November 2020

Diocese responds to McCarrick report, 2-3

Spirit atholic C THE

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 • VOL. 25 NO. 12 • $2.00

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

Father Abraham Orapankal, pastor, St. Matthias Parish, Somerset, poses with members of the Franklin Township Police Department and law enforcement officials after the celebration of a Blue Mass at St. Matthias Church Oct. 25.

— Dolores R. Nann photo

INSIDE Perspectives Our Faith

Raising Awareness

4 24-25

Diocesan Events

31

Classifieds

31

Diocese seeks men, women to answer call to consecrated life. . .15-18 This issue was mailed on November 17 Your next issue will be December 17

2 UP FRONT

Bishop Checchio addresses Vatican report on McCarrick Editor's note: The diocese's response to the Vatican report on ex-Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick begins with this letter. The full response can be found in English and Spanish online at catholicspirit.com

Bishop James Checchio Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Over the past eight months, our lives have been steeped in an exhaustive state of disorder, uncertainty, and, at times, despair. All too often, we hear in the news or read about the loss, grief, isolation, fear, and suffering endured by all people as a result of the coronavirus — no one is unaffected by this global pandemic disease. Similarly, and again all too often, we hear analogous stories of the loss, grief, isolation, fear, and suffering endured by survivors of abuse, some of whom were subject to their abuse by some members of the clergy — and again, no one is unaffected by these horrific revelations of past abuse and occurrences of lack of proper leadership by those in authority. Indeed, the times through which we are living, in our Church and in our world, are like no other.

As Catholics, the burdens of this year compound those of which we were already too keenly aware. The weight of our burdens grew heavy with the astonishing June 2018 announcement of the “credible and substantiated” allegations of child abuse by Theodore McCarrick, the founding bishop of our diocese, and the subsequent revelations of his sexual harassment and abuse of some seminarians and young priests. These burdens seemingly grew heavier with each day that followed as we learned the heartwrenching truth of the crimes and sins

of the past and wondered how Theodore McCarrick was still given greater responsibilities in the Church, despite the rumors of his abusive actions with seminarians and young priests.

Since that grave announcement, we have struggled to bear the weight of those burdens: those that come as a direct result of the sexual abuse allowed to take place in our Church; the dangerous misuse of power by some of our Church’s leaders; and the terrible conscious disregard for all God’s people by those who were once trusted with the immense responsibility of protecting His people and nurturing their faith, yet failed to do both. What is more, we now know that Theodore McCarrick scandalized some seminarians and young priests in his care, deeply harming the integrity of the mission of the Gospel.

While I am grateful to Pope Francis for ordering this study to arrive at the “truth” of what happened, like everyone else, I am disgusted and appalled by what has taken place. This report will, undoubtedly, cause sadness, anxiety, frustration, anger, disgust and pain — you are right to have these feelings. It may even reopen the fragile wounds which are so delicately and rightfully guarded by survivors who have suffered from abuse, not just at the hands of Theodore McCarrick or members of clergy, but all who have suffered abuse and its lasting effects.

To all survivors of abuse, who know and live with this pain every day, and to their families, I am deeply and wholly sorry. An essential part of my work as your bishop, as I see it, is to entrust the wounds and past sins of sexual abuse to the healing heart of Christ in my daily prayers and sacrifices.

I have witnessed and been told that the pain of past abuse leaves survivors feeling wounded, betrayed, and guarded even in the present, in many cases even years after the abuse has stopped.

These wounds of the past have created scars, perhaps in some instances

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

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Chris Donahue (732) 529-7935

ADVISOR Joanne Ward BUSINESS MANAGER Judy Leviton • (732) 529-7934 ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Nanette M. Kubian • (732) 765-6444

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jill Gray • (732) 529-7956 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Laura Ferreras • (732) 529-7932

e-Mail: news@catholicspirit.com Subscription and advertising deadlines: Tuesday, 1 p.m.

The acceptance of advertising by The Catholic Spirit for print or online publication, does not constitute an endorsement of any product or service. The Catholic Spirit reserves the right to reject any advertising it considers objectionable.

The Catholic Spirit is a member of the Catholic Press Association and the New Jersey Catholic Advertising Network The Catholic Spirit (U.S.P.S.#14-804) is published every other week, by the Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of Metuchen, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Subscription price is $30 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Bellmawr, NJ and additional mailing office.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address notice to The Catholic Spirit, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854.

faded by time, yet they will never fully disappear.

But survivors of abuse do not suffer alone; I stand with them in their brokenness and pain. I humbly ask that you join me, through your prayer and sacrifice, in walking with them in their pain. In doing so, we help to shoulder the weight of the cross; and thereby, we place Jesus at the center of our lives, the only One who truly understands our suffering and can bring about healing because “by His wounds we are healed.” (Is 53:5) To all the faithful, who suffer the effects of the betrayal and pain inflicted by some Church leaders, I am deeply and wholly sorry.

While it is important to honestly assess our past and the failures that lie within it, to recognize our mistakes and publicly confess our sins, and to make amends and seek forgiveness, this is not enough. We must, as a Church — and I must, as your bishop — continue to forge forward. We must remember these awful chapters in our Church’s history with sobriety and honesty, so as not to be complacent, all the while diligently penning the future chapters of our Church’s history with integrity and transparency, so we can be living witnesses of faith, hope and love.

I am grateful for the steps which we already have taken and those we continue to take forward, but know that even when we think we have done enough, we must do even more. I can report with confidence that there are no credibly accused members of clergy in active ministry in the Diocese of Metuchen. I encourage anyone who has been harmed in any way, by any clergy in the Church, to notify law enforcement by calling 1-877 NJ ABUSE and to also reach out to our Director of Child and Youth Protection at (908) 930-4558.

As you know I spent the majority of my priesthood working in priestly formation as Rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome. It was the greatest privilege and highest honor to share in some part of helping a young man be formed to serve his life as a priest. I can assure you that in the Diocese of Metuchen, our 24 seminarians are being formed in integrity, love and authentic freedom. In the midst of this sad moment, we are blessed with the most seminarians we have had in over 25 years. We seek to intentionally prepare them in wholesomeness, to not only live their lives as holy priests, but also to have the preparedness to clearly face the challenges of our contemporary Church as healing ambassadors to those who have been broken by the tragedies of life. We are seeking to form men with a heart after Jesus’ own heart to help usher in a renewed day in the life of our diocese.

I am encouraged for the future of this local Church of Metuchen. Our dio-

cese has not received a single credible complaint of abuse involving a minor in any of our schools or parishes by diocesan clergy since the adoption and implementation of the abuse prevention policies in 2002.

With the June 2018 announcement of McCarrick’s past transgressions, I directed that the files and archives in the Diocese of Metuchen be re-examined; no new cases were found. Then, even before Pope Francis issued Vos estis lux mundi, or “You are the light of the world,” I established a senior team of advisors to examine reporting processes and developed an independent reporting structure to allow for priests, deacons and seminarians to bring forward an allegation against anyone in authority in the Church, including myself, without fear of retribution.

Gratefully, Pope Francis’ Motu Proprio, which universally calls all bishops worldwide to adhere to a mandatory process to allow for the ecclesial investigation of complaints of sexual abuse and related misconduct by bishops, not just priests and deacons, as had previously been the protocol, was implemented by the U.S. Bishops this year with the launch of the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service. By this measure, we can ensure that all levels of Church hierarchy are held to the same level of accountability, so that McCarrick’s shameful actions cannot be repeated. Claims can be submitted to the independent service by visiting ReportBishopAbuse.org or by calling (800) 276-1562.

In addition to the Motu Proprio, several other legislative decisions came as the result of the summit on abuse called for by the Holy Father and held at the Vatican in February 2019.

These decisions will help to ensure the horrific actions of the past, cannot be repeated in the future. In December 2019, Pope Francis abolished the pontifical secret concerning cases of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable persons; cases of child pornography; cases regarding the lack of reporting and the cover-up of the abusers on the part of bishops and superiors general of religious institutes. The Vatican also issued the Vademecum last July, which provides procedures to help ascertain the truth in cases of minors who have suffered abuse on the part of a member of the clergy.

Our diocese has procedures in place too, which have been in effect since 2002. We require background checks for all clergy, employees and volunteers, as well as training for all who work or volunteer with children.

The diocese also enforces a zerotolerance policy and relies on a review board to determine the credibility of every allegation against clergy, if not already deemed criminal by the Continued on page 10

By Tara Smith

of the

Where in the diocese can it be found?

OUR DIOCESE

Last issue's image...

The image, which was featured on page 3 of the October issue of The Catholic Spirit, can be found at Good Shepherd Parish, Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Church, Hopelawn-Perth Amboy.

The winner is...

As of press time, no one has correctly identified the image.

NOVEMBER 19, 2020

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

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

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

PISCATAWAY — Like Catholic dioceses across the nation and even around the world, the Diocese of Metuchen eagerly awaited the release of the Holy See’s findings of its investigation into disgraced former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick — and the report finally came.

“The weight of our burdens grew heavy with the astonishing June 2018 announcement of the ‘credible and substantiated’ allegations of child abuse by Theodore McCarrick, the founding bishop of our diocese, and the subsequent revelations of his sexual harassment and abuse of some seminarians and young priests,” said the Most Rev. James F. Checchio, Bishop of Metuchen, in a letter to the faithful of the diocese. “These burdens seemingly grew heavier with each day that followed as we learned the heartwrenching truth of the crimes and sins of the past and wondered how Theodore McCarrick was still given greater responsibilities in the Church, despite the rumors of his abusive actions with seminarians and young priests.”

McCarrick served as the first bishop of the diocese from 1982 until 1986, when he was installed as the Archbishop of Newark. He later went on to serve as the Archbishop of Washington, elevated to cardinal shortly after his installation, and served there until his retirement in 2006.

After the claims against McCarrick, alleging he sexually abused a minor 47 years earlier when he was a priest of the Archdiocese of New York, were publicly reported in June 2018, Pope Francis announced a “further thorough study of the entire documentation present in the Archives of the Dicasteries and Offices of the Holy See regarding the former Cardinal McCarrick, in order to ascertain all the relevant facts, to place them in their historical context and to evaluate them objectively.”

In October 2018, the same month Pope Francis announced the investigation, the Diocese of Metuchen obtained an independent law firm to oversee its investigation and the full review of its complete archives, the findings of which were sent to the Holy See in May 2019 to be used in compiling the long-awaited “McCarrick Report.”

Addressing the report, which had been two years in the making, Bishop Checchio said, “While I am grateful to Pope Francis for ordering this study to arrive at the ‘truth’ of what happened, like everyone else, I am disgusted and appalled by what has taken place.”

The findings of the investigation into the Diocese of Metuchen’s files regarding McCarrick concluded that

all known complaints against him of “sadness, anxiety, frustration, anhad been previously disclosed by the ger, disgust and pain.” diocese, though new allegations were “While it is important to honestly brought forward to the diocese as re- assess our past and the failures that lie cently as September of this year. In within it, to recognize our mistakes total, the report identified that seven and publicly confess our sins, and to individuals, who were adults at the make amends and seek forgiveness, time of their abuse, came forward to this is not enough. We must, as a report allegations of abuse by McCar- Church, — and I must, as your bishop rick since the first alle— continue to forge gation against him was forward,” said Bishop received by the diocese Checchio. in 2004.

The bishop said The report of the the wounds of the past diocese’s files also have created scars, found that, in each inperhaps in some instance, regardless of stances faded by time, when or how long ago but they will never the abuse was alleged fully disappear. to have occurred and “We must rewhether or not the acmember these awcused was living or deful chapters in our ceased, the matter was Church’s history with reported to the Prossobriety and honesty, ecutor, the Attorney so as not to be comGeneral and the Papal We must remember placent, all the while Nuncio contemporanediligently penning the ously with the notice of these awful chapters in future chapters of our the accusation.

Church’s history with our Church’s In addition, the integrity and transparhistory with sobriety ency, so we can be review of the Diocese of Metuchen’s files, witnesses of and honesty, so as not living which included the hisfaith, hope and love,” toric and contemporary to be complacent, all he continued. records of the diocese, Since his ordinathe while diligently found no evidence of tion and installation any failure to disclose in 2016 as the fifth penning the future abuse of minors by McBishop of Metuchen, Carrick or any attempt chapters of our Church’s Bishop Checchio has to hide abuse by him in many additional history with integrity taken relation to his promosteps to curb abuse in tion within the Church. the local Church, addand transparency.

At the time the ing to the good meareport was submit- —Bishop James F. Checchio sures already in place. ted to the Holy See, “I am grateful there had not been any for the steps which claims filed to indicate McCarrick had we already have taken and those we abused a minor during his time in the continue to take forward, but know Diocese of Metuchen. However, four that even when we think we have done claims alleging McCarrick had abused enough, we must do even more,” the a minor during his time in the Diocese bishop said. of Metuchen were subsequently reWith the June 2018 announcement ported, the first in December 2019 and of McCarrick’s past transgressions, Bishthe most recent in September 2020. op Checchio directed that the files and At the respective time each claim was archives in the Diocese of Metuchen be filed, the diocese immediately notified re-examined; no new cases were found. law enforcement and the Papal Nuncio Then, even before Pope Francis issued of each additional claim.

Vos estis lux mundi, or “You are the light “To all survivors of abuse, who of the world,” Bishop Checchio estabknow and live with this pain every lished a senior team of advisors to examday, and to their families, I am deeply ine reporting processes and developed an and wholly sorry,” said Bishop Chec- independent reporting structure to allow chio. “An essential part of my work as for priests, deacons and seminarians to your bishop, as I see it, is to entrust bring forward an allegation against anythe wounds and past sins of sexual one in authority in the Church, including abuse to the healing heart of Christ in himself, without fear of retribution. my daily prayers and sacrifices.”

Gratefully, Pope Francis’ Motu Though, in large part, the crimes Proprio, which universally called all and sins accounted for in the Holy bishops worldwide to adhere to a manSee’s report belong to the past, the datory process to allow for the ecclebishop acknowledged it is likely the sial investigation of complaints of report could cause warranted feelings Continued on page 10

Image Week

3

Diocese responds to report on founding bishop

4 OUR DIOCESE

Prelate explains pope’s comments on homosexual unions Editor’s note: Below is a memorandum from Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, regarding Pope Francis’ comments on homosexuals and families. Here is a link to more information: https://www. catholicnews.com/pope-not-changing-church-teaching-on-gay-unionssecretariat-of-state-says/ 3339 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20008-3610 30 October 2020 Prot. N. 12384/20 Your Excellency, The Secretariat of State of the Holy Father has asked me to share with you, and through you with the members of the Episcopal Conference the following observations in reference to certain remarks in the documentary film “Francesco,” by director Egeny Afineevesky, that have caused various reactions and interpretations in the last few days. The Holy Father had directed that these observations be

offered in order to permit an adequate understanding of his words.

More than a year ago, in the course of an interview, Pope Francis responded to two distinct questions at different moments that, in the said documentary, were edited and published as a single response without the necessary context, which has resulted in confusion. The Holy Father, first and foremost, referred in a pastoral manner to the need, within the family, for a son or daughter with a homosexual orientation to never be discriminated against. The following words are intended in this sense: “Las personas homosexuals tienen derecho a estar en familia; son hijos de Dios, tienen derecho a una familia. No se puede echar de la familia a nadie ni hacerle las vida imposible poe eso”.

The following paragraph from the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation concerning love in the family, Amoris Laetitia (2016), can shed light on those responses: “During the Synod, we discussed the situation of families whose members include persons

who experience same-sex attraction, a situation not easy for parents or children. We would like before all else to reaffirm that every person, regardless of sexual orientation, ought to be respected in his or her dignity and treated with consideration, while ‘every sign of unjust discrimination’ is to be carefully avoided, particularly any form of aggression and violence. Such families should be given respectful pastoral guidance, so that those who manifest a homosexual orientation can receive the assistance they need to understand and fully carry out God’s will in their lives.”

A subsequent question during that interview pertained rather to a local law of ten years ago in Argentina, regarding “matrimonios igualitarios de parejas del mismo sexo” and to the opposition of the then Archbishop of Buenos Aires towards it. In this respect, Pope Francis affirmed that “es una incongruencia hablar de matrimonio homosexual”, adding that, in such a precise context, he had spoken of the right of these persons to legal cover: “lo que temenos

que hacer es una ley de convivencia civil: tienen derecho a estar cubierto legalmente. Yo defendi eso.”

During a 2014 interview, the Holy Father expressed himself as follows: “Marriage is between a man and a woman. Secular States want to justify civil unions in order to regularize the various situations of cohabitation, driven by the necessity to regularize economic matters between persons, such as ensuring health care, for example. This relates to various forms of cohabitation agreement, which I would not be able to list. The different situations must be examined and evaluated, according to their circumstances.”

It is therefore clear that Pope Francis was referring to particular State provisions, and not certainly to the doctrine of the Church, which has been reiterated on numerous occasions over the years.

Grateful for your cooperation in this matter, I assure you of my good wishes and remain Yours faithfully, Christophe Pierre Apostolic Nuncio

Foundation of document: we are all brothers, sisters

NOVEMBER 19, 2020

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By David Gibson Catholic News Service

The social encyclical Pope Francis released in October extends a formidable challenge to us all, the challenge to create “a different culture.” What kind of culture? It is the kind where people who basically are indifferent toward each other and deeply divided resolve their conflicts and begin to “care for one another” (No. 57).

His challenge is a tall order, to be sure. But he considers it an “urgent” need (No. 33). The encyclical’s title, “Fratelli Tutti,” means “All Brothers and Sisters” or “All Brothers” and refers to the brotherly or family-like relationships that he envisions as the standard for such a culture.

