November 16, 2023

Spirit atholic C Bishop’s Annual Appeal final report • 22-23

THE

NOVEMBER 16, 2023 • VOL. 28 NO. 10

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

Living for The joy of God’s love shines in the faces of these cloistered, contemplative Discalced Carmelite Nuns from the Carmel of Mary Immaculate and St. Mary Magdalen, Flemington, as they greet visitors in the speakroom following their 75th anniversary Mass which opened a year of celebration for the milestone.

Read their story on pg. 12 as part of the vocations section, pgs. 9-14.

— Hal Brown photo

INSIDE Eucharistic Revival

6-7

Our Faith

8

Perspectives

20

Movie Review

42

Diocesan Events

43

Blue Mass

Honor and Valor

4-5

2 UP FRONT

Fall is a time of welcoming Jesus with gratitude and preparation

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

November is a wonderful month, despite the arrival of winter, of which I am not a huge fan. The colder weather makes my morning walks tougher, especially when the winds pick up or snow comes. Sometimes I am forced to use the treadmill instead! I enjoy being outside and in our neighborhoods as the day’s activities start, but the treadmill gets me moving, too and I can still pray the Rosary and organize my day during that time.

The thing I love about November is that it is a time of remembering the interconnectedness of our lives. We begin the month with solemnity and a holy day by remembering all the saints and our beloved dead whom we hope are joined with the saints in heaven. They give us encouragement by the example of their lives, and their legacy to live in imitation of Jesus, as they did. I have been privileged to know so many good and holy men and women – relatives, friends, brother clergy and religious, co-workers and parishioners – who have blessed my life and I now count on these friends in heaven to help us!

While we pray for our dead all throughout November, All Souls Day on Nov. 2 is a chance to specially pray that all our deceased brothers and sisters be admitted fully into God’s presence. I remember in elementary school we were taught to pray especially for those who have been forgotten and have no one to pray for them.

I remember reading one of the mystic saints who explained that the souls in purgatory are not ready to be fully in God’s presence. It is their desire to enter

fully into that presence and their not being able to do so yet is what causes their suffering. In a sense, the warm love of God, in a distance, melts away anything from their lives that prevents them from being admitted fully. The mystic explained that it was like a wax covering over the soul which the bright flame of God’s love melts away, and allows the soul to come closer to God. So, purgatory actually isn’t a bad place, as the souls are exposed to God’s love, but there is a yearning for more, a yearning to be admitted fully into heaven and before God, as a saint.

As I pray for our dead, I often ask for their help with specific intentions.

At every viewing I attend, I always ask the deceased to help reveal God and His love to me more fully, so I can share Him more effectively with others.

One of my favorite holidays in November is Thanksgiving as it has always been a wonderful time for being with family. This special holiday of gratitude reminds us to count our blessings, both individually and as a country. It is less commercial than other holidays in many ways and focuses us on God, country, family, a nice meal and of course, a beautiful Mass thanking God for our many blessings. There are always blessings, even when things might not seem to be going as we hoped or plan, we just have to remember them!

Generally, at the end of November, Advent starts. But, beware, this year it doesn’t start until Dec. 3, as the fourth week of Advent is only one day this year since Christmas is on a Monday. So, Advent will fly by! In a sense, Advent is a bit of a strange season, as it is a penitential season of preparation, hence the purple vestments for the season for our liturgies. Yes, Advent is a time of “waiting,” in imitation of our ancestors who waited for the Messiah and also of our waiting for the Lord’s second coming at the end of time. But we shouldn’t miss Jesus coming to us already, in the present, as He comes to us so often through-

out our daily lives.

Yes, Jesus comes to us in the Sacraments, through the Scriptures, in our prayers and through the acts of charity we practice throughout the day. Indeed, the coming of the precious gift of our Savior at Christmas is probably best prepared for by us through our meeting Him now, today, in the sacraments and our prayer and His coming to us through those in need, including the poor, the needy, the sick, the lonely, and those in prison. Being attentive to these present comings to us by Jesus is probably our best preparation for his comings at His Birth and Second Coming. So may this Advent be a time where we prepare well, by our reaching out to Him in the present through the Eucharist and Confession

and reaching out to Him as He comes to us as our neighbor in need.

Thank you for all you do; it is a blessing for our local Church. I pray that Thanksgiving is a blessed time for you and your family and loved ones, and that we prepare ourselves well, by encountering Jesus often in the present, as we wait.

Come Lord Jesus! Know of my love, prayers and gratitude for you, and please remember to pray for me, too!

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

Catholic Spirit THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

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

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Bishop James F. Checchio spent a beautiful fall day visiting the students and staff at St. Francis Cathedral School just in time for their Halloween parade and classroom parties. —Elaine Scull photos

3 OUR DIOCESE

A Call to Pray for Peace Our hearts are heavy with profound concern and sorrow. Our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land and throughout Israel now endure unimaginable suffering in the aftermath of recent attacks. As our hearts move to respond, we join in a response of prayer, asking our Almighty Father for the safety and restoration of peace in this sacred land.

Through the kind invitation of Rabbi Philip N. Bazeley of Anshe Memorial Temple in New Brunswick, I had the honor of joining with our Jewish brothers and sisters alongside other religious and civic representatives from our local communities to mark the celebration of Sukkot.

Together, we ascended to their rooftop to partake in a luncheon, prayer and fellowship. In a moment of shared faith and solidarity, we were acutely aware of the profound significance of how our God unites us all as children of the Father of Abraham.

Let’s not forget the enduring strength and compassion of our Blessed Mother, Mary, the Mother of God. Today, we call upon her to intercede and place her protective mantle over the Holy Land and promote peace.

May our Heavenly Father grant us all a path toward unity, reconciliation, and enduring peace and justice throughout the world.

Our Lady of Peace, pray for us.

Interfaith Service for Peace

How to report abuse

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

On Oct. 16, the Memorial of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque who is known for promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Bishop James F. Checchio celebrated Mass and blessed a new outside shrine dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the grounds of St. Ann Church, Hampton. —Gerald Wutkowski, Jr. photo

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

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

During his Oct. 18 general audience, Pope Francis declared Friday, Oct. 27, to be a day of fasting, penance and prayer for peace, and encouraged “the various Christian confessions, members of other religious, and all who hold the cause of peace in the world at heart to participate.” In response to that call, on Oct. 27, St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish, Watchung, hosted an Interfaith Service for Peace in their church. The Service was attended by clergy and faithful from the Latin and Maronite Catholic Churches and from the Jewish, Orthodox, Protestant and Islamic traditions. Pictured from left to right: Rev. Michael Droege, Wilson Memorial Church, Watchung; Rabbi Randi Musnitsky and Student Rabbi Joshua Greenbaum, Temple Har Shalom, Warren; Rev. Barbara Peters, Wilson Memorial Church; Imam Mohammad Charaf, Elizahra Islamic Center, Midland Park; Rev. Msgr. William Benwell, St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish, Watchung; Dr. Mohammad Ali Chaudry, Islamic Society of Basking Ridge; Rev. Simon El Hijj, St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Parish, Somerset; Rev. Nicholas Belcher, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Parish, Little Falls. —Courtesy photos

4 SPECIAL FEATURE

honors those in faith-filled service

By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Bishop James F. Checchio spoke on behalf of the hundreds of faithful filling the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Oct. 25 when he told the uniformed police personnel seated before him, “Thank God for you. We pray for your safety.”

The Metuchen cathedral was the site of a beloved annual tradition designed to lift up in prayer the living and deceased police personnel who live and serve in the four counties of the Diocese. Bishop Checchio served as principal celebrant of the 21st annual Blue Mass and was assisted by numerous priests of the Diocese who serve as police chaplains. Representatives of this year’s host, the Woodbridge Police Department, served as readers, gift bearers and assistants at the liturgy.

Deacon Stephen F. Kern, diocesan director of the Office of the Diaconate, was homilist and shared memories of his 34 years with the Port Authority of NY and NJ, including the infamous Sept. 11, 2001, bombing of the World Trade Center. He likened the self-sacrificing peace officers to modern-day disciples of Jesus and cautioned, “We must be prepared when he comes again.”

The deacon continued, “We need to be vigilant,” recalling the quick reactions of those police and firefighters ascending the stairs of the towers, then shepherding thousands to safety. “When I meet Jesus at his coming, will I be able to give a good accounting of myself when it comes to [those] who rely on me to be an example of how a disciple of Christ must live,” he asked. “Can I give a good accounting of myself?

“Whether we live or die tomorrow matters little compared with whether we live or die eternally,” Deacon Kern concluded. “Faith casts our fear. I saw that in the faces of the officers coming up the stairs… Faith leads us to do incredible things. With faith in what He has taught us, we can do incredible things in our world.”

Following the Liturgy of the Eucharist, bagpipers and drum corps marched down the Cathedral’s center and side aisles, then stood

at attention as an officer from the Woodbridge Police Department read the Police Officers’ Prayer, which beseeches St. Michael the Archangel for “protection from all mental, physical and spiritual harm.” The names of those officers who had died in the line of duty since the inception of the Blue Mass were read aloud, a bell tolling after each name.

As Catholic school students from elementary and high schools in the Diocese looked on in awe, a single bagpiper squeezed out the plaintive strains of “Amazing Grace,” joined on the second verse by the Middlesex County Police and Fire Pipe and Drum Corps which filled the house of worship with a sense of honor and prayerful gratitude. Officers from the Perth Amboy Police Department fired a 21-gun salute outside on the plaza, and a bugler played the mournful “Taps” in honor of the fallen.

Scores of officers filled the Cathedral steps following the liturgy, prompting admiring glances from onlookers along Main Street.

Police cars, red and blue lights flashing, vied for space with a long row of motorcycles and mounted officers whose horses evoked giggles from the schoolchildren. As a colossal American flag suspended from a fire truck fluttered in the breeze, and the bagpipers played more joyful tunes, Bishop Checchio blessed the troops, extending his thanks for their selfless service.

Chief Larry Cattano of the Perth Amboy Police Department explained the role his faith plays in executing his duties.

“I went to Catholic school my entire life in Perth Amboy,” the chief began. “Having something greater than yourself to believe in, to look for solace during those times you are really not sure what is going on, when you question humanity…faith is something to look forward to, to look to God for that spiritual bump you need.”

5 SPECIAL FEATURE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— John Batkowski photos

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Federal, state and local police officers who live and serve in the Diocese of Metuchen filled the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi for the annual Blue Mass Oct. 25. The liturgy also honored those who lost their lives in service with the reciting of “The Police Officer’s Prayer,” a roll call, bell toll and 21-gun salute, as well as with a rendition of “Amazing Grace” on drums and bagpipes. Bishop James F. Checchio presented a plaque of recognition and appreciation to Robert Hubner, director, Woodbridge Police Department, which served as 2023 Blue Mass Host.

6 EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

REAL PRESENCE

The Eucharist as the way back home

By Father Jose Manuel Lim Special Contributor Being away from home is never easy. Whether it be for a work trip, college, or even while travelling – there is always something within us that loves home and wants to return to it.

In a home there is a sense of familiarity, knowing that one is safe, secure and loved. There are sights, sounds and people that remind you of it and when you sense it, you know you belong.

When the rich young man approaches Jesus in Matthew 19:16, he asks a question that has endured through time,

“What good must I do to attain eternal life?”

In other words, the young man is asking Jesus: “How do I get to Heaven?

How do I get to spend the rest of eternity with you, Jesus? What will it take to get back home?”

He’s asking Jesus how to get back home – back home into the arms of the Father where every tear is wiped away and every hope is fulfilled. The rich young man is asking Jesus to tell him the route to Heaven and Jesus responds by saying “Go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, fol-

low me” (Matthew 19:21). Jesus gives the young man a radical call to give up everything that he knew previously, his plans, his aspirations, and to place them in the hands of Jesus, to live a life that says Jesus alone is enough for me.

When we encounter the Eucharist, whether it be during Holy Mass or a time of adoration, we encounter Jesus fully present, and He says the very same thing to us: come, follow me. In the Eucharist, Jesus reveals to us our own condition as well as our calling (John Paul II, 1993, Veritatis Splendor, 8 ). By drawing near to Jesus in the Eucharist, we see the fact that God has drawn close to us first and

that only with Him do we find our true home. When we encounter Jesus in the Eucharist, we are faced with our master, creator and most dear friend. The words “Come, follow me” begs us to respond and this can never be just a shallow answer. Rather, this call from Jesus demands that we become a disciple and that asks everything of us. In short, Jesus asks us to live as He lived and love as He loved.

When we do, we begin follow Jesus on the path home to Heaven.

An encounter with the Eucharist allows us to live a transformed life infused with grace. A life that isn’t of this world because it’s a life that’s pointed to the world to come, and inspires hope that nothing on earth can take away. The Eucharist reminds us that, although this world is beautiful and that we should savor this journey, we can’t forget our destination.

That begins with little steps. Spending a few moments a few times a week or even every day in front of the Blessed Sacrament in your local church. Taking a moment of quiet prayer after Mass to give thanks to God for the many blessings in your life and to ask for His help in the areas that are difficult. With those little steps, the journey of a lifetime begins and you’ll do it with Jesus leading the way.

No matter where we are in the world, if we can begin to spend some time with Jesus in the Eucharist we are on the path of finding our way home to Heaven.

Father Jose Manuel Lim is currently studying at the Pontifical North American College, Vatican City State, Europe.

— Photo courtesy of Aurel Manea

The Eucharist has the power to draw hearts to Jesus, Pope says

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) – St. Charles de Foucauld, a turn-of-the-19th-century hermit, demonstrates how a life of meekness, tenderness and eucharistic adoration evangelizes, Pope Francis said.

The saint was known to remain in prayer “at Jesus’ feet, before the Tabernacle,” for hours a day, “sure that the evangelizing force resides there and feeling that it is Jesus who will bring him close to so many distant brothers and sisters,” the Pope said Oct. 18 at his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.

“And do we, I ask myself, believe in the power of the Eucharist? Does our going out to others, our service, find its beginning and its fulfillment there, in adoration?” the Pope asked, encouraging everyone to rediscover the sense of adoration before the Eucharist.

Continuing a series of audience talks highlighting saints who demonstrate zeal or passion for evangelization, Pope Fran-

St. Charles de Foucauld, who was born in France in 1858, is pictured in an undated photo.

Pope Francis canonized St. Charles de Foucauld on May 15, 2022, calling attention to the universality of his faith, living as a brother to all. —CNS

photo/courtesy of I.Media)

cis said St. Charles made Jesus and the poor “the passion of his life” after living his youth “far from God, without believing in anything other than the disordered pursuit of pleasure.”

“The first step in evangelizing,” the Pope said, is to “fall head over heels” for Jesus so that love will show in one’s life.

If this does not happen, “we risk talking about ourselves, our group, a morality or, even worse, a set of rules, but not about Jesus, his love, his mercy.”

The Pope said he sees this tendency in some new movements that spend a lot of time talking about their organization, their new spiritual path or “vision of humanity,” and “do not know how to talk about Jesus.”

St. Charles understood the importance of the laity in the life of the church and “he reminds us that ‘there need to be lay people close to priests, to see what the priest does not see, who evangelize with a proximity of charity, with goodness for ev-

eryone, with affection always ready to be given,’” he said, citing the saint’s writings.

However, the Pope said, they need to be “holy lay people” in love with Jesus, not “climbers” in search of something else.

“We priests need so much to have next to us lay people who seriously believe” in Jesus, he said, and who, with their witness, “teach us the way” and help the priest understand he is not an “official” or administrator, but is “a mediator, he is a priest.”

St. Charles is “a prophetic figure for our time,” Pope Francis said.

He demonstrated “the beauty of communicating the Gospel through the apostolate of meekness,” welcomed everyone as a brother or sister and showed “the evangelizing force of tenderness,” Pope Francis said.

“Goodness is simple and asks us to be simple people, who are not afraid to offer a smile,” he said, encouraging Catholics to imitate “God’s style” of being close, compassionate and tender with others.

The ancient truism, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church,” was truly evident the weekend of the Eucharistic Congress held Oct. 20-22 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs in Auriesville, N.Y. In spite of the wet, chilly weather roughly 8,500 people flocked to the holy grounds, once the 17th century Mohawk village of Ossernenon, where three of the eight Jesuit missionaries, today known as the North American Martyrs, gave their lives while spreading the Gospel to Native American peoples.

Love for the Eucharist was remarkably apparent throughout the 40-hour weekend as 17 bishops, 200 priests, nearly 100 deacons and thousands of pilgrims attended Mass, Adoration and Confession, walked in processions, sang beautiful hymns of praise, and listened to 12 engaging talks all in honor of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Scarcely a talk ended without referencing one or more of the lives of the heroic martyrs.

Jesuit missionary and martyr Father Isaac Jogues, who died at Ossernenon,

once referred to his beloved Mohawks as a people “espoused to me by my blood.”

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, “Lily of the Mohawks,” was born in the same community just a decade later. The agape love of the Jesuit martyrs for the native people and their passion and love for Christ lives on and could be felt throughout the Eucharistic Revival weekend.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan said that although he was in Rome at the Synod, he was extraordinarily close to all those at the Shrine in New York, because “that’s the power, that’s the magnetism of the Holy Eucharist.”

“When we are at Mass we are close to Jesus – as close as we can be this side of paradise – we are close to our family and friends, we are close to those who have gone before us, we are close to the Communion of Saints reunited,” Cardinal Dolan said.

Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly offered a keynote presentation titled, “The Eucharistic Heart of a Father,” and explained how the Eucharist is essential to ending the anxiety plaguing our young people and the crisis of fatherhood. “Men, par-

ticularly husbands and fathers,” he said, “must find our mission in Jesus Christ, truly present in the Eucharist.”

“The greatest philosophers all try to save the world from foolishness by giving us their minds,” said keynote speaker Peter Kreeft, renowned professor of philosophy at Boston College, “but Christ saved us from sin, death and hell by giving us his body – both on the Cross and in the Eucharist. Christ said, ‘I am the truth.’ When we receive the Eucharist we eat the Truth, we eat God,” Kreeft said, reminding us of St. Theresa’s words: “Everything is a grace except for the Eucharist – it is he himself.”

Speaking of “the motive of the martyrs,” in her keynote presentation, “Eucharistic Intimacy: Letting Love Conquer Your Heart,” Sister of Life Mary Grace Langrell, Diocese of Bridgeport, asked, “What was going on in their hearts that made them so brave?”

She answered, quoting John Paul II: “‘Saints are not those who have conquered the world, saints are those that let Christ conquer their hearts.’

The same Jesus that conquered these martyrs comes to you and me,” she said

resolutely. “Eucharistic intimacy is not reserved for a few lucky blessed ones.

It’s the original plan of God’s goal for your life.”

“They say you are what you eat,” said Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of the Diocese of Albany in his closing homily. “If we believe that we receive the precious body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus then we know that that eternal food transforms us and makes us into what we consume.”

The martyrs and saints teach us that no death, no illness, no cross that we carry can defeat us. All it takes is trust – faith the size of a mustard seed – a small host, where God’s heart is fully present, to raise the leaven in our own hearts.

Pope St. John Paul II put it this way: “In that little Host is the solution to all the problems of the world.”

The story of the martyrs may be read at www.ourladyofmartyrsshrine.org/storyof-the-martyrs.

EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL

By Anna M. Githens Special Contributor

7

Eucharistic Congress draws thousands of pilgrims to New York shrine

Anna M. Githens, correspondent and columnist with The Catholic Spirit, shares some takeaways from her attendance at the N.Y. Eucharistic Congress.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT — Anna M. Githens photos

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Top left: Thousands follow in a procession of the Blessed Sacrament throughout the grounds of the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs during the New York State Eucharistic Congress in Auriesville Oct. 21.

Bottom left: Sisters of Life listen as Cardinal Timothy Dolan delivers his video greeting from Rome at the New York State Eucharistic Congress.

Top right: Bishop Terry LaValley and concelebrants stand on the altar at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine after celebrating Mass with thousands in attendance Oct. 21.

8 OUR FAITH

The Lord’s Prayer nurtures love, confidence and trust in God Article 180 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 2777- 2785

One of the many joys of my priesthood has been celebrating the Sacrament of Penance – listening to Confessions and imparting absolution in persona Christi (in the person of Christ). As a young seminarian preparing for the priesthood, however, I often felt a little apprehension anticipating my role in this sacrament.

I couldn’t imagine how I could hear so much about sin and darkness, doom and gloom, and then be able to function with a clear mind and heart without being affected by this shadow side of humanity, especially on the occasions when I left the confessional to immediately begin offering a public Holy Mass.

On the first day of my priesthood, however, everything changed. I recall being asked shortly after my ordination to hear someone’s Confession. Not an hour before I was laying face down on the floor in the sanctuary of the Cathedral as part of the ordination rite. Immediately following that first Confession, I knew the power of the Holy Spirit had come upon me and the grace I received through the Sacrament of Holy Orders would give me the strength

to imitate our Heavenly Father each time I heard Confessions. I would not only be an instrument of God’s forgiveness, but also be given the grace to eliminate, or better yet, surrender the sins from my mind and heart, and move on to my next priestly responsibility with no preoccupation with what I had heard in the Confessional. All these years later, God continues to bestow this special grace of the Holy Spirit upon his priestly servant.

Similarly, it is the “power of the Spirit who introduces us to the Lord’s Prayer as expressed in the liturgies of East and of West by the beautiful, characteristically Christian expression: parrhesia, straightforward simplicity, filial trust, joyous assurance, humble boldness, the certainty of being loved” (CCC 2778). Before we even arrive in that place where we utter the words of the Lord’s Prayer, “we must humbly cleanse our hearts of certain false images drawn from this world” (CCC 2779). This act of humility is necessary because “the purification of our hearts has to do with paternal or maternal images, stemming from our personal and cultural history, … [that influence] … our relationship with God” (CCC 2779). The act of praying to the Father “is to enter into his mystery as he is and as the Son has revealed him to us” (CCC 2779).

As such, our loving Father in Heaven “transcends the categories of the created world. To impose our own ideas…‘upon him’ would be to fabricate idols to adore …” (CCC 2779). No wonder God’s revelation to Moses when he received the tablets bearing God’s Commandments

included “You shall not have other gods beside me. You shall not make for yourself an idol” (Exodus 20:3-4). Idols include people and things that distract us or entice us to focus on matters that drift us away from our loving Father in Heaven.

