September 22, 2022

Principals from schools in the diocese pose with Barbara Stevens, far left, second row, Superintendent, diocesan O ce of Schools, after praying in the chapel at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, Aug. 15. It was the rst time in two years the principals could gather in person for the annual leadership meeting because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. — Gerald Wutkowski Jr. photo

Give thanks to Bishop Emeritus for 25 years of service

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

September 11 is an emotional day for us all, as it always reminds us of the horrific terroristic attacks in our country that changed and took the lives of too many innocent people. We continue to pray for the victims and their families and all of us affected by that day’s tragic events. Gratefully, this year, we had a celebration that gives us a reason to offer thanks as our diocesan community gathered with Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski at our beautiful Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi for a Mass of thanksgiving for his special milestone of 25 years of episcopal service. Indeed, we have much to be grateful for as 20 of those 25 years have been spent serving the faithful of this wonderful Church of Metuchen.

Being a bishop is a great joy. It is hard to get your mind around being called to be a successor of the Apostles who were such outstanding witnesses to Christ by how they lived and even gave their lives for Christ and His Church, His dear people. Visiting and praying with you, our priests, deacons and those in consecrated life, throughout our 90 parishes, as well as our own Saint Peter’s University Hospital, our schools, prisons, nursing homes and other institutions is truly a joy and what energizes us bishops for all the administrative duties that fall in our laps.

When I was on my retreat before my ordination as a bishop what stuck with me is that the bishop is above all to be a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. The Apostles found the tomb empty and then set out on sharing that news with all, becoming witnesses to hope for our world.

They lived in challenging times, and we have our challenges, too. Deepening my friendship with Christ through private and communal prayer certainly keeps me focused. By praying and interacting with all our lay faithful, clergy, religious and deacons, learning from them about Christ and helping to spread His message of mercy and hope to all in need, we carry on the task that the Apostles set out on.

Bishop Paul has generously given himself to this for the past 25 years. Even now, in retirement, he continues to serve as he goes to St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Pittstown each weekend to celebrate Masses. He also had the mind of Pope Francis long before he took over the Chair of St. Peter in Rome, as Bishop Paul called a synod here in our diocese to listen to the voice of the faithful as he forged the road forward for our local Church. Now, the whole world is gathered in such a Synod. Finally, Bishop’s ministry here in Metuchen started at a challenging time, as you might recall,

and gratefully he was a strong advocate for implementing child protection initiatives.

Yes, there is much that can be said, but to put it simply, Metuchen was blessed with the ministry of Bishop Paul and I am sorry that due to a pre-planned wedding on September 11 that I was not able to be present for this Mass of Thanksgiving, but I was united at the altar of the Lord, thanking God for the ministry Bishop has shared with us. Gratefully, I was able to join in the festivities afterward, congratulate Bishop Paul, and see some of our guests.

I ask you all to join me in thanking God for Bishop Bootkoski and his ministry. I know he is so grateful for you, as am I. So, on behalf of all in our diocese, congratulations, Bishop Paul and thank you for all you have done and still do for our diocese. We pray you will have many more years of good health and service to the beloved people of our diocese. Sto lat!

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

CORRECTION

In a photo caption on page 14 of the Aug. 25 edition of “The Catholic Spirit,” the priest praying with his hands outstretched was incorrectly identi ed. It should have said it is Father Tholitho, parochial vicar, St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater.

On page 28 of the same issue, the photo credit should have been given to Father Roy Quesea.

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Pope Francis chats with Kazakh President KassymJomart Tokayev as he arrives at the international airport in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, Sept. 13. The pope attended the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Nur-Sultan.

CNS photo/Paaul Harring

When I was on my retreat before my ordination as a bishop what stuck with me is that the bishop is above all to be a witness to the resurrection of Jesus.

A special issue on the 25th Anniversary of Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski’s Episcopal Ordination will be published September 29

Diocese's educators urged to be nothing less than 'mission of love'

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

METUCHEN — “We gather together dedicated to the mission of teaching,” said Father Timothy A. Christy to the scores of both new and seasoned Catholic school teachers, staff and ad ministrators filling the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Aug. 30 for the Mass for the Opening of Schools. “The mis sion of Catholic education is to form students intellectually, spiritually, so cially and mentally, the whole child in the context of our faith.”

Father Christy, rector of the Ca thedral, presided at the liturgy and gave the homily. Concelebrants were pastors with parochial schools, as well as priests who minister as instructors in Catholic high schools.

Teachers joyfully greeted their counterparts from other schools, see ing some for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 shutdown, and listened intently as Father Christy’s homily served as a rallying cry for the benefits of Catholic education.

“I recall the signs during COVID outside hospitals that said, ‘Heroes

Work Here,’” he began. “I would like to have signs outside Catholic schools that say, ‘Heroes Work here,’ for there is no price tag on our mission.”

Father Christy noted the results of a "Wall Street Journal" analysis of Catholic education compiled last fall. The study noted the precipitous drop in enrollment nationwide from about 59 million Catholic schoolchildren in 1968 to 1.9 million in 2019. This has a big impact on society, he said.

“We do not live in a time of faith,” he said. “We have traded our Biblical vision for a secular world view.”

Urging the educators to, in the words of St. John, to “work while there is daylight,”

Father Christy continued, “This is why you are here today. The mission you signed up for has to be nothing less

than the mission of love.”

Recognizing that budgets might not allow the purchase of cutting-edge technology or equip ment, he stated, “Cath olic education is not so much that we don’t have enough tools, it is about fuels. We have been chosen by God to do this work … We need the supernatural food and strength to do something heroic.”

Despite the secu lar educational empha sis on cancel culture or a sanitized world view, Father Christy said, “The story we tell is God’s story, the story of creation and sin and redemption and God’s love. Look upon the children that walk into our classrooms, onto our sports fields, our music classes, produce our dramas — look at them as sacred, as God’s gift… if true daylight is waning, live the mission and ask the

Holy Spirit for the boldness to be un ambiguously Catholic.”

In this time of spiritual warfare, Father Christy advised, “No matter what subject you teach… see how whatever you are teaching touches the mystery and the love of God. Just like with the loaves and fishes, we give what little we have, and He is going to make it enough.”

Just as parents strive to fulfill a school supply list to best prepare their students for school, Father Christy con cluded his homily with a list of spiritual goals the new and returning teachers, administrators and staff should attempt to accomplish.

“Love the Church,” the rector im plored. “Go to confession, live in the state of grace and go to Mass as often as you can. Pray, lift up your heart in honesty before the God of the Uni verse. Try to love each other, and give each other the benefit of the doubt.”

Father Christy reminded the group, “It is radically important you are here. We love you, and we can’t do it without you. May the word of God shape and mold us, and may we go forth commit ted to being a saint.”

"No matter what sub ject you teach… see how whatever you are teaching touches the mystery and the love of God. Just like with the loaves and fishes, we give what little we have, and He is going to make it enough.”

Father Timothy A. Christy

Above left, Father Timothy A. Christy (center), principal celebrant and homilist, prays during the consecration at Mass for the Opening of School at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, Aug. 30. Below left, Father Christy, Cathedral Rector, gives the homily. Above right and right, staff from schools in the diocese listen to the homily and pray. Below, Religious Teachers Filippini Sister Mary Louise Shulas (left), director of Curriculum, diocesan Office of Schools, and Felician Sister Mary Charles Wienckowski, principal, St. Helena School, Edison, carry the gifts of bread and wine for presentation.

— Mike Ehrmann photos

May courage, piety, ingenuity of two leaders be ours

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD Body

& Soul

Queen Esther would have made a fine religious sister! This heroine of the Hebrew people exemplifies what it means to be completely dependent upon God. She asks for courage, persuasive words in her mouth and the wherewithal to overpower Haman, the Agagite, vizier to King Xerxes of Persia, to whom Esther is bethrothed. Since Xerxes makes Esther his Queen, and her uncle, Mordecai, refused to offer homage to Haman, the latter sets out on a plot to obtain from the King a decree of extermination against all the Jews living in the Persian Empire.

Then, Esther comes the foreground as a genuinely pious woman, a Godfearing Jew who receives what she asks for in prayer: courage, prudence and wisdom. These weapons of diplomacy are such that Esther is able to turn the tables on Haman and have the decree of extermination apply now to the enemies of the Jews, including Haman.

It’s obvious during the 10 short chapters of this Book of the Bible that Esther is a selfless individual whose major concern is the welfare of her Jewish subjects. This book was intended as a consolation for Israel, a reminder that God’s providence prevails — that God loves those who serve him faithfully. Esther is one just person!

On September 10, the Religious Sisters Filippini celebrated the 350th anniversary of the birth of their foundress, St. Lucy Filippini. I had the pleasure of ministering with these sisters when I was pastor of Good Shepherd Parish (then Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish) in Hopelawn. Once or twice a month, I would go to the convent on Barclay Street, Perth Amboy, to celebrate Mass and followed by dinner with the sisters. Their hospitality was always fabulous, their piety was genuine and their ministry in both pastoral ministry and especially education was awe-inspiring.

Sadly, the sisters’ 75-year mission in Perth Amboy came to a close a few years ago. I’m sure it was not easy to leave because what they were doing in this city by the bay was exactly what Mother Foundress would have wanted:

educate the poor in the faith. Prepare them for the world. And these sisters were faithful to this mandate of St. Lucy Filippini.

Would that we could all possess the courage of Esther — the prayerfulness of Esther — the ingenuity of Esther! Imagine, if we felt for the Filippini Sisters what Esther felt for her beloved Jews. We would then be watching out for each other. We would be praying for each other. There would be not only solidarity among the daughters of St. Lucy, there would be a genuine love for each other, based not on how one is treated by a particular sister (an attitude which would issue from self-centeredness) but an altruistic love which seeks nothing. Sisters would rally together for the welfare of children entrusted to their care and the success of their didactic mission.

With the indulgence of our readers, may I offer a word of counsel to our religious sisters on the occasion of their Foundress’ birthday. “My beloved sisters, you’re all called to be Queen Esther! You are called to be strong! You are called to be prayerful! You are called to set an example for others! You are called to be other-centered! Even if you oc-

cupy a leadership position, as did Queen Esther, you are called to be servants to your fellow sisters, as Esther was to her Jewish brothers and sisters. You are all called to love God with the fervor and trust of Queen Esther. How do you do this? Loving God accrues from taking the quest of ongoing formation seriously! To look within, to reflect on which areas are in need of change, to reach out to your fellow sisters in community — to pray for their success and God’s continued blessing on your noble apostolate of education — whether you are a teacher, administrator, a pastoral assistant, a pastoral catechetical leader — God has a plan for creation and redemption. We call that plan “Providence.” And just as Esther and the Jewish people have their place in God’s plan, so do each of you have an important role to play in Providence. Sisters, never underestimate the power of God — if he can save an entire faith from extermination, just imagine what he can do for our faith and the future of the Religious Teachers Filippini! Never forget what he did for your foundress, St. Lucy Filippini.”

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

Support pregnancy help centers, build culture of life

mains legal for now as courts determine whether existing or new bans can take effect. In the rest of the states, abortion is legal but may still be restricted, or access may otherwise be limited.

Over the past several months, since the landmark Supreme Court decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Healthcare Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade , states have been acting quickly to either implement laws restricting or banning abortion or rushing to reassert their commitment to abortion rights. Since Dobbs declared that abortion is no longer a “protected right” of the federal government, state laws prevail.

About half of the states are expected to enact bans on abortion or other gestational limits on the procedure. In some of these states, so-called trigger laws were in place that were designed to put bans into effect automatically or by quick state action if Roe no longer applies. In other states, abortion re-

How to report abuse

In states like New Jersey, New York and California abortion access will remain virtually unlimited because of laws passed by the state legislature to protect the right to abortion or by the state’s highest courts declaring that the right to abortion is protected by the state’s constitution. Of course, as can be expected, the right to an abortion looms over the upcoming November elections.

The country has been and continues to be deeply divided on this issue. In response to Dobb s, we have seen an unprecedented amount of physical, verbal and legislative attacks on pregnancy help centers across

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 O cer at (908) 930-4558 (24 hours/7 days a week).

our nation. We have also heard reports from our local pregnancy centers that there is a steep rise in the number of calls from abortion-minded women since Roe was overturned. It is certain that these numbers will continue to increase as women travel from other states to procure abortion services in the Garden State. In fact, our governor recently declared that New Jersey is “an abortion sanctuary state” and a “beacon of freedom” as he signed two bills into law that will provide legal protection to women who travel from another state to have an abortion and to those clinicians who provide the services.

St. Teresa of Calcutta once said, “A nation that kills its children in the womb has lost its soul.” Certainly, we have seen the devastating effects of legal abortion in our society over the past 50 years with the loss of more than 60 million innocent lives and the deep wounds of regret and shame that have caused brokenness in women and families. Perhaps now is a time to work to restore the good conscience of our nation.

Now more than ever we are called as a faith community to fi nd fresh ways

to help pregnant moms and build a pro-family and life-affi rming culture. To help pregnant and parenting moms in need we must work to provide necessary resources by investing in and supporting our local pregnancy help centers. We must also work to implement pro-life/pro-family policies, such as paid family leave, protections for pregnant women in the workplace and affordable healthcare and childcare.

Most importantly, however, if we want to live in a nation where abortion is unthinkable, each of us needs to make a deeper commitment to discipleship — in our families, in our parishes and in our communities. We need to walk with women in need grounded in the love of God, listen to their fears and challenges with compassion and seek to understand. Too often, those in unplanned or diffi cult pregnancies are discipled by the culture. These life decisions need the life support that the body of Christ is uniquely positioned to provide.

We thank God that more lives will be saved in this new era. May we never cease to offer Christ’s presence to moms and surround them with love in their time of need. May our loving defense of the vulnerable child in the womb continually spill over into love and respect for their mothers and families.

Ruggiero is Secretary, diocesan Secretariat for Family Life

We need to walk with women in need grounded in the love of God, listen to their fears and challenges with compassion and seek to understand.

& NATION

Compiled from the Catholic News Service

Pope welcomes prelates into College of Cardinals

VATICAN CITY — In a ceremony to create 20 new cardinals, Pope Francis encouraged the College of Cardinals to have the same spiritual zeal for all people, whether they are in positions of power or ordinary Christians. “A cardinal loves the Church, always with that same spiritual fire, whether deal ing with great questions or handling everyday problems, with the powerful of this world or those ordinary people who are great in God’s eyes,” the pope said Aug. 20 during the consistory, a prayer service during which he person ally welcomed 20 churchmen into the College of Cardinals. Those who have this apostolic zeal are compelled “by the fire of the Spirit to be concerned, courageously, with things great and small,” he said. During the ceremony, each of the new cardinals, including Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of San Diego, Calif., professed their faith by reciting the Creed and formally swore fidelity and obedience to the pope and his successors. They then approached Pope Francis, one by one, to receive their biretta, their cardinal’s ring and the assignment of a “titular” church in Rome, which makes them part of the Roman clergy. In his homily, Pope Francis reflected on Jesus’ words to his disciples, in which he declared, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled.”

Focusing on the image of fire, Pope Francis said that the “flame of the spirit of God” represents his love “that purifies, regenerates and transfigures all things.” It also evokes the charcoal fire made by the risen Christ for his disciples along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, which created “a familiar set ting where the disciples, amazed and moved, savor their closeness to their Lord.”