“In today’s world the sense of belonging to a single human family is fading, and the dream of working together for justice and peace seems an outdated utopia,” the encyclical observes. “What reigns instead is a cool, comfortable and globalized indifference.” The temptation is to become isolated and to withdraw into our “own interests.”

But that is not the way to restore hope, Pope Francis makes clear. His

How to report abuse

encyclical exhorts readers, “Isolation, no; closeness, yes” (No. 30).

Very early in the encyclical he explains that he is extending this challenge “in the hope that in the face of present-day attempts to eliminate or ignore others, we may prove capable of responding with a new vision of fraternity and social friendship that will not remain at the level of words” (No. 6).

As the encyclical concludes he prays that God will “inspire in us a dream of renewed encounter, dialogue, justice and peace.” The prayer continues, “May we recognize the goodness and beauty that you have sown in each of us.”

The “conviction that all human beings are brothers and sisters” is this encyclical’s foundation. Pope Francis cautions against allowing it to “remain an abstract idea,” divorced from life’s concrete realities. He insists that when this conviction finds “concrete embodiment” it forces “us to see things in a new light” (No. 128).

The encyclical is a nearly 43,000word text, with chapters devoted to many important concerns in 21st-century societies. But a common thread weaves together the encyclical’s numerous timely concerns related to political action, immigration, the death penalty or war, for example. It

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

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

is a thread that signifies the world’s need today for a new culture of encounter.

I think that this common thread radiates as clearly as possible when the pope exclaims: “Let us arm our children with the weapons of dialogue! Let us teach them to fight the good fight of the culture of encounter!” (No. 217).

Such a culture necessarily encompasses encounters with others who are different from me or you, the pope acknowledges. This is not easy. Much easier, in the pope’s estimation, is to ignore the value of such encounters.

The “others” the pope has in mind include the poor, the stranger, the unemployed, migrants, victims of racism, members of other world religions, to mention a few. The pope is emphatic that “the dignity of others is to be respected in all circumstances” (No. 213).

The 2,000-year-old parable of the good Samaritan is this encyclical’s anchor.

In the Gospel of Luke (10:25-37), the Samaritan, at real expense to himself in terms of time and money, aided a stranger encountered along the road. The injured stranger had been attacked by thieves.

Pope Francis cautions that society today must not turn “its back on suffering” (No. 65). He writes, “May we not sink to such depths!” The parable “summons us to rediscover our vocation as citizens of our respective nations and of the entire world, builders of a new social bond” (No. 66).

But “social peace demands hard work, craftsmanship,” the pope affirms.

“It would be easier to keep freedoms and differences in check with cleverness and a few resources.”

Nevertheless, “such a peace would be superficial and fragile, not the fruit of a culture of encounter that brings enduring stability.” The pope comments that “integrating differences is a much more difficult and slow process, yet it is the guarantee of a genuine and lasting peace” (No. 217).

What is needed is “the ability to recognize other people’s right to be themselves and to be different,” he advises (No. 218).

This, Pope Francis clarifies, does not imply renouncing one’s own identity. Openness to others need not imply spurning our “own richness” (No. 143).

For Christians, he explains, the Gospel remains essential.

He insists, “If the music of the Gospel ceases to sound in our homes, our public squares, our workplaces, our political and financial life, then we will no longer hear the strains that challenge us to defend the dignity of every man and woman” (No. 277).

The parable of the good Samaritan “eloquently presents the basic decision we need to make in order to rebuild our wounded world,” says Pope Francis.

But how?

The parable, he writes, “shows us how a community can be rebuilt by men and women who identify with the vulnerability of others, who reject the creation of a society of exclusion, and act instead as neighbors, lifting up and rehabilitating the fallen for the sake of the common good” (No. 67).

Gibson served on Catholic News Service’s editorial staff for 37 years.

In these turbulent times, some people have marched in the streets, took a knee at sporting events and started initiatives that advocate for the dignity of all people.

Law enforcement personnel have been at the center of much of the turmoil as they face increased suspicion and ill-will. Many communities have attempted to quell the discord by introducing various proposals.

In the diocesan Office of Family Life, a new project seeks to bring a prayerful respite to these anxious times and for the men and women who may need it most. Cristina D’AversoCollins, director of the office, began exploring the idea of a small pocket rosary containing a single decade — one bead followed by a group of 10. A typical rosary has 50 beads separated into five groups each with 10 beads.

Being much smaller the pocket rosary will be easy for the officers to carry, D’Averso-Collins said.

“It’s a very difficult time for law enforcement,” said D’Averso-Collins, whose brother works in the sector.

“This is a crucial time for outreach from the Church.”

She was similarly motivated by the recently released inspirational documentary film, “Pray,” about the

WORLD & NATION

Left, members of the South Plainfield Police Department hold pocket rosaries consisting of a single decade after receiving them from the newly formed Blue Army Guild at a Blue Mass at Sacred Heart Church. Below, Cristina D'Averso Collins, director, diocesan Office of Family Life who came up with the idea for the rosaries, shows how to make one.

The officers also received a copy of the "The Police Officer's Prayer" and a prayer card of St. Michael the Archangel, their patron saint.

By Debra Stevko Miller

5

Rosary project uniting faithful for law enforcement personnel

— John Batkowski and Cristina D'AversoCollins photos

Venerable Patrick Peyton. Father Peyton, a great advocate for family prayer, and recognized worldwide as “The Rosary Priest,” coined the maxims: “A world at prayer is a world at peace” and “A family that prays together, stays together.”

She soon discovered that a similar effort was underway at St. Simon Stock Parish in Berlin in South Jersey.

This gave D’Averso-Collins the added impetus to present her plan of the Blue Rosary Guild to the diocese. The project was approved in August, and soon she was buying materials and spreading the word in search of volunteers interested in

Oct. 17 at Merrill Park, Iselin, was enlivened by DJ Steve Penk and numerous walkers who participated in the annual walk for Life for Life Choices Resource Center, Metuchen. Among the participants were student groups from St. Francis Cathedral School, Metuchen; St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, and other area schools to earn service hours; The Knights of Columbus; pro-life families and others. New participants included a group from Spotswood Chapel. Life Choices, which was founded by Rose Mary Lyons, is celebrating its 35th year as a pregnancy help center. It provides free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling and material support for mothers, their children and their families.

— photo courtesy of Christine Riggio

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

Center of Attention

learning the craft.

Full length rosaries are also encouraged Her initial goal was 100 rosaries, but for those whose dexterity is limited. with sign-ups from more than 45 people, “I don’t want this to be so standardincluding a nurse at Marquette Univer- ized that I’m deterring anyone from dosity, Milwaukee, and a military spouse ing it their way,” she said. in Germany, along with others in PennInitially, officers within the diocese sylvania and New York, that number who receive communications about the could easily reach 500. Some Altar Ro- diocese’s annual Blue Mass will be apsary Societies throughout the diocese are proached as rosary recipients, but she also getting involved. hopes that interest will “School teachers, too, eventually grow to en"I've had parents want to do the project compass many other contact me who with their students, so dioceses. She hopes that we are now on track State Troopers and other have children of to have 700 rosaries groups who want to pray pre-teen age, some the rosary, or be included made,” she added.

“I’ve had parents diocesan prayer serof them are confir- in contact me who have vices, will welcome the children of pre-teen mation candidates, opportunity to engage, age, some of them are too. who want to do it confirmation candidates, “That’s also the who want to do it with [make rosaries] with goal here,” she said. their children and I think “Connecting the comtheir children." that’s wonderful,” she munity with our law said. “I really want to —Cristina D'Averso-Collins enforcement officers and use this as an opportuhelping them to see that nity to bring families they are supported and together, to bring communities together, they are loved and being prayed for by and spread devotion to the rosary.” the Church. That’s a very big component D’Averso-Collins and her husband, (of the project).”

Brian, will be making the small rosaries Since 1571, the month of October as well and have offered to provide print- has been dedicated to the Holy Rosary ed instructions, along with one-on-one to coincide annually with October 7th training via phone, to anyone without In- which celebrates the memorial of Our ternet access to view the online recorded Lady of the Rosary. instructional session.

To make a rosary, or to send in “Once people learn and they feel a donation toward the purchase of comfortable, it might be something materials, send an email to Cristina where they just want to continue and they D’Averso-Collins at: cdaverso@dilike doing it as a hobby,” she offered. ometuchen.org

6 OUR DIOCESE NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Law enforcement, first responders in diocese honored at liturgies

By Karen Corpora and Joanne Ward The diocese's Blue Mass, which has been celebrated annually at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen to honor law enforcement personnel, this year was held on a local level because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the pandemic prohibited large gatherings around the state, Bishop James F. Checchio asked all parishes to recognize their community’s police officers.

“While the Blue Mass has always been an effort to prayerfully support those men and women who are serving their communities, it is also intended to help them deepen their own friendships with the Lord in prayer and worship; it is intended to be a source of nourishment, reminding them of their love for God and neighbor so that same love may flow in everything they do, but most especially as they serve and respond to the needs of all His people,” the bishop told parishes.

Echoing Bishop Checchio’s message, Father Abraham Orapankal, pastor, St. Matthias Parish, Somerset, placed a notice in his bulletin stating, “Everyone is invited to join us as we pray for law enforcement as a way of showing our support for their role in serving and protecting each of us, but also especially in light of today's climate of challenge and reform, and the need for communities to work together to promote justice and the common good in our neighborhoods.”

Father Orapankal presided and gave the homily at his parish’s Blue Mass Oct. 25. He opened by praying, “The Scriptures today invite us to treat everyone with respect and love without any discrimination. We open our

Members of law enforcement in the diocese stand for a blessing during a Blue Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Pittstown. First responders such as emergency medical technicians and firefighters were also welcomed at the liurgy.

— Frank Wojciechowski photos

hearts recognizing and acknowledging majority of them do in our community those times when we failed in this re- and the nation. We want you to know gard.” that we are with you because we are In his homily, Faall children of God. “The Scriptures today ther Orapankal said, “Today’s Gospel “Jesus told us we is all about God and invite us to treat evcannot separate love loving. Loving means eryone with respect including all. Loving of God from love of neighbor because love not creating and love without any means includes all. We canwalls of prejudice or not create walls of discrimination. We open walls of separation to division or separation keep some people out for whatever reason. our hearts recognizing of our lives, but to Everyone is a child of and acknowledging open our hearts to all God.” people.” those times when we Speaking to the In the Prayer of the law enforcement perFaithful, law enforcefailed in this regard.” ment was also rememsonnel, he expressed —Father Abraham Orapankal bered. In one petition, appreciation for their service to the commuDeacon Russ Demkonity, then added, “It is very easy for us vitz prayed “for our law enforcement to be focusing on the media attention professionals that they will be faithful of the injustice done by some officers to the highest standards of peace and while forgetting the great service the justice as they keep our communities protected from harm.”

At the end of liturgy, Franklin Township Police Director Quovella M. Spruill thanked the parish for its continued support and recognizing police through the Blue Mass.

Father Orapankal then gave a special blessing to the officers.

At St. Catherine of Siena Church, Pittstown, law enforcement, emergency medical technicians and firefighters were honored at Blue Masses Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski, who assists at the parish on weekends, presided at the Oct. 14 liturgy and gave the homily.

“Let us remember in a very special way these men and women who give so generously with their lives and time because of us,” Bishop Bootkoski said.

The men and women that were being honored for their service take their vocation very much to heart and live Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski, right, prays the consecration at a Blue Mass this mission statement well, the bishop at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Pittstown, to honor law enforcement person- continued. He reminded the faithful of nel. Bishop Bootkoski, who presided at the Mass and gave the homily, assists how first responders are called to the at St. Catherine's on weekends.

scene of a crisis and often are faced with challenging situations, including helping people deal with stress or grief.

“The care and concern that the responders have is because of their commitment to their job, which is their vocation,” the bishop said.

“We need to appreciate all that they live with. They put their lives in jeopardy for us. They have the mission statement engrained in their hearts.

Love of God and love of neighbor.

They really truly live it.

“You wouldn’t do this job unless you felt called. There is a real need for people to fulfill these roles, so today we say ‘thank you’ for everything you do for us. May God keep you safe as you give of yourself each and every day of your lives.”

After the homily, Bishop Bootkoski blessed the honorees: “Lord, we humbly ask that you extend your protection and bless our brothers and sisters who have dedicated themselves to serve and protect all the inhabitants of our community through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Sebastian Donaruma, a retired 30-year veteran of the police force, said he worshiped at the Blue Mass at the Cathedral each year “to remember the officers that gave their lives in the line of service.”

When asked about the increased suspicions and ill-will toward many officers that are portrayed in the media, he responded, “The media plays more into the friction between the officers and the community. We know that the majority of citizens support law enforcement. We appreciate our community and what our local church is doing for us today.”

Officer Vincent Nardone, who has served the community for more than 35 years, said, “We lost a lot of police officers this year due to COVID. This time each year, law enforcement officers get together to celebrate at a Mass at the diocese. This year we are not doing that and it is sad.”

This year alone, more than 20 officers died statewide.

“This is a somber year,” Nardone said. “We can’t get together with our fellow officers to celebrate. We can’t even get together to honor the loss of life.

“This Mass means a lot to us. It means the community is remembering us and thinking of us. When COVID [coronavirus] hit, we still had to work.

No one told us to stay home. They said come in, we need you. Some of us had to wear our uniform every day. Sadly, some went out there to work, got Covid and died.”

After Mass, all honorees received a decade-long blue pocket rosary from the newly-created diocesan Blue Army Guild and St. Michael prayer card.

7 OUR DIOCESE

Community Servants When the diocese’s annual Blue Mass, which is celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, Bishop James F. Checchio encouraged parishes to hold their own.

Among those celebrating a Blue Mass or holding a prayer service were: Mary, Mother of God, Hillsborough; Sacred Heart, South Plainfield; St. John Paul II, St. Stephen worship site, Perth Amboy; Immaculate Conception, Annandale, and the Knights of Columbus Council 2544, Dunellen, in Washington Memorial Park. In Dunellen, Mayor Jason Cilento led the Pledge of Allegiance followed

by Knight Jeff Marren leading a decade of the rosary. Knight Harry Buttito led the crowd in the recitation of the “Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel,” patron saint of Law Enforcement.

— John Batkowski, Frank Wojciechowski, Ed Koskey Jr., Karen Leyendecker and David Sprayberry photos

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

8 OUR DIOCESE

Blessings abound at Thanksgiving, Jesus Christ is King Body & Soul

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD In just a few days, we will once again gather around the dining room table and give thanks for our blessings by sharing a prayer, a bountiful feast and the company of loved ones. Afterwards, maybe we’ll enjoy a nap, some football and, top off the meal with pumpkin pie, a kiss goodnight and a sigh of relief that a COVID vaccine is on the horizon. Meanwhile, we must continue to wear our masks, keep social distance of six feet from each other, wash our hands frequently and avoid large groups.

This year, we have been instructed by the CDC to keep Thanksgiving dinner small. And if we do go to someone’s home, we should bring our own cutlery, dishes and food. If someone is hosting guests, the host alone should fill the plates with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes or whatever else is on the menu. The least amount of hands of each plate, the better. As Still, we must bear in mind that Jesus is King.

The truth is, we may not possess as stead of Ivy League schools—but much money as we had last year at what matters most has not changed: Thanksgiving. There may be some Jesus is King. Maybe our grade school empty chairs due to those who suc- and secondary teachers will continue cumbed to the coronavirus. But better to face the challenge of teaching via days lay ahead because Zoom instead of the Jesus is King.

Perhaps Many of us have classroom. our children will have We have to keep been elated by our priorities in proper to learn the lessons of remotely for perspective. Many of us the results of the academia have been very upset by a little while longer but the high unemployment presidential elec- Jesus is King.

Many of us have rate, the shortage of tion; still others certain items in the subeen elated by the repermarket, the threat of are disappointed. sults of the presidential possibly losing our jobs election; still others are due to the pandemic. Regardless...present disappointed. RegardWe have the love of our tensions will even- less of where we stand spouses, children and politically present tengrandchildren. We have tually subside and sions will eventually a roof over our heads subside and the transiand food on our tables. the transition from tion from one adminisMaybe we’ll have to one administration tration to the next will happen. May we never scale back this year’s to the next will Christmas shopping. forget how blessed we Maybe we’ll have to setare to inhabit a country happen. tle for driving a modest where the democratic process is operative and car instead of a luxury vehicle. Maybe we will have to forgo every vote counts. We are blessed that long-planned vacation to Europe that efforts are being made to address make a staycation. Maybe we’ll have systemic racism, climate control, the to send our kids to state colleges in- economy and our important role in the

stewardship of the globe.

Let us not forget that God is still in control. He did not abandon us when Jesus ascended into Heaven but sent us the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to be our advocate and consoler. The Holy Spirit continues to breathe life into you and I who are the Church.

And at the heart of this assembly of believers is the kerygma that has endured through the centuries: Jesus is King.

This Thanksgiving, whether we are eating alone or in a small group, whether we are home or in a nursing home, whether we are in good health or struggling, we still have reason to give thanks to Almighty God for all that we do have—our health, the use of our faculties, clothes on our backs, heat in our homes, the laughter of children, the excitement that comes from learning, the warmth of our pets, good books to read, a parish that cares about us and a God who loves us unconditionally in and through Jesus. Yes, what matters most has not changed: Jesus is King! Happy Thanksgiving!

Father Comandini is managing editor of “The Catholic Spirit.”

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Octogenarian at Saint Peter’s celebrates decades of service NEW BRUNSWICK — Saint Peter’s University Hospital recently recognized one of its longtime employees for 60 years of service.

