November 14, 2019

Vocation Awareness section offers first-hand accounts of journeys in humble service, pages 15 to 20

Catholic Spirit THE

NOVEMBER 14, 2019 • VOL. 24 NO. 20 • $2.00

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

Ave Maria

By Thomas J. Smith and Joanne Ward

For three days in late October, 78 pilgrims from the Diocese of Metuchen, led by Bishop James F. Checchio, went on a spiritual journey to Mexico. The pilgrimage was in preparation for the diocese’s consecration to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12, her feast day.

In 1531, the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Juan Diego and directed him to have a “temple” built so she could bring individuals to her son. Today the church, now the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, encompasses several devotional sites, such as Tepeyac, the original place where Our Lady appeared to St. Juan Diego, the original basilica and the “new Shrine,” constructed in 1976, that houses the “Tilma” of Juan Diego, which is emblazoned with the image of Our Lady as she appeared to him. The larger shrine was built to accommodate the nearly 300,000 pilgrims who annually come in a journey of love to visit Our Lady, who told us that “She is our mother.”

The diocese’s pilgrims arrived in Mexico City the evening of Oct. 20.

Early the next morning they headed first to the Church of Santiago, Tlatelolco, where Juan Diego was baptized, and then they attended Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Old Basilica.

Bishop Checchio presided at the Mass in the Shrine. In his homily he told the pilgrims, “Our encounters with God are sacred moments that should evoke humility, gratitude, reverence and praise. God is in control of our lives until He calls us home.

Continued on page 5

The “tilma” or poncho-like vestment of St. Juan Diego that bears the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe born on the very fabric of the interior tilma.

— Thomas Smith photo

INSIDE Perspectives Our Faith

Raising Awarenes

11 24-25

Around the Diocese

30

Diocesan Events

31

Classifieds

31

Diocese observes World Mission Sunday . . . 3 This issue was mailed on November 12 Your next issue will be November 28

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Trust God always, share Jesus with others

UP FRONT

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Bishop James Checchio As we enter this final month of preparation in our year of awakening before consecrating our diocese to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe, I want to share with you my opening homily from our pilgrimage to her shrine in Mexico City. I think it applies to all of us and can help us all prepare for the graces Mary wants to share with us: What a beautiful start to our pilgrimage with Mass here at the original shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe, which hosted the “Tilma” for almost 300 years until the new shrine was built in the 1970s. And what a joy it is to worship God here today and to thank Him for the gift of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Our Gospel today is the reading of Our Blessed Mother going in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth. When she arrived, Elizabeth recognized something extraordinary about Mary’s visit as John leapt in her womb. Incredibly, even in the womb, John was fired up to be in Jesus’ presence! So, Elizabeth immediately cried out “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb,” a prayer we say at least 50 times a day as we pray our daily rosary!

Elizabeth’s cry is the recognition of a sacred moment — a moment of encountering God and knowing that something incredible has just taken place. It calls forth humility, gratitude, reverence, and praise.

What a great moment! The prophets spoke

about how God would one day “visit” his people. Now, Elizabeth is “visited” by God present in Jesus in the womb of Mary, and Elizabeth recognizes that this encounter with her cousin is nothing ordinary at all – rather, it is a sacred moment.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, we too all have sacred moments when we realize that God has touched our lives in extraordinary ways. These are moments for us, like the encounter in the Gospel today, that evoke within us that same sense of humility, gratitude, reverence, and praise — moments when we realize and understand that God is in control of our lives … and always has been and always will be – until He calls us home. Moments when we know we are loved, forgiven, and not alone. We don’t live all day caught up in those “moments” but gratefully God does provide them for us every now and then to sustain our faith and invite us to trust the Lord during our difficult times as well.

Mary is declared “Blessed” by Elizabeth because she trusted that the Lord’s word to her would be fulfilled. Mary’s discipleship is defined by her confident trust in God’s promises.

It is easy for us to trust in the Lord’s promises when we are experiencing success and the praise of others. It can be difficult to trust in God’s promises when we asked to embrace sacrifice, confusion, disappointment, conflict and rejection. The enduring quality of Mary’s discipleship is that she trusted the Lord even when it meant accepting such difficulties.

Brothers and sisters, we too need such trust in the Lord, and our visit here today reminds us that our Mother Mary is the one who can help us to trust. We ask Mary to surround all of us with her maternal love and that she provide us with the graces we need to persevere and

The Bishop’s Appointments Bishop James F. Checchio recently announced the following assignments:

Rev. John Werner, from Parochial Vicar, St. Helena Parish, Edison, to LEAVE for training and ministry with the US Veterans Administration, effective November 1

NOVEMBER 14, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Rev. Joseph Kubiak, OFM Cap, from Parochial Vicar, St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia, to Parochial Vicar, St. Helena Parish, Edison, effective, November 9

Catholic Spirit THE

emulate her, who trusted in joyful moments like in today’s Gospel, but also in moments of darkness, confusion and evil, like when she held the body of her lifeless Son at the foot of the cross. Yes, Mary is a model of trust in God for all of us.

However, Mary is not just a model of trust for us, she is also a model of discipleship, as she is the first missionary – she hears from the Angel that Elizabeth, her cousin is pregnant with John the Baptist and she immediately goes to Elizabeth to share the good news of the Annunciation. She takes the Word within her and speaks that Word to Elizabeth. That Word brings life deep in Elizabeth’s person and being and John leaps in her womb.

That’s what we’re supposed to do as disciples as well my brothers and sisters in Christ – be missionaries who trust in God and receive the Word and then speak the Word in such a way that it gives life, meaning and hope to others. We are to be people of prayer, who speak and listen to God often.

Then, we are supposed to bring the presence of Christ to the world.

St. Juan Diego gives us good example of this as well. It was St. Juan Diego whom the Blessed Mother of Guadalupe asked to build a church so in it she could show her love, compassion, aid, and defense to all her children, especially the least among them. After seeing apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe in 1531, Juan Diego told the local Bishop of Mary’s visitations and her desire to have a church built where she appeared to him. In response to the bishop’s request that he ask Our Lady for a sign, Juan Diego went back to our Lady in prayer and implored the Virgin Mary to provide something to convince the bishop of her wishes.

The Virgin instructed him to gather flowers from the hillside, and even though roses in December are rare, he was able to fill his cloak with them. When Juan Diego returned to the bishop and opened his cloak, the fresh roses fell to the ground and miraculously revealed an imprint of Our Lady’s image on his “Tilma.”

Yes, Mary is pronounced blessed in the Gospels because she believed and acted on the Angel’s message – she didn’t go home and discuss it with her family or just write

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

The Bishop’s Schedule

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

The Catholic Spirit P.O. Box 191 • Metuchen, NJ 08840 PHONE: (732) 562-2424 • FAX: (732) 562-0969

about it in her journal – she acted on it. She trusted. She went to Elizabeth with it. Juan Diego was declared blessed by the Church, for he too took what he received from our Lord without fear or hesitation, and in faith presented it to the Bishop.

So, to whom do we need to go? Our year of spiritual awakening has prepared us to hear the Word of God too, to listen more attentively to Jesus. Perhaps we are being prepared for an encounter with Christ in a brother or sister who is in need, who is suffering from a loss or difficulty/tragedy in life. Perhaps our next prayer could be an encounter with a beggar, an immigrant, a person afraid or who is ill or lonely, even a stranger. Perhaps our next encounter with Christ will be with someone in our family or a friend, with whom we have had a conflict or disagreement and need to reconcile, or has fallen away from a faith filled relationship with Jesus in His Church. We are asked to be like Mary, and share the Word, the presence of Jesus in our lives. That is what discipleship is about; sharing the presence of Jesus in our lives. Perhaps our next encounter is just that we too live and witness to what we have received as faithful disciples of Jesus and His Church in a world which needs that witness greatly.

May our pilgrimage here at Guadalupe help us to trust God always, like Mary, then to share Jesus with others, as the first disciple, Our Blessed Mother did, as St. Juan Diego did, as he kick started a whole movement of evangelization in our Church.

Indeed, God has a purpose and a mission for each of us. He will share it with us through Mary. We are listening Mary; we are here!

As we prepare to consecrate ourselves and our diocese to Jesus through our Lady of Guadalupe, may we always follow Mary, may we too carry the love of God within us so that others will be astonished and filled with joy—and so together we ask our Blessed Mother’s help for us: Hail Mary, full of grace….

Nov. 16 5:30 p.m. Mass at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Hackettstown Nov. 17 8 a.m. Mass at St. Theodore Parish, Port Murray Nov. 17 10 a.m. Mass at Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Great Meadows Nov. 19 6 p.m. Solemn Vespers at the Cathedral of Saint Helena, Helena, Mont.

Nov. 20 2 p.m. Episcopal Ordination and Installation Mass of Bishop Austin Vetter at the Cathedral of Saint Helena, Helena, Mont.

Nov. 24 - Dec. 1 Ad Limina Visit to Rome with the Holy Father and the Roman Curia with Masses at the Papal Basilicas For updates on Bishop Checchio's schedule visit: http://diometuchen.org/bishop/schedule

Correction

In a story on page 23 of the Oct. 31 edition of “The Catholic Spirit,” the title for Father David V. Skoblow should have been administrator.

3

Image Week

of the SPECIAL FEATURE

Where in the diocese can it be found?

Mission Sunday, from Nagala to Metuchen

By Alex Lowe Correspondent METUCHEN – Young Catholics from the diocese were reminded that they can have an impact on the lives of others, whether it is at their school or for children thousands of miles away, at the diocese’s annual observance of World Mission Sunday.

Before the noon Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Oct. 20, a group of about 50 young people and adults gathered at the CYO Building gym, where they learned about the value of missionary work before embarking on a mile-long walkathon through the tree-lined streets of the city.

The light mist that fell from gray clouds did not dampen spirits of participants especially after inspirational

The image, which was featured on page 3 of the October 31 issue of The Catholic Spirit, can be found at Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish, Middlesex.

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

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.

NOVEMBER 14, 2019

Continued on page 9

Last issue's image...

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Father John G. Hillier, director of the Pontifical Missions Office poses for a photo with one of the young Holy Childhood poster winners.

speeches by Father John G. Hillier, Youth from sundry parishes participate director, diocesan Pontifical Missions in the mile-long walkathon around the Society; and Father George Kavas, a Cathedral in order to elicit missionvisiting missionary from Nagala, In- awareness. dia.

— John Batkowski photos In his presentation, Father Hillier told the participants, “Everything that you do is important.” in those circumstances you, as bap“When I was maybe eight-yearstized Catholics, must stand tall and be old,” he continued, “I wore braces on Christ for the others so that there may my legs to help them grow stronger never be children that are bullied.” and enable me to walk better. Each day Father Kavas spoke about what at recess the other kids would push me him to serve as a missionary at a time around. There were two teachers who when he doubted his faith. would have the kids make a line. One “When I was studying at the teacher offered ice cream while the seminary in India, I other teacher had a was having difficulbox, a Mission box. So ties. It was a rigorous instead of using their ". . . instead of program and I was money to purchase ice very discouraged,” he of using their cream, the kids who said. “I had decided to stood on this line could money to leave and I packed my put money in the box bags and headed for purchase ice for overseas missions home on the next train. meant for children As I sat in the train car cream, the kids from far away who had while it waited at one nothing.” who stood on of the station stops, I Father Hillier saw a scene unfold outthis line could said most of the time side the car. A very old he would get on the put money in lady, dressed in shabby line for ice cream, but torn cloth, very thin, the box for overgot pushed around or she was sitting there off the line by other seas missions. " eating from a leaf. In students. Sometimes, that leaf was left over —Father John G. when he made it to the food, scraps that had Hillier front of line, the ice been thrown out from cream was gone, so he the train. She was eathad to put his money in ing very slowly when the mission box. suddenly a little boy, wearing shorts Sometimes, he did get to the ice came to her with his hands extended. cream in time and did not put his She did not look at him. She began to money into the mission box. pack up her food. I thought maybe she “I tell the story only because you was taking it away with her. But then may know that in your schools chilshe looked up at the boy and gave him dren are sometimes bullied,” he said. the food she had packed up. My whole “It is important for you to know that

The winner is...

4 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 14, 2019

Bishop’s Annual Appeal surpasses $7.2 million goal

By Thomas J. Smith We reached our goal!!

The 2019 Bishop’s Annual Appeal has successfully reached and surpassed its $7.2 million goal. As of Nov. 8, $7,264,032 has been pledged from 23,444 families. Also, 98 percent of the money pledged has been redeemed, totaling $7,111,961 in cash collected.

As an extra incentive and to share in the success of the campaign, Bishop Checchio is again offering rebates to parishes that exceed their assigned goal. Fifty cents for every dollar collected over goal will be returned to the parish. This year $109,411 will be returned to the parishes that exceeded their goal to be used for local needs and ministries as determined by the pastor.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal is an important diocesan-wide effort. The funds from the appeal create a stronger church and supports diocesan-wide evangelization, catechesis and marriage preparation programs, forms our seminarians and provides basic necessities and counseling services for the poor and vulnerable.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal helps pay the tuition, room and board for the 22 seminarians currently studying and preparing to give their lives in priestly service of our local Church. Gifts to the appeal also support new Evangelization and Communication efforts with the goal of bringing Jesus Christ and His saving message to all people, especially to our young.

These diocesan ministries are developing new and innovative ways to reach people where they are – using new forms of modern communication – to invite, renew and invigorate the call to discipleship and friendship with Christ. In addition, $1.7 million of this year’s appeal, is earmarked for Catholic Charities so we can continue to serve those struggling for the basic necessities of food, housing and child care, as well as those suffering from mental anguish or addictions. Last year alone in our diocese, we served 51,000 people through Catholic Charities in more than 100 programs.

Each year, the Bishop’s Annual Ap-

How to report abuse

If you were sexually abused by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to law enforcement and/or by contacting 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/ report-a-suspected-abuse.

peal is based on the concept of “equal sacrifice and not equal giving.” The financial goal and 100 percent participation are

equally important. With the participation of every family, to the level of whatever each family can afford, we achieve our

Parish Name

Parish City

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

Raritan Perth Amboy New Brunswick Washington Three Bridges Bound Brook New Brunswick North Plainfield Bloomsbury North Plainfield Hillsborough Perth Amboy South Plainfield Old Bridge Port Reading Baptistown Monmouth Junction Piscataway Plainsboro Watchung South Bound Brook Whitehouse Station New Brunswick Belvidere South Plainfield Hampton Basking Ridge Peapack Bridgewater Woodbridge Edison Great Meadows Bound Brook Middlesex Sayreville Piscataway Warren South River Old Bridge South Amboy Carteret Blairstown Skillman Sayreville East Brunswick Perth Amboy Dunellen South River Edison Somerville Metuchen Port Murray Pittstown Martinsville Lambertville Hillsborough Perth Amboy Iselin Laurence Harbor Annandale Raritan Belvidere Flemington Milford High Bridge Kendall Park Colonia Avenel South Amboy Somerset South River Hackettstown Alpha Bridgewater Jamesburg Fords Bernardsville North Brunswick Matawan Milltown Spotswood Parlin Helmetta Carteret New Brunswick Highland Park Califon Manville Monroe Township Phillipsburg

1) Diocesan total includes gifts with no parish affiliation 2) Rebates are 50% of the amount collected over goal

Goal Amount Father Odorizzi $ 65,000 Monsignor Gordon $ 18,000 Monsignor Celano $ 50,000 Father Selvester $ 27,000 Father Serafin $ 127,000 Father Pringle $ 29,000 Father Nacarino $ 37,000 Monsignor Corona $ 28,000 Father Coruna $ 13,000 Father Farrell $ 33,000 Father Hilton $ 130,000 Father Ruiz $ 14,000 Father Tran $ 34,000 Father Johnson $ 85,000 Father Smith $ 24,000 Father Kaczynski $ 32,000 Father O'Connor $ 69,000 Father Considine $ 35,000 Father Paderon $ 151,000 Monsignor Benwell $ 297,000 Father Lee $ 35,000 Father Rusay $ 110,000 Monsignor Kerrigan $ 14,000 Father Pekola $ 11,000 Father Alvarado $ 95,000 Father Saharic $ 33,000 Monsignor Cronin $ 342,000 Monsignor Puleo $ 230,000 Monsignor Vashon $ 135,000 Monsignor Cicerale $ 63,000 Father Targonski $ 59,000 Father Podsiadlo $ 15,000 Father Stec $ 33,000 Father Skoblow $ 74,000 Father Murphy $ 48,000 Father Da Silva $ 80,000 Father Kenney $ 378,000 Father Szczepanik $ 19,000 Father Grimes $ 80,000 Father Weezorak $ 49,000 Father Shallow $ 25,000 Father Jandernoa $ 42,000 Monsignor Malovetz $ 124,000 Father Ryan $ 91,000 Father Walsh $ 173,000 Father Burdzy $ 24,000 Father Kariuki $ 32,000 Father Breen $ 33,000 Father Sirianni $ 157,000 Monsignor Brennan $ 179,000 Monsignor Zamorski $ 338,000 Father Tomiczek $ 7,000 Father Zalubski $ 38,000 Father Nolan $ 150,000 Father Kolakowski $ 125,000 Father Rozembajgier $ 166,000 Father Romanowski, C.Ss.R $ 23,000 Father Naduviledathu $ 64,000 Father Kehoe $ 30,000 Father Toborowsky $ 167,000 Father Kolibas $ 25,000 Father Pekola $ 29,000 Father Brighenti $ 158,000 Father Kaczynski $ 27,000 Rev. Kyrpczak $ 37,000 Father Lynam $ 146,000 Father Gloss $ 122,000 Father Kosmoski $ 41,000 Father Gromadzki $ 55,000 Father Orapankal $ 172,000 Father Gromadzki $ 42,000 Father Arockiadoss $ 45,000 Monsignor Lawler $ 54,000 Father Calia $ 69,000 Father Fragoso $ 90,000 Father Paratore $ 64,000 Father Siceloff $ 188,000 Father Krull $ 124,000 Father Carina $ 65,000 Father Czarcinski $ 59,000 Father O'Kane $ 85,000 Father Hagerman $ 58,000 Father Wieliczko $ 15,000 Father McGuffey $ 32,000 Father Chittilappilly $ 47,000 Father Lotha $ 48,000 Father Rusk $ 38,000 Father Slaby $ 52,000 Father Flanagan $ 88,000 Father Barbella $ 78,000 Total $ 7,200,000 Pastor Name

goal. Together we can set out with a spirit of hope and expectation to “Help Build a Civilization of Love.”