Groups oppose efforts to broaden scope of Title IX

WASHINGTON — A number of Catho lic and other faith-based associations and groups, including dioceses, have joined in supporting an amicus brief filed in a court case on how the Biden administration’s proposal to broaden the interpretation of Title IX provisions could affect nonprofit organizations, including private schools. “Although Title IX has received the most attention for its impact on athletics, especially regarding women at the college level, it applies to a variety of K-12 educational programs and has been adapted by most other federal agencies to govern work place policies,” the National Catholic Educational Association said in an Aug. 23 statement. “If schools are recipients of federal financial assistance, the obli gations of institutions that receive this assistance are addressed in several civil rights laws and employment regula tions,” the NCEA said. “New interpreta tions of these laws and regulations have raised questions and concerns about the applicability of such to Catholic schools that received equitable services, not funds,” it said. The NCEA has joined the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops,

Students at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School in Henderson, Ky., eat lunch and watch the opening day of Major League Baseball March 29, 2018.

CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn

Council of American Private Education, Association of Independent Schools, Christian Schools International, Nation al Association of Episcopal Schools and National Council of Islamic Schools, as well as various dioceses, international associations and nonprofit organizations in a letter of support for a friend-of-thecourt brief filed by the National Asso ciation of Independent Schools.

U.S. Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of San Diego is pictured at the Vatican press hall prior to a consistory for the creation of 20 new cardinals by Pope Francis at the Vati can Aug. 27.

CNS photo/Carol Glatz

Priest continues 24 years of service to faithful at diocesan level

By Kaylynn Chiarello-Ebner Correspondent

When Bishop James F. Checchio asked Father Jonathan “Jay” S. Toborowsky to take on the role of Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia in August, it came as a surprise to him.

However, Father Toborowsky has gotten accustomed to expecting the unexpected on his journey through life.

“When I think back on my life, I say, ‘What a journey, Lord. I would have never expected this!” exclaimed Father Toborowsky. “But, here I am… God is full of surprises.”

Father Toborowsky spent his early childhood in Perth Amboy with his parents. His father was Jewish and his mother was Catholic. He went to a Jewish elementary school through fifth grade and made his Bar Mitzvah at age 13. Though Father Toborowsky considered himself Jewish until he was an adult, the foundation for his life as a Catholic was set at an early age by his grandmother. He and his mother lived with her after his parents divorced.

“My grandmother was a devout Catholic who attended Mass regular ly,” stated Father Toborowsky, whose office is at the St. John Neumann Pas

toral Center, Piscataway. “It was my first exposure to the Catholic Mass.”

After graduating from Woodbridge High School, Father Toborowsky pur sued his interest in politics and started working for the mayoral campaign of Joseph DeMarino in Woodbridge Township. DeMarino won the office and Father Toborowsky worked as an aide to the mayor.

The new mayor became an impor tant influencer in the future priest’s religious life. Father Toborowsky watched as DeMarino inter acted with many pastors in the town ship or stopped to say a prayer before an event when they were near a Catholic church. “He was a man of faith. It got me to thinking about becoming Catholic,” he recalled.

In 1989, Father Toborowsky started meeting weekly with a priest in nearby Carteret. A year later, he was baptized, and in 1991 confirmed.

“I thought that was it. I’d work in government, live life as a Catholic, get married, and have children,” said

Father Toborowsky.

However, that was not God’s plan for him.

Shortly after his confirmation, a young first-time pastor named Father Bob Lynam was assigned to St. An thony Parish, Port Reading. He had a lot of energy and got many people involved in the parish, including Fa ther Toborowsky, who said, “It got me think ing, ‘Lord, what is next? Are you calling me?’”

Father Toborowsky started attending daily Mass before work and felt God’s calling be coming stronger. He spoke with several priests about his call ing, went to a day of recollection, and prayed about becoming a priest. After speaking with the late Bishop Edward T. Hughes, he connected with the diocese’s Director of Vocations and started on his path to the priest hood.

After being accepted as a seminar ian in 1992, he enrolled in Seton Hall University, South Orange, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and gradu

ated cum laude. He earned a Master of Divinity degree and a master’s degree in theology at Mount St. Mary’s Semi nary, Emmitsburg, Md., in 1998.

Bishop Vincent De Paul Breen ordained Father Toborowsky to the priesthood May 30, 1998. Little did he know, other members of his family were inspired to take their own reli gious journeys at the same time. His mother began attending Mass again, his father converted to Catholicism, and his aunt also converted.

Over the years, Father To borowsky served in several parishes throughout the diocese, including parochial vicar at St. James, Basking Ridge; St. Mary, Alpha; and St. Thom as the Apostle, Old Bridge.

He was named administrator then pastor of St. Lawrence Parish, Lau rence Harbor, and pastor of Immacu late Conception Parish, Annandale, in 2018.

For the diocese, he has been a member of the Presbyteral Council and serves on the College of Consul tors. He calls each of his assignments a “great gift.”

“I was glad to serve as each bish op wanted,” he said.

Now, as Vicar General and Mod erator of the Curia, Father Toborowsky

Continued on next page

“The vicar general assists the bishop in the governance of the diocese, but it’s like a piece of clay. It can be molded into whatever the bishop asks you to do for the diocese.”

Father Jonathan “Jay” S. Toborowsky

Continued from previous page has a different set of responsibilities to learn. “The vicar general assists the bishop in the governance of the diocese, but it’s like a piece of clay. It can be molded into whatever the bishop asks you to do for the diocese.”

Father Toborowsky said his new role reminds him a little of his days in the mayor’s office in that he must be flexible.

“There’s no such thing as a normal day, and you’ve just got to be open to that,” he said. “Sometimes, circumstances change. You just never know what’s going to happen.”

Series: SaintThomas Aquinas, the Eucharist,&Spiritual Fruitfulness

Wednesday,October 19, 2022, 7 PM

Bishop James F. Checchio is grateful to have Father Toborowsky in his new position because, he explained, “A good Vicar General allows the bishop to be out amidst the flock more and attend to all the other things that we get called to do with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Vatican and other institutions assisting the wider Church.”

John the EvangelistChurch,Lambertville

Father Toborowsky noted that the other title he now holds, “Moderator of the Curia, is more time consuming, working with our diocesan employees to ensure the day-to-day operations of the diocese flow smoothly.”

the Eucharistic Revival movement anddeepen your understanding and devotion to the great theEucharist Join us as we listen to Dr. Christopher Marcus Gibson draw from teachings on the Gospelof John andother theologians and Fathers of the Church to reflect on the union to have with us in the Eucharist, both in Communion and Adoration, and the spiritualand fruitfulness that flows fromthis. "Abide in My love," and, "bear much fruit."

As he moves into his new post, he never loses sight of the fact that his journey in spiritual life may not always be predictable, but that God is always on the path with him.

“Be patient and just look for the next step forward. The Lord will be there with you,” he said.

Despite the challenges of learning the tasks and responsibilities of his new posts, Father Toborowsky remains active at the parish level. He assists with

Marcus Gibson is the Director for the Princeton Initiative in Catholic Thought. After graduatingfrom Duke Universitywith a B.A. inPhilosophy andAncient Greek,summa cum laude, he anM.A. and Ph.D. at the Program in ClassicalPhilosophy in the Department of Philosophy at University. His academic work focuses on what the traditions of ethicalreflection springingfrom Augustine, and Aquinas can contribute to our understanding of human fulfillment, passion, and virtue.

courses in ancient philosophy and Catholic thought at both Rutgers University and University. For the past two years, he has taught a freshman seminar at Princeton on and human nature in Catholic thought. Website: https://cmgibson.com/

Sunday and daily Masses at St. John Vianney Parish, where he is “in residence.”

“In addition there are times I will be asked to assist in parishes where, for example, a priest is away or sick,” he added. “I also say Mass for the employees at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center [Piscataway] on Tuesdays. In fact, I just returned to my previous parish [Immaculate Conception] to perform a wedding.”

Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Eucharist & Spiritual Fruitfulness WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2022 7 PM

St. John the Evangelist Church, Lambertville

Be part of the Eucharistic Revival movement and deepen your understanding and devotion to the great mystery of the Eucharist. Join us as we listen to Dr. Christopher-Marcus Gibson draw from teachings on Saint Thomas, the Gospel of John and other theologians and Fathers of the Church to reflect on the union Christ desires to have with us in the Eucharist, both in Communion and Adoration, and the spiritual and apostolic fruitfulness that flows from this.”Abide in My love,” and, “bear much fruit.”

Christopher-Marcus Gibson is the Director for the Princeton Initiative in Catholic Thought. After graduating from Duke University with a B.A. in Philosophy and Ancient Greek, summa cum laude, he completed an M.A. and Ph.D. at the Program in Classical Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at Princeton University. His academic work focuses on what the traditions of ethical reflection springing from Aristotle, Augsustine, and Aquinas can contribute to our understanding of human fulfillment, passion, and growth in virtue.

He has taught courses in ancient philosophy and Catholic thought at both Rutgers University and Princeton University. For the past two years, he has taught a freshman seminar at Princeton on happiness and human nature in Catholic thought.

Website: https://cmgibson.com/

Father Jonathan “Jay” S. Toborowsky, diocesan Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, is shown in his o ce at the St.John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, Sept.13. Since he was ordained to the priesthood in 1998, he has served in numerous roles at the parish and diocesan levels, most recently as pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale.

— Chris Donahue photo

Speaker: Family is key factor for increasing attendance at Mass

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

PISCATAWAY — Parish catechetical leaders of the diocese were introduced to a new model of catechesis that fo cuses more on the liturgy than book learning, one which Bishop James. F.Checchio stated was “a promising solution to renewing the Catholic faith among families.”

Dierdre Nemeth, author of “I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life: Family and Mass-Centered Faith Formation,” and religious educator at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Stirling, in the Diocese of Paterson, shared her new approach to catechizing youth and their parents at a workshop at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center Aug. 24.

Introducing Nemeth, who along with a panel of fellow catechists who had successfully instituted the pro gram in their parishes, Father Jona than S. Toborowsky, diocesan vicar general, stated, “All of us have the same question: How do we get to our young people? Catholics need Mass like a car needs gas.”

Carol C. Mascola, director, dioc esan Office of Discipleship Formation for Children, echoed, “What we have been doing is not bringing our families

to Mass. In this year of Eucharistic Re vival, wouldn’t it be nice if we could see an increase in Mass attendance?”

Nemeth’s program, which has earned an impri matur from the Diocese of Paterson and a forward by Bishop Emeritus Arthur Serratelli, relies upon three core components — Catholic Spiri tual pillars, Family Faith Sessions, and Age-level Classes for both children and parents.

She reassured the audience, “It’s not about changing all your books, for any approved cat echetical book may be used,” and added, “It’s not about say ing ‘we don’t need classes,’ for that is part of what we do and should do.

“It may not look identical in each parish, but can be applied and adjusted to any size parish. It is about moving

beyond the sole reliance of the tradi tional classroom model.”

The program reinforces what Nemeth labeled the Catholic Spiri tual Pillars: Sunday Mass attendance as a family, praying the rosary, Eucha ristic Adoration, the sacrament of recon ciliation, stations of the cross and Divine Mercy. The wholefamily Mass experi ence, followed by 30 minutes of class instruction, en ables both parents and their children to learn about the faith, live their faith prayerfully and encounter the sac ramental encounter with Christ in Mass.

When her par ish instituted the family Mass and class format, Ne meth was excited to find attendance increased to more than 90 percent, a threefold increase from prior years.

Other positive results included student engagement and behavior dramatically improved, many parents stayed after Mass to enjoy fellowship and faith-learning opportunities, par ent volunteers skyrocketed, and a new appreciation developed for the Mass, priest and parish communities.

“The class being only 30 minutes meant that there was no time to go home or run errands,” Nemeth pointed out. “Parents stayed, enjoyed time to gether, and learned about other parish ministries. I even had a waiting list for volunteer catechists.”

Nemeth shared the results of a study of people of many different faiths, including Catholicism, Judaism and Muslim, which found three key factors for handing down their faith to future generations: families talk daily about religion in the home; parents attend religious services at least once a week, and parents report their reli gious faith is extremely important.

“We have an incredible respon sibility and an incredible opportunity to restructure our programs with cate chesis and bringing people back to the Mass,” Nemeth said. “When I grew up, religion was just about being a good person, not encountering Christ in the sacraments or coming to Mass.”

The program reinforces what [Deirdre] Nemeth labeled the Catholic Spiritual Pillars: Sunday Mass attendance as a family, praying the rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, the sacrament of reconciliation, stations of the cross and Divine Mercy.

Bishop helps parish with humble roots celebrate major milestone

By Monika Szmul

FLEMINGTON — As part of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish’s 175-year anniversary celebration, Bishop James F.Checchio presided at Mass at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church May 15.

Concelebrants were: Father Ken neth D. Brighenti, pastor; Father Timothy A. Christy, former pastor, now rector, Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi; Father Matthew Marinelli and Father John Primich, parochial vicars; Father John Trigilio and Msgr. Robert Coleman, weekend assistants; Father Ariel Bautista, Father David Keyes, Father David Monteleone and Father Thomas Nicastro.

Father James De Fillipps served as master of ceremonies.

After the Mass, a reception was held at the Parish Center to celebrate the milestone and bid goodbye to Fa ther Brighenti, who began serving as vice rector at the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio, soon after the liturgy.

“I spent my short five years at St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi basically preparing the parish for its historic 175th celebration,” Father Brighenti said. “It consisted in constructing a new Adoration Chapel and restora tion of the Church, with stained glass windows, side altars, and glorious, new sanctuary.

“In addition, the parking lot, con ference center and offices were all re freshed for this mo mentous occasion. This was all possible due to the generosity, love, and kindness of the parishioners. Even during the pan demic of 2020, the generous people of God gave restricted gifts to complete the projects. I am ever so grateful to Al mighty God through the intercession of St. Joseph that these anniversary projects were completed be fore my departure for seminary work. This experience has left me with many inspirational and memorable stories about the devotion people have to wards their parish.”

To replace Father Brighenti, Fa ther De Fillipps, parochial vicar, St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick, was appointed administrator. He will remain as the bishop’s delegate for the diocesan Office of Evangelization.

Founded in 1847 by Bishop Francis Kenrick, third bishop of the

Archdiocese of Philadelphia, St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Parish grew from a tiny rural congregation to be one of the largest parishes in Hunterdon County. The parish serves 3,344 reg istered families and 397 children in its religious education program.

In 1859, a small wooden chapel was built on Park Avenue in Flemington and was replaced 20 years later with a larger wooden church. In 1942, directed by Father Cornelius J. Kane, the wooden church was replaced with a brick church.

In 1956, Msgr. William A. Mar gerum bought seven-acres a half mile away from the church with the plan of building a school. The property includ ed a house, which was used as a convent until 1973 and as the rectory since then. Although the school was never built, Father Edward J.O’Connell oversaw the construction of the Parish Center next to the rectory in 1975.

In 1989, Father Henry L. Hem merling directed the construction of the new church. Father John J. Bar bella coordinated the construction of the mausoleum and convent in the early 2000s.