Julia Kinsey of Somerset, supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services at the diocesan-sponsored hospital, began working in the hospital’s food service department when she was 19 years old. She celebrated her 80th birthday several weeks ago. What is even more impressive is that this octogenarian has continued to work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

While family members and coworkers gently suggested she consider a temporary leave of absence because of her age and the virus, she wouldn’t hear of it.

“I love my job, both the people I work with and the people I work for,” Kinsey said. “During the crisis, I felt even more urgency to make my patients happy. I try to make each meal tray special and attractive.”

For Kinsey, she believes it’s the little things that can make a difference in someone’s day. Her philosophy is to treat others like she would treat her own family and that commitment has resulted in many of her co-workers seeing her as more than a supervisor.

“She’s my second mom,” said Kecia Stephenson, supervisor and a co-worker of Kinsey’s for 33 years.

“When I came onboard, I was the of the church’s Culinary Department. youngest person in the department and “I’ve always liked to cook and Julia took me under her wing. She was to feed people. It’s the one thing that and is my role model, and that goes brings us all together,” Kinsey adds. way beyond things she’s taught me Asked about the key to her lonprofessionally. I’ve learned a lot of gevity at Saint Peter’s, Kinsey said life’s lessons from her, that her co-workers at as well. We are family, Saint Peter’s are like “When I came inside and outside of family. She went on onboard, I was the work.” to explain that it is Kinsey has men- youngest person in the not just the 100-plus tored her and countless workers in Culinary others whose careers department and Julia and Nutrition Services, took root in the hospithe individuals in [Kinsey] took me under but tal’s food service deother departments with partment. her wing. She was and whom she interfaces.

Kinsey is ex“We share a sense tremely humble, but is my role model, and of compassionate care she credits her work that goes way beyond and dedication to those ethic and ability to we serve. It’s this comthings she’s taught connect with others radery and committo three key elements that is at the heart me professionally. I’ve ment in her life: her family, of Saint Peter’s,” she her work family and learned a lot of life’s said. her church family. The According to Deblessons from her, proud mother of three bie Signorelli, MS, children, two daughters RD, CDE, director of as well..." and a son, Kinsey said Culinary and Nutrition —Kecia Stephenson the only time she took Services at Saint Petime away from her job ter’s, Kinsey is “truly of 60 years was to raise her three chil- selfless.” dren. Active in her church of 40 years, “She will do whatever it takes to North Stelton AME Church in Piscat- make sure things are running smoothaway, she is a member of the Board of ly. I’ve seen her go above and beyond Stewards and was elected coordinator to ensure we deliver our meal trays

Julia Kinsey, 80, is the supervisor of Food and Nutrition Services at Saint Peter's University Hospital.

— photo courtesy of Saint Peter's University Hospital

timely and efficiently to meet patient needs.”

Retiring is something Kinsey has contemplated, but she has no definitive plans, at least for now. She is also known to make a wonderful coconut cake, so perhaps she can be convinced to share the famous recipe before she does.

SOMERVILLE — Immaculata High School recently announced its seventh Hall of Fame class.

The honorees include: the late Catherine Aloia, Michael Cust (Class of 2001), Anthony Gargiulo (’02), Janet Regan Hadar (’86), Eileen Sellinger Logan (’86), Joshua Morrison (’01); Kenneth Riehman (’97), and Brian Shemesh (’07).

In addition, the 1981 Lady Spartans softball team, the first squad in the school’s history to win a state championship, will also be inducted.

Aloia, the school’s Main Office secretary and first employee, was selected for her devotion to her job, as well as thousands of volunteer hours over her 30-year tenure.

Hadar was recognized for her professional medical career, including her current position as the first female president of UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill, N.C. She was previously senior vice president of operations at UNC Hospitals. She began her health care career as a nurse and later became a nurse practitioner.

Riehman, a Technical Sergeant in the United States Air Force, is a percussionist with its Ceremonial Brass. He was a member of the Immaculata Marching Band, instructor and performer.

Logan is among the school’s top women’s basketball scorers, excelled at Manhattan College, N.Y., and is now an insurance executive.

Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, Cust has career stats that top the Spartan

books in nearly every offensive and defensive category. He works as assistant general manager of Diamond Nation, Flemington.

Morrison, a New Jersey State Trooper for 15 years and a teammate of Cust’s on the baseball team, is Immaculata’s leader in stolen bases and was among the top five prolific hitters in the program’s history. In addition, he was a powerhouse on the gridiron for touchdown and rushing yards production.

Gargiulo distinguished himself as a Spartan defensive standout on the football team, which led to an outstanding career at Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., followed by a stint at the professional international level. He is a senior account executive with Metropolitan Life and serves as a volunteer football coach for his hometown youth program.

Shemesh, an All-American lacrosse player, is an attorney named to the 2020 Edition of “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch,” laid the groundwork for the school’s lacrosse program.

The Hall of Fame class will be formally inducted March 11, 2021, at a gala reception at The Palace at Somerset Park, Somerset. The event will also include a video presentation, remarks by the inductees or their representatives, and a commemorative booklet honoring the Hall of Famers with tributes and ads. Pierce Frauenheim Sr. will emcee the ceremony.

Tickets and sponsorship packages will go on sale Jan. 11, 2021. For more

tions on them which will prepare them for adult life in the work force,” Nolan said.

When asked about his leadership style, Nolan described it as “cooperative.”

“Although I certainly have my opinions on how to run a business, and running a Catholic school is a business,” he added, “I trust the team that supports me and I value their opinion. Fortunately for me, we have an outstanding principal, business office and Advancement/Alumni Relations team. I am excited about the future for Saint Joe’s.”

The new president said his top three priorities for the school are to drive enrollment, re-engage the alumni base and increase investing into the endowment fund.

“We are all in this together for the betterment of our young men. Our job is to work to develop them both academically and spiritually,” he said.

A native of New York, Nolan has spent the last 30 years in Edison. He has an extensive resume of professional business and fundraising experience. He has helped raise more than $350 million for a variety of nonprofit organizations, including JFK Medical Center, Edison; the ALS Association, the Archdiocese of New York, and most recently, Catholic Extension.

Nolan and his wife, Kathy, are members of St. Helena Parish, Edison, where he serves on the board of trustees, the school advisory

OUR DIOCESE

METUCHEN — Upon hearing about the search for a president of Saint Joseph High School, John G. Nolan was sure the position would be a perfect fit for him. It would combine his 35-plus years in fundraising experience, his commitment to his Catholic faith, and his dedication to the high school.

His son, John, graduated from Saint Joe’s in 2009.

“I have had a deep belief in what the school does and delivers for its young men,” Nolan said. “Over his four years as a Falcon, I watched my son grow from a boy into a well-rounded and successful man and he remains engaged and involved in his alma mater.”

In selecting its new president, Saint Joseph’s Board of Directors did choose Nolan to lead the 500 students at the all-boys high school. He started his new job Oct. 19, succeeding Sacred Heart Brother Ronald Talbot, who had been serving as interim president since July.

Nolan’s main task will be to work closely with the Advancement and Alumni Relations team. He feels it is imperative that they engage alumni, continue to raise money for operations, Needs-Based Financial Assistance and the endowment, to ensure

the school continues its legacy. Saint Joseph High’s roots were established more than 120 years ago as a minor seminary run by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. The brothers still serve at Saint Joe’s, but in 1961 they transitioned it into a high school.

Although Nolan is not a product of a Catholic elementary or high school education, he is well-versed in its importance. His mother was a Catholic educator for more than 20 years and he has seen the benefits of Catholic education first-hand through his son and two daughters. In addition, Nolan, a graduate of Niagara University (N.Y.), said the Vincentian Fathers who run the Catholic college, “contributed greatly along with my parents to the faithful Catholic man I have become today.”

He also credits his parents with his commitment to his faith and Catholic education because they instilled in him a strong spiritual foundation and stressed the value of a good education. His late mother, Joan, was a Catholic elementary school teacher on Long Island for more than 20 years. A Catholic education, Nolan said, gives students a strong foundation in their faith and also provides personal attention that helps them receive a well-rounded, college prep, educational experience.

“I believe it gives students structure and stability, and places healthy expecta-

By Karen Corpora Correspondent

9

New leader of all-boys prep school has family ties to institution

council and the finance committee. He has also served as a board member for the diocese’s Flame of Charity Foundation and the diocesan Catholic Schools Commission.

Looking ahead to the future Nolan said. “I am committed and looking forward to being engaged with our students and helping to provide them with an outstanding college preparatory education guided by the charisms of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. I pledge to assist families as best as I can in making their high school education affordable.

“Any family that chooses to send their son here will find it a worthwhile investment in their son’s education and overall development for life.”

New members of school’s ‘Hall’ to be inducted at gala reception

details, visit the website www.immaculatahighschool.org/hof. Questions may

be sent to halloffame@immaculatahighschool.org.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

Pictured from left: The late Catherine Aloia, Kenneth Riehman, Class of 1997; Eileen Sellinger Logan ’86, Joshua Morrison ’01, Michael Cust ’01, Janet Regan Hadar ’86, Anthony Gargiulo ’02, the 1981 Lady Spartans softball team, and Brian Shemesh ’07.

10

Bishop committed to preventing 'horrific actions of past' being repeated

OUR DIOCESE

Continued from page 2

authorities. The review board consists of 11 members: three medical professionals, two members of the clergy, one former attorney general and supreme court justice, one former prosecutor, two former judges, one special education teacher currently sitting on the State Board of Education, and one survivor of clerical sexual abuse.

To oversee the diocese’s response to abuse, the handling of cases of abuse and the diocesan archives, in part, the diocese hired former county prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., as its chancellor in March 2019.

Before coming to the diocese, Mr. Kearns served for nine years as the Hunterdon County Prosecutor and for four years as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey.

He is a trained mediator; family, adolescent and individual therapist; and substance abuse therapist, counseling both men and women ensnared in the cycle of domestic violence.

I invite you to learn more about the Diocese of Metuchen’s efforts to prevent abuse and offer transparency by visiting: www.diometuchen.org/ healing.

If, in the past, our response was one that caused pain, let our response today be one that promotes healing; if, in the past, our response was one in favor of self-preservation, let our response today be one of charity; if, in the past, our response was one of injustice, let our response today be one of respect; if, in the past, our response was one of indifference, let our response today be one guided by compassion; if, in the past, our response evoked mourning, let our response today elicit hope.

My brothers and sisters, it is providential that this report comes as we prepare to celebrate the 39th anniversary of the founding of our diocese and then, next month, the first anniversary of our diocesan consecration to Jesus through Mary under her title

of Our Lady of Guadalupe. While the founding of our diocese will, unfortunately, always be associated with the history of Theodore McCarrick and the culture of abuse, silence and shame that was allowed to perpetuate in the dark corners of our past, we have a new opportunity to lead lives of increased holiness and renew our commitment to living His mission. Through both our diocesan consecration last December 12, and by our Baptismal promises, we have responded to God’s invitation to be only His people, not bound to anyone else. You and I, by God’s grace, have been chosen at this time in our history to rebuild His Church; that is a challenge and honor for us that we pray we have the energy, virtue and grace to do correctly.

I am confident that this local Church of Metuchen, like St. Juan Diego who cultivated roses from rocky ground in the midst of winter through the intervention of Mary, our Mother, has been set apart for something great-

er. We have been on rocky ground, but with the help of our Mother Mary, we will continue to cull the light of goodness from the depths of the darkness to renew our trust in God and grow closer to Him. From that, only goodness can follow.

Please know of my love and prayers for you, and certainly for all survivors of abuse and their families too. I ask that you please pray for me, too. We are journeying together in woundedness, but we will find healing, mercy and hope in the only One who can offer them to us: our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ,

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

Hiring of prosecutor among measures implemented to protect faithful

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Continued from page 3

sexual abuse and related misconduct by bishops, not just priests and deacons, as had previously been the protocol, was implemented by the U.S. Bishops this year with the launch of the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service. Claims can be submitted to the independent service by visiting ReportBishopAbuse.org or by calling (800) 276-1562.

In addition to the Motu Proprio, several other legislative decisions came as the result of the summit on abuse called for by the Holy Father and held at the Vatican in February 2019. These decisions will help to ensure the horrific actions of the past, cannot be repeated in the future. In December 2019, Pope Francis abolished the pontifical secret concerning cases of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable persons; cases of child pornography; cases regarding the lack of reporting and the coverup of the abusers on the part of bishops and superiors general of religious institutes. The Vatican also issued the Vademecum last July, which provides procedures to help ascertain the truth in cases of minors who have suffered abuse on the part of a member of the clergy.

In February 2019, the five Roman Catholic dioceses in New Jersey simultaneously released the names of the members of clergy credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor. No member of clergy who has been credibly accused of abuse is in active ministry in the Diocese of Metuchen, the bishop assured.

To oversee the handling of cases of abuse and the diocesan archives, in part, the diocese hired former county prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., as its chancellor in March 2019. Before

coming to the diocese, Kearns served for nine years as the Hunterdon County Prosecutor and for four years as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of New Jersey. He is a trained mediator; family, adolescent and individual therapist; and substance abuse therapist, counseling both men and women ensnared in the cycle of domestic violence.

The Diocese of Metuchen also participated in an Independent Victim Compensation Program (IVCP), supported by the five Roman Catholic dioceses in New Jersey. The IVCP opened for submissions in June 2019 and closed in February 2020.

Independently facilitated by two program administrators, the IVCP provided survivors of abuse with an alternative to litigation, offering a speedy, transparent and non-adversarial process to resolve their claims with a significantly lower level of proof and corroboration than required in a court of law. In total, seven survivors of abuse received settlements by the program’s administrators. To date, the Diocese of Metuchen has paid $1,270,000 through the IVCP to survivors who were abused as minors. No donations given to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, Catholic Charities, to Catholic schools, nor money given by a donor for a specific ministry or apostolate, are used to fund the program, according to Kearns.

In his letter to the faithful of the diocese, Bishop Checchio cited the measures that have been in place in the diocese since the U.S. Bishops adopted and implemented the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in 2002. Among those protocols are: required background checks for all clergy, employees and volunteers, as well as training for all who work or vol-

unteer with children, to teach them how to identify the warning signs of sexual abuse and how to prevent it; a reporting structure that requires diocesan officials to immediately notify law enforcement; a strongly enforced zero-tolerance policy; and the diocese’s reliance on a review board to determine the credibility of every allegation against clergy, if not already deemed criminal by the authorities.

The review board consists of 11 members: three medical professionals, two members of the clergy, one former attorney general and supreme court justice, one former prosecutor, two former judges, one special education teacher currently sitting on the State Board of Education, and one survivor of clerical sexual abuse.

“We have been on rocky ground, but with the help of our Mother Mary, we will continue to cull the light of goodness from the depths of the darkness to renew our trust in God and grow closer to Him,” said Bishop Checchio. “From that, only goodness can follow.”

Anyone who has been harmed in any way, by any member of clergy, employee or volunteer of the Catholic Church, is encouraged to notify law enforcement by calling 1-877 NJ ABUSE and is also urged to reach out to the Diocese of Metuchen’s Director of Child and Youth Protection at (908) 930-4558.

The findings of the investigation into the Diocese of Metuchen’s files regarding McCarrick and other information about the measures in place to combat abuse in the diocese, can be found at diometuchen. org/healing.

Smith is associate director, diocesan Office of Communications

The McCarrick Report: A Tragic Chapter, A Full Accounting Overview of the investigation’s findings, including St. John Paul II’s reluctance to believe allegations against Theodore McCarrick.: https://www.catholicnews.com/updatemccarrick-report-summary-cites-lack-ofserious investigations-of-rumors/ Leaders of Catholic communities where McCarrick served welcome the report. : https://www.catholicnews.com/mccarrick-report-called-needed-step-toward accountability-transparency/ McCarrick investigation includes unprecedented interviews with both Pope Francis and Pope Benedict.: https://www.catholicnews.com/pope-francis-retired-pope-benedict-questioned-for mccarrick-report/ Pope Francis has taken a series of ground-breaking initiatives to address abuse and the toleration of abusers and is holding bishops and cardinals accountable.: https://www.catholicnews.com/fightingabuse-what-pope-francis-has-done-during-his pontificate/ Victim survivors acknowledge that while a recurrence of PTSD can occur when high profile news about clergy abusers breaks, such news does raise awareness: https://www.catholicnews.com/clergyabuse-survivors-face-a-lifetime-of-recurrence-of ptsd/ Video report considers reasons St. John Paul II did not heed warnings regarding McCarrick’s suitability for heading the Washington Archdiocese: https://youtu.be/-gi2T5lU2yY

11 OUR DIOCESE

Teen Spirit St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges, welcomed back Teen Ministry after several months because social distancing kept them apart. The 27 teens in attendance from two high schools wore masks while reconnecting and welcoming new members.

— photo courtesy of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

Community Servant Father Francis “Hank” Hilton, pastor, St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, has been appointed the new president of the Board of Directors, Xavier Society (XSB) for the Blind in New York City. Since 1900, XSB has been providing free braille and audio books to blind and visually impaired people worldwide in order for them to learn about, develop and practice their faith. Father Hilton, who had been an XSB Board of Directors member, began serving people with disabilities in his youth when his youngest sister, Judith, was born with Down Syndrome. Her influence steered him into many forms of service at the Arc of Monmouth, where he served as board president from 2018 to 2020 and was awarded the Countess Buxhoeveden Award, the Arc’s highest honor those who support its mission.

Family CareforPlacement,

Senior Care at Home

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.

For our personalized placement services, call Karen at

908-377-9375

1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980

The Sister Servants of Jesus invite our friends, old and new, to visit our charming Gift and Book Shop, featuring a wide array of religious selections for you and your loved ones.