Total % Pledged Pledged $ 100,938 155.29 $ 25,953 144.18 $ 66,408 132.82 $ 35,746 132.39 $ 168,004 132.29 $ 35,189 121.34 $ 43,403 117.30 $ 32,740 116.93 $ 15,038 115.68 $ 38,065 115.35 $ 149,469 114.98 $ 16,052 114.65 $ 38,874 114.34 $ 96,879 113.98 $ 27,048 112.70 $ 36,031 112.60 $ 76,502 110.87 $ 38,320 109.49 $ 165,227 109.42 $ 323,643 108.97 $ 37,964 108.47 $ 117,584 106.89 $ 14,845 106.04 $ 11,655 105.95 $ 100,547 105.84 $ 34,648 104.99 $ 358,929 104.95 $ 240,966 104.77 $ 141,333 104.69 $ 65,904 104.61 $ 61,595 104.40 $ 15,652 104.35 $ 34,111 103.37 $ 76,311 103.12 $ 49,481 103.09 $ 82,267 102.83 $ 388,388 102.75 $ 19,465 102.45 $ 81,633 102.04 $ 49,956 101.95 $ 25,405 101.62 $ 41,691 99.26 $ 120,839 97.45 $ 87,678 96.35 $ 166,476 96.23 $ 23,040 96.00 $ 30,643 95.76 $ 31,428 95.24 $ 148,925 94.86 $ 168,087 93.90 $ 316,510 93.64 $ 6,550 93.57 $ 35,545 93.54 $ 139,975 93.32 $ 115,478 92.38 $ 153,122 92.24 $ 21,199 92.17 $ 57,707 90.17 $ 26,552 88.51 $ 147,694 88.44 $ 21,895 87.58 $ 25,337 87.37 $ 136,207 86.21 $ 23,181 85.86 $ 31,536 85.23 $ 124,220 85.08 $ 103,414 84.77 $ 34,727 84.70 $ 46,198 84.00 $ 144,330 83.91 $ 35,165 83.73 $ 37,459 83.24 $ 44,568 82.53 $ 56,570 81.99 $ 73,464 81.63 $ 52,075 81.37 $ 152,237 80.98 $ 100,282 80.87 $ 52,566 80.87 $ 47,667 80.79 $ 68,623 80.73 $ 46,499 80.17 $ 11,731 78.21 $ 24,894 77.79 $ 34,966 74.40 $ 35,202 73.34 $ 27,724 72.96 $ 36,508 70.21 $ 59,689 67.83 $ 48,246 61.85 $ 7,264,032 100.89

Total Paid $ 98,047 $ 24,768 $ 66,038 $ 35,171 $ 165,040 $ 34,949 $ 33,783 $ 32,590 $ 14,788 $ 36,115 $ 143,531 $ 16,007 $ 39,743 $ 93,512 $ 25,423 $ 36,031 $ 76,502 $ 37,782 $ 162,287 $ 317,318 $ 37,964 $ 115,044 $ 14,260 $ 11,030 $ 98,812 $ 34,598 $ 354,989 $ 234,591 $ 137,135 $ 62,392 $ 59,030 $ 15,652 $ 32,927 $ 73,421 $ 49,246 $ 79,443 $ 379,293 $ 19,465 $ 78,266 $ 48,853 $ 25,060 $ 41,309 $ 119,739 $ 85,923 $ 164,796 $ 22,895 $ 30,593 $ 28,988 $ 146,274 $ 161,715 $ 314,605 $ 6,500 $ 35,245 $ 138,406 $ 114,978 $ 152,106 $ 20,896 $ 57,525 $ 26,412 $ 133,990 $ 21,895 $ 24,862 $ 129,721 $ 22,854 $ 31,536 $ 123,163 $ 102,939 $ 34,130 $ 45,985 $ 144,330 $ 35,165 $ 37,204 $ 42,846 $ 53,395 $ 72,089 $ 51,070 $ 150,987 $ 98,957 $ 51,634 $ 45,734 $ 68,498 $ 46,374 $ 11,731 $ 23,668 $ 34,941 $ 34,627 $ 27,524 $ 36,298 $ 58,751 $ 46,996 $ 7,111,961

Rebate

Donors

$ $ $ $ $ $

16,524 3,384 8,019 4,085 19,020 2,975

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

2,295 894 1,557 6,766 1,003 2,871 4,256 711 2,016 3,751 1,391 5,644 10,159 1,482 2,522 130 15 1,906 799 6,495 2,296 1,068

$ $

15 326

$

623

$ $

646 233

$

30

$ 115,906

259 236 140 174 433 180 330 90 75 188 440 88 178 522 218 92 224 169 265 220 168 421 75 49 394 202 632 265 460 388 362 93 138 410 287 362 363 43 431 318 135 130 299 371 527 151 159 211 383 412 657 39 113 397 205 489 184 317 141 387 96 146 470 107 119 455 456 249 237 353 163 157 275 225 251 305 217 183 256 307 341 211 71 197 149 171 92 291 375 246 23,444

the pilgrims, “We need to take the Let us look to Mary as a model of trust love of Jesus upon us and bear our and discipleship.” own crosses. In the Eucharist Jesus After Mass, the pilgrims were able gives us Himself. It is the place where get on a conveyor belt which slowly took Jesus refreshes us. Listen to the invitathem past the “Tilma,” where our Lady’s tion. Grow closer to Jesus through the image was miraculously imprinted in help of Saint Francis and Our Lady of 1531. “Seeing the “Tilma” in person was Guadalupe.” Saint Francis, the deacon spiritually transforming and emotionally noted, is the secondary patron of the overwhelming,” stated Nick Grippo, who Diocese of Metuchen. worships at St. Matthias Parish, SomerWhile in Puebla, the pilgrims set. also visited the city’s cathedral, St. From the Shrine, the pilgrims Dominic’s Church and its Chapel of hiked up to the top of Tepeyac, the Our Lady of the Rosary.

Mountain of the Nose, where they Reflecting on the first two days of visited the Chapel of the Apparition the pilgrimage, Grippo said, “We are where Our Lady of having an amazing trip.

Guadalupe appeared to This spiritual journey Juan Diego. has been totally ful“We are continuAt the foot of the filling and rewarding. ing to pray for Tepeyac mountain, The Shrine of Our one of the diocese’s Lady of Guadalupe all the people pilgrims, Marianne was unbelievable.” He of our diocese Joy, a member of Imadded, “We’re praymaculate Conception ing for everyone back especially those Parish, Somerville, home in the Diocese of spoke about her affecMetuchen. Can’t wait we have committion for Our Lady of to see everyone again ted ourselves to Guadalupe. “Coming and to continue our here has been on my journey together.” pray for, and in bucket list for a long The third and final a special way for time,” she said. “Years day of the diocese’s ago I had the traveling pilgrimage began with the renewal of image of Our Lady in a message from Father my home and took a Christy to the folks our diocese and photo of it. Only after back home. He told greater faith.” looking at my photo them, “We are continu—Father Timothy A. did I notice light pouring to pray for all the ing out of her Immacupeople of our diocese Christy, V.G. late heart. That picture especially those we hangs on my wall to have committed ourthis day,” she stated. selves to pray for and At dinner that evening Father in a special way for the renewal of our Timothy A. Christy, diocesan vicar diocese and greater faith.” general, asked Jesus to tell everyone, At Mexico’s National Cathedral “how You desire us to be a blessing dedicated to the Virgin Mary under her for others.” title of the Assumption, the pilgrims On the second day of their pil- knelt before the altar of Our Lady grimage, the diocese’s pilgrims took of Guadalupe. Then Father Christy an excursion to Puebla, known as presided at Mass in the Cathedral’s Mexico’s most beautiful city. As they Chapel of the Holy Souls. He said the started on the three hour trip, Bishop Mass was being offered for St. John Checchio urged the pilgrims: “Re- Paul II, founder of the Metuchen diospond to the call. Be disciples.” Then cese, “to ask for his special intercesasked the Lord to, “Bless our families. sion upon our renewal efforts.”

Give us your protection as we travel.

During his homily at the Mass, Accompany us as we pray for the in- Father Christy said, “What we do in tercession of Our Mother.” the days of our Pilgrimage are meant Arriving in Puebla in the early af- to focus on where we are going in life. ternoon, the pilgrims’ first stop was at St. John Paul II writes that he was Saint Francis of Assisi Church. Here aware he needed other people like they prayed the Joyful Mysteries of family, church, teachers and friends in the Rosary before Mass in the Chapel order to get to God. We are here in this of Blessed Sebastian Aparicio whose chapel today because someone shared incorrupt body lies in a glass casket their faith with us. On our journey to behind the altar. Bishop Checchio God the intention in how we do things presided at the Liturgy and Deacon is the key. What we are entrusted with Frank Sinatra, who ministers at St. from God we are to give back with James Parish, Basking Ridge, gave the greater love.” homily. The Mass was offered for the In the afternoon the pilgrims visintentions of families and friends in ited Holy Family Church, where they the diocese. viewed the tomb of Father Miguel In his homily Deacon Sinatra told Agustin Pro, a Jesuit martyr, before

5

Diocesan pilgrimage to Guadalupe led by Bishop Checchio Continued from front page

OUR DIOCESE — Thomas Smith photos

returning to Mexico City and the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

For Bishop Checchio and the clergy on the pilgrimage, the return visit to the Shrine brought a rare privilege. They were allowed into a special room reserved for clergy to view the “Tilma” close up for a few moments of quiet prayer. Father Christy called the opportunity, “so special, an unexpected grace,” He added, “Thank you for all your prayers. We will offer up all your intentions as well as pray for the renewal of our diocese and our Church.

The bishop and the clergy then

met with Msgr. Diego Monroy, rector emeritus of the Shrine of Guadalupe.

He told them about St. Pope John Paul II’s visit to Guadalupe in the first year of his pontificate. “He experienced a period of ecstasy in prayer…which he felt was the presence of the Virgin. He experienced her tenderness, her great desire to be our Mother. He felt deeply in that moment that she had come to give birth to her Son in the Americas. He felt compelled to proclaim her “Mother of the Americas,” Msgr.

Monroy said, adding, “Pope John Paul insisted that his experience in Guadalupe Continued on next page

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 14, 2019

Clockwise from top, a group picture of all the pilgrims on the final day of the journey at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Right, Father Tiimothy A. Christy, diocesan vicar general, prays in the Chapel of the Apparition, at the top of Tepeyac Mountain. Left, Bishop James F. Checchio delivers his homiiy at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

6 OUR DIOCESE

Pilgrims travel to where devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe began Continued from previous page

affected his entire Petrine ministry of evangelization.”

That night, after the pilgrims recited the Rosary, Bishop Checchio spoke to them. “Let us pray that the whole Diocese of Metuchen is wrapped in the “Tilma.” That’s my

prayer. That we are all sheltered by Our Mother. Let us consecrate the diocese. Let us set apart the diocese for its sacred use that is to ask the Blessed Mother to bring us to her Son.” The next day, as the pilgrims headed home, Father Christy gave a final blessing ending with, “We pray that the blessings

we have received here [in Guadalupe] will go deep within our hearts, change us and set us on fire for the Gospel.”

Thomas J. Smith, director, diocesan Office of Stewardship and

Development, took photos at the pilgrimage and posted them in real time on Facebook along with captions and quotes. The story above is based on those posts.

Clockwise from above, Bishop James F. Checchio (fourth from left) and clergy from the diocese meet with Msgr. Diego Monroy (third from left), rector emeritus, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Also shown, from left, Father Ronald I. Jandernoa, Oratorian Brother John Fredy Triana Beltran, Father Timothy A. Christy, Father Robert G. Gorman and Father John F. Primich. Pilgrims from the Diocese of Metuchen hike to the top of Tepeyac to visit the Chapel of the Apparition, where Our Lady appeared to Juan Diego.

— Thomas J. Smith photos

NOVEMBER 14, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Hospital recognized for commitment to treating stroke patients NEW BRUNSWICK — Saint Peter’s University Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.

The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital, which is sponsored by the diocese, earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions

“Saint Peter’s University Hospital is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke initiative,” said Linda Carroll, MSN, RN-BC, vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer at the hospital. “The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidencedbased clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”

In 2009, Saint Peter’s University Hospital was designated as a primary stroke center by the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services. A primary stroke center is the first line of defense in diagnosing and treating stroke and preventing or minimizing permanent brain damage to the patient. To receive this designation, Saint Peter’s had to meet certain criteria including: a specialized stroke team available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, the hospital has, as required, computed tomography (CT) scanning or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capabilities and

a laboratory equipped and available to perform testing 24/7.

Saint Peter’s offers a stroke rehabilitation program that helps patients recover from the effects of stroke by relearning skills and developing new ways to do things so that they may regain as much independence and quality of life as possible. Patients have access to a trained team of specialists that includes rehab nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, registered dietitians, social workers, chaplains, psychologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists and case managers.

Get With The Guidelines is the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s hospitalbased quality improvement program that provides hospitals with tools and resources to increase adherence to the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal of saving lives and hastening recovery, Get With The Guidelines has touched the lives of more than six million patients since 2001. For more information, visit heart.org.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, is a 478-bed acute-care teaching hospital. Saint Peter’s is a state-designated children’s hospital and a regional perinatal center, and is a regional specialist in diabetes, gastroenterology with a specialized Heartburn and Reflux Center, oncology, orthopedics, and women’s services. The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital provides families with access to a full range of pediatric specialties, including a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, pediatric surgery and orthopedic surgery featuring innovative anterior scoliosis correction surgery.

The hospital offers a midwifery service and has plans to open a brandnew state-of-the-art Birth Center in Fall 2019. Saint Peter’s is a sponsor of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and internal medicine, and is a major clinical affiliate with Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

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

SPH-192072 Birth Center Open Ad Cath Spir 9.5x11.875.qxp_SPH-192072 Birth Center Open Ad Cath Spir 9.5x11.875.qxp 11/6/19 11:01 AM Page 1

7 OUR DIOCESE

A home-like birthing experience.

The Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center The only hospital-based birth center in New Jersey Women experiencing a low-risk pregnancy who are looking for more natural options for their birthing experience can be cared for by our certified nurse-midwives. The new Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center at Saint Peter’s University Hospital provides an alternative, home-like birthing option for women. With a separate street entrance and dedicated space, our birthing suites resemble bedrooms and feature a queen-size bed, large spa-size tub, and shower, all in a relaxing décor.

To learn more or to make an appointment with a midwife, call 732.339.7879 or visit saintpetershcs.com/midwifery

Sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 14, 2019

From pregnancy through birth, our midwives will support you in the way you want to experience the birth of your child.

You may choose to move around freely, use birthing tools, immerse yourself in water for comfort, and get the support you need to birth without medication.

8 OUR DIOCESE

Catholic Charities opens Community House on site of St. Thomas OLD BRIDGE — Community House at St. Thomas, which is managed by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM), is licensed by the Department of Community Affairs as a shared residence for eight adults with disabilities who are self-directed and mentally competent.

