May 20, 2021

Milestones section features profiles of clergy from diocese celebrating significant anniversaries, 15-31

Spirit atholic C THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

Bishop James F. Checchio, right, is shown listening to applause after being ordained and installed as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen at the Church of the Sacred Heart, South Plainfield, May 3, 2016. Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, Papal Nuncio to the United States at the time, watches.

Archbishop Vigano read the Apostolic Mandate from Pope Francis during the Rite of Ordination. To commemorate the bishop’s fifth anniversary as shepherd of the diocese, see page 2 for a reflection

by Bishop Checchio on the past five years and a montage of photos with highlights from each year of his service on pages 16 and 17.

INSIDE

Sacred Space

Bishop blesses parish’s new adoration chapel. . .3 4

Perspectives Our Faith

38-39

Diocesan Events

47

Classifieds

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Bishop grateful for help to grow as person, priest, shepherd Editor’s Note: Below is the letter Bishop James F. Checchio sent to the clergy, religious and laity reflecting on his first five years as the Shepherd of the Diocese of Metuchen.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Bishop James Checchio Five years ago today, I was blessed to become your Shepherd. In sending me to your diocese, I remember Pope Francis said to me, “you must know a lot of people and clergy in your new diocese since it is so close to your home.” Obviously, he thought my transition from Rector of a college in Rome to Bishop in New Jersey would be eased by my friends and acquaintances.

However, the opposite was true. I knew very few individuals here having met only a couple of Metuchen priests in my 24 years as a priest, and just a few lay people.

Today, the Metuchen Diocese is my home filled with friends: clergy, religious and laity.

When I arrived in 2016, I was filled with gratitude for your warm welcome and since then have been overwhelmed by your love, encouragement and especially your prayers. Although I had never been a pastor despite having asked my bishop a few times for a pastorate and requesting that I finish up as Rector of the Pontifical North American College to become a pastor in my home diocese of Camden, I truly try to approach my role of bishop as being the pastor of the diocese.

Although I realize I cannot personally know 635,000 Catholics nor be present all the time at our 90 parishes, dozens of schools and other ministries and institutions throughout our four counties, I truly try to carry each of you in my heart and prayers, to be as present as humanly possible and be a witness to the resurrection

of Jesus, a minister of hope for you. That is the bishop’s most basic responsibility, as a successor to the apostles, to witness to the resurrection of Jesus and hence offer hope in a world that sometimes does not seem so hopeful.

While there have been many blessings during my ministry in the Metuchen Diocese, we have had more than our share of challenges, too. The pandemic of this past year, the McCarrick scandal, financial and sex scandals in our Church, divisions and racism in our country have all been scourges that have affected our good people. While we wish these issues did not occur, we must try to view the most horrific situations in light of God’s providential love. With much help and encouragement, we have done our best to face these issues in a prayerful, forthright, and transparent way. I have shared what I know with you as we continue to do everything possible to ensure these issues never occur again while we build up the kingdom in our midst God has entrusted us. Our task as ministers of the Gospel is to proclaim the promise of new life where the world sees only ruin and desolation.

For those times when I disappoint you, or when I do not meet your expectations, especially when it is a result of my own limitations, I am deeply sorry. I know I am human and often this role of bishop seems to have heavenly expectations. I strive to become a saint, as we all do. I pledge anew to use all my strength and whatever talents I have in ministering to you. I am grateful for your patience when it is called for, as I continue to learn more and more about how to be the bishop you deserve.

What helps me tremendously are your prayers and your dedication and for that you have my heartfelt thanks. I love being with you, and I am always encouraged by our visits. I am inspired by your dedication to the Word of God and the Eucharist, even during the pandemic, and the challenges it presented to our faith. Likewise, I am so inspired by your great generosity to your parishes, our Bishop’s Annual Appeal

Catholic Spirit

MAY 20, 2021 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

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

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

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and the other good causes where we join together to light a fire in the heart of our Church. Your continued support of all these initiatives bring me great consolation!

I am also so grateful for our faithful priests, deacons and religious who minister in the parishes and institutions throughout our beautiful diocese. Our lay ministers in our parishes and ministries as well as our diocesan staff work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to keep things moving along in our administration and pastoral outreach.

In our schools, we have an army of teachers and catechists and many who serve in various religious education programs, all who sacrifice so much and show such great dedication.

Of course, our seminarians are one of our hopes for the future as they prepare to become our shepherds. We are blessed with 24 good men in formation for the priesthood, the most we have had in over 25 years. It is a blessing. Please pray for even more vocations, shepherds for our Church so we have enough priests for all of our parishes and our many needs. Some have asked what they can do to mark my anniversary. Prayers first, of course, are appreciated and needed. Also, if you are able, I would be very grateful if you would make a contribution to fund our seminarians’ formation as it is a large ticket item on our annual diocesan budget, partially funded through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, to pay for the formation, health insurance, and the other needs of our 24 seminarians preparing to be your shepherds.

I loved being rector of the North American College and consider it a very unique privilege in my life, not because it was in the Vatican or because I had studied there as a seminarian and young priest, but

rather because it was such a unique spot to witness the Lord doing such beautiful things in the lives of the young men sent there for priestly formation for the good of our beloved Church.

I, myself, was re-formed as a priest during my time in Rome, and I had a front row seat in witnessing great growth in holiness amongst the seminarians and priests.

When I asked, after 12 ½ years at the college, to be reassigned to return to my home diocese to minister as a pastor and be closer to my family, I wondered if I would ever be as fulfilled in my priestly ministry. I can tell you, without a doubt, that even though it didn’t happen as I had hoped, I am, and it is thanks to God’s goodness and to you, the good people of this beautiful diocese, our priests, deacons, religious and seminarians.

Thank you for your warm welcome, your prayers and your collaboration in lighting a fire in the heart of our Church and for your patience too, as I have grown as a person, priest and now bishop in your midst. Know of my love and prayers for you and my gratitude, too. May Our Lord pour His abundant blessings upon you and your loved ones. Please continue to pray for me so that we can continue to do beautiful work in this loving vineyard of the Lord called the Diocese of Metuchen.

With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ, + Bishop James F. Checchio

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

Ordinations to be held June 19 Four men are scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood and one to the transitional diaconate — all for the diocese — June 19, 11 a.m., at the National Blue Army Shrine, Washington, N.J. The event will be livestreamed.

Access to the livestream and updates about the ordinations can be found at the diocese’s website: https://diometuchen.org/ The men who are scheduled to be

ordained by Bishop James F. Checchio are: Rev. Mr. Jun Joseph Querubin Alquiros, Rev. Mr. Ariel Robles Bautista Jr., Rev. Mr. Timothy M. Eck II, and Rev. Mr. Gregory J. Zannetti.

Seminarian Ronal Vega-Postrana is scheduled to be ordained to the transitional diaconate.

Coverage of the ordinations will be published in the July issue of “The Catholic Spirit.”

Bishop’s Appointments Bishop James F. Checchio recently announced the following appointments. Changes were effective as of May 1 and July 1.

Father Timothy A. Christy, V.G., to Rector of Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, while remaining diocesan Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia.

Redemptorist Father Wojciech Kusek, from Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart Parish, South Amboy, to Administrator, St. Joseph Parish, North Plainfield Father Dawid Wejnerowski, from Parochial Vicar, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, to Administrator, St. Mary Parish, Alpha Father J. Michael Venditti, in residence, St. Joseph Parish, Washington, to in residence, St. Patrick Parish, Belvidere Father Ronan Murphy, chaplain, National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Washington

of the

OUR DIOCESE

Where in the diocese can it be found?

3

Image Week

Bishop Checchio blesses parish’s new Eucharistic Adoration Chapel

By Anthony Salamone Correspondent FLEMINGTON — The space, to the left of the main entrance into St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church, once housed two offices. Later, “it became a junk room,” said Father Kenneth D. Brighenti, pastor.

For parishioners and visitors of the Hunterdon County congregation, the area is now a holy place for prayer, spiritual reflection and more. Toward the end of Mass on May 2, Bishop James F. Checchio blessed St. Magdelen’s new Eucharistic Adoration Chapel.

“Truly it is historic for our parish,” Father Brighenti said from the pulpit before the bishop carried the

Last issue's image...

The image, which was featured on page 3 of the April issue of The Catholic Spirit, can be found at St. Catherine of Siena, Pittstown.

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Margaret Rocca, Parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena, Pittstown

MAY 20, 2021

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

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Blessed Sacrament from the sanctuary Bishop James F. Checchio places a and placed it in a monstrance on an monstrance containing the Blessed altar of repose inside the chapel.

Sacrament on an altar of repose in“Here may we draw closer to side the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel Christ, and in him, grow into a tem- at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish.

— Ed Koskey Jr. photos ple,” Bishop Checchio prayed during the Order of Celebration. “Here may our lives of holiness become a pleas- Mass: ‘Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of ing sacrifice to your glory.”

The brief commemoration ended the world. Blessed are those called to when the bishop incensed the Blessed the supper of the Lamb.’ Exposition Sacrament, then imparted the bless- of the Blessed Sacrament flows from ing of the Mass from inside the cha- the sacrifice of the Mass and serves to deepen our hunger for Communion pel. The small chapel, with Christ and the rest which could not have of the Church.” accommodated all the Led by Father Mass worshipers, was “Here may we Brighenti, who has been even further limited to pastor since 2017, and draw closer to viewing the celebration his predecessor, Father prayers due to COVChrist, and in Timothy A. Christy, ID-19 restrictions. The diocesan vicar general, him, grow into parish taped the Mass the parish’s new space and Order of Celebraa temple.

Here culminates 25 years of tion for its Facebook and persistence page: www.facebook. may our lives of prayers from parishioners. com/stmagdalenchurch, A few of them have holiness become with the bishop’s celsought a new space to ebration beginning near a pleasing worship aside from daithe end of the liturgy. ly or weekend Masses, sacrifice to The United States according to parish hisConference of Catholic your glory.” torian Monika Szmul.

Bishops calls eucharisOne of those long— Bishop James F. tic adoration “an extentime prayer warriors, Checchio sion of the adoration of Lucille Hess, recalled the Blessed Sacrament feeling the need to have which occurs in every eucharistic adoration in her life after a pilgrimFather Kenneth D. Brighenti, pastor, St. age to Medjugorje in Bosnia and HerMagdalen de Pazzi Parish, discusses zegovina, where Catholics believe the the history of the chapel’s “rood cross,” Virgin Mary first appeared in 1981 to which hung over the altar of the six children and teenagers. She helps church’s former location in Flemington Continued on page 9 from 1942-87.

4 PERSPECTIVES

Ascension marks crowning of Christ’s paschal mystery Body & Soul

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD As we recall the opening Gospel on Palm Sunday, the crowds placed Jesus on the back of a donkey and placed a purple robe around our Lord and waved palms at him as he entered Jerusalem. They, who did not fully understand Jesus, believed him to be the Messiah, long-promised by the Prophets. However, the King, who they anticipated, would be a “WarriorKing” who would usher in a new age in which all Israel’s enemies would submit to the truth, abandon their false gods and worship the One, True, God whose Ark of the Covenant linked the Jewish people to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in a bond of love because Israel was his Chosen People. As we know from salvation history, the Kingship which they believed Jesus would exercise could not be further from the images they conjured from the Scriptures. To the contrary, their King would be condemned, flogged, crowned with thorns, nailed to a Cross and hung in public view for having been found guilty of blasphemy by the Jewish religious authority, and as a threat to civil

The Ascension marks the beginpeace by the Romans. So much for the ning of the real Kingship of Jesus Christ earthly kingship of Jesus Christ.

Forty days after the Resurrection, — who from that day until the consumthe Church celebrates the true Kingship mation of God’s saving plan with the Second Coming, would of Christ inasmuch as our bring all peoples into Lord’s return to the FaJesus’ temporal submission not by viother, better known as the Ascension into Heaven, mission was not only lence but by love, not to crush their idolatry built the place where God the to save the living on ignorance but to inFather would decorate his only Son for having from sin and eternal fuse and nourish a real which lays latent in succeeded at the mission death — it was also faith every soul — so that evfor which he was sent to Earth — to make known to redeem those who ery person now has a vocation to salvation, evthe love of God, to redied and who, up ery person has a chance deem the people of their sins and thereby reconcile until this point, were to spend eternity in joy with the new humanity them to God, to put Satan in a somnambulant of the redeemed and in at bay, and escort the righa relationship with the teous ones to the true land state of being, a God who created them of milk and honey, the real paradise, the New Jesort of netherworld and saved them through Jesus Christ, our Lord. rusalem. There, they witnessed the Father crown suspended between Imagine, how blessed we are then, to be in a Jesus, King of Kings and God and earth. relationship with a God Lord of Lords, granting who condescended to him sovereignty over all powers, thrones and principalities of the become one of us so that, in time and universe. From this day forward, Jesus with grace, we could become more like did usher in a new age — let us call it Him. His, then, is a peak into the real the age of grace. And the mediator of all nature of the God who is Love. The grace would be henceforth the very one Ascension, like Easter, is also the day who saved us from ourselves, from our the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice! selfishness and sinful tendencies: Jesus.

How can we relate to the Ascension today? I’m sure for the surviving family and friends of the loved ones who died from COVID-19, the feast is comforting. In our country alone, more than 560,000 people died from this virus.

What can we offer besides a moment of silence? We can offer assurances that their loved ones may have died but they are alive in Christ. I say this because the Ascension marks the grand opening of Heaven. As Jesus returns to the Father, his very being embraces all those good people who departed this life prior to his Ascension. Jesus’ temporal mission was not only to save the living from sin and eternal death — it was also to redeem those who died and who, up until this point, were in a somnambulant state of being, a sort of netherworld suspended between God and earth.

The Ascension did not take away physical death, inasmuch as the Redemption is still at the stage of first-fruits, but the death of our loved ones is no longer perceived as the end; rather, it is a passageway to a new and better existence, where there is no more pain, no more sorrow, no more tears, no more separations.

We have cause for rejoicing because in Jesus Christ, the dead have found life eternal.

Father Comandini is managing editor of “The Catholic Spirit”

Bi-partisan compromise on abortion may be eliminated Thoughts on Life

MAY 20, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Jennifer Ruggiero In the coming months, members of the United States Congress will be in the process of determining how federal tax dollars will be allocated for the year 2022. Up for debate this year is the Hyde Amendment, a measure that prohibits federal funding for domestic abortions, except in the cases of rape or incest or to save the life of the mother. Named after its original sponsor, Congressman Henry Hyde of Illinois, the amendment has been added every year to the Congressional Appropriations bill for the Department of Health and Human Services since 1976.

The Hyde Amendment, which has bi-partisan support, effectively leaves the

How to report abuse

decision of funding abortion to the states.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program. States can choose to cover abortion using their share of the funds but most choose not to.

In 2002, a study by the Guttmacher Institute found that the abortion rate among Medicaid-eligible women when their home state pays for abortion is four times higher than the rate of other women. Unfortunately, New Jersey is one of only 15 states where Medicaid does cover abortion for women who are residents of the state and who meet the income eligibility requirements. In 2017, the abortion rate in New Jersey was 28 abortions per 1,000 women of reproductive age (15-44 years), well above the national rate, which was 13.5 abortions per 1000 women. It should also be noted that New Jersey does not have any major restrictions on abortion such as waiting periods or parental notification, often found in other states.

According to the Charlotte Lozier

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).

Institute, the Hyde Amendment is credited with preventing an estimated 60,000 abortions each year. Since first implemented, this policy has saved the lives of nearly 2.5 million babies and has also prevented abortion complications for pregnant women.

Polls have shown that most Americans, including low-income women and women of color who are most impacted by Hyde, do not think that providing access to abortion is an appropriate use of government funds and many are uncomfortable with being complicit with the abortion procedure through taxpayer dollars. Taxpayers who consider abortion immoral should not be asked to pay for it. Not only does the Hyde Amendment save lives, it protects consciences.

Earlier this year, in one of his first official acts, President Biden signed an executive order that reversed the Mexico City Policy, a measure that banned sending federal funds to organizations that promote and provide abortions in developing countries. The policy which he overturned, also known as the Promoting Life in Global Health policy, had separated abortion from international family planning activities and ensured U.S. taxpayer dollars only went to organizations that agreed to provide health services in a way that respected the dignity of all persons.

The current administration is now threatening to eliminate the Hyde Amendment, which has represented a bi-partisan compromise position on abortion for the past 45 years. In light of this development, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Pro-Life Secretariat is implementing a campaign to save the Hyde Amendment and related pro-life policies.

Catholics across the country are being asked to read more about these issues and sign an online petition at https://www. notaxpayerabortion.com. The goal is for millions of Catholics to sign the petition that will be sent to Congress.

In a show of support for pro-life Americans during the week of the January 2021 March for Life, Pope Francis tweeted, “The culture of life is the heritage that Christians want to share with everyone. Every human life, unique and unrepeatable, is priceless. This must be courageously proclaimed ever anew through word and action.”

In response to the Holy Father’s call, let us once again raise our voices for the unborn in danger of abortion. Let us pray that all Americans can come together to create a culture where these innocent human beings are treated with dignity and respect and their most basic human rights are protected.

Ruggiero is secretary, diocesan Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life

5

Compiled from the Catholic News Service

Archbishop Hebda encourages prayers, peace

Labor group decries wage theft in United States

Family members, friends and other members of the community gather at a memorial put up at the site in Brooklyn Center, Minn., April 12, where Daunte Wright was shot by a Brooklyn Center police officer and died April 11 during a traffic stop.

Construction workers rebuild the driveway in front of Union Station in Washington, D.C., July 25, 2012.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — After a night of protests and vandalism April 11 in Brooklyn Center, Minn., following the police shooting of Daunte Wright, Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis urged prayers for justice and peace.

“I hope that as a community, we might be able to pause and pray, particularly during this time of already heightened tension due to the Chauvin trial,” the archbishop said in an April 12 statement referring to the trial in Minneapolis of former Police Officer Derek Chauvin over the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd while he was in police custody. “I am encouraged and inspired by the pleas for peace that have continued to come from the family of George Floyd” over the Wright shooting, he added. At a news conference April 12,

WASHINGTON — A report released April 14 by the Catholic Labor Network reveals that wage theft is rampant in the construction industry in the District of Columbia. The report, “The Underground Economy and Wage Theft in Washington D.C.’s Commercial Construction Sector,” found that “workers are misclassified as independent contractors or paid in cash off the books, denying the public necessary tax revenues and denying workers the protection of wage and hour laws.”

The Catholic Labor Network report focused solely on private construction projects in Washington — not in its Maryland or Virginia suburbs — with a value of at least $25 million. “While this has long been the case in single-

— CNS photo/Jonathan Ernst, Reuters

— CNS photo/Dave Hrbacek, The Catholic Spirit

Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon, who later resigned, said it appeared from police body camera video the officer accidentally fired her gun while intending to use her Taser. The officer was later identified as Kim Potter, a 26-year veteran of the Brooklyn Center Police Department.

Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, was hit by a single bullet after officers stopped him for a traffic violation because the car he was driving had expired registration tags but officers then discovered that he had an outstanding warrant. According to news reports, a struggle ensued as an officer on the driver side of the vehicle began to handcuff Wright, who jumped back into the driver’s seat and was shot. The local medical examiner said Wright “died of a gunshot wound of the chest.”

family residential construction and renovation, today this form of workplace fraud has penetrated the largest commercial construction sites in the District of Columbia,” the report said.

Prior to the report’s issuance, Clayton Sinyai, executive director of the Catholic Labor Network, told “Catholic News Service” that one surprise to him was the extent to which labor brokers and subcontractors had worked their way into the construction business. “Ten years ago I would have told you this kind of thing couldn’t have happened in electrical and plumbing because they were licensed trades,” Sinyai said, but the report found a significant minority of each trade are now being subcontracted.

WASHINGTON — Msgr. Kieran Harrington, vicar of communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y., has been named national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States.

The five-year appointment was announced April 14 by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, which oversees the work of more than 120 national mission societies around the world.

Msgr. Harrington succeeds Oblate Father Andrew Small, who is completing his second five-year term as the national director of the four organizations that make up the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States. “I am humbled by the trust placed in me to serve the church in this most important area of missionary evangelization” said Msgr. Harrington, who added that he looks forward to “working with the bishops and dioceses to support the pastoral work of the pontifical missions.” Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio said in a statement the selection of Msgr. Harrington for this position “is the absolute right choice.”

He noted that there has “always been an extraordinary desire within him to bring the good news of Jesus Christ, and the Christian faith, to the people not only of

MEXICO CITY — The apostolic nuncio to Mexico urged the country’s bishops to “look reality in the eye” as the country’s non-Catholic population increases and Mexicans increasingly identify as nonreligious. Speaking April 12 at the opening of the Mexican bishops’ conference biannual gathering, Archbishop Franco Coppola also told the virtual audience to rethink their pastoral approaches as fewer people participate in parish life and don’t get married in the Church. “The decline in the Catholic population in this land of Guadalupe is extremely worrying,” Archbishop Coppola said. “We’re seeing now with ever more clarity just how much in recent decades the formation of the faith has not been able — as we thought or would have wanted — to permeate those who are baptized. We have to recognize that, if the Gospel and our Lord Jesus Christ will always continue to be attractive, it’s evident our ‘traditional’ methods today don’t work, nor can they work in any of the areas of evangelization.” Mexico’s most recent census, in 2020, showed the Catholic population declining by 5 percentage points to 77.7 percent of the population. Observers see the decline as part of a trend of people falling away from the Church

— CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz

his parish, but throughout the world.” He said the priest brings to the role a “deep faith and motivation to evangelize” and that the Church will benefit because of his “devotion to Our Lord, and to the people the Catholic Church is called to serve.”

A child is pictured in a file photo being baptized at a church in Mexico City. The apostolic nuncio to Mexico has warned the country’s bishops to “look reality in the eye” as the country’s non-Catholic population increases and Mexicans increasingly identify as nonreligious.

— CNS photo/Edgard Garrido, Reuters

throughout Latin America, although in some northern and western states such as Zacatecas and Guanajuato, more than 90 percent of the population still professes Catholicism. That figure falls to just 54 pwercent in the largely Indigenous state of Chiapas, where evangelical congregations have gained ground.

MAY 20, 2021

Bishops told to rethink their pastoral approaches

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Brooklyn priest named to lead Mission Societies

Msgr. Kieran E. Harrington of the Diocese of Brooklyn, N.Y., is pictured speaking from the ambo of St. Joseph’s CoCathedral in Brooklyn April 26, 2020.

It was announced April 14, 2021, that Msgr. Harrington had been named as the new national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, succeeding Oblate Father Andrew Small.