The only reason we can call God our “Father … [is] … because he is revealed to us by his Son become man and because his Spirit makes him known to us” (CCC 2780). Quoted in the Catechism, Second Century writer, Tertullian, points out that “the expression ‘God the Father’ had never been revealed to anyone” (CCC 2779), not even Moses or the prophets.

But, thank to our Blessed Lord, “when we pray to the Father, we are all in communion with him and with his Son, Jesus Christ” (CCC 2782). The Catechism explains: “… The personal relation of the Son to the Father is something that … [we] … cannot conceive of nor the angelic powers even dimly see: and yet, the Spirit of the Son grants a participation in that very relation to us who believe that Jesus is the Christ and that we are born of God” (CCC 2780).

The act of praying the Lord’s Prayer provides us the opportunity to “know and recognize him with an ever new sense of wonder” (CCC 2781). (I would add to these words the following: ‘wonder and awe in the Father’s presence!’) The Second Vatican Council points out further: “… the Lord’s Prayer reveals us to ourselves at the same time that it reveals the Father to us” (Gadium et Spes 22 § 1) (CCC 2783). No wonder we repeat the words of the Our Father often in prayer.

This recitation and repetition gives us

holy habits of the heart, enabling us to encounter the Father who created us and loves us. With time and proper introspection we also come to see, from God’s perspective, not only what we do, but who we truly are.

We are told in the Catechism (CCC 2784-2785) that … “Praying to our Father should develop in us two fundamental dispositions: First, the desire to become like him: though created in his image, we are restored to his likeness by grace; and we must respond to this grace. …” and second, “a humble and trusting heart that enables us ‘to turn and become like children’, for it is to ‘little children’ that the Father is revealed”.

Fourth Century theologian, St. Augustine, quoted in the catechism (CCC 2785), seems to capture the sentiments we experience when praying the words of the Our Father. He explains: “…at this name love is aroused in us…and the confidence of obtaining what we are about to ask. …

What would he not give to his children who ask, since he has already granted them the gift of being his children?”

In brief, humble and joyous assurance as well as simple and faithful trust, are the proper dispositions sought for by the one who prays the Lord’s Prayer.

These are also the dispositions accomplished for those who stay the course and don’t give up, including God’s ‘priestly servant’ who hears Confessions.

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

Directory for Catechesis highlights multiple roles of a catechist

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Jill Kerekes, Special Contributor Within each of the parishes in the Diocese of Metuchen can be found a group of unsung volunteers that quietly carries on the work of helping to form the future of the Church. These volunteers bring a vast array of life experiences to their ministry and were called to ministry in a multitude of ways and for a multitude of reasons. These noble volunteers are our parish catechists.

The Directory of Catechesis, developed by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization and approved by Pope Francis on March 23, 2020, highlights several roles taken on by each parish catechist. Taking a brief look at some of these roles sheds light on the importance of this ministry and the profound influence that a parish catechist can have in the life of a child, especially if the parish catechist is the child’s primary connection to the faith.

The parish catechist is “a witness of faith and keeper of the memory of God.” The living witness to the Gospel that is evident to the children in the per-

The parish catechist is “a witness of faith and keeper of the memory of God.” son of the parish catechist is priceless.

Nothing gives a parish catechist more credibility than when a student observes the catechist attending and engaging in the Mass, waiting in line for Reconciliation, or quietly praying. The kindness and compassion of a parish catechist can also serve to introduce children to the love of Jesus, especially if the life of the child is difficult. Children also appreciate when parish catechists share of themselves in the classroom with stories and examples that reveal the lived faith in the lives of the catechists. As a “keeper of the memory of God”, when the parish catechist communicates the faith, the “memory of God’s history with humanity” is revealed. This perspective illumes the incredible responsibility of the parish catechist and emphasizes that, even with the availability of a multitude

of modern teaching tools, it is the person of the faith-filled parish catechist that is most important when communicating the person of Jesus to children.

The parish catechist is also a “teacher and mystagogue,” who not only transmits the mystery of the faith, but is also tasked with leading the children into this great mystery. As explained in the beginning section of the Directory for Catechesis, catechesis “does not only concern the mind, but also the body and above all the heart.” The parish catechist is charged with engaging the children in doctrine, liturgy, prayer, morality, and community life to prepare them for and lead them to an encounter with Christ. This requires a healthy and robust knowledge and experience of the faith and is no small endeavor!

The parish catechist is also called to be an “accompanier and educator” who

considers each individual child in the classroom and crafts the presentation of the faith in a manner that considers the particular needs of each child. While tuning the catechetical experience to age, maturity, learning differences, and experience in the faith, there is a need to be an “expert in humanity” such that the catechist can make the Gospel message relatable to each child in a particular way that turns each heart and mind to Jesus. Given the multitude of challenges and distractions in the lives of children today, the complexity of this challenge cannot be understated!

As the catechetical year proceeds, and our parish Religious Education programs buzz with activity, let us not forget to pray for our parish catechists, who give so much of themselves in service to the Church. Let us hope that they never lose heart in times of great challenge and that they always embrace the opportunity to be instruments who lead children to Jesus.

St. Gregory the Great, patron saint of catechists, pray for us!

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

9 VOCATIONS

AWARENESS WEEK

God has gone first in calling each of us to a vocation

By Msgr. John N. Fell Director, Office of Priest Personnel

always under the benevolent protection and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The joy, peace, and vitality that come from this realization can then impel the young person to commit himself to forming his life to be more like Christ’s in his service to others, to striving to make the Lord better known and more deeply experienced among his people, to proclaiming that truth taught by Christ and handed on through his Church to all peoples, and to calling upon God’s people to worship him as the Eternal Lord. Acceptance of this vocation then empowers the ordained priest to preside at the Mass in the place of the Eternal High Priest, uniting heaven and earth and making present Christ himself – body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharistic sacrifice. It also enable him to stand in the place of the Father of mercies forgiving the sins of his people and reconciling them to God, in administering the other sacraments, and in shepherding God’s people both by caring for them in works of pastoral charity and empowering them to be builders of God’s Kingdom here and now.

The lives of priests, and the call to the priesthood thus involve both the ordinary and extraordinary, the easily understood along with elements of divine mystery. Let us commit ourselves to more intently listening for and responding to these signs of God’s call – whether in ourselves or in others – confident that God has already gone first in placing many such calls in our midst.

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

joys as well as sorrows and difficulties, just as any important and worthwhile project will. It is good to remember that Jesus’ most perfect disciple, our Blessed Mother, whose “Fiat” preceded the Incarnation, had been previously prepared by the Father for her vocation, and, upon accepting the destiny that God laid out, was to live a life which would lead the world to recognize her as both Our Lady of Sorrows and as the gloriously reigning Queen of Heaven. God is forever and perfectly faithful even when his plans are somewhat robed in mystery.

Like God’s call to Mary, God’s call to his priests is both massively extraordinary as well as quite understandable.

The Blessed Mother’s call was to raise her child, Jesus, in much the same way as parents all over the earth do on a daily basis. On the other hand, she was called to be the Mother of God and stand at the very crux of salvation history.

Priests, similarly, are called to be living exemplars of Christ the Good Shepherd reconciling the world to the Father and leading their flocks ever closer to eternal pastures, all the while managing their parishes, celebrating church services, counseling, teaching, and the like.

God’s call to the priesthood can begin to manifest itself in a young man’s life when he begins to uncover the sense that he is a beloved son of the Father, that Christ himself is his Savior, Companion, and perfect Role Model, and that he is

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

God always goes first. Salvation history teaches us that Almighty God, out of his own gracious and loving goodness, freely decided to share the life and love of the Trinity with humanity, the capstone of his creation. God stepped out of mystery and revealed himself to us. Even when humanity responds as God wills, it is always God who has gone first, who has reached out, prepared, invited, and, in fact, loved each and every human person so that we might know him, love him, and serve him. Christians respond to that call, when either by themselves, or through their parents, they are Baptized. Another term for this “call” is our “vocation (from the Latin word ‘vocare,’ which means ‘to call’).”

Each and every Christian has such a vocation, a specific call from God, to love and serve him in particular ways; God has a plan for each of us. In fact, if you are reading this article – God has a plan for you! For each Christian that call first involves being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, a member of his Church, and a builder of God’s Kingdom in whatever circumstances we find ourselves.

Within that general Christian vocation are additional calls from God, for example, to the priesthood, permanent diaconate, religious life, married life, etc.

All of these calls are profound acts of love and election by God towards those

whom He is calling – selecting particular people for particular roles in showing forth his love to the world; each call is meant to raise up both the individual selected as well as all those who will be served when they faithfully do what God is asking.

This is also true about the call or vocation to the priesthood – God always goes first. In discerning or uncovering this call, the point is not for men to choose God, but rather to respond to God’s invitation to serve him and his Church as a priest. This should make those considering whether to further explore or respond to such a call confident and unafraid – the God who has stirred the heart, created the inkling, or inspired the thought has already touched the soul and pledged the gifts needed to respond well. This should also motivate those who might be wondering whether to encourage a young man in whom they see possible signs of such a call to prayerfully explore it further; this is not a matter of trying to co-opt a young person into doing what one wants, but rather of encouraging him to do what God has intended for him from the beginning of time – what greater blessing could one bring to a young man’s life than to encourage him to follow the path that God has set out and prepared for him; very many current priests speak so gratefully of those who encouraged them along the way.

That way will include both great

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Annual priest convocation unites clergy in prayer

By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Priests from throughout the Diocese of Metuchen gathered to refresh body and soul while celebrating their fraternal bonds during the annual convocation Oct. 10-12 in The Breakers on the Ocean, Spring Lake. The convocation addressed both the spiritual and the sacred, with the priests participating in Morning and Evening Prayer, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Bishop James F. Checchio concelebrated Thursday afternoon Mass in the town’s St. Catharine Church with the jubilarians of the Diocese. Marking their silver anniversary were Father Peter A. Chakkunny, in residence at St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg; Father Damian Breen, pastor, Corpus Christi Parish, South River; Father Paul DaSilva, pastor, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, and Father Jonathan

Toborowsky, Vicar General. Celebrating their 40th priestly anniversaries were Father David Kosmoski, pastor, St. Andrew Parish, Avenel; Msgr. Gregory Malovetz, pastor, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Skillman; Father Charles O’Connor, pastor, St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction, and Father Abraham Orapankal, pastor, St. Matthias Parish, Somerset. Three retired priests of the Diocese were also recognized for their lives in ministerial service: Father Leon Aniszczyk, 50 years; Father Thomas Carlton, 55 years, and Father Jan Bernas, 65 years.

Rhonda Gruenewald, founder of Vocation Ministry, served as keynote speaker for the gathering. A mobile unit from St. Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, was on site to offer flu shots, health screenings and the opportunity to speak with doctors and pharmacists.

— John Batkowski photos

The statistics tell the story – and they are significant and sobering.

The Diocese of Metuchen has 158 active priests serving 90 parishes, according to Bob McMorrow of the nonprofit Vocation Ministry, which has studied the issue of priest shortages while helping about 50 dioceses nationwide since its formation about a decade ago.

With the overall church population at 662,000, that equates to one clergy for approximately every 4,190 parishioners in the four-county diocese, he said.

While the Diocese now has 21 seminarians studying toward the priesthood, McMorrow said in the past 10 years, Metuchen has ordained an average of three priests per year. What’s needed: at least seven new priests annually, he said. If nothing changes, the Diocese in 10 years would be down to approximately 110 priests, nearly one-third fewer than today.

“So that’s the incentive; this is why we’re here,” said McMorrow, one of two presenters who spoke Nov. 4 during a daylong Vocation Ministry workshop for parishioners at St. John Neumann Pastoral Center in Piscataway, which drew more than 200 parishioners. “This is why [Bishop James F. Checchio] is prioritizing this sort of ministry to say, “‘What can we do to help make sure that we’re reversing this trajectory?’”

The issue of how to grow more vocations has in recent years become a product mostly of Church scandal and the pandemic. It’s daunting, according to Father Thomas W. Lanza, who heads the Metuchen Office of Vocations. But the Bishop believes it is not insurmountable, according to Father Lanza, as long as there’s more communication not only in the Church hierarchy but among the parishes’ lay members.

VOCATIONS

By Anthony Salamone Correspondent

11

Workshop empowers parishes to develop vocation awareness, strategies

Father Lanza said Vocation Ministry founder Rhonda Gruenewald gave a presentation during October’s diocesan priest convocation. “She started this approach to have the parishes create small ministries to help the priest present the priesthood as a compelling way of life,” he said.

“My approach is a softer one,” Father Lanza said in an interview before the workshop. “It’s ‘Are you interested in learning about the priesthood?’ It’s not like you’re buying into anything. I’m interested in learning about the Navy SEALS. It doesn’t mean I would be one, but I would go to a workshop on it.”

The goal, said Father Lanza, is to educate the parishes’ vocation ministries or teams, who will then work with the diocese while encouraging young men and women to consider religious life.

“Hopefully, they’ll all go back on fire; they’ll all go back to their priests,” Father Lanza said. “They’ll set a meeting and discuss what they talked about and discuss ways to implement our diocesan plan for vocations, which is really helping to streamline communication.”

He hopes the ministry teams will help their pastors, help promote the various diocesan vocations events, and help those

Left: Participants at St. John Neumann Pastoral Center register for the Vocation Ministry workshop with help from Monsignor John N. Fell, left, director, Office of Priest Personnel, and director of seminarians. Right: The audience listens to Bob McMorrow, from the nonprofit Vocation Ministry, during one of his presentations about parish vocation ministry. McMorrow was one of two presenters during the daylong workshop on forming a vocation-friendly parish. —Anthony Salamone photos who are interested see the priesthood or religious life as a “compelling way of life.”

Several parishioners said they were aware of the diocesan priest shortage, but hearing it broken down by McMorrow, who provided a wealth of statistics during his presentation, was still shocking.

“It’s like a reality check,” said Denise Metzgar, parishioner and catechetical formation director at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish in Bridgewater, who attended with Mark Dransfield, the parish’s youth ministry leader. “I think our families need to hear that.”

Egger and Maureen Lugo of St. John Vianney in Colonia agreed, and also said the new ministry can teach them how to become better involved in fostering vocations.

“A lot of us don’t know how to integrate with the youth,” Egger Lugo said.

“This is going to help us, because we are going to help them.”

During his prayer opening the workshop, Father Lanza reminded the attendees of Jesus’ approach to gathering the first priests, his apostles.

“All he had to do was say, ‘Drop your fishing nets; come follow me. There is a much more interesting and compelling life I have for you,’” Father Lanza said. “So you are going to be hopefully Jesus-like in your parishes, to ask them to drop their fishing nets. There is something more interesting and compelling to do in this world.”

A separate presentation on how to form a vocation-friendly parish workshop was held for Spanish-speaking parishioners, with Leticia Ramirez of Vocation Ministry as presenter.

You can learn more about Vocation Ministry at vocationministry.com and about the diocese’s efforts at diometuchen. org/vocations online.

— Office of the Bishop photo

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

In September, Bishop James F. Checchio met with Prioress Mother Beatriz Aguirre Oros, of the Augustinian Recollect Nuns in Belvidere.

While no longer a cloistered community, their contemplative status allows them to host individuals and small group retreats throughout the year. With the gift to receive individuals, the community now hopes to establish a gift shop to sell their baked goods, homemade jams, and religious artwork.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Augustinian Recollect Nuns

12 VOCATIONS THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Metuchen Carmelites begin year of celebration with 75th anniversary Mass

By Deacon Patrick Cline Correspondent In October, 1948, six spiritual daughters of St. Teresa of Avila journeyed from their monastery in Morristown to establish a new Carmelite foundation in what was then the Diocese of Trenton.

Mother Mary Magdalen of Jesus Crucified was the foundress of the monastery, originally located in New Brunswick. In 1972 the Carmel of Mary Immaculate and St. Mary Magdalen found a home at 26 Harmony School Road, Flemington.

Seventy-five years after the initial founding, the Flemington Carmel, on Oct. 14, began a yearlong celebration to

Marking 75 years since the community’s founding, the Flemington Carmelites celebrated a Mass Oct. 14 with Newark Archdiocese Auxiliary Bishop Manuel Cruz and nine priests. The cloistered, contemplative religious participated in Mass from a space known as the Choir as they and some 100 guests heard the bishop proclaim, “When I am here, I am home.” —Hal Brown photos recognize this milestone with an anniversary Mass. Bishop Manuel Cruz, an Auxiliary Bishop of the Newark Archdiocese was the principal celebrant and homilist.

At the Mass, Bishop Cruz said, “I know that faith brought them here.” Bishop Cruz pointed out that Sister Maryám, one of the founding sisters of the Carmel, at 94, was a reader at the Mass.

As a Discalced Carmelite Nun in

a community of cloistered, contemplative religious under solemn vows, Sister Maryám read from the Choir, which is the part of the monastery at right angles to the sanctuary, on the other side of the grate built around the altar of sacrifice.

Bishop Gregory Studerus, also a Newark Auxiliary Bishop, along with nine priests, including present or former chaplains at the monastery and present or

former pastors at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, were concelebrants.

These men have always supported the sisters in the past and their presence demonstrated that they would continue to do so in the future. Bishop Cruz said he and Bishop Studerus always look for ways to encourage vocations to the Carmel.

In his homily, shared with the approximately 100 people in attendance and those watching on livestream, Bishop Cruz said that he has been coming to the Carmel since he was a young priest in 1980 and he feels, “When I am here, I am home.” The Bishop mentioned a sign he saw on one of his visits that quoted St. Theresa of Avila, “You have entered into paradise if your only desire is to do the will of God.” That thought has always stayed with him.

In St. Teresa’s guide to prayer, “The Way of Perfection,” Bishop Cruz noted she spoke of “determinada determinacion” a phrase he said is difficult to translate but is usually rendered in English as determined determination. The use of double positive is a literary style the Saint frequently used to emphasize a point.

The Bishop said that it was her “determinada determinacion” that propelled her to go forward so many times in her life, “to have an encounter with Christ … to walk when paralyzed … to recover… to accept rejection; and to go out and establish foundations even until her death.”

William McKenna, a former Philadelphia police officer, attended the anniversary Mass. McKenna said that he was always a practicing Catholic but his religious beliefs are deepened every time he visits the Carmel. During a past illness his sister brought him there for the first time and he has returned many times since then. “My visits always leave me filled with the spirit of the Carmel,” he said. Through these visits he met Sister Mary Magdalen, with whom he has shared many thoughts about prayer throughout the years.

Present in the chapel at the Mass were a number of members of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites, identifiable by wearing a larger version of the familiar brown scapular worn by people around the world. These women are lay Catholics who promise to strive to live evangelical perfection in the spirit of chastity, poverty, obedience, and of the beatitudes.

Lorraine Bello, a member of the Parish of St. Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington, has been a member of the secular order for 10 years, explaining, “Our Blessed Mother was continuously urging me to join.” She realized that the depth and simplicity of the Carmelite tradition is what she was seeking in her life. “The silence I find in my visits to the Carmel is a very important part of my life,” she said.

A recent article about the Carmel referred to it as, “Little known yet greatly loved.” That latter part of that quote was strongly evidenced in the affection expressed by all at the anniversary Mass.

Hopefully, “little known” will become a thing of the past.

To address the deficit in retirement funding among U.S. religious orders, the Catholic bishops of the United States initiated the Retirement Fund for Religious collection in 1988. Since the first collection, US Catholics have donated more than $975 million with almost $842 million being distributed to support the day-to-day care of elderly sisters, brothers and religious order priests.

An additional $102.6 million has been allocated toward self-help projects initiated by religious communities, including collaborative health-care facilities. Proceeds from the annual collection also underwrite educational programming, services and resources that enable religious communities to evaluate and prepare for long-term retirement needs.

Support from the Retirement Fund for Religious helps religious communities care for senior members while continuing important ministries to the People of God. For more information, visit retiredreligious.org, or contact Robin Cabral, Campaign Director, by phone at (508) 685-8899 or by email at robincabral@ retiredreligious.org.

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The annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection, coordinated by the National Religious Retirement Office, is scheduled in parishes throughout the Diocese the weekend of Dec. 9-10.

In 2022, parishioners from the Diocese of Metuchen contributed $275,933.88 to the collection. The Augustinian Recollect Sisters received a total of $10,643.74 in financial support.

Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests – collectively known as women and men religious – have selflessly served for decades without significant financial compensation. However, due to escalating health-care costs, numerous U.S. religious communities face a substantial gap between their elderly members’ needs and the financial resources available for their care. Many religious orders currently experience insufficient retirement savings.

The 2022 appeal demonstrated Catholics’ tremendous generosity by raising $27.6 million. These funds from the Retirement Fund for Religious collection provided financial assistance for retirement needs for 297 U.S. religious communities.

13

Retirement Fund for Religious helps those who gave a lifetime

Seminarians Instituted as Acolytes

On Oct. 22, 2023, three seminarians from the Diocese of Metuchen at the Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall, South Orange, were instituted into the Ministry of Acolyte in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd. Bishop Manuel A. Cruz, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark, was the principal celebrant joined by several concelebrating priests from the various dioceses and religious orders in New Jersey, including Msgr. John Fell, diocesan director of seminarians. Pictured, from left, are seminarians James Prumos, Thomas Pluhar, and Patrick Rasimowicz. —Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo

Vocations director, parents gifted with opportunity for papal audience

things on hold once again.

Father Lanza’s ordination, with four other men, had also been delayed nearly two months due to the pandemic, and was eventually moved from the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, to the outdoor National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima where families and guests could remain socially distant.

The trip to Rome, “with the grace

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Three years in the planning – that’s how long it took Reverend Canon Robert Lynam, pastor, St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, to arrange a visit to Rome for an audience with Pope Francis for Father Thomas Lanza and his parents as a gift from the parish in honor of Father Lanza’s ordination by Bishop James F. Checchio Aug. 29, 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic had put

down around us for a moment. As we shook hands, I said, ‘Gracias por todos, Ill Papa.’ Thank you for everything, in English. He responded and we chatted briefly in Spanish as I explained to him where I was from and my current priestly role in our Diocese.