“The residents of Community House live as a family, in a home that fosters independence, allowing the residents to integrate into the greater community while living in the least restrictive, supportive environment,” said CCDOM Supervisor Susan Kuzma.

Kuzma expressed pride in the accomplishments of all of the residents at Community House. Resident Christina Knorr described her journey of overcoming obstacles to gain independence and earn a bachelor’s degree.

“Moving to Community House for me has been quite an incredible story and journey,” she said. “I never thought that I would end up living here, much less earn my bach-

elor degree from Rutgers University.

“When I moved in, in 2015, I never saw myself going and earning my degree.

For a year I looked for a job and came up against several barriers, one being not having enough education.

“Community House is much more than a place to live where you need to spend 20 hours out of the house doing something. It is a place where you are pushed and encouraged to figure out who you are and what you want to make of yourself, and provides a safe place to make your mistakes and figure that out…Being accepted into this program has changed my life for the better, given me direction and opportunities, and has been the first step in creating my life as I want it to be.”

Community House at St. Thomas is home to people who would otherwise have remained in long-term care, welfare hotels and inappropriate placements. Community House promotes independence and personal growth by supplying affordable, accessible housing along with the supports necessary

for those with disabilities to become part of the greater community.

Last year Community House at St. Thomas made a difference in the lives of six adults with physical disabilities.

More information about Community House at St. Thomas can be found on the agency’s website: http://www.communityhouse-saintthomas.com/.

Last year, CCDOM served more than 50,000 people through over 100 programs in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen Supervisor Susan Kuzma, right, recently posed with Christina Knorr, a resident of Community House at St. Thomas, Old Bridge, outside the facility. Community House promotes independence and personal growth by supplying affordable, accessible housing along with the supports necessary for those with disabilities to become part of the greater community.

—Tina Foley photo

Agency awarded Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission PERTH AMBOY – For the 21st consecutive year, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in behav-

ioral health care.

Catholic Charities first achieved accreditation in January 1998. This year marks another year of accreditation for Catholic Charities in all services surveyed under the Commission’s Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Behavioral Health Care.

NOVEMBER 14, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Parker at Somerset Post-Acute Rehabilitation

“We are proud to continue to participate in the Accreditation process. The Joint Commission’s standards focus on important functions that are essential to providing safe, high-quality care,” said Julio Coto, acting executive director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen. “We rely on this rigorous process to measure, assess and improve our performance on an ongoing basis. Because it is a voluntary process, it is a testament to our agency’s commitment to excellence in service delivery.”

The Joint Commission’s behavioral health care standards address important functions relating to the care of individuals served, and the management of behavioral health care organizations. Catholic Charities’ accreditation was awarded after undergoing a demanding onsite survey

completed May 10, 2019.

Compliance with behavioral health care standards related to care, treatment, services, environment of care, leadership, and screening procedures were evaluated.

Onsite observations and interviews also were conducted. Catholic Charities demonstrated compliance in meeting in depth performance standards in the delivery of quality, safe care.

Last year, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, served 50,000 people from all walks of life, all races, all religions, and all economic levels, through more than 100 programs in the counties served by the diocese — Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren.

More information about the agency’s programs can be found on its website, www.ccdom.org.

CMS

Five-Star Quality Rating

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From left, Julio Coto, acting executive director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen (CCDOM); Nora Dixon, Quality/Accreditation Manager, The Joint Commission; and Marci Booth, director, Programs, CCDOM, pose with a certificate indicating CCDOM received accreditation in all services surveyed under The Joint Commission’s Comprehensive Accreditation Manual for Behavioral Health Care.

— photo courtesy of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen

perspective changed. I thought to myself that if this old, thin lady who clearly had nothing in life, was able to share the very little food she had with this little boy then what am I doing here running away from my problems?

“Within a month I had gone back to the seminary where I took the motto of the pelican bird that pierces its own heart to feed its young with its very blood.”

The walkathon was meant to mimic the long walks that many children from less developed countries have to make in order to attend Mass.

The participants were comprised of young people who bore crosses and held up posters as they marched. Father Kavas joined them on the walk.

Upon completion of the walk, Father Hillier led the group in praying “Hail Holy Queen” on the Cathedral steps before going inside for Mass, where he presided at the liturgy and

gave the homily.

“You are the ones who are making a difference in the lives of others,” said Father Hillier. “Imagine that. Because of you, some other person in this world will have their lives changed.”

During the Mass, diocesan schools and religious education programs were recognized for their commitment to missions.

In addition, a presentation of Pontifical Mission Societies’ Missionary Childhood Association awards was held.

For outstanding commitment, generosity and sacrifice to the Church’s Missionary activity: (schools) St. Helena, Edison; St. Matthew, Edison; St. Francis Cathedral, Metuchen; (religious education programs) Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bernardsville; St. Helena, Edison, St. Bernadette, Parlin.

At a reception, the faithful were invited to share in a rice and water dish like those eaten by children in less privileged countries.

OUR DIOCESE

Continued from page 3

9

Diocese observes Mission Sunday

Giving Thanks Bishop James F. Checchio (left) is introduced to a military veteran by Father Kenneth R. Murphy, pastor, St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Sayreville, during the bishop’s visit to St. Stanislaus School for an assembly to honor veterans Nov. 6.

Above, veterans applaud after a song sung by some students.

— Frank Wojciechowski photos

Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology

Grow in your Faıth

Clockwise, top, Father John G. Hillier presides at Mass in the cathedral. A family carries a picture of a missionary walking in a Corpus Christi procession.

Father George Kavas, from Nagala, India, speaks to the children about his youth. Adults and children pray the rosary during the walkathon.

— John Batkowski photos

Learn more about David and how you can begin taking courses as early as this spring at www.shu.edu/spirit-courses

“I knew ICSST would be a place that would nourish my faith and challenge me intellectually.”

David Hajduk, Ph.D. Director of Mission and Ministry, Delbarton School

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 14, 2019

Preparing men and women for ministry and leadership in the Church today, ICSST offers graduate theology programs and courses such as Secularism and Catholicism and Scriptural Models of the Holocaust .

10 OUR DIOCESE NOVEMBER 14, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Thank a military veteran for service to our country

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, Managing Editor Reflecting on the Gospel of this past Sunday — and Jesus assurance that “God is not the God of dead but of the living. All are alive for him” (Lk 20:38), I could not but view these words in the light of Veterans’ Day, which we celebrated Nov. 11.

My mind immediately goes to the American troops who have served in World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. Most fulfilled their military deployments and returned safely home after their tours of duty. Some, however, were physically injured, others returned with mental disabilities.

Then, there were the casualties of war — all those countless men and women who never returned home.

While we should not confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day — how can we isolate one from the other? All of us honor our veterans and our active troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, but these wars have left thousands of American casualties in their wake and this fact has to elicit some reaction out of us.

Regardless of how we differ politically — all of us do have this in common: We feel horrible when we hear that another troop has been injured, is suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome or has been killed. In moments such as these, all of us have to ask: “Where is God in all of this?” and “How could God let this happen?”

We may never fully know why God allows evil to occur in our lives.

Some theologians postulate that God is not all powerful as we imagine him. Others contend that God creates us and then just watches what we do

Left, World War II D-Day veterans from Britain and the United States attend a ceremony June 4 at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The 75th anniversary of D-Day was June 6. Right, a woman expresses her gratitude for the service of U.S. military veterans as she watches New York City's Veterans Day parade Nov. 11, 2018.

— (CNS photo/Gregory A. Shemitz and CNS photo/Christian Hartmann, Reuters)

with the world he gave us. Still oth- tenets of our faith, as a people of hope, ers portray God as respectful of our we have chosen to trust in God’s all divine image and, powerful love. in particular, our Why? Because, we No matter what happens believe that just freedom. We may never understand to us, no one or thing can as God vindicated why God allowed the horrible death destroy God’s love for us, of Jesus, so will so many American veterans to suffer vindicate the not even injuries, disabili- he injuries or die in casualties of war combat. However, ties or death sustained in with new life. Just as Christians, we as God proclaimed believe two things fighting the wars in Iraq or his crucified and about God: he does Afghanistan can separate risen Son, Lord of not interfere with Lords, giving him these troops from God’s the use of our freepower over heaven dom and, secondly, and earth, so God love or his life.

God is with us in will proclaim these our suffering. fallen heroes heirs Even though we do not claim to to eternal life, beneficiaries of heaven, have all the answers to all the ques- where there is no more sorrow, no tions, which sometimes eclipse the more fear, no more separations.

When Jesus promises that no one will harm a hair of our head, he is speaking about our relationship with God. No matter what happens to us, no one or thing can destroy God’s love for us, not even injuries, disabilities or death sustained in fighting the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan can separate these troops from God’s love or his life.

Regardless of how we feel about our American presence in Afghanistan or Syria, all of us are in agreement about the need to thank all our veterans at least once a year. Certainly, all of us agree that we need to thank God for all our blessings at least once a year.

Their valor, selflessness and untold sacrifices help us to continue to believe, to hope and to love the God whose ways may be mysterious but whose presence and care for all his children are steadfast.

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O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on your departed veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country.

Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Son they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in you with your saints forever.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Year of Consecrated Life

By Sister Constance Veit, l.s.p.

As a Catholic, John Henry Newman became a priest, founded the London Oratory and wrote many scholarly texts. He was named to the College of Cardinals by Pope Leo XIII, who called him “my Cardinal.”

Contemporary writer and speaker Bishop Robert Barron calls Newman “the greatest Catholic theologian since Aquinas.”

Cardinal Newman was not only known for his intellect, or even his exemplary piety.

His letters and diaries reveal that he was a warm, gentle and thoughtful man devoted to family, friends and those he served. He possessed a great capacity for love along with his extraordinary mind, even choosing as his episcopal motto, “heart speaks unto heart.”

What intrigues me about John Henry and our early Little Sisters. They did not Newman and his canonization is this study or write about their Christian faith. blending of intellect and heart. From all They lived it – simply but uncompromisthe writings that the Pope could have ingly – striving to love Jesus Christ with quoted in his canonization homily, Fran- their whole heart and to continue his life cis chose the following description of and virtues on earth through their humble holiness penned by the new Saint: “The mission of hospitality to the elderly.

Christian has a deep, siIn a sermon given lent, hidden peace, which while he was still an AnWhat intrigues the world sees not … glican, Newman asserted me about The Christian is cheerful, that personal influence easy, kind, gentle, courteis the only real means of John Henry ous, candid, unassuming; propagating the faith. He Newman and has no pretense … with said that it is impossible to so little that is unusual or the moral his canonization underestimate striking in his bearing that power of a single individual he may easily be taken at is this blending who practices the Gospel first sight for an ordinary within his own circle over of intellect and the course of years. The man.”

Newman’s convic“inspired Word” would be heart. tion that there was nothing nothing but a dead letter, he “ordinary” about being a asserted, unless transmitted Christian is striking. I suspect that many from one person to another through perof us tend to take the extraordinariness of sonal influence. our Christian vocation for granted.

Though a Christian may be unknown I find it equally striking that Cardi- to the world, “within the range of those nal Newman described the qualities of a who see him, he will become the object of Christian in such ordinary, unremarkable feelings different in kind from those which terms. To be easygoing, cheerful, kind or mere intellectual excellence excites,” he courteous does not seem particularly re- preached. markable – but to be so in season and out “In each age … we shall read of tuof season, with friends and enemies alike, mult and heresy, and hear the complaint of does require heroic virtue. good men marveling at what they conceive Such was the life of our foundress to be the especial wickedness of their own

times,” he continued, suggesting that we should be satisfied with our humble place in life, so long as we are instruments of good to those who know us personally.

Those “commonly held in popular estimation are greatest at a distance,” he said with wry insight. “They become small as they are approached. But the attraction, exerted by unconscious holiness, is of an urgent and irresistible nature; it persuades the weak, the timid, the wavering, and the inquiring; it draws forth the affection and loyalty of all who are in a measure like-minded; and over the thoughtless or perverse multitude it exercises a sovereign compulsory sway …”

How consoling these words are! We don’t have to be famous to make a difference in our world – we have only to live the Gospel wherever God has placed us!

This was the “unconscious” yet effective holiness of Saint Jeanne Jugan and our first Little Sisters.

Referring to Newman’s famous poem, Lead Kindly Light, Pope Francis concluded his canonization homily with these words: “Let us ask God to be ‘kindly lights’ amid the encircling gloom.” What a beautiful admonition for us as the dark days of winter approach – let’s strive to be kindly lights in our own circle of family, friends and neighbors!

Sister Constance Veit is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.

PERSPECTIVES

Pope Francis named John Henry Cardinal Newman a Catholic saint last month. Newman was a contemporary of our foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan, and probably knew our early communities in England. He grew up and was educated in the Church of England, and for many years flourished as a prominent Anglican preacher and intellectual before converting to Catholicism in 1845.

11

We only have to live Gospel wherever God has placed us

Like Sister de Lourdes and Sister Florence Kruczek (right), 91, some 30,000 senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests have spent their lives doing the Lord’s work. Most served for little or no pay, and now their religious communities do not have enough retirement savings. Your gift to the Retirement Fund for Religious offers vital support for necessities, such as medications and nursing care. Please be generous.

Retirement Fund for Religious

Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

Please give at your local parish.

To donate by mail: National Religious Retirement Office/MET 3211 4th Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194 Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

retiredreligious.org ©2019 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: Jim Judkis

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 14, 2019

“ Live with good humor and just do the Lord’s work,” says Franciscan Sister de Lourdes Okoniewski (left), 87.

Roughly 94 percent of donations aid senior religious.

12 OUR DIOCESE

World Day of Poor is reminder to encounter needy rural communities.

Nov. 17 marks the third annual As the leaves change color and the World Day of the Poor, a day when air turns crisp, we look forward to Pope Francis reminds us “that the the Thanksgiving Holiday, a day of poor are not statistics to be counted, but people to be encounfeasting, football and tered.” In his World Day family and a time for of the Poor message, us to give thanks for ". . . the poor the Holy Father reflects the many blessings we share. Sadly, more than need our hands, on Psalm 9:19, “The hope of the poor will 40 million Americans to be lifted up; not perish forever.” He live in poverty and are considers the suffering not able to afford basic our hearts, to of millions of people necessities, including who experience poverty, housing, utilities, food, feel anew the noting that they mainclothing and healthcare, warmth of tain hope in the Lord in let alone Thanksgiving a very real way because dinner. Last year, in the affection . . . in he assures them of his United States, one of the a word, they faithfulness. world’s richest counPope Francis chaltries, one in every six need love." lenges us to be authentic children lived in pov—Pope Francis witnesses of Christian erty and the poverty rate hope and to accompany among seniors was near the poor through a per10 percent. sonal and constant comHow many of us mitment. Here are some have driven by an unkempt, unshaven man on the street ways we can respond to this challenge: • Pray for the Poor – Try praycorner holding a sign saying, “Out of Work – Anything will Help,” sad- ing with the news. As you see headlines dened to think that people are poor of things happening around the world, even in our own neighborhoods? In pray for the people in these stories.

• Practice the Corporal Works fact, poverty touches millions of families everywhere from our cities to our of Mercy – The Corporal Works of

By Jennifer Ruggiero

Mercy serve as a model for how we can care for our neighbors in need.

They call us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless, visit the sick and imprisoned, bury the dead, give alms to the poor.

• Make Caring for the Poor Part of Your Buying – One way to support low-income workers is to buy things you use regularly from organizations that pay a fair wage. For instance, for coffee and tea look for a fair trade label. This ensures that farmers who harvest the coffee and tea are paid fairly and work in safe conditions.

• Learn about Causes of Poverty and Work for Change – There are many reasons why people around the world get trapped into poverty such as lack of jobs, low wages, disabilities.

We can raise our voices to promote public policy that addresses these and other causes. For more information visit: https://www.confrontglobalpoverty.org/ • Support the Church’s Outreach to the Poor – Contribute to the

Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl during Lent.

• Join or Form a Parish Social Concerns Committee – These committees organize food pantries and meals for those in need on the local level.

Most importantly, Pope Francis tells us “that the poor need more than our offer of a warm meal or a sandwich…the poor need our hands, to be lifted up; our hearts, to feel anew the warmth of affection; our presence, to overcome loneliness. In a word, they need love.”

As missionary disciples, let us take time this month to work to cultivate within ourselves the virtues of generosity, patience and kindness. Let us pray that we can be instruments of hope to those in need; that we have ears to hear their cries; that we have a voice to speak out in love and acceptance and feet to walk in solidarity beside them.

