can, over time, lead to an improved state of mental health.

Additionally, PCLs were prompted to “set yourself up so that you aren’t afraid to leave.” In other words, PCLs should do their best to arrange their per-

Finally, Zeismer stressed that PCLs need to embrace their identities as sons and daughters of God before they can fully embrace catechetical ministry in a healthy and balanced way, urging them to make room for solitude with God and to come to a deeper realization that we are “God’s beloved.”

Jill Kerekes serves as diocesan director, Office of Discipleship Formation for Children.

-TEAM FOR SAFETY.

Mount Saint Mary lacrosse program fosters camaraderie, prepares students for the next level

By Greg Johnson, Correspondent

Camaraderie is a core aspect of Mount Saint Mary Academy that comes to mind when Brynn Merklinger reflects on her time there as a student-athlete.

The school features an attractive lacrosse program not only because it wins countless games and sends many girls to play in college. With only a few hundred enrolled students, Mount Saint Mary also has an enriching experience for the players throughout the school day.

Whether it be going to shoot lacrosse balls, holding a pasta dinner or simply hanging out together, the girls form a unique connection after school as well.

“I think all of the girls on the team each year, no matter what, if you’re a freshman, if you’re a sophomore, everyone is so close, and I think that’s one of the things that I really love about playing at Mount,” said Merklinger, a Mendham native who graduated this spring. “All of the girls see each other at least twice every day whether it’s lunch or a break period or even in class. We see each other all the time. Everyone is friends so we hang out outside of school, and then we get to practice or we get to a game, and everyone is just so bonded.”

Seeing their growth as teammates is what Matt Anzalone enjoys the most about coaching the varsity lacrosse team.

“I just think that sports play such an important role in life – in how you handle adversity, in teamwork and those things,” Anzalone said. “I love seeing the growth of a player and the leadership skills that build from their freshman year as a varsity player: kind of just being in the corner, quiet, to now coming as a junior and senior and seeing that confidence in themselves and being able to portray that not only vocally but out on the field. So for me, it’s really just seeing their growth as individuals. That’s the most fulfilling thing to really get out of this.”

The division titles and state tournament runs are just a bonus for Anzalone, but his program has indeed done plenty of winning as well. Since Anzalone began coaching the team in 2015, Mount Saint Mary has posted a record of 13154 with six Skyland Conference division crowns. The Lions were ranked top-10 in New Jersey during the 2021 season, when Merklinger began her stellar career as a four-year varsity player and went on to score 138 goals and 86 assists.

“Mr. Anzalone is a very tough coach and he cares about our success, which is obviously a good thing to have in a coach,” Merklinger said. “We had a lot of success over the past four years when I was on the team, and that obviously makes it a lot more fun when you’re doing well.”

The Lions had never won a division,

Right photo, Abby Thein, left, and Grace Daily, right, celebrate with their teammates after defeating Ridge High School on April 4.

Bottom left, Natalie Beck, right, moves with the ball during a game against Pingry on April 16. Beck scored 64 points during her junior season.

Bottom middle, Brynn Merklinger, center, takes a shot during a game against Pingry on April 16. Merklinger scored 224 career points and will continue her lacrosse career at Rider.

Bottom right, Grace Dailey, right, moves with the ball during a game against Pingry on April 16. Dailey scored 70 points during her junior season.

—Courtesy photos

a state tournament game or a county tournament game prior to Anzalone’s arrival. But he emphasizes that his program doesn’t recruit the most talented players. It’s been about creating a culture where seniors don’t get special treatment, and studying games on Hudl is a routine part of practices that typically run for at least two hours.

“For me it didn’t really matter what grade you were in. If you could play, you could play,” said Anzalone, who played lacrosse at Oratory Prep and then Susque hanna College. “I started about five freshmen on that 2015 team and I kind of radically benched the senior goalie for a sophomore goalie and just shifted the cul ture, focusing on preparation. They had never done any film work before, so that was something I stressed with them: being prepared, the tone at practice and being more disciplined. We set goals and wanted to change the future of the program.”

This year the Lions played in the Somerset County semifinals and then the quarterfinals of Non-Public A – arguably the most difficult bracket in the state. They aim to advance even further next spring.