“Before he moved on to the next person he said with confidence and zeal, ‘Pray for your Pope,’ in perfect English. I said, ‘Yes, I will, I do every day.’”

The experience was especially meaningful for his vocation, said Father Lanza, who explained, “I was seriously discerning the priesthood and entered the seminary during the beginning of Pope Francis’ pontificate. His humanity, persona, and desire to facilitate growth within the Church led me to accept my call to the priesthood. This encounter will inspire me to continue striving to be a good priest. The weight of the world is on the shoulders of Pope Francis. The least I can do is pray for him and do the best I can with whatever responsibility is placed on me to serve our local Church.”

Father Lanza’s parents were also deeply moved by and grateful for the opportunity. “My mother described her experience as mystical; she felt the Godly presence conferred upon the Vicar of Christ on earth, our Pope. My Dad was humbled by the opportunity to have a personal encounter with Pope Francis and will treasure this exclusive moment for his entire life.”

By Mary Morrell, Editor-in-Chief

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Father Thomas Lanza, diocesan director of vocations, left, along with his parents, Thomas and Karen Lanza, had the opportunity to greet Pope Francis after the Holy Father’s Sept. 13 audience, having received Baccio Manno tickets through the request of Father Robert Lynam, pastor, St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, who was invited to witness the special moment. —Courtesy photo

of God,” said Father Bob, eventually all came together and on Sept. 13 Father Lanza, his parents Thomas and Karen Lanza, an aunt and a family friend were present for the Pope’s audience, and through Father Bob’s request, were granted Baccio Manno tickets to greet the Holy Father personally after the audience.

“This was an incredibly special experience,” said Father Lanza, noting “the Pope had an aura of calm, peace and tranquility. As he approached our row and began shaking hands it was clear that he had the capacity to be present to each individual in a really personal way.”

It was a special day and “very proud moment” for Father Bob, as well, especially when the papal master of ceremonies invited him out of the crowd to sit alongside Father Lanza and his parents as they personally met and spoke with the Holy Father.

“It was a real joy for me to see their joy up close at meeting the Pope,” said Father Bob, who explained that the Lanza family were long-time parishioners and Father Lanza was one of a number of men and women from the parish whose vocation was nurtured there, including Father Edmund Luciano III, seminarian Jonathan Aboulhalya, Sister of Christian Charity Celice Marie Gonzales, Fillipini Sister Barbara O’Kane, Salesian Sister Natasha Roig, as well as two other young men from the parish in the process of discernment.

Reflecting on the experience, Father Lanza said, “It felt like the world shut

14 VOCATIONS

Deacons see vocation as core to ‘listening church’ Synod on Synodality offers ATLANTA (OSV News) – When bishops, other delegates and observers gathered in October at the Vatican for the general assembly of the world Synod of Bishops on Synodality, one of the wide-ranging topics discussed was the role of permanent deacons in the Church. The synod’s working document, published in June, included the reflection question, “How is the ministry of the permanent diaconate to be understood within a missionary synodal Church?” Deacon Dennis Dorner, who directs deacon formation for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and who also serves as chairman of the board of directors for the National Association of Diaconate Directors, describes the diaconate as a “bridge” between the clergy and laity, and sacred and the secular. The crux of the vocation, he said, is listening, which dovetails with what Pope Francis has called for in “a listening Church.” “I certainly see my role as deacon – and I think most of my brother deacons sense that their role – is to be available, to listen to what the needs of the people are,” he said, noting that permanent deacons can then share those needs with priests and bishops. “The very nature of what we’re called to do is synodal, if synodal means listening.”

On Saturday, May 14, 2022, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, Bishop James F. Checchio ordained 15 men to the permanent diaconate. These newly ordained deacons were part of the Diocese’s first-ever Spanish-speaking diaconate class.

— Ed Koskey Jr photo

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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FelicianSistersNA.org/Vocation

“If we really knew Jesus the world would be a different place,” said John Edwards, founder of PEW Ministries and host of the “Just A Guy in the PEW” podcast.

Edwards was the keynote presenter for the first Men’s Leadership Summit for the men of the Somerset Hills Deanery held Oct. 27-28 at St. James Parish, Basking Ridge.

The event, which drew some 45 men and included several talks, an evening reception and an opportunity for training, was sponsored by the diocesan Office of Evangelization.

Adam Carlisle, diocesan secretary for the Offices of Evangelization and Communications, and organizer of the event, stressed to participants, “I believe our society needs us perhaps now more than ever,” pointing out that “despite the fact the New Evangelization has been an ongoing emphasis by the Catholic Church for over 40 years, it has failed to stem the disastrous losses of the faithful in the U.S.” Citing statistics from CARA and Pew Research, Carlisle pointed out that since 2000, 14 million Catholics have left the faith, parish religious education participants have dropped 24 percent, Catholic attendance has dropped 19

percent, baptisms of infants are down 28 percent, baptisms of adults have declined 31 percent, and sacramental Catholic marriages are down 41 percent. He said one in three men have left the faith.

One reason the New Evangelization is faltering, said Carlisle, “is because it is missing men.”

Edwards, a former Baptist who converted to the Catholic faith, opened with a powerful talk Friday night entitled, “From Addict to Evangelist,” explaining how he survived 17 years, struggling with addiction and vice, was jailed and almost lost his marriage. His addiction to cocaine began in college and continued during his professional career.

His ministry has been to help men find the strength they need to work through their own struggles, especially with the support of parish men’s groups.

Edwards questioned, “How did my life get so messed up?” It became very obvious, he said, “that it was the day I walked away from faith and away from Jesus.”

In his homily during Saturday’s opening Mass, Msgr. Sylvester Cronin, St. James’ pastor, said he focused on the role of Catholic men as ‘Disciples of the Lord.’ Seeing the Apostles as real human beings, but once empowered by the grace of the Holy Spirit, there was no stopping

them … These men want to be Disciples of the Lord.”

During the Saturday program Edwards offered two additional presentations, “Restoring Your Identity,” and “The Most Important Thing: A Personal: Relationship with Jesus Christ,” stressing that through an encounter with Christ men come to know themselves as made in the image of God and learn how to emulate Jesus.

In stressing the importance of an encounter with Jesus in serving the mission of evangelization, Edwards quoted Pope Benedict XVI who said, “Many people perceive Christianity as something institutional rather than as an encounter with Christ – which explains why they don’t see it as a source of joy.”

He also noted the words of Pope St. John Paul II, who said, “It is necessary again to awaken in believers a full relationship with Christ, mankind’s only Savior. Only from a personal relationship with Jesus can an effective evangelization develop.”

Speaking during the lunch break on Saturday, Mike Donovan, a leadership coach for the Eastern United States with the Catholic Men’s Leadership Alliance, said the CMLA is on a mission that states, “If you strengthen the man you can strengthen the family, if you strengthen the family you can strengthen the Church, and if we strengthen the Church, well now, we have a fighting chance of renewing and transforming the culture around us.”

To end the event, and to provide examples of how parish men’s

groups are formed, Edwards outlined the reasons men’s groups based on faith were so important – to provide a place for men to be real, to find confidentiality and trust, to have authentic friendships, to pursue virtue and holiness, and to make disciples.

He also stressed that, based upon the practices of the early Church and Jesus’ success as an evangelist, men’s groups should rest up four distinct pillars: Formation, which means to grow as brothers in the knowledge of and relationship with the Lord and the Catholic faith; Worship, which means to bring men together and bond through shared prayer and Adoration; Service, to live out faith through acts of service to church and community, and Fellowship, to have fun, find friendships and experience joy.

The Catholic Spirit asked a few men who attended the conference what they took away from the three talks by Edwards.

“If you are checking your boxes, that’s not where it is. It’s establishing your relationship with Jesus. praying, communicating, listening to what he wants you to do, what path he wants you to follow,” said Paul Dionisio of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater.

“He wants you to get out there and share his message.”

“The most important thing is that personal relationship with Jesus. I feel that the Catholic Church needs to make that the forefront of the teachings along with the other sacraments,” said Greg Elia, also of St. Bernard’s.

Ed Caldwell of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Martinsville, said Catholic men are called on to “inspire faith and to encourage a deeper relationship among our children with Jesus.”

“Our job is to get it to one more generation,” Caldwell said.

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By Paul J. Peyton, Correspondent

15

Men’s Leadership Summit encourages men to find strength in Jesus

Men eager to awaken a fuller relationship with Christ were enriched by keynote speaker John Edwards’ (left) insights on faith during a Men’s Leadership Summit in Basking Ridge Oct. 27-28.

— John Batkowski photos

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 16, 2023

16 SILVER & GOLD THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 16, 2023

By Christina Leslie Contributing Editor Though hundreds watched them intently, the couples celebrating 25, 50 or more years of marriage only had eyes for one another.

Facing their beloved spouse, hands clasped and voices laden with emotion, some 144 couples at the annual Silver and Gold Wedding Anniversary Evening Prayer, held Oct. 22 in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, reaffirmed their marriage commitment before hundreds of joyful family and friends.

“Blessed are you, Lord, for in the good and the bad times of our life you have stood lovingly by our side,” the couples recited. “Help us, we pray, to remain faithful in our love for one another, so that we may be true witnesses to the covenant you have made with humankind.”

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the Evening Prayer, sponsored by the diocesan Office of Family Life, greeting each anniversary couple in turn as they posed for a picture with him. In his homily, he reflected upon the value of the gift of the couples’ long unions. All had given their word before God to be true and love one another until death, he reminded them, with their simple “I do” decades before.

“What better gifts could you have given us, your families and friends, than living by those words and being examples of love?” the Bishop asked. “Like all sacraments, marriage gives you grace. It is a sign of God’s love for us, the way God chooses to reveal his love to us.”

Over and over in the Scriptures, Jesus teaches us about love, Bishop Checchio continued. One of the most striking depictions of that love, he maintained, is “The Return of the Prodigal Son,” a painting by Rembrandt which hangs in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. Like the father’s love for his wayward son, God never gives up on us.

“Marriage and family love is dependable, constant and steadfast,” said the Bishop. “You represent the fidelity of Christ to his bride, the Church. Love doesn’t eliminate the crosses in our lives; love makes them bearable.

“When we really need it, we can count on it being there,” Bishop Checchio concluded. “Thank God for your example of love. How we need that witness in our day.”

“Like all sacraments, marriage gives you grace,” stated Bishop James F. Checchio at the annual Silver and Gold Wedding Anniversary Evening Prayer Oct. 22 in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. The bishop served as principal celebrant of the event which feature couples marking 25, 50 and more years of marriage who reaffirmed their vows before adoring family and friends.

— Gerald Wutkowski, Jr. photos

WEDDING

ANNIVERSARY COUPLES ‘TRUE WITNESSES TO GOD’S COVENANT’

BU I L D I N G B L OCKS F OR SU C C E S S F U L M A R R I AG E S

Couples celebrating 25, 50 or more years of married life were asked to share their secrets for their long unions and how faith took its place in their marriage covenant:

I

’d say the biggest secret that we can share with others is to always remember, as a couple, we are on the same team. We may not always agree on everything, but at the end of each day, we have to remember that we share the same goals as a couple and as parents, raising our children in the Catholic Church. Our prayers and strong faith have gotten us through the hard times in our lives.

Chris & Greg Wathen, Our Lady of Peace Parish, North Brunswick, 25 years

T

hrough each day, week, month and year, both of us have strived to be the best person to each other, and to our newly blended family members.

The Holy Family has been our inspiration: Joseph as a loving husband and father, Mary who constantly places her family before her own needs out of obedience and love for our Lord, and the blessings and inspiration of Jesus in our lives. These bonds gifted to us from the Holy Family have guided us on a path, filled with blessings and strength to follow our Lord.

Chris & Dianne Nunes, St. Cecelia Parish, Monmouth Junction, 50 years

O

ur Catholic faith has accompanied our 25 years of marriage (and 45 years together) by enabling the Fruits of the Holy Spirit to guide us. We put importance on communication as well as creating and maintaining love, patience, peace, joy, charity and kindness with each other and all those around us. We make living our faith a priority along with receiving the Eucharist at Mass every Sunday to strengthen us.

Lori & Jeff Snyder, St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater, 25 years

Continued on page 18

17

64th

Anthony and Christina Aurilia, St. Thomas, Old Bridge

60th

James and Bridget Bourke, St. Bernadette, Parilin Andrew and Marie Confortini, Holy Trinity, Bridgewater Anthony F. and Sandra A. Kuklo, Jr., Holy Trinity, Bridgewater Jose Andres and Gloria Maria Rionda, St Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington Thomas and Claire Russell, Holy Trinity, Bridgewater Anthony and Betty Urbanik, St. Helena, Edison

55th

Raul S. and Iris Diana Barriera, St. James, Woodbridge

52nd

James and Beverly Matthews, Our Lady of Lourdes, Milltown Robert and Kathryn Rusignola, St. Mary’s Stony Hill, Watchung

50th

40th

Thomas and Annette Griffoul, Immaculate Conception, Spotswood

35th

Antonio and Marlene Brillantes, St. Matthew the Apostle, Edison

30th

Joseph and Colleen Young, St. John Paul II, Perth Amboy

27th

Edward and Patricia Lafean, St. James, Basking Ridge

25th

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Reginald and Bonnie Allen, St Joseph, North Plainfield Willie and Iris Amaya, Our Lady of Fatima, Perth Amboy Mark and Colleen Anderko, St. James the Less, Jamesburg John and Jeanne Bellas, Queenship of Mary Church, Plainsboro Joseph and Patricia Bisignano, St. James the Less, Jamesburg Ray and Marie Blaser, St. Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington Brett and Martha Bu Sha, Queenship of Mary, Plainsboro Vicente and Maria Cabangon Jr., St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge Hugo and Ivy Cabrera, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Wilmor and Emile Capuno, St. Matthias, Somerset

Joseph and Susan Chesakis, St. Mary, South Amboy, Kevin and Jennifer Chmura, Immaculate Conception, Annandale Robert and Janet Church, St. Charles Borromeo, Skillman Frank and Catherine Colucci, St Andrew, Avenel Mark and Carolynne Corigliano, St. Bridgette, Peapack Eric & Evelyn De Jesus, St. Augustine of Canterbury, Kendall Park Florence & Elsamarie Delapaz, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Frank and Gloria DeMarzo, Our Lady of Peace, Fords Kennedy and Connie Doss, St. Bartholomew, East Brunswick Lancy and Michelle Dsouza, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Achilles and Carmelita Estavillo, Nativity of our Lord, Monroe Twp Angelo and Karen Famiglietti, St Bartholomew, East Brunswick James and Lisa Flores, St. Bernadette, Parlin Donald and Gwendolyn Drayton Forbes, Queenship of Mary, Plainsboro Paul and Patti Garcia, St. Andrew, Avenel Craig and Eileen Glaser, Immaculate Conception, Spotswood Jorge and Patricia Gomez, St. John Vianney, Colonia Thomas and RoseMarie Healey, Nativity of Our Lord, Monroe Twp. Kenneth and Nijole Klimik, St Matthias, Somerset James and Marion Kuo, Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station William & Kara Kwiatkowski, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Vinoy and Olivia Lanjwal, St. James, Woodbridge Sergio and Marlena Lemos, Our Lady of Peace, Fords Richard and Monique Liguori, Our Lady of Peace, North Brunswick Lawrence and Marianne Makoski, Sacred Heart of Jesus, South Plainfield Hitesh and Carol Manek, St Charles Borromeo, Skillman Michael and Dawn Martino, St. Anthony of Padua, Port Reading Thomas and Cynthia Mecco, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Three Bridges Geraldo and Eleanor Mendoza, St Matthew the Apostle, Edison Jose and Shirley Morel, St. Matthias, Somerset Mukesh and Rosario Murjani, Immaculate Conception, Annandale Daniel & Alexandra Nicoletti, Sacred Heart Greek Orthodox, South Amboy Richard and Maria Nicoletto, St George, Piscataway Clark and Leah Nonaillada, St Matthias Church, Somerset Richard and JoAnn Orlando, St Charles, Skillman Paul and Theresa Partazana, Our Lady of Peace, North Brunswick Hernando and Franci E Patino, St. Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington Hemant and Neeta Pereira, St. James, Woodbridge Kevin and Kelly Perna, Sts. Philip & James, Phillipsburg Salvatore and Patricia Picarello, St Brigid-St Elizabeth, Peapack Dennis and Eileen Reeves, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Three Bridges Bayani & Maria Vivina Regis, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Marjon and Rachel Rivera, St. Matthew the Apostle, Edison Mario and Ann Sapone, St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington Robert and Agata Siedlewski, St. Mary of Ostrabrama, South River Deacon Patrick & Kimberly Smith, Immaculate Conception, Spotswood Jeff and Dolores Snyder, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bridgewater Hantz and Soeurette Tattegrain, Immaculate Conception, Spotswood Michael A. and Lina M. Testani, St. Mary, Alpha Mariano Rocco and Alice Kiwalle Valeri, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Noel and Katherine Villadolid, St. Matthias, Somerset Christopher and Casandra Wallace, Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary, Hackettstown Greg and Chris Wathen, Our Lady of Peace, North Brunswick Carl and Laureen Westover, Mary Mother of God, Hillsborough Giovanni and Corinne Yorobe, St Augustine, Kendall Park

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Paul and Ann Battaglia, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Anthony & Kathleen Bordieri, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Frank and Eileen Brylinski, Sacred Heart, South Amboy Raymond and Barbara Byrd, St. Anns, Hampton Christopher and Annette Conroy, Mary Mother of God, Hillsborough John and Kathryn Cox, St Cecilia, Monmouth Junction Charles and Jennifer D’Andrea, St. Brigid, Peapack Peter and Judith DeMarco, St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge Sunit S. and Remy Dixit, St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, Flemington Mark and Debra Donohue, Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station James and Mary Faszczewski, St Cecelia, Iselin Anthony and Judith Ferrazzano, St. Joseph, Millstone/Hillsborough Bryan and Sylvia Fountain, Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station James and Kathleen Gallagher, Immaculate Conception, Annandale Daniel and Geraldine Gross, Immaculate Conception, Spotswood Vincent and Lucy Gullo, St. James, Basking Ridge Douglas and Cynthia Gush, Immaculate Conception, Spotswood Edgar and Zenaida Gutierrez, St. Helena, Edison Peter and Mary Rose Heinz, Jr., St. Peter, New Brunswick Michael and Frances Hudak, Most Holy Redeemer, Old Bridge Brooks and Paula Kay, St. Matthew the Apostle, Edison Kent and Jeanne Kollmer, St. Matthias, Somerset Bruce and Roberta Lake, Holy Trinity, Bridgewater Glen and Maryann Leon, St. Cecelia, Iselin Deacon Richard & Elizabeth Lutomski, St. Cecelia, Iselin James and Barbara Magura, Blessed Sacrement, Martinsville Robert and Barbara Maher, Holy Trinity, Bridgewater Francis and Aida Manalo, St Cecelia, Iselin Manuel and Haydee Maramara, St. Ambrose, Old Bridge Ted and Theresa Menkowski, Our Lady Of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station Walter and Gerry Mezynski, Our Lady of Peace, Edison

Andrew and Lucy Michalski, Our Lady of Czestochowa, South Plainfield Thomas and Janice Michnewicz, St. John Vianney, Colonia Peter and Michele Mottley, Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Thomas and Anne Carol Mullins, Mary, Mother of God, Hillsborough Carl and Anne Neuvirth, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Christopher and Dianne Nunes, St. Cecilia, Monmouth Junction Thomas and Florence Patullo, Our Lady of Mount Virgin, Middlesex Stephen and Nancy Pavich, St. Marys, Barnegat Ronne and Edith Pena, St. Ann Parish, Raritan Matthew and Ellen Peterson, Sacred Heart, So. Plainfield Andres and Myriam Quinones, Our Lady of Fatima, Perth Amboy Albert and Donna Rauber, St. Cecilia, Monmiuth Junction Bohdan and Claudia Rochman, Immaculate Conception, Annandale Stephen and Gail Sankner, St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge John and Cathleen Scansaroli, Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station Robert and Colleen Singer, Corpus Christi, South River Edward and Patricia Smith, St Mary, South Amboy Robert and Denise Sneddon, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen Gregory and Judith Ann Snook, Mary, Mother of God, Hillsborough Philip and Marie Stemple, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Three Bridges Anthony and Sharyn Szulczewski, St. John the Evangelist, Dunellen Richard and Laura Thomasey, Our Lady of Mount Virgin, Middlesex Anthony and Virginia Tumolo, Our Lady of Mount Virgin, Middlesex Juan and Elsie Vega, Our Lady of Fatima, Perth Amboy Romeo & Josefina Vergara, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen James and Michele Vonderhorst, Mary Mother of God, Hillsborough Ronald and Maureen Vrana, St. Ann, Raritan William and Maureen Walliser, St Anthony of Padua, Port Reading Robert and Debra Warren, Blessed Sacrement, Martinsville Sylvan and Lorna Webb, Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station Tom and Mary Ann Weber, St. Stanislaus Kostka, Sayreville William and Phyllis Wolfe, Our Lady of Peace, No Brunswick

SILVER & GOLD

Couples in the Diocese celebrating significant wedding anniversaries in 2023 honored at the Silver & Gold evening prayer service

18 SILVER & GOLD

BU I L D I N G B L OCKS F OR SU CCE SSF U L M AR R I AG E S Continued from page 16

W

hen spouses share the same religion, it strengthens their bond and reduces conflict.

Claudia and Bob Rochman, Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale, 50 years ———————

M

y thoughts on a long marriage, and God’s place in it: With God’s love and guidance, lifting us up at times, and pushing us along at other times, we made it through happy and blessed. We just need to ask for His help, and trust Him. Judy & Tony Ferrazzano, St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, 50 years ———————

W

e are so privileged to have been born and raised Catholic. In our marriage, when difficulties arose, we sometimes argued, but never would go to sleep angry at one another. We always attended Sunday Mass, and when we had children, two sons, brought them with us when they were old enough. We both had difficult childhoods, so, when we needed help, we attended Catholic support groups which helped us though difficult times. Now, we adore Jesus together every week and pray together for our families and others for a half an hour each night. God has accompanied us on our journey this far and we know He will continue to help us until we greet Him in heaven.