Ruggiero is secretary, diocesan Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life

NOVEMBER 14, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Distinguished Guests

From left, Knight of the Year James Padden, Deputy Director Joseph Nisky, Officer Christopher Esteves, Firefighter John Dimitakis, Chief Howie Bauer, Grand Knight Emil Ferlicchi and Walter Pazinski Award winner Steve Hatola pose at a recent Corporate Communion breakfast for Our Lady of Peace Knights of Columbus Council 9199. The Council presented its annual Shield Awards to an outstanding Woodbridge Township police officer and a Fords Volunteer Firefighter. Nisky nominated officer Christopher Esteves for his outstanding service to the community. Officer Esteves was a former Corrections Officer and has been on the Woodbridge Police Department for four years. He was the “Officer of the Quarter” for the second quarter of 2019. The award is a reflection of Esteves’ commitment to the community, as well as his service and productivity. Fords Fire Department Chief Howie Bauer nominated volunteer fireman John Dimitakis, who joined the department in 2006. He became the department’s chief in 2014 and is one of the most active first responders. Past Grand Knight William Herring awarded the Knight of the Year for 2017-2018 to Past Green Knight Ed Delaney, posthumously. Other awards presented by Ferlicchi were the 2018-2019 Walter Pazinski Award for volunteerism to Hatola and the 2018-2019 Knight of the Year to Padden. The Council also presented a $1,000 donation to Our Lady of Peace Church, which was accepted by Father Virgilio Tolentino, and a donation of $200 to the Council’s One On One Program, which was accepted by Kate Devane.

— photo courtesy of Our Lady of Peace Knights of Columbus Council 9199

ty will reflect upon during the next three careful consideration” and “if advantayears. Upon completion of their reflec- geous for the good of souls,” permission to use the older tion, the community ritual in the adminwill discern what its “There is a growing desire istration of Baptism, next steps will be and will bring those among Catholics who wish Marriage, Penance, proposals to the and Anointing of the Sick. At the Bishop for his con- to worship in the Extraorditime, “Sumsideration. It is posnary Form. To address the same morum Pontificum” sible the community may wish to request real unity of those persons provided that bishbeing established as ops may establish “personal parishes” a “quasi-parish” or who desire the celebration a “personal parish” of the Mass in the Extraor- or appoint chaplains for administering in accord with the Code of Canon Law dinary Form, I’ve entrusted the sacraments acand as envisioned in cording to the older to the members of the form.

Pope Benedict XVI’s “I have asked Motu Proprio, “Sum- Congregation of the Oratory Father Peter Cebmorum Pontificum,” of St. Philip Neri, to reflect which expanded and ulka of the Raritan simplified the per- and discern the future plans Congregation of the Oratory, which folmissions to celebrate the whole liturgy ac- for the Shrine Chapel during lows the charisms of St. Philip Neri, cording to the norms the next three years.” of the Extraordinary to assume the pas—Bishop James F. Checchio toral responsibility Form. of the Shrine in its Apart from the celebration of Mass, Pope Benedict XVI discernment and further establishment also authorized pastors to grant, “after of this form of the sacred liturgy,” said

FESTIVAL of TREES

Bishop Checchio.

Father Peter R. Cebulka, C.O., Provost of the Congregation of the Oratory in Raritan, will succeed Father Robert G. Gorman, who has served as the rector of the Shrine since 2015.

“With the implementation of the classical education approach at St. Ann School, my ministry at the school and, now, my ministry at the Shrine naturally go hand-in-hand,” said Father Cebulka.

“The renewal at the school is encouraging students to discover the organic unity of all creation, leading with wonder and awe, to return to the true purpose of education – and with the expansion of ministerial opportunities at the Shrine will hopefully lead to more rich opportunities to grow in wonder and awe with the Sacred Liturgy.”

The Shrine was constructed in the 1850’s as the original church of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, now in Bridgewater, but was later designated as the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament when the parish center was relocated.

“The Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament is of great importance and is

VOCATIONS

RARITAN BOROUGH — Bishop James F. Checchio has recognized a “certain group of the faithful” who desire to celebrate the sacraments according to the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.

This recognition builds upon the already existing community that has worshipped at the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Raritan. The Bishop has appointed a new rector for the Shrine Chapel, one of the oldest church structures in the Diocese of Metuchen. This new recognition inaugurates a three-year discernment process to assess the further needs and desires of those Catholics who seek to worship in the Extraordinary Form and to be nourished by its spirituality.

“There is a growing desire among Catholics who wish to worship in the Extraordinary Form,” said Bishop Checchio. “To address the real unity of those persons who desire the celebration of the Mass in the Extraordinary Form, I’ve entrusted to the members of the Congregation of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, to reflect and discern the future plans for the Shrine Chapel during the next three years.”

Bishop Checchio has delineated a set of criteria from which the communi-

13

New rector appointed, community established to lead Shrine

Continued on page 31

MORVEN MUSEUM & GARDEN

2 19

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November 27, 2019– January 5, 2020

Special Evening Hours until 8:00 p.m.

Thursdays, December 12 & 19

Events:

• Holiday Party Thursday, December 5, 5:30–8:30 p.m.

For more information and tickets visit morven.org/upcoming-events and morven.org/festival-of-trees

5 5 STO C KTO N ST R E E T, P R I N C E TO N , N J 0 8 5 4 0

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M O RV E N .O RG

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 14, 2019

• The Gift of Art: Botanical Illustration Workshop Tuesday, December 3, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• Gingerbread House Workshops Saturday, December 7, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for kids and families; 7:00 p.m. for adults only • Holiday Tea Party with the Governors’ Girls Thursday, December 12, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

• PJ Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Festival of Trees private tour, & Autographed Night Before Christmas with Gennady Spirin Friday, December 20 starting at 4:30 p.m.

14 OUR DIOCESE NOVEMBER 14, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Bishop blesses, inspires law enforcement at annual liturgy

By Christina Leslie Correspondent METUCHEN — “Do you realize that you are part of God’s plan to restore the order that was lost?” Bishop James F. Checchio asked the hundreds of law enforcement personnel gathered in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Oct. 17 for the 18th annual diocesan Blue Mass. “He has called you to cooperate with Him to help answer people’s need for protection and help, especially in times of great turmoil and chaos.”

The bishop presided at the liturgy, which honors the living and deceased police personnel who live and serve in the counties served by the diocese — Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset and Warren.

Local and state dignitaries, including county prosecutors and New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, as well as grateful citizens and students, filled the pews and choir loft to show their gratitude for the “men and women in blue.”

Outside the Cathedral on Main Street, a colossal American flag hung from the extended ladder of a fire truck. Police cars with whirling red and blue lights, a long row of police motorcycles, mounted policemen, tactical officers and even a trio of sharpshooters atop the adjacent St. Francis Cathedral School roof all were signs that a major event was taking place.

A police honor guard marched into the Cathedral in perfect, staccato time and was followed closely by tartan-clad pipers and drummers. Joining Bishop Checchio in the procession were concelebrating priests of the diocese who serve as police chaplains, and representatives from this year’s host agency, the Warren Township Police Department, whose officers served as readers, gift bearers and assistants at the liturgy.

Bishop James F. Checchio stands with members of the Warren Township Police Department. The Blue Mass this year was hosted by the Warren Township Police Department on October 17 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi.

— John Batkowski photos

In his homily, Bishop Checchio welcomed the hundreds of police personnel “in a spirit of thanksgiving and gratitude” and acknowledged that Adam and Eve’s original sin has led to suffering and chaos among members of the human family.

“It is due to our broken human nature,” he asserted. “St. Thomas Aquinas, in reflecting on the need for civil law, says it is because of the fall of human nature that we need … someone to enforce the law. It is God’s plan to restore peace.

“Be mindful of your own limitations and weaknesses,” the bishop continued. “I urge you to have someone trusted to talk with on a regular basis. No one should face the challenges you face without the compassion and support of another… We

do not go to God alone, but together.”

The Pipe and Drum Corps lined the center and side aisles as Warren Township Police Sgt. Ronald Roselli led his fellow officers in the “Police Officer’s Prayer,” which beseeched St. Michael for “protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm and wisdom to “be courageous but not reckless in carrying out my duties.”

Fellow Warren Township Police officers, Sergeants Robert Ferreiro and Patrick Mizeski, read the roll call of the deceased and tolled a bell as the name of each fallen officer was announced.

A single bagpiper squeezed out the strains of “Amazing Grace” in the hushed church, the rest of his corps joining him on the second verse. SWAT team mem-

Clockwise top left, N.J. Attorney General Gurbir Grewal takes a picture with Bishop James F. Checchio after the Mass. Rank and file officers of the Warren Township Police Department fill the first pews of the cathedral at the standing-room-only Mass. A lone bag-piper plays a hymn during the meditation following Communion.

One of the officers receives Communion from Bishop Checchio.

bers outside fired a 21-gun salute and the mournful notes of “Taps” were played by buglers.

Scores of officers lined the Cathedral steps and the curb along Main Street following the liturgy. Bishop Checchio blessed and reviewed them, extending his thanks for their selfless service as a State Police helicopter flew by overhead.

Jim Dimino, assistant dean of students, Immaculata High School, Somerville, was accompanied about a dozen of his students to the Mass. Dimino, a retired captain of the Bridgewater Police Department, now teaches criminal justice at Immaculata. “I try to make this every year, ever since I served on the [Blue Mass planning] Committee,” he said.

Standing solemnly on the plaza was a group of students from Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, gathered behind a banner reading “Thank You for Your Service.”

One of the banner bearers, senior Andrew Repak, explained, “Our school is very patriotic, and we love our community and those who protect it.”

As he walked to the parish hall for the post-Mass luncheon, retired Chief Edward Szkodny of the Sayreville Police Department shared that he had served for 36-1/2 years. Asked why he attended the Blue Mass, he said simply, “For unity and camaraderie.”

Hillsborough Police Department Sgt. Rick Evans seemed to work his own receiving line: a group of giggling St. Francis Cathedral School students enjoying the police pomp and circumstance. Sgt. Evans shook numerous hands, including those of the pre-K students sporting construction paper police officer hats. “It’s important that we remember our fellow officers,” he said, “and the kids will remember as well.”

VOCATIONS

A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

15

Vocations NOVEMBER 14, 2019

More brave souls needed to take leap of faith to vocation

By Father Joseph Illes

Father Joseph Illes was ordained to the priesthood in June by Bishop James F. Checchio at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.

— The Catholic Spirit file photo

ians who have responded to the gentle whisper of the Lord in their heart, and, trusting in God and his Church, have accepted his invitation to discern their vocation. But we need more brave souls to take the leap and discern the Lord’s unique call for them. The Church needs more.

Father Illes is a parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 14, 2019

Every now and then somebody asks me: “when were you sure you wanted to be a priest?” Likely, every priest and seminarian has gotten this question at least once in his life. We ask the same of doctors or teachers who can usually point to a time when they knew what they wanted to do. A vocation to priesthood or religious life, however, is a little different. For a vocation, we can’t really speak about certainty as we think about the future.

We speak, rather, about a leap of faith.

We like certainty. Whenever we can, we like to plan exactly what it is we’ll have to do. We like knowing that every possibility has been considered, and that nothing is left to chance. When it comes to discerning a vocation to priesthood or religious life, however, our preference for certainty is often an obstacle because it can make us indecisive and harden our hearts to truly discerning the Lord’s will for us.

Those discerning a call to follow the Lord as a priest or religious will often manifest qualities such as prayerfulness, dedication to service of the poor and vulnerable, a reverence for the liturgy, and especially a deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

To these we add talents for, among others, teaching, leadership, or ministry. These qualities make equally

good priests and religious as they do Discerners also have to trust the good doctors, teachers, and parents. Church who discerns with them the However, as the discerner prayerfully possibility of their vocation. In the weighs the gifts and blesswake of the revelations of ings that God has given scandal and abuse, trustEven in the him, he notices something ing the Church is not so more. They sense a gentle easy as once it had been. face of the tugging at the heart, the Nevertheless, discerners soft whisper of the voice uncertainty . . . trust that, as God directs of the Lord calling him to their lives and discernand the great something altogether difment, he directs and proferent. This is the Lord’s trust that goes tects the Church. invitation to take the leap Considering this, and into discerning confident in the triumph of faith.

Taking that leap of of Providence against hua vocation, faith involves both risk man sin and weakness, and trust. The discerner many men and they see the Church in often risks alienation need of holy, devout, and women are from friends and family hardworking servants to who simply do not un- taking the leap. tend the vineyard. They derstand the power of the see the need for faithful that call to serve the Lord witnesses to the Gospel so uniquely Additionally, discern- truths of the sanctity of life from coners sometimes risk careers, giving up ception to natural death, the sanctity houses or livelihood because they feel of the family, and the need for the the Lord calling them to something Lord’s healing of the moral ills in our worth so great a risk. society that have imperiled far too Making this leap, too, involves many souls. As they are called to trust great trust. Discerners have to trust the Church, her need beckons them that no matter what happens, the Lord further, encouraging them to take the is at the wheel, guiding and helping leap for her sake. them in their discernment. They trust Even in the face of the uncerthat God will give them the grace, tainty, the doubts and fears, the quesstrength, courage, and fortitude to take tions, and the great trust that goes into that leap, and to meet the challenges discerning a vocation, many men and that formation for priesthood or reli- women are taking the leap. Metuchen gious life entails. now has a record number of seminar-

By Christina Leslie Correspondent ISELIN – A jubilant congregation welcomed Brother Ignacio Mary Cogollodo Jr. of the Holy Cross to the transitional diaconate for the diocese at St. Cecelia Church Nov. 3.

The rite of ordination marked a milestone of faith for the Philippineborn member of the Vocationist Fathers.

As a deacon, he will be called to assist the bishop and his priests, to distribute holy Communion; preside over baptisms, marriages and funerals, as well as prayer services while completing his final year of seminary study for the priesthood.

Vocationist Father Thomas Naduviledathu, pastor, St. Cecelia Parish, who also serves as treasurer of the order’s USA province, was one of about three dozen concelebrants from around the world. At the Liturgy, too, were religious sisters from the diocese’s other Vocationist faith community, Visitation Parish of New Brunswick.

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the Mass and gave the homily.

“Hold onto the altar so you don’t fall,” Bishop Checchio advised the prospective deacon awaiting his ordination.

In his homily, the bishop shared his desire that the new deacon would progress in his formation, deepen his service to the Church and conform to the Gospel.

“As you climb your own personal Calvary Hill today to lay down your life to God in the service of the Church, your life will more closely emulate that sacrifice which we celebrate here each day,” he said.

“The altar takes on a new and more intimate role in your life,” the bishop

During the chanting of the “Litany of the Saints,” Bishop James F. Checchio, right, leads the rite of ordination to the diaconate of Brother Ignacio Mary Cogollodo of the Holy Cross, who lies prostrate before the altar at St. Cecelia Church, symbolizing his obedience and total reliance on God. — Mike Ehrmann photos continued as he told the story of a priest, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, struggling to walk from the presider’s chair to the ambo to deliver his homily. “He started to stumble,” Bishop Checchio recalled, “and grabbed onto the altar to steady himself. He said, ‘Maybe it’s better and safer if I just give my homily from here, holding onto the altar, so I don’t fall.’”

Make the altar a source of stability from this day forward, the bishop advised, for “it is the symbol of Christ, the source and summit of your service to God’s people, the center and focus of

16 NOVEMBER 14, 2019

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

VOCATIONS

Philippine-born religious takes major step to priesthood at liturgy

Newly ordained Deacon Ignacio Mary Cogollodo Jr. of the Holy Cross, a member of the Vocationist Fathers, is invested with his stole and dalmatic, the outward vestment of deacons. After, Deacon Cogollodo was presented with the Book of the Gospels, Bishop James F. Checchio instructed him to “believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.”

your life in a new and permanent way.

Approach it with reverence, affection and respect.”

Reflecting on the Gospel (Luke 19:1-10), which described the tax collector Zacchaeus sacrificing his dignity by running and climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus, Bishop Checchio said, “He allowed nothing to keep him from reaching out.” He added, “It was a perfect example of discipleship. The Church is so grateful for your gift of self … Ignacio, your life now is worthy of service at this altar … Hang onto the altar, God bless you.”

The rite of ordination began with Bishop Checchio beckoning forward the prospective deacon. When advised Brother Ignacio was worthy of the responsibility, the bishop said, “Relying on the help of the Lord God and our savior, Jesus Christ, we choose this man our brother to the order of the diaconate. Thanks be to God,” he said over the congregation’s prolonged applause.

The prospective deacon knelt at the feet of Bishop Checchio, who asked for a promise to live a life of service, celibacy and obedience to him and his successors. At the young man’s “yes,” the bishop responded, “May God, who has begun good work in you, bring it to fulfillment.”

As the choir and congregation invoked the aid of all those holy men and women who had gone before them in the chanting of the “Litany of the Saints,” the future deacon lay prostrate before the altar, symbolizing his obedience and total reliance on God. The gift of the Holy Spirit was conferred on him as the bishop laid hands

on Brother Cogollodo’s head, praying, “Send forth upon him the Holy Spirit so he will be strengthened by the gift of your seven-fold grace for the faithful carrying out of the work and ministry.”