During his pastorate, Father

Christy bought the Hope House, over saw the transformation of the church’s basement into the Spiritual Formation Center, which opened in 2004, and in

stalled the pipe organ.

Between 2017 and 2022, Father Brighenti directed the construction of the adoration chapel and the church’s renovations.

The parish has celebrated its an niversary with events held throughout the year. In March, Dianne M. Traflet, associate dean, Graduate Studies and Administration and assistant professor of Pastoral Theology, Seton Hall Uni versity, South Orange, gave a two-day presentation entitled “praying the Sta tions of the Cross with the Carmelite Saints.”

In June, David Norman Bower gave an organ recital. In July, pa rishioners took a bus trip to visit St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Church in Philadelphia, the only other house of worship in the country dedicated to the saint.

In August, an anniversary book of the parish’s 175 years of history was published.

The parish continued the celebra tion with a picnic in September. In October, Father Barbella and Father Christy are scheduled to give talks.

The anniversary year will end with a novena to St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi before her feast day, May 25, 2023.

Student’s creation to be included in poetry tome

Kylie Byers, a senior at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, is sched uled to have her poem, “Progres sion,” published in “The American Library of Poetry,” said Joseph Bonk, chairperson of the school’s Depart ment of English.

“I wrote ‘Progression’ as an ode to overcoming things and pushing through life when you feel it is im possible,” Byers said. “I think we all have felt this way more than once in our life and I want this to bring hope to anyone who feels hope is out of reach.

“When I submitted ‘Progression’ back in late April, I really didn’t have high hopes of being selected for any thing,” she added. “I was extremely shocked to even be considered for the publication. I was truly thrilled and honored to accept.”

Bonk noted, “Kylie's perceiving that people are in need of hope and then producing a poem intended to meet that need aligns her with both the spirit of Mountie Service and with what the French deemed littéra ture engage — the idea that a literary artist’s role is often to engage soci ety on topics she feels are important

[in Kylie’s case, the importance of hope], rather than producing art as an end unto itself.”

At Mount Saint Mary, Byers par ticipates in the Women’s Empower ment Club and Yearbook committee.

Outside of school, she volun teers at her church and a pet shelter.

“I am ever so grateful to Almighty God through the intercession of St. Joseph that these anniversary projects were completed before my departure for seminary work. This experience has left me with many inspirational and memorable stories about the devotion people have towards their parish.”

Father Kenneth D. Brighenti

Bishop James F. Checchio, center, principal celebrant, prays during the consecration at Mass at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church, Flemington, May 15. Priest concelebrating and deacons assisting, from left: Father David Keyes, Father Thomas Nicastro, Father David Monteleone, Father Ariel Bautista, Msgr. Robert Coleman, Father Matthew Marinelli, Deacon David Urcinas, Father James De Fillips, Father John Trigilio Jr., Father Timothy A. Christy, Father Kenneth D. Brighenti and Father John Primich. The parish serves 3,344 registered families and 397 children in its religious education program.

— Monika Szmul photo

Kylie Byers

Real Presence

Below, Bishop James F. Checchio (left) and Vocationist Father Deniskingsley Nwagwu, administrator, St. Cecelia Parish, Iselin, look at the Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit after Mass at St. Cecelia Church, Iselin, Aug. 27. Among the concelebrants was Vocationist Father Cyril Adim Offiong, parochial vicar; Deacon Anthony Pepe assisted. The international exhibit, which was hosted by St. Cecelia’s Aug. 22-28, is touring the United States in conjunction with the three-year National Eucharistic Revival, a movement called by the United States Catholic Bishops Con ference (USCCB) by following what Blessed Carlo Acutis described as his “Highway to Heaven” — Jesus’ Real Presence in the Eucharist. After the Mass, Father James (Jim) G. Tucker, parochial vicar, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords, gave a talk on “The Eucharist: The Real Presence of Jesus Christ.” Father Tucker showed how the Real Presence is prefigured in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. Acutis was an English-born Italian teenager who used technology to spread devo tion to the Eucharist before his death at age 15 from leukemia in 2006, according to the USCCB website. He offered his sufferings for the Church and for the pope. He was beatified in 2020 and is one of the intercessors for the national Eucharistic Revival. For information, visit www.eucharisticrevival.org/.

Marlo Williamson photos

A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

Administrator seeks strong Catholic identity, academic support

The diocese’s new superintendent of Schools is a lifelong educator who emphatically states, “we need strong, active Catholic leaders in our world,” and is determined to help fill that need. Prepared for her new challenge, Barbara Stevens, joined the office in 2018 as assistant superintendent. In that position, Stevens’ responsibilities were focused on curriculum.

“I needed to make sure that Catholic identity was integrated throughout the schools’ curriculum,” she explained.

Now, the new head of the diocese’s 22 elementary schools, two private high schools, a parochial high school and a diocesan high school, sees her role from a much broader perspective.

“First and foremost, Catholic schools are a branch of the Church that every day works to evangelize not only to the students, but their families and the entire community in conjunction with the parish,” Stevens said. “Students in our Catholic schools are not only provided an excellent academic education, but they have many, many opportunities for learning their faith and growing and deepening their relationship with Jesus. They are prepared to become disciples and evangelizers who will spread the faith and Catholic leaders who will take what they have learned about their faith and apply it to the real world.”

Stevens’ predecessor, Ellen Ayoub, who served as superintendent for 17 years, said one of the reasons she felt comfortable retiring at the end of June was “knowing that I was able to leave the office in such good hands.”

“Barbara has a heart for Catholic schools. She will be the perfect guide for the teachers and students in the upcoming years,” Ayoub said.

Stevens said in her new position, her priorities is to ensure the very strong identity of the Catholic schools

“Students in our Catholic schools are not only provided an excellent academic education, but they have many opportunities for learning their faith and growing and deepening their relationship with Jesus.”

reaccreditation from COGNIA.

“Following up on one of COG-

bachelor’s degree magna cum laude and a master’s degree in special eduthis leadership position.”

Joanne Ward

New director of Curriculum inspired by her religious community

Religious Teachers Filippini Sister Mary Louise Shulas is living out the charism of her community in her new position as director of Curriculum, di ocesan Office of Schools, as she did in her role as principal of St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, for 21 years.

“I feel humbled and privileged to be a part of such a rich legacy of leaders and teachers of Catholic education in my religious community and in the Diocese of Metuchen,” said Sister Mary Louise. “It is a precious, valuable gift entrusted to me as direc tor of Curriculum in the diocese at this time.”

Sister Mary Louise felt the call to join the Religious Filippini Sis ters after encountering them as a high school student at Villa Victoria Academy, Trenton. She graduated from the Col lege of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, and later earned a master’s degree in education at Seton Hall University, South Orange. She also earned a master’s degree at Tren ton State College, now the College of New Jersey.

Sister Mary Louise said St. Lucy Filippini, the foundress of her religious community, inspires her in her work.

“Her ministry of teaching the faith continues today. Her passion and love of Catholic education has been passed down from one generation to the next, through the community of the Religious Teachers Filippini and the laity to day who now serve with the sisters.

“Teaching as a re ligious is not so much what we do, but why we do what we do, and how we do what we love to do, but more importantly who we do it for and with. The love of God compels us to go out and teach the word of God and share his love. It is a gift given and a gift shared. The light continues to shine in the Diocese of Metuchen in Catholic education.”

Sister Mary Louise said that one of her first priorities, along with her colleagues in the Office of Schools, is “to focus on the Catholicity of our schools,” using “The National Stan dards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools,” which is a guide and assess

ment tool created by the Center for Catholic School Effectiveness at the School of Education at Loyola Uni versity, Chicago, in 2012.

“Together we will determine the next steps to improve, and demon strate growth as the year progresses, that meets the standards of excellence in education for all learners,” Sister Mary Louise said.

The Catholic schools in the diocese have adopted a “rigorous aca demic curriculum based on the teach ings of the Catholic Church, infused with Catholic social teaching,” Sister Mary Louise said. This curriculum is “designed to be for the inexperienced teacher, a guide for teaching content, and for the veteran teacher, a reassur ance and a challenge to discover more stimulating and rewarding applica tions.”

“Our Catholic school curriculum extends beyond the core curriculum and calls us forth to assist the students by example, witnessing to Christ through our interactions, actions and attitudes, instruction, and guidance, mindful of the sacredness of each child, regardless of age,” she added. “This holistic approach supports the student in growing spiritually, so cially, academically, physically and morally, which affects their future and our Church and society.”

Sister Mary Louise said she de

sires “to see all of our schools thrive” and plans to work closely with the school communities along with dioc esan leadership.

“I hope for us to be united in one purpose so that we can truly be one in Christ, for us to be the light of the world as we carry with us the love that is love himself that we receive in the Eucharist at Holy Mass especially during the Eucharistic Revival, the conclusion of our 40th anniversary as a diocese, and my community’s 350th anniversary of our foundress’ birth, St. Lucy Filippini… Ever so grateful to be in the diocese at this time.”

Teresa Murphy

Peter G. Kane, president, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison

It was time for a change, Peter G. Kane realized, and a career in Catho lic education was just what the Holy Spirit ordered.

Kane, newly appoint ed president of St. Thom as Aquinas High School, Edison, recalled, “After 35 years on Wall Street, business and banking, my wife, Peggy, encouraged me to find a career where I would jump out of bed and be happy to go to work.”

Kane graduated from New York University’s Stern School of Business with a bachelor’s de gree in finance. Over the course of three decades, he worked in senior level positions in firms such as BEA Systems, Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., JP Morgan Inc., and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. Kane later earned a certification as a public hous ing commissioner and redevelopment authority executive director.

When the position of president of Marist High School, Bayonne, became

“Together we will determine the next steps to improve, and demonstrate growth as the year progresses, that meets the standards of excellence in education for all learners.”

Theresa Craig, principal, St. Bartholomew School, East Brunswick

When students at St. Bartholomew School, East Brunswick, started their first day of school this year, they were greeted by a new face — Theresa Craig has joined the staff as principal.

Craig brings decades of experi ence and great enthusiasm for Catho lic education to the school. After all, school is like a second home for Craig. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was a little girl in first or sec ond grade,” she explained.

The new principal grew up in South Florida in a devout Catholic family with five siblings. She said her parents were deeply involved in their parish and set a strong example of faith for the family. They moved to the Clin ton area when Craig was a teenager and became members of Immaculate Con ception Parish, Annandale, where she still worships today.

After high school, Craig studied elementary education at The College of New Jersey, Ewing, and after gradu ation started teaching in the Trenton public schools. It wasn’t long before she married her husband, Jeff, and a job transfer had the couple moved to Atlan ta. Craig continued teaching elementary school while earning a master’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Georgia, Athens.

Four years later, after her first child, Amanda, was born the family

was back in New Jersey, with Craig teaching elementary school for the Lebanon Township School District. She taught there for several years, dur ing which time the growing family also welcomed sons James and Connor.

In 2005, Craig enrolled her chil dren in Immaculate Conception School, and two years later, she started teaching there as well. She spent 11 years as a teacher at the parochial institution, lov ing and appreciating the Catholic edu cation environment. “During that time, I had some really great experiences in Catholic school education,” she said.

It was also at Immaculate Concep tion School that Craig, at the sugges tion of some of the school’s principals, first considered becoming a school ad ministrator. She completed a certificate of Catholic School Leadership at St. Joseph’s College of Maine, Standish, and then went through the New Jersey Expedited Certification for Educational Leadership program.

“I was ready to leave teaching, but not education. Being an educator is not just what I do, it’s who I am,” Craig stated in a letter to parents.

In the summer of 2018, she be came the principal at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park, in the Diocese of Trenton. While there, she led an initiative to align the math curriculum for kindergarten to eighth,

helped start a social-emotional learning program, helped create a private foun dation for the school, and maintained enrollment.

Now, though she is still settling in as principal of St. Bartholomew’s, she already feels at home and is excited to be an active part of this community. “It’s a healthy school with a vibrant community and I want to keep it that way and growing,” Craig said.

Topping her to-do list is to put a personal touch on each child’s educa tion. “I am a firm believer that success ful education is built on relationships. I want to know every family, every child. I want to know their stories, and how they impact them. Things like nerves, stress, and even if afamily is expect ing a new baby can all impact a child at school,” she stated. “I won’t be de livering their science labs or working with them in Book Club, but I am go ing to make sure their time with us runs smoothly. The only way I can do that is to know what they need, she added.”

Craig says these relationships are equally important to keep with the staff, the heart of the school. She met many of the staff over the summer to learn more about them and what they bring to the school. The whole staff is extremely excited about all the pro grams and activities that are resuming post-pandemic and watching the stu

Marisa Day, head of school, St. Ann Classical Academy, Raritan Borough

A new ‘Day’ dawned at St. Ann Classical Academy, Raritan Borough, this school year when it welcomed its new head of school — Marisa Day. She guides 81 children in pre-kindergarten to eighthgrade and feels more than prepared to lead the way.

“I have been involved in Catholic education since the mid-1990s as a teach er and as a director of Religious Educa tion in the Paterson Diocese,” Day said. “I have always wanted to be an educator since I was young.”

Day attended St. Patrick’s School, Chatham, which serves the same levels at her present school, and where she became inspired by her seventh-grade teacher. She noted the exemplary ap proach of the instructor was striking, as she not only knew how to teach well, but also how to help the students to fulfill their potential.

“[She] empowered middle schoolers to become the person God intended them to be. After having her as a middle school teacher, I knew that I would continue to pursue a career that would enable me to empower others and lead them to Christ the way she was able to,” stated Day.

The new principal’s first teaching position was in the elementary school she attended. She found it to be an extremely

rewarding experience to be able to work with this same teacher. She molded her first as a student, and then as a profes sional.

Day, who also teaches upper school religion classes at St. Ann’s, firmly be lieves that God has a plan and a purpose for everyone, and often discovering them does not follow a straight path. She ex plained that through the years, following the lead of the Lord, she has been redi rected to teach at different grade levels and has also found herself pursuing an administrative position as director of Re ligious Education.

“Since joining the St. Ann faculty in 2018, I’ve been able to continue on that winding path God set forth. Four years ago, I never would have thought about being head of school.”

Then, God set a clear path for Day, when in spring 2019, it was announced that St. Ann’s would transition to a clas sical pedagogy and curriculum. Since she attended a private and not a classical high school her background was a match for what was needed.

“I was taught in the same fashion that was outlined in the classical cur riculum. Since there was a familiarity, I dove head-first into the classical and was encouraged by the then head of school

to take the Aspiring Leaders Class at the Institute of Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE),” Day said.

As St. Ann’s maintains a premier membership with the ICLE, she was more than ready to further her education. Although she was interested in taking the coursework, it was not her plan that this would be undertaken with the aspiration of assuming the head of school position.

During the 2021-22 school year, Day was the assistant head of school. She worked alongside the head of school formulating plans to develop the Classi cal Education pedagogy and curriculum in the school in order to move it forward. As the current school year approached, it became apparent that Day could best serve St. Ann’s, she explained, to “more closely align the school’s classical cur riculum with the academic excellence of the schools within the Diocese of Metuchen.”

Day stressed the importance of St. Ann Classical Academy within the dio cese. “[It] is a developing school and is the only classical elementary school in the diocese. Our enrollment is growing. And, since we are a smaller school, there is a family-like atmosphere that perme ates the school culture.”