WORLD & NATION

WORLD & NATION

6 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 20, 2021

Deacon, decorated military veteran mourned at funeral Mass 1968-1970 in the 25th Infantry Division, where he earned the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal EDISON — The life of “a servant of with two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Camthe Church, the community and the paign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, nation” was celebrated April 19 at a Purple Heart, Army Commendation funeral Mass for Deacon Frank Yuhas Medal, and Vietnam Gallantry with at St. Matthew the Apostle Church. Palm. Upon his return from Vietnam, The deacon of 13 years died April 13 he was employed as an elevator mechanic in New York. at the age of 72.

Deacon Yuhas earned certification Fellow deacons of the diocese in religious studies at paid tribute to their brother along with “A few short weeks Felician College, Lodi; a graduate certificate numerous Vietnam vetago, I watched as in spiritual direction at erans who had served University, in that conflict. The Frank [Yuhas] bur- Creighton Omaha, Neb.; and a cercongregation and choir sang “Be Not Afraid” ied his bride. A few tificate in parish adminat Loyola Unithrough their COVID years before that, istration versity, New Orleans. masks as clergy made He was ordained their way to the altar. both of his sons, to the diaconate in June Father Frank W. Fellrath, parochial back-to-back. And 2007, and served first at vicar, St. Thomas the through it all, Frank St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, then Sacred Apostle Parish, Old walked strong in Heart Parish, South Bridge, presided at the until his reMass. Father George the faith, confident Plainfield, tirement.

Targonski, pastor of While ministering St. Matthew’s, concelin the Easter in the Edison parish, ebrated; and Msgr. Seapromise. So now, Deacon Yuhas served in mus F. Brennan, senior priest at Blessed Sacra- I pray he has gone grief ministry, director of the Rite of Christian ment Parish, Martinsto live in that Initiation of Adults, and ville, gave the homily. youth minister for the Msgr.

Brennan, promise...” combined St. Matthew who had served as pas—Deacon Rick Fortune Parish and Cathedral tor at St. Matthew Parof St. Francis of Assisi, ish during the deacon’s Metuchen, program. tenure, noted the community had gathEd Marczak, president of the ered just six weeks prior for the funeral of Deacon Yuhas’ wife, Kristine. Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter Appropriately, the cleric had chosen 223, led a coterie of fellow veterans the Gospel from Matthew (11:28-30) paying tribute to the deacon. Followwith Christ’s invitation “Come to me, ing the funeral Mass, members led a all who labor and are burdened, and I solemn ceremony on the church porwill give you rest… My yoke is easy, tico, including a military salute, the playing of “Taps,” and an American and my burden is light.”

“To be a deacon, one has to have flag presentation to the family.

“We are all family,” Marczak said a heart to serve,” Msgr. Brennan said.

“Frank was childlike in the best sense through misty eyes. “Frank came back of the word: someone who, despite his [from the war] a different person, but health issues, continued to soldier on, he found the Church. We will light a endure, see the best in life. He served candle for him at our next meeting.”

Deacon Rick Fortune, who expeople any way he could, not just at ercises his ministry at the Cathedral the altar.

“He had the heart of a deacon, an of St. Francis of Assisi, credited his inquisitive mind and great compassion fellow deacon with his own faith confor people in need. He knew he was version, posting on Facebook, “Frank loved and forgiven. God invites us to literally walked me into the Catholic hear those same words, to ‘come to me, faith, as he was my RCIA leader, all you who labor and are heavily bur- teaching and guiding me to the day of dened and I will give you rest.’ Frank my confirmation at the Easter Vigil in did that every day; we pray we can do 2002.

“A few short weeks ago, I watched the same.”

Msgr. Brennan concluded, “Frank as Frank buried his bride,” Deacon spent many years in his profession Fortune continued. “A few years bebuilding and servicing elevators. I pray fore that, both of his sons, back-tothat Frank is on one of those express back. And through it all, Frank walked strong in the faith, confident in the elevators to the Lord.”

Born in Perth Amboy, Deacon Yu- Easter promise. So now, I pray he has has grew up in Fords and later moved gone to live in that promise, and that to Edison. He served in Vietnam from in Jesus Christ, Frank is once again toBy Christina Leslie Correspondent

gether with his family and our brother, Deacon Barry Demarest, who inspired both of us to pursue life as deacons.”

Deacon Yuhas was predeceased

by Kristine, his wife of 51 years, in 2021; his sons, Jonathan in 2017 and Christian in 2013, and his brother-inlaw, Alan Deverin, in 2008.

Surviving are his sisters-in-law, nephews and great-nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Wounded Warriors at woundedwarriorproject.org.

Arrangements were handled

by Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, Metuchen

Above, Father Frank W. Fellrath incenses a casket holding the remains of Deacon Frank Yuhas (right) at his funeral Mass at St. Matthew the Apostle Church, Edison. Deacon Yuhas died April 13 at the age of 72.

— Mike Ehrmann photos

Above, among the mourners at the funeral Mass were members of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 223. Deacon Yuhas served in Vietnam in the 25th Infantry Division from 1968-70.

Among the honors he received were a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and an Army Commendation Medal. Left, after Mass, Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan blesses the casket with holy water.

Bishop James Checchio

expected fluctuations in our own financials. You will also see a decrease in net assets, presented on our Statement of Activity, resulting from the decrease in the discount rate, or interest rate, used to value the clergy retirement obligations.

The decrease in this rate is reflective of the overall interest rate environment and increases and decreases over time. The decrease in net assets also reflects net unrealized losses in the investment portfolio as of June 30, 2020. These pension and investment valuation adjustments are “non-cash” changes but affected our bottom line for the year. The results from operations, excluding these noncash adjustments, were positive.

While this report is only a snapshot, for so many people the effects of this past year — the emotional, physical, and financial impacts — could never be fully represented in a snapshot, but rather will forever be realized in our everyday lives. This pandemic has forever changed our world and the way we live, but I have no doubt that God is working through us. He is asking us to build up His Kingdom here in this diocese, which He has entrusted to us, and I know that you, the good people of our parishes, are doing just that. For that, you have my heartfelt thanks! Your generosity and the sacrifices you have made to make Christ known and loved

in our world, and most importantly, your ongoing prayers, leave me feeling humbled and very blessed to be serving as your bishop in this beautiful Church of Metuchen.

Please know of my love and daily prayers for you, and I ask in your kindness that you remember me in your prayers, too. May our efforts always be pleasing to God and may we always give our best and all to Him. May His Kingdom come through our cooperation with His graces.

With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ,

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

For a copy of the Diocese of Metuchen’s 2020 Financial Report see pages 24-25.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 20, 2021

Eucharist and the other sacraments, even through an Act of Spiritual Communion when necessary. The newspaper also frequently highlights the 27 Catholic schools in our diocese, all of which were able to safely reopen their doors in the fall thanks to the tireless work of our Diocesan Catholic Schools Office and Each year, in preparing to release our administrators and teachers. the financial report and statistics about Our Catholic school students have the life of our diocese, I am reminded such a love for their schools and their of the people I have met, particularly teachers; they were happy to be back within the past year, but also throughout in their classrooms. Now, thanks to our these past five years while serving as special “adopt-a-seminarian” initiative, your bishop. each school has “adopted” a seminarAs you know well from your own ian whom they prayerfully support. Our lives, the memories of this past year cer- Catholic school children have a great tainly look different. They are marked love for vocations and our seminarians more by virtual events and gatherings — a gift for both our students and our on Zoom rather than in-person interac- men studying to become priests!

We have the most tions and celebrations. seminarians that we have While I am grateful for Your generosity and had in over 25 years, the technology that kept which is a great blessing us connected, I must adthe sacrifices you mit that I am thankful, to us, but also a strain on too, to be back visiting have made to make our diocesan budget. As our parishes and minChrist known and you know, any education can be quite expensive, istries. It always brings loved in our world, but no matter the cost, me great joy to witness it is truly a joy to witthe good work hapand most imporness their deepening pening in our parishes, schools and Catholic tantly, your ongoing friendships with Christ and to have them studyinstitutions and meet the prayers, leave me many people working to ing to serve the Church build up the Kingdom of feeling humbled and of Metuchen. They are God in our local Church a great sign of life and very blessed. of Metuchen. Gratehope in our Church, and fully, there are so many they are also a great infaithful in our diocese who continue to spiration for me personally. This group rise to this occasion every day, even of men who responded “yes” to God’s when faced with difficulties like that of call, give themselves fully to their hua global pandemic. man, intellectual, pastoral, and spiritual When the extensive closures in formation so that they are prepared to our state were announced on March 16, serve our diocese as your future priests.

2020, the staff of Catholic Charities, None of this would be possible without Diocese of Metuchen never stopped your generosity to our Bishop’s Annual services. In fact, their services increased Appeal and in so many other ways!

Yes, we have many great laboras the overwhelming need became ever greater. Working with resilience, com- ers here in this vineyard of Metuchen, passion, and creativity, they continued working to advance our mission. In orto operate in each of our four counties der that we can continue to provide for to respond to the growing needs of those the many spiritual, pastoral and service hurting and in need of assistance. This needs of those in our diocese, I take my pandemic has shown us more than ever responsibility to steward our financial the increasing need for the charitable gifts very seriously. I have written to you recently about the implementation presence of the Church.

Partnering with Catholic Chari- of an anonymous reporting mechaties each month to tell their stories of nism for concerns surrounding parish encounter, accompaniment and mercy, finances. In addition, we have created “The Catholic Spirit,” our diocesan a new Parish Financial Services Office newspaper, pivoted to a monthly pub- to assist our parishes with their own lication since distribution through our financial practices and compliance. Our churches was not possible during the Diocesan Finance Council, comprised pandemic. They shared inspiring stories of mostly lay members who are experts of faith in a unique way and with a lo- in finances, are a great aid to me, as is cal lens both in print and on their online our diocesan staff. They have helped to version. The newspaper also features make our operations sound, especially stories about our 90 parishes, many of as a large number of institutions faced which went to great lengths this past financial uncertainty this past year with year to remain connected to their pa- the pandemic. rishioners, ensuring they could continue In the financial summary, you will finding comfort in the presence of the notice that the pandemic has led to

OUR DIOCESE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

7

Bishop Checchio reflects on 2020 Financial Report

8 OUR DIOCESE

First Christians called Mary ‘Mother of God’ without hesitation

By Allan Caballero For centuries, the Catholic Church has dedicated the entire month of May to honor Mary, Mother of God. This tradition expresses our belief that Mary is the Mother of Christ, whom from the first moment of His conception was both human and divine.

From the establishment of our Church, the very first Christians called Mary the “Mother of God” without hesitation. There was Scriptural precedent, and it seemed logical. If Jesus was God, and Mary was his mother, then that made her the Mother of God. The belief of Mary as our Heavenly Mother is directly related to the first official Marian dogma defined by the Church: Mary’s status as Mother of God. At the beginning of the third session of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI announced that Mary would be honored under the title “Mother of the Church.” Like the Church, Mary has a maternal role, giving birth to people in Christ. The Church can never cease to look at Mary, who gave birth to Jesus Christ.

With this in mind, the Catholic Church contemplates Mary’s motherhood in order to fulfill her own calling to be mother of the members of

Christ’s Mystical Body, us. that person will love Jesus, as she When Catholics call Mary their will teach you how to love her Son mother, it may seem like they are tak- authentically. It is for this reason that ing away some of the respect due to Jesus gave her to us: Jesus and giving it to “When Jesus Mary. This is far from saw his mother, and We have an earthly the disciple whom he the case, as calling Mary our mother can loved standing near, mother, we have improve our relationhe said to his mother, a mother in the ship with Christ, and ‘Woman, behold, your strengthen our faith Church, but Catholics son!’ Then he said to life. The more one the disciple, ‘Behold, also have a heavenly your mother!’ And loves Mary, the more one loves God, as lovfrom that hour the Mother that Jesus ing the people Jesus disciple took her to loves helps us love his own home” (Jn himself gave to us Him more. Loving 19:26-27). from the cross.

Mary does not take Catholics call away from our love Mary their Mother for God, it actually because Jesus gave amplifies our love for God. As Saint her to us, all disciples, as our Mother.

Louis de Montfort stated, “She is so We have an earthly mother, we have intimately united with Thee that it a mother in the Church, but Catholics were easier to separate the light from also have a heavenly Mother that Jethe sun, the heat from the fire; nay, sus himself gave to us from the cross. it were easier to separate from Thee With this in mind, we are encouraged all the angels and the saints than the to have a personal relationship with divine Mary, because she loves Thee her. Jesus has spoken about the remore ardently and glorifies Thee sponsibilities that children have with more perfectly than all the other crea- their parents, and we also see how tures put together.” “from that hour the disciple took her The beauty about the true de- to his own home”. votion to Mary, consists in that the This month of May, Catholics are more a person loves Mary, the more encouraged, like John the apostle, to

Good Shepherd Sunday April 25, 2021 THE RECEPTION OF THE RELIC OF

Knights of Columbus members Robert Volner and Michael Goffried who presented the Relic of Blessed Michael McGivney to the parish

The image of Blessed Michael McGivney and his Relic in the center Reliquary case located by the Baptismal Font at Saint Augustine Church

MAY 20, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Blessed Michael McGivney Founder of the Knights of Columbus

Father Robert Lynam assisted by Deacon James Rivera incensing the Relic of Blessed Michael McGivney as the Gloria was sung

Saint Augustine of Canterbury Church 45 Henderson Road, Kendall Park 08824

staugustinenj.org • 732-297-3000

invite Mary to our homes and hearts.

We are invited to form a relationship with Mary and to know her not as a distant star from which only a ray is seen and the name is known, but as a living and loving reality that has the heart of a Mother for each of us, her beloved children.

Caballero is director, diocesan Office of Evangelization and Office of Hispanic Ministry

Father Robert Lynam blessing the faithful with the Relic of Blessed Michael McGivney

coordinate the “Eucharistic adorers,” 74 volunteers who fill the available weekly hours.

“It means that God will be acknowledged … and that his Eucharistic reign will continue to take place in this world and change this world,” said Hess, who was wearing a lapel pin of a monstrance.

Father Brighenti said many people helped with small and big donations toward building the chapel. They include Lisa and Rich Creter, whose company donated marble that adorns much of the church, including the new prayer site.

“We have been parishioners since 1985,” said Rich Creter, noting he and his wife grew up in Bridgewater and attended Immaculata High School, Somerville.

When he saw the parish’s plans to upgrade, and not just with a new chapel but major restoration projects to its sanctuary, the Creters were among those eager to help.

“We plan on living here. The business has been here. Our kids have had their sacraments,” he said. “So it’s an investment into the future.”

Father Brighenti said the new chapel cost about $120,000, excluding five new stained glass windows depicting the five Joyful Mysteries.

The parish, which hosts adoration 76 hours per week, has a goal to make it 24 hours a day, or what is known as

“perpetual adoration.”

Father Brighenti said the chapel also features ceramic flooring, an oak wall behind the altar, and oak pews. There are angel statues on either side of the altar area, as if on guard, and a “rood cross,” which used to hang over the altar of the parish’s former location in Flemington from 1942-87.

The chapel was completed before the pandemic struck New Jersey in March 2020. It was closed until June, when worship resumed in diocesan churches, Father Brighenti said.

An advantage of the new chapel (an earlier one was across the narthex) is it has a separate, outdoor entrance with a secure code.

“Before, we had to keep the church open,” Father Brighenti said. “So now it’s secure. It’s just the adorers in there.” And those who sign up, who typically spend an hour per week in adoration, “have to be committed,” he said.

Parishioners said the adoration helps them gain a closer relationship to God. “Sometimes there are moments in life when you have such difficulty,” said Gloria Maligaya, who donated a stained glass window of the Nativity — one of the Joyful Mysteries. “Coming here, you get such relief and consolation from being with Him.” The bishop praised the congregation for the adoration chapel.

“I am grateful for your dedication to the faith,” he said.

OUR DIOCESE

Continued from page 3

9

Flemington parish’s goal for newly blessed chapel is 24 hours a day

Above, Bishop James F. Checchio (center) leads the blessing of the new Eucharistic Adoration Chapel at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington. Right, Bishop Checchio carries a monstrance holding the Eucharist from the church to the new chapel. The chapel was completed before the COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic struck New Jersey in March 2020. It was closed until June, when worship resumed in churches in the diocese. Seventyfour volunteers fill the available hours for adoration. The chapel has a separate, outdoor entrance with a secure code.

— Ed Koskey Jr. photos

Statue of St. Teresa of Calcutta blessed by Pope Francis on April 14, 2021 at the Vatican for the parish of St Augustine of Canterbury Kendall Park, NJ

-St. Teresa of Calcutta

MAY 20, 2021

s t au g u s t i n e n j . o rg

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

“Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.”

By Christina Leslie Correspondent Walt Whitman once wrote, “The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity.” The 19th century poet might well have enjoyed the simplicity and glorious expression, not to mention strong faith, emanating from the hearts of youth in the diocese as they engage in the annual Seminarian Letter Project.

The project, instituted in 2000 by the New Jersey State Council of the Knights of Columbus, encourages students in Catholic schools and parish religious education programs to send letters and cards to men studying for the priesthood. Created by Knight John Tirado of the Diocese of Camden, the project both nurtures vocations in the young and provides men journeying to the priesthood prayerful support from their future flock.

Knights of Columbus Councils statewide have adopted the practice and have mailed thousands of childgenerated inspirational, heartfelt and even humorous letters to men studying throughout the country. One such council in the Diocese of Metuchen is the Father James Russell Council 11409, which serves both the parishes of Our Lady of the Mount, Warren, and St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bridgewater.

“It helps the children to relate to the seminarians,” explained John Java, Past Grand Knight of the Council.

Each year since 2007, Java has teamed with the parishes’ religious education programs, supplying the students with holiday cards intended for men studying for the priesthood in the Metuchen Diocese. Once the personal messages and promises of prayers were composed, the Knights bundle up the cards

and send them in a large envelope to the seminarians.

The seminarians chosen this year by the Council were familiar to the students, as they had served summer assignments at the parishes, and the young authors’ letters reflected that relationship. “The letters provide the men with encouragement in their studies, and wish them success on their journey,” said Java.

Despite the pandemic, nearly 200 handwritten letters made their way to the five seminarians. Students at Our Lady of the Mount Parish directed their cards to Larrydom Magdasoc, Peter Pham and Jerome Ocampo, all students at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange; letters from St. Bernard of Clairvaux were intended for Ronal Vega at Immaculate Conception and Jose Lim, who is studying in the Pontifical North American College, Rome.

Our Lady of the Mount catechetical leader Emma Deborja keeps photographs of their three seminarian letter recipients on the classroom bulletin boards, and many students had met the trio previously at a party for their pastor, Father Sean Kenney. Grades one through eight were eager to write to their new pen pals, she reported, and generated 82 letters and cards. The innocent, sincere messages tugged the heartstrings of the seminarians, who emailed Deborja in gratitude.

Magdasoc wrote, “I was so surprised and happy when I saw these cards of encouragement… It really made my day, and I just can’t stop thanking them and keeping them in my heart. Please know of my prayers and support for these children.”

Phan echoed those sentiments, writing, “When I opened each of the

10 MAY 20, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

OUR DIOCESE

Seminarians for diocese inspired by handwritten letters from children

Holy Hour On May 6, students at St. Francis Cathedral School, Metuchen, prayed during a holy hour with Eucharist Adoration at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi for Bishop Checchio’s five-year anniversary.

— photo courtesy of St. Francis of Assisi School

A sample of one of the letteres written to a seminarian includes a request that he pray for him and his family, “doing good in my swim meet, my uncle, mom, and cousin’s son so they can feel better and recover in cancer.” cards of the wishing and praying that are for me, I could not hold back my tears… This wishing and praying are inspirations for me in the way I am walking right now.”

“It gives them exposure to vocations,” Deborja said, “and they have a face. [Before the Seminarian Letter Project,] a lot of students didn’t know about vocations to the priesthood or religious life. It gives them a model for the possibility of what there could be for them out there. Hopefully [this] will plant the seeds, and help the Holy Spirit work in them.”

Fellow parish catechetical leader, Gretchen D’Angelo of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, described the words of encouragement in the 79 letters her students wrote. “things like ‘I will pray for you. Will you pray for me?’

The kids loved writing in the cards,” she said. “They share their interests, favorite sports, and other things.”

In one such card, young Valentina informed Vega that she is a dancer and loves to learn about history before adding, “We are all so grateful for your faith in God and

studying to become a priest.” Seventh- grader Joe, who enjoys sports and loves writing, told Lim, “We at St. Bernard’s are so grateful for your faith and helping further our journey in the Catholic Church.”

“They are genuinely interested in who the seminarians are and their vocation,” D’Angelo said. “This is the foundation to understand what it takes to be a priest.”

Vega’s return letter shows how the youngsters’ missives impacted him. In an email to D’Angelo, he expressed his gratitude for the large number of cards, saying, “It was a wonderful experience reading all their best wishes.

I came to know that I have a couple compatriots from Colombia and many children that love soccer as much as I do.”

D’Angelo noted that the Seminarian Letter Project dovetails nicely with the parish’s whole family model of faith formation and is a favorite among the student service projects.

“They want to do it,” D’Angelo concluded. “They want to walk in the footsteps of Christ.”

2021 Bishop's Annual Appeal Parish Update Results as of May 12, 2021

PercentP ledged 129.84 115.03 112.26 104.96 101.47 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 99.22 96.82 96.00 95.86 95.86 95.81 93.85 92.96 92.84 92.35 90.94 90.64 90.16 89.82 89.75 89.13 88.40 87.78 87.75 87.55 86.01 85.71 84.18 83.76 83.19 82.21 82.01 80.62 80.50 80.23 80.23 80.21 79.91 78.48 78.25 77.79 76.11 75.29 75.00 74.59 74.54 73.77 73.73 73.50 73.40 73.39 72.64 72.36 71.11 70.96 70.55 69.65 69.42 PercentP 68.58 ledged 68.09 67.59 66.65 66.59 65.63 65.49 64.18 63.52 63.42 62.93 62.53 62.41 61.41 61.10 61.03 58.74 58.16 56.80 55.86 54.32 51.83 51.64 50.27 49.38 49.08 47.84 41.88 85.98

Estimated Total Rebate Donors $ 19,695.50 349 $ 23,452.96 136 $ 2,084.00 66 $ 2,407.69 312 $ 588.88 331 34 10 98 69 121 138 326 230 155 402 267 99 273 101 132 115 198 63 104 174 137 194 298 347 153 181 25 523 276 322 246 354 196 113 278 184 133 120 351 234 241 217 109 176 64 141 89 38 265 348 210 371 90 104 200 185 244 Estimated Total 27 Rebate Donors 277 171 271 331 167 186 91 75 86 139 155 98 74 102 72 95 228 82 242 51 164 57 135 166 270 98 50 $ 48,229.03 16,068

2021 Bishop’s Annual Appeal Parish Update As of May 12, 2021 This year’s Bishop Annual Appeal is off to a stronger start than we have had in many years. As of May 12, the Appeal is at 86 percent of its $7.2 goal!