The new deacon was invested with his stole and dalmatic, the outward manifestations of his new ministry, and presented the Book of the Gospels. Bishop Checchio solemnly instructed him to “believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.”

At the conclusion of the rite, the bishop extended a sign of peace, while priests and deacons embraced the man who had just joined their brotherhood.

Deacon Cogollodo’s lifetime of devotion to the faith and 11 years of study in the Society of Divine Vocations had led him to the pivotal moment.

The youngest in a family of eight children born in Toril, Davao City, Philippines, Deacon Cogollodo, 33, joined the Vocationists in June 2008.

He attended schools in the Philippines, and professed his first vows May 11, 2013.

Deacon Cogollodo earned a degree in philosophy at St. Francis Xavier College Seminary, Davao City. After receiving his diploma in March, 2015, he was sent to the United States to continue his theological studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Seton Hall University, South Orange.

The Vocationist brothers add “Mary” to their names during their first profession of vows in honor of Mother Mary, Our Lady of Divine Vocations, and add one of the mysteries of Jesus Christ (such as Holy Cross) as their religious name.

17 VOCATIONS

OFFICE OF VOCATIONS DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

Source & Summit C H R I S T I N T H E E U C H A R I S T: B O D Y, B L O O D , S O U L & D I V I N I T Y

DIOCESE OF METUCHEN 2019-2020 SEMINARIANS

REV. MR. THOMAS LANZA IV Theology

REV. MR. GUSTAVO RODRIGUEZ

REV. MR. GILBERT STARCHER

IV Theology

St. Mary, Baltimore, MD

St. Vincent, Latrobe, PA

REV. MR. JOHN FREDY TRIANA BELTRAN, C.O.

IV Theology

Pastoral Year

Immaculate Conception, South Orange, NJ

DAVID KEYES Pastoral Year

Cathedral of St. Francis, Metuchen, NJ

St. Ann Parish, Raritan, NJ

JUN JOSEPH ALQUIROS

ARIEL BAUTISTA

TIMOTHY ECK

GREGORY ZANETTI

RONAL VEGA-PASTRANA

JOSE LIM

Immaculate Conception, South Orange, NJ

Immaculate Conception South Orange, NJ

Pontifical North American College, Rome

Pontifical North American College, Rome

Immaculate Conception, South Orange, NJ

Pontifical North American College, Rome

RANDY J. GAMBOA ESPINOZA

JEROME OCAMPO

III Theology

III Theology

BR. STEVEN JOHN BOLTON, ANTHONY ECHEZONA C.O. Pre-Theology II Pre-Theology II

Immaculate Conception, South Orange, NJ

Immaculate Conception South Orange, NJ

III Theology

Pre-Theology II

Immaculate Conception, South Orange, NJ

III Theology

Pre-Theology II

II Theology

I Theology

NGU QUOC “PETER” TRAN BAN THIEN ‘JOSEPH” HO Pre-Theology II

Pre Theology I

Immaculate Conception, South Orange, NJ

Immaculate Conception, South Orange, NJ

St. Vincent, Latrobe, PA

THOMAS PLUHAR

JORDAN DREVELUS

FERNANDO SULLIVAN

FLAVIO C. ROJAS-ENCISO College II

Pastoral Internship Year

St. Vincent, Latrobe, PA

Immaculate Conception South Orange, NJ

St. Andrew, South Orange, NJ

United States Military Academy, West Point, NY

St. Andrew, South Orange, NJ

St. John Vianney House of Discernment

Pre Theology I

Pre Theology I

College III

College III

BRENNEN MCCOY

REV. MAURICIO TABERAVASQUEZ Vocation Director

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

NOVEMBER 14, 2019

Bring Jesus to the World

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

AI VAN ‘PETER” PHAN

18 VOCATIONS

From Hollywood to habit: spiritual journey of Mother Dolores Hart Mother Dolores Hart, as she has 2012 documentary, “God is Bigger been known for more than 50 years, than Elvis,” recounts her life. It was was a Hollywood starlet from 1957 nominated for an Academy Award. An SCOTCH PLAINS — The rain poured to 1963, credited with giving Elvis interview with her on “60 Minutes” is down steadily as cars pulled into the Presley his first on-screen kiss in the available on YouTube.

Mother Dolores’ lot of Union Catholic Regional High film “Loving You.” She talk on Oct. 27 was School for a brunch with a former made another movie movie star turned Benedictine nun, with Presley, “King She experienced sponsored by the House of Prayer in Watchung.

Creole,” and 10 overall, now 81. the presence of including the highly She was introduced by popular “Where the Laura Arvin, the DoSt. Clare during Boys Are.” minican Administrator In 1961, she starred the four months of the House of Prayer. in the film “Francis Mother Dolores she worked on sailed into her hour-long of Assisi,” playing St Clare of Assisi. Upon talk with many tales of “The Life of St. meeting Pope John her Hollywood advenClare of Assisi,” tures. She also came to XXIII, he declared, “You are Clare of Asand in “The Life of New York in 1959 to star in the Broadway producsisi!” a foreshadowing Lisa” she played of things to come. Two tion of “The Pleasure of years later, her relationCompany,” winning the title character, His ship with God caused an award for Best Feaher to end her marital tured Actress. In 1986, a concentration she and her good friend, engagement and enter camp victim. the cloistered convent the actress Patricia Neal, created an open-air of the Benedictine Abbey of Regina Laudis, theatre at the abbey “to Bethlehem, Conn. She was only 24 help young people find their vocation and on a promotional tour for the through theatre.” Mother Dolores removie “Come Fly with Me,” star- mains an eligible voter of the Motion Mother Dolores Hart, a Benedictine ring Hugh O’rien, when she left and Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences, nun, speaks to attendees of a brunch at entered the convent, where she now which awards the Oscars, and she Union Catholic Regional High School, chants in Latin eight times a day. The votes every year.

Scotch Plains.

Sprinkling humor copiously throughout her talk, Mother Dolores recalled that she was a precocious only child. She spoke of the great tragedy of losing both parents when she was 27, which led her to spiritually reflect on the fact that with “the staggering death of a loved one -- it is not possible not to see them again.”

Both parents had been in show business, and a good friend of her father’s was “Mario,” who eventually married her father’s sister — and thus he became her uncle by marriage. “Uncle Mario” soon became the famous singer Mario Lanza. At age seven, she believed that God wanted her to be an actress.

“If you wanted it, you believed DECEMBER 13-15, 2019 that God wanted it,” she laughed. She recalled auditioning for the Loyola High School production of “St. Joan,” DECEMBER 31, 2019 - JANUARY 1, 2020 and that the line of auditioners was long, but she got a call-back, a second audition, because of her looks, despite the fact that she was told that JANUARY 10-12, 2020 her acting was bad. She got the part.

By Robert C. Christie Correspondent

NOVEMBER 14, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

O Come Emmanuel Retreat New Year’s Eve Retreat

Vocation Discernment Retreat

For retreat information visit our website at w w w.b e n s i s n j.o r g

For information about vocations contact: Sister Mariette Thérèse Bernier, OSB Vocation Director 908-352-4278 x274 SrMariette@bensisnj.org

Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth, NJ Saint Walburga Monastery 851 N. Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07208

Mother Dolores Hart, 81, signs copies of her books. The former actress was 24 when she entered Benedictine Abbey of Regina Laudis, Bethlehem, Conn.

— Robert C. Christie photos

She spoke with kindness about her experiences with Presley. On their first film, “Loving You,” between scenes they were sent to an off-set hotel room, and Elvis, who always called her “Miss Dolores,” suggested they play games of interpreting randomly selected verses from the room’s Gideon Bible. But sadly, she reminisced, he was forever upset that he was never allowed to pursue serious rolls, being typecast as the singer-romantic lead in film after money-making films. “Money cannot answer the heart,” she said, adding, “Many people come to Hollywood to find meaning in their lives.”

Two films in particular raised deep questions for her. She experienced the presence of St. Clare during the four months she worked on “The Life of St. Clare of Assisi,” and in “The Life of Lisa” she played the title character, a concentration camp victim. “The main thing,” she advised, “is that you should work on what is in your heart.”

In closing, she said, “This is just a beginning, a preparation for something incredible, the fulfillment of everything we’ve loved and done. Go for it!”

GROUP MEETING!

High school age boys Last Saturday of each month Young adult men Last Friday of each month Please contact

The Office of Vocations • Diocese of Metuchen for more information

732- 562- 2457

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 14, 2019

PERTH AMBOY — In 2013, while volunteering in India, Graciela Colon first heard the inner stirrings of Jesus calling her to a religious vocation. For three weeks, she helped St. Teresa of Calcutta’s Missionary Sisters of Charity, minister to abandoned children, some of whom were severely disabled.

They took the children off the streets and cared for them.

“It was a life-changing experience that gave me deeper insight into the preciousness of life,” she said.

“Although I knew that I was not called to enter the Missionary Sisters, in the chaos of Calcutta, I felt such a deep peace that awakened in me the desire to become a religious” A native of the Dominican Republic, she was born in 1985 to Fior and Rafael Hernandez. She is her mother’s only child. Sugeirys Colon is her older half-sister. When she was four-yearsold, her family moved to Bronx, N.Y., and later, Manhattan, N.Y. In 2007, Sister Graciela earned an undergraduate degree at Fordham University, majoring in political science at Lincoln Center in Manhattan.

A year later, she began working with nonprofit immigration organizations including Wind of the Spirit Immigrant in Morristown. In 2010, she graduated from the Benjamin N. Cordozo School of Law in New York City and began a career as an immigration lawyer.

Upon returning home from India, she researched various religious communities on the Internet and found one that she decided to visit — the Sisters of Christian Charity, Daughters of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception at the Mallinckrodt Convent, Mendham. Members of the order labor in the fields of education, healthcare, parish ministry, and social justice. Many work in the Diocese of Metuchen.

“I was drawn to the Eucharistic spirituality and joy of the sisters and their enthusiasm. It felt like home to

me,” she said of the visit. them a benefit status in the U.S. or In August, Sister Graciela pro- adjust their documentation, they’re nounced her vows as a Sister of Christian able to move forward with their lives,” Charity during the Liturgy of the First she said. It reduces the uncertainty of Profession. A month not knowing what later, she began workis going to happen ing as a lawyer at the to them or to their As an immigration Catholic Charities, Dichildren. ocese of Metuchen’s Sister Graciela lawyer, Sister Graciela Immigration Services, finds it a blessing said it is an advantage in Perth Amboy. to reunite families.

What she likes There are many being a religious most about being a rumors that create religious is being fear of deportation because her clients totally dedicated to and she dispels the trust her because of God and to the sermyths. “We find sovice of his people lutions whenever we the good experiences in the Church. She can and if we can’t, that they had with brings that sense of we’re honest, tell compassion to her them their rights, religious sisters. Clients clients, advocating and give them some say, “As soon as I saw for the poor and the resources. We tell immigrant who often them there may be you, I knew that suffer at the hands of reform for status in Christian Charity Sister Graciela Colon, a unscrupulous attorthe future,” she said. native of the Dominican Republic, is an everything was neys and employers, Sister Graciela immigration lawyer with Catholic Charigoing to be fine.” and who may not is at the Perth Am- ties, Diocese of Metuchen.

— Gerald Wutkoski Jr. photo speak English. boy office three days Sister Graciela, a week and at Holy who speaks Spanish Family Parish Center wouldn’t place a desire in your heart and serves many clients of Hispanic in New Brunswick two days a week. that he doesn’t want fulfilled.” descent, also assists people born in For women discerning a religious For information about Immigration Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and the vocation, she advises, “Cast out all Services at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Middle East. Catholic Charities serves fear,” as St. John Paul II said. “Jesus Metuchen, call (732) 324-8200 all regardless of religious affiliation.

As an immigration lawyer, Sister Graciela said it is an advantage being a religious because her clients trust her because of the good experiences that they had with religious sisters. Clients say, “As soon as I saw you, I knew that everything was going to be fine.”

While her daughter translated, one Middle Eastern woman who was a Muslim kept smiling at Sister Graciela. The woman had positive experiences with Catholic religious sisters who taught her.

What she likes most about her ARE YOU CONSIDERING A VOCATION ministry as an immigration attorney is AS A DIOCESAN PRIEST? helping her clients to attain a sense of peace and reduce their anxiety, especially at this time.

JOIN US FOR A DISCERNMENT “Once you’re able to obtain for

VOCATIONS

By Marianne Zinke Komek Correspondent

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New Catholic Charities lawyer enjoys bringing peace to clients

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The Kim Connection

OUR DIOCESE

Kim Esguerra’s Newsletter with Saint Paul’s Outreach (SPO) • Summer 2019

“Well done good and faithful servant… Come and share in your Master’s joy.

(Matthew 25:23)

To live your life in accordance with Christ Jesus is not always easy. Our Lord asks us to surrender everything to Him, to give Him not just an hour on Sunday or a five minute prayer before we go to bed, but to forfeit our whole lives and our whole being in every aspect to Him. This is a challenging endeavor! In Matthew 19:21, He tells the rich young man to go and sell all that he has.

Living for God takes a surrender of our own wills and preferences to God’s, trusting that in all things our loving Father knows best. It takes self-examination of our hearts to hear how God is speaking to us in every moment. It takes humility to admit when we’re wrong, to seek repentance, and to make right our relationships with one another. It takes self-control and courage to choose what is righteous and good. It takes perseverance and determination to stay steadfast in your relationship with God despite fears and persecutions.

Though it may seem overwhelming or maybe even excessive to live such a life, the grace of the Holy Spirit which was poured into our hearts in the Sacrament of Baptism, is sufficient for us! Contrary to what the world thinks, to live for God is not impossible. It is not empty, and it is far from boring. To pursue a lifelong relationship with Christ leads to an incredibly rich life full of endless adventure; a life where there is hope and purpose; a life where, through some toil, we will gladly come and share in the infinite joy our Master wants to give us! I pray that as you read this, you will be convicted to go and follow Him so that our Lord would say these same words to you: “Well done good and faithful servant… Come and share in your Master’s joy.”

Now Moving on to God’s Next Adventure!

NOVEMBER 14, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

As you can tell by this Newsletter, I will be moving on from being a Missionary at Rutgers with Saint Paul’s Outreach. Although I move away from this awesome mission and many good relationships with some sadness, I am excited to announce my next step. On October 1st, I am entering religious life with the Carmelite Sisters in Flemington, NJ. My desire is that I can spend the rest of my life pursuing a deeper relationship with God and that I can bring many people to Him along the way through a life of faithful and continual prayer. Oh what joy to enter into a new adventure with Christ Himself!

Please know that my friendship with you is important to me and is brought into new depths as I continue to keep you in loving prayer before our Lord :) If you wish to write to say hello and/or send any prayer requests come October, I would love to receive you at this address!

26 Harmony School Rd. Flemington, NJ 08822

Peace of Christ, friends! Please keep me and my family in your prayers too, as well as the SPO mission, which will forever be dear to my heart: to bring Catholic faith alive on college campuses. Let us go forth together and proclaim the Good News!

Vocation within vocations: a glance at parish priests God. How? Just as the laity, by virtue of their baptism, are called to be Church but “Every high priest is taken from are endowed with varied God-given among the people and made their rep- charisms which are meant to be used resentative before God to offer gifts for the sake of others, analogously, and sacrifices for sins . . . No one takes priests, by virtue of the sacrament of this honor upon himself but only when holy orders, are called to empower laity to be Church by preaching, teachcalled by God The mystery of Jesus’ unique ing and sanctifying.

How do they achieve this? By priesthood continues in the Catholic ministerial priesthood. While the applying the sacerdotal charisms that calling is divine, the recipient of the they have received. Just as a baptized, vocation is human. Like any other hu- lay person may possess one charism mans, we are born into families. Some but not another, so priests do not all of us are “Lifers.” These are priests share the same sacerdotal charisms.

For example, I have who knew from an come to discern that early age that God my charisms are was calling them to teaching, preaching be priests. Many of Regardless of how and hearing confesthese attended high sions. Others are school and college you perceive us, more gifted with seminaries before mercy and therefore entering the major God, in his own find it easy to minseminary.

Others, right and for his ister within prisons. like myself, are Still others may be “Second Vocations,” own reasons, gifted with zeal and which means that we chose us to be his humor excel in youth held other profesministry. Then, there sions before the callpriests. We are not are those who are ening became clear dowed with compasperfect. We are I fall into this sion and minister well category inasmuch not saints. In fact, within the settings of as I was a world lanhospice, eldercare or guage teacher before we, like any other the homebound. entering the semiCatholic beyond All of these nary. Some of us, charisms are to be parish priests, like the age of reason, used by us, your working with kids have to go to priests, in building up but not teens, others the Body of Christ. like the teens but not confession While all of us, priests the elderly, still othare, by virtue of Holy ers want to be with periodically.