Reflecting on becoming a head of

school, Day said she is energized in her new role and intends to instill this pas sion in her students. God has led her to where she needs to be, and she intends to be the same inspiration for them as her seventh-grade teacher was for her. In so doing, she hopes to “ensure that each child will be empowered to become the person God intends.”

— Stacey Daly

Edward Modzelewski, principal, St. Augustine School, Kendall Park

If you had told Edward Modzelewski at his eighth-grade graduation that he would return, not only as a teacher for several years, but eventually as prin cipal of St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, he would not have believed you.

“I would have said ‘no way pos sible,’” he said in a recent phone in terview. “It wasn’t a thought on the radar.”

However, he has been deeply in vested in the school his entire life. In fact, his maternal grandparents were founding members of St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish in 1958.

“St. Augustine has been in my history way before I even existed,” he said.

His wife, Marissa, is also a gradu ate of St. Augustine’s, and the couple have known each other since kinder garten. Now, their three daughters are all students at St. Augustine’s.

“I want my kids to have the same kind of Catholic upbringing as I had,” he said. “I’m obviously partial to it.”

He believes the values and beliefs he received while growing up Catho lic and attending Catholic school have been “the foundation of how I live my life, the way I approach things, the way I try to raise my family.”

“It gives you a different lens to look through, to hopefully make the

right decisions, the moral decisions,” he added. “Having that as a guide has really shaped my life.”

Modzelewski attended the school from kindergarten through eighth grade, before attending Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history at Drew University, Madison, then worked for the United States Department of Homeland Security for several years.

Seeking a change in careers, he earned a master’s degree in education at Drew. He taught in public schools before beginning to teach world histo ry and U.S. history at St. Augustine in 2009. He was appointed vice-principal of the school in 2016.

While working at St. Augustine, he earned a degree at Seton Hall Uni versity, South Orange, in education, leadership, management, and policy, and received his New Jersey Principal Certification.

Being principal of his alma ma ter is “kind of a surreal feeling, but it is also a humbling feeling as well,” Modzelewski said.

“We have such a vibrant, caring community,” he said. “All I want for St. Augustine’s is success – not for my own selfish reasons but for the great est benefit of the community.”

As principal, his goal is for the school to educate students “to the

highest level of academics,” while also evangelizing.

“We’re not only educating in sci ence, and math, and history,” he con tinued, “we’re also trying to bring the Gospel alive. It’s a huge responsibil ity, and I would have to say, my teach ers do an amazing job. Hands down, I’ve never seen anyone do better.”

Modzelewski hopes to increase the sense of community at the school by bringing everyone together for parties and social events, which have been stymied in recent years by the COVID-19 pandemic. Community events help attract people who might not otherwise consider Catholic edu cation for their children, he added.

Another goal of his is to increase enrollment. While some classes have waitlists, and enrollment has “picked up,” he hopes enrollment will con tinue to grow.

A goal Modzelewski is excited about is to increase tuition aid for stu dents who might not otherwise be able to attend Catholic school. Thanks to fundraisers, the school already has a sizeable fund available as need-based scholarships.

He also hopes the school will repeat its 2016 National Blue Ribbon designation.

In 1995, while Modzelewski was still a student, Father Robert G. Lyman

Conception

Reflecting on becoming principal of Immaculate Conception School, Spotswood, Rocco J. Fornaro said, “I believe that God led me here to be with these students and teachers. The per fect word does not exist to convey how excited I am.”

The new principal said he has deep roots in Catholic education. They go back to when he was growing up so he felt to lead Immaculate Conception was in line with his faith, and the right place for him and for the school.

“Education is where I was meant to be. It is my passion and my voca tion. Even though the past few years in education have been tough for every one, this is where my talent can make a difference in the lives of students, their parents and teachers,” he asserted, add ing that his family is filled with educa tors, and credited his “Aunt Pam” with inspiring him to become a teacher. He noted, too, that his parents influenced him the most when he was growing up by the way that they worked so hard for him, his brother and his sister.

In a letter to parents and posted on the school’s website, Fornaro intro duced himself. He wrote that he went to elementary school at St. Vincent

Martyr, Madison, and graduated from Seton Hall Prep, South Orange. He noted that his attendance at the school was like a legacy for him because his father and some of their relatives also attended these schools.

He continued his education at North Carolina Wesleyan College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementa ry Education. While in high school and college, Fornaro was very involved in baseball and football and still works as an umpire at high school and Division II and III college baseball games.

The new principal’s teaching ca reer began in 1999 as a Team Teacher at the Robert Treat Academy Charter School, Newark. Three years later, he began teaching at Stony Brook School, Branchburg, where he worked for 20 years. During his tenure there, he earned a master’s degree in administra tion and supervision at Rutgers Univer sity, New Brunswick.

At Robert Treat and Stony Brook, Fornaro said, “I learned from amazing leaders, colleagues, students and their parents. Every student I have been truly blessed to work with has made me a better teacher, but most importantly a better person.”

In 2015, Fornaro spent a year as act ing vice principal at Whiton Elementary School, Branchburg. From 2006 to this year, he also served as a professional development leader for the Branchburg Township School District.

Regarding his new position, Forn aro said he found admirable the passion of the Immaculate Conception commu nity, which is dedicated and committed to the school. “Everyone works so hard for the school. It is a game-changer.”

Fornaro noted that working with Father John “Jack” J. O’Kane, pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Span ish classes have been reintroduced to the curriculum.

Looking to the future, he said, “Like all Catholic schools, we would like to increase enrollment, growing our community and providing as many opportunities for our students whether it is STEM (science, technology, engi neering, mathematics), athletic or the arts.”

Concluding his web letter to par ents, Fornaro wrote: “I look forward to working with the teachers and staff to enrich the already strong culture and academics at Immaculate Conception. I eagerly anticipate getting to know

make sure it shines as bright as it al ways has.”

Raritan Regional School District. Their daughter, Olivia, is an eighth-grade student at Hillsborough Middle School.

Teresa Murphy

John Maresca, principal, St. James School, Woodbridge

John Maresca, the new principal of St. James School, Woodbridge, believes in strength: in character, in body, but, most of all, in faith. After a diverse career as educator and boxing enthusiast on both coasts, he is eager to share these strengths with the students under his care.

“The world has changed drastically in the past decade,” he said. “I want the Cath olic voice to remain strong. The traditions and beliefs are too valuable to let them disappear.”

Maresca’s Catho lic voice was nurtured at St. Joseph Parish, Carteret. “I have been a devout Catholic since childhood, [and] can proudly name the pastors in order since the early 1970s when I was a little kid,” he said. “I used to at tend Mass every single week with my grandparents, and it has always been a major part of my life. Even though [they] have passed away, I feel like they are sitting next to me every week.”

Maresca earned a bachelor’s de gree in history at New Jersey City University, Jersey City, and a master’s degree in classroom instruction and curriculum at Kean University, Union. He also holds New Jersey certification as a principal, supervisor and elementary school teacher.

Beginning his educational career close to home, and in corporating his passion for athletics, Maresca served in the Carteret Public School system as a long-term substi tute teacher and var sity football and track coach. His assignment as a fourth- and fifthgrade teacher in the Jersey City Pub lic School system (where he designed and implemented a school intramural athletic program) was followed by a return to Carteret to serve as a second grade and elementary school computer teacher. However, life on the west coast, near to his beloved nephews and niece, beckoned.

“I bought a condo in Anaheim and started going to California every sum mer,” he said. “I ended up getting my doctorate [in educational leadership at Argosy University, Orange] there.” Maresca also earned certificates in administrative services and multiple subject teaching from the Golden State.

Assistant principal positions in Inglewood and San Clemente were ac companied by a side career that had en thralled him since childhood —boxing.

“I have been involved in boxing— amateur and pro -- since I was 10 years old,” he said. “I competed, coached, ran my own events … managed boxers and hosted multiple podcasts.”

The declining health of several elderly relatives precipitated Maresca’s return to New Jersey, taking a position with Grand Canyon University, Phoe nix, remotely as an adjunct professor and student teacher supervisor while setting his sights on obtaining a Catho lic school principal job and opening a boxing gym.

Ever eager to encourage his stu dents to strengthen their character, body and faith, Maresca explained his love of the Catholic faith and goals for the upcoming school year, saying, “Be

ing a proud Catholic, I know the ben efits of the religion. I see the decline in attendance in the schools and churches and truly want to do something to bring some people back.”

He concluded, “It means a lot to

Catherine Parsells, principal, Immaculate Conception School, Somerville

Returning to Immaculate Conception School, Somerville, in an administrative role has been “a dream come true” for Catherine Parsells, a 1999 graduate of the parochial institution.

Parsells was hired in July as the new princi pal of the school, which serves more than 360 children in pre-kinder garten to eighth grade. She replaces Kelly Sac camanie, who had served as principal since March 2021, and has been named vice principal.

Upon walking the hallways at Immaculate Conception for the first time in 23 years, Par sells said, “It felt like I never left, and it felt like I was coming home again.”

Parsells attended Immaculate Con ception from grades six to eight after previously attending St. Matthew the Apostle School, Edison. She graduated from Immaculata High School, Somer ville, in 2003.

“This community [Somerville] has been part of my life ever since I was 12 years old,” she said, noting that she and her husband, Allan, were married at Immaculate Conception Church, Somer ville, and their children — Aidan, 7; Norah, 5; and Tyler, 3 — were baptized

there.

“Returning to ICS in the role of ad ministrator has been, to be quite honest, my life goal,” she said. “This has always been where I saw myself landing so to find myself landing al ready is a dream come true for me.”

As principal, Par sells said she will visit classrooms daily, read to students and learn their names so she can interact with them when she sees them in the hallways. She also wants to get to know their families.

“I will be out at dismissal, guiding traf fic and making sure everyone gets to their cars safely. I am going to be a presence in the community,” she said. “My number one goal is to make sure that the students are safe, cared for, and having fun while learning at school, but also while finding their own way in their own personal faith journey.”

Parsells is a 2007 graduate of Scran ton University (Pa.), where she earned a bachelor’ degree in elementary education with a minor in Spanish. She also holds a certificate in early education and a mas ter’s degree in special education from Scranton.

The new principal started her career as a pre-school teacher with the Clinton Township School District from 2008 until 2010. She worked for Somerville Public Schools from 2010-2022, first as a pre-school teacher from 2010-2019, as a gifted and talented educator from 2019-2020 and as third grade teacher from 2020-2022. Parsells taught online English as a Second Language classes for students in Beijing, from 2017-2020.

Reflecting on her new role, Parsells said, “I felt led by God to get back into the Catholic school and specifically a leadership role so I could affect hundreds of students a year and have a positive effect on their faith journey, their educational journey, their per sonal journey, and to give back to commu nity that really shaped me as an individual.”

As for how much her faith influenc es her, Parsells said, “God is part of my life every day, all day. God is part of the decisions I make, the actions that I take. He is at the forefront of my every day and so I am teaching my children the same.”

She noted that Immaculate Concep tion has morning and afternoon daily prayers.

While Immaculate Conception has a theology curriculum, Parsells added teachers will be encouraged to “pray with their students, to bring them out to our rosary garden and pray, to have reflection journals.” In addition, students who will be receiving the sacraments will receive extensive preparation.

I think it is really important to teach the students that isn’t just reciting prayers that they memorize. It’s their actions. It’s the way they choose to live. And as the principal, my actions will model that for mat and the teachers’ actions will model that format, too.”

Paul J. Peyton

“The world has changed drastically in the past decade. I want the Catholic voice to remain strong. The traditions and beliefs are too valuable to let them disappear.”

“My number one goal is to make sure that the students are safe, cared for, and having fun while learning at school, but also while finding their own way in their own personal faith journey.”

Edward J. Webber, principal, Immaculata High School, Somerville

“An administrator with a teacher’s heart” is how many who know him would describe Edward J. Webber, the new principal of Immaculata High School, Somerville. If his name rings a bell, it is likely because his skills and wellestablished career at the school led him up the ranks, making his name and face familiar to many Catholic educators, par ents, alumni, and faithful in the diocese.

Webber’s name has long reverber ated in the hallways of the school, first purposefully called out by the educators who once taught him in the late-1990s when he was a student there, and now af fectionately called out by the students he knows by name as he greets them in the hallways each day.

“More than a few [religious] sisters probably raised their eyebrows when they saw my name listed as principal,” he said jokingly, remembering his time with the Sisters, Servants of the Immacu late Heart of Mary, who once taught at the school and whom he later taught alongside.

“I think in some ways, my whole professional life has led to this moment. The things that I have done in my career have prepared me well to take on this new role here.”

A 1999 graduate of Immaculata, Webber earned a degree in education with a concentration in music at Rutgers

University, New Brunswick, and Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers, in 2004 and shortly after, returned to his alma mater to serve in the music depart ment.

In 2020, he received a master’s degree in school administration at Seton Hall University, South Orange, where he was in its Catholic school leadership program.

From 2005 until his appointment as dean of students in 2019, Webber served as music teacher and band director, spending the latter five years serving as the chair of the music department.

“Immaculata has always been a joy ful place to work, but now the culture and climate of the school is in a really good position to move forward with a shared vision,” said Webber, adding it is in part because of the strong team in place to support the fully staffed school.

“We have been able to attract and re tain good teachers and staff in a way that adds strength to our school. One of our major strengths this year is our staff, both teaching and non-teaching,” the benefits of which will undoubtedly extend to the students, he said.

While his goals are aligned with those of a Catholic school administrator — building on the positive momentum of increasing enrollment and shared vi sion; attracting and retaining good teach

ers; seeking additional accreditations; expanding the technology infrastructure to keep up with growing demands, and, importantly, remaining authentically Catholic and providing a Catholic edu cation rooted in truth and values — he said his most important goal is to remain student-centric.

“Certainly, we are dealing with budgets and all the other necessities of administration, but the critical piece is that we are student-centric because our students are the mission,” the principal said. “I think one of my skills is work ing with the students, being able to talk with them, being able to encourage them, academically and socially, so this is what I hope my tenure to center on.

“If we do not invest in the students, then all of this means nothing,” he added, gesturing to the campus buildings that are home to a new team room, re-envisioned student center, upgraded locker rooms, a new sound system, and solar panel ar rays, among several other new physical upgrades.

As the husband to his wife, Gen evieve, and the father of four children — Evelyn, 14, a freshman at Immaculata this year; and Myra, 12; Patrick, 10; and Grace, 8, all students at the parish’s pre-k through eighth grade school, Immaculate Conception, located on the same street in Somerville — he said his hopes for

Immaculata students “are not unlike a parent’s hopes.”

“I want them to be successful and certainly prepared for college,” he said. “I want them to be successful in what the secular world views as important, but also in what we believe is important –morals, values, Catholic tradition. So, my hope is they walk out of here saying, ‘not only was it fun, not only did I learn a lot, not only did I have a lot of opportuni ties and experiences, but I also have this foundation — morally, spiritually, and socially — to build out what is next for me in my future.’”

Tara Smith

Joe Walsh, principal, School of St. Elizabeth, Bernardsville

BERNARDSVILLE — After more than 25 years in public-school education, Joe Walsh decided it was time to return to his Catholic roots in becoming principal at the School of St. Elizabeth.