Thank you to all who have sacrificed their time and financial resources so that we can be intentional and effective in bringing people to Jesus Christ.

As Bishop James F. Checchio has said, “The Bishop’s Appeal brings us together corporately as the Body of Christ. It helps us to do things we are not able to do on our own and it transforms the world into a greater image of God Himself.” With so many people in need right now, with prayer and reflection, please consider a sacrificial gift to the best of your means to this year’s appeal.

Thomas J. Smith, Director, Office of Stewardship and Development.

It’s not too late to participate.

Give online at diometuchen.org/BAA For information call 732-562-2432

MAY 20, 2021

*Totals include gifts with no parish affiliation

Total Pledged $ 171,391.00 $ 358,905.92 $ 38,168.00 $ 101,815.38 $ 81,177.75 $ 13,000.00 $ 173,000.00 $ 24,000.00 $ 24,000.00 $ 41,672.00 $ 125,867.00 $ 129,598.75 $ 125,578.07 $ 18,213.00 $ 159,038.04 $ 75,080.00 $ 26,029.00 $ 54,774.75 $ 35,092.25 $ 32,740.00 $ 31,725.00 $ 345,297.00 $ 13,473.30 $ 29,617.50 $ 110,526.75 $ 40,665.75 $ 48,279.75 $ 131,623.40 $ 105,057.00 $ 27,523.50 $ 61,712.50 $ 9,260.00 $ 283,105.60 $ 75,701.25 $ 110,985.50 $ 51,663.75 $ 70,143.50 $ 39,446.45 $ 24,070.19 $ 137,999.00 $ 60,154.66 $ 150,232.12 $ 25,114.13 $ 114,247.50 $ 57,564.00 $ 48,712.50 $ 40,655.00 $ 21,750.00 $ 43,262.75 $ 10,435.75 $ 24,344.50 $ 24,332.50 $ 5,145.00 $ 62,393.25 $ 115,953.27 $ 46,487.17 $ 248,934.65 $ 23,465.00 $ 17,740.00 $ 45,859.00 $ 28,555.50 $ 54,148.00 Total $ 13,030.00 Pledged $ 121,889.88 $ 110,166.32 $ 73,319.48 $ 58,602.50 $ 168,352.50 $ 38,636.27 $ 26,955.16 $ 24,137.29 $ 23,465.00 $ 20,768.25 $ 40,646.00 $ 28,085.00 $ 22,721.00 $ 14,053.00 $ 33,565.36 $ 19,971.00 $ 30,242.00 $ 15,335.00 $ 83,789.90 $ 7,605.00 $ 41,460.00 $ 12,910.00 $ 24,131.25 $ 23,702.50 $ 81,961.25 $ 17,699.50 $ 6,281.25 $ 6,190,608.63

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Parish City Pastor Name Goal Amount Three Bridges Father Serafin $ 132,000 Watchung Monsignor Benwell $ 312,000 North Plainfield Monsignor Corona $ 34,000 South Plainfield Father Alvarado $ 97,000 Old Bridge Father Grimes $ 80,000 Bloomsbury Father Coruna $ 13,000 East Brunswick Father Walsh $ 173,000 Port Reading Father Smith $ 24,000 Perth Amboy Father Burdzy $ 24,000 South River Father Gromadzki $ 42,000 Lambertville Father Kolakowski $ 130,000 Bridgewater Monsignor Vashon $ 135,000 Skillman Monsignor Malovetz $ 131,000 Perth Amboy Father Machado $ 19,000 Hillsborough Father Rozembajgier $ 166,000 Piscataway Father Da Silva $ 80,000 Washington Father Selvester $ 28,000 Edison Father Targonski $ 59,000 Pittstown Father Zalubski $ 38,000 Piscataway Father Considine $ 36,000 South Bound Brook Father Lee $ 35,000 Warren Father Kenney $ 383,000 Great Meadows Father Podsiadlo $ 15,000 Bound Brook Monsignor Kerrigan $ 33,000 North Brunswick Father Krull $ 124,000 New Brunswick Father Fragoso $ 46,000 South Amboy Father Gromadzki $ 55,000 Martinsville Father Nolan $ 150,000 Colonia Father Gloss $ 120,000 Carteret Monsignor Gordon $ 32,000 Monmouth Junction Father O'Connor $ 72,000 Belvidere Father Sabella $ 11,000 Metuchen Monsignor Zamorski $ 338,000 Sayreville Father Pinnisi $ 91,000 Hillsborough Father Hilton $ 135,000 Woodbridge Father Naduviledathu $ 63,000 Old Bridge Father Johnson $ 87,000 South Amboy Father Weezorak $ 49,000 Laurence Harbor Father Kehoe $ 30,000 Somerset Father Orapankal $ 172,000 Raritan Father Odorizzi $ 75,000 Bernardsville Father Siceloff $ 188,000 Dunellen Father Kariuki $ 32,000 Kendall Park Father Lynam $ 146,000 Middlesex Father Skoblow $ 74,000 Iselin Father Nwagwu $ 64,000 Alpha Monsignor Lawler $ 54,000 Belvidere Father Sabella $ 29,000 Parlin Father Hagerman $ 58,000 Perth Amboy Father Njobam $ 14,000 Hampton Father Saharic $ 33,000 North Plainfield Father Pringle $ 33,000 Port Murray Father Tomiczek $ 7,000 Spotswood Father O'Kane $ 85,000 Flemington Father Brighenti $ 158,000 Fords Father Paratore $ 64,000 Basking Ridge Monsignor Cronin $ 344,000 Bound Brook Father Stec $ 33,000 Carteret Father Shallow $ 25,000 2021 Bishop's Matawan FatherAnnual Carina Appeal Parish $ Update 65,000 Avenel Father $ 41,000 ResultsKosmoski as of May 12, 2021 Phillipsburg Father Barbella $ 78,000 South River Father Szczepanik $ 19,000 Parish City Pastor Name Goal Amount Somerville Monsignor Celano $ 179,000 Plainsboro Father Paderon $ 163,000 Whitehouse Station Father Rusay $ 110,000 Monroe Township Monsignor Medley $ 88,000 Peapack Monsignor Puleo $ 255,000 Milltown Father Czarcinski $ 59,000 Blairstown Father Jandernoa $ 42,000 Califon Father Rusk $ 38,000 Baptistown Father Kaczynski $ 37,000 South River Father Breen $ 33,000 Bridgewater Father Calia $ 65,000 Hackettstown Father Arockiadoss $ 45,000 High Bridge Rev. Kyrpczak $ 37,000 Perth Amboy Father Romanowski $ 23,000 New Brunswick Father Pavich $ 55,000 South Plainfield Father Tran $ 34,000 Manville Father Slaby $ 52,000 Milford Father Kaczynski $ 27,000 Edison Father Sirianni $ 150,000 New Brunswick Father Ryan $ 14,000 Jamesburg Father Gaviria $ 80,000 Raritan Father Kelly $ 25,000 Highland Park Father Lotha $ 48,000 Sayreville Father Murphy $ 48,000 Annandale Father Toborowsky $ 167,000 New Brunswick Father Nacarino $ 37,000 Helmetta Father Wieliczko $ 15,000 $ 7,200,000

OUR DIOCESE

Parish Name Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church Saint Mary's-Stony Hill Church Saint Luke Church Sacred Heart Church Saint Ambrose Church Church of the Annunciation Saint Bartholomew Church Saint Anthony of Padua Church Good Shepherd Saint Mary of Ostrabrama Church Saint John the Evangelist Church Saint Bernard of Clairvaux Church Saint Charles Borromeo Church Most Holy Name of Jesus Mary, Mother of God Church Our Lady of Fatima Church Saint Joseph Church Saint Matthew the Apostle Church Saint Catherine of Siena Church Saint Frances Cabrini Church Our Lady of Mercy Church Our Lady of the Mount Church Saints Peter & Paul Church Saint Joseph Church Our Lady of Peace Church Parish of the Visitation Sacred Heart Church Blessed Sacrament Church Saint John Vianney Church Saint Joseph Church Saint Cecilia Church Saint Rose of Lima Church (Oxford) Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi Our Lady of Victories Church Saint Joseph Church Saint James Church Saint Thomas the Apostle Church Saint Mary Church Saint Lawrence Church Saint Matthias Church Saint Ann Church Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Saint John the Evangelist Church Saint Augustine of Canterbury Church Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Church Saint Cecelia Church Saint Mary Church Saint Patrick Church Saint Bernadette Church Our Lady of Fatima Church Saint Ann Church Saint Joseph Church Saint Theodore Church Immaculate Conception Church Saint Magdalen de Pazzi Church Our Lady of Peace Church Saint James Church Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church Divine Mercy Parish Most Holy Redeemer Church Saint Andrew Church Saint Philip & Saint James Church Saint Stephen Protomartyr Church Parish NameConception Church Immaculate Queenship of Mary Church Our Lady of Lourdes Church Nativity of Our Lord Church Saint Elizabeth-Saint Brigid Church Our Lady of Lourdes Church Saint Jude Church Saint John Neumann Church Our Lady of Victories Church Corpus Christi Church Church of the Holy Trinity Assumption of Mary Church Saint Joseph Church Saint John Paul II Parish Saint Peter the Apostle Parish Our Lady of Czestochowa Church Christ the Redeemer Parish Saint Edward the Confessor Church Saint Helena Church Holy Family Parish Saint James the Less Church Saint Joseph Church Transfiguration of the Lord Saint Stanislaus Kostka Church Immaculate Conception Church Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Holy Trinity Church Totals:

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2021 Bishop’s Annual Appeal on Track to Reach $7.2 Million Goal

12 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 20, 2021

Group meetings offered for families affected by substance abuse NEW BRUNSWICK — Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, has launched the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group for families who are coping with loss due to addiction.

The free and confidential support group meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Inspired by Saint Peter’s Opioid Task Force, the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group is for families and close loved ones of people who have passed away from addiction. The social workers at Saint Peter’s realized that families in the Middlesex County area did not have a local support group that offered them the opportunity to talk through their feelings of loss because of addiction.

The support group is open to everyone in New Jersey and serves as a safe space for families to discuss their grief.

“Losing a loved one to an addiction often carries a stigma. Families are dealing with their grief, along with several different emotions, and may believe they can’t talk with other families due to the stigma,” said Olivia Rivera-Marmara, MSW, LCSW, social work manager for Saint Pe-

ter’s Care Coordination Department. COVID-19, but people are struggling “This group is a safe space for people with addiction and families are grievto grieve without ing. Saint Peter’s being judged for still here to help “Losing a loved one is their loved one’s families through addiction or the cirthe healing process to an addiction often cumstances of their and to focus on the carries a stigma. death.” issue of substance According to Families are dealing abuse for those who Rivera-Marmara, are hurting during substance abuse has with their grief, along the pandemic,” said increased during the with several different Rivera-Marmara.

COVID-19 or coroTo join the Subnavirus pandemic stance Abuse and emotions, and may because of social Addiction Loss Supisolation.

People believe they can’t talk port Group, please who are using ilcall Jeanne Delacruz, with other families licit substances are MSW, LCSW, a sodue to the stigma.” struggling to get cial worker at Saint access to treatment, Peter’s who facilitates — Olivia Rivera-Marmara, individualized therthis support group, social work manager, Care apy, or recovery due at (732) 745-8522 or Coordination Department to the suspension of email jdanyus@saintservices or groups petersuh.com. as a result of COVID-19.

Saint Peter’s University Hospi“So much of the focus has been on tal, a member of Saint Peter’s Health-

care System, is a 478-bed acute-care teaching hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen.

Saint Peter’s, which received its sixth consecutive designation as a Magnet® hospital for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2020, is a state-designated children’s hospital and a regional perinatal center, and is a regional specialist in diabetes, gastroenterology, head and neck surgery, oncology, orthopedics, and women’s services.

The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital provides families with access to a full range of pediatric specialties, including a nationally recognized Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, pediatric surgery and orthopedic surgery featuring innovative anterior scoliosis correction.

The hospital offers a midwifery service and the brand-new state-ofthe-art Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center.

Saint Peter’s is a sponsor of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and internal medicine, and is a major clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

Visit saintpetershcs.com or call (732) 745-8600.

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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OUR DIOCESE

St. James Parish and its parochial school, Basking Ridge, showed its gratitude to all who serve and protect the local community, towns, and state by hosting a “First Responders Mass” at St. James Church April 26.

Firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, nurses and doctors in Bernards Township and surrounding areas; and a grandfather of a St. James School student worshiped at the Mass.

Msgr. Sylvester J. Cronin, pastor, presided at the Mass and gave the homily; Father Leo Salvania, parochial vicar, concelebrated.

In his homily, Msgr. Cronin spoke about “Jesus as healer” and how the first responders are an excellent example how Jesus helped and healed people. At the end of the homily, students and staff gave the first responders a standing ovation.

After Mass, students gathered in front of the church, where Msgr. Cronin led them in a blessing of the first responders. All those gathered sang “Amazing Grace” and “God Bless America” led by eighth-grader Mary Agugliaro and seventh-grader Emma Cordano.

Students handed out cards they made showing their gratitude, and a prayer to St. Florian was read by seventh-grader, Brody Sheehan.

13

Parish honors first responders

14 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 20, 2021

Physicians, nurses among honorees at annual fundraiser for Saint Peter’s NEW BRUNSWICK — Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, hosted its 2021 Annual Gala virtually May 6. The Gala was presented by Sills Cummis & Gross P.C. Honored for their service and dedication to Saint Peter’s, its patients and the community at-large: 2021 Bishop’s Award Honoree, Affinity Federal Credit Union.

2021 Physician Appreciation Award, Dr. William R. Bernstein — The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, and Dr. Robert P. Fein, — Astera Cancer Care.

Special Recognition — Saint Peter’s Healthcare System Nursing Staff.

Affinity Federal Credit Union was being honored for its commitment to the community and Saint Peter’s. Through the years, Affinity has supported a number of renovation projects including the expan-

sion and modernization of Saint Peter’s Emergency Department and development of the Simulation Center for Interprofessional Learning. This gift was a blessing, especially during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when patients requiring emergency care were apprehensive about coming into the Emergency Department for treatment. The expansion and modernization allowed for more efficiency in implementing social distancing, as well as other new safety protocols.

The Simulation Center offers valuable training for doctors, nurses, medical residents, nursing students and other healthcare professionals, creating a trueto-life environment in which to observe and practice life-saving procedures.

Affinity also funded Moving On from Cancer, a rehabilitative exercise program for breast cancer survivors. This group

Dr. William R. Bernstein

Dr. Robert P. Fein

therapeutic exercise program is designed to address the physical limitations breast cancer survivors often experience after chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Bernstein, designated institutional official (DIO) and director of Medical Education,

has been a pediatrician at Saint Peter’s for 28 years, providing care for children, many of whom are underserved and/or uninsured through Saint Peter’s Family Health Center.

Bernstein oversees three residency programs and two fellowship programs consisting of 105 physicians. Under his leadership, every effort was made to keep medical residents updated on the ever-changing status of incoming patients, treatment protocols and more throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

A testament to the stellar medical education program he has created are the accreditations of the Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Pediatric Residency Programs by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; the significantly high board-certification pass rates; and the number of graduating residents receiving prestigious fellowships.

Fein has been a practicing oncologisthematologist at Saint Peter’s for almost 40 years. Currently chief of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Saint Peter’s, Fein chose this medical specialty because of its unique opportunity to help patients and their families. His practice combines vigilance and state-of-the-art cancer care with a determination to fight and win against cancer and blood disorders. It was under his leadership that Saint Peter’s oncology program expanded and received national accreditation.

Fein was also instrumental in supporting opportunities for nursing certification, specifically in the specialty of oncology nurse certification. His advocacy and implementation of a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care is responsible for improved patient outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many unforeseen challenges to healthcare workers, especially nurses. This was demonstrated throughout the pandemic when many nurses were re-deployed to new assignments, adjusting to new responsibilities, yet always responding to the challenges with grace and determination to care for our most critically ill patients. Even during this unprecedented time, Saint Peter’s was one of only five hospitals worldwide to have been designated as Magnet® hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center of the American Nurses Association for six consecutive terms. Magnet is the highest honor for nursing service excellence that any hospital can receive.

All proceeds from the Gala benefitted Saint Peter’s University Hospital.

15 MILESTONES

A Special Section of The Catholic Spirit May 20, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 20, 2021

16 MILESTONES In October 2016, Bishop James F. Checchio, center, convened his first Priest Convocation at St. Catherine Church, Spring Lake. It had the largest attendance of clergy since it was first convened more than three decades earlier. Right, to conclude the diocese’s observance of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year, 2016, on Nov. 20, Bishop Checchio bestowed the Disciple of Mercy award on nearly 100 individuals and groups, among them Thomas Lee, a member of St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough.

On Nov. 19, 2016, 35 years to the day the Diocese of Metuchen was founded, Bishop Checchio led thousands to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. where the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Christoper Pierre, celebrated Mass.

MAY 20, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

On Aug. 13, 2016 Bishop Checchio celebrated a Mass for the diocese’s permanent Deacons and their wives at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. Attendees are pictured with the bishop. He thanked the deacons for their service and told them, “We must always be prepared to serve, no matter what the Church asks of us.”

Above, In January 2017 Bishop Checchio poses with Rutgers students at the March for Life in Washington DC. Left, Mar. 2, 2017 The Catholic Spirit published a Special Issue on Bishop Checchio’s first pastoral letter, “Lighting a fire in the heart of our world.” In it he reflected on his pastoral visits to the clergy and to all of the diocese’s 90 parishes as well as Catholic schools and varied ministries. He set forth his priorities and called on his flock to join him in the ministry of evangelization and to serve as ambassadors for Christ.

17 MILESTONES

In 2018, during his visit to the Mountainside Youth Correctional Facility, Annandale, Bishop Checchio administered the sacrament of confirmation to several of the inmates. He has also celebrated Mass for the inmates at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women.

During his episcopacy, Bishop Checcio has presided at many Holy Hours including one on Sept. 6, 2018, where he led the faithful in prayer for healing from clergy sexual abuse.

On Thanksgiving Day in 2019, Bishop Checchio met with Pope Francis to present his first “ad limina” report on the status of the Diocese of Metuchen

On Dec. 12, 2019, Bishop Checchio consecrated the diocese to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe. At the end of the Liturgy, celebrated by the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Christopher Pierre, the bishop delivered remarks. He said the consecration was preceded by a Year of Spiritual Awakening during which he joined 700 pilgrims on The Way of St. Juan Diego, a nine-mile pilgrimage, through parts of Hunterdon County.

The year also included a pilgrimage to Mexico to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Bishop Checchio poses with Religious celebrating jubilees during 2019.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

On Jan. 29, 2021 Bishop Checchio joined the faithful at a Rosary for Life Rally at the American Wellness Center, Woodbridge. It was held on the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in the United States.

MAY 20, 2021

On Aug. 22, 2020, Bishop Checchio ordained five men to the priesthood. It was the largest ordination class in the Diocese of Metuchen in the past 25 years. The ordination was held at the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Asbury.

18 MILESTONES

The first steps along the path to the priesthood of Father Vincent C. Cornejo were taken long before his ordination 65 years ago. Indeed, the young boy and his three siblings were immersed in the Catholic faith from early childhood.

Born in 1926 in Naga City, Philippines, to Meliton and Luisa Concepcion, Vincent and his family joined in daily prayer, including the recitation of Evening Prayer, the Angelus, a rosary and the Trisagio in honor of the Most Holy Trinity. These graces reinforced by stories of his uncle’s priestly ministry and bore much fruit. This strong foundation of faith resulted in his priestly ordination and two of his sisters becoming Daughters of Charity.

After an education in Catholic schools in the Philippines, Father Cornejo entered Holy Rosary Seminary, Naga City. Gazing upon a photograph of the original 18 men in his formation class, he laughed and said, “Only six of us made it, and two of us became bishops. The rest of the class dropped out because they failed Latin!”

The future priest completed a decade of study in philosophy, theol-

ogy and humanities, and was ordained Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, WoodMarch 17, 1956, at the Cathedral of bridge, for 12 years before his retireSt. John the Evangelist, Naga City, by ment in June 2004. In a post-retirement Archbishop Pedro Santos. He served telephone interview from his home in in various parishes in the Philippines, Peabody, Mass., the dedicated priest then in 1977, continrecalled that period ued his ministry in the with joy.

United States.

“I didn’t take apAfter his arrival pointments.

I was “I didn’t take in New Jersey, Father available day or night,” appointments, Cornejo served two Father Cornejo said. terms as parochial vicar “People just came to I was available at St. Mary Parish, Perth see me or ask me to see Amboy (now a worship them at the hospital. day or night. site of John Paul II ParI also helped out with People just ish); St. Joseph Parish, the [diocesan] Filipino Keyport (in the Diocese Apostolate and was came to see of Trenton); Holy Spirit a chaplain with the me or ask me Parish, Perth Amboy Knights of Columbus. (now a worship site of That’s what we priests to see them at Good Shepherd Parish); do.”

St. Joseph Parish, North Father Cornejo the hospital.”

Plainfield, and Our named his family, the Lady of Fatima Parish, Jesuit and Vincentian Piscataway. During his priests and Sisters of service, he earned a Charity who taught him master’s degree in divinity from Im- in high school as his spiritual inspiramaculate Conception Seminary, Dar- tions. He added that his appreciation lington, in 1981, and was incardinated of the Mass deepened when he assisted into the Diocese of Metuchen in 1983. at a Mass celebrated by St. John Paul Father Cornejo served two years II in his private chapel at the Vatican as administrator, then pastor of Our in 1987.

“He was so holy,” the Filipino priest recalled. “We were very touched by the way he offered the Mass.”

When first arriving in Massachusetts, Father Cornejo offered Mass for the Carmelite Sisters of Danvers and volunteered twice weekly in a local hospital, but, he noted, advanced age has caused him to step back from these duties.

“I am getting weak now,” Father Cornejo said, noting he will turn 95 in December. “But, every morning, after the Holy Hour, I still say the Mass in my home chapel.”

— Christina Leslie

THE CATHEDRAL OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI Extends prayerful Congratulations to all of our priests celebrating their anniversary of ordination May the Holy Spirit shine brightly in you as you continue to serve our community of God’s people in the Diocese of Metuchen

MAY 20, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

The Parish Family of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Woodbridge extends

Prayerful Congratulations and asks God’s blessings upon

Fr. Vincent Cornejo

pastor emeritus as he celebrates his 65th Anniversary of his priestly ordination!

“Called to Serve”

…of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s Grace... Ephesians 3:7

May the Lord continue to Bless you as you answer His call to ministry

19

“Come follow me” (Mark 10:21)

If you think maybe...

Bishop Paul’s journey to the priesthood began in the fourth grade, when he joined a vocations club established by his parish’s parochial vicar, Father Ed Duffy.