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Thomas and Anne Carol Mullins, Mary, Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough, 50 years

O

ur Catholic faith guides us in keeping our focus on God, to be understanding of each other and on how we should raise our children. We pray together, worship together and our faith helps us see the world in the same lens.

James and Marion Kuo, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Whitehouse Station, 25 years ———————

S

teve and I believe our faith has given us so much in all those years.

We are sharing together and with our son, Father Jason Pavich, the vows we made to each other so long ago to be faithful and stand with each other with our Lord guiding us. Marriage is a vocation and together we have stood by each other in good times and bad times. We are thankful for each day.

Nancy & Steve Pavich St. Mary’s South Amboy now relocated St. Mary’s Manahawkin, 50 years ———————

A

strong relationship with God!!

Lina and Michael Testani, St. Mary Parish, Alpha, 25 years ———————

I

feel that open communication is the key to a healthy relationship. It goes with trust, honesty and respect for one another. Praying before going to bed at night and upon arising. Just loving each other.

Remy and Sunit Dixit, St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, 50 years

M

arriage requires lots of patience.

Always be each other’s best friend. Most importantly allow God to guide you in your journeys together.

Sergio & Marlena Lemos, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords, 25 years ———————

W

e have gone to Mass together for the duration of our marriage, in our parish, in churches around our country, and in churches around the world. Praying together and keeping our faith has given us the strength to deal with the many challenges that we have faced during the years, particularly the sickness and death of many of our family members.

Gloria and Frank DeMarzo, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords, 25 years

M

arriage has many wonderful and challenging moments. Our Catholic faith has helped us cope with all these challenges which made our marriage and faith stronger over these 50 years.

Carl and Anne Neuvirth, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, 50 years ———————

A

good sense of humor and the ability to make each other laugh. Also, we were blessed with both sets of parents able to celebrate 50 years of marriage.

Al and Donna Rauber, St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction, 50 years

G

od has blessed us with 60 years of marriage. Keeping Him in our life has helped with life’s up and downs. We are grateful for His graces, our family, friends and parish family for their love and support.

Andy & Marie Confortini, Holy Trinity Parish, Bridgewater, 60 years ———————

T

he importance of love and family as expressed through Gospel readings is an inspiring reminder to be loving in your own marriage day in and day out.

Angelo and Karen Famiglietti, St Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick, 25 Years ———————

J

ust want to thank the Lord for being the center of our married life!

Marlene and Antonio Brillantes, St. Matthew Parish, Edison, 35 years ———————

B

e thankful in all circumstances.

We pray together in the morning, and no one leaves the house without getting an Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26). Sometimes we practice some selective listening but ALWAYS remember that marriage is a lifelong covenant.

Wilmor and Emile Capuno, St. Matthias Parish, Somerset, 25 years

19 OUR DIOCESE

“Through anecdotes and Scripture, I was reminded of how little I think of myself while thinking of others, which is not healthy for either mind or body.” ~ Karen Ninehan, St. Andrew Parish, Avenel

Some 100 women listen intently to keynote speakers at the Feminine Genius Brunch Oct. 14 in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway.

Center, Shannon Whitmore, author of “See Yourself as God Does,” and right, Lillian Fallon, author of “Theology of Style,” stressed that women’s worth runs deeper than their appearance.

— Gerald Wutkowski, Jr.photo

a time of celebrating the uniqueness of women

By Anna M. Githens Correspondent

is only a tool. You have worth no matter how you look.”

Fallon encourages young girls to get their affirmation from God, who sees them as ‘single, unique and unrepeatable,’ rather than from the culture. “Unrepeatable means no one can replace you in the heart of God and no one can take your place in heaven.”

Karen Ninehan, a former Perth Amboy Catholic School principal, reflected, "The conversations over brunch were about husbands, children, and jobs, not about themselves. The talks demonstrated that it is our nature to put others first, and in the process of tending to their needs and wants, we neglect ourselves.

The morning was a welcome affirmation of how God has given us the gifts to care for and nurture others while being especially mindful of our own bodies and souls because we are precious in His sight."

Ruggiero, who called the brunch a “real team effort,” noted that the event was also supported by the offices of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and Discipleship Formation for Children. saying the brunch was, hopefully, the first of many of these types of events.

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

her transformation from a self-described perfectionist with a poor body image to having the ability to see herself as God sees her.

“By taking on human flesh from Mary he tells all of us that our bodies are good,” she explained. “He became man to show us the value of our full humanity.

Whenever we receive Jesus Christ in the Eucharist he is there body, blood, soul and divinity. He is showing us that to be human is to be an embodied soul.”

The second guest speaker, Lillian Fallon, author of the recently published “Theology of Style,” detailed her experiences in the fashion industry in what she thought would be her dream job as style editor at Verily Magazine. Disillusioned with the objectification of women and the endless pursuit of trying to fit in, Fallon found herself in the ashes of her dreams. Greatly impacted by “Theology of the Body” as a student at Ave Maria University, she came to see that the human body expresses the beauty of the soul. “You can dignify and uphold the beauty of your body while also expressing a creative look,” she explained.

“Personal style is a chance to express the intangible beauty of your soul, but it

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

“Feminine genius,” a phrase coined

by Pope St. John Paul II in his 1995 Letter to Women, speaks of how women possess God-given gifts – receptivity, sensitivity, generosity and maternity – and describes how women exhibit an “affective, cultural and spiritual motherhood” which has “inestimable value for the development of individuals and the future of society.”

These unique gifts were the focus of a “Feminine Genius Brunch,” hosted by the Diocese in the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, Oct. 14.

Some 100 women of various ages came to hear two inspiring women and authors, one a homeschool mom and one a fashion manager, speak on Pope St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” and how it transformed their lives and positively impacted their respective vocations in distinct and personal ways.

Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, vicar general, offered the blessing, encouraging guests to “reflect on the great gift” of feminine genius and the “charisms” that women have, mention-

ing the example of women in his life: his grandmother, his mother, his stepmother and his sister.

Jennifer A. Ruggiero, diocesan secretary of the Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life and director of the Office of Human Life and Dignity, said the event was modeled after Feminine Genius events given in the Archdiocese of New York by the Sisters of Life and the Respect Life offices throughout New York City and other regions of New York, with the guidance of Sister of Life Virginia Joy, archdiocesan director of the Respect Life office.

Cristina D’Averso-Collins, diocesan director, Office of Family Life, introduced the first guest speaker, Shannon Whitmore, a homeschooling mom and author of the recently published “See Yourself as God Does: Understanding Holy Body Image.”

Crediting her Catholic high school years for introducing her to “Theology of the Body,” the wife and mother of two holds a master’s degree in theology and spent more than a decade working in religious education, youth ministry and sacramental preparation. Reflecting on her personal journey, Whitmore described

20 PERSPECTIVES

The real circle of life from incarnation to second coming

Here we are again at the beginning of another Advent. Now we begin a new Church year and a new cycle of readings from the Lectionary. It seems that the key word in any new year is “cycle” because we advance chronologically toward a new year; however, paradoxically, the Church’s time cannot be measured chronologically. Indeed, the liturgical season of Advent looks backward – in commemorating the birth of Christ; yet, at the same time, Advent points us to the future – not the beginning of 2024 but to the second Coming of Christ. In a certain way, then, we are suspended in time – remembering how God intervened in our salvation history through the sending of his only Son and anticipating this Son’s return in glory.

This notion of “cycle” is expressed especially through the tradition of the Advent Wreath. The wreath is circular, which, in a way, underscores how God’s love has no beginning, no end. While

God is infinite and eternal; we are finite creatures. Since we have material bodies, time is the measure of motion and the gauge through which we map out our past, our present and our future.

Although calendars reminds us of our slavery to time, all of us are called to the eternal – which is a vocation to full communion with God. This tension between time and eternity, between being and becoming is very much symbolized by the

placement of the candles within the wreath. Each candle has a beginning and an end – as do our mortal bodies; however, because we are more than bodies, because we are incarnate spirits, made in the image and likeness of God, we are able to transcend the finitude of physical death.

Moreover, like the candles in the wreath, so we, by virtue of our Baptism, are invited to participate in the life of God. As we tick-tock through Advent, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of our world, where clocks and commerce propel us into a frenzy, where the media counts the remaining days to Christmas – we feel anxious and maybe panic-stricken as we rush through what ideally should be activities of leisure, and gladness, such as praying, singing carols, writing Christmas cards, buying gifts, baking cookies and decorating the house.

In the movie, “The Lion King,” the theme of the circle of life resounds throughout the story of the little lion cub who grows into the image of his father.

But the film falls short inasmuch as the circle of life is really something that transcends the finality of a geometric circle.

But the circle of life in “The Lion King” consists of life, death and birth. For us, Christians, at the apex of the circle is an

entrance to the eternal life which awaits us in heaven where, free of all constraints, we will exist in the presence of God, the Blessed Mother, the saints, angels and other members of the redeemed in an atmosphere of praise, glory, life and love.

In a sense, then, we are like those candles enveloped by the wreath. When we are feeling good about life, we are like the candles lit. But when something happens to pull us down, we feel like an unlit candle – desperately looking for the light of God’s love and presence.

As such, we are a people of hope, struggling to maintain our belief in a God whose presence we do not always feel. It is this hope, this grace from God, which keeps us afloat with the conviction that one way or another, despite the absurdity of life which pulls us down, despite our personal suffering, despite the scars we bear from being hurt by individuals or events – despite the wearing of time on our bodies – and the aches and pain which accompany these, we will survive, if not in this world, then in the next. There we shall participate in the life of God as never before. There we will experience the juncture of time and eternity, body and soul, nature and grace, the finite and the infinite in the person of Jesus Christ.

Yes, Advent assures us that, when Jesus returns in glory, we will emerge from the darkness of suffering, which clouds our vision of the divine – and one day open our eyes to the eternal light of Christ and the freedom of the children of God! Father Comandini is the Coordinator of the Office of Continuing Faith Formation

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

makes the difference between waiting and anticipation

As a contemplative nun, I rarely leave our property, going out only for business like bank trips and doctor visits.

For this reason, I can’t remember when I last got stuck in a traffic jam and sat waiting in place until we could drive on.

However, I do a certain amount of business by phone, and I know well what it is like to be put on hold and sit there – often with the receiver a few inches from my ear so that the mega-bass doesn’t drum me into numbness. By the time I reach this state, I have waded through the automatic menus, and the various options “that have recently changed,” and somehow (I can never remember how I did it), I have convinced the virtual assistant to “connect me to a representative.” A

representative! That means a real person!

Someone that doesn’t just give me useless directions and who actually lets me tell them what the problem is!

Sitting on hold for an unknown length of time can be exasperating. Some sites are more exasperating than others, depending on their music and the various messages that they repeat from time to time. But the knowledge that the “holding pen” will open up to a real conversation enables me to look forward to what is to come instead of fuming about what presently is. The light is visible at the end of the tunnel. I can anticipate a positive outcome. My hope has a firm foundation.

This is true in the spiritual life. Hope is one of the three theological virtues, together with faith and love, that connect us directly to God. Let me repeat that: Hope connects us directly to God. The virtue of hope is not some vague, hazy, “now I wish upon a star” desire. It is an amazing power that brings the life of God directly into the present moment.

St. Cyril of Alexandria wrote, “Those who have a sure hope, guaranteed by the Spirit, that they will rise again lay hold of what lies in the future as though it were already present.” When we read this, one instantaneous reaction is to shake our head and think, “That’s ridiculous. Who walks in this world as though they were walking through heaven?”

A second reaction will often be, “that would be lovely, if only it was true.” If we don’t throw the idea out with a sigh, we may then actually wonder, “But what if it is true? What if – somehow, some way – I can already live in heaven while I am still here on earth?”

St. Catherine of Siena said, “All the way to heaven is heaven because Jesus said, “I am the Way.’” I may not realize it, but as long as I am trying, however fumblingly, to love God and my neighbor, then I am walking in heaven because I am walking in him. Failures don’t matter as long as I keep trying. Falls don’t matter because he also fell under the cross.

Crying and complaining don’t matter because we find tears and complaints in the Psalms. Giving up in weariness will happen, but something will get me going again. In spite of the fears, the confusion, the hopelessness. Hope connects me directly to God, and God never gives up on us, so hope never lets me give up on God. Something calls me on, something keeps me going through the darkness. It may not even be a clear thought. It may be only a dim wish, but as I put my foot forward in the next step, I will find that, however dim the wish, it is not wishywashy. My mind may not be able to grasp it, my emotions may not taste anything, but my foot moves forward just as his foot moved forward. My soul knows that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, a light that I cannot see, but one that leads me on in hope.

Sister Gabriela of the Incarnation is a member of the Discalced Carmelites order in Flemington. Learn more at www. flemingtoncarmel.org.

21 OUR DIOCESE

Mission Sunday a time of gratitude for prayers, sacrifices, good works

By Deacon Patrick Cline Correspondent

Top left, schoolchildren carrying a banner and crosses etched with lands in which missionaries serve during an Oct. 22 World Mission Sunday celebration in Metuchen. Top right, Father John G. Hillier, diocesan director of Pontifical Mission Societies, delivers his homily. Bottom left, Mila Dionisio, assistant director, Office of Pontifical Mission Societies, joins youth in praying the Rosary. Bottom center, Bishop Checchio congratulates Kaitlynn Wang of St. Bartholomew School, East Brunswick, for her grand prize win in the Society’s Christmas artwork contest.

— Gerald Wutkowski, Jr. photos

Each year as part of World Mission Sunday the National HCA selects 24 artwork submissions from thousands received by young people across the country. This year Kaitlynn Wang, an eighth grader in St. Bartholomew School, East Brunswick, was one of two grand prize winners in the Christmas Artwork Contest. Her beautiful painting of the Magi following the Star will be available as a shareable digital greeting beginning the first week of Advent 2023.

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

spiritual materials in support of countries all over the world.

Many of our Catholic brothers and sisters living in the missions are, “desperately seeking a sign of God’s love in the midst of chaos and hatred,” he said.

Father Hillier challenged those present, “Be that sign of God’s love through our prayers, sacrifices and good works in support of the missions.”

Bishop Checchio has called us, “young and old, to place ourselves in the proper missionary spirit to go outward.”

One response to that call is the “Children Helping Children” program of the Propagation of the Faith’s Missionary Childhood Association.

In recognition of outstanding commitment, generosity and sacrifice to the Church’s missionary activities, awards were presented to the school programs of St. Helena, Edison; St. Stanislaus Kostka, Sayreville, and St. Matthew, Edison.

The religious education programs of St. Elizabeth-St. Brigid, Peapack; Our Lady of Mount Virgin, Middlesex, and Most Holy Redeemer, Old Bridge, also received awards for their participation and achievements.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

“Hearts on fire, feet on the move” was the theme Pope Francis chose for this year’s World Mission Sunday, Oct. 22.

By the look of the many schoolchildren marching along Main Street, Metuchen carrying placards of support, the Diocese answered him with a resounding “yes”.

World Mission Sunday was initiated

by Pope Pius XI in 1926, but its roots go back to the 19th Century and Blessed Pauline Jaricot, who founded the Society for Propagation of the Faith in 1822.

The goal of this annual celebration is to make all Catholics aware that the command of Jesus to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty and clothe the naked is a responsibility we all share. World Mission Sunday is a means for all of us to do whatever we can for our sisters and brothers in need throughout the world.

This year the Diocesan celebration of World Mission Sunday began in the Community Room of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Father John G. Hillier, diocesan director of Pontifical Mission Societies, welcomed all the par-

ticipants and offered an opening prayer.

After a missionary presentation by Sister Ella Mae McDonald, a member of the Religious Teachers Filippini order, youth of the Diocese prayed the Rosary.

The young people then processed down Main Street carrying signs and posters depicting the work of Catholic missionaries around the world. Bishop James F. Checchio greeted the procession on the steps of the Cathedral where he led them in praying the Hail Holy Queen prayer.

Mass was celebrated at noon in the Cathedral with the Bishop as principalcelebrant.

Father Hillier, who served as homilist, began by asking how many of the young people present looked forward to receiving packages from Amazon, Fed Ex or UPS. He explained that many children and others who live in mission lands are too poor to receive deliveries.

But they do look forward to receiving “valuable deliveries from the Society of the Propagation of the Faith and the Holy Childhood Association, on your behalf, including” food for the hungry, medicines for the ill as well as educational and

22 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 16, 2023

2023 Bishop’s Annual Appeal

$7.2 Million Goal, $8.1 Million Raised, 19,800 Do Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Renewed and Sent on Mission by the

Eucharist

Thanks to your overwhelming support, I have the great privilege of announcing that we have exceeded our Bishop’s Annual Appeal goal for the seventh consecutive time! With a goal of $7.2 million, together we raised over $8.1 million this year from 19,800 households. Your response during our National Eucharistic Revival gives witness to the transformative powers of grace and virtue of the Eucharist and embodies our 2023 Appeal theme, Renewed and Sent on Mission by the Eucharist.

Through your generosity, we are keeping Christ’s presence alive in the world today. We are spreading His love by providing assistance to the poor and counseling for those struggling with the hardships of life. We also bring Christ’s loving presence and offer comfort to those who are sick or in prison through our hospital and prison chaplains. Among many other vital needs, funds from the Appeal help provide the formation of our seminarians, the future shepherds of our parishes. As a bonus, many of our parishes have taken advantage of the parish rebate incentive to raise additional funds for local needs.

After distributing nearly $300,000 in parish rebates, we had approximately $600,000 of additional funds. We were able to allocate more to the important work of communications and evangelization so we may continue to reach out to those who have yet to know the love of Christ and invite them to join us in our mission. As costs continue to rise, I am thankful, too, for extra dollars for seminarian formation and for the care of our retired priests at the Maria Regina Residence.

I am most grateful for the enthusiastic support of our clergy, lay leaders and all the generous parishioners whose contributions made our success possible. You came together in a beautiful way to build God’s Kingdom throughout our four counties of New Jersey.

On behalf of the thousands of men, women and children who will experience the love of Christ through your generosity, I thank you.

Know of my heartfelt love and gratitude for you, and I ask that God abundantly bless you.

With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ,

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

23

Special Parish Recognition Top 5 – Percent to Goal St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Perth Amboy Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy St. Ann Parish, Raritan Top 5 – Highest Rebate St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale Blessed Sacrament Parish, Martinsville Top 5 – Dollars Raised St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish, Watchung Our Lady of the Mount Parish, Warren Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen St. James Parish, Basking Ridge St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges Top 5 – Number of Donors Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Metuchen St. James Parish, Basking Ridge St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick Top 5 – Increase in Donors over Prior Year Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy: 107.28% increase St. John Paul II Parish, Perth Amboy: 70.13% increase Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale: 36.91% increase Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Hackettstown: 33.52% increase St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington: 29.87% increase