Orders, the human vethe whole family. hicles through which The truth is, parJesus continues to ish priests are called heal, forgive, teach, to work with all generations, from infancy to the elderly. counsel and communicate the presence Some deliver great homilies. Others of God among us, there is no doubt wing their homilies, as if the people that the application of our sacerdotal in the pews could not tell. Some of us charisms will color your self-awarelike visiting the sick, or our local as- ness as Church and your understanding sisted living facilities; others do not. of what it means to be Church.

“All of us who have been taken Some feel comfortable visiting famifrom among [you] the people and made lies in their homes — others, do not.

Regardless of how you perceive [your] representative before God,” are us, God, in his own right and for his counting on your prayerful support. own reasons, chose us to be his priests. We, priests, hope that the reward for We are not perfect. We are not saints. saying “yes” to God’s call and service In fact, we, like any other Catholic to his people will come after we’ve beyond the age of reason, have to go drawn our last breath. “But what if our to confession periodically. Ordained final destination is pronounced by Jeby Christ into his priesthood, we do sus the Judge, only after deliberation the best we can with the charisms that by you, the people to whom we were we have received and endeavor to use assigned to serve?” What a daunting these for your immediate good and image! What an awesome God! What ultimately for the honor and glory of a humbling vocation!

By Father Glenn J. Comandini Managing Editor

Left, Father Thomas J. Walsh, pastor, St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick, incenses the casket holding the remains of Deacon John McShane at a funeral Mass at St. Bartholomew Church Nov. 4.

Deacon McShane, who was retired from active ministry, died Oct. 30 at the age of 88.

— Chris Donahue photo

Vincent De Paul of East Brunswick and the Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen. He was also a Third Degree Knight with the East Brunswick Knights of Columbus Council 11873.

He is survived by his sister, Rose Marie McCarthy; sons Lawrence (Margie), Sean and Damian (Cathy) and his daughter Maura (Fadi) Deek, along with his nine grandchildren. He was predeceased by Nora McShane, his wife of 61 years, along with his parents and his brother, Hugh.

Burial was at the Gate of Heaven

Cemetery, Hawthorne, N.Y. Arrangements were handled by the Rezem Funeral Home, East Brunswick.

Memorial donations may be made to the John and Nora McShane Endowed Scholarship at New Jersey Institute of Technology and mailed to: NJIT, 323 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Eberhardt Hall 315, Newark, NJ 07102 indicating the gift is to be directed to the McShane Endowed Scholarship and checks payable to the Foundation at NJIT.

Welcome Home

On Nov. 3, Father Joseph Illes celebrated his first Mass at the St. Edward the Confessor Parish Center in Milford since he was ordained to the priesthood

by Bishop James F. Checchio at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi June 22.

Father Illes, who serves as parochial vicar, Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, was baptized and received his first holy Communion at St. Edward the Confessor Church.

— photo courtesy of St. Edward the Confessor Parish

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 14, 2019

EAST BRUNSWICK — Members of St. Bartholomew Parish said goodbye to one of its spiritual pillars at a funeral Mass at St. Bartholomew Church Nov. 4.

Deacon John McShane, who retired from active ministry in 2007, served at St. Bartholomew’s in two appointments for a total of 16 years.

He died Oct. 30 at the age of 88.

Father Thomas J. Walsh, pastor, presided at the Mass and gave the homily.

“Deacon Jack was away from us for a time, but he was never gone from us,” Father Walsh said. “And now, we have brought him home to his beloved community of St. Bartholomew.

“We have missed him at the 8:30 daily Mass, but we treasure the memory of so many happy years in the service of this family of faith.”

Those who loved him, Father Walsh continued, cherished his outHe and his late wife, raised three standing qualities: a good heart, won- sons, Lawrence, Sean and Damian, derful stories, many wise and funny and a daughter, Maura Deek. sayings, and New York in the glory He earned a bachelor’s degree days. in engineering at Manhattan College Father Walsh’s favorite memory (N.Y.), and a master’s degree in busiof Deacon McShane was to be with ness administration at Rutgers Univerhim at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Man- sity, New Brunswick. hattan, N.Y., on St. Patrick’s Day, with He then began working for Public visiting Deacon AnService Electric and thony J. Gostkowski, Gas and eventually who exercises his moved to East Bruns“Deacon Jack was ministry at St. Bart’s. wick in 1961, where away from us for Deacon Gostkowski he became involved in had given them ticklocal politics and civic a time, but he ets to be on the steps service during the was never gone of the St. Patrick’s.

1960s and 1970s. He “Many of us reserved as East Brunsfrom us. And now, member that he [Deawick and Middlesex con McShane] stated County Republican we have brought that he wanted to die leader and was honhim home to his at the 8:30 Mass,” Faored as Outstanding ther Walsh said. “We Man of the Year by the beloved comdid not want that, Jaycees for his leadermunity of St. but he was a man of ship and service. service and wanted to In 1980, he Bartholomew.” die at the altar.” earned a Master of —Father Thomas V. Deacon McBusiness AdminisShane was born in Walsh tration degree from Manhattan, the son Rutgers University, of Irish immigrants New Brunswick, and — Hugh and Mary in 1989, he earned a certificate in DiaMcShane, who settled on Manhattan’s conal Ministry from College of Saint Upper West Side. He married a woman Elizabeth, Morristown. from the neighborhood, Nora Buckley, He was ordained to the diaconin 1952 before serving in the Korean ate by Bishop Edward T. Hughes at War. Once there, Airman First Class the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, McShane earned the prestigious Sol- Metuchen, June 17, 1989. dier’s Medal for his rescue of an unDeacon McShane served at St. conscious pilot from a burning plane, Bartholomew Parish from 1989-1998, cutting the seat straps that held the and St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth lieutenant inside the cockpit on Jan. Junction, from 1998-2001. He re30, 1953. He was honored again in turned to St. Bartholomew’s in 2001.

2006 with the New Jersey Meritorious At St. Bart’s, he baptized eight of Service Medal by Gov. John Corzine his grandchildren. in recognition of his heroic efforts.

He served with the Society of St.

OUR DIOCESE

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor

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‘Family of faith’ mourns at funeral Mass for Deacon John McShane

22 OUR DIOCESE

Diocese bids goodbye to future Vatican nuncio to Spain, Andorra “The love of the Eucharist will unite us.”

Archbishop Auza, 60, is a native METUCHEN — Bishop James F. of the Philippines and was ordained in Checchio and the Filipino community that island nation’s Diocese of Talibon in 1985. Educated by of the diocese bade Spanish Dominican a fond farewell to Friars in Manila and Archbishop Bernar“What attracts you Rome, he entered the dito Auza at Mass Vatican diplomatic to Jesus? What atat the Cathedral of corps in 1990 and St. Francis of Assisi tracts me are his served in MadagasNov. 3. car, Bulgaria and The archbishop, infinite mercy and Albania, then worked formerly the perlimitless capacity to as the Vatican Secmanent observer retariat of State. of the Holy See to forgive. You will see The archbishop also the United Nations, obstacles along the served as permanent was named by Pope observer of the Holy Francis to be nuncio way… [but] Jesus See to the Organizato Spain and Andorra tion of American effective Dec. 1. stays with us, abides States, Washington, The archbishop with us, once we D.C., from July 2014 presided at the Mass until this past Sepand gave the homsincerely embrace tember. ily. Priests from the his love and mercy.”

Archbishop diocese of Filipino Auza served at the descent were among — Archbishop Holy See Mission the concelebrants.

Bernardito Auza from 2006-2008 Bishop Checchio before being named extended his thanks nuncio to Haiti, for the prelate’s spiritual guidance and noted that, despite where he helped lead and rebuild afhis upcoming reassignment to Madrid, ter the January 2010 earthquake that killed at least 316,000 people. With three key Port-au-Prince archdiocesan leaders dead and scores of other religious killed or missing, the archbishop took a leading role in stabilizing and helping rebuild the Church, channeling relief money to local needs and assisting in key decisions on project

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

Bishop Checchio, right, poses with Archbishop Auza. Below, from left, Archbishop Bernardito Auza and Bishop Checchio distribute communion. The archbishop served as permanent observer of the Holy See to the Organization of American States, Washington, D.C., from July 2014 until September.

NOVEMBER 14, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— Marlo Williamson photos

Bishop James F. Checchio, front row, fifth from right, poses with Archbishop Bernardito Auza (on bishop's right) and priests from the diocese after Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. Right, Archbishop Auza, shown giving the homily, was named by Pope Francis to be nuncio to Spain and Andorra effective Dec. 1.

Archbishop Auza, 60, is a native of the Philippines and was ordained in that island nation’s Diocese of Talibon in 1985.

— Marlo Williamson photos

priorities and transparent spending of funds.

In a statement to Catholic News Service, Archbishop Auza described his former post at the United Nations as “intense years of learning and understanding … knowing and working with the Catholic Church in the tristate area of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and beyond, in particular in ministering to the Filipinos and other migrant communities.”

In his homily on the Gospel (Luke 19:1-10), Archbishop Auza reflected upon the tax collector, Zacchaeus, and the elements of a real, authentic conversion in faith.

“When Jesus said he would stay at Zacchaeus’ house, tongues were wagging, people were scandalized. In the eyes of the Jews around the time of Jesus, a tax collector was a traitor, religiously impure, and a cheat,” he said.

The Italian painter Caravaggio’s “The Calling of St. Matthew,” the archbishop continued, shows Jesus extending his hand to the tax collector turned apostle, attempting to help him mend his sinful ways.

“What attracts you to Jesus?”

Archbishop Auza asked the congregation. “What attracts me are his infinite mercy and limitless capacity to forgive. You will see obstacles along the

way… [but] Jesus stays with us, abides with us, once we sincerely embrace his love and mercy.

“Let us allow this story to inspire us in our efforts to encounter Jesus more personally, recognize our deepest longing to see him and remain in him,” the prelate concluded. “Do what it takes to make that conversion happen in your life.

Once we allow him to stay in our house, He becomes a source of light for all our activities. May salvation come to our houses.”

Father Gerardo Paderon, coordinator, diocesan Filipino Apostolate, expressed his appreciation to the archbishop for his many visits to parishes as they celebrated Simbang Gabi and other Filipino feasts. He wished the prelate good fortune in taking up his new post in Spain and noted the spread of the Catholic faith had come full circle.

“Nearly 500 years ago, Spaniards evangelized the Philippines,” Father Paderon said. “Now, on the eve of the quincentennial of evangelization of the Philippines, a Filipino is going to Spain to evangelize.”

“Thank you for all of the blessings over the past 5-1/2 years,” Archbishop Auza replied.

“As a Filipino in Spain, I look forward to [the March 2021] occasion… Let us not forget to pray for one another.”

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DOWN 1 Liturgy of the ___ 2 Liturgical season 4 Eight hours of prayer 5 Abbot’s assistant 6 John XXIII’s surname 7 Chief priest in a church 8 ___ of Thunder 13 DC Catholic university team 15 Number of stone tablets on which the Commandments were written 17 Homily source 19 Catholic actor who won an Academy Award for his role as Father Flanagan 21 Made a priest 23 Marriage announcement 24 NT book 25 Catholic actor of “Cocoon” fame, Don ___ 26 Hometown of Simon 28 Doctor Mirabilis, Franciscan friar who was one of the earliest advocates for the scientific method 29 Simon’s mother-in-law was cured of this 31 Nod, vis-à-vis Eden 33 First man

Puzzle solution can be found on page 31.

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 14, 2019

ACROSS 3 Catholic movie star of “High Noon” fame 9 Animals frequently mentioned in the Bible 10 Book after Joel 11 “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s ___” (Jn 15:13) 12 Book after Judges 14 “You shall put the Lord, your God, to the ___” (Lk 4:12) 16 Bureaucracy that assists the Pope 17 Catholic actor who plays the father on “Everybody Loves Raymond” 18 Marian litany 20 He receives the fullness of Holy Orders 22 Death place of Saul 24 Messenger 26 Easter treat 27 Where you might find a monk 30 Venerable Doctor of the Church 32 “___ us, Lord! We are perishing!”

(Mt 8:25) 34 Room where the Last Supper took place 35 OT historical book 36 “…begotten not ___…”

37 He was in the lion’s den

Your essential guide to the latest information from the Diocese of Metuchen, including new staffing . . . a desktop “must”!

2020 DIOCESAN DIRECTORY

OUR DIOCESE

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Crossword Puzzle

OUR FAITH

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Making converts?/Celebrating Mass Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

At the Second Vatican Council, Catholics were told that we should accept non-Catholics as our “separated brethren” and that we shouldn't be overly concerned if they don't want to join the Catholic Church. But I was

Q

November 6, 2019 Dear brothers and sisters: In our catechesis on the Acts of the Apostles, we now see the Apostle Paul preaching before the Areopagus in Athens, the cultural capital of the pagan world. In a city filled with idols, Paul proclaims the Gospel by appealing to the religiosity of his hearers and their desire to know the truth. Seeing an altar dedicated to an “unknown god”, Paul states that God, the transcendent Creator of the world, has indeed made himself known, and sent his Son among us to call all people to conversion and the fullness of truth.

Yet when Paul begins to speak of Christ’s death and resurrection, his listeners lose interest. The mystery of the cross, in which God’s wisdom and power are revealed, appears as folly in the eyes of the Greeks (cf. 1 Cor 1:23). Yet Paul’s preaching bears fruit in the conversion of some Athenians, including Dionysius the Areopagite and Damaris. As we think of our own culture, may we, like Paul, be sensitive to people’s deepest yearnings in order to propose the mystery of Christ and his saving love.

Question Corner

By Father Kenneth Doyle taught since childhood that the only way to salvation was through the Catholic Church.

Why the change? (Texarkana, Texas) It would be a misreading to think that Vatican II does not encourage bringing people to the Catholic faith. The Church still honors Christ’s Great Commission (Mt 28:19): to make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. One need only look at the council’s Decree on Ecumenism, which states that “our separated brethren ... are not blessed with that unity which Jesus Christ wished to bestow on all those who through him were born again into one body. ... For it is only through Christ’s Catholic Church,

A

Clerow “Flip” Wilson, who had a 30-year career as a comedian, popularized the expression, “The Devil made me do it.”

By Deacon Charles Paolino

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 14, 2019

Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time of giving thanks.

Thank you for all the graces and blessings. You have bestowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage. Our food and shelter, our health, the loves we have for one another, our family and friends.

Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessing throughout the coming year.

This we ask in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother. Amen.

Actually, neither statement is completely correct. As to whether a priest can celebrate Mass without a congregation, the Church’s Code of Canon Law, reflecting the fact that the Eucharist is primarily an act of public

worship rather that a private devotion, says, “Except for a just and reasonable cause, a priest is not to celebrate the eucharistic sacrifice without the participation of at least some member of the faithful” (Canon 906).

The code leaves it to the priest to measure the “just and reasonable cause,” and I will tell you what I do. Most days, even as a retired priest, I have Mass obligations at one or another parish. But let’s say that it’s a day when I’m not obligated, and it happens to be the anniversary of the death of one of my parents. I would consider that a “just and reasonable cause,” and I would celebrate Mass all by myself at the desk in my apartment. I would feel completely comfortable doing so particularly since, in answer to your second question, a priest is encouraged to celebrate Mass every day even though he is not required to do so. Here’s what the code says about that: “Remembering always that in the mystery of the eucharistic sacrifice the work of redemption is exercised continually, priests are to celebrate frequently; indeed, daily celebration is recommended earnestly since, even if the faithful cannot be present, it is the act of Christ and the Church in which priests fulfill their principal function” (Canon 904).

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

Adam and Eve — whether living beings or allegories — were in a peculiar position that none of us will experience.

They were immediately called to account

by God himself. They had to answer, one way or another.

We, on the other hand, are left — for now, at least — to account for our behavior in our own good time.

As Pope Francis recently implied, the risk in that is that we won’t account for it at all — not even to ourselves, much less to God, who isn’t standing before us waiting for an answer.

More specifically, the Pope said in one of his daily homilies in the Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel, we may not pay attention to the struggle “between grace and sin, between the Lord who wants to save us and pull us out of temptation and the evil spirit who always pulls us down.”

Instead, Pope Francis said, we may meander through life “without noticing what’s happening.”

As we have seen in many of his homilies and documents, the Pope is keenly aware of the realities of modern life. He knows that in the developed world many people overextend themselves, filling every waking hour with work and leisure activities, narrowing their attention for significant parts of their days to the images and messages vying for their attention on digital devices.

And while they’re looking at those glass screens, they are not looking inside

themselves.