“We’re definitely gonna look to be strong again to win in the county and the states, hopefully advancing to the semifinals next year,” Anzalone said. “That’s something I would like to get to – to that final four – and we have a really strong junior class, so that’s definitely possible.”

Merklinger was one of six players on this year’s team who committed to a college

for lacrosse and will be a Division I student-athlete at Rider University in the fall.

In previous years the program has developed about 10 Division I student-athletes including two for the Ivy League. Alaina Parisella, a 2018 graduate who played at Brown University, holds Mount Saint Mary’s school record with 473 points.

Anzalone said the program attracts girls who grew up playing club lacrosse mostly from the surrounding counties of Hunterdon, Somerset, Union and Morris.

“There is sort of a learning curve for them because they’re just entering high school, and now they’re playing against seniors and juniors that are already committed Division I, II or III,” Anzalone said. “There is a bit of a learning curve in

her decision to attend Mount Saint Mary’s was academically driven as well.

“My teammates always make it the best for me,” Merklinger said. “That’s why I always am like, ‘I’m gonna come back,’ because I love playing with all the girls. I had a really good freshman year. I bonded really well with the seniors that were there when I was a freshman, so that made coming in very welcoming. And then sophomore year I was still friends with all the girls, and same for junior year and obviously this year.”

Merklinger reached the 200-point plateau this spring as one of Mount Saint Mary’s two team leaders alongside fourth-year starting defender Shannon Rooney, a Radford University commit.

what we call ‘lax IQ.’ That’s where I kind of fill the gaps, but the girls that do come in typically do have a strong baseline and are obviously eager and ready to learn.”

Merklinger grew up in a lacrosse family with five brothers who played lacrosse and a father who played at Boston College. She originally didn’t want to play it herself, but she fell in love with the sport on her own when she tried a clinic as a third grader. She eventually became serious enough about it to play year-round as part of the STEPS Lacrosse program, but

ors in the Skyland Conference’s Delaware Division. Rooney earned Second Team honors as did Ella Reed, a junior who committed to Davidson and got her 100th point.

“The amount of camaraderie on this team each year is crazy,” Merklinger said. “I just love playing with all the girls because everyone is so happy to play together, which obviously makes the experience way more fun.”

Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell important influence for student artist

Artist Benjamin Fernandez shared his faith in three dimensions April 18 during a special private presentation in the Mueller Gallery on the campus of Caldwell University.

Fernandez, a member of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bridgewater, hosted a showing of his senior thesis exhibition, “Transfiguration,” inspired by the charism of the university’s founders, the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell.

The Sisters founded the university in 1939, and they maintain a continued and prominent presence on campus ever since. Throughout his college career, Fernandez, an honors student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in studio art with a focus on mixed media, has developed a special and personal connection to the Sisters through his involvement with campus ministry and community service events.

The religious sisters’ lifelong devotion to contemplative prayer, study, ministry, and service influenced two of the mixed media works in his exhibition – “Prayer for Peace” and “Hallelujah.”

Fernandez’s own developing spiri tuality has deeply influenced his art. An other of his spiritual pieces was selected for the front cover of the 2023 issue of the Catholic poetry journal, “Presence.” Additionally, he has shown his work in several solo spiritual art exhibitions at community venues throughout New Jersey. Through his interests in spirituality as a means of reaching viewers viscerally and emotionally, Fernandez has become increasingly inspired to direct his artistic goals and practices toward facilitating spiritual contemplation and reflection among viewers, guiding them to broad en their awareness and appreciation of themselves, others, and the world.

In his exhibition, he strives to com municate that an understanding of a life well lived can reinforce recognition of oneself as an individual with the capacity to make a positive impact both during and beyond one’s own lifetime.

“Although one’s life is finite and of ten unpredictable, we have control over our responses to the circumstances that we each face, and so it is crucial that we prioritize what is truly important in our lives,” said Fernandez. “Our essence of being remains in how we affect the lives of others, and even by our existence and presence alone. It is up to each of us to strive for a life well lived: a life that is fulfilling, meaningful, and purposeful, in which we appreciate our own existence, look for the best in others, contribute the best of ourselves, and leave the world a better place.” This theme unites all of the works in his show, including “Prayer for Peace” and “Hallelujah.”