“It’s really where I came from,” Walsh said during an interview in his office Aug. 22, about two weeks before classes were scheduled to resume at the parochial school.

Walsh, 64, spent nearly three decades at public schools in Union and Somerset counties, as teacher, staff developer and administrator. Most recently, he was prin cipal at John F. Kennedy Primary School, Raritan Borough, before retiring early this year.

While growing up in Elizabeth, Walsh attended parochial schools, study ing at the now-closed St. Genevieve Catholic School and Roselle Catholic High School. He said he never lost sight of having a strong, faith-based education with the rigors of academics, no matter the educational setting. He said he had “wonderful” teachers during his years in Catholic schools, with several nurturing his attraction to the written word that led him to become a teacher of language arts.

“My faith is something that has guided me every day of my life,” he said. “It just made sense to come full circle, to come back, to continue to be of service.

“It sounds cliche, but it made me

who I am.”

Since its founding in 1916, St. Elizabeth School, which is named for St. Elizabeth of Hungary, has embraced those virtues. The school opened more than 100 years ago, thanks to the generosity of the Brady family, including Elizabeth Jane Hamilton Brady, who was named for her patron, St. Elizabeth. Msgr. Wil liam I. McKean and Msgr. John Torney, former pastors of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, are credited with its found ing (McKean) and subsequent expansions (Torney).

Today, the school has an enrollment of about 200 students in pre-kindergarten to eighth grade with a mission “to impact the world positively by nurturing children with Christian values in a Catholic aca demic tradition of excellence,” according to its website.

“I think it’s a commitment to the whole child in that there’s faith, academ ics and social and emotional support, and it’s a Catholic, faith-based community,” said Walsh, who earned a master’s degree in educational leadership and administra tion at Kean University, Union. Before that, he graduated from Rutgers Univer sity, Newark, with a bachelor’s degree in business and economics.

Walsh said he enjoyed studying busi ness and economics, but felt more pulled to teaching.

“I wanted to do something else to feel like I was being more service-oriented in my career,” he said.

Walsh taught writing in the gifted and talented program at the Elizabeth schools before eventually moving to ad ministrative roles, a transition that began about 20 years ago.

Outside of work, Walsh enjoys guitar playing among other activities. And if you have a chance to talk music with him, he might regale you about an event started by him and his daughter, Lily, about five years ago that exemplifies community.

He calls it “Playing on the Porch,” essentially an open invitation for people in his neighborhood or elsewhere to play, sing or just show up outside his home in Raritan Township. They’ve held the event since 2018, minus the 2020 pandemic year, and have seen the crowds grow steadily.

“We just did our fourth one, and we had over 100 people come,” he said. “It’s such a good community event.”

Walsh began playing guitar while a teenager living in a neighborhood with a dead-end street in Elizabeth, where oth ers his age would gather and “figure out songs” with their instruments, he said. Like education, music has remained im portant to him; the annual open-invitation concert rekindles the pleasure of playing and overall enjoyment from watching oth

Collaboration with colleges pays academic dividends for students

EDISON — When members of the St. Thomas Aquinas High School Class of 2026 graduate next June, many will walk out of commencement not only with a diploma in hand but with college credits as well.

These students are making the most of the recently expanded dual enrollment program, which offers college credits to students for their coursework at St. Thomas Aquinas (STA). `From Italian to AP® Computer Science, students can earn college credits that will transfer to hundreds of other universities.

“The benefits of the program are obvious,” noted long-time dual enrollment teacher Dr. Wojchiech Mrozek. “Students are exposed to more demanding course content and at the same time are able to earn college credits while still being in high school.”

What sets STA’s dual enrollment program apart from some other high schools is that there is no barrier to entry, such as minimum grade-point-average Scholastic Aptitude Test score, for students who want to earn college credits. Any student who signs up for an approved dual enrollment course can earn college credits, so long as he or she meets the end-of-course requirements. This provides a remarkable academic opportunity for students ranging from freshmen to seniors, Journey to Success to Honors Program, athletes to musicians.

“I am thrilled to be a part of STA’s dual enrollment program,” said Computer Science teacher Grace Alexander. “I think this is a great opportunity for our students to get college credit while in a high school environment.”

Dual enrollment benefits all students, even those who are still undecided about which college to attend or what to study. A 2016 report by the College Affordability Study Commission found that students who take dual-enrollment classes are more likely to go to college, be prepared to do college-level work, and earn a college degree.

Dual enrollment benefits all students, even those who are still undecided about which college to attend or what to study. A 2016 report by the College Affordability Study Commission found that students who take dual-enrollment classes are more likely to go to college, be prepared to do collegelevel work, and earn a college degree.

In some cases, students earn enough credits while in high school to reduce the amount of time, and money, they need to spend in college. Or, having to take fewer courses allows students to pursue a second major, a minor, or to study abroad without necessitating summer courses.

“STA’s collaboration with these prominent universities reflects our ongoing efforts to enhance academic offerings and provide students of all interests and abilities the opportunity to excel,” commented Principal Harry Ziegler.

Earning college credits before graduating from high school is just part of the investment that parents make in their children’s futures when sending them to St. Thomas Aquinas High School. STA’s academic offerings are inspired by its patron saint’s tireless search for the ways in which

faith and reason are revealed in human knowledge. Through interactive, interdisciplinary, project-based, and technologyinfused courses, STA seeks to form wellrounded students who are exceptionally prepared for the rigors of top colleges and challenging professions. As a result, every year 100 percent of its seniors are accepted into multiple universities and 98 percent choose to proceed directly to college.

Most importantly, STA’s educators seek to reach students where they are. For example, students who need extra support as they transition from grammar school to high school are welcomed into the Journey to Success Program, which offers greater differentiation of instruction, additional individualized attention, and mentoring by teachers and upperclassmen. For other

students, the Aquinas Scholars Honors Program is a four-year academic track based on a challenging, interdisciplinary, Honors and AP® curriculum that prepares students for college and beyond. No matter what program or track students decide upon, all benefit equally from the many ways that STA’s academics are enhanced, including the no-cost 1:1 Chromebook program, the latest software and hardware throughout the building, a state-of-the art Makerspace, and newly renovated science labs.

Students and teachers who participate in the dual enrollment program will be available to talk more about the program and answer questions at STA’s fall open house, Oct. 16, 1 to 4 p.m.

Michael Kowalczyk

Parochial school plans to enhance learning with special projects

BASKING RIDGE — On Sept. 6, St. James School opened its doors for its 57th year to 321 students (a 55 percent increase over the 2019-2020 school year), 41 teachers and staff, and 197 families.

This school year, the community is excited to return to school “as normal” after 2 1/2 years of COVID-19 pandemic protocols, to continue working in a projectbased learning model and serving the community.

Since the 2019-2020 school year, the administration, faculty, and staff has been working very hard to integrate projectbased learning throughout the curriculum. Supported by focused professional development, the school’s teachers have implemented projects that are aligned with curriculum standards and range across subject areas.

This year, at least one project will include a student-led service component.

Many projects are planned, including growing seedlings for a local farm’s giving garden, planting flower bulbs in the fall and then presenting the flowers to the Sisters of Christian Charity in the spring, collecting Halloween candy to make care packages for the military, a toy drive for a local school for at-risk boys, collecting supplies and making treats for St. Hubert’s animal shelter, creating meal trays for a local food pantry, producing Christmas decorations for a local veterans’ hospital and senior center, knitting newborn caps, and participating in a walk-a-thon to support a local charity.

St. James School is a private, Catholic, co-educational school, fully accredited by Cognia. It is a vital, important ministry of the Church of Saint James and part of the Diocesan educational system. To learn more about St. James School, financial aid, and to schedule a tour, visit www.sjsbr.org

Laura Veni, center, dual enrollment coordinator, St. Thomas the Aquinas High School, Edison, reviews courses and credit options with seniors Neal Choksi, left, and Isabella Danner.

Michael Kowalczyk photo

Karen Losada, a first-grade teacher at St. James School, Basking Ridge, prepares students for their first project of the year.

— photo courtesy of St. James School

Football, fall activities highlight school’s two-day celebration

METUCHEN — For the third time in school history, Saint Joseph High School will formally welcome back the school’s alumni, family and friends for Homecoming Weekend.

Members of the Saint Joe’s community and the public are invited to a full weekend of activities on the 70acre campus Oct. 7-8.

Highlights of the weekend include the school’s first Friday Night Lights football game Oct. 7 and the Saint Joe’s Falcon Fall Fest all day Oct. 8.

“This year’s Homecoming Weekend will bring a lot of firsts to the Saint Joe’s community, including our first night football game and Falcon Fall Fest,” Saint Joseph High School President John G. Nolan Jr. said. “We can’t wait to see all of our alumni, as well as members of the local community on campus for a weekend to celebrate the Saint Joseph brotherhood.”

Bright lights will shine on Saint Joseph High School’s Brenner Family Field for the first time Oct. 7 when the

Falcons host rival Edison High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Fans attending the game are encouraged to participate in our “Green Out” by wearing their best Falcon Green outerwear.

The Friday Night Lights festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a pregame tailgate, including campus tours. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from the Saint Joe’s Fathers Club. There will also be a special selection of Saint Joe’s gear available throughout the night.

Saint Joe’s Football is led by Hall of Famer Bill Tracy, who was hired to lead the Falcons in January 2022. The previous “NJ.com/Star Ledger” Coach of the Year (2013), Tracy has been a head football coach in New Jersey for more than 20 years, including state championship runs at Livingston High School in 2008 and Ridge High School in 2013.

“Our boys can’t wait to play host to the school’s first-ever night football game at Brenner Field,” Tracy said. “This event

will provide us with the opportunity to connect our team with alumni from the past 60 years, building a tradition like no other at the school.”

On Oct. 8, the school’s campus will be transformed into Saint Joe’s Falcon Fall Fest, where families can enjoy Fallrelated activities and celebrate more than 60 years of brotherhood.

Saint Joe’s Falcon Fall Fest will include a pumpkin patch and fall plant and foliage sale, including mums, corn stalks and other Fall plants. Hayrides around the campus will be available, as will scenic Fall photo displays. Campus tours will be available to all, as will special selections from the Saint Joe’s Campus Store.

Alumni who attend the Falcon Fall

Fest are welcome to visit the Alumni Tent for lunch. Fall food and snacks will be available for purchase throughout the day.

“We are very excited to be expanding our Homecoming Weekend to include our first Friday Night Lights and Falcon Fall Fest,” said John Eppensteiner, a 2002 Saint Joe’s graduate and director of Alumni Relations. “Without our alumni and community partners, Saint Joe’s wouldn’t be who we are today. We look forward to connecting with alums from the past 60 years and to showcase the rich history of the school.”

Events held on campus, including the Friday Night Lights football game, pregame tailgate and Saturday’s Saint Joe’s Falcon Fall Fest are open to the public.

“Without our alumni and community partners, Saint Joe’s wouldn’t be who we are today. We look forward to connecting with alums from the past 60 years and to showcase the rich history of the school.”

John Eppensteiner, director, Alumni Relations, Saint Joseph High School

“Choose a college that enhances your imagination and encourages you to become a saint.

Girls education promoted

WATCHUNG — On June 14, members of Mount Saint Mary Academy’s 20222023 Student Council executive board — seniors Renee Vozza, Dena Mistichelli, Charlotte Gray, Stefini Drivas and Mary Claire Schleck — learned the focus of this year’s Mercy Girl Challenge during a virtual meeting with Mercy Sister Deidre Mullan, coordinator, Mercy Girl Effect (MGE) and Ruth Anne Munroe, director, Campus Ministry/ Student Council Moderator.

The MGE is a non-governmental organization that works closely with the United Nations organizations to monitor and support the education of children, especially girls. The theme of this year’s challenge is “One Team — One Dream: to provide access to education for all girls.”

The Mount’s executive board members reviewed the following key facts with Sister Deirdre and Munroe:

•Around the world, 129 million girls are out of school, including 32 million from primary school.

Sister Mary serves as director, Mukuru Centre in Nairobi — a home to four schools and a skills center focusing on the education of 6,000 needy children.

“It was so enlightening to talk with Sister Deirdre about the Sisters of Mercy and this year’s Challenge,” said Schleck. “She shared stories about the incredible reach of the Sisters of Mercy around the world. As an executive board, we are so excited to start working on the Mercy Girl project and plan events to raise awareness and funds this upcoming school year!”

“It was so enlightening to talk with Sister Deirdre about the Sisters of Mercy and this year’s Challenge. She shared stories about the incredible reach of the Sisters of Mercy around the world. As an executive board, we are so excited to start working on the Mercy Girl project and plan events to raise awareness and funds this upcoming school year!”

Mary Claire Schleck

•In countries affected by conflict, girls are more than twice as likely to be out of school as girls living in non-affected countries.

•Based on current trends, girls will not reach 100 percent lower secondary completion in crisis-affected countries until at least 2063.

Working with the United Nations Working Group on Girls (WWG) and Mercy Sister Mary Killeen, who works in the Mukuru slums in Nairobi, Kenya, the MGE hopes to provide help and opportunity by way of “School in a Box.”

“Talking to Sister Deirdre was an extremely enlightening and fulfilling experience because of her attitude toward service and encouraging young women like us to join in her mission,” Gray said. “This year’s Mercy Girl Effect project is extremely close to my heart and to the Mount’s mission. We are fighting for women’s education, specifically in Nairobi with the Mukuru Centre. We often take our education for granted and forget how vital girls’ education is to lifting women out of poverty and ensuring our future is equitable.

“Cyclical poverty begins and ends with education,” she continued. “With our support and the tireless efforts of the Sisters of Mercy, we can bring the gift of learning to the children of Nairobi and instill in them a hope for a bright future filled with many opportunities. I am so grateful to be able to join Sister Deirdre and my other executive board members in this mission to promote girls’ education.”

Members of Mount Saint Mary Academy’s Student Council executive board are shown in a virtual meeting, during which they learned that around the world, 129 million girls are out of school, including 32 million from primary school.

photo courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy

Schools, parishes addressing global problem with local solutions

By Tara Smith

SOMERVILLE — When Pope Francis released his second encyclical, “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” in 2015, he set into motion a conceptual blueprint as to how all of human ity might come together to respond to the global climate crisis, urgently issuing an appeal to be gin a new dialogue about shaping the future of the planet.

“One of the first questions Bishop [James F.] Checchio asked our diocesan offices upon his arrival to the Diocese of Metuchen, even before he was ordained and installed as bishop, was ‘How are we responding to the Holy Father’s call through Laudato Si’ to care for our earth?’” said Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, episcopal vicar of administration, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, and director of its two schools, Immaculate Conception and Immaculata High, both in Somerville.

years ago, he said he is elated to now of fer an answer to that question, both in his capacity as episcopal vicar and as pastor.

With Immaculata as the first high school in the diocese to use solar as a renewable energy source, a project first initiated during the pastoral ten ure of Msgr. Seamus F. Brennan, pastor emeritus of Immaculate Concep tion Parish, several ben efits emerge, according to Msgr. Celano.

“Our students will be very aware this is a step we are taking to be good caretak ers of the environ ment, so it will be good for them to see our example, that we are leading the way when it comes to alternative energy sources.”