What everyone will find if they look inside, Francis said, is not a tension between abstract principles of good and evil but a living struggle between the promptings of the Holy Spirt and the impulses of Satan, who, Francis has often reminded us, is quite real.

The Pope was blunt about this.

He said that if someone were to tell him, “But I don’t feel this, I’m blessed, I live calmly, in peace,” he would answer, “You are not blessed. You are someone anesthetized, who doesn’t understand what is happening.”

The Pope’s recommendation as a remedy for this moral numbness is not original and not difficult. He recommended taking a few minutes at the end of each day to reflect in this manner: “What important thing happened inside me today? Oh yes, I had a bit of hatred here, and I spoke badly of this person; I did this work of charity.”

And then, Pope Francis said, ask who or what influenced you to do the things you did — the good and the bad.

It’s not an invitation to self-condemnation or, for that matter, self-praise.

But it is an invitation to be aware, not only at the end of the day but while we are making the day’s decisions, that while the decisions are ours, there are forces urging us to grow closer to or more distant from God. Deacon Paolino exercises his ministry at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station

When I attended parochial school, we were taught that a priest could not say Mass by himself and needed at least one other person as his “congregation.” But lately I have been told that priests are required to celebrate Mass every day, even if there are no other people present. Which is correct? (Milladore, Wisc.)

Q

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Pope: who, what influenced your actions?

Mustard Seeds

Prayer for Thanksgiving

which is ‘the all-embracing means of salvation,’ that they can benefit fully from the means of salvation” (No. 3). But that leaves the question as to how the Church should go about bringing those people into the Church.

In March 2019, speaking in predominantly Muslim Morocco, Pope Francis rejected proselytism, which I would take to mean forced or pressured conversion, coupled with a lack of respect for the religious faith of others. Pope Francis quoted from a 2007 homily in which Pope Benedict XVI had said, “The Church grows not through proselytism, but through attraction, through witness.”

As for those who believe that only Catholics can be saved, that is not the Church’s teaching.

Wilson’s alter ego Geraldine, for example, would use that excuse to explain to her husband why she had bought three dresses in one week.

For folks who had even a passing acquaintance with the Book of Genesis, Wilson’s gag probably evoked the scene in the Garden of Eden in which the serpent goads Eve into tasting the fruit of the forbidden tree and giving it to Adam as well.

When God questions Adam, Adam blames Eve, and he even casts some blame on God himself by referring to Eve as “the woman you put in the garden with me.”

And when God asks Eve why she did it, she says, “The serpent tricked me, and so I ate the fruit.”

Whether we treat the story of Adam and Eve as history or as an allegory, these transactions should sound familiar to us: they dramatize behavior we have seen often, and perhaps have engaged in ourselves — placing blame elsewhere rather than accepting or at least sharing responsibility.

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Patience will be rewarded “Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble . . . but for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays” (Mal 3:19a, 20a-b). This oracle of the Old Testament Book of Malachi serves as an apt summary of this Sunday’s Gospel, a present and future commentary on the difficulties that will afflict those who preach the name of Jesus, but also a promise of divine glory for those who remain faithful.

WEEK IN SCRIPTURE Sun 17 Mon 18 Tues 19 Wed 20 Thurs 21 Fri 22 Sat 23 Sun 24 Mon 25 Tues 26 Wed 27 Thurs 28 Fri 29 Sat 30

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30

Mal 3:19-20a • Ps 98:5-6, 7-8, 9 • 2 Thes 3:7-12 • Lk 21:5-19 1 Mc 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63 • Ps 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158 • Lk 18:35-43 2 Mc 6:18-31 • Ps 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 • Lk 19:1-10 2 Mc 7:1, 20-31 • Ps 17:1bcd, 5-6, 8b, 15 • Lk 19:11-28 1 Mc 2:15-29 • Ps 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15 • Lk 19:41-44 1 Mc 4:36-37, 52-59 • 1 Chr 29:10bcd, 11abc, 11d-12a • Lk 19:45-48 1 Mc 6:1-13 • Ps 9:2-3, 4, 6, 16, 19 • Lk 20:27-40 2 Sm 5:1-3 • Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5 • Col 1:12-20 • Col 1:12-20 Dn 1:1-6, 8-20 • Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 • Lk 21:1-4 Dn 2:31-45 • Dn 3:57, 58, 59, 60, 61 • Lk 21:5-11 Dn 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28 • Dn 3: 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 • Lk 21:12-19 Dn 6:12-28 • Dn 3:68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 • Lk 21:20-28 Dn 7:2-14 • Dn 3:75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 • Lk 21:29-33 Rom 10:9-18 • Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 • Mt 4:18-22

Cecilia third century November 22

Crosiers

Cecilia was honored as a martyr from about 545. According to a written legend, “The Passion of St. Cecily,” she was a Roman Christian of the patrician class betrothed to the pagan Valerian.

But she told him she had made a vow of virginity, and persuaded him to convert. His brother, Tiburtius, also became a Christian; the brothers were martyred. When Cecily refused to perform an idolatrous act, she too was martyred. She is the patron of musicians; the Cecily “Passion” has her singing to God “in her heart” on her wedding day.

Saints

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for November 17, 2019 Luke 21:5-19

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C: a teaching on not being fooled by sights and words. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

ADORNED DAYS I AM HE KINGDOM PERSECUTE BEFOREHAND HATED

STONES TEACHER WARS EARTHQUAKES PRISONS PARENTS A HAIR

OFFERINGS SIGN TERRIFIED FAMINES GOVERNORS FRIENDS HEAD

PERSECUTED O J O G O V E R N O R S A F N A N A D O R N E D Y R F E P F H H F K T B L

I

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S D A D N H N U N D S R E S H F T P C G E O R E N W A R S H Y A S M E H O

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A M H E J O E Y P A

T E R R S

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© 2019 TRI-C-A Publications; www.tri-c-a-publications.com

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 14, 2019

warnings.) First, Jesus warns, “Take care not to be misled . . .” (Lk 21:8a). He tells them that many false prophets will rise up claiming to be commissioned by Jesus to proclaim the end of the world; he exhorts his listeners not to follow them — the true mission of one who follows Christ is to live always in accord with his model, to preach by word and example what Jesus taught, NOT to speculate about signs predicting the end of time.

Second, Jesus tells his followers not to be terrified by the various civil disasters that will occur over the ages; he cautions, “these things must hapSCRIPTURE STUDY pen, but the end does not follow immediately” (Lk

By Msgr. John N. Fell 21:9b). Some of Jesus’ hearers would live to see even the great Temple in which they were standing On this penultimate Sunday of our liturgical burnt to the ground in the year 70. History poryear, the Church places this reading about “the day trays the constant struggle of good and evil; they to come” before us. Taken from the last chapter should not be convinced that the end is near by any of St. Luke’s Gospel before the Passion Narrative, one occurrence. Rather, they should take comfort we find Jesus teaching in the Temple of Jerusalem. in the hope that God will ultimately vindicate his The Temple of Jerusalem was, for its day, truly a faithful ones — God can use every moment of hisremarkable structure. The ancient tory to further his divine plan; this Roman historian, Josephus, offers assurance echoes the oracle of the Third, Jesus a partial description: “The exterior Prophet Malachi, “for you who fear of the building wanted nothing that my name, there will arise the sun of warns them could astound either mind or eye. justice with its healing rays” (Mal For, being covered on all sides with 3:20A). of wars and massive plates of gold, the sun was Third, Jesus warns them of insurrections no sooner up than it radiated so fiery wars and insurrections that will fola flash that persons straining to look low. Disharmony and even hatred that will follow. at it were compelled to avert their will invade their nations, comDisharmony and munities, families, and lives. They eyes, as from the solar rays” (Josephus, The Jewish War). will be despised for even hatred will themselves The crowd around Jesus was the Gospel they preach, and will remarking at the exquisite beauty invade their na- be betrayed by those they love the and grandeur of the Temple, a beaumost (even as Jesus himself was tions, communi- delivered up by a “friend”). Even ty and grandeur befitting its status as God’s dwelling place on earth, in the face of all this, Jesus exhorts, ties, families, the center of their religious and pothey must remain faithful, for God and lives. litical identity. The crowd must thus will never let them be struck from have been astounded to hear Jesus’ his plan of salvation. In fact, Jesus prediction, “These things you are urges, his followers should see evcontemplating — the time will come when not one ery effort against them as a further opportunity to stone will be left on another, but it will all be torn show forth the steadfastness of their commitment. down” (Lk 21:6). In their amazement, they asked, The trials they face are just another chance to ac“When will this occur, Teacher? And what is the tively witness to their faith. sign that it is going to happen?” (Lk 21:7).

Finally, Jesus assures all his disciples, then Although their Old Testament background and now, that their perseverance in the face of had led them to anticipate such a sign (see 2 Kings this world’s trials and difficulties will not go un19:29-31; Isaiah 7:11-16 and 37:30-32), Jesus rewarded, for he says “by patient endurance, you gives them three warnings. (The second volume of will save your lives” (Lk 21:19).

Luke’s Gospel, The Acts of the Apostles, recounts Msgr. Fell is a Scripture scholar and director, how the early Church lived in obedience to Jesus’ diocesan Office for Priest Personnel

OUR FAITH

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

EVANGELIZATION HERE & NOW

26

Evangelization HERE AND NOW

Students interact with special needs guests

By Karen Corpora Correspondent

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SOMERVILLE — Each October, special attention is given to raising awareness about Down syndrome. This year, National Down Syndrome Month was celebrated in the diocese by bringing together the students at Immaculata High School and participants from GiGi’s Playhouse.

Down Syndrome Acceptance Week was held at the school in mid-October to help students become more aware of the effects and stigmatism given to those who are diagnosed with Down syndrome.

Erin Morris, a member of St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, is the founder of GiGi’s Playhouse in that township and organized the events at Immaculata the first day.

Melissa Diaz spoke to the students during a school assembly and shared her story about the pressure that was put on her to abort her baby after learning it had Down syndrome. She said nearly 90 percent of those pregnancies are terminated.

After the assembly, students rallied around those representing GiGi’s Playhouse asking about ways to volunteer.

The next day, a banner was hung in the school inviting students to sign pledging to be accepting, generous and kind. Wednesday was Crazy Sock Day, Thursday GiGi’s Coffee Cart and Friday was Dress down for Down syndrome. Students donated $1 to dress down for the day.

Morris said when she moved to New Jersey about six years ago, she had a difficult time connecting with other families in the Down syndrome.

“I felt alone and tried to find more resources for Ben my youngest who was four at the time,” she said. “I needed to find help for him with his development and achievement. That is when I heard about GiGi’s playhouse. It was founded in Illinois and is an achievement center that offers free therapeutic, social and educational programs for individuals with Down syndrome from infancy through adulthood. I thought that would be a great resource to have for the community in New Jersey.”

Morris was able to get a group of people together and GiGi’s Playhouse opened in January 2015. Morris says it has been a huge success since it opened. They have over 300 families that they service from all over New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

GiGi’s Playhouse has rooms for oneon-one tutoring programs and a gross motor area with a full kitchen. Its staff offers life skills and cooking programs.

There are Down syndrome associations throughout the state, but none have their own facilities like GiGi’s. They offer emotional and moral support but not specific programming designed for the achievement for the individuals of Down

Above, Chris Bove, 34, a participant in the GiGi’s Playhouse program, fills a cup with coffee at Immaculata High School. Right, Ben Morris, 9, a GiGi’s Playhouse program participant, talks to students.

— Ed Koskey Jr. photos

syndrome, Morris said.

“We work together with them. Fundamentally, we have two very different issues but we complement each other very well,” she added.

Morris, whose son attends Immaculata, thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to go into a Catholic school and be able to educate the students and show them what Playhouse participants are able to achieve and to change a lot of the misconceptions that people have.

At Immaculata, the plan was to offer the coffee cart and other activities to let the students see what the adults and kids at GiGi’s are capable of doing and to develop relationships.

“We are hoping to make this coffee cart a regular occurrence here and it does two things it gives the students an opportunity to learn about those with Down syndrome and gives our participants the opportunity to work on life skills, job skills and customer service so this is a win-win on both sides.”

Participants of GiGi’s Coffee Cart sold coffee, hot chocolate and baked goods to the students.

Liz Kepniss, Playhouse manager said, “This is the first time we are trying something like this. The week has been successful so far. When we left here on Monday the number of followers on our Instagram account jumped up 15 percent and it was all high school students from Immaculata.”

Several students have reached out to find opportunities to volunteer. “This will definitely increase our volunteer list and it gives them a chance to earn some of their community service hours. Many times

when kids come to get their service hours they never leave. They come in and make a personal connection with us,” Morris said.

“When my teens at the playhouse see other teens coming in they stand a little taller a little prouder. They see that their peers want to be there with them on a Friday night. They want to hang out with them and want to be their friends. It does a world of good for them,” she added.

Chris Bove, 34, is a participant and an intern at the Playhouse. He participates in the adult programing and goes out in the community as an advocate for GiGi’s.

Bove has worked at T.J. Maxx as a processor opening boxes for the past 12 years.

“I love being here with the kids today.

I’m having fun. I like helping people and being with young people. I’m here with my friends.” he said. “GiGi’s playhouse is a fun place to be. We make it fun. They teach us about healthy eating, exercise and fun activities. The life program teaches me about going out into the community and in stores to check the prices and how to budget.”

Nadine Gruybek, a freshman, said, “I love this. I like that we are raising awareness for Down syndrome.”

Jack Morris, a volunteer at GiGi’s and a youth board member, said, “I feel like everyone has been really accepting with the whole thing going on this week. They [students] are treating everyone respectfully and they seem to be enjoying it.”

Jack volunteers with the teen programs and his nine-year-old brother, Ben, is a participant at GiGi’s. “There are events every month and we are there to just hang out with them as their friends.”

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Christ” (ccc 1688).

3. The Eucharistic Sacrifice: (See ccc 1689 described above).

4. A farewell to the deceased: This is the final “commendation to God” by the Church. It is “the last farewell” by which the Christian community greets one of its members before the body is brought to its tomb (ccc 1690).

The last paragraph in this section of the Catechism quotes a mostly unknown 14th-15th century monk, bishop and theologian named St. Symeon of Thessalonica. In one of St. Symeon’s writings, he states: “For even dead, we are not at all separated from one another, because we all run the same course and we will find one another again in the same place. We shall never be separated, for we live for Christ, and now we are united with Christ as we go toward him...we shall all be together in Christ” (ccc 1690). The words from this lesser-known saint offer great consolation and hope to those who must deal with the physical absence of a loved one after being left behind following that loved one’s death.

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The most beautiful legacy my father left to his family is that he taught us how to live and he taught us how to die.

During his lifetime, the words my dad spoke to us, and the example he set, were a perpetual lesson in how to live virtuously. Throughout his life, though deaf from the age of 21 and blind in the years before the end of his life, having battled years of sickness due to tuberculosis and many major surgeries that included the removal of a kidney and lung coupled with cancer and heart disease, my dad never thought of himself as disabled or needy, or otherwise less blessed by God. During the last days of his earthly life, knowing that he was about to die, my dad lay prayerfully in wait. In his final prayer to the Blessed Mother, he prayed: “... Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.” No ugly words came from his lips. No regrets.

No bargaining. No tears. No fear. My dad just showed us a joyful and hopeful disposition with a sincere and strong faith for a new beginning into everlasting beatitude.

As the Catechism states, what my dad “confessed in faith and hope would be fulfilled: ‘I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come’” (ccc 1680). The Catechism continues: “For the Christian the day of death inaugurates, at the end of his sacramental life, the fulfillment of his new birth begun at Baptism, the definitive ‘conformity’ to ‘the image of the Son’ conferred by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and participation in the feast of the Kingdom which was anticipated in the Eucharist – even if final purifications are still necessary for him in order to be clothed with the nuptial garment” (ccc 1682).

For almost 60 years, following my then, by praying for him and with him” dad’s courageous conversation to the (ccc 1689).

Catholic faith, the Church as his MothIn the Order of Christian Funerals er “bore” my dad “sacramentally in her (the Funeral Mass), there are four prinwomb during his earthly pilgrimage, cipal elements: 1) the greeting of the [and] accompanied him at his journey’s community, 2) the Liturgy of the Word, end, in order to surren3) the Eucharistic Sacder him into the Father’s rifice and 4) a farewell. hands” (ccc 1682).