Fernandez communicates – particularly to his peers in his emerging generation – that oftentimes, the belief that we can make a difference in our world is aligned with the act of prayer, which can be used as a source of strength and resilience.

“Transcendent of ethnicity, political affiliation, and all other demographic qualifiers, prayer is the language of humanity,” he said. “Even during the darkest of times, we must continue to have belief and faith, as it is with hope that

goodness will always prevail.”

“Hallelujah” is a wall-hanging mixed media work in which a fluid atmosphere of color and movement is designed to elevate viewers viscerally. “There is a special beauty in lifting ourselves physically and spiritually,” said Fernandez, “as we acknowledge the presence of God with pure love and celebrate the life given to each of us with joyous praise and gratitude.”

Overall, it is Fernandez’s focus on universal qualities and pursuits that

guides his spiritual work. “Art, whether evoking a sense of comfort and peace or feelings of unease and confrontation, is a way into the soul,” he said, “and a vehicle through which we can ignite a spark of personal transformation that empowers each of us to connect with others on a common spiritual level.”

A selection of Fernandez’s works from “Transfiguration” will be featured in a solo exhibition at the Bridgewater Library this June.

Below left, artist Benjamin Fernandez, a student in Caldwell University, stands with his mixed-media wall hanging work on canvas, entitled “Prayer for Peace,” during a special private presentation and showing of an exhibit of his senior thesis, “Transfiguration,” inspired by the charism of the university’s founders, the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell, and held in the university’s Mueller Gallery April 18.

Below right, “Hallelujah,” is a small wall-hanging work on glass by artist Benjamin Fernandez. Bottom, artist Benjamin Fernandez shares his April 18 exhibition, “Transfiguration,” with the Sisters of St. Dominic of Calwell, to whom his work is dedicated. —Courtesy photos

“Prayer for Peace” is a large-scale wall-hanging work of mixed media and illumination that is intended to symbolize the conflict of division, violence, and destruction in our global contemporary moment, which can challenge our faith.

Crossword Puzzle

Diocese of Metuchen Catholic Cemeteries

your family from making difficult and emotional decisions without you. Proclaim your acceptance of God’s love and your compassion for your family by making your decision today and together.

Jenna Marie Cooper, who holds a licentiate in canon law, is a consecrated virgin and a canonist whose column appears weekly at OSV News. Send your questions to CatholicQA@osv.com.

Is logging Mass attendance for Catholic school discounts aligned with canon law?

QMany Catholic schools in the archdiocese I am in are now adopting expectations to attend 75% of the year’s Masses and holy days of obligation only at the school’s parish to receive “active parishioner discounts” for school tuition, among other expectations. While I support positively encouraging Mass attendance and involvement in the parish, the expectation requires logging your attendance at Mass to receive credit, which I don’t agree with. The transactional nature of the Mass attendance record feels misaligned with the intent of Mass. Is having a parish-sponsored minimum attendance record for a tuition discount aligned with canon law? Does it infringe on our free will to determine, in good faith, if we are excused from the duty of Mass? Is a Mass attendance record misaligned with the trust that the church is to provide to parishioners?

ACertainly, attending Mass should never take on a “transactional” tone. But since I’m not “on the ground” or directly acquainted with the situation in your archdiocese, I can’t come to a firm opinion on the appropriateness or inappropriateness of this system of tracking Mass attendance. I can share a few observations, however.

First, technically speaking, a tuition discount for attending Mass does not violate canon law. Yes, simony – that is, the buying or selling of sacraments or “spiritual things” (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2121) – is not only a canonical crime but a grave sin. As per Canon 1380 of the Code of Canon Law, “a person who through simony celebrates or receives a sacrament” can be punished with interdict, which is similar to excommunication, or even by some other more enduring penalty.

But paying tuition to a school is not the same as buying or selling a sacrament. Education certainly has a spiritual component, but it is not fundamentally a

supernatural reality like the sacraments. This is clear by the fact that most modern secular societies provide for some degree of education for their people, and even Catholic schools routinely teach nonreligious subjects.

Additionally, if you could read any buying or selling into this particular situation, I suppose it would be that the parish or diocese is “paying” parents to attend Mass via a tuition discount. While it would be a crime to attempt to buy a sacrament, I don’t think the reverse holds true. Or in other words, if the local church wants to attach some material benefit to Mass attendance, this would be the free addition of one gift (a tuition discount) to a greater gift which is already offered freely (the holy sacrifice of the Mass).

This is also a separate issue from one’s ability to discern in conscience whether one is bound to the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. In this regard, the church does trust us to use our own common sense in good faith to determine whether

illness, severe weather, distance from a Catholic parish or some other serious reason renders it imprudent or practically impossible for us to attend Sunday Mass. But this freedom pertains to the question of whether or not our missing Mass is a sin; we are not promised any fringe benefits that come about as a result of Mass attendance just because we have legitimately discerned that our specific life circumstances excuse us from the Sunday obligation.

I can sympathize with whoever drafted this diocesan policy, as it seems like they were trying to juggle competing priorities. These days, it can be expensive to run a Catholic school, but at the same time Catholic education should be accessible to those who are striving to raise their children in the faith.

A system of “logging in” to Mass might not have been my own solution to this problem, but perhaps we can try to appreciate the challenge these administrators were facing.

“Sacramentalized, but not evangelized” is a phrase often used by those in the Church involved in pastoral outreach and evangelization efforts. While the phrase gets at a truth – many Catholics who have received the sacraments are still in desperate need of evangelization – it is theologically and spiritually imprecise. The problem is not that people have “only” received their sacraments, but that we do not fully understand the evangelizing work of the sacraments themselves.

In Invitation and Encounter: Evangelizing Through the Sacraments, theologian, author, and speaker Timothy P. O’Malley shows how the sacraments, as efficacious signs, are Christ working in the Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. This book presents a pastoral introduction to sacramental theology from the standpoint of evangelization. How do sacraments evangelize? How do sacraments both heal and divinize those who receive them?

Invitation and Encounter introduces the major terms and ideas of sacramental theology and helps the reader recognize how the sacramental life is integral to evangelization. By evangelizing through the sacraments, the goal of the New Evangelization is fulfilled, building up the Body of Christ with more Catholics who are sacramentalized and evangelized.

These books are available at www.osvcatholicbookstore.com

“With An Evangelizing Catechesis, James Pauley … reveals the essential link for catechists between who we are and what we teach. … In these pages, we encounter what we ourselves are challenged to do: boldly proclaim the Gospel with tenderness, patience, knowledge, and zeal.” – Leonard J. DeLorenzo, PhD, University of Notre Dame, author of A God Who Questions The catechist is vitally important when it comes to teaching the Faith. No book, no program, no text, no training can replace the teacher.

And that, my friend, is you.

In An Evangelizing Catechesis: Teaching from Your Encounter with Christ, author and speaker James C. Pauley shows you how every form of catechesis must be evangelistic in nature, fully centered on Christ, and designed to draw students into a life of missionary discipleship. You are a living witness of the Faith, and your relationship with God, the Church, and the sacraments should animate your natural gifts and talents as you teach. This is what will bring about lasting fruit in your catechesis.

Filled with powerful testimonies from catechists; the fundamentals of evangelization, catechesis, and discipleship; and even helpful connections for parents, An Evangelizing Catechesis will change your approach to teaching the Catholic Faith. It is perfect for parish catechists, Catholic school religion teachers, parish and diocesan catechetical leaders, youth ministers, RCIA coordinators, pastors, and parents.

Through our baptism, all of us are called, as disciples of Jesus Christ, to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). As a community of disciples, we can and must share the Gospel with those who haven’t received the Good News. Go and Make Disciples provides a clear roadmap for evangelization in today’s world. Written for all Catholics, not just those in parish and evangelization ministry, this book provides the faithful with a powerful instrument for opening wide the doors of Christ.

A Catholic nurse, a Nazi officer, and Jews in the basement: Irena’s Vow

By Deacon Steven D. Greydanus

Note: Irena’s Vow is streaming via Hoopla and available for rental and purchase via Prime Video, Apple TV, and other services.

The traditional Catholic view of the Eighth Commandment, championed by Augustine and Thomas Aquinas and affirmed in the “Catechism of the Catholic Church,” is that lying is never permissible, full stop. Among various challenges to this teaching in its full rigor, few have had quite the sticking power of the “Nazi at the door, Jews in the basement” scenario: Can it be permissible to lie to Nazis to save Jews from genocide?

“Irena’s Vow,” based on a true story, goes two steps further. First, the scenario here is “Jews in the basement, Nazi in the master bedroom.” I don’t know how many people from Poland, the Netherlands, and elsewhere have been accounted “Righteous Among the Nations” by Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, for seeking to hide Jews in their houses from the Nazis–but there can’t be many who dared to hide Jews in the basement of a villa under the nose of the Nazi officer occupying the villa.

Second, “Irena’s Vow” builds to a morally charged crisis some may find more challenging than the one about lying: Can it be permissible not to resist a sexual assault by a Nazi to save Jews from genocide?

Sophie Nélisse (“The Book Thief,” “Yellowjackets”) plays Irena Gut, a young Polish nurse in Warsaw during the Nazi occupation in 1939. Initially pressed by the Nazis into grueling factory work, Irena struggles to hide her anemia and weakness. When she catches the eye of an older Nazi officer, Major Eduard Rügemer (Dougray Scott), she’s reassigned to a hotel in Tarnopol used by the Nazis, where she’s given kitchen and serving duties as well as management of a team of eleven Polish Jews employed by

the Nazis in the laundry as tailors. They are not tailors (one is a nurse like Irena; another is a lawyer), but everyone must find some way to be an essential worker.

In her new position Irena is sometimes able to pass vital information overheard among Nazis in the dining room to her laundry staff, who get word out to targeted areas in the ghetto. Then two things happen: First Irena learns that the SS finally mean to liquidate the entire ghetto and deport all Jews–including her laundry staff. Second, Rügemer requisitions a villa on a large estate, and he assigns Irena to be his housekeeper. Irena hatches a desperate plan: She will move her friends into the villa, which is large enough that they should be able to hide from the official occupant.

Directed by Louise Archambault and adapted by Israeli-American writer

Dan Gordon from his own stage play, “Irena’s Vow” was filmed in Poland but shot mostly in English, with occasional snatches of Polish, German, and Hebrew. It’s an effectively restrained drama with familiar war-thriller elements, at times recalling “The Hiding Place,” adapted from Dutch Reformed writer Corrie ten Boom’s memoir of her family’s efforts at hiding Jews in North Holland. A striking sequence involves a Christmas party at the villa with Germans drunkenly belting out O Tannenbaum while in hiding the Jews quietly sing a Hannukah blessing as they pass around a single candle.

At times Irena’s secret teeters on the edge of discovery as Rügemer encounters one hint after another that he and Irena seem to be not alone in the house. Irena is well served by her steady nerves and shrewd wit as well as her pretty face, which Rügemer may not be quite able to suspect of serious deceit. Even when the question of Jews hiding in the villa is explicitly raised more than once, Irena manages to play her cards with nerve-racking boldness.

What makes “Irena’s Vow” stand

out among similarly themed films are two crises that can’t be dodged or parried. First comes the ominous discovery that Ida (Eliza Rycembel), wife of Lazar (Aleksandar Milicevic), is pregnant. Under circumstances where even a cough could be disastrous, a crying baby is unthinkable, and the unofficial house guests plan to abort the child–but Irena, who is Catholic, refuses to help and begs them to reconsider. Here the meaning of the film’s title is revealed, and the story draws a powerful line between the murder of an infant by an SS officer and taking a life in the womb. (The remarkable pro-life resonance of this scene takes on new power in a de rigueur credits sequence with images of the real people.)

Next comes the seemingly inevitable moment when either the house guests make a mistake, or Rügemer appears where he is not expected, and Irena has no more cards to play. Then Rügemer’s shock and despair take a darker turn. Irena, in 1940s Eastern Europe, lacks the concepts and vocabulary of consent and coercion to clearly identify what follows as serial rape, even sexual slavery. Some Catholic viewers, perhaps thinking of saints like Maria Goretti–or rather of popular piety around such saints–may have a similar difficulty.

Maria Goretti is sometimes said to have chosen “death over sin”–as if the only morally permissible response to attempted rape is attempted resistance to the death. By that flawed thinking, Irena, who recognizes that if she resists Rügemer or tries to flee, eleven Jews will die along with her, may be judged as choosing an intrinsically evil means to a good end. Even Catholics who have no problem with lying to Nazis to save Jews may draw a moral line at the idea of a woman (already a captive, a forced laborer) unresistingly allowing her captor to have sex with her in order to spare other threatened lives as well as her own.

Though Irena lacks the moral framework to explain why, she intuitively un-

derstands that submitting to Rügemer is not sinning against God. According to the memoir of the real Irena Gut Opdyke, in confession during this crisis, she could only tell the priest that she had “become the mistress of a German officer in order to preserve the lives of my Jewish friends.” The priest predictably refused her absolution, but she believed, soundly, that she “had God’s blessing.”

Nélisse carries much of the movie with her steady gaze and carefully controlled calm demeanor. Scott makes Rügemer a queasily human monster: a fiend who wants the illusion of his own decency, who on some level doesn’t want the war he’s a part of, and who, in his perverse way, cares about Irena. Despite the difficulty of making nearly a dozen supporting characters in hiding stand out as individuals, the film manages to give them the dignity of at least some personality and some agency, from discovering the villa’s secrets to dealing with the worst near-exposure crisis.

Like all such films, “Irena’s Vow” challenges viewers to ask themselves–to ask ourselves–what we might have done in such circumstances. Would we collaborate? Would we resist? If so, how? There is, of course, no way to know for sure. And yet the question is not really about what we would hypothetically have done in the past, but who we actually want to be in the present. The challenges that face us today are different, but we are all made of the same stuff, and souls, if not lives, hang on the decisions we make every day, above all our own.

Steven D. Greydanus, a deacon for the Archdiocese of Newark, has been writing about film since 2000, when he created Decent Films, for film appreciation and criticism informed by Catholic faith. For 10 years he co-hosted the Gabriel Award–winning cable TV show “Reel Faith” for New Evangelization Television, has appeared frequently on Catholic radio and written for a number of Catholic outlets.

Sophie Nélisse as Irene Gut Opdyke, left, stars in a scene from the movie “Irena’s Vow.” The OSV News classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is R – restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. —OSV news photo/Quiver

DIOCESAN EVENTS

Confirmation Retreat Resource for PCLs and Youth Ministers– 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. Crystal Marchand from Project YM will present “Greater,” a customizable, downloadable, Confirmation Retreat resource. For PCLs, Youth Ministers, and all involved in the planning and running of Confirmation Retreats. Sponsored by the Office of Discipleship Formation for Children. For more information contact Jill Kerekes, director, Office for Discipleship Formation for Children at: jkerekes@diometuchen.org

Hope and Healing for Adult Children of Divorce: A Conversation and Book-Signing - 1 p.m. at St. Bartholomew Church, East Brunswick, and sponsored by the diocesan Family Life. The program will be presented by Dr. Daniel Meola, founder of Life-Giving Wounds Ministry and author of “Life-Giving Wounds: A Catholic Guide to Healing for Adult Children of Divorce or Separation.”

El Evangelio Segun San Juan – 7 – 9 p.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center. Sponsored by the Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry, under the guidance of Father Gustavo Amell, the program will give participants an opportunity to study and reflect on the Gospel according to Saint John. Cost is $25 with a special discount for those attending the Diocesan Hispanic Bible School. For more information and registration visit: http://diocesan.org/taller-de-biblia-introduction or contact: Lescobar@diometuchen.org

Marriage Encounter Weekend – Sponsored by the Office of Human Life & Dignity the weekend will give couples the time and tools to revitalize romance, deepen communication, and nourish the spirituality in their marriage. Space is limited so apply ASAP. For an application and information (Tom & Ruth DeFalco at 1-732-904-9636). For more information visit: www.wwme.org

Celebrate Life! A Morning for Grandparents & Seniors (55). The event will include breakfast, fellowship, presentation & Mass. There is no charge, but registration is required. For more information or to register, call Angela at 732-562-1543.

Quo Vadis, Where are you going? – Camp Shiloh, Hewitt, NJ. This is a prayer fellowship adventure with teambuilding activities. Sponsored by the Office of Vocations, this event will give attendees an opportunity to think about and pray about where God may be calling them in their life. For more information and to register visit: www.diometuchen.org/quovadis.