Msgr. Joseph G. Celano

“Even though the solar panels are not vis ible from ground level, they are in fact there and they will be supplying re newable energy,” he said of the 1,228 solar panels lining the roofs of the school’s two buildings, which are projected to produce 635,486 kWh at a rate of $0.083/kWh in the first year. “Our students will be very aware this is a step we are taking to be good caretak ers of the environment, so it will be good for them to see our example, that we are leading the way when it comes to alterna tive energy sources.”

Recalling the bishop’s question from

In a year, the school’s solar panel

arrays, which are financed, maintained, and owned by Madison Energy Invest ments, are estimated to offset the green house gas emissions caused by 19,494 trash bags of waste in landfills and will be equivalent to carbon sequestered by 7,447 tree seedlings grown for 10 years. Using power optimization equipment, the solar panel project maximizes power output for each module on the roof dur ing all weather conditions and adds ad ditional levels of monitoring capability

and safety to the system.

Other benefits, the pastor said, in clude cost savings and alignment with Pope Francis.

“It is important that we show a sense of solidarity with the Holy Father, espe cially through our care of creation, which aligns with his encyclical, ‘Laudato Si,’” said Msgr. Celano, who added the solar panels were providentially installed dur ing the Season of Creation, which spans Continued on page 28

An aerial view shows Immaculata High School, Somerville, which is one of several buildings in the diocese having solar panels installed to convert to renewable energy. photo courtesy of Immaculata High School

Parochial school alumni, now principal, receives blessing at liturgy

Father Robert G. Lynam, pastor, St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, presided at the first Mass of the academic year for St. Augustine of Canterbury School Sept.11.

During the liturgy, which was celebrated at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, the parochial school’s new principal, Edward Modzelewski, received a blessing from Barbara Stevens, superintendent, diocesan Office of Schools. Religious Teachers Filippini Sister Mary Louise Shulas, St. Augustine’s former principal who is now director of Curriculum, diocesan Office of Schools, assisted.

Sister Mary Louise also blessed the school with a relic of St. Lucy Filippini, founder of the religious community.

During the blessing by Stevens, she prayed, “Lord, look kindly on your servant, Edward Modzelewski, as he assumes the office of Principal of Saint Augustine of Canterbury School, as he begins as a messenger of salvation and peace marked with the sign of the cross.

“Guide his steps with your mighty arm and with the power of your grace strengthen him in spirit so that he will not falter through weariness. Make his words the echo of Christ’s voice, so that those who hear them may be drawn to obey the Gospel. Fill the heart of Mr. Modzelewski with the Holy Spirit, so that, becoming all things to all people, he

may lead many to you, the Father of all, to sing your praises in your holy Church and in this school.”

Father Lynam then anointed the new principal with holy water, praying, “Edward Modzelewski, lovingly known as ‘Mr. M,’ receive this sign of the cross of Christ’s love and of our faith, upon your forehead. Preach Christ crucified who is the power and wisdom of God. Amen!”

Modzelewski and his wife, Marissa, graduated from the school the same year. Their daughters, Makaela, Maisie and Maira are among the 340 children who attend the school.

Modzelewski and his wife were in the seventh grade when Father Lynam arrived at the parish in 1995.

Above, from left, Religious Teachers Filippini Sister Mary Louise Shulas, director of Curriculum, diocesan O ce of Schools; Barbara Stevens, superintendent, O ce of Schools; Edward Modzelewski, principal, St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park; and Father Robert G. Lynam, pastor, St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, pose in front of a statue of St. Lucy Filippini after Mass for the rst day of school Sept. 12. Left, Sister Mary Louise assists Father Lynam as he makes the sign of the cross with holy water on Modzelewski’s forehead .

Debbie Knox photos

PUZZLE

“And behold, I am with you ___…” (Mt 28:20)

St. Martin de ___

Egyptian handmaiden

Patron saint of Scandinavia

Symbol of the Holy Spirit

Unsinkable Catholic survivor of the Titanic

“I desire ___, not sacri ce.” (Mt 9:13)

Seamless Garment of ___

“…those who ___ you and curse those who…” (Gen 12:3)

Meetings of bishops

Month of the Feast of the Assumption

Father-in-law of Jacob

Biblical stargazers

State in which the Diocese of Dallas is found

28 Along with Timothy, he was a disciple of Paul

“…and ___ us not into temptation…”

Branch of the Eastern Church in union with Rome

St. Elizabeth ___

Your soul

High Mass

DOWN

2 AKA Matthew

3 One of the young men cast into the furnace

4 Father of Elam and Aram

5 Word frequently heard in a litany

Catholic tennis star Federer

7 “Oh my God I am heartily ___”

9 ___ calf

11 These fell in Jericho

14 Part of pharaoh’s dream

16 A Doctor of the Church

17 St. James is the patron of this country

19 “Take my ___ upon you” (Mt 11:29)

21 He was a member of the Sanhedrin

22 “…and rose again on the ___ day”

23 Nihil ___

26 St. Martin of ___ 27 The last John

28 “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the ___” (Lk 4:12)

29 ___ of Thunder 31 Father of Cain

Answers can be found on

Mass of Beatification of Blessed John Paul I (Sept. 4, 2022)

Recalling the example of Blessed John Paul I, Pope Francis recalled how the new Blessed lived the joy of the Gospel, "without compromises, loving to the very end." He did not seek his own glory, but lived as a "meek and humble pastor."

“With a smile, Pope John Paul managed to communicate the goodness of the Lord. How beautiful is a Church with a happy, serene and smiling face, that never closes doors, never hardens hearts, never complains or harbors resentment, does not grow angry or impatient, does not look dour or suffer nostalgia for the past.”

In conclusion, the Pope encouraged us to ask Blessed John Paul I to help us obtain from the Lord “the smile of the soul” and to pray in his own words: “Lord take me as I am, with my defects, with my shortcomings, but make me become what you want me to be.”

Vocation of catechist, ministry honored

By Carol Mascola

This time of year, Catechetical Leaders are hoping and praying that people in their parishes will get the “Itch” to share their faith with the parish children and youth, and they are inviting catechists to report for duty. As a result, thousands of men and women are mobilizing across the country, preparing to report for duty after a summer leave. Many are returning for another tour of duty, while perhaps thousands more are registering for the first time. Who are these courageous people? They are the catechists who staff religious formation programs in parishes across the country.

As families return from summer vacations and schools are back in session, parishes prepare to welcome families to religious formation sessions. So, just who are these catechists?

estate agents, construction workers, lawyers, nurses, accountants, firefighters, and police officers. In other words, everyday Catholics who dedicate themselves to inviting young people into a deeper relationship with Jesus. They help young people to understand the Creed, celebrate the sacraments, live moral lives, and pray.

It can be very intimidating to walk into a room for the first time as a catechist. Most catechists are not school teachers, and so the idea of teaching the Catholic faith to others can seem overwhelming at first.

It can be very intimidating to walk into a room for the first time as a catechist. Most catechists are not school teachers, and so the idea of teaching the Catholic faith to others can seem overwhelming at first. However, catechists should think of themselves as coaches rather than teachers. Millions of adults wouldn’t hesitate to coach their kids’ sports teams. Well, catechists are coaching young people into the Catholic way of life.

lic Church with the publication of the papal letter, Antiquum ministerium (“Ancient ministry”).

The Church celebrated the vocation of catechists and the ministry of catechesis on Catechetical Sunday, which fell on Sept. 18 this year. The theme for this year is “This is my Body given for you.” Catechetical Sunday was a time to celebrate the work of the catechist and renew our gratitude for these faithful men and women who persevere in the labor of passing on the faith.

Prayer for the Elderly

Father, we pray that You would soften our hearts to our elderly neighbors — that you would stir us to love them in both word and deed. Spirit, move us toward action, help us to slow down, to take the time to offer care and assistance to our elderly neighbors for whom daily life has become a struggle.

They are secretaries, executives, factory workers, stay-at-home moms and dads, real

To be a catechist is not simply volunteerism. It’s a vocation!” Pope Francis affirmed this in May of 2021 and created the instituted ministry of catechist in the Catho-

Catechists respond to a call to share the gift of faith with others. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, this call will surely come to us through pastors, parish religious formation programs directors, or Catholic school teachers. But know that this calling comes ultimately from God, whose Holy Spirit inspires and guides us all. So be gentle with those who have been away from the faith as they return. The world seems a different place than before, and now, more than ever, they are faced with tough questions that only knowing and loving God can be answered. So be there for them, embrace them, and be sure they know they are welcome. Peace and love be with you all.

Mascola is director, diocesan Office of Discipleship Formation for Children

What it means to be a Eucharistic people

the Hosts as quickly as possible into his hands and arms.

As a long-time Catholic catechist of children and adults I knew what the Church teaches about Eucharist, about the Mass and about the Real Presence of Jesus. But there were times when I didn’t fully grasp what it meant for how I lived my life and my relationship with others.

Fortunately, there are also times in life when faith formation happens in unexpected ways — when a person, an event, a book, a movie, a song, a homily enters our lives and a new revelation about faith breaks through.

For me it was the powerful movie “Romero” which portrayed the transformation of Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero from a timid, orthodox, predictable cleric to a martyr defending human rights, justice and peace for the Salvadoran people.

There is a powerful scene in the movie where Archbishop Romero and the people of a small village face down armed soldiers occupying the village church. His first failed attempt results in machine gun spray which destroys the tabernacle, sending the Hosts to the floor in all directions.

Forcibly removed, the Archbishop looks out at the faces of the villagers who have placed their hope in him and strides back into the church past the soldiers and drops to his knees on the altar, gathering

Again, a volley of gunfire is directed at him and the altar. He crouches lower in fear but continues to protect Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament until a soldier knocks him to the floor and forces him out, only to have him return wearing his priest vestments, followed by the villagers who, in an act of defiance and faith, enter the church together, ignoring the soldiers and their guns.

Archbishop Romero stands near the altar with the intention of celebrating Mass and declares that they have come to “retake possession of this church building and to strengthen all those whom the enemies of the Church have trampled down. You should know that you have not suffered alone, for you are the Church. You are the people of God. You are Jesus, in the here and now. He is crucified in you, just as surely as he was crucified 2,000 years ago …”

Could I risk my life to raise my voice for the marginalized so they could live in justice and peace? What was I really doing with my life as a Christian? And there was the pivotal word — doing.

The same questions arose among my adult faith formation classes every time we watched the movie together as did one repeated phrase — it made me uncomfortable. We each had a sense that we could be doing more as members of the Body of Christ.

Fortunately, there are also times in life when faith formation happens in unexpected ways — when a person, an event, a book, a movie, a song, a homily enters our lives and a new revelation about faith breaks through.

It’s easy to look at our lives and think we are not doing much, in comparison to people like St. Oscar Romero or Servant of God Dorothy Day, but in watching “Romero” and sharing insights with others, we were reminded that the Eucharist compels us to accompany others, to feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, love the outcasts, and walk with them on their journey, especially when it’s a difficult one.

I sobbed, not only because of the emotional power of the scene but from an uncomfortableness that was painful. True, it is unlikely I will ever find myself in the position of Archbishop Romero to face violent ruthless guards in order to protect the Eucharist, but I found myself wondering if I could do it, would I do it, if the occasion presented itself.

We do that when we are present to others, when we give them hope, when we feed their spirits or their bodies, or listen to their stories, as well as when we raise our voices and fight against injustice.

It’s easy to forget that there is no small way to be Christ for others, but that’s what saints do, they remind us that the Eucharist is not only something we do but something we become.

Serve God by serving others

Our Gospel reading this Sunday continues Jesus’ teaching about the proper use of mate rial wealth. Building upon the insight of last Sunday’s Gospel that we must use all of our resources, material wealth included, to hasten the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God, this Sunday’s Gospel teaches that the chief way we do this is by ministering to the poor and needy.

SCRIPTURE STUDY

By Msgr. John N. Fell

The Gospel is the well-known story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The beginning of the story illustrates the lavish, over-abundant wealth of the rich man and the terrible, dis ease-ridden poverty of Lazarus. The rich man, aware of Lazarus, did nothing to alleviate his suffering. Eventually both men died; Lazarus was taken to heaven, the rich man to the abode of the dead.

It is important that we real ize the reason behind the final destiny of each man. Lazarus was one of God’s lowly-ones. Beloved of the Lord, Lazarus was destined to spend all eter nity with the Almighty because those who most need God’s love are most shown God’s love. The story portrays Lazarus as the more truly blessed of the two men because, having no one and nothing else to rely upon besides God’s mercy, that mercy was lavished upon him.

The rich man, on the other hand, was not punished for his material wealth; he was punished for his misuse of that wealth. Even before Jesus’ teaching that we must love our neighbor as ourselves, the Old Testament Law imposed a similar obligation upon the rich and mighty. Based upon the principle that “the land is [God’s], and you are but aliens who have become his tenants” ( Lv 25:23 ), Jewish law and practice required that property own ers pay rent to God’s special representatives, the poor. By neglecting Lazarus, the rich man offended not only the poor man, he offended God himself — Pope Francis has made this point: “To ignore a poor man is to scorn God!” (General Audience, May 18, 2016). The rich man’s blind indifference to the plight of the poor had condemned him to everlasting tor ment; sadly, he had become an illustration of the plight of those described by the Prophet Amos: “Woe to the complacent in Zion! Lying upon beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on their couches, they eat lambs taken from the flock . . . now they shall be the first to go into exile, and their wanton revelry shall be done away with” ( Am 6:1a,7 ).

The second scene of the parable presents

the rich man crying out to Abraham from the abode of the dead. He asks first for Lazarus to bring him some water to quench his thirst. Abraham responds that one cannot move from heaven to hell or vice versa after death; Laza rus could not get to him even as he himself had no hope of entering heaven. The rich man then asks Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his five brothers so they might be saved. At least the rich man is beginning to think about someone other than himself.

Abraham replies, however, that he is un able to grant this request. He tells the rich man that, on earth, his brothers have the law and the prophets to guide them. If they heed their instruction, they can certainly avoid the torment that has befallen him. If, however, they fail to heed these warnings, Abraham says, they would be unlikely to listen, even if someone were to rise from the dead. St. Luke includes this statement about rising from the dead to make this parable relevant for all ages. Even after the death and resurrection of Jesus, there are still those who fail to heed his teaching and example.

Called upon to serve God by serving others, they look only to their own self-aggrandizement — sadly, even Jesus’ resurrec tion from the dead has failed to win them over.

As we each come to grips with this most poignant parable, we must remember that the rich man did nothing that would be considered actively, intention ally evil — he did not go out of his way to abuse Lazarus or cheat him out of his fortune.

He was condemned, rather, for his lack of mercy. He failed to recognize the less fortunate as God’s special people, and turned an uncaring, indifferent eye to their suffering.

Pope Francis offers this reflection: “as long as Lazarus was outside his house, the rich man had the opportunity for salvation, to thrust open the door, to help Lazarus, but now that they are both dead, the situation has become irreparable . . . the parable clearly warns: God’s mercy toward us is linked to our mercy toward our neighbor; when this is lacking . .

. [God] cannot enter. If I do not thrust open the door of my heart to the poor, that door re mains closed. Even to God. This is terrible” (General Audience, May 18, 2016). Having placed his security in his possessions rather than his service to God, the rich man was without a safe haven when he could not take his wealth with him. An old saying reminds us that the opposite of love is not hatred, but indifference. May we never allow such indif ference to blind us to our need for God and our responsibility to serve him in his people in need.