Total

$8,106,465 19,800

112.59% $293,793.07

* Total includes non-parish affiliated funds

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Total % collected Parish Name Parish City Pastor Name Goal Raised Donors to Goal Rebate ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Three Bridges Father Serafin $135,000 $225,698 385 167.18 $45,349.00 St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish Flemington Father De Fillipps 158,000 219,320 501 138.81 30,659.88 Our Lady of Fatima Parish Perth Amboy Father Njobam 16,000 21,798 58 136.24 2,899.19 Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish Perth Amboy Father Machado 19,000 24,729 313 130.15 2,864.38 St. Ann Parish Raritan Father Odorizzi 63,000 81,678 199 129.65 9,339.19 Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish South Plainfield Father Luciano 102,000 132,177 346 129.58 15,088.31 St. Joseph Parish Hillsborough Father Hilton 143,000 180,316 418 126.09 18,657.75 Our Lady of Victories Parish Baptistown Father Kim 42,000 52,666 89 125.39 5,332.90 St. Frances Cabrini Parish Piscataway Father Considine 38,000 47,246 156 124.33 4,622.95 Blessed Sacrament Parish Martinsville Father Nolan 150,000 185,868 361 123.91 17,934.00 St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish Sayreville Father Murphy 49,000 60,629 182 123.73 5,814.62 St. John Paul II Parish Perth Amboy Father Romanowski 23,000 28,208 262 122.64 2,604.13 Immaculate Conception Parish Annandale Father Cervine 167,000 203,642 434 121.94 18,320.92 St. Ambrose Parish Old Bridge Father Grimes 86,000 103,379 380 120.21 8,689.58 Queenship of Mary Parish Plainsboro Father Paderon 113,000 135,475 187 119.89 11,237.73 St. Luke Parish North Plainfield Father Vasquez 36,000 42,886 70 119.13 3,442.88 St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish Bridgewater Msgr. Vashon 144,000 168,532 395 117.04 12,265.89 Church of Annunciation Bloomsbury Father McGuffey 13,000 15,014 53 115.49 1,007.00 St. Peter the Apostle Parish New Brunswick Father Pavich 60,000 68,785 108 114.64 4,392.38 Sacred Heart Parish South Amboy Father Gromadzki 56,000 64,067 215 114.41 4,033.50 Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish South Plainfield Father Tran 35,000 39,196 133 111.99 2,098.00 Our Lady of Fatima Parish Piscataway Father Da Silva 87,000 97,248 318 111.78 5,124.19 St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Old Bridge Father Johnson 87,000 96,572 459 111.00 4,785.88 St. Mary of Ostrabrama Parish South River Father Gromadzki 43,000 47,661 140 110.84 2,330.50 St. Joseph Parish Carteret Msgr. Gordon 32,000 34,867 185 108.96 1,433.38 Lambertville Father Kolakowski 145,000 157,655 194 108.73 6,327.38 St. John the Evangelist Parish St. Mary Parish South Amboy Father Selvester 51,000 55,425 219 108.68 2,212.71 St. Lawrence Parish Laurence Harbor Father Kehoe 31,000 33,448 109 107.90 1,224.10 Our Lady of Mercy Parish South Bound Brook Father Lee 37,000 39,654 133 107.17 1,327.07 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Hackettstown Father Salvania 45,000 48,150 240 107.00 1,575.12 St. Cecilia Parish Monmouth Junction Father O’Connor 72,000 76,852 197 106.74 2,425.92 St. Matthew the Apostle Parish Edison Father Targonski 60,000 64,041 305 106.73 2,020.25 St. Cecelia Parish Iselin Father Nwagwu 64,000 68,163 269 106.51 2,081.70 St. Joseph Parish Bound Brook Msgr. Kerrigan 36,000 38,333 117 106.48 1,166.38 St. Charles Borromeo Parish Skillman Msgr. Malovetz 131,000 139,310 259 106.34 4,155.10 St. Jude Parish Blairstown Father Jandernoa 43,000 45,294 112 105.33 1,146.86 Ss. Peter & Paul Parish Great Meadows Father Podsiadlo 15,000 15,680 80 104.53 340.00 St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish Watchung Msgr. Benwell 400,000 417,416 159 104.35 8,708.23 Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Parish Metuchen Father Christy 338,000 352,627 578 104.33 7,313.58 St. James Parish Woodbridge Father Naduviledathu 63,000 65,620 277 104.16 1,309.88 Our Lady of the Mount Parish Warren Father Kenney 383,000 395,340 235 103.22 6,169.95 Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish Middlesex Father Skoblow 74,000 75,632 277 102.21 816.13 Immaculate Conception Parish Somerville Msgr. Celano 181,000 184,972 399 102.19 1,986.18 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish New Brunswick Father Nacarino 38,000 38,731 345 101.92 365.38 St. Bartholomew Parish East Brunswick Father Walsh 173,000 174,586 446 100.92 793.13 St. John Neumann Parish Califon Father Kaczynski 38,000 38,000 11 100.00 0.00 St. John the Evangelist Parish Dunellen Father Kariuki 32,000 31,819 142 99.43 0.00 St. Ann Parish Hampton Father Saharic 33,000 32,698 189 99.08 0.00 St. Matthias Parish Somerset Father Orapankal 175,000 172,538 301 98.59 0.00 Nativity of Our Lord Parish Monroe Twp. Father Silva 88,000 86,454 413 98.24 0.00 St. Catherine of Siena Parish Pittstown Father Zalubski 40,000 38,225 116 95.56 0.00 95.14 0.00 St. James Parish Basking Ridge Msgr. Cronin 344,000 327,286 572 St. Bernadette Parish Parlin Father Hagerman 58,000 55,042 187 94.90 0.00 Our Lady of Victories Parish Sayreville Father Pekola 91,000 84,463 321 92.82 0.00 St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish Kendall Park Father Lynam 149,000 138,249 381 92.78 0.00 Most Holy Redeemer Parish Matawan Father Carina 60,000 55,644 221 92.74 0.00 St. John Vianney Parish Colonia Father Barbella 120,000 110,898 350 92.42 0.00 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Whitehouse Station Father Rusay 110,000 100,531 284 91.39 0.00 St. Andrew Parish Avenel Father Kosmoski 41,000 37,336 202 91.06 0.00 St. Mary of Czestochowa Parish Bound Brook Father Stec 33,000 29,839 103 90.42 0.00 St. Philip & St. James Parish Phillipsburg Father Arockiadoss 78,000 69,799 278 89.49 0.00 St. Anthony of Padua Parish Port Reading Father Smith 24,000 21,171 159 88.21 0.00 Holy Trinity Parish Bridgewater Father Calia 52,000 45,762 166 88.00 0.00 St. Joseph Parish Raritan Father Kelly 25,000 21,339 110 85.36 0.00 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Milltown Father Czarcinski 58,000 49,357 231 85.10 0.00 Our Lady of Peace Parish North Brunswick Father Krull 124,000 103,740 183 83.66 0.00 Parish of the Visitation New Brunswick Father Fragoso 46,000 38,201 125 83.04 0.00 St. Stephen Protomartyr Parish South River Father Szczepanik 19,000 15,710 30 82.68 0.00 Corpus Christi Parish South River Father Breen 33,000 27,067 183 82.02 0.00 St. Helena Parish Edison Father Sirianni 150,000 122,071 282 81.38 0.00 Good Shepherd Parish Hopelawn Father Burdzy 24,000 19,207 121 80.03 0.00 St. Mary Parish Alpha Father Wejnerowski 54,000 42,910 236 79.46 0.00 St. Elizabeth - St. Brigid Parish Peapack Msgr. Puleo 261,000 205,108 216 78.59 0.00 Our Lady of Peace Parish Fords Father Paratore 64,000 50,107 205 78.29 0.00 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Bernardsville Father Siceloff 188,000 145,477 156 77.38 0.00 Immaculate Conception Parish Spotswood Father O’Kane 85,000 65,629 288 77.21 0.00 St. Patrick Parish Belvidere Father Sabella 29,000 22,318 113 76.96 0.00 St. Joseph Parish North Plainfield Father Vasquez 33,000 24,903 95 75.46 0.00 18,685 114 74.74 0.00 Divine Mercy Parish Carteret Father Shallow 25,000 St. Theodore Parish Port Murray Father Tomiczek 7,000 5,189 35 74.13 0.00 St. James the Less Parish Jamesburg Father Gaviria 72,000 53,295 221 74.02 0.00 Transfiguration of the Lord Parish Highland Park Father Lotha 48,000 34,789 145 72.48 0.00 Christ the Redeemer Parish Manville Father Slaby 52,000 36,000 216 69.23 0.00 St. Edward the Confessor Parish Milford Father Kim 27,000 18,589 89 68.85 0.00 Mary, Mother of God Parish Hillsborough Msgr. Curry 166,000 112,371 386 67.69 0.00 St. Rose of Lima Parish Belvidere Father Sabella 11,000 7,282 31 66.20 0.00 Holy Family Parish New Brunswick Father Ryan 14,000 9,232 95 65.94 0.00 Holy Trinity Parish Helmetta Father Wieliczko 15,000 9,709 72 64.73 0.00 St. Joseph Parish Washington Father Kryrpczak 28,000 18,024 86 64.37 0.00 St. Joseph Parish High Bridge Father Kaczynski 37,000 20,797 82 56.21 0.00

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Top 5 – Increase in Dollars Raised over Prior Year Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy: 44.42% increase St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington: 44.23% increase Church of the Annunciation Parish, Bloomsbury: 38.57% increase Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale: 36.45% increase St. John Paul II Parish, Perth Amboy: 34.27% increase

Final Report

BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL

onors

2023 Bishop’s Annual Appeal Parish Results Thank you for your extraordinary effort

24 PARISH THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 16, 2023

For Father Kyrpczak, his first pastorate feels like home

By Cori Urban Contributing Editor For Father James A. Kyrpczak, who had hoped to serve as pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Washington, the hope became a reality Oct. 15 when Bishop James F. Checchio installed Father Kyrpczak as pastor there for his first pastorate.

Sometimes it takes a while to adjust to a new parish, and other times it’s easy to settle in because every parish has its own personality and so does every priest.

“I felt right at home, right away,” said Father Kyrpczak, 61, who had assisted at St. Joseph’s several years ago when he was assigned in Phillipsburg. “I got to know the people and had a feel for the parish.”

But there is one special person that makes the new pastor’s assignment in Washington extra special – his father, Frank, 96, who lives nearby in Hampton.

Living near him was one of the reasons Father Kyrpczak requested the pastorate at St. Joseph Parish.

But there are many reasons he likes the parish. “Mostly, I like the people,” he said. He also enjoys being involved with the parish religious education program and with teaching eighth-grade religion at Sts. Philip and James School, Phillipsburg.

“This is a great parish, great people,” Father Kyrpczak said during a telephone interview on his day off while he made a batch of his award-winning mild chili (the secret, he noted, is a half-cup plus a splash of Guinness extra stout beer).

With nearly 900 registered parishioners, the new pastor finds himself quite busy at St. Joseph’s where there is an active Order of Christian Initiation of Adults program, numerous sacramental preparation meetings, facility oversight and preparing for Masses.

The parish offers Mass in Spanish every Sunday, and Father Kyrpczak celebrates that Mass every other week.

He learned Spanish so he could celebrate those Masses. “I can’t speak Spanish (in conversation), but I can read the prayers,” he said.

A Spanish-speaking priest celebrates that Mass on the other Sundays and is available for confessions in Spanish.

Father Kyrpczak admitted that there were moments during his installation that he was thinking about what he would say to the congregation at the end of the Mass: He wanted to express his thanks.

The new pastor told the Bishop and the parishioners how grateful he was to be assigned to St. Joseph Parish, and he thanked the Bishop for visiting the parish to install him. He spoke about “how very well” parishioners treat him.

“I like the church – a beautiful church – and the grounds,” said Father Kyrpczak, who is the only priest assigned to St. Joseph Parish. “It’s in town but rather rural. I like that. I like the Warren County area.”

Knights of Columbus lined the aisles of St. Joseph Church, Washington, during the Oct. 15 installation of Father James A. Kyrpczak in his first pastorate. Enamored with the Warren County area, Father Kyrpczak is especially pleased his 96-year-old father lives in nearby Hampton. Below, the new pastor poses with Bishop James F. Checchio. —Gerald Wutkowski, Jr. photos

“This is a great parish, great people ...

I like the church [it is] beautiful.”

He grew up in St. Ann Parish, Hampton, and worked in the family residential construction business before enrolling in Raritan Valley Community College in Somerville. He spent one year at Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia, before transferring to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.

Ordained in 1996, Father Kyrpczak’s first assignment was as parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish in Alpha. He has served as parochial vicar and parish administrator in other parishes, and most recently he was the administrator of St. Joseph Parish, High Bridge (the town where he won first place in the chili cookoff).

In addition to his parish and school responsibilities, Father Kyrpczak is currently the chaplain for the St. John Vianney Vocation Club of Warren County.

When Father Bede Kim received his first assignment as a pastor in the Diocese of Metuchen, he learned he would lead not one but two parishes: St. Edward the Confessor, Milford, and Our Lady of Victories, Baptistown.

“This was a surprise. The Bishop called me one day and asked to see me,” he recalled. “I didn’t think I was going to be pastor of two parishes.”

Bishop James F. Checchio installed Father Kim as pastor in Baptistown on Oct. 15; his installation in Milford was set for Nov. 4.

Both assignments were effective Sept. 4.

At the October installation, Father Kim said that as he looked at his new parishioners in the congregation, he felt a great sense of responsibility. “At the same time, I was calmer than I thought I would be. I thought I’d be a nervous wreck.”

As soon as the Mass began, he felt calm: “I was very happy to be there, and the nerves immediately disappeared.”

Among the priests in attendance was Father Kim’s mentor, Father John Barbella, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia, where Father Kim previously served as parochial vicar. He was impressed with the veteran pastor’s way with people. “He’s very respectful. He calmly deals with situations,” Father Kim said. “I

learned a lot from him in that sense.”

Likewise, Father Kim is conscious of always being respectful toward others.

And according to one of his new parishioners, he is. Ethel Mitchell of St. Edward the Confessor Church likes that her new pastor appreciates tradition and “treats people with nothing but kindness.” She said he is trying to get to know parishioners and learn their names, and “so far he is doing a very good job with that.”

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Father Kim and his family immigrated in 1992 and settled in Edison where he went to middle and high school, after which he entered college seminary at Seton Hall University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Seton Hall then a master of divinity degree from its Immaculate Conception Seminary.

The son of Andy and Agnes Kim of North Brunswick, he was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Metuchen in 2007 and celebrated his first Mass in his home church, Sacred Heart in New Brunswick.

Father Kim – who enjoys playing golf, driving in the countryside, watching movies and spending time with his family – served as parochial vicar at Immaculate Conception Parish in Spotswood, the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen, Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish based in Highland Park and St. John Vianney, Colonia.

While at Transfiguration Parish, Father Kim – who speaks Korean – served

PARISH

By Cori Urban Contributing Editor

25

Father Kim’s first pastorate a welcomed surprise of two parishes

as a coordinator to the diocesan Korean Apostolate.

“I’ve been a parochial vicar for 16 years, so I know what it’s like to serve the people,” said Father Kim, 43. “In that sense it has been an easy transition” to being a pastor, but other responsibilities – like finances and administrative duties – are new to him.

A self-described “people person,” Father Kim plans to revive some activities that had been suspended by the COVID-19 pandemic like trainings for various ministries. “The first focus is to make

the liturgy more solemn and prayerful for the people and build on that,” he said.

“The liturgy is first. Everything else will come into place after.”

The pastor – who always wanted to be a parish priest – lives at the rectory in Baptistown and travels about seven miles between the churches. He is grateful for the warm welcome at both. “I feel at home now because the people made me feel at home,” he said. Being pastor of the two churches “has been a great experience so far.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Father Bede Kim assumed the pastorate of St. Edward the Confessor, Milford, Oct. 15 and Our Lady of Victories, Baptistown, Nov. 4. At the Milford installation by Bishop James F. Checchio, Father Kim’s parents Andy and Agnes brought forward the gifts of bread and wine, top. Bottom, Father Kim is joined by, from left Father John Gloss, pastor emeritus of St. John Vianney Parish, Colonia; Bishop Checchio, and mentor Father John Barbella, current pastor of St. John Vianney. —Gerald Wutkowski, Jr. photos

26 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 16, 2023

‘He chose to be grateful’ Msgr. Robert J. Zamorski remembered at funeral liturgies

By Christina Leslie Contributing Editor “He loved to welcome people to the Cathedral as rector,” said Bishop James F. Checchio as he stood in the Metuchen Diocese’s mother church before the casket of Msgr. Robert J. Zamorski Nov. 3. “He welcomed me, now we are welcoming him.”

Bishop Checchio, dozens of fellow

priests and a congregation of faithful filled the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi during two Masses to honor the life and works of Msgr. Zamorski, a retired priest of the Diocese: the Mass of Commemoration with principal celebrant Father Jonathan Toborowsky, Vicar General, Nov. 2, and the Mass of Christian Burial, Nov. 3, celebrated by the Bishop.

Msgr. Zamorski,77, died Oct. 28.

Born in New Brunswick, he was a graduate of St. Mary High School, South Amboy, and graduated from St. Mary College, Orchard Lake, Mich., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He then earned a Master of Divinity degree, all the minor orders, and the diaconate, at Saints Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake.

Msgr. Zamorski was ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 1972. He served at St. Mary of Ostrabrama Parish, South River; Sacred Heart Parish, Manville, and on the faculty of Orchard Lake Schools in Michigan. His service as pastor at St. Stephen Parish, Perth Amboy, and Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords, was followed by his appointment as Rector of the Cathedral in 2009. He entered into retirement at the Maria Regina Residence for retired priests, Somerset, in 2021.

During his decades of active ministry, Monsignor served in various diocesan roles and on many committees, including Episcopal Vicar, Vicar Forane, College of Consultors, Presbyteral Council, Seminary Education Board, and Commission for the Continuing Education of Priests.

In 2005, he was installed a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in NYC upon nomination by Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski.

Father Dawid J. Wejnerowski served as homilist at Msgr.’s Mass of Commendation. Now pastor of St. Mary Parish, Alpha, the Polish priest had served as a parochial vicar at the Cathedral under Msgr. Zamorski’s leadership. He admitted to being nervous as he delivered the homily, “because Monsignor made me promise not to use notes,” he stated.

“I admired how he handled pain, for it is a great sign of being a good and faithful imitator of Christ,” Father Wejnerowski said of his mentor. “He urged me to apply for [the pastorate of] St. Mary’s and advised me, ‘Love your people. That is the very purpose for being a priest.’”

Bidding Msgr. Zamorski a fond farewell, the congregation chuckled when they heard an echo of the elder priest’s legendary sense of humor: “I hope you are already enjoying eternity in heaven,” said Father Wejnerowski. “Like he used to tell me when I left to have a day off, ‘Don’t get arrested because it would be very inconvenient for me.’”

Father Edmund Shallow, Episcopal Vicar for Middlesex County North and pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, Carteret, delivered the homily at the funeral Mass, speaking in English and Latin and ad-

dressing the Monsignor’s family in the Polish language.

Noting that Msgr. Zamorski had served the people of the Diocese of Metuchen “with great care and great pastoral concern,” Father Shallow revealed that the Monsignor had been diagnosed with the incurable neurodegenerative disease ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, on May 16.

“This became the mantra that would carry him: ’We can be angry, we can be sad, we can be grateful,’” the homilist said. “He chose to be grateful, to thank the Lord for whatever blessings he had already received and those the Lord would choose to still give to him.

“I think we should choose to be grateful,” Father Shallow continued, for the late priest’s witness of faith, pastoral concern, spiritual care, and the grace that flowed to souls from his preaching. “It drew him closer to his crucified master,” he concluded. “On Oct. 28, his journey as a disciple came to an end; the Cross he carried was finally laid down.”

Just before the final commendation of Msgr. Zamorski’s earthly remains, Bishop Checchio glanced down at the casket and shared details of his final visit with the priest.

“I saw him in the nursing home last Friday night for anointing and he asked for an apostolic pardon,” the Bishop said. “I thanked him for being the priest he was. He gave himself to the Lord 51 years ago, laid down his life on the Cathedral floor and never took it back. He offered his suffering for those he loved, the priests of the Diocese and vocations.

I am sure it will bear fruit.”

Msgr. Zamorski was predeceased by his parents, Walter D. and Helen E. Zamorski; his brother Walter E. Zamorski and his wife Irma; and his brother-inlaw, Charles C. Tomaro, Jr. Surviving are his sisters, Rita Joan Tomaro of Myrtle Beach, SC and Ruth A. Manieri and her husband William of Summerfield, FL; his “sister of the heart,” Sister Rebecca Piatek, Felician Sister of Edison; his nieces, Donna Marie Tomaro of Myrtle Beach, SC and Ruthann Gerula and her husband Paul of Myrtle Beach, SC; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ALS Association of Greater New York at 42 Broadway, Suite 1724, New York, NY, 10004.

Arrangements were handled by Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, Metuchen. Burial was in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Parlin.

Top, Bishop James F. Checchio was principal celebrant of a Mass of Christian Burial for Msgr. Robert J. Zamorski Nov. 3 in the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, where the Monsignor had served as its fourth rector. Center, the Bishop incenses the casket containing the priest’s earthly remains. Bottom, clergy assemble on the plaza to pay tribute to their brother priest. —Michael Ehrmann photos

OUR DIOCESE

Saint Peter’s Healthcare System has launched a virtual urgent care service to provide convenient and accessible healthcare solutions to adults ages 18 and older in New Jersey from the comfort of their home, school, or workplace. Saint Peter’s Virtual Urgent Care allows adults experiencing non-emergency symptoms to be seen by a Saint Peter’s primary care provider through a safe, secure online service.

Saint Peter’s Virtual Urgent Care offers virtual visits with an advanced practice nurse for adults experiencing any of these symptoms: cold, flu, sinus problems, sore throat, pink eye, rash/skin conditions, urinary issues.

If virtual urgent care patients do not have a primary care provider and need to be seen by a physician for further diagnosis and treatment after a virtual visit with an advanced practice nurse, they can be referred to any one of Saint Peter’s primary care physicians with offices at Saint Peter’s University Hospital or one of the Saint Peter’s Physician Associates locations.

Providers with Saint Peter’s Virtual Urgent Care can electronically send a

prescription to the patient’s pharmacy of choice, if medically applicable.

“In anticipation of the upcoming flu season, we recognize the importance of offering a safe and convenient option for those seeking nonemergency medical attention. Saint Peter’s Virtual Urgent Care allows individuals to receive health care in a comfortable and private location. By opting for virtual care, individuals can protect both themselves and others by minimizing physical contact and reducing the risk of infection transmission,” said Dr. Alma Ratcliffe, vice president and chief clinical transformation officer for Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.

Patients can access Saint Peter’s Virtual Urgent Care from anywhere convenient to them – home, school, or work; however, they must be physically located within the state of New Jersey at the time of service to use Saint Peter’s Virtual Urgent Care.

Saint Peter’s Virtual Urgent Care is available Monday through Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To make an appointment or learn more about Saint Peter’s Virtual Urgent Care, please visit saintpetershcs.com/ virtualurgentcare.

To make an appointment with a primary care physician, visit SPPANJ.com.

27

Saint Peter’s Healthcare System launches virtual urgent care

Healing Hands

Father Abraham Orapankal, pastor, Saint Matthias Parish, Somerset, anoints the hands of parishioner Emile Capuno during a special Mass celebrated on Sunday Oct. 22. This anointing was sponsored by the Saint Matthias Vocations Ministry and was extended to all health care workers in the parish and the surrounding area. Approximately 60 health care workers were anointed and then enjoyed a fellowship event after Mass. —Courtesy photo

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 16, 2023

28 SCHOOLS

Bishop Checchio shares Saint Joseph Brotherhood on All Saints Day

By Jack Kemler Special Contributor On the day devoted to celebrating Catholics who achieved spiritual maturity, Most Reverend Bishop James Checchio celebrated All Saints Day Mass at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen.

Happiness was plentiful through the Liturgy of the Word, culminating in Bishop Checchio’s homily on how Saint Joe’s students can attain happiness through God. In school, students are taught about the lives of the saints, and the Bishop explained how students should attempt to emulate them.

“The celebration of all Saints is to remind us, to lift us up,” Bishop Checchio said, and to remind us of “our call to be saints, our call to be blessed, our call to seek happiness.”

Bishop Checchio recognized the school’s patron saint, Saint Joseph, during his homily and attached it to his message.

“Saint Joseph listened to what God desired of him and what God wanted him to do,” he said. “If we want to attain happiness, start by listening to God and asking him to be able to respond and do what he says”

John Risley, ’24, said the Saint Joseph brotherhood can learn a lot from and strive toward Saint Joseph’s actions.

“Sometimes you forget how powerful St. Joseph’s story is,” Risley said.

“Being reminded of the blessings he received when he said yes to God is another motivator for me to keep saying yes as well.”

During his homily, Bishop Checchio also stressed an emphasis on listening to God. He said: “If you want happiness, listen to what God is calling us to, to dream with Jesus, and to ask for the courage and the strength to do it in our lives.”

Saint Joe’s senior Nereo Rossi said, “A lot of the times, All Saints Day gets overlooked because of Halloween, but it is truly so important for Catholics to recognize the importance of this celebration in our lives,” In a show of support for Saint Joe’s, Bishop Checchio gave the football team and student body his prayers prior to the team’s state playoff game against Seton Hall Prep. Following Mass, the students gifted Bishop Checchio a sweatshirt featuring the Saint Joseph High School seal.