1. The greeting of During the last Before this, as a the community: In adyoung teenager, my dad dition to the consoladays of his earthly in a misdirected way, tion afforded the family promised to avoid all and friends of the delife . . . my dad association with any ceased, the community lay prayerfully and all “Papists” (or assembled in prayer Catholics) who would, “also awaits the words in wait . . . with in the words of the of eternal life” (ccc a sincere and Oath against Papist’s 1687). The death of a of the Young Britons loved one should also strong faith for a Orangeman’s Brigade, “draw the faithful into lead souls away from the true perspective of new beginning the true faith of Jesus faith in the risen Christ” into everlasting Christ. This secret so(ccc 1687). ciety claims the Battle 2. The Liturgy beatitude. of the Boyne in 1690 as of the Word: Careful its origin. Thus, I call preparation is recommy dad’s conversion mended in choosing “courageous” since he the readings from Saturned his back on the misdirected faith cred Scripture for the Funeral Liturgy. of his teenage years, which in its secret The homily in particular must “avoid societies spoke so disconcertingly of the literary genre of funeral eulogy,” the Catholic faith. but instead “illumine the mystery of At the final prayer for my dad at Christian death in the light of the risen the Catholic cemetery, “the Church committed to the earth, in hope, the seed of the body [of my dad] that will rise in glory. This offering is fully celebrated in the Eucharistic sacrifice” (ccc 1683). As the Catechism expounds: “When the celebration takes place in church the Eucharist is the heart of the Paschal reality of Christian death.

In the Eucharist, the Church expresses her efficacious communion with the departed: offering to the Father in the Holy Spirit the sacrifice of the death and resurrection of Christ, she asks to purify his child of his sins and their SPOTLIGHT PILGRIMAGE: consequences, and to admit him to the Paschal fullness of the table of the Kingdom.

It is by the Eucharist thus celebratALASKA DISCOVERY ed that the community of the faithful, LAND & CRUISE especially the family of the deceased, featuring a 7-night learn to live in communion with the one who ‘has fallen asleep in the Lord,’ by Princess Cruise communicating in the Body of Christ with Twp. of of which he is a living member and, Edison Senior Center

FAITH ALIVE

Article 128 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 1680-1690

27

Words of saint offer hope, consolation, to grieving

28

Preschool Playground

OUR DIOCESE

Msgr. Robert J. Zamorski, rector, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, blesses the parochial school’s new preschool playground Oct. 25. The school, which educates children from pre-K 3 through the eighth grade, received a grant to install the new safe ground surface and equipment.

— photo courtesy of St. Francis Cathedral School

Student Leaders

St. John Vianney School, Colonia, recently inducted its 2019-2020 Student Council executive board members and homeroom representatives for grades six to eight. Mentors are Lori Perona and Carol Bartilotti. Woodbridge Mayor John E. McCormac joined the ceremony to encourage the students. The Student Council sponsors and/or coordinates events throughout the school year such as Halloween and Christmas dances, Pink Out dress down day, Veterans Day Ceremony, Toy Drive at Christmas, Have a Heart Food Drive, Easter Egg Hunt and many other events during the year, especially Catholic Schools Week.

— photo courtesy of St. John Vianney

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Daniel described the king’s dream...about a very large and bright statue.

other parts represented different kingdoms that would take Babylon’s place.

And the stone that struck the statue’s feet and made the entire thing crumble represented the kingdom that God would create that would put an end to

the other kingdoms and would not be destroyed.

The king was so pleased that he made Daniel ruler of the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men.

READ MORE ABOUT IT: Daniel 2 Q&A: 1. Who wanted his dream interpreted?

2. Who revealed the dream’s meaning to Daniel?

PUZZLE: Using the hints provided, answer the following questions about Daniel and Joseph.

1. What was Daniel’s name changed to when he was taken to Babylon?

(Daniel 1:7) 2. Where did King Darius cast Daniel? (Daniel 6:17) 3. Who was Joseph’s father? (Genesis 37:3) 4. How many sons did Joseph have? (Genesis 46:20) Puzzle Answer: Answers: 1. Belteshazzar; 2. in a lion’s den; 3. Israel (Jacob); 4. two

One day, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon wanted his dream interpreted.

He summoned all of the city’s enchanters, sorcerers, magicians and Chaldeans. Nebuchadnezzar expected these men to know what his dream was without being told and then interpret it correctly.

The king became angry when the men said they could not do so, and he ordered all of Babylon’s wise men to be put to death.

Daniel, an Israelite who had been taken to Babylon to serve Nebuchadnezzar after the king’s siege of Jerusalem, heard what was going on.

God had blessed Daniel with knowl-

edge, wisdom and the understanding of visions and dreams. So Daniel asked for time from the king so he could interpret the dream.

During the night, God gave Daniel a vision in which the king’s dream and its meaning were revealed.

Daniel praised God and asked to see the king.

“There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what is to happen in the last days,” he said.

He described the king’s dream, which was about a very large and bright statue. The statue’s head was made of gold; its chest and arms were made of silver; its belly was made of bronze; its legs were made of iron; and its feet were part iron and part tile.

“While you looked at the statue, a stone which was hewn from a mountain without a hand being put to it, struck its iron and tile feet, breaking them in pieces. The iron, tile, bronze, silver and gold all crumbled at once. ... But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth,” Daniel told the king.

Daniel explained that the statue’s head represented Babylon, and the

OUR DIOCESE

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service

29

Daniel tells a king the meaning of his dreams

— CNS Artwork

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Prayer and Worship

The Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan, will celebrate a sung Mass every Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in Latin. The Mass is celebrated according to the 1962 Missal in compliance with the “Summorum Pontificum.” For details, call the Shrine Rectory Office, (908) 300-8167.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, will hold a Holy Hour of Prayer for the Dying every Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. in the church. Come and pray for those who are dying, especially those who die suddenly and unprepared to enter eternal life.

For information, call (732) 968-5555.

Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, will hold a Holy Hour for Religious Freedom and Persecuted Christians every Sunday at 7 p.m., in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, 50 Van Winkle Place, Piscataway.

Participants are invited to silently pray the Rosary and special prayers for the intentions of Christians worldwide who are being persecuted for their faith. For information, call Becky, (703) 625-5388.

Special Programs

Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, will once again erect fresh cut Christmas trees decorated with clear lights and a plaque to memorialize someone living or deceased or with a greeting from your family. The tree lighting will take place after a Mass of Blessing on Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. The cost to memorialize a tree is $200. Tree are limited. To reserve a tree, call (908) 725-

1112 or visit the parish office.

Jan. 24-26 — Worldwide Marriage Encounter of Central New Jersey will present a weekend of enrichment. The weekend will give you time and tools to revitalize romance, communication and spirituality in your marriage. Space is limited. For cost and location, call (732) 904-9636 or visit www.aweekendforyourmarriage.org.

Support Programs

The Diocese of Metuchen Family Life Office sponsors Courage, an apostolate of the Catholic Church that ministers to those with same-sex attractions. The spiritual support group assists those with same-sex attractions to live chaste lives in fellowship, truth and love. For information about the ministry, meeting times and location, call the Family Life office, (732) 562-2476. All calls are confidential.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Metuchen is offering counseling and wellness services. If you or someone you know needs counseling or is impacted by addiction, we can help. Individual and family therapy for children and adults is available. For an appointment, call (800) 655-9491.

Nov. 26, 7 to 9 p.m. — Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, Watchung, will present a men’s group entitled “Man to Man.” The evening will feature life affirming discussion and prayer to find God in your life and how to make a difference in the world.

A free-will offering will be collected. For

information, call (908) 753-2091 or visit www.msmhope.org.

Special Programs

Nov. 19, 7 to 9 p.m. — Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, Watchung, will present “The Compassion Connection.” Learn how to tear down walls of fear, distrust and privilege in a broken world to unite with the compassionate heart of God. To cost is $20 to $30 as you are able to pay.

To register, contact (908) 753-2091 or email msmhope@msmhope.org.

Wednesdays, Jan. 8 – Mar. 11, 6:45 p.m. — Queenship of Mary Parish, Plainsboro, will offer the ChristLife series, beginning with “Discovering Christ” where everyone is invited to hear the Good News and encounter Jesus Christ. The seven-week series will include dinner, prayer, a video teaching and small group discussion. A retreat day will also be included. The program is free but registration is required. To register, visit www.qomchurch.org/christlife. For details, contact Lisa Scarpa, lisascarpa2@gmail. com or call (609) 716-9191.

Retreats

Dec. 4, 5:30 to 9 p.m. — Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, Watchung, will offer “The Awakening” a spiritual retreat.

The retreat will begin will an Advent Recollection and end with a Pentecost Recollection. The six-month commitment will include praying assigned scripture passages, attending recollections and meeting four times for spiritual direction. The cost for the Advent Recollection is $50 to $60

NOVEMBER 14, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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as you are able to pay. For details or to register, visit www.msmhope.org or call (908) 753-2091.

Members Needed

Blessed Sacrament Parish, Martinsville, will host the Circle of Friends monthly meeting in the parish center. The group was developed for Catholic, widowed men and women. The meetings are informal and will feature a speaker and refreshments. The group meets September through June on the third Sunday of the month. New members are welcome. For information, call Alicia Conklin, (908) 393-4088.

Outside the Diocese

Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m. — The Shrine of St. Joseph, Stirling, invites all to the 95th Anniversary of the shrine. The evening will begin with a Mass of Thanksgiving in the chapel. A dinner will be held at Primavera Regency, Stirling. The Sister Servants of Jesus will also be celebrating their 45th anniversary at the shrine. Reservations are required. For reservations or to take an ad call (908) 647-0208 or visit www.shrineofsaintjoseph.com/dinnerofthanksgiving.

Nov. 23, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — The diocese of Allentown will hold a Men’s Conference at De Sales University entitles, “Standing firm on Our Faith.” Presentations will be held in English and Spanish. The day will include reconciliation and Mass. Registration is $50. To register or for details, visit www.allentowndiocese.org/mens-conference or call, (610) 289-8900 ext. 2021.

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

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Saint Francis Retreat House ... A Franciscan Retreat Center WEEKDAY COURSES: Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 am: St.on Sunday Francis Lectio Divina Gospels; Wednesdays 10-noon: Scriptural Book Study; and Thursdays 9:30-11:30 am: Retreat Contemplative Prayer House 2020 MONDAY EVENING MINI-RETREATS - A Church A Franciscan Retreat Center Conveniently located 1 1/2a hours fromat 6:00 pm followed by Renewed - We begin with dinner Philadelphia and New York prayer, a presentation, discussion & closing prayer at 9:00 p.m.

Please register by phone or e-mail ONE WEEK AHEAD OF TIME Conveniently 1-1/2 Philadelphia & New York Januarylocated 11, 12, 13: hours “Whyfrom is Vatican II Important for Us Today?” Men’s Retreat, Fr. John Quigley, OFM Jan. 17, Apr. 18, July 18, Oct. 17: Franciscan Solitude Days:at: A stfrancisretreathouse@wordpress.com Day of Prayer & Solitude. Fr. Dennet Jung, OFM January 18,19,20: “The Pleasure of Her Company”- Women’s Retreat with Mary our Mother, Jeanne Hunt 2020 SPONSORED RETREATS: Feb. 8, 9, 10: “Does your Marriage Need an ‘Attitude Adjustment?”- Married Couples Retreat, Jeanne Hunt March 22,23,24: “The Eucharist”: Men’s Spring Retreat—Fr. Quigley, OFM Team • JUNE 26-28: Franciscan Alumni Assoication Reunion andJohn Retreat: Alumni July 5,6,7: “Heavenly Hilarity” Retreat for men and women–Looking at humor in the Scriptures, Mark Ligett, OFM • JULY 19-24:July "Icon Writing Retreat" Jody ColeWriting • JULY 31-August 2: TBA Special Event 21—-26: “Windows of the with Sacred: an Icon Retreat”.

Jody Cole July 26-28: “On"Journey the Banks of the Mississippi” • Aug 4—9: A “Into Great Silence”, Mark Ligett, OFM • OCTOBER 2-4: toward Our True Selves: Franciscan Persepctive" First Friday Retreat Days: 9am to 2:30pm October thru August. Fr. Dennet Jung, OFM with Shirley & Steve Puccino, SFO, and Fr. Henry Beck, OFM Call today to schedule any of the above retreats or to arrange your own retreat group.

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610-258-3053, ext. 10 • stfrancisretreathouse.org 3918 Chipman Road, Easton, PA • email: stfranrh@rcn.com

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

Continued from page 13

The Pontifical Mission Office offers Mass Cards, Perpetual Masses and Gregorian Mass for the Living and Deceased. The suggested offering is from $5 to $300. To purchase a card, contact (732) 243-4580 or email pontifical.mission.societies@diometuchen.org.

11/23 “Education Children in the Catholic Faith in a Non-Christian Society,” Office of Hispanic Evangelization, 8 a.m. to noon, St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. These workshops, presented in Spanish, are open to parents and educators of children. The cost is $10. Space is limited. To register, visit https://hispanic-ministry.abilafundraisingonline.com/tallerparapadres. For information, call Lisa Escobar, (732) 243-4573.

December

On December 12, Bishop Checchio inaugurated a year of preparation for the consecration of the Diocese of Metuchen to Our Lady of Guadalupe. His intention for this year is that we each open our heart wide to God’s grace so that authentic spiritual renewal can take place. In light of this you are invited to come to an evening of prayer, preaching and reflection on the message and meaning of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s apparitions on our continent in 1531. Discover how The Blessed Mother led nine million indigenous Mexican people into a life changing encounter with her Son, Jesus, and how she desires to lead you into a deep and vibrant relationship with Him as well. For information, visit www.

LightingHeartsOnFire.org.

12/4 A Catholic Prayer and Support for Families Affected by Mental Health Issues, Office for Persons with Disabilities, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., St. Patrick Parish, Belvidere. The support group will offer spiritual support and tips on how to cope with mental health issues. For details, call (732) 765-6432 or email catholicswithdisabilities@gmail.com.

January

1/21 PCL Round Table, Office of Discipleship Formation for Children, 9:30 a.m. St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The discussion is for Parish Catechetical Leaders to gather as a whole and share with each other. To register, call Katie Battle, (732) 243-4575 or email kbattle@diometuchen. org by Jan. 14.

1/24 2020 Call to Action Day, Office of Human Life and Dignity. Everyone is urged to call their New Jersey State Legislators to ask them for a response to the 120, 000 postcards mailed to them urging them to pass the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.” For a listing of legislators and a sample phone message, visit http://babiesinthewombfeelpain.com.

February

2/8 Diocesan Youth Day 2020, Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, 1 to 9 p.m., Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen. The theme is “You are Courageously Loved.” Youth day is open to students in grades 8-12. The day will include Mass, presentations, break-out sessions, adoration and confession.

Dinner will be provided. Group registration only. For information, call (732) 243-4575.

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Eucharistic Adoration is now being held in the chapel at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. Adorers and intercessors are needed Monday through Friday 9 to 11:45 a.m. Daily Mass is held at 11:45 a.m. For information or to volunteer, call Laura Riccardi, (609) 578-0841. To submit a prayer request, call (732) 765-6445.

from the Ordinary Form of the Mass, most notably, in that it must be celebrated in Latin; there are just two prescribed readings from the liturgical calendar from the missal of 1962, which does not change year-to-year; and the presider faces ad orientum, or “to the east,” in the same direction as the people.

“It is the same Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith, and the same Sacrifice,” said Father Cebulka.

“Between the silence and the reverence in the Extraordinary Form, there is a sense of mystery that sometimes I think we’ve lost, in not fully allowing the liturgy to speak to us that way, but it is my personal hope that the two liturgies will continue to inform and complement each other.”

The Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, 52 West Somerset Street, Raritan, celebrates a sung Mass every Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite in Latin.

The Mass is celebrated according to the 1962 Missal in compliance with “Summorum Pontificum.”

For more information, visit http:// blessedsacramentshrine.com or call the Shrine Rectory Office, (908) 722-1489.

OUR DIOCESE

November

DIOCESAN EVENTS

a great treasure in the life of the Church of Metuchen,” said Father Cebulka. “It is the center of the Extraordinary Form for our diocese, the one place where we celebrate two different forms of the one Roman Rite, respectively called the Extraordinary and Ordinary Forms.”

According to Father Cebulka, who served as a chaplain for the Catholic Center at Rutgers University for 18 years and also served as its director of campus ministry for several years, young people, in particular, are embracing the Extraordinary Form of the Mass.

“The rejuvenation and new-found excitement surrounding the Extraordinary Form of the Mass is, for me, personally edifying,” said Father Cebulka. “Contrary to what some may think, this form of the sacred liturgy is not a rejection of the liturgical form or a yearning to live in the past, but instead, it is a recovery of the things we did lose, particularly that sense of silence, reverence and the sense of the sacred, which I think can inform our current liturgy.”

The Extraordinary Form differs

31

Shrine a ‘treasure’ in life of diocese

32 OUR DIOCESE

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

The Shrine of St. Joseph GIFT & BOOK SHOP 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.

Seven-Day Prayer Intention Candles!

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

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Hours: M-Sat: 10am - 5pm • Sun: 11am - 3pm