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

Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

September 29

These archangels, messengers sent by God, are the only ones named in the Bible. In the Book of Daniel, Michael is called “the great prince”; in the Letter of Jude, he argues with the devil over Moses’ body; and in the Book of Revelation, he leads the battle against Satan. He is patron of the sick, radiologists and mariners. Gabriel explains Daniel’s visions to him in the Book of Daniel, and in the Gospel of Luke announces to Zechariah and Mary the births of their respective sons. He is the patron of messengers and telecommunications and postal workers. Raphael guides Tobiah in the Book of Tobit; he is patron of the blind, physicians and travelers. The church created their joint feast after the Second Vatican Council.

Saints

SCRIPTURE SEARCH®

Gospel for September 25, 2022 Luke 16: 19-31

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C: The fate of a rich man and a poor man. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

DRESSED IN PURPLE NAMED LAZARUS TABLE DOGS CARRIED ANGELS FATHER ABRAHAM WATER COOL MY TONGUE FLAMES MY CHILD CHOSEN MOSES PROPHETS LISTEN REPENT FROM THE DEAD

L W K C C M Y C H I L D

A O J M A H A R B A M

O Z O H C H O S E N Y

U C A R R I E D J O T

O F W R E P E N T A O

S A J A U H A Y B A N

E T N E T S I L E N G

M H Y M L E E Q H A U N A E O E F L R S D D E

L R G S T E H P O R P G F N A M E

Having placed his security in his possessions rather than his service to God, the rich man was without a safe haven when he could not take his wealth with him.

STEPPING FORWARD IN CHARITY

Pilot program provides support to guide young from foster care

By Tiffany Workman

Created by Youth Villages in 1999, LifeSet is a pilot program at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, that strives to serve young people in the least-restrictive environment and create a smooth transition for those who age out of foster care settings.

Youth Villages has received national recognition for being an innovative organization using effective treatment models to achieve positive outcomes for children and families. In December 2021, there were 3,213 children in foster care in New Jersey and since LifeSet launched with Catholic Charities in the fall of 2020, it has served 103 youth who aged out of foster care, and currently are helping 26 young people in transition.

When asked, what the options are for young adults aging out of foster care, Tova Baron-Loewenstein, program director of LifeSet, said, “Many programs aimed at serving foster youth end services at age 21 when these young adults age out of care. They are forced to be independent at a very young and at a vulnerable developmental stage and don’t always have the all the skills or supports necessary to thrive. There isn’t a great safety net for them and some end up homeless or incarcerated.

“Young adults enrolled in LifeSet are able to stay in the program even after their New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) case closes. The LifeSet program fi lls an important gap because the specialists are able to stand in as supports to guide them in whatever area they need. The specialists help them obtain stable housing, gain employment, learn to

manage their budgets, take them to get their driver’s license, and even help them form closer relationships with their own social supports.

After two years of serving young adults, Baron-Loewenstein and Michelle Raskin, along with their LifeSet staff; Grace Colon, Tara Cruz, Emmanuel Onwunaka, Michelle Raskin and Maria Rosario, brainstormed new ideas to expand the program. They felt strongly that group activities would benefi t youth in many ways, including building their peer relationships, practicing social skills, and offering opportunities they otherwise may not have received. On Aug. 16, the LifeSet program hosted an event at Top Golf in Edison. LifeSet staff, along with nine young adults attended.

The event focused on social skills building provided by LifeSet specialist Tara Cruz. Attendees participated in role-plays to practice skills around coping with social anxiety and building peer connections. Following the skill-building activities, attendees were treated to golf and lunch. Many of them said they had never golfed before and were excited to try it. A friendly game at Topgolf became increasingly competitive when two attendees began combining their scores to rank higher than their specialists, eventually landing them in first place. One attendee commented, “I liked meeting new people and I’ve never had the chance to golf before. I had a lot of fun.”

Another said, “It was so cool. I liked meeting other people and talking to them. I never did something like that before. I’m usually shy.” This young adult, along with the new friends she

made at Topgolf are already asking when the next event will take place.

Attendees exchanged contact information with one another, offered their support and bonded over their shared experiences. Several that attended this event were at previous events, which included a Chopped Style cooking class at the Edison offi ce and a yoga class at the park. Each event has had a higher turnout than the previous one, demonstrating that the attendees are seeing the benefi ts of these group events and are enjoying meeting other LifeSet youth. All attendees provided input into what they would enjoy seeing next and the staff is planning an event for September.

The Catholic Charities LifeSet program serves people ages 17 to 22

who live in Essex, Middlesex, Mercer, Somerset and Union counties. Attendees must be involved with DCP&P and be in an out of home placement at the time of enrollment. All referrals must come through the Offi ce of Adolescent Services and young adults are prescreened for eligibility.

LifeSet Specialists meet with participants in the community on a fl exible schedule in order to best meet their needs. The LifeSet program also provides a 24/7 on-call service.

For more information about Catholic Charities and their programs visit ccdom.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Workman is the Communications Specialist in the Offi ce of Communications and Public Relations

Several buildings in diocese being converted to renewable energy

Continued from page 23 from Sept. 1, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, through Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, for whose words the Holy Father’s encyclical was named.

“For both the high school and the diocesan [St. John Neumann] Pastoral Center [Piscataway], and even in parishes and schools around the diocese, we recognized this would represent a significant amount of savings in energy cost over the next 10-15 years,” he said.

In addition to the solar project at Im-

maculata High School and the Pastoral Center, home to the diocesan offices, and several other schools and parishes in the diocese — among them St. Matthias Parish, Somerset, and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge — also began the conversion to renewable energy.

Steve Michalek, director, diocesan Office of Properties and Facilities Management, who is overseeing the power purchase agreement solar project and several others at the pastoral center in an effort to use sustainable energy, said he sees the switch to solar as a “win-win-win.”

“We are aligned with Pope Francis, it’s environmentally friendly, and it’s fiscally responsible,” he said.

Coupled with other efforts underway, he said once the solar panels are installed, it is estimated the pastoral center could eliminate 80 percent of its electricity cost, which runs into the thousands each month.

“Over 25 years, we will likely save $3 million, so that’s the financial beauty of it,” he added.

Environmentally conscious upgrades to the diocesan pastoral center made in recent months also include: a new white

monochromatic roof to reflect the sunlight and defray heating and cooling costs; new higher SEER rooftop units to lower electricity needs and encourage energy efficiency; all new outdoor LED lighting; new energy-efficient indoor lighting; and new energy-efficient pumps for the heating system.

“It’s been around long enough, it’s been proven to work, and we feel confident in this solution,” Michalek said.

Smith is a 2006 graduate of Immaculata High School and its director of Marketing and Communications

Attendees at a recent LifeSite event at Topgolf Edison, pose for a photo. Specialists from LifeSite, a new program at Catholic Chairities, Diocese of Metuchen, help young people ages 17 to 22 nd housing and jobs, manage budgets and obtain a driver's license. photo courtesy of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen

Faithful are bound by Commandments to ‘live’ truth

Article 166 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series

Paragraphs 2488-2503

Journey of Faith

By Father John Gerard Hillier

In this article, we consider “Respect for the Truth”, “The Use of Social Communications” and “Truth, Beauty and Sacred Art” as we complete our discussion of the Eighth Commandment.

Our fi rst point: “No one is bound to reveal the truth to someone who does not have the right to know it” (ccc 2489). In their offi cial capacity, in differing degrees, this would apply to priests, health care workers, counselors, lawyers, law enforcement, etc. For example, our HIPAA law (“Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act”) protects the rights of patients. It is a privacy law to protect medical information, such as patients’ records, and allows for confi dential communication between patients and medical professionals.

Similarly, information that must be kept confi dential includes that of soldiers, physicians, lawyers, political offi ce holders, etc., except in extraordinary cases when “keeping the secret is bound to cause very grave harm to the one who confi ded it, to the one who received it or to a third party, and where very grave harm can be avoided only by divulging the truth” (ccc 2491). However, the Catechism continues, “private information detrimental to another is not to be divulged without a grave and proportionate reason” (ccc 2491).

The secret of the Sacrament of Penance (Confession) is sacred, and cannot be violated for any reason whatsoever. The Catechism (ccc 2490), quoting Canon Law, explains: “The sacramental seal is inviolable; therefore, it is a crime for a confessor in any way to betray a penitent by word or in any other manner or for any reason” (Canon Law 983 § 1).

In living our ordinary lives, we

are also obliged to protect the privacy of others by not revealing the truth to someone who does not have a right to the information. (Numerous discussions have afforded me the opportunity to consider this aspect of the Eighth Commandment.) One common theme has been the notion of betraying “the truth” by not divulging private information about themselves or others when asked direct questions by others. Our faith teaches that retaining details about people or things is not the same as lying, unless a lie is told in response to a question that is asked.

Again, withholding information so as to protect someone by not telling a third person about them is not lying. Rather, “this requires us in concrete situations to judge whether or not it is appropriate to reveal the truth to someone who asks for it” (ccc 2488). It also requires a certain ability to “think on one’s feet” or to practice diplomacy when being quizzed or confronted by a third party for the purpose of soliciting information that is not meant to be shared. The Catechism explains further: “Charity and respect for the truth should dictate the response to every request for information or communication. The good and safety of others, respect for privacy, and the common good are suffi cient reasons for being silent about what ought not be known or for making use of a discreet language” (ccc 2489). In short, “everyone should observe an appropriate reserve concerning persons’ private lives” (ccc 2492).

Respecting a person’s privacy extends to the social media as well. While recognizing that “society has a right to information based on truth, freedom, justice, and solidarity,” the Catechism makes it clear that “the proper exercise of this right demands that the content of the communication be true and – within the limits set by justice and charity –complete” (ccc 2494). Furthermore, “it should be communicated honestly and properly. This means that in the gathering and in the publication of news, the moral law and the legitimate rights and dignity of human persons should be upheld” (ccc 2494).

The teaching of the Catechism explicitly refers to journalists as having

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a special “obligation to serve the truth and not offend against charity in disseminating information. They should strive to respect, with equal care, the nature of the facts and the limits of critical judgment concerning individuals. They should not stoop to defamation” (ccc 2497).

Freedom of information is also something that must be defended by civil authorities. “By promulgating laws and overseeing their application, public authorities should ensure that ‘public morality and social progress are not gravely endangered’ through misuse of the media” (ccc 2498). Additionally, those who have the best interests of society at heart, must use good moral judgment and condemn “the plague of totalitarian states which systematically falsify the truth” (ccc 2499).

The fi nal few paragraphs in this section of the Catechism explore “truth, beauty and sacred art”. A word in philosophy that captures this narrative would be “aesthetics” or that branch of philosophy that deals with the study of “truth and beauty” or “beauty and sacred art.”

The Catechism teaches: “Truth is beautiful in itself… [especially] when it is a matter of evoking what is beyond words” (ccc 2500). Examples include:

the depths of the human heart, the exaltations of the soul, the mystery of God. On a spiritual level, the “beauty of God is refl ected in the most holy Virgin Mother of God, the angels, and saints. Genuine sacred art draws us to adoration, to prayer, and to the love of God, Creator and Savior, the Holy One and Sanctifi er” (ccc 2502).

Almost intuitively, it seems, we creatures are drawn to realities that refl ect the truth and beauty of God, our Creator. Whether it be a moonlit night with stars brightly shining above, or a fantastic sunset with colors that seem only possible by the hand of a loving God, or a multicolor rainbow that we just might glimpse at through our rearview mirror, we humans are frequently captivated by such practical beauty. Similarly, we are taken with the work of gifted artists who provide “a form of practical wisdom, uniting knowledge and skill, to give form to the truth of reality in a language accessible to sight or hearing” (ccc 2501). Such art “bears a certain likeness to God’s activity in what he has created” (ccc 2501).

Father Hillier serves as Director of the Offi ce of the Pontifi cal Mission Societies, Censor Librorum and oversees the Offi ce for Persons with Disabilities

Life Chain ~ Sunday, October 2, 2022 2:00 – 3:30 PM (Rain or shine)

*Carteret 4:00 – 5:00 PM

LIFE CHAIN is a peaceful and prayerful public witness of pro-life individuals standing for 90 minutes praying for our nation and for an end to abortion. It is a visual statement of solidarity by participants of all faiths, especially the Christian community, that abortion kills children and that the Church supports the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death.

Locations

*(Different Time) Carteret

St. Joseph & Divine Mercy Parishes Carteret Ave (between Locust & High Sts)

Contact: Fr. Gordon (732) 541 8946

Flemington

Route 31 to Main Street

Contact: Jim Vargas (908) 391-1566

Great Meadows

St. Peter & Paul 360 Route 46

Contact: Gail McMahon (908) 637-4269

Perth Amboy

703 Amboy Ave (in front of Alpine Cemetery)

Contact: Parish Office (732) 442-0512

Phillipsburg

St. Philip & St. James Church

430 South Main Street

Contact: Colleen Wolters (908) 454-9880

Sayreville

855 Washington Road (At High School)

Contact: Rosanda Grau (732) 619-4093

Somerville

Somerset Street & Mountain Avenue

Contact: Kevin Dugan (908) 788-7736

Washington

In front of Planned Parenthood 66 East Washington St. (Rt. 57)

Contact: Joyce Lopez (908) 689-2462

For more information contact the Office of Human Life and Dignity, Diocese of Metuchen amarshall@diometuchen.org www.diometuchen.org

Kids Corner:

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service

One day, the angels of God came to pres ent themselves before the Lord. Satan also came among them. “Whence do you come?” God asked Satan. “From roaming the earth and patrolling it,” Satan replied. God asked if Satan had noticed a man named Job. “There is no one on earth like him, blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil,” God said.

Satan was not impressed. “Is it for nothing that Job is God-fearing? Have you not surrounded him and his family and all that he has with your protection? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock are spread over the land. But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has, and surely he will blaspheme you to your face,” Satan said.

“Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand upon his person,” God said.

Satan left God’s presence and set out to make Job’s life so miserable that he would blaspheme God.

One day, as Job’s 10 children were feasting in the eldest brother’s home, a messenger came to Job. He reported that the Sabeans had carried off the oxen and donkeys and killed the servants.

“I alone have escaped to tell you,” he said. A second messenger rushed in to report that he was the only one to survive lightning from heaven that had struck and consumed the sheep and servants. A third messenger rushed in. He alone had

God allows Satan to test Job

escaped a raid by the Chaldeans, who had carried off the camels and killed the servants. A fourth messenger brought the most devastating news of all. “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, when suddenly a great wind came across the desert and smote the four corners of the house. It fell upon the young people and they are dead; and I alone have es caped to tell you,” he said. Job arose, tore his cloak and cut off his hair. He fell to the ground and worshipped.

“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!” Job said.

Despite everything bad that hap pened to Job, he did not sin, nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.

Read more about it: Job 1

Q&A:

1.Who came among the angels?

2. What was God’s opinion of Job?

Puzzle:

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Trivia:

Where did Job live? (Hint: Job 1:1)

Using the hints provided, put a T next to the sentences about Job that are true and an F next to the ones that are false.