Jack Kemler is a member of St. Joseph High School class of 2024.

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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Bishop James F. Checchio joined the St. Joseph High School, Metuchen, community to celebrate All Saints Day Mass, Nov. 1. Father Tom Lanza, director, diocesan Office of Vocations served as concelebrant while students assisted in the procession, at the altar and with music from St. Joseph Choir. Students also gifted the Bishop with a St. Joseph High School sweatshirt.

— Gerald Wutkowski, Jr. photos

The threat of lightning forced participants in this year’s Cardboard City Sleep Out at St. Joseph High School, Metuchen, from the outdoor basketball courts into the Maglio Gymnasium, but it was the enthusiasm of the more than 250 high school boys that really charged the 12-hour event.

“They probably had more enthusiasm because it wasn’t cold” in the gym as it sometimes is outside, said Tracey Coudriet, director of campus ministry at St. Joseph High School. “They didn’t have to (bundle up in winter gear and) get in their (cardboard) boxes at 2 o’clock in the morning to keep warm.”

The purpose of the Oct. 6 event was to raise awareness of youth homelessness and to raise money for Covenant HouseNJ. Using an online fundraising link through Covenant House, participants raised more than $34,500, exceeding the $30,000 goal.

Last year the effort raised more than $23,000.

“I never dreamed we’d reach $30,000,” Coudriet said. Donations “kept going up and going up. It was amazing.”

Covenant House offers young people experiencing homelessness and traffick-

ing “so much more than a safe place to sleep,” she said. “They welcome each kid with absolute respect and unconditional love, and their continuum of care provides essential services to help kids transition from homelessness to independence.”

The Cardboard City Sleep Out is not about pretending to be homeless, she explained. “It’s an act of solidarity with the 4.2 million young people who experience homelessness each year.”

For sophomore Tyler Lechner, his second Cardboard City Sleep Out also was an opportunity “to spend valuable time with friends and a great way to learn teamwork.”

Participants in the program that has been running at the school for more than 25 years filled the high school gym floor with cardboard boxes they fashioned into sleeping shelters in which they played board games by lantern light, talked or slept.

The 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. event also included presentations about Covenant House, a prayer service for the homeless and a late-night service project. This year the boys from all high school grade levels created gift boxes for retired Brothers of the Sacred Heart and retired priests of the Diocese of Metuchen.

“It was … an extremely impactful event,” Coudriet said. “It was awesome to see that many students standing up for the homeless.”

SCHOOLS

By Cori Urban Contributing Editor

29

More than 250 students ‘sleep out’ in solidarity with homeless

St. James Roman Catholic Church Main Street & Amboy Avenue, Woodbridge, New Jersey

Advent & Christmas Schedule 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 16, 2023

More than 250 St. Joseph High School students participated in this year’s Cardboard City Sleep Out at the Metuchen Catholic school and raised over $34,500 to benefit Covenant House-NJ. Moved indoors to the gymnasium due to inclement weather, participants attended a prayer service for the homeless, carried out a late-night service project, and participated in board games. —Courtesy photos

Dec. 2, 9, 16 & 23 Sacrament of Reconciliation, 11am - 12pm December 2: Confession will also be offered in Spanish December 2-3 Blessing of Family Advent Wreaths at all Masses December 2-10 Rosary Novena in Spanish in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 6pm December 7 Vigil of The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 7pm December 8 The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 7am & 12:10pm Stations of the Cross (Dedication of New Stations), 6:30pm , Mass 7pm December 9 Christmas Memorial Tree Lighting, following the 4:30 Mass December 10 Mass in Spanish in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, 5:30pm Reception to follow December 15 Spanish Advent Retreat, 6 -10pm December 19 Penance Service and Advent Reflection, 6:30pm December 20 Simbang Gabi at St. James, 7pm. Reception to follow December 21 Christmas Concert by the Orchestra of St Peter by the Sea, 7pm December 23 Vigil of the Fourth Sunday of Advent, 4:30pm December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent, 7:30am, 10am (there will be no noon Mass) December 24 Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord, Caroling: 4pm, 7pm, and 11:30pm Holy Mass: 4:30pm, 7:30pm, and midnight, Pageant by students of Religious Ed: 7pm, Nativity Pageant by students of St. James School: 4pm December 25 The Nativity of the Lord, Holy Masses: 7:30am, 10am, and noon December 30 Vigil of The Holy Family of Jesus Mary, and Joseph, Holy Mass: 4:30pm December 31 The Holy Family of Jesus Mary, and Joseph, Holy Masses: 7:30am, 10am, noon, and 5:30pm Spanish Mass

30 WORLD MISSION SUNDAY THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT NOVEMBER 16, 2023

World Mission Sunday called ‘even more important’ amid wars in Holy Land, Ukraine

By Gina Christian (OSV News) – Amid wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, this year’s World Mission Sunday is “even more important” than ever, said an executive from the U.S. offices of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

The universal Catholic Church will mark the observance Oct. 22, and the collection taken up that day forms the primary financial support for the societies, which have a presence in some 1,100 dioceses in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific Islands and parts of Europe.

Pope Francis’ theme for the 2023 World Mission Sunday is “Hearts on fire, feet on the move,” which recalls the encounter between two disciples and the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35).

In an Oct. 18 message he recorded for the Pontifical Mission Societies and posted by the societies on X (formerly Twitter), Pope Francis said that World Mission Sunday was about “worship and mission.”

Speaking in Spanish, Pope Francis urged the faithful to “recognize the Father and worship him in spirit and truth, and go out to announce that message. Not as one who proselytizes, but as one who shares a great grace.”

He described it as a mission “shared with brothers,” that says “this is what I feel, this is the grace I received, I pass it on to you, I give it to you.

“You can do this if you are capable of worshipping,” said Pope Francis.

With “the ongoing situation in the world,” World Mission Sunday “should actually open us to be even more generous,” Ines San Martin, vice president of marketing and communications for the societies’ U.S. office, told OSV News from Rome ahead of the observance.

“Now more than ever, the Church in the Holy Land needs us, the Church in

Ukraine needs us.”

“The oldest Church has to help the youngest Church currently suffering so much due to the devastation of war. We at TPMS strive to model peace by supporting all those suffering from conflicts around the world,” Msgr. Kieran Harrington, national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, said.

The societies’ worldwide network, which operates at the service of the Pope, consists of four organizations designated as pontifical by Pope Pius XI in 1922.

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith supports the evangelization efforts of the local church; the Missionary

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Basilian Sister Lucia Murashko talks with volunteers Denys Kuprikov, left, and Ivan Smyglia, far right, in Zaporizhzhia in southeast Ukraine Feb. 7, 2023, about where they will distribute humanitarian aid along the front in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Catholic Extension, a Chicago-based nonprofit, announced Sept. 27 that it has named the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great as the 2023-2024 recipients of its highest honor, the Lumen Christi Award. —OSV News photo/Konstantin Chernichkin, CNEWA Childhood Association educates children about their part in the church’s missionary outreach; the Society of St. Peter the Apostle trains the next generation of missionary clergy and consecrated religious; and the Missionary Union of Priests and Religious focuses on forming clergy, religious and pastoral leaders more deeply in their role as evangelizers.

The collection taken up on World Mission Sunday forms the primary financial support for the Pontifical Mission Societies, with U.S. Catholics donating about $30 million in 2022.

The generosity of the nation’s Catholic faithful “cannot be underscored (enough),” said San Martin.

“World Mission Sunday is a concrete response to what is happening in the world,” she said.

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the U.S., noted in a reflection for the autumn 2023 issue of Mission magazine, published by the societies, that the collection makes it possible “to provide annual subsidies to missionary dioceses, and to directly support mission seminaries and religious formation houses, the education of children in mission schools, the building of chapels and churches, as well as sustaining homes for orphaned children, the elderly and the sick.”

The support is far more than finan-

cial, said San Martin.

“When we say that (the societies) feed the poor, we do mean hunger, but we also mean the hunger of the soul,” said San Martin. “And World Mission Sunday is a great response to give peace – not just material peace, but also spiritual peace to those in need.”

Having a missionary spirit “means we truly are open to our brothers and sisters, and (we are) sharing with others the joy that comes from having met Christ,” she said.

That joy can help to build peace among communities and nations, San Martin said.

“Do you really hate your brother when you see Christ in him?” she said.

Yet “the problem is that we have in many ways given up our missionary animations,” San Martin admitted. “It should be a desperate need (for us) to go out and spread the Gospel, to really answer the great command (of Christ) to make disciples of all nations.”

World Mission Sunday is an opportunity for Catholics to recommit themselves to fulfilling that task, she said, adding “it truly does start with knowing that Jesus died for us to save us.”

Gina Christian is a national reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @GinaJesseReina.

NEW YORK (OSV News) – Amid the Israel-Hamas war, more than half a million children across the world prayed the rosary for peace. On Oct. 18, well over 500,000 kids participated in an annual global rosary campaign sponsored by Aid to the Church in Need, which since 1947 has worked under the guidance of the Pope to provide pastoral and humanitarian assistance to persecuted Catholics.

This year, ACN dedicated the annual rosary to “healing and protection of the suffering in the Holy Land,” according to a press release issued by the organization. The war is currently preventing ACN from aiding the small Christian community in the Holy Land, “but we

stand ready to do so,” said Edward Clancy, director of outreach for ACN’s U.S. office. ACN said that it has maintained contact with Sister Nabila Saleh, a Sister of the Holy Rosary assigned to Gaza’s only Catholic parish, the Church of the Holy Family. Sister Nabila said she and her community are determined to remain in place and not flee toward southern Gaza ahead of an anticipated ground invasion by Israel. “We will not go,” she said. Holy Family pastor Father Gabriel Romanelli, an Argentinian and Incarnate Word priest, echoed that determination.

Clancy urged ACN donors and friends “to pray for peace and for an opportunity to treat the wounded and to begin to restore the lives of all the innocents caught in the violence.”

Rosary Sister Nabila Saleh, right, Father Youssef Asaad and another sister make a low-resolution video of themselves speaking on a cellphone with Pope Francis from a stairwell in Gaza in this screen grab from Oct. 15, 2023.

— CNS photo/Vatican Media via YouTube

‘God end this madness now!’ Christians appeal as Gaza church campus is left in ruins archate said on its Facebook page that it “declares solidarity and stands” with its sister Orthodox Church “in these difficult moments.” An AP report quoted Mohammed Abu Selmia, director general of Shifa Hospital, that dozens had been injured in the blast but a precise death toll was not yet available because bodies were still under the rubble. In an Oct. 19 statement, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem expressed its “strongest condemnation” of what it said was an Israeli attack on the church property and emphasized that “targeting churches and their institutions, along with the shelters they provide to protect innocent citizens … constitutes a war crime.”

— OSV News photo/Mohammed Al-Masri, Reuters

— OSV News photo/Stephen Brashear, Northwest Catholic

SEATTLE (OSV News) – In his second year as an offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, Abraham “Abe” Lucas is living his childhood dream. Even so, it’s faith, not football, that’s the most important thing for this self-described “hardcore Catholic.” “It’s my focal point, it drives everything that I do – my faith and my relationship with Jesus Christ,” said Lucas, who grew up near Everett.

“It’s my purpose.” At 6-foot-6 and 322 pounds, Lucas is someone you wouldn’t want to tangle with on the football field.

Off the field, he’s been described as a “gentle giant,” considerate and loyal.

Currently on injured reserve, Lucas, who turns 25 on Oct. 25, is approachable, open and honest – willing to share his struggles in life and eager to talk about being Catholic. He never misses weekend Mass, and he tries to pray the rosary daily (sometimes on the team plane), go to confession weekly and attend weekday Mass as often as he can. Lucas speaks volumes about being Catholic through the images tattooed on his arms, which include Christ crowned with thorns, the Virgin Mary and St. Michael the Archangel fighting the devil. Serving God by living his faith “is nothing more than my duty to God on this earth,” he said.

Russian Catholics embrace pope’s support of Ukraine, archbishop says Archbishop Paolo Pezzi of Moscow poses for a photo in front of the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican Oct. 13, 2023. The Archbishop acknowledged there are some fringes and even some important people who desecrate the Pope and deliberately distort his words.”

—CNS photo/Justin McLellan

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Catholics in Russia support Pope Francis’ frequent prayers for “the martyred people of Ukraine,” the head of the Catholic Church in Russia said. When the Pope asks for prayers for Ukraine at his weekly audiences or after praying the Angelus on Sundays, “no one thinks it is a political choice,” Archbishop Paolo Pezzi of Moscow told Catholic News Service Oct. 13 while in Rome to participate in the assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Russian Catholics “certainly” embrace the Pope’s open support for the Ukrainian people, he said, “because it is in the context of a human relationship, of a Christian relationship.” In September,

Ukrainian Catholic bishops meeting in Rome warned Pope Francis that some of his statements are used by Russian propaganda to justify the war in Ukraine.

Yet Archbishop Pezzi, chairman of the Russian bishops’ conference, told CNS that the Pope’s messages are “absolutely not” appropriated by the Russian government for propaganda use. “Maybe the media underscores certain things and leaves aside others, but this happens everywhere, unfortunately,” he said. “Of course, there are some fringes and even some important people who desecrate the Pope and deliberately distort his words, however I would say that in general the Pope’s voice is heard and well-kept.”

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Women react outside St. Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church in Gaza Oct. 20, 2023, after an explosion went off the night before. Several hundred people had been sheltering at the church complex, many of them sleeping, at the time of the explosion. The Hamas Ministry of Interior in Gaza blamed the explosion on an Israeli airstrike but responsibility for it had not yet been independently verified.

Abraham “Abe” Lucas, an offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, poses outside St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Lynnwood, Wash., Sept. 3, 2023. Lucas speaks volumes about being Catholic through the images tattooed on his arms, including the Virgin Mary.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

JERUSALEM (OSV News) – An explosion at the St. Porphyrios Greek Orthodox Church campus in Gaza has left the administration building in ruins, and at least 17 people dead, though numbers have not yet been officially confirmed.

Several hundred people had been sheltering at the church complex, many of them sleeping, when the explosion went off on the night of Oct. 19. On his Facebook page, Latin Patriarchate CEO Sami El-Yousef wrote Oct. 20 that at the time of his writing 10 people had been reported dead and 20 missing, with many more injured. “Our prayers are with our people in Gaza,” he wrote. “Please God end this madness now!” The Latin Patri-

Seahawks offensive tackle loves the game, but Catholic faith is his ‘focal point’

WORLD & NATION

More than half a million kids pray global rosary for peace in Holy Land

Compiled from Our Sunday Visitor and the Catholic News Service

31

WORLD & NATION

OUR FAITH

32

T

oday we begin a new cycle of catechesis, dedicated to an urgent and decisive theme for Christian life: the passion for evangelisation, that is, apostolic zeal. It is a vital dimension for the Church: the community of Jesus’ disciples is in fact born apostolic, born missionary, not proselytizing. And from the start we have to distinguish: being missionary, being apostolic, evangelizing, is not the same as proselytizing, they have nothing to do with one another. It concerns a vital dimension for the Church. The community of the disciples of Jesus is born apostolic and missionary. The Holy Spirit moulds it outwardly – the Church moves out, that goes out – so that it is not closed in on itself, but turned outward, a contagious witness of Jesus – the faith is also contagious – reaching out to radiate His light to the ends of the earth. ...

November 1, 2023

Pope Benedict XVI: The Doctor of the Church for our time The word “doctor” means teacher, not healer, which is why we call certain saints “Doctors of the Church.” They are the great teachers who opened up the truth of the faith for their age, handing on and illuminating the timeless gift of God’s revelation anew. I am convinced that Joseph Ratzinger/Pope Benedict XVI will be acknowledged as a Doctor of the Church in the coming years. Even without the recognition, he truly served in this role by helping our secular age to come to know Jesus Christ more fully, especially as he is encountered in faith and the beauty of the liturgy. He pinpointed our major challenge – the eclipse of God in the world – and also the solution: an encounter with Christ that opens up life’s great adventure.

Ratzinger possessed a unique gift of speaking profoundly and succinctly at the same time, communicating the essence of a topic in a personal and relevant way. Unlike other theologians, he did not come up with his own idiosyncratic system but faithfully and freshly unpacked the tradition. After his death, he continues to serve as a primary guide for the Church, one who can help us through our current confusion in order to embrace the Church’s core mission to spread the king-

dom of God throughout the world.

In continuing his legacy of service to the truth, we will be helped by two new books published by Ignatius Press this year. The first is based on cassette tape recordings from 1985, which were rediscovered and translated into English as The Divine Project: Reflections on Creation and the Church. Ratzinger often pointed out that in rejecting God we also eclipse the gift of creation and even our own humanity, something we can see happening before our eyes. He often reminded us that faith and reason bear an intrinsic harmony, which we can observe in creation itself: “The more we discover the universe, the more we find a kind of reason in it all, whose ways we try to follow... Everything that we are learning about, from the very smallest thing to the very largest, enables us to see things anew, and the scientific formulas, as it were, are an opportunity for us to reflect on the Creator Intelligence to which our own reason owes its existence” (42-43).

The second new book, What is Christianity? The Last Writings, addresses another common concern: religious relativism. Although Ratzinger did not undertake any major theological projects in his retirement, this collection gathers

the essays, letters and interviews of these years. Within it, Ratzinger hits on fundamental themes of his corpus: the nature of faith, the centrality of communion, the crisis of the Church and dialogue with other religions. At the core, one essential question emerges: Is the Christian faith true? No abstract theological concern, Ratzinger shows how intimately the question is bound up with our own identity and purpose, for we find the meaning of our lives in an encounter with the one true God. To help unpack Ratzinger’s legacy, I will be leading an online book study through the Institute of Catholic Culture: “Jesus of Nazareth: Discovering Christ with Pope Benedict XVI,” which is free and open to all. During his pontificate, Ratzinger made the strategic decision to write a great trilogy of books on the life of Christ. This choice points to the heart of the crisis in the Church and world, which can be overcome only through a renewal of faith in Jesus Christ.

The first two volumes are also available from Ignatius Press, with the first covering the public ministry of Jesus and the second focusing on Holy Week and the Passion. The third volume, published by Image, returns to the Infancy Narratives to complete Ratzinger’s overview of the

earthly life of the Son of God. Through this book study, beginning November 20, we will be looking at how Ratzinger draws together the wisdom of the Church Fathers with the insights of modern biblical scholarship. On a theological level, he demonstrates the need to preserve tradition while also addressing modern concerns. On a personal level, he invites us to renew our faith in the historical reality of the Incarnation, the Creator’s own entrance into his creation to lead us to salvation. As representative of his works as a whole, Ratzinger uses the Jesus of Nazareth trilogy to manifest the reasonableness of faith and the urgent necessity of embracing the kingdom of God, our only true source of hope and happiness.

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

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

During Advent, may we reflect on the true gift of Christmas - humanity

On the eve of Advent, when offered the gift of time for prayer and spiritual preparation in expectation of the birth of Christ, I recall a sentiment about Christmas that I have heard often over the years, in a variety of ways from a variety of people – family, friends and even strangers as they go about their Christmas planning and shopping, and recently found unexpectedly in a book I was reading: “I hear that in many places something has happened to Christmas; that it is changing from a time of merriment and carefree gaiety to a holiday that is filled with tedium; that many people dread the day and the obligation to give Christmas

presents is a nightmare to weary, bored souls; … that all in all, the effort to be happy and have pleasure makes many honest hearts grow dark with despair instead of beaming with good will and cheerfulness.”

Many of us would shake our heads in agreement, and imagine that the sentiments above were from someone, like us, who has experienced the contemporary morphing of Christmas into a marketing holiday.

Surprisingly, the quote is from the 1934 work, “A Plantation Christmas,” written by Southern author and Pulitzer Prize winner Julia Peterkin. I never imagined that Christmas, almost 90 years ago, would be a similar source of dread and obligation as it is for many today. Living at light speed is obviously not the only reason we lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas.

One would think that violence, particularly war, would be an understandable reason.

In 1914, five months into WWI,

Pope Benedict XV suggested a temporary cease fire to the fighting for the celebration of Christmas. Soldiers in the trenches took heed, though their countries would not make it official.

A story on history.com relates: “Starting on Christmas Eve, many German and British troops sang Christmas carols to each other across the lines, and at certain points the Allied soldiers even heard brass bands joining the Germans in their joyous singing.

“At the first light of dawn on Christmas Day, some German soldiers emerged from their trenches and approached the Allied lines across no-man’s-land, calling out ‘Merry Christmas’ in their enemies’ native tongues. At first, the Allied soldiers feared it was a trick, but seeing the Germans unarmed they climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy soldiers. The men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and sang carols and songs. There was even a documented case of soldiers from

opposing sides playing a good-natured game of soccer. …

“During World War I, the soldiers on the Western Front did not expect to celebrate on the battlefield, but even a world war could not destroy the Christmas spirit.”

While more than a century has passed since the Christmas Truce of 1914, and the passing of years has certainly not diminished our penchant for violence and conflict, or improved our cultural Christmas, our growing spiritual maturity should enlighten us to the true gift of Christmas, demonstrated by soldiers so long ago – our humanity.

God deemed humanity gift enough to be incarnate on the first Christmas as the Christ Child, who taught us how to be human, how to be in relationship with God and others, how to love and create peace in the world.

May we embrace Advent as a time of prayer to reach that goal. Lord knows, it’s been long in coming.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – In a celebration of life, peace, joy and harmony, thousands of children representing young people on every continent greeted Pope Francis during an afternoon event in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.

Children from different parts of the world, such as the Amazon and favelas of Brazil, sang on stage, and Italian pop star Mr. Rain performed his hit single, “Super Heroes.”

The event Nov. 6 was sponsored by the Dicastery for Culture and Education and was attended by more than 6,000 children from different parts of Italy and other parts of the world. Dedicated to the importance of peace, fraternity and respect for others and creation, the event was titled, “Let Us Learn from Boys and Girls,” to focus attention on children’s simple and sincere desires for peace and harmony in the world. “There is much to learn from you,” the Pope said. “I am always happy when I meet you because you teach me something new every time. For example, you remind me how beautiful life is in its simplicity and how beautiful it is to be together!”