You may also try out a graduate course or two.

Our Spring 2021 schedule is now available.

LEARN MORE

www.shu.edu/spirit

Seven-Day Prayer Intention Candles!

Religious Books • DVDs • CDs • Cards • Bibles • Gifts • Medals Rosaries • Statues • Crosses • Boys & Girls Communion Clothes & More

908-647-2766 • www.stshrine.org Hours: M-Sat: 10am - 5pm • Sun: 11am - 3pm

Earn your M.A. Theology or Pastoral Ministry, or one of several graduate certificates.

PLEASE PRAY FOR

Vocations

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

The Shrine of St. Joseph GIFT & BOOK SHOP

Grow more deeply in your faith.

12

Public Prayers

OUR DIOCESE

Msgr. Robert J. Zamorski, (left and below right) rector, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, and Deacon Robert J. Gerling, (right and below left) who exercises his ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, lead the faithful in a Rosary Rally at their respective houses of worship Oct. 10. The prayer services, which also included hymns and prayers, was one of more than 16,000 held in North America “to beg God and Our Lady to save America from today’s chaos, immorality and social upheaval,” according to the website of America Needs Fatima, the American TFP’s special campaign to spread the message of Fatima in the United States. Among the goals of the rally is to end abortion and spread Our Lady’s message of prayer, penance and conversion. The Rosary Rallies are held annually on the closest Saturday to Oct. 13, the feast of the last apparition of Our Lady of Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun. — Deacon Guido Brossoni and Chris Donahue photos

Estate Planning

□ Last Will and Testament □ Power of Attorney □ Living Will

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Elder Law

□ Medicaid □ Guardianships □ Social Security

Estate Administration □ Probate □ Asset Distribution □ Taxes

□ Income Only Trust □ Asset Protection

□ Estate Planning □ Asset Sheltering

□ Will Contests □ Accounting

Helping families in the Metuchen area for more than 15 years!

Free parking in CHASE lot

Handicap Accessible

Call us today for a FREE consultation!

732-548-5400 • www.WolfeOssaLaw.com 475 Main St. 2nd Floor, CHASE Bldg. Metuchen, NJ

We’re Accepting New Admissions for our Post-acute, Assisted Living, Nursing & Memory Care Homes Meeting all the state’s infection control requirements for senior living communities Call and ask how we keep your loved one safe in our care

732-902-4200 Parkerlife.org |

ALPHA St. Mary John W. & MaryAnne Budd, Jr. 50 ANNANDALE Immaculate Conception Robert & Alyce Hunter 50 Gerald & Mary Anne Murphy 50 John & Anne Standley 50 AVENEL St. Andrew Louis & Anita Salerno 50 BASKING RIDGE St. James John & Joan Burns 50 Anthony & Jacqueline LaRocca 50 Robert & Jacqueline McCrone 50 Albert & Joan Patterson 50 John & Rose Ann Salaki 50 Alejandro & Dulce Lopez 25 Richard & Carolyn Moschello 25 Robert & Patricia Muenzen Pierson 25 Thomas & Karen O’Brien 25 BELVIDERE St. Patrick John & Sarah Dumschat 50

the years; to the tenacity of your love; and to the presence of God’s grace in your relationship.

To view Bishops Checchio’s video message, please visit: https:// diometuchen.org/silver-and-goldanniversary-celebration

St. Stanislaus Kostka Robert & Denise Bodnar 50

EDISON St. Helena John & Karen Waldron 50 Stephen & Maryann Maslanka 25

MILFORD St. Edward the Confessor William & Lillian Bennett 50 John & Linda Milo 50

SKILLMAN/MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP St. Charles Borromeo Anthony & Margaret Paolo 50 Chris & Debbie Sugden 25

St. Matthew the Apostle John & Florence Capriotti 50

MONMOUTH JUNCTION St. Cecilia Michael & Roseann Januszka 50 Thomas & Patricia Gillen 25 Raymond Michael & Alessandra Villano Jr. 25

SOMERSET St. Matthias John & Lorraine Farr 50 Michael & Pamela Sasso 25

FLEMINGTON St. Magdalen Joseph & Susan Casey 50 Robert & Marlane Umgelter 50 Richard & Loretta Allen 25 Arturo & Yamiris Colom 25 Gerry & Lynn Flynn 25 HACKETTSTOWN Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Wayne & Cheryl Wilson 25 HAMPTON St. Ann Joseph & Victoria Fazio 50 HELMETTA Holy Trinity Richard & Veronica Kadash 50+

BLAIRSTOWN St. Jude Jeffrey William & Elizabeth Ann Thornton 25

ISELIN St. Cecelia Stephen & Gloria Pysarchyk 50+

BOUND BROOK St. Joseph Leon & Eileen Borowski 50+ Francis & Carole McKeever 50

KENDALL PARK St. Augustine of Canterbury Richard & Christina Balicki 50 Thomas & JoAnn DeGaglia 50 Eliezer & Stella Marie Ayala Jr. 25 John & Patty Burke 25 LAWRENCE HARBOR St. Lawrence Raymond & Donna Neefus 25 MANVILLE Christ the Redeemer Angelo & Ida Corradino 50

COLONIA St. John Vianney Marcel & Nancy Bartels 50 Joseph & Rose Ragucci 50

MARTINSVILLE Blessed Sacrament James & Andrea P. Carroll 50 Ronald & Deborah Fischang 25 James & Susan Vandermeer 25

DUNELLEN St. John the Evangelist Craig & Diane Neunert 25

METUCHEN Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Michael & Judith Garni 50

MONROE TOWNSHIP Nativity of Our Lord Dennis & Virginia Marshall 50 John J. & Maureen A. O’Brien 50 NORTH PLAINFIELD St. Joseph Joseph & Ginger Horling, Jr. 50 St. Luke Frank & Kathryn De Roner 50 Charles & Corrine Pisano 50 OLD BRIDGE St. Ambrose Michael & Judith Cirillo 50 Nicholas & Karen Stefanizzi 50 Joseph & Barbara Staiano 25 St. Thomas the Apostle Joseph & Enola Barlik 50 Rodrigo & Sylvia Gabriel 50 Bruce & Claire Stankiewicz 50 George J. & Noreen E. Szymanski 50 Joseph & Jennifer Pasque 25 Most Holy Redeemer Jesus Teofilo & Daicy Chacon 50 Leonard & Rosemarie DeToma 25 PARLIN St. Bernadette Eugene & Barbara McCarthy 50 Pearse & Kathleen Gallagher 50 Sanderson & Francisca Metivier 25 Leovigildo & Joyce Santiago-Santos 25 PHILLIPBURG St. Philip & St. James Raymond & Cynthia DePillo 25 Raju & Mini Manchirakkal 25 PISCATAWAY St. Frances Cabrini Antero & Ruby Yason 50 Anthony & Eileen Amoroso 25 RARITAN St. Ann Vincent & Cheryl Morella 50

SOUTH AMBOY St. Mary Deacon Richard J. & Mary O’Brien 50 Tim & Karen Stark 25 SOUTH BOUND BROOK Our Lady of Mercy Keith & Linda Fasanella 25 SOUTH PLAINFIELD Sacred Heart of Jesus Joseph & Ann Marie Ball 50 Joseph & Rosanna Gnudi 50 David & Janet Iacovone 50 Allen & Antoinette Riley 50 SOUTH RIVER St. Stephen Protomartyr William & Diane Satterthwaite 50 SPOTSWOOD Immaculate Conception Joseph & Barbara Ianelli 50 Michael & Elizabeth Ann Smith 50 Albert & Roslynn Reif 25 THREE BRIDGES St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Michael & Theresa Eganey 50 Bob & Ronnie Farrell 50 Christopher & Janet Malzone 50 John & Jacqueline Cornetta 25 WATCHUNG St. Mary – Stony Hill Giovanni & Francesca Savatta 50 WHITEHOUSE STATION Our Lady of Lourdes James & Judith Gutowski 50 Andrew & Helenann Quinn 50 WOODBRIDGE St. James Richard & Catherine Esposito 25

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

HILLSBOROUGH St. Joseph David & Janet Robinson 50 Bryan & Mary Beth DeLisi 25

BERKELEY HEIGHTS Church of the Little Flower Thomas & Catherine Solfaro 25

SAYREVILLE Our Lady of Victories Stanley & Joyce Cafaro 50 James & Maria Irma McCracken 25

MIDDLESEX Our Lady of Mount Virgin William & Lucy Lawrence 25

BERNARDSVILLE Our Lady of Perpetual Help Howard & Christine Lemberg 50

BRIDGEWATER St. Bernard of Clairvaux Bernard & Jane McElroy 50 Ronald & Linda Wass 50 Carlos & Christine Sanchez 25 Joseph & Mary Ann Stevens 25

Robert & Mary Susan Hassett 50 Thomas & Barbara Annarumma 25 Albert Lenhardt & Catherine Malone 25 Romeo & Donna Tiu 25

OUR DIOCESE

Congratulations to all those couples across the Diocese of Metuchen celebrating their 25th, 50th and 50+ wedding anniversaries! That you have reached this milestone is a testimony to you; to the sacrifices both of you have generously made over

13

Silver & Gold Anniversary Celebrants

14 OUR DIOCESE

Hospital offers more efficient, comfortable breast cancer screening NEW BRUNSWICK — Saint Peter’s University Hospital has begun using the Hologic®Genius™3D Mammography™ in its Women’s Imaging Center. The 3D technology is clinically proven to detect 20 to 65 percent more invasive breast cancers compared to traditional 2D mammography.

In addition, the Genius 3D Mammography technology reduces 40 percent of unnecessary callbacks, a potentially anxiety-inducing situation for a patient and even more common for those with dense breast tissue.

Genius 3D is the only mammogram that is FDA approved as superior for patients with dense breasts.

Saint Peter’s is also introducing a more comfortable mammography experience through the Hologic® SmartCurve™, a feature that works in tandem with Genius 3D. SmartCurve is a curved compression paddle that is shaped more like a woman’s natural breast. It is clinically proven to increase comfort and decrease the pain associated with the compression of breast tissue during the procedure.

Ninety-three percent of patients who previously reported discomfort with standard compression found SmartCurve to be more comfortable. Saint Peter’s is the only hospital in Middlesex County offering the combination

of Genius 3D Mammography exams in conjunction with the SmartCurve comfort feature.

While conventional 2D mammograms provide doctors with a 2D image to evaluate the breast, this can be limiting because of overlapping layers of tissue that can sometimes produce unclear results and even undetected malignancies.

Genius 3D Mammography exams deliver a series of detailed breast images, allowing the doctor to better evaluate breast tissue, layer by layer.

The technology features an X-ray arm like traditional mammography, but in this case, one that swings over the patient’s head, allowing images that display 1-millimeter layers of tissue.

Genius 3D also has a feature called 3DQuorum, leading to a more timely and accurate diagnosis. Using artificial intelligence technology, the software identifies clinically relevant regions of interest in the breast and preserves important features during the creation of SmartSlices. Each high-resolution SmartSlice overlaps the previous one by 3 millimeters, ensuring there is no loss of 3D™ image data.

According to Dr. Deanna Chin, section chief of Women’s Imaging at Saint Peter’s, “This is truly a breakthrough for early breast cancer detec-

Dr. Deanna Chin, section chief of Women’s Imaging at Saint Peter’s University Hospital, studies an image recently in her office. Genius 3D Mammography exams deliver a series of detailed breast images, allowing the doctor to better evaluate breast tissue, layer by layer. Saint Peter’s is also introducing a more comfortable mammography experience through the Hologic SmartCurve, a feature that works in tandem with Genius 3D. — photo courtesy of Saint Peter's University Hospital

tion. The ability to secure images with much greater clarity and detail means we will be able to detect tumors that previously went undetected until they had increased in size. This means we can deliver less invasive treatment options and better outcomes.

“In addition, better imaging de-

creases unnecessary callbacks, something that causes undue concern for patients.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Women’s Imaging Center at Saint Peter’s University Hospital at (732) 745-7458600, ext. 5676.

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

“We don’t know what the future holds, but it’s all God’s work,” says Sister Theresa McGrath (center), 86, a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio. In good times and bad, she and the religious shown here have devoted themselves to God’s work. They are among nearly 30,000 senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who benefit from the Retirement Fund for Religious. Your gift helps provide medications, nursing care, and more.

Please be generous.

Retirement Fund for Religious

Please donate at your local parish December 12–13 or by mail at:

National Religious Retirement Office/MET 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194 Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

retiredreligious.org

Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

Above, from left: Sister Alice Garcia, SSCJ, 91; Brother Martin Gonzales, OCSO, 95; Sister Theresa McGrath, CCVI, 86; Sister Anne Cecile Muldoon, OSU, 93; Abbot Emeritus Peter Eberle, OSB, 79. ©2020 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC • All rights reserved • Photo: Jim Judkis

15 VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK

A Special Section of The Catholic Spirit November 19, 2020

Love is foundation of seeking vocation to priesthood

By Msgr. John N. Fell

between Jesus and the priest is in no way meant to be exclusive, it is a force that at once totally envelops him but simultaneously sends him out to the world — to passionately share the goodness that he has experienced, to tell others about it, to draw them into it, to imitate Christ’s total love for them that is illustrated so beautifully in the Bible, in the sacraments, in the Church’s teaching, and supremely in Christ’s own passion, death, and resurrection. The priest has been propelled forward by the goodness that he has encountered, and wants to share that with others.

The Divine Outreach becomes humanly visible when the priest is able to draw God’s people to worship the Divine Majesty as the Source of all being, truth, goodness, and peace, when he encourages his people to spend more time with the Lord in prayer, and when he inspires them to be instruments of God’s own goodness to those in need in ever-expanding circles of humanity. Back to my marriage analogy, we know how good it is, how filled with joy we become when see a married couple that are so totally, even dreamily, in love with one another; how beautifully that love transforms them — not out of some sense of marital obligation, but out of sheer joy. The priesthood is like that too; isn’t that what we call being not only a witness, but an authentic witness?

And so, it really was a joy to see another group of young men commit themselves to further embracing, reflecting, and sharing that love of God that they have experienced with others. With the grace that God bestows upon them, they will lead his people

in worship and devotion, in prayer and Bible study, in sacraments and evangelization, in catechesis and service, and in so many other ways. They will do so in the midst and with the support of people like those parishioners who surrounded them at the liturgy.

Through the grace of God, the loving ministry of his priests, and the tremendous goodness of his people, the Divine Presence will continue on its relentless task of embracing all the earth. As I began, it was such a wonderful opportunity to be with God’s soon-to-be-priests and their beloved people.

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

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

I recently had a wonderful opportunity to witness one of our third-year theologians (seminarians) become a Candidate for Holy Orders. The candidacy ceremony marks a moment in a man’s journey toward priesthood when, having achieved a certain level of qualification and maturity, he asks the Church to formally hear of his continuing commitment to prepare for the sacrament of holy orders for the sake of God and his people.

The ceremony took place in a nearby Catholic church during a regularly scheduled Sunday Mass. The beauty of the ceremony was enhanced by the fact that we had not only these young men professing their intention to seek a life of service as a priest in God’s Church, but we also had the presence of an active, vibrant parish community. These young men, surrounded by their faculty, fellow seminarians, families, and the wider parish community were joined together worshiping the Lord God, reveling in the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, and cementing their bonds as God’s community.

When speaking with people about “why” someone would want to be a priest, I often share with them my belief that there is really only one ultimate reason to be a priest — and, hoping to illustrate my answer, I try to explain it in terms of the sacrament of matrimony. Ultimately, the singular reason to become a priest is very similar to the singular reason to get married — because you are totally, faithfully, and deeply in love with the intended spouse in the case

of marriage, and with the Lord himself in holy orders. The real reason why men become priests is because they have recognized our Lord’s total, unconditional, and uplifting love directed at them, and they choose to respond, imperfectly to be sure, in an offering of total, unconditional, and sacrificial love for God. That love, of course, has an intellectual component to it, but it is also meant to involve the entirety of the man’s being — his humanity, emotions, behavior, goals, etc. — similar even to our Blessed Mother’s own “Fiat” in placing her whole life at the service of her Lord.

It is this all-embracing, uplifting type of love that will then serve to motivate the priest’s surrender to God, his contentment and joy, his perseverance in getting through life’s difficulties, and his striving to love the Lord and his people more fully and faithfully.

The love that inspires priesthood is so much more than a motivation to seek after a particular lifestyle or agenda, to right social wrongs, or to recreate a particular roseate view of how society should be; it is the kind of passion for another (in this case, the Lord Jesus) that sees uniting with him, imitating him, and basking in his presence as one’s complete life-goal, that which makes life good and worth living.

This kind of love, which, I believe, rests at the foundation of the priesthood, then inspires/excites the man to take the goodness that he experiences in his relationship with the Lord, and because the Lord is commissioning him to do so, sends him forth to share that goodness, love, and reverence with those who so need to experience them. The relationship

VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK 16

OFFICE OF VOCATIONS DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

STEADFAST IN FAITH “The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.