1.___ Job had five sons and five daughters. (Job 1:2)

2.___ Satan struck Job with boils. (Job 2:7)

3.___ Job’s five friends came to offer him comfort and sympathy. (Job 2:11)

4.___ God wanted Satan to spare Job’s life. (Job 2:6)

SAN ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE

755 Ocean Ave., Long Branch NJ 07740

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

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

ST. FRANCIS CENTER FOR RENEWAL, INC.

395 Br idle Path Road, Bethlehem PA 18017

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

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ST. FRANCIS RETREAT HOUSE

3918 Chipman Road, Easton, PA

Franciscan retreat and confrence center RETREATS FOR MEN, WOMEN, YOUTH, RELIGIOUS, PREACHED, PRIVATE, DIRECTED

Phone: 610-258-3053, ext. 10 • Fax: 610-258-2412

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ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA

400 Route 35 North, S. Mantoloking, NJ 08738

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THE SHRINE

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Funeral Mass celebrated for deacon, 77, who died in traffic accident

By Chris Donahue Associate Editor

Deacon John T. Monahan, who began exercising his ministry at Our Lady of Victories Parish, Baptistown, in 1989, was remembered at his funeral Mass by his former pastor as someone who — through his personal, professional and ministerial life — “showed forth and made present his conviction that in this world of ours, it is God who is in charge.”

Deacon Monahan, 77, of Three Bridges, died from injuries sustained in an auto accident in Raritan Township Aug. 8, authorities said. Raritan Town ship police reported a car carrier went through a red light on northbound Route 202 and collided with two vehicles going west on Dory Dilts Road, includ ing one operated by Deacon Monahan.

Father Kris Kaczynski, pastor, and Msgr. David I. Fulton, pastor emeri tus and homilist, of ficiated at the funeral Mass, which was cel ebrated at Our Lady of Victories Church Aug. 13.

In his homily, Msgr. Fulton said, “As we join in song and in prayer to accompany Deacon John Monahan toward his life with the Lord, we can acknowledge sadness that is with us today — a sadness that remains a key part of death. After all, we will never see John again in the flesh, never again share in his wit, never again receive his kindness.

“In addition to our sadness,” he continued, “we probably should ac knowledge a kind of fear that is with us today — a fear that is a key part of death as well: of the unknown nature of death, of the finality of death, of the fact that death will overtake us all. In the face of our sadness over death, in the admission of our fear of death, we can easily settle into a kind of cyni cal acquiescence — perhaps into an acknowledgement that, with his death, John has escaped a world that is in danger of falling apart.”

The good news, Msgr. Fulton said, is that Christians claim to have the Lord’s gracious presence and claim to have “one another’s care and example.”

“But,” he added, “as we navigate the terror of living, sometimes these

Christian claims of divine presence and mutual assistance seem to be just words… appear to be nothing more than the vacuous projections of popu lar opiates. If these Christian claims are to be more than just words, we need someone to offer us an example of how these claims of divine presence and mutual assistwance might work for us — and how they can offer us hope. John Monahan was such a some one.”

Msgr. Fulton described Deacon Monahan’s homilies as thoughtful and said at the altar he was reverent.

“It was in his ministry of char ity, particularly his care for the sick, the marginalized, the struggling and con fused that John’s dia conal ministry would shine,” Msgr. Fulton said. “John exercised his ministry of char ity quietly, steadily, faithfully and the parish has become richer because of it.”

Deacon Mona han, he continued, “verified the Chris tian claims about the gracious presence and power of God, enacted his belief in divine presence and power by offering thanks and praise to God, the good creator and trustworthy savior, and showed forth and made present the compas sionate care of a loving God as he entered into the chaos of others.”

In closing, Msgr. Fulton said through Deacon Monahan’s witness, worship and work, he showed how the world “might become less disen chanted.”

“And, he has disclosed the fact that you and I can have reason to hope. Hope that, in our witness, worship and work, in our mutual dependence and in our deepening sense of wonder we can set aside our cynicism, our fatal ism, our acquired styles of boring and being bored; we can experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit of Jesus — in a world that seems so flat; we can acknowledge that, while we cannot fix the whole world, we can make our little pieces of the world more livable; and we can joyfully celebrate our conviction that God has touched us wondrously and in time that, because of this, neither we nor the parts of the world that we touch need ever be quite the same again.

“God bless you, John. We will miss you.”

Deacon Monahan was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late John and Mary Agnes Kehoe Monahan. A graduate of Manhattan College (N.Y.), he earned a law degree and a master’s degree in Judeo Christian Studies at Seton Hall University, South Orange.

Deacon Monahan, who retired as assistant bureau chief, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, enjoyed poultry farming and was an avid photographer who taught pho tography and business law at Mercer County Community College.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Ellen Henry Monahan;

daughters Jennifer (Brian) Winberry of Flemington; Benedictine Sister Be linda Monahan of Chicago, and Sara Monahan of Eau Claire, Wisc.

Also surviving are his sisters, Mary Belinda Monahan of Staten Island, N.Y., Kathleen O’Brien of Florida, and Sheila Monahan of Staten Island.

Interment was at St. Magdalen Cemetery, Flemington. Arrangements were handled by Holcombe-Fisher Fu neral Home, Flemington.

Contributions in Deacon Mona han’s name should be made to: St. Scholastica Monastery 7430 N. Ridge Blvd. Chicago, IL 60645

Above left, in an undated photo, Deacon John T. Monahan, who exercised his ministry at Our Lady Victories Parish, Baptistown, poses after Mass at Our Lady of Victories Church. Top left, Msgr. David I. Fulton, left, pastor emeritus, is shown at the grave site with Deacon Monahan’s family. Above right, the casket carrying the remains of Deacon Monahan is shown at the funeral Mass.

—photos courtesy of Our Lady of Victories Parish

“If these Christian claims are to be more than just words, we need someone to offer us an example of how these claims of divine presence and mutual assistance might work for us — and how they can offer us hope. John Monahan was such a someone.”

Msgr. David I. Fulton, pastor emeritus, Our Lady of Victories Parish, Baptistown

OBITUARY

Mercy Sister Mary Marlene Cunningham, 85, a former teacher and principal at St. Matthew the Apostle School, Edison, and St. Francis of Assisi School, Metuchen, died July 12.

Sister Marlene was born in Perth Amboy and attended the now-closed St. Mary High School, Perth Amboy.

Her first assignment was teaching first grade at St. Matthew the Apostle. She was assigned next to St. Joseph School, Keyport, and then to the nowclosed Holy Spirit School, Perth Amboy. Then, she was appointed principal at St. Matthew’s, where she served for four years.

Subsequently, Sister Marlene was assigned to St. Francis Cathedral School, Metuchen, where she taught at the intermediate level and served as vice-principal for a year before being appointed principal, this time for a period of 17 years.

During that time, she spearheaded a dramatic increase in the use of technology. Computer and science labs were not always found in elementary schools

at the time, but they were designed, enrollment increased, and before and after-school programs were instituted for students whose parents’ work hours exceeded school day hours.

During the next 10 years, she served at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, evaluating junior student teachers as a student teacher observer and supervisor. She was also the director at the Brielle Learning Center, assistant to the supervisor of Bay Head public schools, and assistant to the principal at St. Paul School.

Sister Marlene taught on all levels in elementary schools and received awards as an Outstanding Educator in Edison Township and in the Diocese of Metuchen.

In the most recent years, Sister Marlene lived at St. James Convent, Red Bank, and served as an evening receptionist at St. Leo Rectory, Lincroft.

She is survived by her sister, Margaret Cunningham, and her loving community of the Sisters of Mercy.

A funeral Mass was celebrated July

15 at Immaculate Conception Chapel, Mount Saint Mary, Watchung. Burial was at Holy Redeemer, South Plainfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 1645 U.S. Highway 22 West, Watchung, NJ 07069

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DIOCESAN EVENTS

9/24 Diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. It will conclude the diocese’s year-long 40th Anniversary celebration. It is hoped that as many Catholics as possible from the diocese will be in attendance at this joyous celebration of the conclusion of the diocesan anniversary. For more information visit: https://diometuchen.org/pilgrimage-in-honor-of-the-40th-anniversary

10/2 Respect Life Sunday - Life Chain: 2 to 3:30 p.m., various locations. Peaceful, prayerful witness to the sanctity of human life. For information on locations, time and contact, see ad on page 27 or contact: amarshall@diometuchen.org

10/8 Pre-Cana Training Workshop – sponsored by the diocesan O ce of Family Life, this training/ refresher workshop is for current Pre-Cana team members and potential leaders. It will be held at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center at 10 a.m. The training will be a unique opportunity to hear from experts in the eld of marriage preparation and marriage ministry. Parishes which do not currently have a Pre-Cana ministry, but are interested in forming one, are invited to send couples.

10/14 Hispanic heritage Mass, 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi. Bishop James F. Checchio will celebrate the Mass. For more information email: hispanic.ministry@diometuchen.org

10/21 Eucharistic Revival Lecture Series: 6 p.m.The Liturgy of the Eucharist. TIME, Place, Father Matthew Marinelli will present the lecture which will discuss the nunances of the Liturgy of the Eucharist which is one of the main parts of the Mass. After the presentation, Mass will be celebrated. All are welcome.

10/27 2022 Champions for Catholic Charity Virtual Gala, Premier 7 p.m. The community of individual and corporate benefactors who support the vital services for our neighbors in need and provided by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen, will be honored. To watch the gala live or to become a Champion for those in need by giving, visit: www.diometuchen.org/champions

10/29 2022 Catechetical Conference, “See You in the Eucharist: Evangelization Post Pandemic!” PCLs, Catechists, Principals and teachers are invited. Keynote speaker will be Father Paul Manning, Episcopal Vicar for Evangelization in the Diocese of Paterson, a known presenter and advocate for the New Evangelization. The day will open with Mass celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio. For more information contact: Carol Mascola at cmascole@diometuchen.org

DIOCESAN PROGRAMS

Adoration and Mass at Pastoral Center

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the Celebration of the Mass now takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:45 a.m. at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center. Adoration is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adorers are needed!

Virtual Book Study for Women

All ladies are invited to join in a study of “Listening for God in Everyday Life,” by Joseph D. White, Ph.D. The group will meet each Sunday at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom, beginning on Oct. 2nd. For details or to join, please contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins, Director of Family Life, at cdaverso@diometuchen.org

“The Chosen” Study Series

All young adult engaged and married couples are invited to join in a virtual study series based on the hit series, “The Chosen.” A di erent episode will be discussed each meeting and virtual watch parties will be planned sporadically. Meetings take place every other Monday evening at 7p.m. on Zoom. For details or to join, please contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins at cdaverso@diometuchen.org.

BLUE ROSARY GUILD

The O ce of Family Life is pleased to announce the creation of the Blue Rosary Guild. The purpose of the Guild is for community members of all ages to make pocket Rosaries for law enforcement o cers, providing them with support and spiritual strength and promoting devotion to the Rosary among all the faithful. All materials and instructions will be provided and a Zoom virtual tutorial will also be scheduled. Anyone interested should contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins, Director of the O ce of Family Life at cdaverso@diometuchen.org.

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Fundraisers

Oct. 20, 11 a.m. -- Hope Through Education will hold a golf outing and dinner at Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster. After registration, a shotgun start at noon; cocktail and reception dinner at 5 p.m. Hope Through Education is a not-for-profi t organization that provides economically disadvantaged children scholarships to attend high quality, values-based K-12 schools. 100 percent of the profi ts of the golf outing will be donated to the organization. Fee is $600 per golfer (includes lunch and dinner); and $250 per person for reception and dinner only. Various other sponsorships of golfers and dinner are available. RSVP by Oct. 10. www.hopethougheducation.org

Oct. 22, 6:30p.m. – BINGO, sponsored by the St. Jude Ladies Guild, St Jude Church, McNulty Hall, 7 Eisenhower Rd., Blairstown. Hot dogs, soda, coffee and other refreshments available for purchase. No one under 18 admitted. For more information, contact Gladys

at (862)220-2693.

Oct. 22, 9 to 12 p.m. – Gazebo at Merrill Park, Colonia. Life Choices Resource Center, Metuchen, will hold its annual Walk BIG for Life! There will be faith, fun, food and festivities for all to celebrate and support life. Participants will be “Walking with Moms in Need.” Meet new Student Ambassadors. Confi rmation and community service hours will be given to all students who volunteer and/or participate in the walk. Donations and registration may be made at lifechoicesrc.com or by calling (732) 516-0911.

Oct. 28, 6 p.m. – The Knights of Columbus Council at St. Bernadette Parish, 20 Villanova Rd., Parlin, will host “Trunk or Treat.” Proceeds to benefi t the Dowdell family. Enter your vehicle or come in a costume. Registration is $10. First, second and Best place awards will be given, as well as a People’s Choice award. 50/50, raffles and music.

Phone: 732-529-7934E-mail: ads@diometuchen.org

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“Come, Follow me.” (Mark 10:21)

Is God calling you to serve as a priest, religious sister or brother? If you think maybe . . .

Contact the Office of Vocations: (732)562-2453 or e-mail: vocations@diometuchen.org

Diocese-sponsored hospital earns ‘High Performing’ ratings for care

NEW BRUNSWICK — Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital for 202223 by “U.S. News & World Report,” the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer ad vice.

The annual Procedures & Con ditions ratings, now in their eighth year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective proce dures. These ratings extend the “U.S. News” mission of providing con sumers with patient decision support beyond the Best Hospitals rankings, which are geared toward complex spe cialty care. Saint Peter’s earned “High

Performing” ratings in COPD (Chron ic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Hip Fracture, Acute Kidney Failure and Lung Cancer Surgery in recogni tion of care that was significantly better than the national av erage, as measured by factors such as patient outcomes.

“High Performing” is the highest rating U.S. News awards for those types of care.

areas is a nod to our dedicated team of clinicians who treat those with such conditions, while also offering pa tients the confidence they seek while exploring the variety of healthcare op tions available to them.”

Leslie D. Hirsch, president and chief executive officer, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System

“Recognition from an external authority, especially one as prestigious as ‘U.S. News & World Report’ is truly an honor and speaks to Saint Peter’s ongo ing commitment to providing the high est quality medical care each and every day,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, president and chief executive officer, Saint Peter’s Healthcare Sys tem. “To be designated among the top in the nation in these specific practice

For the 2022-2023 Best Hospitals rankings and ratings, “U.S. News” evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 proce dures and conditions. Fewer than half of all hospitals received any High Per forming rating, and only four earned this rating in all procedures and con ditions. State and metro area rankings reflect the highest performing hospi tals in the area across multiple areas of care.

“When patients are considering their options for care, the Best Hos pitals ratings are designed to help them identify hospitals that excel in the kind of care they may need,” said Ben Harder, the publication’s chief of health analysis and managing editor. “A hospital that’s earned a High Per forming rating in a service may be a good option for patients in need of that service and their medical profession als to consider.”

The “U.S. News” Procedures & Conditions methodology is based en tirely on objective measures of quality

such as survival rates, patient experi ence, and how successfully each hos pital helps patients get back home.

For more information, visit Best Hospitals and use #BestHospitals on Facebook and Twitter

“To be designated among the top in the nation in these specific practice areas is a nod to our dedicated team of clini cians who treat those with such conditions, while also offering patients the confidence they seek while exploring the variety of healthcare options available to them.”

Leslie D. Hirsch