“Two big gifts God has given us,” he said, are life and being together with simplicity.

Pope Francis’s

Monthly Prayer Intentions

OUR FAITH

By Carol Glatz

33

Pope encourages children to speak up, work for peace

December For persons with disabilities: We pray that people living with disabilities may be at the center of attention in society, and that institutions may offer inclusive programs which value their active participation.

Pope Francis speaks to children from different parts of the world at the “Let Us Learn from Boys and Girls” event in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican Nov. 6, 2023.

— CNS photo/Lola Gomez

Mother Seton K of C Council raises more than $150,000 for charity Each year, the Knights of Columbus encourage their various councils to participate in the annual Drive for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (DIID) campaign. The DIID campaign supports the Special Olympics and other charitable organizations helping those coping with disabilities. All funds collected go to the named charities with no overhead costs.

Mother Seton Council #15540 (www.kofc15540.org) recently responded to this request by having their semi-annual DIID fundraising collection at Shop Rite of Flemington. Through the generosity of the community, $3,000 was collected during the eight-hour event. The Council is arranging distribution of $500 to Special Olympics in New Jersey and $2,500 to ARC of Hunterdon County (www.archunterdon.org).

The Shop Rite of Flemington has been an accommodating host of these drives in recent years in keeping with their strong support of local charitable and non-profit organizations. Mother Seton Council regularly meets at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Three Bridges, New Jersey. Since its founding in 2013, the Council has raised over $150,000 for charities. Their next major planned charity fundraiser will be an evening event in the spring of 2024 to be held at their associated church.

Baskets of Love

— Courtesy photo

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

After their recent charity event for those with intellectual disabilities, members of the Knights of Columbus Council #15540 gathered for a fundraising pancake breakfast at their parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Grand Knight Rick Dool is shown far right. —Courtesy photo

Pictured, left to right, are Saral Krol, 7th grade; Mariah Oxley, 8th grade; James Farrer, 8th grade; HSA president Kathleen Vitale; St. Matthias principal Rita Naviello; Father John C. Grimes, pastor; Father Tholitho, parochial vicar; Donnay Kingston, St. Vincent de Paul treasurer; Joan Abitabile, parish business manager; Isabella Vitale, 7th grade; Thomas John, 8th grade; Sarah Wulff, 7th grade. Front row, from left, Desiree O’Brien and Talia Lombardo.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Students and families of St. Ambrose School, Old Bridge, and the Home School Association, hosted a food drive with the help of the parish chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Food and household items were collected and organized into baskets with plans for distribution prior to Thanksgiving to families in need. Students in the school’s S.I.G.N. (Service in God’s Name) program will assist.

HSA president, Kathleen Vitale, explained the food drive coincides with the spirit of giving during the fall season. “Students are very thankful for all they have, so we like to give back, especially during the Thanksgiving season.

God has blessed all of us in so many ways, so it is our responsibility and calling to give back to those in need whenever and however we can.”

OUR FAITH

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In following Jesus, we are called to share all our blessings 33rd Sunday of the Year (A)

CNS

Blessed Mary Anna Sala

By Msgr. John N. Fell

1829-1891 November 24

On this next to last Sunday of the church year, our first reading comes from the Old Testament Book of Proverbs. The Book of Proverbs attempts to capture the essence of practical wisdom which illumines the experience of everyday living.

It portrays the particular genius of a life lived amid the wonder and awe of God’s presence.

This Sunday’s selection from Proverbs speaks of the supreme value of a good wife. It becomes even more touching when we realize that the whole book is really cast as advice from parents to a young man who is about to enter the adult world; the highest hopes of his parents are summed up in his finding a virtuous wife for “her love will invigorate you always, through her love you will flourish continually” (Proverbs 5:19). The author speaks of such a wife as having “a value far beyond pearls,” and as “an unfailing prize” (Proverbs 31:10,11). The reading goes on to mention the blessings she brings to her home, the skill and devotion of her efforts on behalf of her family, and her religious zeal (“the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” Proverbs 31:30). Among certain groups of pious Jews, husbands still recite this poem at each Sabbath as an act of praise and thanksgiving for such a spouse. Using this example of the good wife, the Book of Proverbs sheds light on the blessedness that accrues to one who so diligently places her life and talents in the service of God and others.

Our Gospel reading from St. Matthew makes much the same point, i.e., that the life and talents God gives us are to be fully utilized in our efforts to proclaim the coming fullness of his Kingdom. This Sunday’s Gospel text is the familiar story of the distribution of talents. The Master, intending to embark upon a long journey, decides to entrust his wealth to three of his servants; to each he confides a different amount of treasure.

When the Master returned after his long absence, he called in his servants to settle accounts. He rejoiced when the first servant made his report announcing that he had doubled the treasure entrusted to him; this faithful servant was assigned even more responsible duties and admitted into his Master’s celebration. Similarly, the Master was delighted to hear of the second servant’s doubling of his talents.

Notice that the Master does not distinguish between these two servants based upon the amount of money each made; rather, what pleased him was the fact that each had made the most of what he had been given.

The mood changes, however, when the last servant is called into his Master’s presence. Admitting that he knew

The fifth of eight children in an Italian family, Mary Anna went in 1842 to a boarding school operated by the Sisters of St. Marcellina.

She earned a teaching diploma in four years and wanted to join the order, but had to wait because of her mother’s illness and father’s financial reverses. After assisting her family, she entered the congregation in 1848 and professed her vows in 1852. Over a 40-year teaching career in the order’s schools, she was both popular and successful; one of her students was the mother of Pope Paul VI. She died of throat cancer and was beatified in 1980.

Saints

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for November 19, 2023 Matthew 25:14=30

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A: About the rich man’s servants. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

JOURNEY AWAY LONG TIME GOOD SCATTER TEN TAKEN

ENTRUSTED DUG A HOLE FIVE MORE FORWARD LAZY MORE THROW

TALENTS GROUND WELL DONE GATHERING INTEREST BE GIVEN DARKNESS

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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his Master was demanding, this servant explained that he was afraid to do anything with the talent entrusted to him. He buried it in a field and was now returning it; it was intact, but sadly unused.

Now this servant certainly committed no crime – he did not steal his Master’s money nor did he lose any of it. He was harshly treated, however, because he did not make fruitful use of the opportunity he had been given. Entrusted with a portion of the Master’s wealth, this servant simply abandoned his chance to increase the Master’s estate.

This Gospel selection serves as a powerful reminder in these end times of our Church year. Like the servants in this reading, we are all entrusted with a certain number of talents by the Lord. Our mission, as disciples of Jesus, is to use these talents to the utmost to further the coming of God’s Kingdom, until Jesus himself returns at the end of time. The message is that we cannot hide our faith; it is not meant to be stashed safely away and hidden from view; it is not meant to enrich only our own life. This Gospel challenges us to boldly proclaim our faith in words and deeds, to use every ability we have received to further the cause of the Gospel.

Following Jesus is always a matter of opening our hearts and putting forth some effort. We are endowed with our faith and many other blessings besides; our responsibility is not simply to horde them, but rather to use them to build up God’s Kingdom as best we can. It is those who so use their talents, like the wonderful wife of Proverbs, who are promised to hear the Lord’s call: “Well done, my good and faithful servant … come, share your Master’s joy” (Matthew 25:21).

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

1 Cole Court, #307 Chester, NJ 07930 www.ourladyoftenderness.com Your prayer requests are welcomed and encouraged. They shall be placed before the Blessed Sacrament and lifted daily in prayer.

The ministry of this Hermitage is God’s gift, a life of prayer, freely given to our diocese for you. Please accept this free gift. It is a privilege to be united with you in prayer.

Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10 Prayer Request:

Sister Margaret (Mary Barnabas) Muller of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, entered eternal life on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Cabrini Nursing Home, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. She was 90 years old.

Sister Margaret Muller was born on July 19, 1933, in Bronx, N.Y., and joined the Sisters of the Presentation on September 8, 1951. She professed first vows on April 22, 1954, and final vows on April 27, 1957. She graduated from St. Michael’s Academy, New York City, in 1951. She earned a bachelor’s in education from Fordham University in 1961, a master’s in religious education in 1972 and master’s in pastoral ministry in 1982 from Seattle University.

Her ministries included teaching at St. Michael’s Elementary in Manhattan; Holy Rosary, Bronx, N.Y.; St. Andrew, Clifton, N.J., and religious education at Our Lady of Fatima, Highland Lakes. Sister worked in young adult ministry in four parishes in New Jersey, the Diocese of Metuchen, and in adult education in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. She was a pastoral assistant/associate in several parishes in New Jersey. During her years in retirement, she worked as the archivist for the congregation.

In addition to her family at the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sister Margaret is survived by her sister Eileen Game and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Sister Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Peter Muller and Agnes Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Mount St. Joseph. Burial followed in Mount St. Joseph Cemetery, New Windsor, N.Y. Memorial donations may be made in Sister Margaret’s name to: Sisters of the Presentation, 84 Presentation Way, New Windsor, NY 12553.

For any further information please contact: Administration Center, Sisters of the Presentation, 84 Presentation Way, New Windsor, NY 12553 (845) 564-0513 ext. 101.

To send a personal condolence, please visit www.Brooksfh.com or call 845-561-8300.

Become ‘people of love today’ to join saints in heaven one day, nuncio says

Honduras All Souls’ day

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – At Nov. 1 Masses for All Saints’ Day, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, and Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory emphasized that all people are called to be saints by loving God and others in their everyday lives. Both prelates presided at Masses for the holy day in the nation’s capital after the conclusion of the recent Synod of Bishops in Rome. Cardinal Pierre, 77, was one of 21 new cardinals from 16 nations created by Pope Francis at a Sept. 30 consistory at the Vatican.

As he arrived to celebrate the All Saints’ Day Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Cardinal Pierre was greeted by applause from a crowd gathered outside the basilica’s entrance. In his homily, the nuncio said, “We rejoice in the hope that we too will join the saints in heaven, by becoming people of love today.” Cardinal Gregory celebrated an All Saints’ Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.

In his homily, he emphasized that the solemnity offers a time to remember and honor humble people of faith from many backgrounds and professions who may not be known for miraculous deeds or heroic sacrifices, but whose lives were marked by their love for God and the love that they showed to others.

Women decorate family tombs Nov. 2, 2023, All Souls’ Day, at a cemetery in Copan Ruinas, Honduras. —OSV News

OBITUARY

Jeanmary Flaherty, 99, mother of long-time Diocese of Metuchen superintendent of schools, Ellen Ayoub, entered into eternal life on Saturday, Oct. 14, at McAuley Hall Health Care in Watchung with loving family by her side.

Born in Morgantown, W.Va., daughter of the late Edward V. and Helen M. (nee Flaherty) Flaherty, she was raised in the Ohio Valley. After marriage and throughout her life, she traveled extensively, living for three years in Cuba.

She moved to Las Vegas, Nev., in 1954 and spent much of her life there until moving to Neshanic Station in 2014.

Jeanmary was a graduate of Adena High School in Adena, Ohio, with the Class of 1942. She retired after many

years of dedicated employment as a restaurant hostess at Harrah’s Casino in Las Vegas. She was a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church in Three Bridges.

Jeanmary had always been an avid reader. She took great interest in the lives of her family, reaching out to everyone as much as she could. As she grew older, she made it a point to be close to family, even her great grandchildren. She loved learning, particularly about nature and the world around her.

Jeanmary is survived by three children, Ellen F. Ayoub of Neshanic Station, Amy Ayoub of Las Vegas, and Luke Ayoub and his wife, April, of Las Vegas; three cherished grandchildren, Dr. Elizabeth Matto and her husband Richard, Sarah Thomas and her husband Frederic, and Betsy Roedocker; six great grandchildren, Jane Matto, Edward Matto, Olivia Thomas, Rose Thomas, Brandon Weyant, and Bryan Christie; and several cousins in Ohio.

A memorial Mass was held on Oct. 28 in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Three Bridges.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jeanmary’s name to the McAuley Health Care Center, 1633 US 22, Watchung, NJ 07069. To send condolences to the family, share photographs, or light a virtual candle in memory of Jeanmary, please visit www.CountrysideFuneralHome.com.

Obituary Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Margaret Muller, 90

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Obituary Jeanmary Flaherty, 99, mother of former diocesan superintendent of schools

photo/Tyler Orsburn)

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

—OSV News photo/Patrick Ryan

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

After celebrating a Nov. 1, 2023, Mass for All Saints’ Day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, nuncio to the United States, greets people gathered at a reception in his honor. It was the first Mass he celebrated at the basilica since becoming a new cardinal during the Sept. 30 consistory at the Vatican.

36 STEPPING FORWARD IN CHARITY

Catholic Charities partners with nationally recognized program to help youth

Catholic Charities staff and program directors at the launch of the My First Place program for young adults with housing challenges. —Tiffany Workman photo

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Tiffany Workman Special Contributor Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, has partnered with the Department of Children and Families and First Place For Youth to implement the My First Place Program, which is a nationally recognized model whose mission is to help eligible young adults build the skills they need to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency and responsible adulthood.

This is done by not only providing youth who enter the program with housing, but also providing intensive case management services focused on education, employment, and healthy living.

The grant from DCF, which is a state agency, has been awarded to CCDOM to serve a total of 30 youth who are ages 18-

24 in Middlesex and Somerset Counties.

Pregnant and parenting youth are also eligible for this program. Lisa Novalany, program director of the My First Place Program says, “This is a new initiative in the state of New Jersey; we are beyond excited to be a part of it!”

The My First Place program is a DCF-funded program. The program can

help eligible young adults with housing using a national model developed by First Place For Youth in which CCDOM is master leasing apartments in Somerset and Middlesex Counties. CCDOM will cover rent and utilities of the apartments and young adults or participants in program can reside in the apartment for the duration of the program as they actively work towards their goals and engage in program services.

The well-attended launch of the program took place in October at the Catholic Charities main office in Perth Amboy. Individuals who were interested in the program have a history of children welfare involvement including at least one out of home placement through the Department of Child Protection and Permanency.

Once the program introduction was finished, individuals met for readiness assessments with Catholic Charities staff members to prepare them for enrollment in the program.

In preparation to house the first youth in the program, the My First Place Team set up the apartment to include living room, kitchen and bedroom furniture; household items (pots, pans, dishes, towels, bedding, a vacuum, etc.), and stocked the apartment with pantry items.

On Oct. 23, they housed the first youth, a 19-year-old male who had experienced homelessness and housing instability. Move-in day was eventful with an introduction into the new space, lunch, food shopping and shopping for more personal items. They will continue to move youth into the program and support them in achieving their goals while in the My First Place Program.

The My First Place program differs from other housing programs that CCDOM has because they will cover the rent and utilities of the apartments. CCDOM has other housing programs and other youth programs, but this program combines the essential components of both.

“My hopes for this program is that it transforms the lives of New Jersey’s transition-age youth, providing them with opportunity and hope.

I am looking forward to seeing this program’s ultimate success and how far of an impact it will make.”

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In addition, the unique rent savings component sets this program apart. From program entry, youth advocates work with young adults to explore their budget and develop a plan to contribute to a rent savings account. Typically, this is 30% of a young adult’s monthly income.

Each month, the youth advocate works on budgeting and engages in discussions around rent savings. The rent savings concept mimics normal rental practices. Rent savings payments are held in an interest-bearing account, and once a young adult graduates from the program their rent savings contributions are returned to them.

Once enrolled in the My First Place Program, in addition to housing, young adults receive intensive case management services from a team that includes a youth advocate, an education/employment specialist, and a housing specialist.

Identified goals during the program are youth-driven and focus on education, employment, and healthy living skills. Individualized action plans are created by the young adults in partnership with their My First Place team to assist them in reaching their goals while in the program.

One of the terms that was mentioned on launch day was “level up.”

Lisa Novalany explained, “It came from our implementation phase/training.” She went on to say, “It clearly caught our attention because the whole My First Place started using it as a way to fondly encourage and motivate each other during program ramp up and launch.

“We have been so busy preparing for youth to enter the program but have found ways to keep challenging each other to take it up a notch, or ‘level up.’

We now use the term when thinking about challenging and motivating our youth to ‘level up’ and go beyond what they think their potential is, in order to achieve a higher level of success and stability.”

“I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to serve young adults through this program,” Novalany said. “My hopes for this program is that it transforms the lives of New Jersey’s transition-age youth, providing them with opportunity and hope. I am looking forward to seeing this program’s ultimate success and how far of an impact it will make.”

Tiffany Workman is diocesan Communications Specialist in the Office of Communications and Public Relations.

Saint Joseph, Metuchen; St. Thomas Aquinas, Edison, and Immaculata, Somerville, earned the right to keep their successful seasons alive when the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association/Rothman Orthopaedics state high school football tournament NonPublic Group A and B divisions began play Nov. 3-4.

The Falcons of Saint Joseph, who

compete in the A Division, were scheduled to host Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, Nov. 4.

In the Non-Public B bracket, No. 2 seed St. Thomas earned a bye in the first round, while No. 5 Immaculata played at No. 4 Holy Spirit Nov. 3.

The No. 9 seed Saint Joseph finished the regular season with a 7-2 record (3-3 in league play) after beating host Pope John XXIII, Sparta, 10-6 on Oct. 28.

This season, Saint Joseph averaged

24.6 points per game; Seton Hall Prep 18.

No. 11 seed Seton Hall Prep finished with a 3-6 overall record (1-3 in league play).

The St. Thomas Aquinas Trojans completed an undefeated season (9-0) by defeating host Edison 48-8 on Oct. 20.

The Trojans outscored opponents 297-42 this season (33 points scored per game average to 4.6 allowed).

At a practice in October when the Trojans were 5-0, Coach Tarig Holman said his team’s “multiple split offense” is so effective because of talent from the line to the receivers, running backs and quarterback.

“One of my coaches said, ‘Scratch where it itches.’

“We pretty much have the capability of doing whatever we want to do, whether it is run the ball or pass it. We have multiple guys that can step up and be used as weapons. When they [defenses] have to cover everybody, sometimes they don’t cover anybody.”

Junior quarterback Roman Blanks, who started at that position at Keyport High last season, said his team’s offense “is clicking on all cylinders.”

“We have great chemistry,” Blanks added. “The offensive line is doing a great job. They know their assignments.

Everyone knows their part and is not trying to take someone else’s role – they are their brother’s keeper.”

Senior Eli Abass Sharifa and junior Chase Young are the team’s “one-twopunch” in rushing, Holman said.

Senior linebacker Christian Maglicino, one of the Trojans’ four team captains, said its defensive success starts with the line and continues with “great play” from the linebackers and secondary.

“It’s almost like everyone has been playing their best football, which is why we have been able to put up zeroes [five shutouts],” he said.

Immaculata High finished its season with a 41-8 victory over visiting St. John Vianney, Holmdel, on Oct. 27.

The Spartans outscored opponents 260-84 this season.

At a practice the day before the game against St. John Vianney, coach Mike Columbo noted, “We have some good football games ahead of us. We like where we are at 6-2. Last Friday’s game (a 16-7 defeat at Weequahic High, Newark, Oct. 20) could have gone either way for us, but we are about where we thought we would be at this point of the season.”

Immaculata was scheduled to play St. Thomas Aquinas at the Torpey Complex, Bridgewater, Nov. 22, 7 p.m.

However, because of the possibility the teams could meet in the state tournament or one might reach the state championship game, the game’s status was uncertain as of Oct. 25.

Mt. St. Mary’s Abbey, 300 Arnold Street, Wrentham, MA 02093 trappistinecandy.com • 866-549-8929 • info@trappistinecandy.com

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Top: The football team at Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, poses for a photo before the season. The Falcons earned a berth in the Non-Public Group A division of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) tournament.

Middle: Quarterback Roman Blanks looks for a receiver at an October practice for St. Thomas Aquinas High School (STA), Edison, at the SportsPlex at Metuchen.

Immaculata and STA competed in the Non-Public Group B tournament. Bottom: Mike Columbo, coach at Immaculata High School, Somerville, talks after an October practice. —Chris Donahue and Saint Joseph High School photos

Mount Saint Mary’s Abbey is home to close to forty nuns of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, more commonly known as Trappistines. Trappistine Quality Candy, our candy making industry, allows us to be self-supporting. Through this work we are able to share with the poor the many blessings we have received. It also supports the communal life, giving Sisters the opportunity to work together for the common good.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Welcome to Trappistine Quality Candy

YOUTH

By Chris Donahue, Correspondent

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High school football teams in Diocese seek state championships

38 OUR DIOCESE

CRS empowers Hispanic communities in living the faith

By Adriana Molina Guillen Correspondent On Saturday, Oct. 14, an enlightening informative talk, titled “Living Our Faith,” took place at the Diocese of Metuchen. This event delved into the mission of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the principles of Catholic social teaching, and explored opportunities for the Hispanic community to actively participate.

Leading this dialogue was William Becerra, an advisor to CRS in National Hispanic Engagement, who emphasized CRS’s commitment to living the faith into meaningful, impactful actions.

Catholic Relief Services has been a pioneer in endorsing transformative initiatives for more than eight decades, with a positive impact on over 225 million participants across 122 countries globally, as emphasized by Becerra.

Notably, CRS’s approach is far from one-size-fits-all, as its programs are tailored to meet the unique requirements of the diverse populations it serves on four continents, a detail that may be unfamiliar to many in our Catholic community, as highlighted by Becerra during his discussion As the official international agency of the Catholic Church in the United States, CRS collaborates with more than 1,735 partners. Their diverse programs include emergency response, HIV support, healthcare, agriculture, clean water initiatives, education, microfinance, peace building, and partnerships. These initiatives empower communities, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed for sustainability and the development of the younger generation, thereby fostering

community growth and expanding educational and employment opportunities.

Some of the videos presented by Becerra demonstrated the tangible improvements these programs have brought to communities in Africa and a Central American country.

Becerra explained that CRS operates through an integral human development program, empowering communities while respecting their culture, lands, and resources. Local leaders receive expert guidance and counseling to support these efforts.

Becerra summarized CRS’s mission by emphasizing the promotion of full human development, empowering communities and individuals to excel. He stated: “We help communities not because they are Catholics but because we are.”

CRS’s overseas work is carried out through regional offices in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In the United States, CRS collaborates with Catholic individuals, parishes, and dioceses, supporting them as they live out their faith in solidarity with the less fortunate and advocating for just and peaceful societies.