But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.” Mt 7:25

DIOCESE OF METUCHEN 2020-2021 SEMINARIANS

REV. MR. JUN JOSEPH ALQUIROS IV Theology

REV. MR. ARIEL BAUTISTA IV Theology

REV. MR. TIMOTHY ECK IV Theology

REV. MR. GREGORY ZANNETTI IV Theology

RONAL VEGA-PASTRANA III Theology

DAWID MALIK Pastoral Year

St. Philip & St. James

Immaculate Conception Seminary

Immaculate Conception Seminary

Pontifical North American College

Pontifical North American College

Immaculate Conception Seminary

JOSE LIM

BRO. STEVE BOLTON, CO

ANTHONY ECHEZONA

RANDY J. GAMBOA ESPINOZA

BAN THIEN ‘JOSEPH’ HO

LUIS DE JESUS

Pontifical North American College

Immaculate Conception Seminary

Immaculate Conception Seminary

Immaculate Conception Seminary

Immaculate Conception Seminary

II Theology

I Theology

I Theology

I Theology

I Theology

I Theology

Immaculate Conception Seminary

LARRYDOM MAGDASOC

JEROME OCAMPO

AI VAN ‘PETER’ PHAN

NGU QUOC ‘PETER’ TRAN

THOMAS PLUHAR

JAMES PROMUS

Immaculate Conception Seminary

Immaculate Conception Seminary

Immaculate Conception Seminary

Immaculate Conception Seminary

Immaculate Conception Seminary

Immaculate Conception Seminary

PATRICK RASIMOWICZ

FLAVIO C. ROJAS-ENCISO

MARCO BARCENAS

JUSTIN LANG

JACOB MILLER

JONAS JARA-DIAZ

Immaculate Conception Seminary

St. Andrew’s College Seminary

St. Andrew’s College Seminary

St. Andrew’s College Seminary

St. Andrew’s College Seminary

St. John Vianney House of Discernment

NOVEMBER 19, 2020

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

I Theology

Pre-Theology I

I Theology

III College

I Theology

I College

I Theology

I College

Pre Theology II

I College

Pre-Theology I

ESL Studies, Rutgers

FAITHFUL MEN NEEDED REV. MAURICIO TABERAVASQUEZ Vocation Recruiter

mtabera@diometuchen.org 732-562-2453

GET FREE BOOKS TO DISCERN A PRIESTLY VOCATION AT GOPRIEST.COM

MOST REV. JAMES F. CHECCHIO, JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen

Former member

By Teresa Murphy Correspondent When she was a junior at Rutgers University, New Brunswick, life changed for Franciscan Sister of Penance Lisa Marie Shatynski. She began discerning religious life that year when her spiritual director suggested she read, “Discerning the Will of God,” by Timothy Gallagher.

“By the end of that book, it was just blatantly clear that the Lord was calling me to religious life,” Sister Lisa said. She recalled telling her spiritual director, “I feel like God is my boyfriend.”

Sister of Jesus Our Hope Ellen Kraft, who ministers at the Catholic Center at Rutgers, also had a “huge impact” on Sister Lisa’s discernment.

“She was my first real introduction to a religious sister,” Sister Lisa recalled.

“She’s such a joyful, happy religious.”

She remembers thinking: “I could be happy if I went this route.”

She added that she felt the call to be a religious sister in many ways, even while watching movies with her friends.

“Normally, by the end of ‘chick-flick’ movies, you want to fall in love,” she said. “But I already felt like I had that. I felt so filled up with love, by God.” When she thought about dating a fellow student who seemed to have a crush on her, she felt a sense of distress — when she decided not to date him, she immediately felt at peace.

On Aug. 6, Sister Lisa’s vocation journey led her to profess her first vows in religious life, joining the Franciscan Sisters of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother, whose motherhouse is in Toronto, Ohio.

“Being in religious life and professing vows, I feel more myself than I ever have been,” Sister Lisa said. “Going through postulancy, going through the novitiate, the Lord has slowly uncovered me and helped me to become more me.”

The youngest of three children of Pamela and William Shatynski, Sister Lisa grew up in Monroe Township, where she attended public schools. She and her family went to Mass every weekend at Immaculate Conception Church, Spotswood.

After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Rutgers in 2015, Sister Lisa continued discerning religious life, traveling to France and visiting Lisieux, the hometown of St. Therese Martin, where Sister Lisa “fell in love with her idea of being at the foot of the Cross, being there with Jesus.”

She also visited Lourdes, the site where the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous and revealed a healing spring of water. “I basically entrusted my vocation to the Blessed Mother, and just asked her to lead me to the living waters of Christ,” Sister Lisa said.

After returning from her trip to France, she went to a conference in Min-

17

of diocese seeking life as religious

VOCATION AWARENESS WEEK

Franciscan Sister Lisa Marie Shatynski, left, poses with Bishop Jeffrey Monforton of the Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio, and Franciscan Sister Mary Petra Ricciardi. Sister Lisa Marie, a former member of Immaculate Conception Parish, Spotswood, and Sister Mary Petra made first vows to the order Aug. 6 in Toronto, Ohio.

— photo courtesy of the Franciscan Sisters tion, she will profess permanent vows.

For the next year she will work as a campus minister at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio.

Sister Marie’s parents and siblings have struggled with her choice to become a religious sister because they miss her, but have supported her all the way, even celebrating her departure for the monastery with a special Mass and fourcourse meal, similar to a wedding.

Sister Lisa will be allowed a twoweek visit home once a year, and her family is allowed to visit a couple of days a year, as well. They are permitted to write as many letters as they wish to one another, and to have a phone call about once a month.

“In a sense, we’re giving up our family so that we can be family for other people,” Sister Lisa said.

Becoming a religious “is a big change. It’s the cross, but it’s also the resurrection,” she said. “It’s a place of healing. It’s a place of deeper life. There are difficult times, and working through those difficult times is where the relationship deepens. …

“It is hard living in community, but it’s really beautiful, too. The Lord has prepared me in the last few years for a deeper community life. I think I’m just starting to learn what true, pure love is.

He is still teaching me that.”

For young people who may be wondering whether they have a religious vocation, Sister Lisa Marie offered this advice. “You will know, because God will tell you,” she said. “There’s nothing to fear. He’s not going to lead you in the wrong direction. It’s okay to discern, and then leave. God’s plan is perfect, and it doesn’t always make sense to us, but it’s perfect. … He’s going to bless whatever you decide to do.”

Golden Jubilee Vocationist Sister Perpetua da Conceicao, local superior and vice-principal of Little Friends of Jesus Nursery School, Martinsville, speaks to the faithful at Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church Oct. 10. During the Mass, she was honored for her 50 years of service as a Vocationist, which includes children’s faith formation at Blessed Sacrament Parish.

— John Batkowski photo

Explore the possibility of God’s call in your life as a diocesan priest…

To learn more about vocations to the priesthood, please contact:

The Office of Vocations, Diocese of Metuchen

732-562-2457 or vocations@diometuchen.org

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

nesota hosted by St. Paul’s Outreach, a Catholic organization that ministers on college campuses. While there, she met some of the Franciscan T.O.R. Sisters of Penance of the Sorrowful Mother. “They checked everything off my list, and then some,” said Sister Lisa, who remembers thinking: “I wasn’t expecting this.” She was hoping to find a religious community that was both active and contemplative in lifestyle.

Shortly thereafter, Sister Lisa visited the community’s motherhouse, Our Lady of Sorrows Monastery, in Toronto, Ohio. In their chapel, the image behind the altar is of Mary at the foot of the Cross, pointing at the waters flowing from Christ’s side.

Immediately, Sister Lisa Marie remembered the prayer she had been saying ever since her trip to Lourdes: “Lead me to the living waters of Christ.” “This is it,” she thought at the time. “This is what I asked Mary for.”

But even with this clear sign, the monastery did not feel like home. “There was so much more that God wanted to show me, and that’s why it didn’t feel like home — because I wasn’t ready yet,” Sister Lisa said. “I needed to grow more and learn more before I was ready to enter religious life.” She decided to work as a campus minister at Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla., for two years.

“Those two years were very formative for me,” Sister Lisa said, adding that she grew “as a woman and in maturity in the spiritual life.”

In 2017, she returned to Our Lady of Sorrows Monastery to join as a postulant, a candidate for admission. She will renew temporary vows each year for about four to six years, and if she discerns that this life is definitely her voca-

18 VOCATIONS AWARENESS WEEK NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Consecrated women can bring Christ's love, peace, healing to world

By Sister Mary Elizabeth Robbins, SCC Currently, I am a new formation director for the Sisters of Christian Charity.

Stepping into this role is a huge grace and makes me ponder again the reasons why I entered religious life.

Why should someone consider religious life today as a vocation? In a speech to a group of Sisters in Rome on May 22, 2017, Pope Francis said, “Women who are consecrated to God live “the prophecy of joy.” Joy! This was my reason. I didn’t attend Catholic school growing up, but someone was drawing me to God and I started reading the Bible.

A year after high school, I had the opportunity to visit the Sisters of Christian Charity and I immediately sensed the peace and joy these Sisters radiated. I wanted to be a part of them and share what they obviously had.

This is how Jesus called me. More than 30 years later, I’m still a Sister of Christian Charity and I pray that our charism of Eucharistic joy radiates from me.

So, who are the Sisters of Christian Charity? We are women who live in community desiring to bring Christ’s love, joy, peace and healing to the life of the world. We do this

specifically in apostolic ministries Religious Sisters live in comthat embrace the needs of our times, munity, which is essential to supsuch as education, health care, reli- porting each other in our vowed life. gious education, and administration. Not only do we pray together, but we We are involved in parish ministries, also take time for recreation. Whether hospital visitation, work this means a board game, in neighborhood centers What or who is cards, a cookout, hikes and serve in many other or a game of basketball, it that you are volleyball or ultimate ways. We are diverse in culture, ethnicity and age. seeking? I invite Frisbee, community time Religious Sisters are is important. you to consider prayers. All our life is I asked those preparmeant to be prayer. We ing to become Sisters to discerning a call speak about the fears or combine our prayer with ministries outside our to religious life. concerns that a young convent homes. Because woman might have when If you sense a we are active, we begin discerning a religious our day with both private stirring in your vocation. One individual and communal prayer who responded said, “I through the Liturgy of the heart, I invite you often heard that religious Hours. We celebrate Holy to come and see. life is about what I need Mass daily, pray the rosato give up, but I am learnry, have time for adoration ing that there is so much What do you of the Blessed Sacrament, to gain. I am discovering have to lose? read Scripture and end our a lot of gifts that I didn’t day with prayer. realize I even had which Postulants and Novare being fostered here.” ices learn about our Foundress, Pau- Another asserted, “I was afraid that line von Mallinckrodt, and study our my personality would get squashed charism and constitutions. Professed and that I might not be able to do Sisters engage in some ministe- things that I really enjoyed. What I rial work. We carry our prayer with us have discovered is that I actually bethrough the day and hold the needs of come more of myself here, whom God all those we meet in our hearts. had truly called me to be, but I express

this in an SCC way.”

November 1 to 7 was National Vocation Week. What or who is it that you are seeking? I invite you to consider discerning a call to religious life.

If you sense a stirring in your heart, I invite you to come and see. What do you have to lose? Let’s bring more joy to the world.

For more information about the Sisters of Christian Charity, visit the website https://www.scceast.org/stages-of-formation

19

your parish family of St. Augustine of Canterbury

OUR DIOCESE

in thanksgiving to God

your 25th anniversary as our pastor and 5th anniversary as an honorary canon of St. Florian basilica Saint John paul II chapter

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

“Let us remember the past with gratitude; live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with confidence.�

Saint John Paul II

20 OUR DIOCESE NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Filipino apostolates from diocese urged to see martyr as role model

By Christina Leslie Correspondent METUCHEN — The feast day of a saint who put his actions above words was joyfully celebrated Sept. 27 during an afternoon Mass in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. San Lorenzo Ruiz, a Manila family man martyred for his faith and canonized the first saint of the Philippines, “offers us important lessons on discipleship,” said Bishop James F. Checchio, who presided at the liturgy and gave the homily.

Members of the 29 Filipino apostolates of the diocese, as well as numerous priests and deacons of Filipino descent, represented the hundreds of Filipinos who live, work and worship in central New Jersey, including deacons Jay Alquiros and Ariel Bautista Jr., who are scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood for the diocese next year.

Father Gerardo Paderon, administrator, Queenship of Mary Parish, Plainsboro, and coordinator of the diocesan Filipino apostolate, noted

that, in preparation for the Mass, the profess and how we live… it is always diocese had held a triduum of liturgies easier to focus on other people’s need in his parish; St. James Parish, Bask- to repent, their faults, than to repent ing Ridge, and Visitation Parish, New ourselves.”

He added with a smile, “We disBrunswick.

In his homily, Bishop Checchio ciples will always be flawed … if we discussed the imare waiting to join portance of actions “There is much pressure in that perfect commatching words, society to live an indulgent munity of believers, we would do well to drawing a parallel to the day’s Goslife, but San Lorenzo Ruiz remember that statement: when you find pel reading where reminds us we need both that perfect church, one son said he would work in his words and actions to be join in, for then it father’s vineyard, won’t be perfect but didn’t, while countercultural. Otherwise anymore.”

The bishop the other at first we will weaken our faith, outlined the bidenied his father’s request but later our family, our church, our ography of San Lorenzo Ruiz, a acceded (Matthew society as a whole.”

21:28-32). devout Catholic —Bishop James F. Checchio “People may falsely accused of murder who left not believe what his wife and three you say, but they do believe what you do,” Bishop Checchio children to flee to Japan in 1636. Subbegan. “An authentic relationship of jected to two years of imprisonment, faith asks for complete and consistent then three days of torture, he refused response to God’s will, both in what we to recant his faith, instead telling his

Clockwise from above, worshipers stand at Mass for San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila and Companions at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen; Bishop James F. Checchio gives the homily and blessing; Father Gerardo Paderon, coordinator of the diocesan Filipino apostolate, speaks to the faithful; Deacon Ariel Bautista Jr. incenses the faithful.

— Frank Wojciechowski photos

captors, “I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly do accept death for God. Had I a thousand lives, all these to him I shall offer. Do with me as you please.”

Lorenzo Ruiz was beatified in Manila by then-Pope, now St. John Paul II in 1981, then canonized at the Vatican in 1987. His feast day is September 28, and he is the patron saint of Filipino youth, the Philippines and altar servers.

“He is a beautiful example of how words match actions,” Bishop Checchio said. “There is much pressure in society to live an indulgent life, but San Lorenzo Ruiz reminds us we need both words and actions to be countercultural. Otherwise we will weaken our faith, our family, our church, our society as a whole.”

He concluded, “I am so grateful for the Filipino community. You brought your deep faith with you, and spread it generously throughout the diocese. Join me in praying today that we may be disciples of both word and action, and may God continue our Filipino community to embrace and live the faith.”

all of the Health Department requirements, a special “Rocco Strong” Tent was put up for Rocco and his family to enjoy their meal.

Over the course of the evening, they were able to meet many students, faculty, parents, community members, and Bishop James F. Checchio.

Rocco was overjoyed with the many Spiderman-theme presents that he received.

“My family and I would like to thank you for the honor of having Rocco as this year’s Aquinas Star,” said Rocco’s mother.

“It was a beautiful event and Rocco will not stop talking about it. He loved the gifts but especially the spaghetti and meatballs.

“Your students are incredibly special, and we are blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family.”

As the biggest fundraiser of the year, it is also an occasion to provide financial support to the families. More than 600 dinners were served, which raised more than $12,000. All of the money goes to the family.

Felician Sister Cynthia Marie Babyak, Aquinas Star organizer and campus minister, said “Aquinas/Ahr Star is an activity of the heart. I’m always humbled by those who are the Aquinas Ahr Stars and those who come to help. It’s a way for us to bring God’s face and heart to those who need him most.”

Helping Sister Cynthia with the Aquinas Star program was co-chairs Joseph Sim-

OUR DIOCESE

EDISON — As one of the most beloved St. Thomas Aquinas High School (STA) traditions, the Aquinas Star program entered its 33rd year with the annual Spaghetti Dinner Oct. 8.

The program is a cornerstone of STA’s mission to serve others, in this case by adopting families of children with chronic or acute medical conditions.

The Aquinas Star for the 202021 school year is three-year-old Rocco Dimaggio, who has been diagnosed with Advanced Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma. He lives in Staten Island, N.Y., with his brother, Carmine (10 months old), and his father and mother, Rocco and Gabriella.

Rocco is the cousin of alumna Amanda Montali-Nortesano, Class of 1998.

The spaghetti dinner is the kickoff event for a year of many spirited and heart-filled events. The dinner, in particular, is when the STA community gets to meet the Aquinas Stars for the first time and heap them with welcoming and love. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Aquinas Star Spaghetti Dinner was a take-out only event.

The “Spaghetti Your Way” event gave those who bought tickets the option of take-home, take-out, or delivery.

The school parking lot, which was filled with cars and volunteers, erupted in applause as Rocco and his family arrived at STA. Observing social distancing and

21

Newest ‘Star’ welcomed by school at annual dinner

Bishop James F. Checchio, right, poses with “Aquinas Star” Rocco Dimaggio, front, and his parents, Gabriella and Rocco, and brother, Carmine, at St. Thomas Aquinas High School’s Spaghetti Dinner. Rocco has Advanced Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma.

—Mike Kowalczyk photo

mons and Ryan Salamante, both seniors, and a host of other students and Campus Ministry team members who dedicated their evening to greeting and ushering cars, serving food, and putting the dinner bags together.

In addition, the food, drinks, and paperware were all provided by generous student and community donations and the kitchen was crewed by the Woodbridge Knights of Columbus and parent volunteers.

“I am overwhelmed with the success

the dinner had, given the COVID world we live in,” Simmons said. “I am amazed by the same strong and passionate love that each and every individual brings to support the Aquinas Star program.”

“We are so excited to spend the year with Rocco as well as his family and welcome them into the Aquinas family,” Salamante added.

“It is so important to care for others and to show our students how to care,” Sister Cynthia said.

Well Written Sasha Smyth, an eighth-grader at St. Helena School, Edison, was recently announced as one of the state winners of the Zane-Bloser National Handwriting Contest. The award qualifies Sasha to compete for the honor of Grand National Champion in cursive handwriting. St. Helena School has participated in the contest for more than seven years.