“We had about 50 members and each year we would visit the diocesan seminary, Immaculate Conception,” he recalled. Through that experience, the seeds of his vocation were planted.

His calling was then nurtured by the monks who taught at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, Newark.

Drawn to the monks’ life of prayer, work and study, the bishop emeritus considered joining the religious community, but his desire to minister among the people, and to be a pastor, was stronger so that is what he ultimately chose. He studied at Seton Hall University and after earning a degree in classical languages, entered Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington. He was ordained a priest May 28, 1966, by Newark Archbishop Thomas Boland.

Bishop Paul began his priesthood as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Parish, Bloomfield; Holy Spirit Parish, Orange; St. Peter Claver Parish, Montclair, and St. Michael Parish, Cranford. Then, in 1983, after serving four years at Seton Hall, Father Boot-

— Joanne Ward

MAY 20, 2021

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

Called to Serve

koski was named pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption, Elizabeth. His second pastorate was St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, Saddle River.

In 1991, then-Pope, now St. John Paul II named Father Bootkoski a prelate of honor, with the title Reverend Monsignor and six years later appointed him auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Newark. Following his ordination to the episcopacy, he was appointed vicar general and moderator of the curia.

In 2001, the Archdiocese’s College of Consultors elected him administrator.

The following year, Pope John Paul II named him the fourth shepherd of the Diocese of Metuchen. He was installed March 19, 2002, and remained in that role until May 3, 2016, at which time he retired when Bishop James F. Checchio was ordained and installed as shepherd of the diocese.

During Bishop Paul’s tenure as leader of the diocese, he implemented major initiatives to protect children from sexual abuse; convened the First Diocesan Synod; strengthened the Catholic presence at Rutgers University; guided the diocese-sponsored Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, and established leadership programs for the laity.

In retirement, Bishop Paul has continued to nourish his spiritual life by going on retreats at the Western Priory in Vermont. Last year, he was supposed to go to the priory for Holy Week when the coronavirus pandemic started, but the monks went into lockdown. He intends to resume his retreats there and, in the meantime, said he is in touch with the priory about every two weeks.

The bishop emeritus also has plans to start a small support group based on prayer and has begun to invite priests and deacons to be part of the group.

Behind all his actions throughout his priesthood Bishop Paul has had one simple goal —to bring people closer to Christ, and he has undoubtedly helped and continues to help countless people deepen their relationship with God.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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

in 1974 and served in that capacity until he was named assistant vice president for Student Affairs at Seton Hall University, South Orange, in 1980.

“My time in campus ministry was very meaningful,” recalled Bishop Paul.

When his ministry expanded, he served not only Rutgers but also supervised the chaplains at the other14 colleges and universities in the archdiocese at the time.

He ministered mainly at Rutgers, but each week would visit another campus.

Today, his impact on the students he served continues.

For almost five decades, the bishop emeritus would meet once a year with his “Rutgers kids,” many of whom, he said, are now grandparents. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, he met with 30 of them in his home. He said he looks forward to get-togethers again once pandemic restrictions are lifted.

“We have a wonderful time,” he said. “Faith sharing is a big part of our meeting, but we also enjoy a potluck meal, and socialize.”

Retirement, however, has allowed the bishop emeritus to continue to be involved in the lives of some of his “Rutgers kids” sometimes for years. He spoke about one family in which he had married the parents, baptized all the children, and sadly buried the father, a Rutgers graduate.

MILESTONES

Over the past 55 years in the priesthood, In retirement. the bishop emeritus Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski has has also been ministering to more and been a parish priest and pastor, campus more families of people he befriended advisor, vicar general and moderator of over the years. the curia in the Archdiocese of Newark, “In the last two years, I have preand bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen. sided at almost 60 funerals of individuals Five years ago, at the from the Archdiocese age of 75, he retired of Newark and the During Bishop Paul’s but continues what he Diocese of Metuchen tenure as leader of has said is the role of that I knew and loved,” a priest, “to bring the said with sadness in the diocese, he imple- he people to whom he his voice. ministers to the Lord.” mented major initiatives Delving into the On the weekends, Scriptures is somethe bishop emeritus, to protect children from thing Bishop Paul is who said he prefers sexual abuse; convened also doing a lot since to be called, “Bishop retiring. When he was the First Diocesan Paul,” serves at St. named shepherd of the of Metuchen, Catherine of Siena Synod; strengthened Diocese Parish, Pittstown. One he told a reporter writweekend he hears conthe Catholic presence ing a story on his backfessions on Saturday at ground that he had at Rutgers University; planned to go to one of 3:30 p.m., celebrates the schools in Israel to Mass at 4:30 p.m. and guided the diocesestudy Scripture on site. then the first Mass on Sunday at 8 a.m. That sponsored Saint Peter’s Although he has not been able to fulfill that weekend, Father ChesUniversity Hospital, goal, he now has time ter Salubski, pastor of to study the Scriptures the parish, presides at New Brunswick, and in depth. the 9:30 a.m. and 11 established leadership “In my homilies I a.m. Sunday Masses. focus more and more The next weekend programs for the laity. on the Scriptures, the Bishop Paul and Father Salubski switch schedbackground, what the ules. teaching is and what In ministering to St. Catherine’s pa- we should get from it,” he stated. rishioners, Bishop Paul does what he has Without the responsibilities of always enjoyed doing most as a priest, shepherding a diocese, Bishop Paul is celebrating the Eucharist. “It is a joy and also able to enjoy his “Rutgers kids” very meaningful. It’s the reality of the more. In 1973, then-Father Bootkoski real presence of Christ in our lives,” he was assigned to campus ministry at the explained. adding, he now enjoys cel- Rutgers-Newark campus. He was named ebrating the Eucharist more than ever. archdiocesan director of campus ministry

20 MILESTONES THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 20, 2021

Most Rev. Paul Bootkoski, Bishop Emeritus - 55th anniversary Rev. Vincent Cornejo – 65th anniversary Rev. Henry Hemmerling – 55th anniversary Rev. Edward O’Neill – 50th anniversary Rev. Sebastian Kaithackal CMI – 40th anniversary Rev. Edmund Shallow – 40th anniversary Rev. William Smith – 40th anniversary Rev. Wladyslaw Wiktorek – 40th anniversary Rev. Joseph Kabali – 25th anniversary Rev. James Kyrpczak –25th anniversary Rev. Ron Machado – 25th anniversary

21

novice deepened his spirituality.

Father Hemmerling studied at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Mahwah, and earned his Masters of Divinity.

He was ordained a priest in 1966 at Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Trenton. His first assignment was as a pastoral associate at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Metuchen.

“It was just wonderful – I was very happy,” he said.

The parish’s pastor, Msgr. John Foley, was an inspiration to Father Hemmerling. “He had wonderful stories, and was just a wonderful pastor,” he said.

Placed in charge of the religious education program at St. Francis, he decided to take courses so that he could be better equipped for the role. He earned a master’s in education at Fordham University Bronx, N.Y., and a master’s in theology at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Over the years, he served as parochial vicar at St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville; St. Anthony of Padua, Hightstown; and St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton. He served as pastor of Church of the Sacred Heart, South Plainfield, and after taking a leave of absence to care for his parents, he was appointed pastor of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington.

Shortly after he arrived at St. Magdalen’s in 1982, the outgoing pastor, Fa-

ther Edward O’Connell, told him during lunch that he was going to need to build a new, larger church to accommodate the many Catholics who would surely move to the area as housing expanded. Father Hemmerling said he was shocked.

“I almost choked on my sandwich when he said, ‘You’re going to have to build a new church,’” he recalled, laughing. “But it was good. It was interesting.

That was one of the more exciting parts of my priesthood, being part of building that church … It was a lot of work, but the whole thing was a labor of love, actually.”

The new St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church was completed in 1989. After his time there, Father Hemmerling served as pastor of Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Matawan.

“Working with people was, I think, the most exciting thing for me,” he said.

He counts himself lucky in the company he has kept over the years. “I was always surrounded by good people and got to work with them,” he recalled. “I got to work with priests who were very good, very solid – very holy.”

The Sisters of Mercy who served in several of his parishes were also an inspiration to him.

In 2001, Father Hemmerling re-

MILESTONES

Father Henry L. Hemmerling has enjoyed his 55 years in the priesthood immensely – so much so, that he would do it all again. “Even though I enjoy retirement, I wouldn’t mind if I was starting over again,” he said.

The oldest of two sons born to Henry Sr. and Ann Hemmerling, his family was always involved in parish life.

He was influenced in choosing a vocation to the priesthood by his relatives, many of whom were priests and religious Sisters, and by the religious who were his teachers at the Catholic schools he attended.

After high school, Father Hemmerling enrolled at Seton Hall University, South Orange, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and classical languages.

Before deciding to enter the seminary, he spent four years with the Trappists at St. Joseph’s Abbey, Spencer, Mass. “I was very attracted to the Trappists,” he explained. “They were so austere and very pious.” After four years in the novitiate, however, he decided to return to New Jersey and enter the seminary.

“My vocation always was, the diocesan priesthood,” Father Hemmerling said, but noted his time as a Trappist

tired to Florida, where he helped in five parishes and was busy as ever.

Fifteen years later, he decided to move back to New Jersey in order to be closer to his brother Bernard, and sisterin-law, Denise, who live in Toms River.

Father Hemmerling now lives at the Maria Regina Residence, Somerset.

Reflecting on the past 55 years, he said on the whole, priesthood is “a very exciting life. Two days are never alike.

There’s never a dull moment in parish life … there’s always something going on.”

— Teresa Murphy

St. Philip & St. James Church P hi l l i psb u rg, N J

Congratulations to

Bishop Paul Gregory Bootkoski as he celebrates the 55th anniversary of his priestly ordination

Fr. Henry L. Hemmerling on his 55th anniversary of priestly ordination!

Ad Multos Annos!

MAY 20, 2021

“With faith and love protect the bride of God, His holy Church.”

-Rite of Ordination of a Bishop

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

We thank you for your many kindnesses to our parish over the years, and assure you of our ongoing prayers

The Parish of Most Holy Redeemer Matawan Congratulates our second pastor

22 MILESTONES

Comfortably ensconced in the woodpaneled library at the Maria Regina Residence, Somerset, the retired Irishborn priest reflected upon his halfcentury of service to the Church with a smile.

“I’ve always been happy in the priesthood,” said Msgr. Edward M. O’Neill. “I’ve had a good 50 years and I have no regrets. You have to learn that you are not running the show, the Lord is. You’re just a little cog in the wheel, and he’ll turn the wheel.”

Msgr. O’Neill was born in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, one of three children of the late John and Mary O’Neill. Raised and educated in Ireland, he served as a brother in the Dominican order before entering a latevocation college, St. David’s, in North Wales. The future priest completed his formation training at St. Patrick’s Donamen and St. Patrick’s Maynooth seminaries, both in Ireland, and was ordained Dec. 18, 1971, at the Cathedral at Sligo by Bishop Dominic Conway of the Diocese of Elphin, Ireland.

As a member of the Divine Word Missionaries, then-Father O’Neill served two years in Papua, New Guinea, before his order reassigned him to their facility in Bordentown. “I never

went back,” he laughed. “I got to love the Evangelist Parish, Lambertville, in parish life, so I went to see Bishop 1985. During his tenure there, he led [George W.] Ahr, and he assigned a major renovation and repair of the me to St. John Vianney [Colonia] in church.

1975.”

A decade later, “I did a full circle Father O’Neill served at St. John back,” the monsignor said of his return Vianney as associate to St. John Vianney, this pastor for five years; time as pastor. “I knew he was incardinated a lot of the people. They “You have into the Diocese of remembered me, and to learn that Trenton in 1981 and I settled right in.” As was reassigned to St. pastor, he served until you are not Andrew Parish, Avenel, his retirement in 2018. the day before the anDuring the course running the nouncement of the creof his ministry, Msgr. show, the Lord ation of the Diocese of O’Neill served as a forMetuchen. In addition to mer member of the diis. You’re just ministering to the famiocesan College of Cona little cog in lies of the parish, for sultors and Financial the next five years he Committee; moderator the wheel, and served as pastor to the of the diocesan Council inmates in Rahway State of Catholic Women, and he’ll turn the Prison and the residents dean of the Round Valwheel.” in the Avenel Diagnostic ley Deanery. In 2004, he Treatment Center. was named a Chaplain The busy priest celto His Holiness with the ebrated Mass at both the prison and title of monsignor. diagnostic center weekly in addition Msgr. O’Neill counts administo hearing inmate confessions. “It was tering the sacraments of first holy hard to be a pastor as well,” he said. Communion and confirmation to the “You can’t do both.” Msgr. O’Neill children of the parish as amongst his applied to serve as pastor of St. John greatest joys. He recommends others

considering a vocation to the priesthood to “seek discernment, pray about it. If He is calling you, you’ll get there.”

And as for challenges, the former pastor shared some sage advice.

“I learned from an old priest a long time ago,” Msgr. O’Neill related.

“He said, ‘When things get tough in a parish, when things start to get you down, just go over and lay down in front of the Blessed Sacrament and say, Listen, you’re the boss, I just help out around here. It’s time for you to pull a little weight.’”

— Christina Leslie

The Roman Catholic Church of St. James wishes to c ongratulate

Rev. Sebastian Kaithackal, CMI on his 40th Anniversary to the priesthood.

We thank you for over 20 years of faithful service to us here in Woodbridge.

St. John Vianney Parish Congratulates Msgr. O’Neill For 50 Years of serving the Lord in a most special way. May this anniversary bring happy memories to you!

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

St. John Vianney Parish

MAY 20, 2021

God Bless and continued success. . .

Parishioners of St. James and Father Thomas Naduviledathu Pastor

Congratulates Msgr. O’Neill

For 50 Years of Serving The Lord In A

Bring Happy Memories To You!

GOD BLESS YOU

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed

Most Special Way. May This Anniversary

God Bless You!

“For we are God’s masterpiece.

He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” ~ Ephesians 2:10

Rev. Sebastian Kaithackal C.M.I. May Our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Richly Bless You on This Occasion of Your 40th Anniversary of Ordination To the Priesthood Thank you for your ministry to us and among us!

The People of St. Frances Cabrini Parish Piscataway

23

Mass was over.”

He was introduced to families in Flemington and Bedminster who pray the rosary as part of a faith-sharing group.

The families, he said, helped uplift him and rid him of his hesitancy to grow in his new ministry and to live in a foreign land.

Father Kaithackal noted another challenge in his vocation – that of being a priest in the modern world. It’s a challenge that can overwhelm clergy unless they can find fulfillment in the devout life.

“A priest should be a spiritual person, and attraction should be to be holy,” he said. “[If] The prayer life is not in his life, he cannot be successful in this life.

He should be available for others at any time.”

The religious life means being selfless, he said. “Once someone takes the plough of the Lord, he or she should not look back,” he said. “The Lord will give them the strength.

“That is also my advice to the person who want to be a priest or religious. If his or her desires are on worldly things, they will not be successful in their life.”

During his time in the diocese, Father Kaithackal has also been a chaplain at Raritan Bay Medical Center, Perth

a member of the diocesan Personnel Board fanatical or exaggerated sense,” Father Shaland the Pastors Advisory Council for the low said about his childhood. “Life revolved school system. around God.” His earliest desire At age 13, daily While preparing for the to become a servant Mass before school of God began to take part of Father sacrament of reconcilia- became root when he was just Shallow’s routine as an seven years old, but eighth-grade student at tion and first holy not as an altar server St. John the Evangelist Communion, his thoughts School, Riverhead, as one might expect.

While preparing for simply turned to becom- N.Y. So strong was the sacrament of rechis discernment for the ing a priest. Two years onciliation and first priesthood at that point holy Communion, his that he decided to apply later, he was practicing thoughts simply turned to a minor seminary to becoming a priest. high school. However, “saying Mass” at home Two years later, he his elementary teacher, using his Maryknoll Missal, Sister Rose Blanche, was practicing “saying Mass” at home using (the official texts of Masses convinced him to athis Maryknoll Missal, tend the local Catholic for every day of the year), co-ed school, Mercy (the official texts of Masses for every day School, instead. that he received as a gift High of the year), that he Nonetheless, his interreceived as a gift from est in becoming a relifrom his godmother. his godmother. gious remained strong In the 1960s, earduring those years. ly Sunday Mass was the norm for his family After high school graduation, Father and aunts who attended services together Shallow enrolled at Cathedral College of each week. the Immaculate Conception, Queens, N.Y., “There was always a religious atmo- where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Engsphere in the home but not in any type of lish Literature graduating magna cum laude.

Pursuing his vocation further, a Master of Divinity degree followed from Sts. Cryril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, Mich., as well as a Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Detroit, leading to his eventual ordination in 1981.

What Father Shallow does every day is a gratifying gift as an expression of who he is and his longevity as a priest and closeness to the Lord. He also enjoys reading and working on small routine maintenance projects and repairs around the parish. Carpentry is in Father Shallow’s background -- a skill he learned from his father growing up in Riverhead.

— Debra Stevko Miller

MAY 20, 2021

In the four decades since Father Edmund J. Shallow was ordained to the priesthood at St. Stephen Parish, Perth Amboy, there is one gift that has remained consistent for him in his role as a religious.

“Being able to rise each day and carry out my priestly duties,” he said. “These are constant special moments.”

Those special moments were put to the test last year at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In spite of the lockdown, Father Shallow only briefly slowed down his commitment to the people of Divine Mercy Parish, Carteret, where he has served as Pastor since 2010.

“I continued to reach out to the people as best as possible and used the time of seclusion for more prayer for the people of the parish,” he stated. “When things opened up, I continued to bring holy Communion to many of the people who were unable to return to Church.”

It has been 40 years since his first assignment at St. Stephen Parish, where he was ordained by Bishop John C. Reiss for the Diocese of Trenton. Since then, he has served as an associate pastor, parochial vicar, and administrator at five parishes before coming to Divine Mercy 11 years ago.

Father Shallow has also served as dean of the Arthur Kill Deanery, as well as

Amboy, and ministered at the Avenel Diagnostic Treatment Center. He also lived at St. James Parish, Woodbridge.

Father attended Sagar University in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in the arts, and earned philosophy and theology degrees at the Dharmaram Pontifical Institute, Bangalore.

The order to which he belongs — Congregation of Carmelites of Mary Immaculate — is the first indigenous religious congregation in the Catholic Church of India, according to its website: www.cmiusa.org.

“Overall,” he said, “I am very satisfied by my priestly vocation.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

while in residence at Our Lady of Peace Church, Fords. The coronavirus pandemic has continued to challenge health care providers, and that includes spiritual ambassadors in health care like him, who visit the sick in hospitals and other facilities.

“It is really challenging since there are a lot of COVID patients now,” Father Kaithackal said. “I wear all the protective gear when I go to visit them.”

The regular 2 p.m. Sunday Mass at the hospital has been suspended until the virus is brought under control, he added.

The trials of life are nothing new to Father Kaithackal, who was ordained May 11, 1981, in India. After spending 14 years serving as a missionary in northern India, he came to the United States in 1995.

His first assignment was chaplain of the cloistered, contemplative nuns at the Carmelite Monastery, Flemington, and he helped whenever needed at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington; Hunterdon Medical Center and Hunterdon Care Center, both in Raritan Township, celebrating Masses, and administering the sacraments especially reconciliation and anointing of the sick.

“In the beginning, I had no friends here,” Father Kaithackal said. “Nobody was there to speak once the morning

MILESTONES

Carmelite Father Sebastian D. Kaithackal has spent more than half his 40 years as a priest visiting the sick and dying in New Jersey hospitals.

“Hospital ministry is really a fulfilling experience for me — to help the sick and dying, to send someone to heaven at the last stage of his or her life, to reassure their hope in the Lord,” Father Kaithackal said.

He does that by offering spiritual advice and dispensing the sacraments of reconciliation, holy Communion and anointing of the sick. But like many things rewarding in life, there can also be tests, according to Father Kaithackal, who grew up in the state of Kerala, India, on the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. “The challenge is night calls,” said Father Kaithackal, 70, recalling one time he was awakened four times between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. to minister to the sick. “It was really exhausting,” he said.

Another night, while traveling on Route 1, the priest said a car passed through a red stoplight and hit his vehicle. He was not injured, he said, noting the crash was “mild.”

But things hardly seem mild these days for Father Kaithackal, who is chaplain at JFK University Medical Center, Edison and, since last September,

MAY 20, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

OUR DIOCESE 24

25

OUR DIOCESE

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

MAY 20, 2021

26 MILESTONES

“I absolutely love being a priest,” said Father William J. Smith. “The most rewarding part of being a priest is celebrating Mass.”

Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish and worship site, Port Reading, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel worship site, Woodbridge, Father Smith said he feels compelled to share God’s love, mercy and forgiveness with the faithful in his care.

“One thing I want people to know is that God loves them without question and that when they ask for forgiveness, he forgives them unconditionally. That is my most important responsibility after celebrating the Mass,” he said.

Born in Perth Amboy to John and Theresa Smith, Father Smith was raised in Spotswood, where he attended Immaculate Conception School, then public high school, where he first considered religious life, but after graduation chose to go to work. Wanting more from life, he enrolled in Middlesex County College, Edison, and in his second year there decided to pursue the priesthood.

After he earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts, Father Smith entered St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, and a master of divinity degree.

Father Smith as ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John C. Reiss Nov. 14,

1981, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Trenton. He celebrated his first Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, Spotswood. Four days after he was ordained, the Diocese of Metuchen was established and he learned he would be serving in it. Noting that the new diocese was in his home area, he said he was pleased to be one of its first priests.

Father Smith’s first assignment was as parochial vicar at then-St. Peter the Apostle Parish, now St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, New Brunswick.

He then served as parochial vicar at St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge; Mary, Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough; and St. Matthias Parish, Somerset. In 1990, Bishop Edward T. Hughes named him pastor of Our Lady of Hungary Parish, Perth Amboy. Seven years later, he was named pastor at St. Jude Parish, Blairstown.

Father Smith was installed as the ninth pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in 2005. When the Diocese of Metuchen merged St. Anthony’s and Our Lady of Mount Carme Parish in 2012, Father Smith became pastor of the new parish with two worship sites.

In October 2018, Father Smith realized his dream to establish a food pantry at St. Anthony of Padua. “We knew there was a need, but we didn’t have any space,” Father Smith said. “When space opened up on the

parish property, we were able to open our doors and are currently serving 30 to 35 families a month.”

The pantry also supplies cleaning items for the needy.

Although he has had many challenges over the years, Father Smith said one of the biggest challenges he is still dealing with is the coronavirus. “Never in all my years as a priest would I have thought we would have had to deal with how we worship together and the limits that are placed upon us. The real challenge is reaching out to people to let them know we are still concerned about them,” he explained.

To keep parishioners connected at St. Anthony of Padua, Mass is being offered virtually six days a week, and religious education classes, all parish meetings, the monthly rosary and the weekly holy hour, which was started six years ago for the people and needs of the parish, are all livestreamed.

During his pastorate at St. Jude Parish, Father Smith founded the Knights of Columbus Council, Chapter 4 which he served as chaplain for more than 25 years.

He has also served as chaplain of the Don Bosco Knights of Columbus and currently his parish is the host site for the Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes, a women’s auxiliary of wives and daughters of men in-

volved in the Knights of Columbus.

In addition, Father Smith has served as the chaplain for the Perth Amboy Police and Fire Departments and the Port Reading Fire Department.

As for what advice he would give to anyone considering a vocation to the priesthood, he said, “Pray, get a spiritual director and participate in Mass as often as possible.

“Daily Mass is so important. I couldn’t function well as a priest if I didn’t participate in the Mass every day. Every day I also spend time before the Blessed Sacrament in prayer. I need my time with the Lord. It is a very critical part of my life.”

— Karen Corpora

MAY 20, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

The Parish Family of St. Anthony Padua and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel extends

Our Warmest Congratulations and heartfelt gratitude to our pastor

Fr. William J. Smith

on the 40th Anniversary of your holy priesthood ordination (November 14) Thank you for your loving example of generous service to our parish families.

May God Bless you always for all you do!

“The Spirit of the Lord has been given me for he has anointed me” Isaiah 61:1

27

missionary. nated as a Referent of the Missions and He spent 11 busy years in Bolivia, director of the Office of the Propagation of first serving as parochial vicar (1985-1987) the Faith in the Diocese of Szczecinek. and then as pastor of In 2000, Father a local parish serving Wiktorek felt a call approximately 200 to work in a Spanish“I met people from all communities (1987speaking parish again cultures [at Somerset 1989). In addition, he and requested a transwas appointed Re- Medical Center, Somerville]. fer to a Redemptorist demptorist Superior mission. He completI could not speak much of the Tupiza region ed an intensive threeof that country until month course to learn English, and hearing the late 1990s. Father English, and was off to Wiktorek was also the confessions was difficult his first assignment in director of a boarding the United States. with my paltry command school for 50 boys, Much to his surwho were primarprise, he was assigned of the English language. ily sons of poor area to a post as chaplain But these people didn’t shepherds.

“They of Somerset Medical were very open to the Center, Somerville need smart words. They religious,” he remem(2001-2002). bered, for the school “I met people needed contact with God. doubled as a church. from all cultures. I In 1991, he Some patients just wanted could not speak much returned to PoEnglish, and hearing me to pray for them – land to serve in confessions was difthat I was able to do.” various pastorates ficult with my paltry in Elblag and Szccommand of the zecinek(1996-2000) English language,” he and earned a master’s and a doctoral degree said. “But these people didn’t need smart in missiology. words. They needed contact with God. In 1998, Father Wiktorek was nomi- Some patients just wanted me to pray for

MILESTONES

Scriptures teaches that God has a purpose for each person, and if they open their hearts and minds to his calling, he will lead them along a journey toward a life in Christ.

For Redemptorist Father Wladyslaw Wiktorek, parochial vicar at Holy Family Parish, New Brunswick, this calling has meant 40 years of service to the Lord and the Church spanning three continents.

Father Wiktorek grew up in Poland, the youngest of five boys. His journey to the priesthood began as a teenager when he visited a shrine to Our Lady and first contemplated devoting his life to her.

“It opened my eyes to the possibility of becoming a priest,” he says. Before long, he enrolled in the Catholic Theological Academy in Warsaw for his college studies, fulfilling his parents’ dream that their son would become a priest.

Father Wiktorek was ordained June 7, 1981, to the Redemptorist Fathers of the Warsaw Province, and he spent his first few years as a priest in northern Poland teaching catechism and preaching at retreats.

After three years, the bishop contacted him to become a minister in Argentina. He opened his heart to God’s will and spent six months studying Spanish and preparing for this new assignment in South America.

En route, he was reassigned to Bolivia as a

them -- that I was able to do.”

Two years later, he got his wish: an assignment in a predominantly Spanishspeaking area. Father Wiktorek spent four years at St. Stephen, St. Mary and Holy Trinity parishes, Perth Amboy, before being appointed administrator of Holy Trinity Parish in 2009.

No matter where he has served, Father Wiktorek has been grateful for the gift of serving God and his people. “During the past 40 years, God gave me the beautiful experience to serve Jesus’ Church through different ministries,” he said.

— Kaylynn Ebner

Congratulations Bishop Emeritus Paul Bootkoski on your 55th Anniversary of priestly ordination THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 20, 2021

We join you in grateful prayer for God's continued blessings

28 MILESTONES

s n o i t a l u t a r Cong yrpczak Fr. James

A. K

We offer our prayers and best wishes on the occasion of your 25th Anniversary to the priesthood.

May you continue to be blessed with God’s grace and wisdom.

The Parishioners & Staff at St. Joseph Church High Bridge

Father Joseph Kabali serves as a parochial vicar at St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Edison, where he also visits the homebound and trains the extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and lectors.

He was born in Kasambya, Uganda, to Mary Hariet and the late Stephen Kalibbala. After attending primary school and secondary school in Uganda, he moved to Kenya to attend the Institute of Philosophy where he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and religious studies. Father Kabali then attended Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia, for four years where he earned bachelor and master’s degrees in theology. He also received a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and a doctorate of family psychology from Seton Hall University, South Orange.

He professed his final vows with the Consolata Missionary Institute Aug. 6, 1990, in Kenya. Father Kabali was then ordained to the priesthood into the Kampala Archdiocese, Uganda, Feb. 24, 1996.

He has served as parochial vicar of Piet Retief Catholic Mission, South Africa; St. Patrick Pro-Cathedral Par-

ish, Newark; St. Joseph Parish, North Plainfield; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bernardsville, and St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington.

While at St. Joseph Parish, he established a Hispanic ministry.

In South Africa, he was also a member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

He was incardinated into the Diocese of Metuchen in 2007.

Fr. Wladyslaw Wiktorek

MAY 20, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow!

Holy Family Parish in New Brunswick rejoices with you as you celebrate the 40th anniversary of your priestly ordination.

Gratulacje!!

Niech Pan Bóg i Matka Boża obdarzają Ciȩ nieustannie łaską i opieką Que el Señor te Bendiga con muchos años sirviéndole al amor de Dios

May your life in His service always be filled with joy.

May God bless

Rev. Joseph Kabali

on the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

Love from your St. Ambrose family!

Fr. Jack Grimes, Fr. David Keyes & the Parish, School & Religious Education staff

29 Metuchen. The next day, he celebrated he said.

Mass for the first time at St. Ann Church Father Kyrpczak said being a priest and remembers giving Communion to has helped him to grow in holiness. “I his own parents as a really believe that deeply emotional exthe priesthood has perience. challenged me to be He has served as more virtuous than parochial vicar at St. I would have been “One of the things Mary Parish, Alpha; otherwise,” he said.

St. Ambrose Parish, “Being a priest and i always tried to do Old Bridge; Immacutrying to live up to a when I went into a late Conception Parvalid expectation has ish, Spotswood; Our really helped me to school is to show Lady of Peace Parish, grow in virtue.” that I care, so that Fords; Our Lady of His goal for Fatima Parish, Pisthe entirety of his children would “If we don’t have that deeper concataway; St. Philip priesthood is to help nection with the truths of our faith and and St. James Parish, people return to “unknow that somePhillipsburg; and St. derstanding, accept- with Christ, then we’re not really going one cares — that Patrick and St. Rose ing, and practicing to be as happy as God created us to be,” of Lima Parish, Belthe faith, and having he said.

Christ cares, ultiFather James said that to any man videre. a connection with considering a vocation to the priesthood, mately. God loves He served as Christ.” temporary adminis“That’s what I he would pass on the advice he rememthem.” trator of St. Lawrence see myself working bers receiving from a bishop he met Parish, Laurence toward for the rest when he was a young man serving Mass Harbor. He is curof my days,” he said. at the Shrine: “Lots of challenges, but it’s rently administrator Without a relation- a great life. You won’t regret it.”

“I’ve found his words to be true,” he of St. Joseph Church ship with Christ, peoin High Bridge. ple are “missing out on what Christ came added. “It is a great life, and I’ve never He also served as chaplain at All to give us – as recorded in the gospel, he regretted it.”

— Teresa Murphy Saints Regional School, Phillipsburg; came to give us life and life to the full. then Bishop Ahr, now St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison; and St. Philip and St. James School, Phillipsburg.

Among Father James’ favorite asT h e P r i es ts, d ea c on s, a n d p eop le of pects of being a priest, celebrating Mass and being able to bring Jesus to the altar; and absolving sins in the confessional top P h i lli p sburg, N J his list.

In the sacrament of reconciliation, “a sinner is reconciled by God’s mercy, and I’ve always tried to give people a positive experience. I always try to be very compassionate in the confessional,” he said.

He has also loved his work in Catholic schools. “One of the things I always on the occasion of his tried to do when I went into a school is to 25th anniversary show that I care, so that children would know that someone cares – that Christ of priestly ordination cares, ultimately. God loves them.”

It has been a challenge, at times, We remember and appreciate your to reach people who don’t want to acmany years of priestly ministry cept certain aspects of Church teaching, in our parish, and assure you Father Kyrpczak said. At public events, people will sometimes see his Roman of our continued prayers. collar and come up to him to complain about the Church.

“You have to be very pastoral, and point out in a very gentle, kind, and loving way something for them to consider,”

St. Philip & St. James Church

Congratulates

Father James Kyrpczak

1 Peter 5:3 - 4

MAY 20, 2021

“Be examples to the flock.

And when the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

vocations please pray for

MILESTONES

Father James Kyrpczak remembers being in the fourth grade, watching his pastor reverently elevate the Host during the Consecration of the Mass, and thinking to himself, “I’m going to do it just like that.”

In hindsight, it seems clear that he already had a vocation to the priesthood stirring in his heart, but it would be many years before he realized that God was calling him to become a priest.

Born in New Brunswick, one of four children of Frank and the late Jo-Anne Grams Kyrpczak, Father Kyrpczak attended public schools in Somerset and Hunterdon counties as well as in Bethlehem, Pa. Always Catholic, his family only began attending Mass on Sundays when he was in the third grade. It was while he was attending North Hunterdon Regional High School, Annandale, that he and his parents began to discover even more about their Catholic faith, and began hosting Bible studies and rosary groups at their home. Around this time, he began attending occasional daily Masses in the evenings after school at his parish, St. Ann, Hampton, and at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Washington.

One evening after Mass at the Shrine, an elderly woman came up to him and another young man who had been attending Mass, and asked them whether they planned to become priests. As his friend explained earnestly that neither of them wanted to do that, Father Kyrpczak remained silent in deep thought.

“I was dumbfounded because all of a sudden, this realization came over me that this was exactly what I wanted to do, and I wondered why I had never realized this before,” he said. “It was a moment of clarity – there was a real certitude.”

He was hesitant to tell his family at first, but confided in his pastor. After high school, he worked construction alongside his father in the family contracting business. When Bishop Edward T. Hughes requested a meeting with him and his pastor put him in touch with the diocesan director of Vocations, his parents learned of his hopes and were supportive. He spent seven years at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, and master’s degrees in systematic theology.

On May 25, 1996, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Hughes at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi,

30 MILESTONES

Before he was ordained to the priesthood, Father Ron Machado had the honor to work with then-Mother, now St. Teresa of Calcutta for 15 days in 1993 in West Bengal, India. Although their time together was short, the saint had a lasting impact on him.

Father Machado was inspired by her dedication and how she and her Missionaries of Charity spent a holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament before doing their field work, then spent another hour in prayer before the Eucharist upon their return.

Today, Father Machado, pastor, Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy, begins each day praying for an hour before the Blessed Sacrament.

Born in Bombay, India, Father Machado was the youngest of 10 children born to Angela and Agustine Machado.

When he was seven years old, his family moved to Mangalore, where he attended John Bosco Elementary and Secondary Schools. His father is deceased; his mother lives in India. His siblings, Benedict, John, Felix, Stanley, Richard, Albert, Mary, Priscilla, and Jacinta live in countries throughout the world.

Father Machado earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Bangalore University.

When he first felt a calling to the religious life, he prayed and reflected about it for

two years before entering the seminary of St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute in Bangalore. There, he studied philosophy and theology and earned a master’s degree in Indian history. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Konkani, Hindi, Marathi, Kannada and Tulu, which came in handy when Father Machado gave homilies in four of the languages while he was at the seminary.

He credits his mother’s prayer life and dedication to her faith with inspiring him to become a priest. Father Hilary Gonzalez, his spiritual director in India, was a role model for him.

After being ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Basil D’Souza in Mangalore on April 26, 1996, Father Machado was transferred to serve in Spain.

This was the most challenging part of his ministry because adapting to a different country was difficult, and in the beginning, he didn’t know Spanish and had to struggle to communicate with others.

“Looking back on it, I’m very happy that I was sent to Spain, because it helped me to understand what immigrants go through when they move to another land,” he said.

While there, he especially liked working with African immigrants whom he said, “are looking for a better future and think

the grass is greener in another country but are not aware of the difficulties.” Many of these newly arrived Africans had no place to stay and slept underneath bridges.

For 11 years, Father Machado served as parochial vicar at the parishes of St. Vincent and Our Lady of Peace in Valencia, Spain. When friends from England visited him there, he found it a challenge to use his native English after speaking Spanish exclusively so he decided to come to the United States where he could use both languages. He was assigned to the Diocese of Las Cruces in New Mexico, where he served as administrator at Holy Family Parish, Deming.

His first assignment in the Diocese of Metuchen was as parochial vicar at St. Joseph Parish, North Plainfield, where he was active in Hispanic ministry from 2018 to 2020.

In September 2020, Father Machado was appointed pastor to the bilingual (English-Spanish) Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish. He feels comfortable with his new role because it is similar to that of an administrator in which capacity he has served.

“The most rewarding aspect of being a priest is to celebrate holy Mass,” he said. “Also, I’m blessed with wonderful people and like to listen to them.”

Another vital part of his ministry is

administering the sacrament of reconciliation on weekdays mornings in the parish office. The parish’s parochial vicar, Father Nicolas F. Norena, is available for the sacrament in the afternoon.

He stresses the importance of the knowledge of Scripture by having Facebook and Zoom Bible studies with 70 participants. There are also spiritual activities scheduled throughout the week.

As for what advice he would give to men discerning a call to the priesthood, he said: “Let go of everything and follow Jesus. People need a priest who can guide and be with them.”

— Marianne Zanko Komek

Continued Blessings

Bishop Paul Bootkoski as you celebrate the 55th anniversary of your priestly ordination

MAY 20, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Fr. Robert Kolakowski and the Parish Family of St. John the Evangelist Lambertville

The Next issue of The Catholic Spirit will feature Catholic School graduations.

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31 MILESTONES

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Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA 5th Anniversary of your ordination and installation as Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen

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Most Reverend Paul G. Bootkoski, DD

Bishop Emeritus of Metuchen 55th Anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood

MAY 20, 2021

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We are blessed by your service.

Best wishes to all the jubilarians.

Isabella M. Nigro

Assumption Catholic School, Perth Amboy

1st Place

OUR DIOCESE

1st Place

33

Seventh Grade

Fifth Grade Jenevieve Gopez

St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park

2nd Place

Brendan O’Connor Our Lady of Victories School, Sayreville

2nd Place Isha Dsouza

St. Andrew Religious Education, Avenel

Sixth Grade

Eighth Grade

1st Place

1st Place

Mary Therese Michalski

Shana Ignacio

St. Francis Cathedral School, Metuchen

2nd Place

Richard Adenau

2nd Place (tie)

Brianna Amoah-Nyarko St. Stanislaus Kostka School, Sayreville

Prayer for Students

2nd Place (tie) Jasiel Amigon

St. Joseph School, Carteret

MAY 20, 2021

Loving Father, I stand before You in the midst of confusion and complexities of life.

My future sometimes seems distant and unknown.

Give me, O Lord, the vision to see the path You set before me.

Grant me the courage to follow Your way, that through the gifts and talents You have given me, I may bring Your life and Your love to others.

I ask this through Jesus, Your Son. Amen

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Holy Savior Academy, South Plainfield

St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park

By Liz Chandler

34 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. (CNS) — As dusk fell April 29, nurses pushed Father Michael Kottar in his wheelchair just outside a North Carolina rehabilitation center where 27 young men studying to become priests stood preparing to say goodbye.

At 53, Father Kottar, a priest from the Diocese of Charlotte, has been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, an extremely rare and aggressive brain disease for which there is no effective treatment or cure.

The next day, the priest of 27 years boarded a medical flight to Ohio, to be with his family and get the end-of-life care he needs.

But on this evening, Father Kottar, who was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Metuchen in 1994, felt unsettled about leaving the parish families where he had been pastor at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish, Shelby, N.C., and Christ the King Mission, Kings Mountain, N.C. He was pleased, though, to spend a moment with the future priests of the Diocese of Charlotte, since becoming a priest is his most treasured achievement.

The students from St. Joseph College Seminary, Charlotte, had come to sing, pray and provide comfort to Father Kottar, but he also had a gift for them.

Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Father Kottar is the oldest of three children, the big brother of twin girls he simply called “sista” because he couldn’t tell them apart.

Father Kottar was a bookworm who graduated at the top of his high school class and shocked his sisters when he announced he wanted to become a priest. He dived into his studies — first at the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio; then earned a degree in philosophy at St. Alphonsus Redemptorist Seminary, Suffield, Conn.; and a Master of Divinity degree at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md.

Father Kottar was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Metuchen by Bishop Edward T. Hughes at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, May 28, 1994. Also ordained that day were Father Ronald L. Jandernoa, pastor, St. Jude Parish, Blairstown; Father Kenneth K. Kolibas, parochial vicar, St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg; Father Charles A. Sabella, pastor, St. Rose of Lima Parish, Oxford; and Father Thomas J. Walsh, pastor, St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick.

In an interview with “The Catholic Spirit” May 14, Father Kolibas described Father Kottar, one of 22 members of the class at Mount St. Mary’s, as “a great guy, personable.”

“He was a good priest [for the diocese], solid in his ministry,” Father Kolbas added.

After Father Kottar left for the Diocese of Charlotte in 1999, the two lost contact for a while, but renewed their communication when they celebrated their 20th anniversaries as priests. “He texted me about six weeks ago to say he was having stability issues and was walking with a walker,” Father Kolibas said.

Father Kottar spent three weeks in a hospital before he and Father Kolibas spoke by phone. Father Kottar said the doctors are not sure what was causing his instability. He then went to see a neuroimmunologist. After two weeks, Father Kolibas did not hear from his brother priest, but did get a call from another classmate who told him about the diagnosis.

“I started texting guys in the diocese who knew him. They said, ‘We will pray for him.’

“We were just shocked,” said Father Kolibas, who also told Bishop James F. Checchio about Father Kottar.

Father Kolibas said on May 28, the anniversary of their ordination, he and the other classmates of Father Kottar’s from the dio-

Lasting Legacy

MAY 20, 2021

OUR DIOCESE

Terminally ill former priest for diocese urges seminarians: ‘Keep the faith’

Lucy Cornyn (center), a junior at Immaculata High School, Somerville, holds a plaque noting that she is the recipient of the $10,000 Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Mary Dee Elli Memorial Scholarship at the annual May Crowning Mass. Posing with Cornyn is her mother, Allison (left, Class of 1988), and Jim Ellis (’90), representing the family of the late Sister Mary Dee that established the scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a rising Immaculata student each spring. — photo courtesy of Immaculata High School

Above, Father Michael Kottar (right), is shown being ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Edward T. Hughes for the Diocese of Metuchen in 1994. Father Kottar served at five parishes in the diocese until he moved to the Diocese of Charlotte, N.C., in 1999.

— The Catholic Star Herald/photo provided by Father Michael Kottar

Right, Father Kottar, a priest from the Diocese of Charlotte, gives a 2015 World Meeting of Families homily for pilgrims in Philadelphia from his diocese. Father Kottar was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in 2021, an extremely rare and aggressive brain disease for which there is no effective treatment or cure.

— CNS photo/Patricia L. Guilfoyle, Catholic News Herald

cese “will get together and talk about him.”

In the diocese, Father Kottar served as a parochial vicar at then St. Peter the Apostle Parish, now St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, New Brunswick; St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia; St. Mary Parish, South Amboy; and St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park. In a 2014 story in the “Catholic News Herald,” newspaper of the Diocese of Charlotte, about his 20 years in the priesthood, Father Kottar commented on his first assignment.

“What do I remember? City life! St. Peter’s was an old Irish parish with both a parish grammar and high school. It was a big stone church with no air conditioning.

The Northeast Corridor high speed rail line runs right behind the church,” he said.

“In the summer, when all the windows were left open during Mass, you could hear the blast of the trains and the station announcements for the next train to New York. That was where I developed my pulpit voice!

“The rectory and offices were located in an old converted mansion with four large white pillars in the front. In reality it was run down, but from the street it looked impressive. One of the neighborhood boys, after asking where I lived, said, ‘Man, you live in a judge’s house.’ I won’t forget that.”

Father Kottar served at several parishes throughout the Charlotte diocese.

Last December, he began feeling dizzy, and at times had to cancel Mass. After what seemed like endless testing, in April he received the terminal diagnosis.

“It was hard to hear. I thought I’d have a few more years. But if God wants me now, then that’s what will be. I just can’t understand how anyone could get through something like this without faith,” Father Kottar said, just before meeting the seminarians.

Sitting in his wheelchair with a calm demeanor, he listened as fellow priests blessed him, gave him Communion and sprinkled holy water. He smiled as the gathered seminarians and women religious chanted the “Regina Coeli.” Then, Father Kottar, who had been incapacitated with infection for days, perked up to speak.

Father Kottar encouraged them to pray the rosary, to revere the Eucharist and to rise above divisions. Struggling to find the words, he continued, “I wish I could stay a little longer, and maybe I will, but you are going to be the future, and I think liberal, conservative, it’s not that so much. It’s about having faith. Having faith in God. “So, keep the faith,” he added.

Through tears, his sister, Renee Selby said she hopes his words and example inspire any young person who is exploring their purpose in life.

Chandler is director of Communications for the Diocese of Charlotte

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priestly formation at Immaculate Conception Seminary in the fall of 2019.

In his application essay to become a seminarian of the diocese, Tran wrote that it had always been a dream of his, and what he felt was his vocational calling, to become a shepherd after the heart of the Good Shepherd of Jesus Christ.

“I believe that Jesus Christ has given me His Cross because He is the only way to eternal life,” Tran wrote.

“He challenges me and is always beside me to support me and to listen to my prayers. Thanks to the mercy and grace of the Lord, I am called to proclaim His death and confess His resurrection.”

Tran was born and raised in the An Giang Province in the south of Vietnam. He was the son of Khai Quang Tran and Bich Thi Ngoc and was one of six siblings.