CRS, as a pro-life organization, is dedicated to upholding the dignity of human life from conception to natural death. It strives to protect, defend, and advance human life and dignity globally by meeting basic needs and advocating for solutions to injustice. This includes promoting policies centered on the well-being of individuals and fostering a global awareness of the respect for human dignity.

As part of the Universal Church, CRS values its partnerships with Catholic institutions and other partners. The organization maintains a rigorous review

Catholic Relief Services advisor William Becerra explored ways Hispanic communities might delve into Catholic social teaching at an Oct. 14 workshop.

— Adriana Molina Guillen photo

system, overseen by its board of bishops and laypersons, to ensure fidelity to Catholic moral teachings.

How can you get involved with CRS in the United States? One well-known initiative is the Rice Bowl campaign, which receives significant support from many Catholic schools and parishes every year. There are also specific advocacy efforts and charitable actions you can participate in.

Additionally, CRS is structured into chapters in the U.S., referred to as ‘Communities of Solidarity.’ These chapters have experienced growth, with increased

participation from the Hispanic community. Their goals include promoting solidarity, and encouraging engagement in campaigns to support CRS’s programs.

They also establish relationships with members of Congress and local governments, advocating for policies that protect, champion, and uphold the dignity of individuals worldwide.

Becerra stated that the invitation to become a member of the Communities of Solidarity is open. Bilingual meetings and advocacy training are available to assist individuals who wish to become involved in supporting CRS’s mission.

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

This month’s featured retreat house

BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA SHRINE 674 Mountain View Road E., Asbury, NJ 08802 908-689-7330 • retreat@bluearmy.com

LOYOLA JESUIT CENTER 161 James Street • Morristown, NJ 07960 973-539-0740 • Fax: 973-898-9839 www.loyola.org • retreathouse@loyola.org

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

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

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

MOUNT ST. MARY HOUSE OF PRAYER 1651 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069 908-753-2091 • www.msmhope.org e-mail: msmhope@msmhope.org

THE SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 908-647-0208 • www.stshrine.org

SAN ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE 755 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch NJ 07740 732-222-2731 • info@sanalfonsoretreats.org www.sanalfonsoretreats.org

ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA 400 Route 35 North, S. Mantoloking, NJ 08738 732-892-8494 • sjbsea@comcast.net • sjbsea.org

Retreats, Spiritual Direction, Programs

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

Day & Overnight Retreats Gift & Book Shop - open daily

A Retreat House Sponsored by the Religious Teachers Filippini overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Offering days of prayer, retreat weekends, spiritual programs, meetings and staff days.

The Shrine of St. Joseph, a Mission Center of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity, invites individuals or groups to the Shrine for a day of renewal offered in both English and Spanish.

Whether for a pilgrimage, private retreat, day of renewal or overnight, the Shrine is situated on 35 pristine acres in Long Hill Township, NJ. 1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 908.647.0208 | shrineofsaintjoseph.com

ST. FRANCIS RETREAT HOUSE 3918 Chipman Road, Easton, PA 18045 Phone: 610-258-3053, ext. 10 • Fax: 610-258-2412 Info@stfrancisretreathouse.org • stfrancisretreathouse.org Franciscan retreat and confrence center. Retreats for men, women, youth, religious, preached, private, directed

To join this retreat guide, email Ads@CatholicSpirit.com

VILLA PAULINE RETREAT AND SPIRITUAL CENTER 352 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945 973-738-4266 • smpdemek@scceast.org • scceast.org Preached/Directed/Guided & Private Retreats, Spiritual Direction, day & weekend programs

DOWN 1 “…begotten, not ___…”

2 Apollonia is their patron saint 3 Mass part 4 Peter or James, for example 5 Month of the feast of St. Francis Xavier 6 Catholic pop artist of “Campbell Soup” fame 7 “I ___ no evil, for you are with me” (Ps 23:4) 10 An ancestor of Jesus, in Matthew 1 12 Benedictine title 14 ___ and Omega 16 Catholic fitness guru and bodybuilder 18 The whole earth had one before the Tower of Babel 20 Judas’ surname 21 Parable of the wicked ___ 22 “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and ___ obey?”

(Mt 8:27) 23 Number of sacraments, in Mainz 25 Archdiocese and capital of Canada 26 The feast of St. Joseph the Worker is on the first of this month 28 One of God’s promises to Abraham 30 OT prophetic book

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Crossword Puzzle

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

Your diocesan cemeteries ready to serve you!

Lester Memorial Home

Costello - Runyon Funeral Homes 568 Middlesex Ave. (Rt 27)

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40 LIVING FAITH

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

Q Praying for the dead: where can this be found in the Bible?

I don’t want any reference to the Catechism, thanks.

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What justifies prayers for the dead?

Why isn’t the pope called Francis I?

A

As you allude to in your question, many of the details regarding the church’s teaching on Purgatory (and the utility and appropriateness of praying for the dead) is part of our sacred tradition, much of which is summarized in works like the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I do feel compelled to point out that the truths of our faith being legitimately “handed down” via tradition is itself a scriptural concept. For example, in the New Testament, St. Paul writes to the Thessalonians: “Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.”

(2 Thessalonians 2:15).

We find a clear scriptural reference on the praiseworthiness of praying for the dead in the Old Testament’s second book of Maccabees. For context, the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees provide a historical narrative of the Jewish people’s fight to maintain their faith and culture in the face of Greek conquerors, and their eventual military liberation by the Maccabees and their leader, Judas. In chapter 12 of 2 Maccabees, we read that some of the Jewish warriors fell in battle, and it was subsequently discovered that they

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had been wearing pagan amulets in clear violation of the first commandment.

Upon learning this, Judas the Maccabee “then took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrection in mind; for if he were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought.” (2 Maccabees 12:43-45)

You might wonder why this passage isn’t better known, particularly in Protestant or Evangelical circles that highly value the role of sacred scripture. One reason for this is that the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees – along with other books such as Tobit, Sirach, and Wisdom – are part of what scholars call the “Deuterocanonical books,” sometimes also referred to as the “Septuagint.” While the early Fathers of the Church discerned that these books should be included in the canon (i.e., the official “table of contents”) of scripture, in the 16th century Martin Luther disagreed that these works were the inspired word of God. Because of this, Protestant bibles omit the Deuterocanonical books.

The grave marker of a couple is illuminated with a candle as a full moon shines through clouds in this undated file photo. Catholics pray for the dead during Mass, during designated days such as All Soul’s Day, and often ask that Masses be celebrated for our loved ones during the anniversary of their death

— OSV News photo/CNS/Lisa Johnston, St. Louis Review)

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Q

I was raised as a Roman Catholic and remember always seeing a number after the Pope’s name.

I was taught the number indicated how many Popes had previously used the name. In reading the news stories about the recent synod, I notice that the Pope is simply referred to as Pope Francis. Is that a new change?

A

No, not at all. You are correct that many popes have numbers after their name to indicate how many of their predecessors have used that name before them. For example, Pope Benedict XVI was the sixteenth pope to use the name “Benedict.”

However, the custom is to start using numbers after the names of popes only when it is necessary in order to keep track and distinguish them from their same-named predecessors. Since Pope Francis is the first (and so far only) Pope to have taken the name “Francis,” there is no need for a numeral after his name. But if we were to ever have a “Pope Francis II” in the future, then we would retroactively refer to our current Pope Francis as “Francis I.”

FURTHER READING

All the makings of your favorite adventure story – drama, intrigue, promise, love, hope, and heartache spanning two thousand years...and YOU are a part of it!

Timeless: A History of the Catholic Church is a fresh retelling of the history of the Church. In this easy-to-read, not-your-average history book, Steve Weidenkopf introduces you to the vivid, dynamic story of God’s work in the world since Pentecost. Along the way, you will meet the weird, wonderful, and always fascinating heroes and villains of the Catholic family tree.

ARTS & MEDIA

In every era of the Catholic Church, holy men and women have shaped history through their gifts and talents and, most importantly, through their resolute commitment to Jesus Christ. Some led armies, some founded monasteries, some lived a radical call to charity - and each one had a unique part to play.

How the Saints Shaped History focuses on the essential role of the saints, as vessels of God’s grace, in moving the Church (and the world!) through her two-thousand-year history. Written especially for everyday Catholics hungry to learn more about the Faith, this book is both comprehensive and accessible. It tells the story of how more than 180 saints, from Saint Mary Magdalene to Pope Saint John Paul II, led the Church through many crises and back to her spiritual roots.

As our Church continues to face crises, this book reminds us that we still have reason to hope in our own time. As the providential hand of God worked through the saints to shape history, each of us is called to become a new saint to shape the history of the Church today.

“How the Saints Shaped History” is available at www.osv catholicbookstore.com

41

Book of the Month

Read “Timeless” and you’ll: • Learn the past in order to make sense of our world • Know Christ better • Be prepared to defend your Faith and the Church • Understand where you fit in the greatest story ever told.

A 38 page, on-line study guide is also available, providing take-aways, discussion questions, points/ dates to memorize and important persons for each of the chapters. Both “Timeless: A History of the Catholic Church,” and the study-guide are available at www.osvcatholicbookstore.com.

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A Million Miles Away

By John Mulderig NEW YORK (OSV News) – “Tenacity is a superpower,” observes a character in the fact-based profile “A Million Miles Away” (Amazon). And so it seems to prove for the subject of director and cowriter Alejandra Márquez Abella’s warm, folksy biopic, Mexican American astronaut José Hernández (Michael Peña).

In adapting Hernández’s memoir “Reaching for the Stars,” Abella traces his remarkable journey from child migrant farm worker to NASA engineer and candidate for a place on the space shuttle.

Early on, as he watches the 1969 Moon landing on TV, the youthful Hernández instantly dedicates himself to the longshot goal of following in the footsteps of the Apollo 11 crew.

The odds against the lad are, of course, staggering. Perhaps the earliest of the stumbling blocks he faces – as pointed out by his caring teacher, Miss Young (Michelle Krusiec) – is the negative effect on his education of his parents’ migratory work life. Admirably, mom and dad respond to this appeal for greater stability by making an economically sacrificial decision.

Thanks, in part, to their altruism, Hernández goes on to receive his master’s degree in engineering and joins the staff of California’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. But the fact that may still be a long way off from fulfilling his ultimate ambition is testified to by a

telling incident in which, as a newcomer to the lab, he’s mistaken for a janitor.

Abella’s script, penned with Bettina Gilois and Hernán Jiménez, convincingly portrays the lifelong determination Hernández demonstrated – he applied to join the space program 11 times before being accepted. It also shows the crucial support he received from his loving wife, Adela (Rosa Salazar), and from the rest of his family.

As Hernández overcomes prejudice and breaks down social and economic barriers, teens as well as grownups will profit from his good example and from the strong values by which he’s steadily guided. Additionally, viewers of faith will note the Catholic trappings Abella briefly includes at various points. These at least imply a religious influence on Hernández’s success.

The film contains a few instances each of mild swearing and crass language. The OSV News classification is A-II – adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

John Mulderig is media reviewer for OSV News. Follow him on Twitter/X @ JohnMulderig1.

This is the movie poster for “A Million Miles Away,” a fact-based profile of Mexican American astronaut José Hernández (Michael Peña) produced by Amazon Studios.

—OSV News photo/courtesy Amazon Studios

42 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

John David Washington stars in a scene from the movie “The Creator.”

The Creator

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

ARTS & MEDIA

Movie Review

NEW YORK (OSV News) – Science fiction is often used as an allegorical vessel within which to explore real-life current events, and such is the case with “The Creator” (20th Century). Although primarily set in the year 2070, this thinking person’s war drama takes

— OSV News photo/ Oren Soffer, 20th Century Studios

By John Mulderig

for its main topic the very timely subject of artificial intelligence.

While present-day concerns center on AI’s potential to turn on its designers and displace human control of the world, within director and co-writer Gareth Edwards’ film, machines would seem to have more to worry about than those they were manufactured to serve. In fact, a global conflict is raging over an American-led effort to eliminate all automatons.

This crusade comes in the wake of

a disaster that the U.S. blames on A.I. As a result of it, America and the West have banned the technology but the fictitious enemy nation of New Asia has not.

Formerly caught up in the struggle, as the opening sequence shows us, retired special forces agent Sgt. Joshua Taylor (John David Washington) was traumatized by it and has left it behind.

So at least he thinks until he’s visited by a duo of high-ranking officers, Gen. Andrews (Ralph Ineson) and Col. Howell (Allison Janney), intent on enticing him back onto active duty.

As a lure, they show the widower footage that seems to establish that his wife, Maya (Gemma Chan), whom he has long believed to be dead and for whom he still grieves, is, in fact, alive and living in New Asia. With the prospect of reuniting with Maya before him, Joshua agrees to get back in the fight.

He’s assigned to destroy the proAI side’s most potent weapon, which is in the last stages of development.

Eventually, however, Joshua’s intensifying bond with Alphie (Madeleine Yuna Voyles), a childlike robot he encounters during his mission, has him

questioning his nation’s ultimate goal of destroying not only her but every being like her.

Joshua’s saga is visually expansive but thematically shaky. As penned with Chris Weitz, the script raises issues that will be more troubling to viewers with a secular outlook than to Christian believers.

Although these topics are more dabbled with than deeply delved into, grown-ups – for whom alone the picture’s vulgarity-laden dialogue is acceptable – will nonetheless likely appreciate Washington’s hard-driving performance.

Moviegoers of all persuasions, moreover, can probably agree with Edwards’ peaceable agenda.

The film contains much stylized combat violence with minimal gore, a scene of marital sensuality, a few uses of profanity, about a half-dozen milder oaths, at least one rough term and pervasive crude language. The OSV News classification is A-III – adults.

The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned.

Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

43

NOV 2 DEC 14

DEC

2

Adult Enrichment Course, “Sermon on the Mount,” sponsored by the Office of Ongoing Faith Formation, will be held on six consecutive Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (excluding Thanksgiving, Nov. 23) at the St. John Neuman Pastoral Center, Piscataway. The classes to be presented

by Father Glenn Comandini, Coordinator of the Office of Ongoing Faith Formation. will explore the Gospel in which the Beatitudes are couched. Through the use of PowerPoint slides, questions and answers, and the “New American Bible,” attendees will have a better grasp of what God is communicating. Please bring your bible to each session. A limited supply of bibles will be available for sale. There is no fee to attend but online registration is required at www.diometuchen.org/faith-formation (please register only one time for all six classes). Free-will donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information, email amarshall@diometuchen.org or call 732-562-1543.

Hispanic Advent Retreat, “Walking together towards the encounter with the Lord.” Sponsored by the diocesan Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry, the retreat will be held from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the St. John Neuman Pastoral Center, Piscataway. It will focus on Eucharistic Revival. For more information email Lescobar@diometuchen.org or call 732 243 4573.

DEC

Advent Retreat for PCLs, 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway.

This event features speaker Enza Cerami and promises to be an engaging experience for all attendees.

Registration information was emailed to PCLs. Please contact Jill (732) 529-7930 or Anna (732) 2434575 with questions or for more information.

DEC

Cathedral Concert – 7:30 p.m., the Chamber Orchestra and Chorus of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, will perform George Frederik Handel’s timeless oratorio, Handel’s Messiah. Under the direction of Maestro Christopher M.C. Deibert, conductor, the Advent/Christmas portion of this work will be performed in its entirety, along with excerpts from the second and third parts. No tickets are required; however, a $20 donation is suggested. For further information email, Music@StFrancisCathedral.org

7

16

DIOCESAN PROGRAMS

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Liturgical Music News The Diocesan Festival Choir is seeking new members in all sections (SATB). Rehearsals are on the three preceding Tuesdays for any particular liturgical event and are typically held at the Cathedral in Metuchen.

Interested persons may set up an interview/audition by contacting Christopher Deibert, diocesan director of Liturgical Music, at cdeibert@diometuchen.org.

Honoring Veterans Dec. 16, Wreaths will be placed on every veteran’s grave at St. Magdalen de Pazzi’s cemetery, 94 North Main St., Flemington. Sponsored by the St. Magdalen’s Military Veterans and Family Ministry, the event, which will begin at noon, is being held in conjunction with National Wreaths Across America Day. To order a wreath for one of the many veterans in St. Magdalen de Pazzi’s cemetery visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NJ0067P

Eucharistic Adorers Wanted Bishop Checchio would like to offer Eucharistic adoration at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Monday through Friday, from 9-11:45 a.m. Anyone who is interested in signing up should contact Angela Marshall at amarshall@diometuchen.org.

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Seeking Nominations The St. Thomas Aquinas / Bishop George Ahr High School Office of Alumni is seeking nominations for the St. Thomas Aquinas Award and Athletic Hall of Fame.

These awards honor alumni, faculty, and community members who go above-and-beyond to support the ideals and mission of St. Thomas Aquinas / Bishop George Ahr High School. All are welcome to submit nominations by December 1 at stahs.net/nominate.

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M D O G M A D W I F E D A M E L P I E T A E D N O O C R A R E C T O R S H E P H E R D A I I T M O O M A R S H A L L B A L A A M L T E E T E P I S T L E B R A I L L E H A T S A S A M S O N E X O R C I S M I G N T A A E A L L E L U I A T U R K E Y A B A N A I Z N E I G H T W O X E N E S H A L T K E D E N

2023 St. Cecilia Sing Dec. 3, musicians from across the diocese will gather at St. Mary-Stony Hill Church, Watchung, 3 - 5 p.m to celebrate one another and their ministry, and to engage in prayer, song, and reflection together. Co-facilitated

by Music Therapist and NPM Board Member Megan Fitch, this event will offer musicians unique perspectives on their music, their ministry, and themselves.

There is no fee, but registration is requested. To register visit: http://npmmetuchen.org/dec3

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Saint Joseph Parish in Hillsborough, New Jersey is hiring a new Pastoral Assistant to serve as Associate Director of Religious Education (ADRE). Our very engaged parish provides a welcoming environment to all who wish to grow in their Catholic faith.

The ADRE works closely with the DRE, the students and their families, the CCD teachers, the pastor and the staff, and volunteers from many parish programs. The ideal candidate has job experience and training that demonstrates an ability to organize and support effective education programs, engage many parishioners in a professional manner, maintain a child-safe environment, manage many details at once, adapt to change, and communicate effectively with parish staff and external stakeholders, including the diocese staff.

For more information, visit http://sjmillstone.com/employment.

Submit your resume and cover letter to kcraigle@sjmillstone.com .

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Lectio Divina A meditative reading of a short Scripture passage; no experience or preparation are required. The program began Sept. 18 and will be held two Mondays per month on Zoom at 7 p.m. For details contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins, diocesan director, Office of Family Life at cdaverso@diometuchen.org

Christmas Cookie Walk Dec. 16, the Corpus Christi Evangelization Team will sponsor a Christmas Cookie Walk in the parish hall 100 James St., South River from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. An assortment of homemade cookies and other baked goods will be sold for $10 per pound. Children’s Craft stations will also be available as well as complimentary hot chocolate and coffee. All proceeds will benefit the Evangelization ministry. For more information contact Eliana Neyra at egabriel0706@yahoo.com or 732-770-8245

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL TEACHERS Perth Amboy Catholic is a Pre-K to 8 grammar school looking for qualified middle school level teachers, especially in mathematics. Substitute teaching positions are also available in primary grades with potential for long term and/or permanent employment in other subjects.

Applicants must be certified and have Catholic school teaching experience.

Contact adiaz@pacatholicschool.org.

OUR DIOCESE

DIOCESAN EVENTS

44 OUR DIOCESE

‘Native Ball:’ Profile of pioneering Indigenous American sports figure

By John Mulderig NEW YORK (OSV News) – A warmhearted profile of a pioneering Indigenous American sports figure is provided in filmmakers Jonathan Cipiti and Megan Harrington's documentary "Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer." Produced by Family Theater Productions, the roughly half-hour film will air on PBS affiliates beginning Nov. 1.

A follow-up to Cipiti and Harrington's 2020 retrospective "The House That Rob Built," about the career of longtime University of Montana women's basketball coach Robin Selvig, this project focuses on one of Selvig's most highprofile proteges, Barbara "Malia" Kipp.

Raised on the Treasure State's Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Kipp began her college career in 1992.

At the time, about 5,000 American high-school girls annually received a full Division I basketball scholarship. Once recruited by Selvig for his squad, known as the Lady Griz, Kipp became the sole Native American among them.

Via archival footage and photographs – as well as interviews with Kipp's parents, Coach Selvig, and a trio of later players who were inspired by Kipp's example – the writer-directors tell an inspiring tale of challenges met and odds overcome.

Additionally, Kipp herself makes a brief but deeply emotional reference to the role faith played in her success.

Tearing up as she recalls the advice, Kipp quotes her paternal grandmother as saying, "God doesn't put things in our way to break you. Those things you perceive as burdens, they're a privilege."

Despite the difficulty of balancing her cultural heritage and the sometimes alien mores of the wider society – and conscious of the consequences of failure while in the spotlight – by her senior year, Kipp had risen to the rank of team captain. She now serves the elderly Blackfeet community as a geriatric nurse.

"Native Ball" may not be of interest to small children. But this engaging movie contains nothing that would prevent the rest of the family from benefiting from Kipp's uplifting life story.

John Mulderig is media reviewer for OSV News. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @JohnMulderig1.

Barbara “Malia” Kipp is featured in the documentary “Native Ball: Legacy of a Trailblazer.” Produced by Family Theater Productions, the roughly half-hour film will air on PBS affiliates beginning Nov. 1, 2023.

— OSV News photo/Andy Kemmis, courtesy Family Theater Productions

NOVEMBER 16, 2023

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Elderly religious need your help. Like those pictured, nearly 25,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests have dedicated their lives to serving others through prayer and ministry. Yet years of serving for little or no pay have left a profound shortage in retirement savings. Your support of the Retirement Fund for Religious helps furnish care, medicine and other necessities. Please give generously.

Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

Retirement Fund for Religious

Please donate at your local parish December 9-10 or by mail at: National Religious Retirement Office/MET 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194 Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

retiredreligious.org Visit retiredreligious.org/2023photos to meet the religious pictured. ©2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington DC All rights reserved • Photo: Jim Judkis