— photo courtesy of St. Helena School

Preschool teachers at St. John Vianney, Colonia, got in the Halloween spirit by dressing as super heroes.

Front row, from left: Barbara Bridges, Tricia Gomez.

Middle: Lisa Prokop, Fran Mendicino, Valerie Tennant.

Back: Pamela Noto, Gertrude Rodriguez.

— photo courtesy of St. John Vianney School

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

Super Heroes

22 OUR DIOCESE NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Catholics called to reject Reproductive Freedom Act Thoughts on Life

By Jennifer Ruggiero In January 1973, the Supreme Court of the United States gave our nation Roe v.

Wade and its companion decision Doe v. Bolton, and, in doing so, effectively removed every legal protection from human beings prior to birth. Over the past 47 years, millions of lives have been destroyed before birth and even during the very process of being born. Countless women have been traumatized so deeply by abortion that they spend years struggling to find peace, healing, and reconciliation. Men grieve because they could not “choose” to protect a child they helped bring into existence, and society has increasingly coarsened by toleration and acceptance of acts that purposely destroy human life.

In recent years, individual states have passed laws to regulate or limit abortion. Sadly, New Jersey remains one of the few states without any major restrictions on abortion such as: mandatory consent for minors, parental notification, waiting periods or limits on publically funded abortion. In 2017, there were a reported 48,110 abortions performed in our state. In 2020, New Jersey allocated $9.5 million of taxpayer money to Planned Parenthood, the leading abortion provider.

In October, Governor Murphy stood with Planned Parenthood again at a press conference as he introduced

a new bill entitled, The Reproductive Freedom Act (S3030/A4848). According to the governor, this bill is a proactive piece of legislation to protect and expand New Jerseyan’s ability to receive reproductive care, including contraception and abortion, in the wake of the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. If passed, The Reproductive Freedom Act would codify into New Jersey law the findings of Roe v.

Wade, meaning that abortion would remain legal in New Jersey even if the case were overturned by the Supreme Court. The measure would also strip away health and safety regulations making New Jersey a more dangerous place for women and their unborn babies.

A close look at the Reproductive Freedom Act (RFA) reveals the radical nature of this legislation and why it is cause for deep concern. Here are just a few points to consider:

Safety:

• Women: The RFA voids all lifeprotecting rules and regulations with regards to abortion as promulgated by the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners. It allows non-physicians, including but not limited to a certified midwife, advanced practice nurse or physician assistant, to perform an abortion procedure in a non-hospital setting. The RFA also allows for abortion throughout all nine-months of pregnancy. The risk of complications from abortion rises exponentially the later in a pregnancy the procedure is performed. Each of these factors clearly puts the safety of women at risk.

• Victims: The RFA also ap-

plies to non-New Jersey residents. Since abortion and sex trafficking are undeniably linked, New Jersey could become a magnet for traffickers if the RFA becomes law.

Rights:

• Babies in the Womb: Under the RFA, it is established that the fertilized egg, the embryo or the fetus (all terms for early human life) does not have independent rights. If passed, the RFA will enshrine into law that living babies in the womb, even if viable, have no rights.

• Healthcare workers: The RFA eliminates New Jersey’s longstanding conscience protection clause that protects the rights of healthcare workers to refuse to perform or assist in abortion because doing so would violate their religious beliefs.

• Taxpayers: The RFA will require that the state legislature allocate funding for abortion services and contraceptives in the annual state budget.

• Newborns: The RFA eliminates the requirement for an autopsy to be conducted in a case where a fetal death occurs without medical attendance. This strips away the rights of a newborn baby born alive and clearly opens the doors to infanticide.

Future:

Finally, the RFA even goes so far as to invalidate and prohibit the future adoption of all laws, rules and regulations, ordinances, resolutions, policies, etc., that conflict with the provisions or the express or implied intent of the RFA. How have we gotten to this place?

Got Braces?

Abortion, the killing of one’s own child, was once seen as an act of desperation.

Today, it is fiercely defended as a good and promoted as a right. Politicians once coined the phrase, “safe, legal and rare,” with regards to abortion. Today, this slogan is no longer tolerable by those who call themselves “pro-choice.”

In January of 2019, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law a measure similar to the RFA, entitled, The Reproductive Health Act, which, among other things, expanded abortion rights in that state. Upon signing the law, Cuomo directed that New York landmarks be lit in pink to celebrate and to “shine a light forward for the rest of the nation.”

Sadly, it appears that New Jersey is following this path, which, I assert, is not at all about light but about darkness and death.

As people of faith, we believe that Christ is our light. Christ is the light that helps us see things as they really are and illuminates our understanding. Christ is the light we can follow with confidence and perfect trust. As Catholics, we believe in the sanctity of all human life. We are called to reject this radical legislation by contacting our state legislators, educating our friends and neighbors, reaching out to pregnant moms in need and praying and fasting for an end to abortion and for the protection of all human life. In all of our efforts, may our Lord continue to be a lamp for our feet and a light to our future.

For more information and to take action, visit: https://njcatholic.org/ reproductive-freedom-act Ruggiero is secretary, diocesan Scretariat for Family and Pastoral Life

Marketplace

Got Spirit Business Card Directory The Catholic Got Braces?

CONCORD Cleaning LLC Gerard J. Carino, PRESIDENT P.O. Box 953, Old Bridge, NJ 08857

908 . 246 . 9343

Braces?

Got Braces?

Robert J.

Bruzzichesi, DMD Got - Harvard Graduate Braces?

Got Braces?

Got drborthodontics.com 20 North Finley Avenue, Basking Ridge Braces?

121 Main Steet, Whitehouse Station 10 Wilmot Street, Morristown

Participates with Most Major Insurances 908.766.0111

Participates with Most Major Insurances

NJ Specialty Permit #5222

NJ Specialty Permit #5222 Participates with Most Major Insurances Participates with Most Major Insurances NJ Specialty Permit #5222

NJ Specialty Permit #5222

Participates with Most Major Insurances

Join the directory for as little as $30 a month. Call Nan for details at 732.765.6444 NJ Specialty Permit #5222

Participates with Most Major Insurances NJ Specialty Permit #5222

Participates with Most Major Insurances NJ Specialty Permit #5222

By Msgr. Seamus R. Brennan Natives of County Laois, my family benefited from the emphasis on faith and scholarship, fostered in our Catholic education in Ireland. For nearly 40 years of my 48 year-priestly ministry in America, I have been assigned to parishes with schools. As a young priest assigned to St. Philip and James Parish in Phillipsburg, which had a K-12 school system, including Phillipsburg Catholic High School, I had my first view of the American Catholic school system and was impressed by the spiritual and academic formations.

On another level as a priest, I saw the strong community spirit, generated within a parish with a school. That observation was not unique to St. Philip and James. I saw it again over my 35 years, serving as pastor of St. Matthew the Apostle in Edison and then Immaculate Conception in Somerville.

Having a Catholic school enhances a parish with its vibrancy, grace, and solid parent/student involvement. Having a parish Catholic school in today’s world certainly provides

major fiscal and management challenges, and grounds added a special dimension to but it is a great asset to a church community. our parish. It allowed us to incorporate a What I witnessed at St. Philip and weekly Mass schedule, along with beautiful James was a palpable sense of family with First Friday liturgies, May Crowning, Holy school/church events and Thursday services, First the beauty of seeing young Communion, Confirmation, I believe that people, the future of our graduation, welcoming our church, embrace their faith. there is no better parents, grandparents, and In the mid-80s, I became to join us in prayer way to evangelize friends the pastor of St Matthew’s, and worship. Both the elwhere our parish provided young people and ementary and high schools the facilities and financial had chaplains assigned to support to the school and the their families than them, which strengthened school significantly enriched through quality their students’ ties to the faith. our parish life. The Summer As a sports fan, I knew Carnival was symbolic of this Catholic schools. about the exemplary athletic connection as parents and pa- They are a bless- program at Immaculata, unrishioners worked tirelessly der the direction of legendary behind the scenes, cooked ing to any parish athletic director and football and served food, handled the coach Pierce Frauenheim. finances, and ran the games and community. What I soon discovered was for our school’s major funthat this school, founded on draiser. Regular bingo games, staffed by the pillars of faith, scholarship, service, and volunteers, also was a key parish undertak- friendship, was a beautiful manifestation of ing for both at St. Philips and James and St. the legacy of dozens of Sisters, Servants of Matthew’s. These events greatly deepened the Immaculate Heart of Mary (who served the bonds of our parish community. both schools) and a dedicated lay faculty.

After 17 years of happy leadership at The school’s Campus Ministry program, St. Matthew’s, I became pastor at Immacu- recognized nationally, was ideal for teaching late Conception, which had a pre-K to 12 each student the glory of living one’s faith, singular parish-supported school system while providing help to those in need, locally, (including Immaculata High School). To- state-wide, and in Appalachia. Spearheaded day, it is one of only 25 such programs in the by the indomitable Sister Dolores Margaret country. The proximity of Immaculate Con- IHM, both school’s music programs were ception Elementary School to the church great sources of pride for the parish and the

schools. The high school’s Marching Band was highly acclaimed throughout the East Coast with scores of state, regional, and national championships.

I believe that there is no better way to evangelize young people and their families than through quality Catholic schools. They are a blessing to any parish and community.

As Catholics, we must engage our legislators and seek more support for Catholic education. Those alumni, who have been nurtured in Catholic schools, also need to provide ongoing support, so that generations to come can benefit from the special gift of a Catholic school education, which will more likely lead a student to a Christ-centered life, supported by prayer and a greater involvement in service to community.

or inconvenient; when I feel like it and quality and relatively affordable priespecially when I don’t! And I pray vate school education; and the pastor it will continue to be so until my last tries, with the generous assistance of breath. the Home School Association, to offer As St. Theresa of Lisieux prayed: generous tuition-assistance programs “My life is an instant, an hour which to families in need. Our school had a passes by. My life is a “tuition angel” program moment which I have no A rich prayer life, supported by our faithful power to stay. You know, and along first nourished in parishioners; O my God, that to love with the Diocese we you here on earth — I grammar school, are able to assist many have only today. Amen.” students to obtain the This truth I learned in has sustained me foundation upon which to Catholic school, as well over my 72 years, build a good moral holy as from my prayerful life. when convenient parents.

Lastly, Catholic The parish church school teachers are to or inconvenient; teach as Jesus did; and school create a comby munity of faith for the when I feel like example and when necesfamily and this is a backusing words as St. it and especially sary drop for a strong support Francis advised. They system for the family. serve as moral role modwhen I don’t!

This is especially helpful els and are aware the for new families moving school is to be an exteninto the area, and especially those from sion of what children are being taught other countries, cultures and religions. at home.

Our schools are open to all.

Jesus promised eternal life to They offer opportunities for us who believe and strive to live in a friendship and for service that makes manner pleasing to God. Simply put, a concrete difference in people’s lives. Catholic schools teach more than other My last parish had the largest food pan- schools, and this “more” is worth all the try in Woodbridge that fed more than sacrifices, for they address the entire 500 people a month. intellectual, physical, and emotional Catholic education offers high needs of a child, without neglecting the

spiritual development The foundation of learning is that each of us is called by love to love; called out of our narrow individualism and our small private world by the allurement of God, and to live for God, as Jesus did. To follow Jesus is to be in love. When that love is fully accepted our lives begin to change from the center -- for this is the mission of the Catholic School.

“Let us love, then, because he first loved us.” (1 Jn 4:19) Respectfully submitted, Msgr. Cicerale is retired from active ministry and living in Willingboro.

OUR DIOCESE

Editor’s Note: When Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan, former pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, and Msgr. Charles W. Cicerale, former pastor of St. James Parish, Woodbridge, retired in September, “The Catholic Spirit” asked them to reflect on their decades of experience in Catholic education.

23

Retired pastors share fond memories of guiding Catholic schools

Church, school create a solid support system for families

By Msgr. Charles W. Cicerale

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

In 45 years as a parish priest, every parish I’ve ministered in has had a Catholic School. This, and the reality of being a graduate of Catholic schools, is a personal blessing. Here’s why: Jesus taught us about how to live to be fully human, to be meek/humble and work for justice. He showed us how to be merciful, welcome strangers, comfort the afflicted and deal with suffering with complete trust in the resurrection. Our Catholic schools do more than introduce us to Jesus Christ; they teach that Jesus is the human face of God made radically visible on earth.

They teach us to center our lives on God and so Jesus becomes our moral compass. Daily classes in the Catholic faith develop a strong religious foundation. For me this has lasted a lifetime and clearly influenced my life choices.

Catholic school students are more likely to pray daily, since they do in class, and to attend church more often and retain their Catholic identify as an adult.

In my experience of Catholic school, I understood that prayer is more than turning to God in time of need.

Prayer is a lifestyle. A way of living our lives in constant relationship with our God. A rich prayer life, first nourished in grammar school, has sustained me over my 72 years, when convenient

OUR FAITH

24

Valid marriage/How 'extraordinary'?

Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

October 21, 2020 Today we complete the catechesis on the prayer of the Psalms. First of all, we see that a negative figure often appears in the Psalms, that of the “wicked” person, he or she who lives as if God were not there. This is the person without any transcendent referent, whose arrogance has no limits, who fears no judgment regarding what he or she thinks or does. For this reason, the Psalter presents prayer as the fundamental reality of life. The reference to the absolute and to the transcendent — which the spiritual masters call the “holy fear of God” — is what makes us completely human, it is the boundary that saves us from ourselves, preventing us from venturing into life in a predatory and voracious manner. Prayer is the salvation of the human being….

But when the true spirit of prayer is sincerely received and enters the heart, it then lets us contemplate reality with God’s very eyes. When one prays, everything acquires “depth”. This is interesting in prayer, perhaps something subtle begins but in prayer that thing acquires depth, it becomes weighty, as if God takes it in hand and transforms it. The worst service someone can give God and also mankind is to pray wearily, by rote. To pray like parrots. No, we pray with the heart. Prayer is the center of life. If there is prayer, even a brother, a sister, even an enemy becomes important.…Those who adore God, love his children. Those who respect God, respect human beings.

My goddaughter is considering marrying a man who will not get married in the Catholic Church and says that their children will not be raised Catholic. If she does this, can she still attend Mass and participate in the sacraments? (City and state withheld)

First, I must ask for a clarification. Is the man objecting simply to their wedding taking place in a Catholic church setting, or is he refusing to be married in a ceremony approved by the Church? The reason for my question is this: Since the man is presumably not a Catholic, they could meet with a priest and apply for permission to be married someplace other than a Catholic church — a nondenominational venue, for example, or even a secular one. But if he refuses even to do that, then their marriage would not be recognized by the Catholic Church as a valid one, which would mean that your goddaughter would no longer be eligible to receive holy Communion in the Church (although she could and should

In “Redemptionis Sacramentum,” issued by St. John Paul II in 2004, it says that an extraordinary minister of holy Communion should only be used if real necessity prompts it. I’m struggling to see how saving a few extra minutes during Mass is a “real necessity” and why extraordinary ministers are needed at all, especially in small parishes like my own.

(And if a parish does find it temporarily necessary, shouldn’t that parish be praying fervently and urgently for the Lord to send them an additional priest?)

Please help me understand why extraordinary ministers are being used so ordinarily today. (mid-Missouri)

The ordinary minister of holy Communion is a bishop, priest or deacon. When circumstances warrant it, laypeople may be delegated to assist. “Redemptionis Sacramentum,” issued by the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments in 2004, addresses those circumstances as follows: “Indeed, the extraordinary minister of holy Communion may administer Communion only when the priest and deacon are lacking, when the priest is prevented by weakness or advanced age or some other genuine reason, or when the number of faithful coming to Communion is so great that the very celebration of Mass would be unduly prolonged. This, however, is to be understood in such a way that a brief prolongation, considering the circumstances and culture of the place, is not at all a sufficient reason” (No. 158).

The term “unduly prolonged” is nowhere quantitatively defined, and it obviously invites a judgment call. When Communion is offered under both species (a practice that has largely been suspended during the current pandemic) this may require the help of extraordinary ministers; likewise, an elderly priest might need assistance, a tight Mass schedule could be a factor and a weekday Mass might include congregants on their way to work.

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

For many years, there was one way for a priest to dismiss the people at the end of Mass — the Latin expression “Ite, missa est.” What it meant in effect was, “Go, it is the dismissal,” although many translations made it, “Go, you are dismissed.”

is arguably one of the most important.

To appreciate its importance, we should first consider what it is not. It is not a declaration that we’ve heard the Gospel and received the Eucharist, and we’re done for the week.

The Mass is supposed to be a lifechanging experience; it is supposed to form us. It can do that only if, in the first place, we believe that we attend Mass to meet God, who is literally present in his word, and is literally present in the Eucharist.

The prophecy that will be read at Mass on the First Sunday of Advent says that we are the clay and God is the potter, and we spend a lifetime not just Sundays, but a lifetime surrendering our wills and our egos to him and behaving in the business of everyday life as people who feel the touch of his hand.

In this respect, we are in the same position as the servants Jesus mentions in the Gospel passage on that First Sunday. Their master expected them to do what they knew he wanted of them whether they were in his presence or not. You’ve may have seen the bumper sticker that says, “Jesus is coming.

Look busy!”

That’s not what Jesus meant by the warning in this parable “you do not know when the lord of the house is coming.”

That is not a suggestion that the servants pretend that they were always hard at work, but a suggestion that they live up

to the master’s expectations all the time so that it doesn’t matter if he can see and hear them.