While studying at the University of An Giang, he lived at a pre-seminary community of the Diocese of Longxuyen and worked for the Catholic Youth Association of the diocese. He graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Before coming to the United States in August 2017, he worked as an English teacher and also taught English, Math, Scripture and Catholic studies for those in need.

Funeral arrangements were pending as of May 12.

“From every interaction with Peter, even from his application to become a seminarian for our diocese, it was evident that he had a strong friendship with Jesus Christ, a great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, and a love for our Blessed Mother,” said Bishop Checchio. “He was a prayerful and faithful man, so even through this challenging time, I know he would encourage prayer. Through our sorrows and pain, our Blessed Mother is with us and is undoubtedly accompanying Peter to the merciful embrace of her son, Jesus.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

PISCATAWAY — Seminarian Ngu Quoc Tran, or “Peter,” as he was affectionately called by those who knew him, lost his life in a hit-and-run accident in the East Side of Manhattan, N.Y., May 11.

“Any time we hear of the sudden loss of life, especially the loss of someone so young, it is heartbreaking,” said Bishop James F. Checchio. “But the tragic loss of Peter – the loss to his family, to his brother seminarians and to our local Church — is immense and would be insufferable without our Catholic faith and trust in our Heavenly Father, so I ask you to please join me in praying for Peter, his family and the many affected by this terrible loss.”

A seminarian for the diocese and a first-year theology student at Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange, Tran, 29, was killed while walking. The driver, who was reported to be intoxicated, fled the scene and was later arrested that same night when his car was involved in another collision and was identified as the car that hit Tran.

Upon hearing the news, Bishop Checchio first turned to the Lord in prayer and then drove to Immaculate Conception Seminary, where he celebrated Mass and visited with the seminarians there. Msgr. John N. Fell, diocesan director of seminarians; Father Mauricio Tabera-Vasquez, vocations recruiter for the diocese; and Father Peter Tran, pastor, Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, South Plainfield, and coordinator of our diocesan Vietnamese Apostolate, also went to the seminary and concelebrated the Mass.

“Peter was a prayerful and loving person who was always at the service of others,” said Bishop Checchio. “He was well-known in our parishes and was a welcoming face, always talking with the parishioners after Mass and building friendships with those serving in parish ministries. He will be incredibly missed in our diocese.”

In the diocese, he served in summer assignments at Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, South Plainfield; St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg; St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater; and the Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick.

Before beginning his studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Tran lived at the St. John Vianney House of Discernment, Highland Park, a place where men who are working or attending college can live as they discern their vocational calling and the possibility of priesthood.

In spring 2018, he began pretheology studies at St. Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pa., and continued his

35

Vietnamese-born seminarian for diocese killed by hit-and-run driver

36 OUR DIOCESE

Writing team at ‘the Mount’ meets challenge to get paper published The Fed Challenge team at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, recently had a paper entitled, “Leading Factors of Gender Inequality” accepted into the “Journal of Future Economists,” said Kathleen Brennan, chairperson of the all-girls school’s Department of Mathematics.

In a letter to the Mount team, the NY Fed’s Economic Education Team said, “This year’s theme is a reflection of the mission and vision of the New York Fed to better understand the barriers of inequality in order to promote a healthy macroeconomy for all. After a holistic evaluation of each submission, we are pleased to inform you that your paper has been selected for publication in the 2021 ‘Journal of Future Economists.’ Congratulations! You will receive a copy of the Journal and a certificate of achievement for each member of your team.”

The Mount’s Fed Challenge team includes: seniors Martha Byrne, Sabrina DiIorio, Olivia Quiroga and Andrea Ruiz; and juniors Katherine Kenny and Avery Longstreet.

“As a girls school, it made perfect sense for us to investigate the role that gender plays in income disparities,” Brennan said. “I am thrilled and extremely proud that the NY Federal Reserve will publish their analysis in the

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2021 ‘Journal of Future Economists.’ Challenge for the last two years, and This is quite an accomplishment for our even though I want to go into medicine, Mounties!”

Ms. Brennan has done an excellent job “In the midst of this of introducing to the world unprecedented time, having of economics!

“I feel so grateachieved this accomplish“Every single perment with the New York son on the Fed team is ful that I was Fed is such an honor,” Ruiz such a hard worker, and able to be a said. “After having our I’m so proud of our team competition shut down last for making an impact in part of this year and having to compete researching economic inin a new format this year, amazing team equality between males and I was really proud of the females.” and research team and how hard and ef“It’s so exciting to be ficiently we worked on this published,” Byrne noted. more about paper.

“I loved participating, and such an impor- I am so proud of the team “I definitely increased my understanding of genand grateful to Ms. Brentant topic.” der economic inequality in nan for her guidance. I re—Katherine Kenny the U.S. while working on ally appreciated having the this paper and I am grateful opportunity to do economic that our work can help shed research, and my experisome light on the gravity of this issue ences at the Mount have helped me realby being published in the ‘Journal of ize that I want to pursue economics in Future Economists.’” college next year.”

“I feel so grateful that I was able “Fed Challenge has been one of my to be a part of this amazing team and favorite activities I have participated in research more about such an important during my years at the Mount. Although topic,” Kenny said. this year’s competition was a little dif“I am extremely honored to be part ferent, the girls and I still were able to of such a great team! I am so proud of collaborate, and the teamwork we estabour accomplishment on such an impor- lished was one of the most rewarding tant topic,” Longstreet said. parts of the experience,” said DiIorio.

Quiroga added, “I have done Fed “As a team of all girls, writing about the issue of gender inequality was extreme-

Students in the Fed Challenge team at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, pose for a photo. From left, front row: Olivia Quiroga, Sabrina DiIorio and Andrea Ruiz. Back row: Martha Byrne, Avery Longstreet and Katherine Kenny.

—Kathleen Brennan photo

ly important to us, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished.”

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Super Donation Thanks to the generosity of the students and families at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, more than 160 boxes of cereal were recently donated to the Starfish Food Pantry, Plainfield. The donations were collected during the H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) Club annual Super Cereal Bowl. Posing with boxes of donated cereal, from left, are senior theology students Abigail Bopp of Morristown, Isabel Pecoraro of Clinton, Mia Cuttone of Bernardsville, Sabrina DiIorio of Scotch Plains, and Maggie Burke of Mountainside. A large contribution by sophomore Kelsie Neidenbach of South Plainfield helped her theology class win the Golden Cereal Bowl prize this year.

— Donna Toryak photo

OUR DIOCESE

Saint Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, was awarded the Gold Trophy for its overall first place finish at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Center for Pre-College Program’s inaugural Elementary STEM (eSTEM) Competition for students in grades three to five.

The St. A’s team, nicknamed “SASolar” (pronounced S-A-Solar) and composed of five fifth-graders and a fourth-grader plus teacher/coaches Erin Falk and Debra Knox, also received a first-place medal for Engineering Design and second-place medals for Oral Presentation, Engineering Logbooks, and Kahoot! Challenge during the virtual awards ceremony April 17.

The challenge for the eSTEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Competition asked participating teams to utilize the engineering design process to research, design, and build a solar oven capable of heating a set amount of water without using any additional heat sources, solar panels, mirrors, or ready-made kits. Teams were provided with a list of approved materials that they could use in the construction of their solar oven and were encouraged to use recycled or “green” materials wherever possible. Students were also required to keep an engineering logbook detailing their design process, give a presentation on their final design, and participate in a Kahoot!

Challenge to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of solar energy and the engineering design process. Each of these elements contributed to the team’s overall score.

The competition officially began March 1 with the unveiling of the design challenge by the eSTEM team. A total of 15 teams from New Jersey elementary schools

37

Parochial school students shine among teams at college’s competition

entered the competition with a total participation of more than 75 students.

Each team was assigned an NJIT student mentor to answer questions and provide feedback throughout the build process.

Teams were asked to meet at least once per week in order to be able to deliver their solar ovens and engineering logbooks to the NJIT judges by April 13.

For its winning entry, St. Augustine’s “SASolar” team chose to build their solar oven using common household items and recycled items found in the school’s Makerspace in order to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

The base was assembled out of black foam blocks and the oven enclosure was made from cardboard lined on the outside with heat-absorbing black plastic bag material and on the inside with sheets of lightreflective mylar and aluminum foil.

The lid of the enclosure is held open by an adjustable bracket made from popsicle sticks, and the opening is covered with clear plastic wrap to trap all of the heat.

Inside the oven, the measuring cup with the required 120 milliliters of water was secured to a tray made from modeling clay and covered with black plastic bag material. A thermometer was suspended above the measuring cup by an ingenious apparatus made from the top of a plastic soda bottle and thin strips of recycled plywood that allowed the probe to measure the temperature of the water without touching the bottom or sides of the cup.

To finish off the design, the students added 3D printed wheels and “headlights” to turn their oven into a Solar Rover — an homage to the NASA Mars rover Perseverance that they have been studying in class.

In the end, the Solar Rover did its job very well, raising the temperature of the water by more than 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Teamwork and collaboration were the keys to the team’s success. At each meeting, the students worked as a group to analyze the problems they needed to solve, formulate a plan to solve them, and test to see if their solutions worked. They were also able

Left, students from St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, are shown with their winning entry in the NJIT eSTEM Competition and during its design and construction.

— photos courtesy of Tony De Barri

to bring their individual gifts and talents to the table when called upon to help the team.

Whether it was modeling the 3D printed parts in Tinkercad, coming up with creative solutions to unforeseen challenges, assembling the various components of the solar oven, or collecting and presenting the test data, every student was able to put a little bit of themselves into the final product.

Fifth-grader, Isak K. said of the experience, “I witnessed cardboard scraps and other materials become something incredible. I learned so much about solar energy and 3D printing. I tried my best and enjoyed the challenge.”

Fifth-grader Kendrick M. reflected that, “It was nice to have people that shared the same interests as me” on the team.

Fourth-grader Sophina B. stated: “What I liked most about what we achieved was after all our hard work and teamwork, it paid off.”

Parish receives relic of ‘Blessed’ founder of Knights of Columbus

Above, Robert Volner (left) and Michael Gottfried, of the Knights of Columbus Council 6345, pose with a second-class relic of Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney after presenting it at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church. Right, the relic was placed in the church’s reliquary cabinets.

— Barbara Corio photos

Father Lynam added.

Father McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus with the help of several men of St. Mary’s Parish in New Haven, Conn., in 1882 to help strengthen the faith of the men of his

parish and to provide financial assistance in the event of their death to the widows and orphans they left behind.

The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization with more than 1.7 million members in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America, the Caribbean islands, the Philippines, Guam

MAY 20, 2021

in the center reliquary cabinets, to the right of the Baptismal Font, to remind the faithful of our universal call to holiness. The cabinets also once contained a former first-class relic of St. John Paul II (his hair that was given to the bishops at his Beatification in Rome), which is now part of the reliquary of St. John Paul II in the Chapel of the Saints in St. Augustine of Canterbury Church.

Since the pastorate of Father John J. Reilly, the founding pastor of St. Augustine’s, the Knights of Columbus have been an instrumental part of the ministry of the parish and the placement of the relic in the center reliquary cabinet was a sign of gratitude for their gift to the parish and the legacy of Blessed Michael McGivney, Father Lynam said.

Good Shepherd Sunday (fourth Sunday of Easter) was chosen because Blessed Michael McGivney listened to the voice of the Good Shepherd and responded to the needs of the immigrants of his time, which is so needed at this time in the Church of the United States,

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

On April 25, Good Shepherd Sunday, a second-class relic from Blessed Michael J. McGivney (1852-1890), founder of the Catholic fraternal organization Knights of Columbus, was presented to St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, by members of the parish’s Knights of Columbus Council 6345.

The relic was placed on the altar of Sacrifice and during the Gloria was incensed. At the end of Mass, the faithful were blessed with the relic. The relic is from his clothing/cassock, which was placed on him when he was buried in his casket, said Father Robert G. Lynam, pastor.

The relic was acquired through the kindness of the Council 6345, which petitioned the Council in Hartford, Conn., for a relic for St. Augustine’s, Father Lynam said. It was given as a gesture of faith to share the legacy of Blessed Michael McGivney and for graces to be received through his intercession.

After Mass, the relic was placed

OUR FAITH

38

Parishioner longs for return of 'old days' Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

March 24, 2021 Throughout history, the term “meditation” has had various meanings. Even within Christianity it refers to different spiritual experiences. Nevertheless, some common lines can be traced, and in this we are helped again by the Catechism, which says, the Catechism says: “There are as many and varied methods of meditation as there are spiritual masters. [...] But a method is only a guide; the important thing is to advance, with the Holy Spirit, along the one way of prayer: Christ Jesus” (n. 2707). And here it indicates a travelling companion, one who guides: the Holy Spirit. Christian meditation is not possible without the Holy Spirit. It is he who guides us to the encounter with Jesus. Jesus said to us, “I will send you the Holy Spirit.

He will teach you and will explain to you.

He will teach you and explain to you.” And in meditation too, he is the guide for going forward in our encounter with Jesus Christ.

Thus, there are many methods of Christian meditation: some are very simple, others more detailed; some accentuate the intellectual dimension of the person, others the affective and emotional dimension instead.

They are methods. All of them are important and all of them are worthy of practice, inasmuch as they can help. What do they help? The experience of faith to become an integral act of the person: a person does not pray only with the mind; the entire person prays, the person in his or her entirety, just as one does not pray only with one’s feelings. No, everything. The ancients used to say that the part of the body that prays is the heart, and thus they explained that the whole person, starting from the center — the heart — enters into a relationship with God, not just a few faculties. This is how the ancients explained it. This is why it must always be remembered that the method is a path, not a goal: any method of prayer, if it is to be Christian, is part of that sequela Christi that is the essence of our faith.

MAY 20, 2021 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Prayer for Priests

O Jesus, I implore Your divine assistance for Your faithful and fervent priests; For Your priests laboring at home or abroad in distant mission fields; for Your Lonely and desolate priests; for Your young priests; for Your dying priests; For the souls of Your priests in purgatory. But above all, I commend to You the priests dearest to me; the priest who Baptized me; the priests who absolved me from my sins; the priests at whose Masses I assisted and who gave me Your Body and Blood in Holy Communion; The priests who taught and instructed me; all the priests to whom I am indebted In any way. O Jesus, keep them close to Your Sacred Heart, and bless them Abundantly in time and in eternity. Amen.

I am an 80-year-old cradle Catholic, but the Mass doesn't speak to me now. The verbiage keeps changing — what the heck is “consubstantial”? I have belonged to my parish since its inception many years ago, but if I died the priest would not know me now and has made no effort to do so, and I know only about eight people in the entire parish.

Q

Question Corner

By Father Kenneth Doyle I miss the Latin Mass more than ever; when I could go anywhere and hear the same words, it was so comforting. (city and state withheld)

Your question reflects a familiar lament from Catholics in your age group (which, by the way, is my own age group as well). Let me separate your concerns in order to respond.

First, I agree with you on the word “consubstantial,” which is technical, heavily philosophical and puzzling to many Catholics.

This is what happened: When the current English text came into use (in 2011), the language of the Nicene Creed, which formerly had said “one in being with the Father,” was changed to “consubstantial with the Father.”

This was thought by many theologians as well as the Vatican to be a more literal and accurate translation of the language from the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325, which had defined that doctrine.

Next, on the matter of priests knowing their parishioners, the recent history of the Church, especially in the United States, has been marked by necessary par-

ish mergers and consolidations — primarily due to the drop in priestly vocations.

Regrettably, a natural consequence is that priests are not able to know as many of their parishioners personally as they once were.

You might consider someday dropping by your rectory and simply saying hello to your parish priest, telling him that you miss the “old days” when priests had more chances to meet and get to know their parishioners.

As to the language of the Mass, I grew up in the days when it was comforting to be able to go anywhere in the world and hear the familiar sounds of the Latin Mass. But on that, I much prefer the present, when the Mass is said in the vernacular and everyone can understand what the priest is saying.

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

else flows from that.

There were to be no exceptions to the scope of the Church’s evangelization. So, the council taught that public life, including the tangled world of politics, was a field to be evangelized and thereby revitalized with the leaven of Christian truth. That meant, in the main, lay Catholics working in the public space to promote the dignity of the human person and the common good.

Gaudium et Spes had a lot to say about the Christian responsibility to contribute to the common good, about which it took a broad view: by the “common good,” Vatican II meant not just a prosperous economy, environmental protections, proper health care, and the legal protection of basic human rights, but the ongoing pursuit of a social order characterized by truth, justice, virtue, solidarity, and mutual responsibility. Meeting that responsibility to advance the common good, the council taught, required Catholics to lead coherent lives. The Pastoral Constitution therefore reminded the people of the Church that “it is a mistake to think that, because we have here no lasting city, but seek the city which is to come, we are entitled to shirk our earthly responsibilities.” There could be no such shirking, for “by our faith, we are bound all the more to fulfill these responsibilities according to the vocation of each.”

Thus, life in politics, which the council described as a “difficult yet noble art,” ought to be lived as a vocation by Catholics. And there could be no bifurcation in living out that vocation, or indeed any other. “One of the gravest errors of our time is the dichotomy between the faith which many profess and the practice of their daily lives.”

The prophets of the Old Testament had

“vehemently denounced this scandal,” Gaudium et Spes noted, as did Christ himself, who “with greater force threatened it with severe punishment.” There could be no “pernicious opposition” between a Catholic’s “professional and social activity,” on the one hand, and his or her “religious life,” on the other.

Coherently Catholic public officials, whose faith illuminates the truths that make for human flourishing and who integrate those truths into their political lives, are the Catholics who best reflect the Church’s intention to “establish and consolidate the human community according to the law of God.” Catholics who promote or who refuse to take effective action against grave offenses against human dignity (among which Gaudium et Spes listed abortion, euthanasia, and violations of the human person through mutilation) not only fail to contribute to the common good while doing severe damage to society; they also declare themselves incoherent Catholics, who are, objectively, not in full communion with the Church.

This is the challenge that the most progressive document of the Second Vatican Council puts today before the President of the United States, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. senators from both sides of the aisle, and the many other public officials who persist in living a “pernicious opposition” between their “professional activity” and their “religious life.” It is not a partisan challenge. It is not a traditionalist challenge. It is not a politicized challenge. It is Vatican II’s challenge.

Their fellow-Catholics among the laity have an obligation to bring this challenge of coherence to the attention of these brethren in Christ. So do their pastors.

A

Church must evangelize modern world

The Second Vatican Council’s Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World (often referenced by its Latin title, Gaudium et Spes) is typically regarded as the most “progressive” of the 16 documents of Vatican II: the conciliar text that bespoke a new Catholic embrace of modernity while aligning the Church with liberal democratic po-

litical forces throughout the world.

Like every other conciliar document, however, the Pastoral Constitution only comes into clear focus when it is read through the prism of the council’s two most authoritative texts, the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum) and the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium).

Dei Verbum taught that God really does speak to humanity in history, and that the revelation of God’s intention for humanity, definitively manifest in Jesus Christ, is binding for all time. Lumen Gentium taught that the Church is a “sacrament” or “sign and instrument….of communion with God and unity among all men,” The Church embodies that by heeding the Great Commission: by proclaiming and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, thus bringing the truth about God and us to the whole world.

That, according to the two fundamental documents of Vatican II, is the best thing the Church can do for the modern world: evangelize it. Everything

SCRIPTURE STUDY

By Msgr. John N. Fell As St. John portrays it, the Resurrection, Ascension, and Descent of the Holy Spirit all take place on Easter Sunday itself. The occasion of the bestowal of the Spirit is Jesus’ Easter evening appearance to his disciples. The Gospel tells us that Jesus breathed on the disciples, significantly using the same verb as in the Greek versions of Genesis 2:7, the account of the Lord God breathing life into Adam. Just as that first transmission of the Spirit had created the original human life, this second sending of the Spirit brings new life in Christ Jesus.

St. Luke presents a different and more detailed version of these wonderful events. In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke places the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Hebrew feast of Pentecost, 50 days after Passover. For the Jewish people, Pentecost was a time for giving thanks after the barley harvest, as well as a commemoration of God’s giving the 10 Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. This was the day the Hebrews gave thanks for God’s forming them into his people. Both the appearance of God as fire and the arrival of the Spirit amid the sound of rushing wind would have been very reminiscent of Sinai for these gathered people.

And so, 10 days after his ascension, Jesus showed himself to be the One who would baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the promise made by John the Baptist (see Luke 3:16). As the 120 followers were gathered, they heard a sound like a strong, driving wind. Then, tongues of fire appeared and came to rest upon each of them. These outward signs strikingly witnessed to the glorious unseen reality that, “All were filled with the Holy Spirit!” (Acts 2:4a).

The remainder of the reading from Acts relates the sensational effects that the indwelling Spirit had upon the disciples. They began to boldly testify to the assembled crowd about “the marvels God has

WEEK IN SCRIPTURE

FRIDAY, MAY 21 - TUESDAY, JUNE 1

Acts 25:13b-21 / Ps 103:1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab / Jn 21:15-19 Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 / Ps 11:4, 5 amd 7 / Jn 21:20-25 Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 or Ex 19:3-8a. 16-20b or Ez 37:1-14 or Jl 3:1-5 / Ps 104:1-2, 24, 35, 27-28, 29-30 / Rom 8:22-27 / Jn 7:37-39 or Extended Vigil: Gn 11:1-9 / Ps 33:10-11, 12-13, 14-15 / Ex 19:38a, 16-20b / Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 or Ps 19:8, 9, 1, 11 / Ez 37:1-14 / Ps 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 / Jl 3:1-5 / Ps 104:1-2, 24 and 35, 27-28, 29-30 / Rom 8:22-27 / Jn 7:37-39.

Day: Acts 2:1-11 / 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13 or Gal 5L16-25 / PS 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 / Veni, Sancte Spiritus / Jn 20:19-23 or 15:26-27; 16:12-15 Gn 3:9-15, 20 or Acts 1:12-24 / Ps 87:1-2, 3 and 5, 6-7 / Jn 19:25-34 Sir 35:1-12 / Ps 50:5-6, 7-8 14 and 23 / Mk 10:28-31 Sir 36:1, 4-5a, 10-17 / Ps 79:8, 9, 11, and 13 / Mk 10:32-45 Sir 42:15-25 / Ps 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 / Mk 10:46-52 Sir 44:1, 9-13 / Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b / Mk 11:11-26 Sir 51:12cd-20 / Ps 8, 9, 10, 11 / Mk 11:27-33 Dt 4:32-34, 39-40 / Ps 33:4-5, 6, 9, 18-19, 20, 22 / Rom 8:14-17 / Mt 28:16-20 Zep 3:14-18a or Rom 12:9-16 / Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 / Lk 1:39-56 Tb 2:9-14 / Ps 112:1-2, 7-8, 9 / Mk 12:13-17

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for May 23, 2021 John 15 26-27; 16:12-15

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Feast of Pentecost, Cycle B: Jesus promises an advocate. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

PENTECOST FROM OF TRUTH BECAUSE GUIDE HE HEARS GLORIFY ME

ADVOCATE THE FATHER TESTIFY CANNOT SPEAK DECLARE TO YOU

COMES SPIRIT YOU ALSO HE WILL ON HIS OWN THINGS REASON

THE GUIDE T S O C E T N E P

I

L Y

O G L N O S A E R E F A Y D L C F P O E D O E

I

O F

I

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U G

T D T K D

I

U T W M R R H S D E F O S A E E O

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G C H S M T F L W U O H N O C H O T A Y K A U I

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V N N R R T C M C A S

H D N U E X H J O E L O T A T A K A E P S B S W C H E H E A R S A N O N © 2021 TRI-C-A Publications; tri-c-a-publications.com

MAY 20, 2021

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accomplished.” This would have been extraordinary enough for the formerly timid group, but St. Luke further tells us that each of the multitude heard the apostles’ testimony in their own language. This extraordinary ability points to the missionary nature of their new commission; they received the ability to be understood in various languages because they themselves were being sent forth to continue their testimony to the farthest bounds of the earth. Perhaps there is also another intention as the author hints at the reversal of the punishment meted out at the construction of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9); whereas pride had brought disunity to the human race, the power of the Holy Spirit would now enable the restoration of its primordial unity. A Byzantine liturgical hymn beautifully captures this theme: “When the Most High descended and confused tongues, He scattered the people; but when He distributed the tongues of fire, He called all people to unity. Therefore with one voice, let us praise the Most Holy Spirit” (Kontakion of Pentecost Sunday).

That unity is the focus of our second reading, taken from St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.

Paul teaches that the multitude of differences among members of the Christian community are intended to build up the Church. “To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7). The talents and charisms of each member serve the unity of the Church because they all testify to the same reality, that is, that “Jesus is Lord” (1 Cor 3b) of all. Further, every talent and charism emanates from the same Source: “All of us have been given to drink of the one Spirit” (1 Cor 13). Paul offers the image of the Holy Spirit as the principle of life vivifying the Body of Christ and unifying its members in a singleness of love and mission.

With the events of Pentecost, our Paschal celebrations have come to their completion. Humanity’s sinfulness has been redeemed by the passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Far from being passive spectators in this process of salvation, all Christ’s followers are empowered by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to carry on his mission of bringing about his Father’s Kingdom of justice, peace, and joy. Let us thus join with the universal Church in prayer, “O God . . . pour out, we pray, the gifts of the Spirit across the face of the earth and, with the divine grace that was at work when the gospel was first proclaimed, fill now once more the hearts of believers.” (from the Collect, Mass during the Day of Pentecost).

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

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Fri 21 Sat 22 Sun 23

Solemnity of Pentecost (B)

OUR FAITH

In our Scripture readings this Pentecost Sunday, Jesus dramatically fulfills his promise to send another Helper to forever accompany his followers. Jesus had ascended back to the right hand of his Father in Heaven, and now true to his word, sent the Holy Spirit upon his gathered disciples. The Holy Spirit, “the artisan of God’s works,” brought the ongoing Christian community (the Church) into being, empowering it to carry the message of Jesus in unity to all peoples and nations.

39

Power of Holy Spirit

40 26 STEPPING FORWARD IN CHARITY STEPPING UP IN CHARITY

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Connections Program offers models for youth Free services offered forrole immigrants

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By Joanne Kleinle NO CREDIT CARDS.

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Correspondent Correspondent

When Catholic Charities’ Child Care

PHILLIPSBURG “A faithful friend–isCatholic a sturdyCharities, shelter; heDiwho SiteMetuchen Supervisor Jenelle ocese (CCDOM), offeringClauson read findsofone finds a treasure.”

(Siris6:14) a The Facebook post a 104-year-old immigrants who want to applyabout toatbecome Connections Program Catholic a United States citizen, and ais Valentine’s Charities, Diocese ofconsultations Metuchen, Marine’s special pleawhich for Closed Sunday, Monday & Holidays free companion.

ThisBishop's free offer is available supported by the Annual Appeal, wishes, she gathered her colleagues September.

The normal cost for menthe takes this verse to heart by connecting Rt. 22 & Terrill Road, Watchung, NJ 07069 until Elementary School, service is Hatchery $550. torsatwith youth who canHill use a friend.

What In October 2020, CCDOM began participants have found is and that what startsofout Hackettstown, organized a project as a way to giveand youth a helping hand, often fering outreach information sessions for the children inprogram the Catholic Charicreates friendships that are treasured byforthe regarding a free naturalization ties’theresidents after care program to youths, mentorsschool and their families alike. permanent who wishchild to become Since 1994, Connections Program U.S. respond citizens.

Thetothe sessions are being ofthe oldest living Marine’s has virtually paired adult volunteers with youth in fered and in person and in both request.

Middlesex County from ages 5 to 17. It English and Spanish.

Maj. White, World War II started from pairing 14 matches to asamany Sponsored

by Bill CCDOM’s Immigraas 65 mentors paired with youth each year. and Purple Heart recipient, tion veteran Services Program, the information Youth in the program more likely to sessions are being held asare part of its misshared his wish during an interview with 2400 B Cooper Street develop positive behaviors continue sion to provide quality, low-costand services to KTXL-TV in atSacramento, their lives.and The Calif., and theschooling, needy.

Onwhich Aprilchanges 18, St. Phillip Piscataway, NJ 08854 friendship between the youth and the menthe Parish request wentofviral.

He told the teleSt. James the second these listenwww.ourladyoftenderness.com ingtors tends towas form quickly, but over time sessions held.

The goal ofofall thean vision hosts that one his favorite hobeven deeper bond is established and they sessions is to put at ease people who are bies is scrapbooking, which has helped often become a second family to the struggling to decide if they want to child. start According to thetrack program’s website, him to keep of his extensive life. of neutralization/immigration, Your prayer requests are welcomed and the process criteria to get a mentor are: experiencing which is long and can be frightening for Now he wanted to add someAdriana Valentine Molina Guillen, an immigration counselor with Catholic Charities, explains encouraged. They shall be placed before the those signifi cantitand/or terminal medical difficulgoing alone. what is needed to abecome citizen. Parish, East Brunswick, has served cards to his collection of mementos.

Jeanette Cullen, memberanofAmerican St. Bartholomew a positive relationship Atforthewhich session, Adrianaadult Molina GuilBlessed Sacrament and lifted daily in prayer. ties as supervisor of the Connections Program at Catholic Charities, Diocese of outside of thecounselor family would helpful; Once word got out about White’s len,from an immigration withbe CathoMetuchen, since 2000. The 26-year-old program pairs adult volunteers with youth fi nding themselves in serious situational/ lic Charities, explained needed to from Benerequest, staffwhat andwaschildren loss crisis (i.e., but not limited to divorce or in Middlesex County from ages 5 to 18.

The ministry of this Hermitage is God’s gift, qualify to become a citizen.

— Joanne Kleinle photo dict A. Cucinella Elementary School, a parent dying/just deceased) a help- is helpful to have someone working withCatholic word to others in the parish about the greatchild c In an isinterview with “The and Catholic Children in the Charities' after school a life of prayer, freely given to our diocese fulLong adult relationship is needed.

Valley, and Willow Grove Elthem who knows the laws and the changservices being offered by Catholic Spirit,” she spoke about how Catholic Hill Elementary basketball or shareHatchery a meal. advice or School, support. TheHackettstown, program alsoCharihosts send t Westaccept MainthisSt.free Suite Kathy McCrystal said she started as es,” for you.95 Please gift.5-106 It is a Charities Molina Guillen noted. ties.

People feel better when it comes from ementary School joined with Hatchery helps immigrants.

“They can McCrystal spends about four hoursa World quarterlyWar mentor support nights. a mentor when her twin boys were teenMajor Bill White, II veteran and Purple Joselarge Miguel Suarez, Guillen’s they Cullen, know and trust.” of St. Bar- Heart to our and officestogether to receive the help they NJ 07930 Hill sent a week with the boys depending on huswhat someone Jeanette a member privilegeChester, to be united with you in prayer. come agers.

She was paired with athey boy close in three — is a member of She the current Dioceseto tholomew “The deacons networkingwhere sys-photo co need. They can make appointments with us band, they plan. looks forward Parish, are Eastmy Brunswick, to her sons because she thought men- activities envelopes full We of hand-made Valentine www.ourladyoftenderness.com forage Metuchen diaconate class for men of tem for the presentations,” said Guillen. the free consultation. will review ofher time with them and loves watching she serves as an extraordinary minister “It of would be awishes great wayto to engage her cards and honor and to He joins his wife when will be faster to reach the community if you Hispanic descent. their documents and work with them to White Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10 alltoring own boys. She got much more than she them grow and mature into teenagers. They holy Communion and in its Society of St. visits of any already know the people andbeen thechild deacons support toabout Maj. White and are all refile the application and help bring love joy to the retired Marine.sheoften talkthe to parish her their Vincent dewe Paul chapter, has supervi-care for expected.

The boyand became of issues hisminded classmates “to support are aofgreat help.

If provide I have to do it myself it distric them to prepare for the proPrayer Request: and she gives them sor the Connections Program since 2000. school of how important it is to "Immigration close to her family, “We arewhole so thrilled about the cases, responseher and my classmates who would be a longer journey to reach them.”

Your prayer requests are welcomed and “In many cess,” she said. whatever guidance she can.

She sees the impact it has not only on the participating in traditions Somerset and to those who have served _______________________________ we received from the school spreadrecognition the word [about Guillenbut said there are about 30 parinterested naturalizaMentors must the un- the youth, on the mentors and families. encouraged.

They shall be placed before the put district,” the likeThose her in-laws annual will New andwe For more our rigorous country.” program] to ishes the diocese immigrant popureceive theChild help decorating needed Service Area Directorimmigration saidEve Care dergo screening “Theinprogram is notwith meant to replace the party, _________________________ tion laws change childhood back their parish.” lations.

Catholic Charities provides several prepare for the test and Blessed Sacrament and lifted daily in prayer. to Year’s and background parents,Charities, but to give support,” said. “In child Last year, Catholic Dio- sheCharities’ theKrista ChristmasGlynn. tree and go“The staff and children interview He said hethey networks immigration services theinginterviews which are checks before receive low-cost many cases, we put thelegal childhood backand in quite often so it on an annual Easter egg in the child’s life ccdom.org/chil cese of Metuchen provided affordable were so excited to send their love and spread the amongto will continue meetings in different required.

They andword continue the child’s lifeholding by offering the fun activities hunt. She evenwill tookalso himbe on is helpful to have to training The ministry of this Hermitage is God’s gift, taught communities the sections of thethat diocese. what they should be by offering the thereceive training about after they and support his or her family cannot college tours with her own program. serving. aware and any documengive“Little them.” by little the parishes are opensons.ofThey grew so close someone...who a lifeTHE of prayer, freely given to our diocese fun activities and beging “Any immigrant is ing up to house meetingwitnessing like this one St. tation they will need to proThe program sponsors Cullen treasures theatlifethat when he aged out of eligible,” he stated.

“We all Philip and St. James.

We are getting beknows the laws duce, she added. monthly group activities — changing impact that the mentors have on support that their for you. Please accept this free gift. It is a the program, she agreed to have different parishes, but tween 10-20 people at each meeting which “We want them to feel usually in person, but they the youth.

She said one child, whose parents mentor his younger brothers and changes..." families cannot wehave all have the same need. great.

Welaborers, would like to be able help as privilege to be united with you in prayer. comfortable withparticipate the pro-in been held virtually be- iswere day came into thetoprogram and they now The beauty of this service is many people as possible,” he said. cess.

I want them to be concause of the coronavirus — wanting to be a day laborer. After spending McCrystal family traditions give them.” that can learn Charities also other partnered fident about thebrother how, did. when foryou mentors and the the things youth. timeCatholic with his mentor, hehas realized posjust like their —Jeanette Cullen that you are not familiar with and begin to with Literacy NJ, an organization offering Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10 and what they will need to do as they are Through these trainings and sibilities that were open to him.

He started Most of the activities citizenship beginning of activities, McCrystal has free to plan to go toclasses. college At andthe become a busigoing process,” that through she doesthe with the boysMolina Guil- realize their importance.”

Flor, close a member of St. Phillip and each quarter, attend NJ classformed friendships with other nessman andthey travel.

HeLiteracy also changed his lenare stated. simple. Because of the recent lockdown alsoPaul Prayer Request: to more their healthy choices.

James Parish, is also in the diaconate esdiet to explain legal services and answer The toprep work beforesheantakes interview related the coronavirus, them for St.mentors. _______________________________ Case managers are in touch with menFor information about a class. any questions the students maybecoming have. with Immigration can take up to two years. a walk or buys them ice cream. They also tors two to fi ve times each month and are mentor, contact Jeanette Cullen at jcullen@ “I have been a member of the SpanFor information about Catholic Char“It’s a long process.

It’s a journey, but we share her love of biking and hiking. Someavailable day orhere night phone they need ccdom.org or (732) 738-1323.Immigration community forbyover 20 ifyears,” he ities, Diocese of Metuchen’s aretimes together withtothem. _________________________ they want visit atImmigration her house andand play ish naturalization laws change quite often so it said. “I have been helping to spread the Services, call (732) 214-8743

Tues., Wed. & Thurs.: 10 am – 3pm Friday: 10 am – 2 pm Saturday: 9:30 am – 12 noon

Our Lady of Tenderness

MAY 20, 2021 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT AUGUST 20, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Our Lady of Tenderness

“Come follow me” 10:21) atholic Spirit C(Mark

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

If you think maybe...

Journey of Faith

By Father John Gerard Hillier We have all heard it said in our grammar school “geography lessons” that all the rivers of the world flow to the ocean. Similarly, it can be said, that all words uttered under Heaven reach the “mind” of God. Thus, the Second Commandment teaches that words matter, especially when referencing the Divine Name, as well as the Christian name given at Baptism.

The Second Commandment states: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Ex 20:7). The Catechism teaches: “The Second Commandment prescribes respect for the Lord’s name. Like the First Commandment, it belongs to the virtue of religion and more particularly it governs our use of speech in sacred matters” (ccc 2142).

This Commandment, according to the Catechism, “also forbids the abuse of God’s name...[including] Jesus Christ, but also of the Virgin Mary and all the saints” (ccc 2146). St. James strongly condemns those “who blaspheme that honorable name [of Jesus]” (Jas 2:7).

This article discusses the first mention of God in Sacred Scripture. Paragraph 2143 explains: “Among all the words of Revelation, there is one which is unique: the revealed name of God” (ccc 2143). Therefore, the Catechism cautions that we are “not to introduce [God’s name] into our own speech except to bless, praise, and glorify it” (ccc 2143). Such is the precious name of God and the things of God! In fact, preaching and catechizing are also to be “permeated with adoration and respect for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (ccc 2145).

Why? Because “respect for his name is

an expression of the respect owed to the great when spoken with respect for the and the pastor are to see that a name is not mystery of God himself” (ccc 2144). greatness of his majesty. God’s name is given which is foreign to Christian sentiIt, therefore, makes sense why holy when said with veneration and fear ment” (Canon 855). false oaths and perjury are also sinful. of offending him.”

The Second Commandment teaches, To state it simply: because they call Similarly, God’s sacred name should therefore, that not only do words matter, on God “to be a witness to a lie” (ccc never be invoked in the form of an oath but names matter, especially the Divine 2151). In fact, words directed toward the if the statement being made is untrue. Name, as well as the name we receive Church, the saints, and all sacred things Why? Because, as the Catechism states: when we are born again in Christ through are a grave sin when they misuse God’s “An oath, that is the invocation of the di- the waters of Baptism. No wonder, over name, because they blaspheme God and, vine name as a witness to truth, cannot be the centuries, many parents chose to therefore, are “contrary taken unless [it is taken] name their child after a canonized saint. to the respect due God truth, in judgment, and This custom continues when selecting a The First Command- in and his holy name” (ccc in justice” (ccc 2154). name for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

2148). It is likewise blasment is probably Stated differently, “When The name chosen by the Confirmandi is phemous to make use of it is truthful and legiti- always that of a canonized saint. also broken if the mate, an oath highlights God’s name “to cover This section of the Catechism finup criminal practices, to the relationship of human ishes by emphasizing that, as the prophet name of God is reduce peoples to servispeech with God’s truth. put it, “God calls each one by name” (Is tude, to torture persons misused in a radical A false oath calls on God 43:1). We are told, “everyone’s name or put them to death” be witness to a lie” is sacred. The name is the icon of the way, thus placing to (ccc 2148). In the words (ccc 2151). person. It demands respect as a sign of of St. Ignatius of Loyola, vulgarity and slang Related to this is the the dignity of the one who bears it” (ccc 16th century Spanish theme of the “Christian 2158). And finally, “the name one repriest and founder of the or abusive language name” we receive in the ceives is a name for eternity” (ccc 2159).

Jesuits: “Do not swear as a “substitute god.” Sacrament of Baptism.

A name identifies who God is and whether by the Creator, “In Baptism, the Lord’s who we are. Some say it is the most imor any creature, except name sanctifies us, and we portant word in the world to us. As Sacred truthfully, of necessity, and with rever- receive our Christian name in the Church. Scripture puts it: “A good name is more ence” (Spiritual Exercises, 38).

This can be the name of a saint, that is, of desirable than great riches, and high esIn short, profanity (obscene words or a disciple who has lived a life of exem- teem, than silver and gold” (Prv 22:1). acts) and blasphemy (sacrilegious words plary fidelity to the Lord...[or one that)] Father Hillier serves as director or acts) are serious sins that disobey the expresses a Christian mystery or Christian of the diocesan Office of the Pontifical Second Commandment. The First Com- virtue” (ccc 2156). The Church’s Code of Missions, the Office for Persons with mandment is probably also broken if the Canon Law teaches: “Parents, sponsors, Disabilities, and Censor Librorum name of God is misused in a radical way, thus placing vulgarity and slang or abusive language as a “substitute god.”

While profanity is the misuse of God’s holy name in a careless and inappropriate manner, blasphemy is a more serious sin because the offense is a deliberate act of irreverence and contempt against God’s holy name. This is especially the case when used in a curse against another person. The Catechism Classic Danube River Cruise explains: it “consists in uttering against with OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY God — inwardly or outwardly — words of hatred, reproach, or defiance; in speakJune 5-14, 2022 ing ill of God; in failing in respect toward Book by May 31, 2021 and save $450.00 per person him in one’s speech; in misusing God’s name” (ccc 2148). In one of his sermons, 4th century bishop and theologian, St. Southern Italy & Sicily Augustine, observed: “God’s name is

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Article 150 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 2133-2159

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Blasphemous, profane words break commandment

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In Loving Memory

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On April 24, defense attorney Mark Anderl and United States District Court Judge Esther Salas unveiled a plaque dedicated to their son, Daniel Mark Anderl, in a ceremony at Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Salas spoke to attendees of the ceremony, and Father Robert G. Lynam, pastor, St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park -- where Daniel received the sacraments of baptism, first holy Communion and confirmation -- gave the invocation. The plaque includes a passage from the Gospel of John (15:13): “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life…” Daniel, who was a student at Catholic University, planned to pursue a career in law. The plaque was dedicated by the law school in his honor. Friends of Daniel, 20, who was a 2014 graduate of St. Augustine of Canterbury School and a 2018 graduate of Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, from Catholic University attended the ceremony. One student -- Katherine (Class of 2022) -- gave an emotional witness of the impact that Daniel had on the life of so many at Catholic University, Father Lynam said. Daniel was shot to death and his father was shot several times at the front door of their North Brunswick home July 29, 2020. Salas was in the basement with Daniel when he ran to the door where the fatal shooting took place as he offered his life to protect his mother and father. The gunman, Roy Den Hollander, of New York, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound the day after the attacks.

—photos by Rui Barros for Catholic University

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ACROSS 4 God loves a cheerful one 9 Mission to remember 10 Abbey sound 11 Holy ___ 12 Administrative arm of the Catholic Church 13 Noah took them into the ark 14 Catholic opera singer Pavarotti 17 The Diocese of Baker is here 19 The father of Saul’s general, Abner 21 ___ of the Mass 22 One of the 10 plagues 23 ___ culpa 25 Simon, the apostle, was one of these 26 Catholic Academy-Award winning actress Young 29 Time for some Easter services 31 Pope before Benedict III 33 Chi follower 34 California governor who attended a Jesuit seminary 35 Catholic actor of “The West Wing” fame 36 Jesuit missionaries compiled an atlas of this country DOWN 1 Catholic apologist and mathematician

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Eastern Catholic who played Klinger on M.A.S.H. Sub ___ (secret appointment) Catholic actor, “The Great One” Our Sunday ___ newspaper Religious instruction for converts (abbr.)

Member of an order founded by St. Paul of the Cross Where 11A is Essential element of the Sacrament of Reconciliation Declare a marriage invalid Church days Famous outcast Peak in Exodus Home of the Archdiocese of Edmonton Season during which the Joyful Mysteries are prayed Title for Jesus “___ Dimittis” “For whoever would save his life will ___ it” (Mk 8:35) Father of Jesse

OUR DIOCESE

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Crossword Puzzle

Answers can be found on page 47

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 20, 2021

44

Aspiring NFP instructors can get financial support from diocese

MAY 20, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

OUR DIOCESE

ered extremely precise and helpful to couples for which other methods have failed.

Unfortunately, when couples The diocese has launched a program that awards medical professionals dealing with infertility seek help from half-scholarships to the Marquette healthcare professionals, they rarely University Institute’s online training hear about NFP and are often given program for natural family planning just two treatment options: intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in (NFP) instructors.

“We have several “It was truly divine vitro fertilization (IVF), neither of which align NFP teachers in our diocese, but not many are providence that I with Catholic teaching.

“That was shocktrained in the Marquette connected with all ing to me,” said Janine Method of fertility awareness, which must the right people to Garcia, when she and her husband were faced with be taught by a medical professional,” said Cris- help me become this challenge a few years tina D’Averso-Collins, an NFP practitio- ago.

“We’re living in a director, diocesan Ofner. The Gianna world where there’s the fice of Family Life. “It felt like there was a gap, Center also played constant push for contraceptive use and IVF. and I wanted to make that training available a pivotal role in my It’s almost like slapping a bandage on comto medical professionals decision to pursue on mon reproductive health with the goal of them beconcerns instead of actuing able to assist couples this path.” ally finding out the root throughout our diocese.”

—Janine Garcia cause. It is such a disser- Registered nurse Janine Garcia, right, poses with her husband, Ryan, and son, Pio The Marquette vice not to promote more Giannis, at their home. Garcia is receiving some finanial support from the diocese Method is unique among the various NFP methods because it holistic options,” she explained. to complete her training to become a natural family planning (NFP) instructor.