Fiat Day – St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick. Sponsored by the Office of Religious and Consecrated Life, this is an opportunity for young women (high school students) ages 14-17 to have fun, grow in faith, and begin to think/pray about where God may be calling them in their life. Fiat is the word in Latin which Mary spoke to the angel Gabriel when she said, “Let it be done” and so agreed to become the mother of Jesus. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet religious sisters and learn about their life. More information concerning registration will be published soon.

Partnership Launch for Ministry Leaders – 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at St. Magdalen De Pazzi Church, Flemington. Members of the leadership team of the Catechetical Institute of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, will launch the newly created diocesan partnership which will allow for unlimited access to Franciscan at Home, the Catechetical Institute’s unique, accompaniment based, on-line formation platform. The principles behind this workshop-based platform will be explained and use of the platform will be demonstrated. The August 14 event is for ministry leaders in the Diocese including: PCLs, youth ministers, RCIA directors, Hispanic ministry leaders, adult faith formation leaders, marriage ministry leaders, and Catholic school principals. For more information contact Jill Kerekes, director, Office for Discipleship Formation for Children at: jkerekes@diometuchen.org

Life-Giving Wounds Retreat – San Alfonso Retreat House, Long Branch. A unique opportunity for adult children of divorce or separation. For registration and more information visit: https://diometuchen. org/adult-children -of-divorce

SELLING YOUR HOME?

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

FREELANCE WRITERS NEEDED

Must have experience writing news stories, articles, feature stories; experience in writing for a diocesan newspaper a plus. Knowledge and practice of the Catholic faith is essential. Must be willing to learn and apply appropriate style, follow through with research as needed, undertake fact checking and provide text that is accurate and meets deadlines, which are often short. Willing to travel locally to cover assignments. Please send letter of inquiry and resume to mmorrell@diometuchen.org.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, seeks a Graphic Designer to assist with the layout and design of its publication. The ideal candidate will have Adobe InDesign and Photoshop experience in a PC environment, be familiar with all aspects of electronic publishing, be well-organized and reliable, and have a proven track record of meeting deadlines. Interested candidates should forward their resume to hr@diometuchen.org.

DIOCESAN PROGRAMS

Adoration and Mass at Pastoral Center – Now that the pandemic is over, Bishop Checchio would like to offer Eucharistic adoration at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Monday through Friday, from 9:00-11:45 a.m. As St. Pope John Paul II noted. “The Church and the world have a great need of Eucharistic adoration.” Anyone who is interested in signing up should contact Angela Marshall at amarshall@diometuchen.org

Bible Study in a Year – This virtual women’s group will be following Father Mike Schmitz’s “Bible in a Year” podcast and meeting each Sunday at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom to discuss insights from the week. For details or to participate contact Cristina at: cdaverso@diometuchen.org

Lectio Divina for Couples & Families – This virtual program for couples and families is held two Thursdays per month at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. The program includes praying a meditative reading of a short scripture passage. For questions and more details, contact cdaverso@diometuchen.org

Immigration Talks - the Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry will be resuming immigration talks in coordination with Catholic Charities. If your parish is interested in hosting an immigration talk, email: lescobar@diometuchen.org and indicate the best day for an immigration talk to your parish

AROUND THE DIOCESE

AUGUST 12-16 – 2024 Summer Choir Camp, at the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi, Mon. – Thurs., 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Fri., 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. All rising 3rd – 8th grade students from any parish within or outside the Diocese are welcome to attend. Students will participate in choir rehearsals, and music theory classes with the camp’s music faculty, work on composer projects, and sing for the Cathedral’s daily 12:10 Mass. Outdoor activities and an opportunity to play the Cathedral’s pipe organ in included. Tuition is $250 per chorister. Registration deadline is July 8. For more information contact Christopher Deibert, director of Sacred Music, at: Music@StFrancisCathedral.org. Sept. 19-21 – Healing the Whole Person –Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. This event is for individuals who want to deepen their relationship with Jesus, as well as people who have forgiven but are still experiencing negative emotion or feel like they bring the same sins to confession, again and again. Speakers will include: Dr. Bob Schuchts, Bart Schuchts and Sister Miriam James, SOLT. Cost is $165 in person or $119 livestream. Scholarships available. Online registration opens June 17 at 10 a.m. at: JPIIHEALINGCENTER.org. For more information contact: JPIIRetreatMetuchenNJ@gmail.com