Advent is the season in which we await the coming of Jesus both in the sense that we are preparing to celebrate his birth on Christmas Day and in the sense that we are always preparing for his coming on the day of judgment. To prepare for that day, we have to know and embrace what the master expects of us, and what he expects is that we be missionaries — there’s the “missa” again.

Ours is a missionary church. It doesn’t keep the Gospel to itself, but spreads it — and we are that church. The mission is not only to Africa and South America and Asia — the mission is to every place and every person who comes in contact with a believing Christian.

That’s what the Mass is about – not only about what happens here on Sunday morning but about what happens when we go from church and live out the integrity, the prudence, and the charity that Jesus taught, and practiced in his own life.

Whatever words the priest or the deacon uses, the dismissal says to us: “You have heard God’s word. You have received him in the sacrament.” Now what?

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

Q

Question Corner

By Father Kenneth Doyle

A

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Q

A

Mass is about spreading Gospel to world

Prayer to Our Lady ‘Salus Populi Romani’ for COVID-19 O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick, who, at the foot of the cross, were united with Jesus’ suffering, and persevered in your faith. “Protectress of the Roman people,” you know our needs, and we know that you will provide, so that, as at Cana in Galilee, joy and celebration may return after this time of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the will of The Father and to do what Jesus tells us. For He took upon Himself our suffering, and burdened imself with our sorrows to bring us, through the cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen.

continue to attend Mass.) In applying for that permission, she would have to promise to continue to observe her own Catholic faith and practice and — in the language of Canon 1125 — “make a sincere promise to do all in ... her power so that all offspring are baptized and brought up in the Catholic Church.” Of course, this must be interpreted within the context of the marriage covenant, and if her husband refuses, she is not compelled to do the impossible.

Your question makes me wonder, though, whether — with such a fundamental disagreement — the marriage itself is such a good idea and whether the forecast might be for continual struggle and strife.

The word “Mass,” referring to the celebration of the Eucharist, comes from that Latin word, “missa,” or dismissal. So do the words “mission” and “missionary.”

And it’s all connected.

Once we began celebrating Mass in English instead of Latin, more options for the dismissal became available: “Go in the peace of Christ,” “The mass is ended, go in peace,” and “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”

And in the most recent translation of the Sacramentary, there are four new options: “Go forth, the mass is ended,” “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord,” “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life,” or simply, “Go in peace.”

Although this dismissal is the last thing the priest or deacon says at a Mass, it

This Sunday the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Christ the King, the final Sunday of our liturgical year.

Pope Pius XI instituted this feast in 1925 to combat the progressive secularization of Western society. The Holy Father was dismayed by the increasing influence of anti-Christian values in the mainstream of society, culture, and government; his point was that despite attempts to find fulfillment in all the wrong places, only when all people “realize that Christ is King, will society at last receive the blessings of real liberty, well-ordered discipline, peace, and harmony.”

His hope was that increased attention to Christ the King would “hasten the return of society to our loving Savior” (Pope Pius XI, Quas Primas, 1925). Our readings this day attempt to rekindle our religious fervor by portraying Jesus’ kingship as a call to a life of loving service; only when society rediscovers a full appreciation of the God-given dignity of each and every human person will it be re-connected to the divine truth of its existence. It is tragic that in turning away from God, human society has turned away from its own dignity; our readings this Sunday thus call us back both to God and ourselves.

SCRIPTURE STUDY

By Msgr. John N. Fell

WEEK IN SCRIPTURE

Sun 22 Mon 23 Tues 24 Wed 25 Thurs 26 Fri 27 Sat 28 Sun 29 Mon 30 Tues 1 Wed 2 Thurs 3 Fri 4 Sat 5

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22 - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5

Ez 34:11-12, 15-17 / Ps 23:1-2, 2-3, 5-6 / Cor 15:20-26, 28 / Mt 25:31-46 Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5 / Ps 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 / Lk 21:1-4 Rv 14:14-19 / Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13 / Lk 21:5-11 Rv 15:1-4 / Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 7-8, 9 / Lk 21:12-19 Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a / Ps 100:1b-2, 3, 4, 5 / Lk 21:20-28 Rv 20:1-4, 11-21:2 / Ps 84:4:3, 4, 5-6a / Lk 21:34-36 Rv 22:1-7 / Ps 95:1-2, 3-5, 6-7ab / Lk 21:34-36 Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7 / Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 / 1 Cor 1:3-9 / Mk 13:33-37 Rom 10:9-18 / Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 / Mt 4:18-22 Is 11:1-10 / Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 / Lk 10:21-24 Is 25:6-10a / Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 / Mt 15:29-37 Is 26:1-6 / Ps 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a / Mt 721, 24-27 Is 29:17-24 / Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 / Mt 9:27-31 Is 30:19-21, 23-26 / Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 / Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

Narcisa de Jesus Martillo Moran 1832-1869 December 8

CNS

After she was orphaned as a young person in rural Ecuador, Narcisa moved to Guayaquil, a large coastal town, where she did manual labor for 15 years while devoting herself to prayer and good works.

In 1868 she went to Lima, Peru, lodging in the hostel of the Lay Brothers of St. Dominic. This laywoman sought holiness through prayer and self-mortification, often praying alone for eight hours daily and doing penance for four hours nightly, sometimes wearing a crown of thorns or suspending herself from a cross. She was beatified in 1993 and canonized in 2008.

Saints

 

  

           



        

       

 

                                                                               

   

                                                             

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

This Sunday’s Gospel is the well-known story of the Last Judgment. This account, found only in St. Matthew’s text, portrays the awesome scene of Jesus, enthroned as king, separating the wicked from the good; his criterion is the loving service which one exercised, or failed to exercise, on behalf of others. In fact, just four Sundays ago we heard the Gospel of the Great Commandments (to love God with our whole heart, soul, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves); this Sunday’s Gospel could perhaps be entitled, The Great Commandments — Part II, as it deals directly with the consequences of our observance of these mandates to love. This presentation of the Last Judgment is the final section of St. Matthew’s Gospel before the beginning of the Passion Narrative. In a sense, this reading ties together all that has gone before it. Jesus is presented as the glorious Son of Man, sent as King and Judge by his Heavenly Father. Before him are gathered all the nations — the Kingdom has moved definitively beyond the borders of ancient Israel and now encompasses all of creation.

Christ the King then begins to divide the flock, separating those who were faithful from those who were not. This Gospel text is especially important because it then lays down the criteria Jesus uses to make this distinction. Those to be admitted into heavenly

glory are those who have shown an active love for their fellow men and women. Jesus recites the corporal works of mercy (minus the duty to bury the dead), stating that those who had accomplished these during their lives were now recipients of his Father’s blessing. In their service to others, Jesus explains, these faithful men and women had actually served Jesus himself. Jesus identifies himself as always among those who are in need. Sadly, as the Gospel continues, Jesus deals as well with those who have been unfaithful, those who have failed to show an active love for others. Each time they failed to aid a person in need, they were actually turning their backs on Jesus himself. The patience that Jesus has repeatedly shown throughout the Gospel does have its limits; after having given us every possible opportunity to turn away from sin, this reading dramatically makes the point that a day of reckoning will come. On that final day, those who have failed to love will go off to eternal punishment.

This Gospel emphasizes the fact that Christian faith must always involve an active love lived out for others. Because of Jesus’ close identification with the poor and lowly, one’s duty to God can never be separated from serving his people here on earth. And God demands that his people be served well. Our first reading, taken from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, serves as a sharp rebuke to the kings of ancient Israel.

Because they had failed repeatedly in their duties to care for their people and to lead them closer to the Lord, God himself would step in and take up the active role of shepherding. Ezekiel evidences the great care God requires for his people, “I myself will give them rest . . . The lost I will seek out, the strayed I will bring back, the injured I will bind up, the sick I will heal” (Ez 34:15-16).

As this liturgical year draws to a close, St. Matthew offers this presentation of the Last Judgment as a reminder that we are called upon to see God in others — always. This is not to say that worship and assent to the Lord’s teaching are not also essential aspects of our faith response, but rather that the first measure of our love for God is always the manner in which we treat his people. While we may be tempted to focus on the sternness of this Gospel, it may help to remember that it also emphasizes how very much Christ our King wants us to experience his love — the essential point of this Gospel and of every Gospel message is to inspire us to do all that we can to be among those hearing those blessed words, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Mt 25:34).

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

OUR FAITH

Solemnity of Christ the King (A)

25

Prepare for day of reckoning

26 26 STEPPING FORWARD IN CHARITY STEPPING UP IN CHARITY

McAULEY Religious Gift Shop

STEPPING FORWARD

at Mount St. Mary's

Christian Gifts, Cards & Rosaries Catholic Medals • Books • Bibles Trappistine Candies

WE ACCEPT PAYMENT BY CASH OR PERSONAL CHECKS. NO CREDIT CARDS.

Connections Program off ers role modelsatforevent youth Acting executive director among honorees Children extend care to military veteran in

By Joanne Kleinle The first annual Middlesex County VetCorrespondent (908) 754-3663 , ext. "0" eransWhen Award Breakfast was held Oct. 17. Child Care Catholic Charities’ “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who Originally scheduled for April, the proTues., Wed. & Thurs.: 10 am – 3pm Site Supervisor Jenelle Clauson read fi nds one fi nds a treasure.”

(Sir 6:14) gram was held outdoors, by invitation Friday: 10 am – 2 pm a Facebook post about a 104-year-old Connections Program at Catholic only, toThe abide

by COVID-19 guidelines Saturday: 9:30 am – 12 noon Diocese of Metuchen, which at Charities, theMarine’s American Legion Joyce Kilmer special plea foris Valentine’s Closed Sunday, Monday & Holidays Post supported by theinBishop's Annual Appeal, 25 Pavilion Milltown. wishes, she gathered her colleagues verse to heart by connecting menThethisVeterans Awards Breakfast Rt. 22 & Terrill Road, Watchung, NJ 07069 takes at Hatchery Hill Elementary School, torsa with youth can use a regardless friend. What was tribute to who all veterans havebranch. found isService that what starts out Hackettstown, and organized a project of participants their military provida wayhave to give youthexemplary a helping hand, often ersaswho given service for friendships the children in the by Catholic Charicreates are treasured and advocacy to thethat veteran and militarythe ties’ after school child care youths, the were mentors and their families alike. program to community honored.

SinceCoto, 1994,tothe Connections respond the oldestProgram living Marine’s Julio acting executive dihas paired adult Charities, volunteers Diocese with youthofin rector, Catholic request.

Middlesexwas County from for agesleadership 5 to 17. It Metuchen, honored Maj. Bill White, World War II started from pairing 14 matches to asamany and selfless acts of time and dedication mentors of paired with youth each year. recipient, veteran and Purple Heart to as the65 veterans Middlesex County.

Youth in the program are more likely to Other awardees included: Ronald shared his wish during an interview with 2400 B Cooper Street develop positive behaviors andMiddlecontinue G. Rios, Freeholder Director, 95 West Main St. Suite 5-106 KTXL-TV in Sacramento, lives.first The Calif., and sexschooling, County;which Brianchanges Gillet, their deputy Piscataway, NJ 08854 friendship between the youth and the menthe request went viral.

He Chester, NJ 07930 assistant prosecutor, Veterans Diver- told the telewww.ourladyoftenderness.com sion torsvision tends to hosts form quickly, but time an Program; Timothy Coghan, Rajesh that oneover of his favorite hobwww.ourladyoftenderness.com even deeper bond is established and they Chopra, Cal Carlstrom, Rich Liebler bies is scrapbooking, often become a second family to thewhich child. has helped and Jaime Schleck, Veterans Diversion According to the program’s website, him to keep track of his extensive life.

Your prayer requests are welcomed and Program Mentors, Middlesex County criteria to get a mentor are: experiencing Your prayer requests are welcomed and Now he wanted adddiffi some Valentine Services; Doug to Breen and encouraged. They shall be placed before the Veteran signifiBusby; cant and/or terminal medical culHenry Robert Porter, Veterans cards to ahis collection of mementos.

Jeanette Cullen, a member of St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick, has served encouraged. They shall be placed before the of ties for which positive adult relationship Foreign Wars Post 370; Jansen Ortiz, Blessed Sacrament and lifted daily in prayer. from as White’s supervisor of the Connections Program at Catholic Charities, Diocese of outside of the word family would be helpful; Once got out about Blessed Sacrament and lifted daily in prayer. South Plainfield Police Department; Metuchen, since 2000. The 26-year-old program pairs adult volunteers with youth finding themselves in serious situational/ request, staff children Englebrecht andand David Wilkins from Beneloss 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, Chris Jr., Sayreville Police Department; Jay — Joanne Kleinle photo dict isA. Cucinella School, a parent dying/just deceased)Elementary and a helpTheaministry of this Hermitage is God’s gift, Children in the Catholic Charities' after school child c Office of Jay Weinlife of prayer, freely given to our diocese A.fulWeinberg-Law adult relationship Long Valley,is needed. and Willow Grove Elberg; Joyce Kilmer American Legion a lifeforofyou. prayer, freely given to our diocese Hatchery Hill Elementary School, Hackettstown, basketball or share a meal. advice or support. The program also hosts send t Kathy McCrystal said she startedwith as Please accept this free gift. It is a Post ementary School joined Hatchery 25 Ladies Auxiliary; Woodbridge McCrystal spends about four hours quarterlyWar mentor nights. a mentor when her twin boys were teenMajor Bill White, a World II support veteran and Purple Heart for privilege you. Please accept thiswith freeyou gift.inItprayer. is a Elks; Nancy Mullins, Rebuilding WarHill and together they sent three large a week with the boys depending on what Jeanette Cullen, a member of St. — Bar-photo co to be united agers. She was paired with a boy close in riors; Veterans of activities they plan.

She looks forward to tholomew Parish, East Brunswick, where privilege to be united with you in prayer. ageenvelopes toRobert her sonsKolesar, because she thought menfull2319, of hand-made Valentine Foreign WarsbePost her time with them and loves watching she serves as an extraordinary minister of toring would awishes great wayto toMilltown; engage her cards and honor White and to Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10 andown Middlesex Vicinage Judge boys. SheCounty got much more than she them grow and mature into teenagers. They holy Communion and in its Society of St. support toabout Maj.their White anddewe all reLewis Paley.

Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10 Phillip bring love joy to the retired Marine. often talk to her Vincent Paulare chapter, has beenchild supervi-care for expected.

The boyand became Prayer Request: and sheofgives sor of theitConnections Program since 2000. distric school minded howthem important is to provide close to her family, “We arewhole so thrilled about the cases, response issues “In many Prayer Request: whatever guidance she can.

She sees the impact it has not only on the participating in traditions and recognition to those who have served Somerset _______________________________ we received from the we school district,” Mentors must un- the youth, but on the mentors and families. put the like her in-laws annual New _______________________________ For more our country.” saidEveChild Care Service Area Director dergo rigorous screening “The program is not meant to replace the Year’s party, decorating _________________________ back interview Last and background parents,Charities, but toNag give Chedalla, support,” said. “In Philar and neighCharities’ child year,Vivek Catholic Dio- she theKrista ChristmasGlynn. tree and go“The childhood staff and children _________________________ bors from North Brunswick, pose at checks before they receive many cases, we put the childhood back in ingwere on an annual Easter egg in the child’s cese of Metuchen provided affordable ccdom.org/chil so excited to send their lovelifeand training Charities, of and continuethe to Catholic the child’s life by offeringDiocese the fun activities hunt. She even took him on by offering the Ozanam Shelter receive training after Metuchen, they and support thatFamily his or her familywith cannot college tours with her own staff member Shahan Gilliam. Philar and give them.” sons. They grew so close fun activities and begingTheserving.

THE Chedalla have been donating food trays program sponsors Cullen treasures witnessing the lifethat when he aged out of to the impact Catholic — changing that Charities the mentorsShelhave on THE the program, she agreed to support that their monthly group activitiesweekly Edison March to assist usually in person, but ter theyin the youth.since She said one child, whose the parents mentor his younger brothers families cannot shelter during the Covid-19 Pandemic. have been held virtually bewere day laborers, came into the program and they now participate in Tina wanting Foley photo cause of the coronavirus—— to be a day laborer. After spending McCrystal family traditions give them.” for mentors and the youth. time with his mentor, he realized other posjust like their brother did.

—Jeanette Cullen Through these trainings and sibilities that were open to him. He started Most of the activities activities, McCrystal has to plan to go to college and become a busithat she does with the boys also formed close friendships with other nessman and travel. He also changed his are simple. Because of the recent lockdown mentors. diet to more healthy choices. related to the coronavirus, she takes them for Case managers are in touch with menFor information about becoming a a walk or buys them ice cream. They also share her love of biking and hiking. Some- tors two to five times each month and are mentor, contact Jeanette Cullen at jcullen@ times they want to visit at her house and play available day or night by phone if they need ccdom.org or (732) 738-1323.

OurLady Ladyof ofTenderness Tenderness Our

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT AUGUST 20, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Good Neighbors

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

Is God calling you to serve as a priest, December 17 deacon, religious sister or brother?