As a registered nurse and someone relies on urine fertility biomarkers (as — photo courtesy of Janine Garcia well as other biomarkers) combined naturally inquisitive about medical al- keenly interested in NFP. She sought choices have led toward her becoming with a precise algorithm to determine issues, Garcia began researching About Our Program CAMP DATES Students will learn the fundamentals of became NFP services from The Gianna Center, an NFP instructor, from her interest in a woman’s window.

It is consid- ternatives to IUI and IVF and STEM fertile SUMMER CAMP inquiry-based science andconceived math activities her son (who is a healthy the medical field, to her own fertility that grow in complexity from teacherJune 21-July 30, 2021 2021 now), and is blessed to have a challenges, to her love of motherhood, guided to student-initiatedtoddler investigations. second baby on the way. to her deep Catholic faith.

STEM Weekly Summer Camp 2021 Students will work with model rockets and Despite being a busy new mother, “It was truly divine providence MONDAY-FRIDAY robots to learn engineering, math, and June 21 – July 30, 2021 Garcia could not stop thinking about that I connected with all the right science principles. Students also learn what a blessing NFP had been to her people to help me become an NFP principles of computer programming and Grades 5-10 9:00AM-2:30PM coding that will prepare them for STEMand wanted to raise awareness family practitioner. The Gianna Center also opportunities in the future. that it is a valid and important option played a pivotal role in my decision to for the inmillions of women faced with pursue this path,” said Garcia. “I really Grades 5-10 Students will work in teams and share the every fun as they compete with each theother challenges and heartache of infer- do believe God has a special plan for tility. Feeling the SPACE Lord’s guiding hand me, and the path I’m on is very fulfillMonday – Friday 9 am to 2:30Friday. pm* IS LIMITED Bridge the Gap This Summer Extended hours To be held on the at work, Garcia told her fertility care ing. God plants callings in your heart Certified (*Extended hours available until 4:30 pm)Math and Science Teachers will SIGN UP FORinterest EACH WEEKin beavailable lead classes every day from 9:00AMpractitioner about her that can be hard to ignore.” campus of St. Joseph Students will then work on the Students will learn how to 2:30PM. coming an NFP instructor herself, and Garcia, who is nearing the comExtended day available for aftercare.

PRE-REGISTRATION SUMOBOT program.

Heldconstruct on theSUMOBOT campus of High School sheprogram was and put in DISCOUNT touch with D’Aversopletion of her training program, says IS AVAILABLE Sessions change eachtheir weekrobot with to compete redesign This programENGINEERING will allow the SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & MATH Collins. doing coursework with a baby at home Saint Joseph High School BEFORE MAY 30 different activities each day at 145 Plainfield Ave. against one another in avery excited to hear from and another on the way has rarely been “I was robot to sense color and make 145 Plainfield Avenue, Metuchen, NJSaint Joseph High School BattlebotJanine format. because FOR MORE I was inINFORMATION the process of easy, but she has been inspired by Metuchen NJ 08840 Students will learn Issac Newton's Laws turns.

Rocketry St. Joes High School 732-599-1913program formulating our CALL scholarship her son and her faith to not give up. of Motion and other aerodynamic https://campscui.active.com/orgs/STEMEducationLLC? 2021 STEM Education principles while learning the basics of and was looking for applicants.

Janine “It’s God’s will and his plan for me season=2814011&location=1416314 If possible, students will compete in a Programs rocketry. Teachers. became thewith firstprizes recipient of our schol- right now, though sometimes it can be St. Joes High Certifi edSchoo Math and Science BattleBot competition Teachers will engage students in a research project on the said. hard,” she said.

Sessions change week with awardedarship,” to the top D’Averso-Collins competitors. This Studentseach will construct and launch various types of robots.

D’Averso-Collins felt Garcia was Garcia, a communicant at Our as they learn basic will depend upon the government Students will then research the activities types ofrockets robots using the day. diff erent each an excellent choice to be the inaugural Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Stratford ,is principles Internet and formulate a research paper using guidelinesof setphysics. regulations allowing students to recipient of this important scholarship: currently in a practicum section of her out in the NJSLS-ELA. interact “I thisthought summer. she would be really wonder- coursework, where she is looking for 10 For more information contact STEM Education LLC at By constructing computer programs, students will be ful in this area. She’s a young mom, couples to whom she can teach NFP. 732-599-1913 or email prepared for the upcoming STEM jobs of the future. nursing background, and she’s Those interested in learning more Click has herea to register info@stemeducation.net Especially inLearn the field the of Cyber-Security and Social fundamentals of inquiry-based science very faithful. She’s very approachable, can contact Garcia at janinesirg@ Limited capacity for each session at stemeducationllc.net Register Media. and math activities that grow in complexity from particularly for young couples, and I gmail.com. teacher-guided to student-initiated investigations. think that really goes a long way when Likewise, medical professionEarly registration discount available Learn principles of computer programming and coding. Work with model rockets you have someone who’s actually als interested in learning more about your student by clicking here and robots toPlease learnregister engineering, math and science principles. Work in teams and practicing these methods themselves the scholarship program can reach share in the fun as they compete with each other every Friday. and going through this process.”

D’Averso-Collins at cdaverso@di2021 STEM Education LLC For Garcia, it seems like all her life ometuchen.org.

By Kaylynn Ebner Correspondent

Programs

St. Joesinformation High School To register, or for more

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34 OUR DIOCESE

□ Probate □ Asset Distribution □ Taxes

□ Will Contests □ Accounting

Poland. Beginning in 1972, she served as a teacher and principal at three elementary schools in New Jersey.

She also served as superior at St. John Retreat House, Atlantic City.

Sister Aurelia was committed to prayer and to her community. Open to people, her ministry in Poland was in the time of communism.

In her new world of New Jersey, she endeared herself to her students and had the gift of hospitality. She loved helping the poor and gardening.

A funeral Mass was celebrated for Sister Aurelia Feb. 13 at the Provincialate Chapel.

Interment was at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Chews Landing.

Arrangements were handled by

OUR DIOCESE

Salvatore Puleo, the father of Msgr.

Sister M. Aurelia Jackiewicz, 85, a Edward C. Puleo,ofpastor, St.Servant Elizadevoted religious the Little beth-St. Parish, Conception Far HillsSisters of Brigid the Immaculate Peapack, diedwho Mayserved 6, oneasmonth shy for 66 years a teacher of 95th birthday. andhis principal at Our Lady of Lourdes He was born died to Antonino School, Milltown, Feb. 8 atand St. Carmela Puleo in New York City, but would return to the home of his parents in Messina, Sicily, and live there until the age of 20, when he returned to the United States. He loved his Catholic faith and his family and took great pride in the care of his garden, most especially his fig trees.

In addition to Msgr. Puleo, he Planning is Estate survived by his wife, Silvana (née □D’Amico); and his Last Will Anthony and Testament wife □ Joanne; a sister, Maria DiVerde Power of Attorney (late husband Giovanni); Peter Puleo □ Living Will and the late and his wife, Frances; Angelina Crino (Mariano), Ninetta Elder LawGiuseppa Baressi Pino (Giuseppe), □ Medicaid (Salvatore), Rosa Puleo and Mariano Puleo.□ Guardianships He is also survived by grandsons □ Social Security Steven (Jennifer) and Joseph and, Taryn and Joseph; and great grandEstate Administration children, Nicholas, Alyssa and Avah.

Joseph Nursing Center, Woodbridge.

She had been a member of the He is the son-in-law of theCherlate community at the Provincialate, Arduino and Maria ry Hill, since 2013. D’Amico. Salvatore Baptized is survived by hisshesister-in-law, Halina, entered the Johanna D’Amico, andand many nieces congregation in 1955, professed and nephews, vows relatives, neighbors anda her perpetual in 1962.

She was friends in trained the United Stateseducator as well as dedicated religious in in Italy, Germany and Australia.

Msgr. Puleo presided at the funeral Mass at St. Brigid Church, Peapack, May 11. Bishop James F. Checchio attended the liturgy..

In a note to parishioners on the parish website about the wake and funeral Mass, Msgr. Puleo wrote: “By now many of you have heard that my dear father, Salvatore passed into eternal life Only on May 6 surrounded by □ Income Trust his loving family.

Please know of my □ Asset Protection gratitude for the many expressions of sympathy and prayers already conveyed for my mother, my family and myself. I ask that you please continue □ pray Estate to forPlanning the repose of his soul.”

Entombment was at St. Bernard □ Asset Sheltering Cemetery, Bridgewater.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Catholic Education Fund, Diocese of Metuchen, c/o

45

OBITUARY

Ciechanowski Funeral Home, Runnemede.

Memorial contributions in Sister Aurelia’s memory may be sent to the Little Servant Sisters, Provincialate, 1000 Cropwell Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

Bishop James F. Checchio, center, celebrates Mass at St. Brigid Church, Peapack, during a pastoral visit May 8. Bishop Checchio returned to the church May 11 to attend the funeral Mass for Salvatore Puleo, the father of Msgr. Edward C. Puleo, (left,) pastor, St. Elizabeth and St. Brigid parishes in Far Hills and Peapack. — Frank Wojciechowski photo St. Elizabeth-St. Brigid Parish 129 Main Street — PO Box 33, Peapack, NJ 07977.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Blair-Mazzarella Funeral Home, Brooklyn, N.Y.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

versityin Hospital’s Helping families the Family Health Center.

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MAY 20, 2021

FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Pastoral Visit

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

475 Main St. 2 Floor, CHASE Bldg. Metuchen, NJ

High Bridge Hills Golf Club. Cost is port many of the local organizations $150 per person. Includes green fees, like Starfish Food Pantry, Hunterdon carts, breakfast, lunch, refreshments, ARC, Clinton ARC, and Lyons VA gift bags and prizes. Registration, 7:30 Hospital. Registration & Payment: a.m. Breakfast, 8 a.m., shotgun start, 9 https://Knights-of-columbus-councila.m., lunch and prizes, 2 p.m. Contest 6930-charity-golf-event.perfectgolfeIncludes: longest drive, straightest vent.com For Information call or e-mail Dave Hiller (908-303-4187), drive, closest pin, lowest Bishop JamestoF. the Checchio recentlyteam visited the Augustinian Recollect Nuns at their score, putting contest and raffle.

Codahiller717@gmail.com Gerry monastery in Belvidere. Posing with the bishop are Mother Beatriz (left),or superior; vidMother Health Care Worker Discounts.

Boylan (908) 246-0610, gboylan@ Rosita, general superior of the Federation of Mexico who lives in Mexico Proceeds Knightssecretary to sup-andembarqmail.com City; andenable Motherthe Guadalupe, former general superior.

46 OUR DIOCESE

Kids Corner: Paul, Silas tell jailer about Jesus stripped, beaten with rods and thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to guard them securely, so he put them in the innerPaul and Silas traveled from city to city most cell and secured their feet to a stake.

About midnight, Paul and Silas were telling people about God and Jesus.

One day, they traveled to the Roman praying and singing hymns to God as the colony of Philippi in Macedonia, in what other prisoners listened.

Suddenly, there was an earthquake so is now the north of Greece. There they severe that the jail’s foundation encountered a slave girl who All the doors flew open, was possessed with an oracular Suddenly, shook. and all the prisoners’ chains were spirit. The spirit made it so she could tell fortunes, and her for- there was an pulled loose.

The jailer awoke and saw tunetelling made a lot of money earthquake the open doors. He became for her masters. distraught and was going to kill She followed Paul and so severe himself, thinking that all the Silas for several days, shouting, “These people are slaves of the that the jail’s prisoners had escaped. no harm to yourself; Most High God, who proclaim foundation we are“Do all here,” Paul shouted. to you a way of salvation.”

The jailer rushed to where Paul finally became an- shook. All the Paul and Silas were and fell noyed and cast out the spirit in doors flew down before them, trembling in Jesus’ name.

When the girl’s masters open, and all fear.

“Sirs, what must I do to be saw that their moneymaking opportunity was gone, they seized the prisoners’ saved?” he asked.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus Paul and Silas and dragged them chains were and you and your household will to the public square before the local authorities. pulled loose. be saved,” they said.

Paul and Silas told the jailer “These people are Jews and his family about God and and are disturbing our city and are advocating customs that are not lawful Jesus, and all were baptized. The jailer for us Romans to adopt or practice,” they brought Paul and Silas into his house, provided a meal and rejoiced at having come said.

The authorities had Paul and Silas to faith in God and Jesus.

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service

MAY 20, 2021

Read more about it: Acts 16 Q&A 1. Where did Paul and Silas travel?

2. Why were Paul and Silas put in jail?

PUZZLE: Using the hints provided from the Acts of the Apostles, quotation and person who said it.

1. “Do you understand what you are reading?” (8:30) ______ 2. “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, (rise and) walk.” (3:6)______ 3. “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (7:59) ______ 4. “Stand up straight on your feet.” (14:10) ______

draw a line between the Stephen Paul Philip Peter

Answers: Puzzle Answers: 1. Philip 2. Peter 3. Stephen 4. Paul

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— CNS photo

5/22 – 5/30 A Novena for Life- Honoring the Feast of the Visitation. For information contact Jennifer Ruggiero at jruggiero@diometuchen.org

Family Care Placement,

5/28 Mass for Human Life and Dignity (bilingual), 7 p.m., St. Joseph Parish, Bou nd Brook. For more information email: hispanic.ministry@diometuchen.org or contact Allan Caballero, Director, Office of Evangelization, at acaballero@diometuchen.org

Celebrating the Church as a “Family of Families” As we celebrate the Year “Amoris Laetitia Family,” the Office of Communications and Public Relations is compiling a digital family photo album. We invite you to share a photo of your family – a photo of your domestic church by which our local Church of Metuchen is constantly enriched. Please consider sharing your family’s photo with us by sending your photo to communications@diometuchen.org, so we can together bear witness to the love of God through our “family of families.”

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MAY 20, 2021

WEEKLY PODCAST – Am I Not Here?

Produced by the staff of the Office of Communications, “Am I Not Here?” – a weekly podcast – highlights the good news within our local Church and those working to minister to the people of the Diocese of Metuchen. New episodes are released each Monday and once aired they are archived. To listen to any episode, or to learn more, please click the links on the diocesan Facebook page or lighting hearts on fire website.

T A D I V E E N T

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Celebrating Our Neophytes The Pandemic restrictions prevent us from celebrating a Neophyte Mass and reception this year. We would like to honor the Neophytes in another way. They will be receiving an invitation from the diocese to submit a witness statement about their RCIA journey of faith, along with a photo. This invitation will explain that the RCIA office plans to create a “Celebration of Our Neophytes” virtual presentation for our website, and it will also provide some suggestions regarding their statement and photo. Neophytes can send their witness statement and photo to: ssharlow@diometuchen.org

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For our personalized placement services, call Karen at

RATES

Young Couples Bible Study An opportunity to explore the Biblical basis of Catholic beliefs. This virtual group meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on zoom. For more information contact: Cristina D’Averso-Collins, director, Office of Family Life Ministry, at cdaverso@diometuchen.org

E O B H E D

I N T A L Y N

Senior Care at Home is the lower cost alternative to nursing homes or assisted living.

Family Care Placement, LLC, provides live-in caregivers allowing them the comfort of their own home. We specialize in placing FILIPINO caregivers.

All candidates are fluent in English with excellent References.

JUNE 6/24 Kickoff of Joy of Love & Family Conference Series celebrating the Year of the Family. Talks will premiere over six months touching on topics for every stage of family life. This event will be sponsored by the five Roman Catholic Dioceses of New Jersey. For more information or to sign up, visit, www.lightingheartsonfire@diometuchen.org

DIOCESAN PROGRAMS Explore the Female Saints A virtual group for women using the book “Sisterhood of Saints” by Melanie Rigney. The group meets on zoom every Sunday at 2:30 p.m. The program began, May 2. For more information contact: Cristina D’Averso-Collins, director, Office of Family Life Ministry, at cdaverso@diometuchen.org

P H A S L S I G O N O I S E T

Senior Care at Home

5/29 Hispaic Women’s Retreat, 2 p.m., Holy Trinity Church. To register email: diometuchen.org/hispanic evangelization. To register email: diometuchen.org/hispanicevangelization

Choices Matter All Presentations of the diocese’s Choices Matter Virtual Conference Series are available for viewing by visiting: https://www.diometuchen.org/choicesmatter. Presentations delivered at the diocese’s Choices Matter Conference. Each session will challenge you to reflect on why, in each of these areas, our choices matter if we want to build a culture of life and love.

G I V E R L I C E E S I A N I M A S T O R E N O N E R M V B M E A E O T L O R S B R I S E L N R H O A T S H I N A E

OUR DIOCESE

MAY 5/22 Diocesan Pentecost Vigil, Come, Holy Spirit, come! beginning at 5 p.m. in-person at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen and livestreamed. The evening will begin with a Vigil Mass, which will be celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio. Following the Mass, all in the cathedral will be invited to remain for prayer, worship and confession. There will also be an opportunity to hear many talks and witnesses throughout the evening. While the Pentecost Vigil will go from 5 p.m. until midnight, participants are welcome to come and leave at any time or to stay for the entire event. For more information and the full schedule visit, www.lightingheartsonfire.org.

P F R A L A M O S R S C U R I A A L U C I A O N C A N O N F U Z E A L S R S U N A B I U B R O W N N C I

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DIOCESAN EVENTS

Crossword Puzzle Answers:

48 OUR DIOCESE

Special Intentions Joanna Brautigan, a fourth-grade teacher at St. Bartholomew School, East Brunswick, recently prayed with her students at St. Bartholomew Church for Bishop James F. Checchio, who is celebrating his fifth anniversary as shepherd of the diocese. Bishop Checchio often reminds the faithful how he prays for them and asks for theirs in return.

— photo courtesy of St. Bartholomew School

Higher Calling Gabriella Pulido, left, and Brendyn Leake, fourth-graders at St. Bartholomew School, East Brunswick, prayed for vocations recently at St. Bartholomew Church. Their prayers were in response to Bishop James F. Checchio’s ongoing request for prayers from the faithful in the diocese to increase vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life.

— Veronica Tkacenko photo

RETREAT GUIDE

...recharge your soul

BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA SHRINE 674 Mountain View Rd. E., Asbury, NJ 08802 908-689-7330 • retreat@bluearmy.com Lift Up Your Soul at the tranquil 150-acre Fatima Shrine.

Host Your Retreat for Youth, Couples, Parish or Vocational Group.

LOYOLA JESUIT CENTER 161 James St. • Morristown, NJ 07960 973-539-0740 • Fax: 973-898-9839

MAY 20, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Retreats for lay men, women, priests, religious; days/evenings of prayer. Groups planning their own programs are welcome.

www.loyola.org • retreathouse@loyola.org MALVERN RETREAT HOUSE 315 S. Warren Ave., Malvern, PA 19355 610-644-0400 • Fax: 610-644-4363 An oasis of peace set on 125-acres of wooded countryside.

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

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

908-753-2091 • www.msmhope.org e-mail: msmhope@msmhope.org

THE UPPER ROOM SPIRITUAL CENTER 3455 W. Bangs Ave., Building 2, Neptune, NJ 07753 Phone: 732-922-0550 • Fax: 732-922-3904 www.theupper-room.org · office@theupper-room.org

Clare M. Giangreco

VILLA PAULINE RETREAT AND SPIRITUAL CENTER 352 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945

M.Business Giangreco Operations Manager SAN ALFONSO RETREAT Clare HOUSE BusinessSan Operations Manager Alfonso Retreat House THE SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH San Alfonso House 755 Retreat Ocean Avenue 755 Ocean Ave., Long Branch NJ 07740 755 Ocean Avenue Long Branch, NJ 07740 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 Long Branch, NJ 07740X159 732‐222‐2731,

A Redemptorist Spiritual Center 732‐222‐2731, X159 www.sanalfonsoretreats.org overlooking the Atlantic Ocean offering preached retreats, www.sanalfonsoretreats.org days of prayer and use of the facility for outside groups.

Day & Overnight Retreats Gift & Book Shop - open daily

732-222-2731 • info@sanalfonsoretreats.org From: San Alfonso Retreat House 908-647-0208 <info@sanalfonsoretreats.org> · www.stshrine.org Alfonso Retreat House <info@sanalfonsoretreats.org> www.sanalfonsoretreats.org From: San Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2021 3:36 PM Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2021 3:36 PM To: clare@sanalfonsoretreats.org To: clare@sanalfonsoretreats.org Subject: 2021 Clergy Retreats ‐ San Alfonso Subject: 2021 Clergy Retreats ‐ San Alfonso

ST. FRANCIS CENTER FOR RENEWAL, INC. 395 Bridle Path Road, Bethlehem PA 18017

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

SAN ALFONSO

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2021 Retreats Clergy 2021 Retreats forfor Clergy

A Retreat House Sponsored by the Religious Teachers Filippini overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Offering days of prayer, retreat weekends, spiritual programs, meetings and staff days. 732-892-8494 • e-mail: sjbsea@comcast.net

www.sjbsea.org

Why not join us on retreat to refresh your soul and renew your spirit?

RETREATS FOR CLERGY SUMMER CLERGY INSTITUTE: JULY 4 - 9

PRESENTERS: Sr. Sandra Schneiders, IHM, Ph.D. “Teacher, Where Do You Dwell?”

Professor William P. Gregory, Ph.D. • Pope Francis and the Missionary Transformation of the Church Rev. Scott Detisch, S.T.L., Ph.D. Being Claimed by the Eucharist We Celebrate

RETREATS FOR PRIESTS AND DEACONS:

Phone: 610-258-3053, ext. 10 • Fax: 610-258-2412 E-mail: stfranrh@rcn.com • stfrancisretreathouse.org ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA 400 Route 35 North, S. Mantoloking, NJ 08738

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

This month’s featured retreat house:

SAN ALFONSO 55 acres of natural beauty await you! Programs for personal and spiritual RETREAT HOUSE enrichment, directed and solitude retreats. Air conditioned facilities for RETREAT HOUSE retreats, spiritual programs, meetings and staff days for church related Where God and sea come together...

Where God and sea come together... and not-for-profit groups.

610.867.8890 • sfcr-info@stfrancisctr.org www.stfrancisctr.org

Preached/Directed/Guided & Private Retreats, Spiritual Direction, day & weekend programs, Spiritual Direction Formation Program

June 7 - 10 • September 13 - 16 • October 4 - 7

RETREAT FOR DEACONS: June 4 - 6 Our capacity may be limited, but our hospitality is boundless!

Retreats for Women: May 21-23; June 1 – 3; June 25-27; August 17-19 Retreat for Men: July 16-18 Married Couples: August 20-22 Serenity Retreat for Women: August 6-8 For more information and to register: 732-222-2731, x140 • info@sanalfonsoretreats.org • www.sanalfonsoretreats.org 755 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch

To join this retreat guide, call Nan at 732-765-6444 2

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