If you think maybe...

been baptized and lived in God’s grace, we fulfill a life of faith, and then someday present ourselves to God. What else does the Catechism say about justification? First, justification is held up as “the most excellent work of God’s love made manifest in Christ Jesus and granted by the Holy Spirit” (ccc 1994). In short, our justification comes from God’s loving grace, which is “the free

By Father John Gerard Hillier and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God...partakers of the divine nature and of As a child, when I insisted on doing some- eternal life” (ccc 1996). thing or questioning something that was When Jesus offered his life “on the not in line with our Catholic faith, my mom cross as a living victim,” his blood became would often say: “God’s ways are not our “the instrument of atonement for our sins” ways and our ways are not always God’s.” (ccc 1992). This is the moment when “jusLittle did my mom know that she was tification” was “merited [or gained] for us” quoting from Isaiah 55:8 in the Old Testa- (ccc 1992). ment when she spoke these words. Perhaps This same “justification” conferred we’ve all heard a variation of them. In any on us in Baptism, the sacrament of faith, case, they all derive from “conforms us to the The words of Saint this passage in the Book righteousness of God, of the Isaiah. makes us inwardly Joan of Arc are most who When I revisited just by the power of his this section of the Catmercy” (ccc 1992). What appropriate as we echism on “Grace and is the purpose of this? conclude our reflec- The purpose “is the glory Justification,” I was reminded of this passage tion on this section of of God and of Christ, and from the Book of Isaiah the gift of eternal life” the Catechism: Asked (ccc 1992). because it captures the truth that “to cleanse cation hapif she knew that she pens Justifi us from our sins and to through the sacracommunicate to us the was in God’s grace, she ment of Baptism as one righteousness of God,” of the many blessings (ccc 1987) we must first replied: “If I am not, may of God. Among other rely on the grace of the it please God to put things, says the CatHoly Spirit or, in other echism, it “offers us a me in it; if I am, may it guarantee that grace is words, on God taking the initiative in our lives. at work in us and spurs please God to keep “The first work of us on to an ever greater the grace of the Holy me there” (ccc 2005). faith and an attitude of Spirit is conversion,” trustful poverty” (ccc says the Catechism. “Moved by grace, we 2005). The grace spoken about here is turn toward God and away from sin, thus “justifying grace” or “sanctifying grace,” accepting forgiveness and righteousness which restores our union with God, lost from on high” (ccc 1989). Thus, we are through original sin. This gift of God’s offered “justification” — a technical word grace is a supernatural gift because it is “a used in theology to suggest that having participation in the [very] life of God” (ccc

Journey of Faith

1997), which includes an introduction into the life of the Most Holy Trinity. All this occurs thanks to the first sacrament we receive, Baptism, which is a participation “in the grace of Christ” (ccc 1997).

Although “grace is first and foremost the gift of the Spirit” (ccc 2003), there are also specific graces that are proper to each of the sacraments and graces of state “that accompany the exercise of the responsibilities of the Christian life and of the ministries within the Church” (ccc 2004).

Saint Paul elaborates when writing to the Romans: “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; he who teaches, in his teaching; he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who contributes, in liberality; he who gives aid, with zeal; he who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom 12:6-8).

Next, the term “merit” is discussed further in the Catechism. Jesus’ death on the cross becomes the moment of “merit” when Jesus gained or merited our redemption. Merit is lifted up and given a new, supernatural quality when spoken of in relationship to our Lord Jesus Christ. Given the fact that Jesus merited or earned our redemption makes him our Redeemer. (ccc 2006) The final part of this section of the Catechism reminds us that as Christians “in any state or walk of life” (whether we

are young or old; teachers or students; parents or children; politicians or members of society; clergy or laity; intellectuals, professionals or laborers), “we are all called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity” (ccc 2013). As Sacred Scripture says, “be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). In the end, it is “charity” that really matters: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). It is no wonder that the next paragraph states that “spiritual progress tends toward ever more intimate union with Christ” (ccc 2014). Why? Because in our acts of charity, are we not imitating our Redeemer, Jesus Christ?

The words of Saint Joan of Arc are most appropriate as we conclude our reflection on this section of the Catechism: Asked if she knew that she was in God’s grace, she replied: “If I am not, may it please God to put me in it; if I am, may it please God to keep me there” (ccc 2005).

Her response sounds similar to the one my mom gave me all those years ago: “God’s ways are not our ways and our ways are not always God’s.” May we discover assurance in these sentiments as we seek to live according to God’s holy will.

Father Hillier is Director of diocesan Office of the Pontifical Missions, the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Censor Luborum

Route 206, one mile south of Newton, NJ

OPEN Nov. 27 to Dec. 20 •10am - 3pm Choose ‘n Cut Christmas Trees Thousands of trees in our fields

Benedictine Monks Growing Trees Since 1930 (973) 383-2470 • www.newtonosb.org Visit the Abbey Gift Shop for books and religious articles open every day!

Welcome Home As director of Advancement for Immaculate Conception School and Immaculata High School, Somerville, Rich Rau has come “home” in time for the parochial institutions’ Annual Appeal. In his newly created role, Rau, a member of the Class of 1989 who married a classmate and their son attended Immaculata, will oversee the functions of development, marketing, admissions, communications and alumni relations. Rau has more than 20 years of experience in fundraising.

— photo courtesy of Immaculata High School

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

St. Paul’s Abbey Christmas Tree Plantation

FAITH ALIVE

Article 144 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 1987-2016

27

Why ‘Grace and Justification’ are keys to salvation

28 OUR DIOCESE NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

OBITUARIES Bernardine Franciscan Sister Laetitia Okoniewski, the diocese’s first delegate for Religious, died Sept. 15 at St. Joseph Villa, Reading, Pa., where she had resided since 2014. She was 101.

Sister Laetitia was born in Chester, Pa., the daughter of Valentine and Mary (Adamski) Okoniewski.

When she was four, her family moved to Wilmington, Del., where she was a member of St. Hedwig Parish and attended its parochial school. After graduating from St. Paul Commercial School, she entered the Bernardine order Aug. 11, 1943; earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education at Villanova University, Villanova (Pa.); and a Master of Arts in education at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind. Sister Laetitia served as the delegate for Religious for the newly-established Diocese of Metuchen from 1982 to 1996.

In 1985, she received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award from then-Pope, now St. John Paul II for her distinguished service to the Church.

While living in Metuchen, she also worked with Polish women, helping them get green cards and citizenship.

Sister Laetitia also served in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Washington, D.C., as an elementary and secondary school teacher, principal, college instructor, college dean of women, director of aspirants/postulants, college academic dean, superior, provincial superior, superior general, associate vicar for religious, director for religious, in mission effectiveness, and as a local minister.

She is survived by two sisters: Franciscan Sister de Lourdes Okoniewski of Reading, and Leona Papagno of Elkton, Md.; and a brother Albin Okoniewski of

Wilmington. Services and burial were private. A Memorial Mass for family and friends will be held at a later date.

Arrangements were handled by The Kopicki-Bradley Funeral Home Inc., Reading.

The Office of Human Life and Dignity DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

to the priesthood May 25, 1996 by Bishop Edward T. Hughes at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.

Father McLaughlin was appointed pastor of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in 2003. Previously, he served as parochial vicar at St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge; St. Cecilia Parish, Iselin; and St. Peter the Apostle Community and University Parish, New Brunswick, where he also served as principal of the parish school.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by brothers William McLaughlin, Thomas McLaughlin, Martin Clarke McLaughlin and Eugene McLaughlin.

He is survived by his sons, Christopher McLaughlin, Brian McLaughlin and his wife Elizabeth O’Hea McLaughlin; granddaughter Madeline Gloria McLaughlin; sister Ell Ann (Sue) Reh; and brother Gerard W McLaughlin.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. James Food Pantry 174 Grove St. Woodbridge, NJ 07095.

OUR DIOCESE

Father James W. McLaughlin, of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., former pastor of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Edison, died Sept. 29 after a brief illness.

He was 78.

Father McLaughlin was born in Pittston, Pa., one of seven children of the late William J. and Anna Burns McLaughlin.

Father McLaughlin attended Duryea Elementary School and High School in Duryea, Pa. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English at Kings College, WilkesBarre, Pa. In May 1972, he matriculated from Marywood College, Scranton, Pa. with a master’s degree in counseling and counselor supervision.

After graduate school, Father McLaughlin worked as an English teacher at John F. Kennedy High School, Iselin, and as guidance counselor and director of guidance at Woodbridge High School.

A widower, Father McLaughlin was married to Gloria Livingston McLaughlin, and has two children, Christopher J. and Brian J. McLaughlin.

He entered Pope John XXIII Seminary, Weston, Mass., where he was awarded a master of divinity degree. He was ordained

29

OBITUARIES

Interfaith Effort Brother Patrick Reilly (fifth from left), a member of the Brotherhood of Jesus Our Hope and director of The Catholic Center at Rutgers, New Brunswick, poses with Catholic and Jewish students served by the Rutgers Hillel after they combined on a cleanup on the campus Oct. 18. The Catholic Center is supported by the Bishop‘s Annual Appeal to meet the spiritual, sacramental and pastoral needs of the community at Rutgers through worship, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, advice from a chaplain, information about vocations, men’s and women’s ministries, retreats, and Spring Break service trips.

— photo courtesy of The Catholic Center at Rutgers

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

30 OUR DIOCESE

Directress honored for milestones Mercy Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto recently marked two significant milestones that have been referred to as her 20-40 — 20 years as the directress of Mount Saint Mary Academy and 40 years as a Sister of Mercy.

A gala and special celebratory Mass were planned for the spring of 2020, but they were postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mass was rescheduled and celebrated Oct 25 at Angels of Victory Field. Bishop Emeritus Paul Bootkoski served as principal celebrant and homilist. Msgr. William Benwell, pastor, St. Mary’s-Stony Brook Parish, Watchung, concelebrated. A dinner was held afterward.

As directress, she was responsible for the renovation of the academy’s science labs, gymnasium and tennis courts along with the creation of the student center, the Saint Joseph classrooms, Angels of Victory Field and the Snack Shack.

She also upgraded the technology infrastructure and brought one-to-one computing and remote learning to the academy through the launch of Moodle. She also instituted the Student Assistance and the Peer Ministry programs, and added volleyball, cross country, equestrian, indoor track, spring track, lacrosse and golf to the athletic offerings.

Finally, Sister Lisa prepared the academy for the future by establishing high-quality security systems for the campus In the fall of 2019, Sister Lisa

Mercy Sister Lisa Marie Gambacorto, directress, Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, poses with assistant directresses Denise Materia and Karen Calta.

— photo courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy

completed the renovation of Mercy Hall, bringing to life a theater that was only a dream a few years ago. In celebration of her 20-40 and to thank her, the Sisters of Mercy MidAtlantic, the Board of Trustees and Sister Lisa's administration announced that the new theater will be formally named “The Sister Lisa Gambacorto Theater” at Mercy Hall.

Jolly Good Fellow Deacon Peter E. Barcellona, who exercises his ministry at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Port Reading, celebrated surpassing a goal of raising $50,000 for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) by dying his hair and beard blue and wearing blue sneakers. Deacon Barcellona is a Global Fellow of CRS. In that role, he preaches and teaches around the United States about the plight of the poor to raise awareness and money for CRS, the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the U.S. He has also visited CRS teams around the world.

Deacon Barcellona joined eight other Global Fellows to raise money for CRS in October. They decided if they met the goal, which they surpassed, they would either shave their heads or dye their hair a "shocking" blue.

— photo courtesy of Deacon Peter R. Barcellona

RETREAT GUIDE

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

...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

SAN ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE 755 Ocean Ave., Long Branch NJ 07740

Lift Up Your Soul at the tranquil 150-acre Fatima Shrine.

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

732-222-2731 • info@sanalfonsoretreats.org www.sanalfonsoretreats.org

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

A Redemptorist Spiritual Center overlooking the Atlantic Ocean offering preached retreats, days of prayer and use of the facility for outside groups.

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

55 acres of natural beauty await you! Programs for personal and spiritual enrichment, directed and solitude retreats. Air conditioned facilities for retreats, spiritual programs, meetings and staff days for church related and not-for-profit groups.

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

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

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

THE SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 Day & Overnight Retreats Gift & Book Shop - open daily

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

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

908-647-0208 · www.stshrine.org

This month’s featured retreat house:

Serving the people of God Spiritual Direction • Retreats Training of Spiritual Directors Professional Days • Workshops Days/Evening of Recollection

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

www.sjbsea.org

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

3455 West Bangs Avenue Building 2 Neptune, NJ 07753 732-922-0550 www.theupper-room.org email: office@theupper-room.org Visit us on Facebook

Food

Nov. 20. Call or text (908) 391-0316 or thanksgivingdaydinner@gmail.com

OUR DIOCESE

Nov. 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges, will offer a Thanksgiving Day dinner.

Menu includes turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, stuffing, gravy, vegetables, cranberry sauce, bread and dessert. Meal delivery will be available to Neshanic, Branchburg and throughout Hunterdon County from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Takeout will be available at the Parish Hall between noon and 3 p.m. There will not be a sit-down dinner this year. All requests (delivery and take-out) must be made by

31

AROUND THE DIOCESE Programs

Since Life Choices, Phillipsburg, did not receive any applications for its Bishop Hughes Scholarship for the fall, the women’s health center has extended the deadline to Nov. 15. The Bishop Hughes Scholarship is $500 award to a parent returning to school.

More information and the application are available on the website at https:// lifechoicesonline.org/scholarship

DIOCESAN EVENTS DECEMBER 12/19 In-person Holy Hour for Vocations. 7 p.m., St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, 94 Somerset Street, New Brunswick. For more information contact Father Mauricio Tabera-Vasquez at vocations@diometuchen.org or Sister Anna Nguyen, SCC at anguyen@ diometuchen.org. All are invited.

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 included: Integrity, God’s Plan for sexuality, defending life in the black community, and fighting the legalization of assisted suicide. The ever- raging abortion debate was also addressed. Each session challenges participants to reflect on why, in each of these areas, our choices matter if we want to build a culture of life and love.

Not Forgotten Father Edmund A. Luciano III, right, parochial vicar, Parish of the Visitation, New Brunswick, poses with Catholic War Veterans and others at St. Mary of Mount Virgin worship site on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11, to remember and honor those who died in service to their country. Stan Hubbard, second from right, president of Catholic War Veterans, St. Sebastian Post 405, New Brunswick, led the service.

— Father Michael Fragoso photo

CLASSIFIED For information call: (732 )529-7934 • Fax: (732) 562-0969

TALK WITH TONY – On Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22 at 12:50 p.m., join Tony Varas, director of the Office of Worship for a 40 minute live online conversation. Liturgical topics will be chosen based upon requests from participants. Grab lunch and join in the discussion! There is no charge - but to foster a good discussion the number of participants will be limited. To register in advance contact tvaras@diometuchen.org LOVE AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR COUPLES, Nov. 23, Dec. 7, 21, at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom.

Participants are asked to purchase Dr. Edward Sri’s ‘Men, Women and the Mystery of Love.’ For more information and to join, contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins, at cdaverso@diometuchen.org.

ADVENT WITH MARY Nov. 28, Dec. 6, 13, 20 at 2:30 p.m. All women are invited to join in this virtual group to journey through the season of Advent through the eyes of the Blessed Mother.

Participants are asked to purchase Ascension Press’ ‘Rejoice! Advent Meditations with Mary’ journal. For more details and to join, please contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins, at cdaverso@ diometuchen.org.”

HELP WANTED

SCREEN REPAIR WINDOWS & DOORS Installation of Fiberglass screens for your doors and windows. Pick-up a n d d r o p o ff s e r v i c e s available. George & Sons: (908) 392-2677 FOR SALE H O LYA R T - R e l i g i o u s items and Church goods, made in Italy. www.holyart.com; +39 0522 1729582

HELP WANTED

NEED PRO - LIFE HOUSEMOTHERS

SHIFTS AVAILABLE - 7-3:30, 3-11:30, 11-7 Several Sources Shelters, a non-profit non-sectarian shelter for pregnant women is seeking kind, compassionate individuals, willing to serve God through those we help.

Drivers License required Reply to : Susan Harper - Lloyd, Email: susanharperlloyd@aol.com Or call: 201-819-4699 (M-F 9-5)

“Come, Follow me.”

(Mark 10:21)

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

If you think maybe . . . contact the Office of Vocations:

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

PER LINE CHARGES:

• 24 characters/line (approx)

$ 3.50 per line - 1 insertion

• 5 line minimum

$ 3.25 per line - 2 insertions

• All ads must be pre-paid

$ 3.00 per line - 3 insertions

• Credit cards accepted

$ 2.50per line - 4 or more insertions• Display classifieds quote upon request

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 19, 2020

LECTIO DIVINA, Mondays at 11 a.m. join faithful from around the diocese in a prayerful, virtual gathering of Lectio Divina, a method for praying with the Scriptures. As one reads and invites the Word to become a transforming lens that brings the events of daily living into focus, one can come to live more deeply and find the presence of God more readily in the events of each day. Start your week with prayer, community, and hope. To get the most out of these sessions, please remember to have your bible readily available. For the Zoom meeting information, please email ssharlow@diometuchen.org

REAL ESTATE

SELLING YOUR HOME? Call George Pantozzi, Broker/Sales Associate, Berkshire Hathaway NJ Properties for a complimentary market analysis. I also buy homes.

Cell: 908.392.2677; Office: 908.874.3400 ext 324.

RATES

DIOCESAN PROGRAMS 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

OUR DIOCESE

32

SPH-202185 SPPA FALL Ad 9.5x11.875.qxp_SPH-202185 SPPA FALL Ad 9.5x11.875 10/26/20 12:27 PM Page 1

Primary and specialty care doctors with one focus...you.

NOVEMBER 19, 2020 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Exceptional care and safety for exceptional times.

Saint Peter’s Physician Associates provides primary and specialty care throughout Central Jersey. Our physicians provide primary care and access to specialists in breast health, diabetes, gastroenterology, geriatrics, lung health, pediatrics, women’s health, surgery and more.

Our goal is to provide high-quality health care and access to cutting-edge technologies. Our surgeons are board-certified, trained in minimally invasive and robotic surgery for a shorter recovery time and faster return to normal daily activities.

To find a physician near you, visit SPPANJ.com

Safely treating you better...for life.

Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen