September 5, 2019

Diocese welcomes new director of Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry, pages 7-8

Spirit atholic C THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 • VOL. 24 NO. 15 • $2.00

Father Timothy A. Christy gives the homily from the ambo at the annual opening of the school year Mass for at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Kendall Park. See Back to School section, pages 13-25.

— Mike Ehrmann photo

Educators in diocese encouraged to nurture faith of their students

By Christina Leslie Correspondent KENDALL PARK — “What you have signed up for publicly is not going to be easy, but possible,” Father Timothy A. Christy warned the congregation of Catholic school teachers seated before him in

St. Augustine of Canterbury Church Aug. 27. “You are asked to proclaim in word and deed what we love, who we love: Jesus Christ. The way we pass on his way of life is Catholic education.”

Father Christy, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia, presided at the annual Mass for diocesan teachers

and was the keynote speaker at a brunch.

He was assisted by priests who serve at diocesan and parish schools.

As teachers greeted one another after their summer apart and filled the pews, Ellen F. Ayoub, secretary for education, diocesan Departmemt of Education, explained why the opening liturgy was so

impactful, noting, “This is who we are.

Our core is our Catholic identity, and this is the best way to start the school year.”

Father Christy prompted laughter during his homily as he described awaiting word from Bishop James F. Checchio, obligated to attend an urgent Continued on page 6

INSIDE Perspectives Our Faith

On the Border

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Around the Diocese

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Diocesan Events

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Classifieds

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Members of Hillsborough parish make service trip to assist migrants in Texas...3 This issue was mailed on September 3 Your next issue will be September 19

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Make time to ‘come away and rest awhile’ with Lord

UP FRONT

My dear brothers and sisters,

Bishop James Checchio One of the Lord’s imperatives to His first disciples was “Come away with me and rest awhile.” As we come to the end of summer, I hope you were able to find some time to relax and be renewed during this wonderful season.

Like many of you, while growing up, my brothers, sisters and I always enjoyed going down the shore in the summer. The beach, the boardwalk with its rides and snacks, fishing and crabbing, and seeing summer friends were all things we looked forward to. And I fondly recall during some of those years going to daily Mass in late afternoon at the Christian Brothers residence in Ocean City.

Having spent many years either studying at or involved in administration of the North American College in Rome, the summer always provided

some welcomed extended down time for me. It gave me time to relax, rejuvenate, and extra time to be with Our Lord.

This past summer, I was able to spend some time with my family at the shore, but also enjoyed trips with different groups of friends to the Midwest and New England. Here in Metuchen, I was also grateful for the slower pace of the last several weeks as it gave me the opportunity for different pastoral activities. Indeed, during my past three summers here in our diocese I have been able to make pastoral visits to places I am not able to fit in my schedule during the rest of the year filled with so many confirmation Masses, school visits, and administrative responsibilities.

The summer has allowed me to visit some of our parishes for daily Mass, and to visit with religious communities, as well nursing homes and prisons in our diocese. It is always so moving to celebrate the Eucharist at these places. I have no doubt that I receive more than I give during these visits. The conversations are always uplifting, and the joy real.

Of course, Jesus’ invitation to “come away with me and rest awhile”

The Bishop’s Appointments

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Bishop James F. Checchio has announced the following appointments effective immediately: Rev. John Grimes, appointed to a second six-year term as Pastor of St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge.

Rev. Stanley Gromadzki, appointed to a second six-year term as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, South Amboy.

Rev. Krzysztof Kaczynski, appointed to a second six-year term as Pastor of Our Lady of Victories Parish, Baptistown, and continuing as Pastor of St. Edward Parish, Milford.

Rev. Charles O’Connor, appointed to a second six-year term as Pastor of St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction.

Rev. Czeslaw Zalubski, appointed to a second six-year term as Pastor of St Catherine of Siena Parish, Pittstown.

Rev. Msgr. Joseph Curry, appointed as Parochial Vicar, St. Matthias Parish, Somerset, effective Sept. 9.

Rev. Peter Cebulka, C.O., appointed as Head of School, St Ann School, Raritan, while remaining as Parochial Vicar, St. Ann Parish and Financial Administrator, Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, Raritan, effective July 1.

Rev. Kevin Kelly, C.O., appointed as Parochial Vicar, St. Joseph Parish, Raritan, with development of Latino outreach in Raritan, effective July 8.

Deacon Lawrence Duffy, assigned to Diaconal Ministry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bernardsville, effective July 8.

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is an invitation to grow closer to Him through prayer and the summer gives us time for that, too. I am grateful that I was able to spend several days at a Christian Brothers Retreat House this summer. Being by the water is very meditative for me, so I enjoyed praying by the ocean at the Christian Brothers house, while visiting with my family down the shore and at the lakes in the Midwest, where this summer I visited friends in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Our Lord must have found speaking with the Father less distracting at a lake, too, as He spent much time on the Sea of Galilee where He called so many of His disciples who were fishermen.

Although I am sad to see the summer come to a close and am grateful for all the opportunities we all have had to spend more time with the Lord throughout this season, I pray that we will make time in the coming seasons to “come away and rest awhile” in Our Lord’s presence.

As the end of summer also signals the beginning of a new school year, I am mindful of the great movement taking place to open our schools for our youth.

On my morning walks through town here in Metuchen, I see workers getting Campbell Elementary School ready to open, while the other early morning one of the brothers at Saint Joseph High School was working in the garden to beautify the campus, and our cathedral staff assiduously prepares St. Francis School to open. I am so grateful for all those who make our Catholic schools such great places for our children to grow in knowledge and in the faith: priests, religious, parents, our generous

teachers and administrators, benefactors and the youth themselves. I pray that everyone got some rest this summer, and that during the upcoming year they may learn anew the importance of resting in the Lord.

Throughout the year, the chapel in my residence is a blessing and oasis for me, a place where I am rejuvenated daily by resting with the Lord. I know the St. John Neumann chapel in our Diocesan Pastoral Center is likewise a place where many come to spend time in daily adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and daily Mass. When you are in the Piscataway area, or even make a special trip, I encourage to come by between 9 and 11:30 a.m. to our center.

Our Lord awaits you!

It is very heartening, too, and I am truly grateful that in so many of our parishes our Lord is present in Eucharistic Adoration. If He was adored at each moment of each day somewhere throughout our diocese; we would receive abundant Blessings from our resting in Him! Our Lady shows us the way to her Son, as she rested with Him each day, even when she did not understand all that was going on in His life or hers, and even when a sword pierced her heart. Mary always leads us to her Son, who always awaits us. Be assured I am bringing you in prayer to Him through her, and I ask you to do the same for me.

God bless you all.

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

The Bishop’s Schedule Sept. 6 Sept. 6 Sept. 7 Sept. 8 Sept. 8 Sept. 9 Sept. 11 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 13 Sept. 14 Sept. 15 Sept. 15 Sept. 17 Sept. 17 Sept. 19 Sept. 21 Sept. 22 Sept. 22

10 a.m. School Visit and Blessing at St. Ann School, Raritan 7 p.m. Confirmation at St. Joseph Parish, North Plainfield 4 p.m. Mass for the 75th Anniversary of the Parish at Corpus Christi Parish, South River 9 a.m. Mass at Parish of the Visitation, St. John the Baptist worship site, New Brunswick

10:30 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, New Brunswick 8 a.m. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations Meeting, Washington D.C. 10:30 a.m. Priest Personnel Board Meeting, St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway – private event noon Jubilarian recognition for Men and Women in Consecrated Life in the Diocese, St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway 5 p.m. Confirmation at St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Skillman 10 a.m. School Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle, Old Bridge 5 p.m. Mass at St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction 9 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Parish, North Plainfield 10:30 a.m. Mass of Installation of Pastor at St. John the Evangelist Parish, Dunellen 10 a.m. New Jersey Board of Bishops Meeting at the Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic, Woodland Park, NJ 7 p.m. Confirmation at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Sayreville 11:45 a.m. Mass at McAuley Hall for the Sisters of Mercy Retreat, Watchung “The Way of St. Juan Diego”Walking Pilgrimage and 6:00 p.m. Concluding Mass for Marian Consecration Walking Pilgrimage at Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale 10 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of the Mount Parish, Warren noon Mass of Installation of Pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Martinsville

For updates on Bishop Checchio's schedule visit: http://diometuchen.org/bishop/schedule

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Image Week

of the SPECIAL FEATURE

Where in the diocese can it be found?

Young adults volunteer to assist migrants

By Michael Atlas “Shocking,” “eye-opening,” and “inspirational” are only a few of the words used by members of St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, to describe their recent service trip to McAllen, Texas.

The group, which consisted of 17 young adults (including myself) and five chaperones, travelled to the southern border city in response to the growing immigration crisis there, and the humanitarian problems it entails. When asked about the young adult ministry’s trip, Father [Francis] Hank Hilton, pastor, St. Joseph Parish, said, “Traveling to serve the worlds’ most vulnerable people – the migrants whom God is forever telling us to tend – can be an exceptionally gracefilled experience. I recommend it for just about anyone who can handle the rigors.

Given all that, I was delighted that our young people would be making a service pilgrimage. And of course, worrier that I

can sometimes be, I was a little nervous.

Clearly, it was a remarkably grace-filled experience for the participants.” Working at both the Humanitarian Respite Center for legal migrants, and a local Catholic church preparing for its dedication Mass, our trip to the border was as much about serving the destitute as it was about spreading compassion, tenderness, and humanity to a place that is in desperate need of all three.

On our first day of service, all members of the group arrived at the Respite Center to find it understaffed and overwhelmed. For our first experience in McAllen, this came as an incredible shock: walking into the shifting sea of desperate, tired, and worn faces was immediately disorienting. As we maneuvered through the crowd to find one of the few regular staff members, we passed through seemingly endless lines of people, careful not to step on the exhausted families sprawled out on mats across the

ground. Eventually, we were all scattered around the building to help wherever we were needed. Some of us were sent to the “pharmacy” counter to hand out hygienic products, some kept order at the showering stations, and others distributed clean clothing to the migrants to replace what their long journey had left dirty and disheveled. Sometimes, a portion of our group would work in the warehouse as well, sorting through the donations that allow the center to provide for so many migrants every day. One volunteer, Emily Lanahan, mentioned that “Seeing so many of the immigrants wearing the shirts that were donated by our parish was very eye-opening. It showed me how every donation counts.”

No matter what our responsibility at the Respite Center was, it always felt urgent and important, as if the well-being of the massive crowd was dependent on us. Consequently, leaving at the end of the day was always a challenge. Marc Acocella, a member of our team, stated how “Everyone in our group wanted to stay and felt guilty about leaving, which was an amazing sign of how much we loved the work and the people.” Another volunteer, Stephanie Wickman, noted, “By the end of the week the center felt like home and each day it got harder and harder to walk away at night.”

While working at the Respite Center, I received the special opportunity to interview one of the migrants: a man and his young daughter from Honduras who was travelling to family in Virginia. Due to the terrible living conditions in Honduras, combined with a lack of jobs, they Continued on page 10

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SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

— photo courtesy of John Lanahan

— photo courtesy of Caroline Pabst

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Volunteers from St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, sort clothes at the Humanitarian Respite Center in McAllen, Texas.

The volunteer group from St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, poses at the border fence in Texas.

4 OUR DIOCESE

Diocese of Metuchen addresses sentencing of Father Ganley PISCATAWAY – Fr. Thomas Ganley, who pleaded guilty in April to sexual assault, was sentenced today to four years in prison.

The former part-time parochial vicar at St. Philip and St. James and part-time chaplain at St. Luke’s Warren Campus Hospital, both in Phillipsburg, was previously identified on the list of names of clergy currently under investigation by civil authorities as released by the Diocese of Metuchen in February of this year.

“The allegations against Fr. Ganley, which were first made known to the Diocese of Metuchen once he was arrested on January 16, are very sad, disturbing and sickening,” said Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., spokesperson and chancellor of the Diocese of Metuchen. “As in all circumstances involving the protection of young people, the Diocese of Metuchen has cooperated fully with law enforcement,” said Kearns.

Previous to this case, the diocese had never received any allegations against Fr. Ganley and he has had no prior contact with the legal system, according to Kearns.

“While his crime is nearly 30 years old, the survivor of his abuse deserves healing and we hope his sentencing and the justice it brings will help to facilitate the healing process,” said Kearns.

The Most Rev. James F. Checchio, Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen said, “Our hearts ache for this survivor and on behalf of the local Church of Metuchen, we are committed to the healing and welfare of all survivors of abuse. These criminal and

sinful actions will not be tolerated, now or in the future, we stand ready to provide pastoral care, counseling assistance and support, even while ensuring that we do all that can possibly be done to avoid such actions in the future.”

Fr. Ganley was immediately suspended from all priestly ministry, the parishes where he had served were informed of the news and Bishop Checchio made an almost immediate pastoral visit to the parish where he was last stationed.

Fr. Ganley was immediately taken into custody at the sentencing. As part of his plea, Fr. Ganley will also be required to have no contact with the victim or the family of the victim and no unsupervised contact with any child under age 18. He will be required to register as a Megan’s Law sex offender.

“In addition to his criminal charges, his case will be forwarded to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith at the Vatican to continue the Church’s process to ensure that he will not be able to minister as a priest in the future,” said Kearns. “No cleric in the Diocese of Metuchen who has had a credible accusation of child sexual abuse is in ministry,” he said.

In 2002, the Diocese of Metuchen examined all clergy files to review any reasonably available and relevant information pertaining to allegations of sexual abuse, in an audit conducted by an outside law firm and the diocesan chancellor.

As a result of that audit, the diocese

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

WORLD & NATION

turned over to law enforcement every alleged case of sexual abuse or misconduct, including cases that pre-dated the founding of the diocese, most of which took place between the 1960s and 1980s but only came to light much later. Since the initial audit, the diocese has required background checks, child protection training for all who work or volunteer with children and has implemented zero-tolerance policies.

An additional review of diocesan archives, done by an independent, outside law firm, was completed to prepare the list of credibly accused clergy released this past February. The list of 10 priests and 1 deacon included a review of the files of the 344 diocesan priests who have served in the history of the diocese.

In addition to the many measures already in place to create safe environments in its parishes and schools, the Diocese of Metuchen also relies on a Review Board.

The board consists of 9 members: two medical professionals, one psychologist, two former judges, one former county prosecutor, two members of the clergy, and one survivor of clerical sexual abuse. The Diocesan Review Board reviews every accusation as soon as it is received, unless there is an active criminal investigation.

Upon the completion of every criminal investigation, should the civil authorities deem the matter not to be criminal or barred by the statute of limitations, the board conducts its own investigation and analysis to determine the credibility of the

allegations. The board then makes its findings and recommendations known to the diocese and the bishop then takes all necessary and appropriate action.

To facilitate healing and transparency, the Diocese of Metuchen published a list of all diocesan priests with credible accusations on its website. Combined, these actions seem to be achieving the desired results, as it has been decades since the diocese has had a minor abused in one of its parishes or schools, according to Kearns.

The Diocese of Metuchen is among the five Catholic dioceses in N.J. that established an Independent Victim Compensation Program to compensate those who, as children or young adults, were sexually abused by a priest or deacon of the diocese.

The statewide program is being independently administered by two noted victims’ compensation experts and aims to support abuse survivors by providing them with an efficient alternative to litigation that is both speedy and transparent, to resolve their claims with a significantly lower level of proof and corroboration than required in a court of law. Since its founding thirtyeight years ago in 1981, the Diocese of Metuchen has paid approximately $1.5 million dollars in settlements.

Anyone who has been sexually abused by any clergy in the Church, is encouraged to reach out to local law enforcement and the Diocesan Response Officer at (908) 930-4558 to report an offense or arrange for counseling assistance.

Compiled from the Catholic News Service

Pulitzer Prize winner, baptized Catholic dies

Vatican confirms hilltop shrine at youth festival

WASHINGTON — Toni Morrison, award-winning author of 11 novels whose words brought to life the experiences of African American women, died Aug. 5 at age 88 in New York due to complications from pneumonia. “We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language.

That may be the measure of our lives,” she said in 1993 when she became the first African American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. The award came five years after she won the Pulitzer Prize for her book “Beloved,” which centers on the life of an enslaved woman and was inspired by a true story. Morrison received the National Humanities Medal in 2000 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012. She was born in Lorain, Ohio, with the name Chloe Ardelia Wofford. When she became Catholic at age 12 and chose the name Anthony, after St. Anthony of Padua as her confirmation name. Anthony then became her middle name and was shortened by family members to Toni. She started using this as her first name when she was a student at Howard University in Washington, D.C. In 2015, she told Terry Gross of NPR’s “Fresh Air” that she did not have a structured form of religion at the time, but

WARSAW, Poland — Vatican representatives joined the first officially approved Church festival at Medjugorje, three months after Catholic pilgrimages to the site were authorized by the pope. “We are called to share the difficulties of our contemporaries and we have a responsibility to care for them,” Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for New Evangelization, told 60,000 young people from 97 countries Aug. 5. “For something to happen, we have to offer something: our poverty, our misery, our borders, our contradictions.

But God will change all that because God works miracles,” he said during the final evening of Mladifest, or Youth Festival.

Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, papal vicar of the Rome Diocese, formally opened the event Aug. 2. Meanwhile, the pope’s apostolic visitor to Medjugorje, Archbishop Henryk Hoser said the hilltop shrine had become “a place of meeting and knowing,” adding that “the secret of Medjugorje” was “an invisible reality, but intense and very present.” More than 40,000 apparitions have been claimed over 38 years at Medjugorje, where six teenagers reported first seeing an appari-

Toni Morrison, award-winning author of 11 novels whose words brought to life the experiences of African American women, died Aug. 5, 2019, at age 88 in New York due to complications from pneumonia.

Shown in a Nov. 3, 2010, photo, Morrison became Catholic at age 12.

—CNS photo/Philippe Wojazer, Reuters

she added: “I might be easily seduced to go back to church because I like the controversy as well as the beauty of this particular Pope Francis. He’s very interesting to me.”

The sun sets behind a statue of Mary on Apparition Hill in Medjugorje, BosniaHerzegovina, in this Feb. 26, 2011, file photo. Senior Vatican representatives joined dozens of bishops and hundreds of priests at the first officially approved church youth festival at the site Aug. 2-6, 2019, three months after Catholic pilgrimages were authorized by the pope.

— CNS photo/Paul Haring

tion of Mary June 24, 1981 while herding sheep.

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD Lately, there has been a lot of talk about the “New Evangelization.” To what does this phrase refer? It is an effort by priests, deacons, religious and laity to renew Catholics whose faith is stagnant. Many of these are practicing Catholics who do the minimum. They attend Mass regularly but their faith turns off when the liturgy ends. Once their faith is awakened and dynamic, these same individuals, in turn, go out and share their faith with non-practicing Catholics who feel marginalized, estranged from or hurt by the Church.

At the heart of the New Evangelization then, the question remains: “What role does an average Christian, a layperson, have in the Church’s mission to ensure that every man and every woman has a real, living opportunity to encounter Jesus?” Furthermore, “how can others encounter the risen Christ through you?”

them. You seek something for them first.

Not from them, for them. You are seeking their fulfillment, the very best for them, in this life and in the life to come. Everyone is called to justification, that is, to salvation. What you, laypeople, are seeking is to help them respond affirmatively to that calling. You need to approach each person with this attitude of reverent attention.

Your reverence is an essential part of your proclamation of the Gospel, even if you never put it into words. They will know.

They will recognize it.

Because of your reverence, because you know that human beings are created and redeemed by God’s love, you take very seriously anything that threatens or limits truly human freedom or dignity.

This is what so many volunteers from Catholic Charities are doing at immigrant shelters along the southern border of the United States.

The witness of the Christian life is the first and irreplaceable form of the New Evangelization. What does it mean to share like that? The late Emmanuel Celestin Cardinal Souhard, Archbishop of Paris, had a wonderful way of expressing this. He wrote, “To be a witness does not

consist in engaging in propaganda but in being a living mystery. It means to live in such a way that one’s life would not make sense if God did not exist.”

That is really what it means to be a witness. You may think, partly because of your culture that says you do not talk about these things in public, that this is purely private. You may believe that it is unacceptable for you to share an experience of God with people who have not had this experience. Many of these same people are longing for the hope, for the healing, for the goodness, for the grace that you have experienced in and through your encounters with Jesus. These people may not even know it’s possible. You would be amazed at how many people might respond if you would simply share the hope that rises in those instances where your life would not have made sense had God not existed, had his love not touched your lives.

This witness, this sharing of your encounters with the risen Christ, this is the New Evangelization, which you, the laity, are needed to provide to sustain the life of the Church.

Father Comandini is managing editor of The Catholic Spirit.

PERSPECTIVES

Body & Soul

You live in a post-Christian world where millions and millions of your neighbors could go through their entire lives very easily without any kind of meaningful contact with Christianity, with Jesus, with the Church. Moreover, they do not have to go out of their way to avoid it either.

They were raised outside the Church.

Maybe no one in their family had any kind of living faith; maybe none of their friends did. They may work in a place that is even openly hostile toward anything that sounds like religion. Perhaps they are even living in an environment that would actively discourage anyone from asking questions about faith.

“In such a world, how on earth is a gap like this to be bridged?” In all likelihood, the only ones who are going to be able to do this are lay people. You look just like anybody else. You are there in their workplace. You are members of their families. You are their friends. You are the ones through whom they can meet the risen Christ.

“How can you help other people encounter Jesus?” First of all through your reverence toward them and toward all people. You do not approach them to fix

5

New Evangelization of Church begins with you, laity

Heroism and priesthood, Dachau and Amazonia The Catholic Difference

By George Weigel

slave labor, and a beautiful wooden crozier was carved in the camp by a Trappist monk-prisoner.

Shortly before Christmas 1944, the priestly ordination of Karl Leisner was secretly conducted by Bishop Piguet, with a Jewish violinist in the camp providing music outside the hut-“chapel” to divert the attention of the camp guards.

Father Leisner was too ill to celebrate a first Mass immediately after his ordination but managed to do so on the feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr, December 26. A fellow priest who would later become auxiliary bishop of Munich, Johannes Neuhausler, later described the scene: “On this, the greatest day of his life, [Karl Leisner] stood at the altar [in the prison barracks], far from his mother and father, his brothers and sisters and his friends. He wept and we wept with him.

Silently, behind closed doors, we took some photographs of this first Mass so that the parents could see at least the picture of their son celebrating his first Mass in the concentration camp at Dachau.”

Mortally ill when the Dachau camp

was liberated by the U.S. Army on April 29, 1945, Karl Leisner died in a sanatorium outside Munich three months later.

He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1996, along with another priest-martyr, Bernhard Lichtenberg, the heroic, antiNazi provost of the Berlin cathedral.

Might that grainy picture of Father Hans Leisner, properly vested for Mass in a hellish death-factory on the outskirts of Munich, be displayed during October’s Special Synod for Amazonia, which will consider (among other things) the nature of the priesthood in the Catholic Church?

Might the example of Blessed Karl Leisner inspire white, European-descended Latin American priests, historically reluctant to work with the indigenous peoples of the Amazon Basin, to transcend their racial and ethnic prejudices in order to evangelize, catechize, and bring the sacraments to native peoples?

The heroes of Dachau’s priest-barracks found a way to keep sacramental life alive, in full fidelity to the Church’s tradition. Is that impossible in Amazonia? Or elsewhere?

How to report abuse If you were sexually abused by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to law enforcement and/or by contacting the Diocesan Response Officer at (908) 930-4558 (24 hours/7 days a week).

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

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

In late June I visited the concentration camp at Dachau, located in a wooded suburb a few miles from downtown Munich. The camp site struck me as rather too neat: virtually all of the huts in which hundreds of thousands of prisoners lived, starved, and died are gone, and the atmosphere, despite a blistering hot afternoon, was antiseptic. There was little of the miasma of raw evil that remains at Auschwitz and Birkenau, even though Dachau was the prototype for those extermination factories. The Dachau camp site’s Chapel of the Agony of Christ, built after the war, is touching. But, to my mind at least, its stark modernism somehow fails to register the suffering it is intended to commemorate — and transfigure.

Dachau was, for years, the “world’s largest rectory” or “the world’s largest monastery,” for it was there that the Thousand Year Reich consigned more than 2,500 Catholic priests: almost 1,800 Poles, over 400 Germans, more than 150 Frenchmen, as well as Czechs, Slovaks, Dutchmen, Belgians, Italians, Luxemburgers, Yugoslavs, and clergymen from 10 other countries. That these men managed to maintain forms of sacramental

life — celebrating clandestine Masses, distributing holy Communion surreptitiously and hearing confessions — while nursing and otherwise comforting prisoners being worked and starved to death is a story that should be told time and again in every seminary in the world.

As should the story of Blessed Karl Leisner.

A candidate for Holy Orders in the Diocese of Muenster who worked with young people in defiance of the Nazis, Leisner had been ordained a transitional deacon before being arrested and consigned to Dachau in 1940. There, the tuberculosis he had contracted shortly after his diaconal ordination went active, and over the next four years he wasted away. Then, in late 1944, a new prisoner arrived at Dachau’s “priest barracks,” the French bishop of Clermont-Ferrand, Gabriel Piguet. A secret exchange of correspondence ensued between the Frenchman, Cardinal Michael Faulhaber of Munich, and Bishop Clemens von Galen of Muenster, with an eye to finding a way to ordain Karl Leisner a priest before he died.

The paperwork was completed and smuggled into the camp (along with the necessary holy oils) by Josefa Mack, the “Angel of Dachau,” who would later become Sister Maria Imma, SSND. The prisoners clandestinely fabricated everything else needed for the ordination, including the full (and complex) episcopal regalia of the time. The pectoral cross was made at the nearby Messerschmitt plant where Dachau prisoners worked as

6

Teachers gather for annual opening of school year liturgy, brunch

OUR DIOCESE

Continued from page one

legal meeting, whether he would need to celebrate the Mass in the bishop’s stead.

Father Christy’s pinging phone early that morning, he reported, was not a call from the bishop, but rather a text message from a national coffee chain that summer was over and it was time to buy pumpkin spiced lattes.

“Some lament this day,” the vicar general said, “but hopefully there is a sense of anticipation and expectation to the beginning of school, not business as usual. You have accepted a position, signed a contract, made a public declaration, for our Church and its Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.”

Quoting the Gospel of St. Matthew (23:23-26), Father Christy reminded the teachers they must “clean the outside of the cup and dish,” but do not neglect to clean the inside, that is, our hearts, first.

“Inside is where Jesus attracts our attention. Where are you in relationship with God?” he asked. “It is the only thing that matters. You might be able to fool some of the people some of the time, but can’t fool them all the time, nor should we.”

Father Christy noted that Aug. 27 is the feast day of St. Monica, mother to St. Augustine of Canterbury, the host parish’s patron saint. St. Monica prayed for years for the conversion of her wayward son, and God heard her tears and turned the saint’s heart towards him. Some of the

children in their charge were the same, the priest said wryly.

“We have to respect the fact that sometimes people take a long time to say yes, but we don’t give up on them. Monica didn’t give up on her son,” Father Christy said. “As we begin our new school year … we must have authentic love for God. It will shape everything we do.

“We have to love these young people God brings to us: into our classrooms, onto our sports fields, into our drama clubs,” he said. “We have to love them as unruly and unlikeable as some of them are. This doesn’t mean we accept bad behavior, but accept where they are.

They are a child of God made in his image and likeness.

“We have Catholic schools because we believe in eternal life,” Father Christy concluded. “We cannot do it by ourselves.

Jesus wants you to teach, to guide, to go the extra mile, because he loves you. It is the pathway to our new life.”

Church bells pealed vigorously on the plaza as teachers filed into St. Augustine School next door for the brunch and keynote. Some shared their excitement at the start of another school year.

Janine DeAngelo-Mustillo, a teacher at Immaculata High School, Somerville, reflected upon the Mass, saying, “This is what we are supposed to be doing. The Church teaches us to pray,” while fellow IHS teacher Jill Kerekes added, “It is im-

Above, teachers and principals listen to the homily by Father Timothy A. Christy (right) at the opening of the school year Mass at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Kendall Park.

— Mike Ehrmann photos

portant to launch the school year with a Mass. Jesus is the source and summit and reason for our Catholic faith.”

“I love this Mass,” said Colleen Paras, a teacher at St. Augustine School.

“We celebrate the good things of Catholic schools, its community and focus on Christ’s heart.”

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When Allan Caballero received a call offering him the diocesan position, director of the Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry, he was with his family at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Fatima, Portugal.

“I was so excited and grateful to begin a new journey and to use my experience and education to advance the mission of our local Church,” he said.

“We are very excited to have Allan join our team,” said Jennifer Ruggiero, who heads the diocese’s Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life. “He comes to us with diocesan administrative and leadership experience as well as a passion for ministry and missionary work.

He is eager to work with our growing Hispanic community to help integrate them into the life of the diocese, our parishes, schools and the various other ministries, while fostering a culture of discipleship and unity.

Born and raised in Ecuador, Caballero did not become a Catholic until he was 16. “My family’s faith was based solely on our culture, not a personal relationship with the Lord,” he said.

His life, however, changed when he attended a Catholic Youth and Young Adult retreat. “My new faith led me to

begin serving the Hispanic community, Rutgers, Caballero began working as which I now do even more. It also moti- an account manager for an investment vated me to take courses in apologetics, and real estate firm in the Greater New Mariology, morality and theology.”

York City area. He did, however, conWhen he was 17, tinue to volunteer in the Caballero moved with archdiocese on various his mother and sister to projects and activities “I was so excited with the Hispanic comPerth Amboy, where his grandmother had been munity, helped plan and grateful living for 50 years. After special events includto begin a graduating from Perth ing conferences and Amboy High School, seminars and assisted new journey he enrolled in Rutgers many parishes with faith Business School, where formation programs and and to use my he earned a bachelor’s spiritual retreats. experience and degree in management Two years later, in and leadership.

2017, the young profeseducation to It was while he was sional learned about and advance the at Rutgers that Cabalapplied for a position at lero met the director of the Archdiocese of Newmission of our evangelization for the ark to lead Stewardship Archdiocese of Newark initiatives in 64 Latino/ local Church.” at a prayer group. He Hispanic parishes. “The —Allan Caballero started to attend archjob was perfect,” Cabaldiocesan initiatives. “I lero said. It required a was so impressed by combination of business what I learned about skills and a commitment working for the Church that while my to advance the mission of the Church ALL STAFF peers where looking for internships at while serving multi-ethnic communiFortune 500 companies, I was looking ties.

CPR/FIRST for job opportunities serving my local During his fiAID rst year in the archdiChurch,” he said. ocese, Caballero led the “Grateful DisTRAINED Not finding a suitable position ciples Stewardship Initiative” in more in the Church, upon graduating from than 30 multi-ethnic parishes adding

OUR DIOCESE

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Ministry director hopes to lead Hispanic community to new Pentecost

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Diocese of Metuchen was home to Hispanic evangelization director Although successful in his archdiocesan position, Caballero decided earlier this year to apply for the Diocese of Metuchen’s position, director of the Office of Hispanic Evangeliza-

OUR DIOCESE

Continued from previous page

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tion and Pastoral Ministry.

“This diocese is very special to me,” Caballero stated, “It has been my home since the day I moved to New Jersey in 2011. My family and I worship at Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Piscataway where I now live with my wife, Veronica, and one-year-old daughter, with a second baby due in September.” Noting that his wife is a pro-life speaker, he said their daughter is named Gianna, after the first working mom to be canonized a saint.

Well qualified for his new position, Caballero is continuing his education to become an even better director. He is pursuing a master’s degree in Catholic Leadership from the Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio), and a graduate certificate for Ministry to Latino Catholics at St. Joseph’s College of Maine in Standish. Both programs are online and designed for people working in pastoral ministry and evangelization.

As the director of the diocese’s growing Hispanic community, Caballero said, “I plan to meet with the pastors and lay leaders in our 24 Hispanic parishes to learn about their expectations of my office when it comes to Hispanic evangelization.” He added that with this information, “in an academic and technical form, my office will create educational opportunities to instruct those who are to work with the Hispanic community in the different parish ministries.”

Caballero said that in his role as the Hispanics’ evangelization director, he will also be working with recent immigrants and serve as the liaison between Bishop James F. Checchio and the community. “My vision is to address the particular needs and challenges faced by those who have recently arrived in our country,” he stated.

Noting that in December the bishop will dedicate the diocese to Jesus through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Caballero said through the intercession he hopes his office “can help bring about a new

Pentecost so that people of various races, cultures and languages can live in unity and solidarity as one Church, the Body of Christ.” For himself he said, “I want to allow God’s love and power to burn more brightly in my life and apostolate, so by the grace of the Holy Spirit, we all can ‘set a fire in the hearts of our world.’”

Devotion to Mary led to new career The fact that Bishop James F. Checchio will dedicate the Diocese of Metuchen to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe on her feast day, Dec. 12, had a “huge impact” on Allan Caballero. The director of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry, who joined the staff last month, said it was one of the reasons he decided to accept his new position.

“I am very devoted to our Blessed Mother and nine years ago consecrated myself to her through the Bonds of Marian Love USA,” he said.

Founded in Colombia in 1999, according to its website, “the Bonds of Marian Love (BML) is a private association of the faithful with a laical, apostolic, missionary and committed charisma.”

As a member of BML, Caballero said he attends daily Mass and prays the rosary each day as well as goes to Eucharistic Adoration once a week. Very involved in the movement, he is a co-founder of Lazos de Amor Mariano (BML) in the United States and has traveled domestically and internationally on mission trips to assist in various BML projects in developing countries.

He has coordinated and participated in the group’s special events including conferences, retreats, and workshops in the archdioceses of Newark, New York, Philadelphia as well as dioceses in South America. He has also helped train and coach fellow BML missionaries.

“The mission of Bonds of Marian Love is to spread the Gospel of Jesus, for the conversion of souls, and to share the total consecration to Jesus through Mary throughout the world to all of God’s children,” Caballero said, adding, “We pray for our bishop, our clergy, and the lay leaders of our Church.”

For information about the Year of Spiritual Renewal and consecration to Our Lady of Guadalupe go to: LightingHeartsOnFire.org

9

One-Day 9-mile Walking Pilgrimage “The Way of St. Juan Diego”

OUR DIOCESE

COME JOIN THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN FOR A

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 in preparation for the Consecration of the Diocese of Metuchen to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

All youth, families and people of faith are invited to participate.

Mass will be celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio

Cost:

$20 per person before Aug. 30 or $25 after Aug. 30.

Location:

Immaculate Conception Parish 316 Old Allerton Road • Annandale, NJ

Timeframe:

10 am to 8 pm

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Some of the stained glass windows at San Juan Diego Church, which was built in El Flaco (Citrus City), Texas, from donated materials and where a group from St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough, volunteered.

— photo courtesy of Caroline Pabst While at the church, group members would organize and polish pews, sweep floors, clean cabinets, and engage in plenty of other tasks to help prepare for its dedication Mass that upcoming Sunday. However, while most hours were spent working, many were spent connecting with the local Catholic community, learning how recent political developments in the area affect the people that live along the border. As a result of the immigration crisis, tensions at the border are high for immigrants and legal citizens

SAVE THE DATE

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WITHOUT

SAVE5,THE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2019 DATE • 7:30PM

YOUR PROOF

1:08AM

SAVE DATE presentsTHE a benefit concert

THE FOUNDATION OF MORRIS OCTOBER HALL / ST. LAWRENCE, SATURDAY, 5, 2019INC. • 7:30PM THE FOUNDATION OF MORRIS HALL / ST. LAWRENCE, INC.

presents a benefit concert

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2019 • 7:30PM THE FOUNDATION OF MORRIS HALL / ST. LAWRENCE, INC.

DATE February11,201911:08AM

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It is very important that you review this proof’s content for accuracy.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2019 Please Note: This PDF is 7:30 P.M. proof quality and may We are not responsible for any errors after proof approval.

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The other site our group volunfaced the choice of either fleeing their teered at was San Juan Diego Church home or living in destitution. So, they — one of four of St. Anne Parish, Petravelled through Central America for ñitas, Texas — that had recently been 20 days, jumping from one bus to an- built entirely from donated materials otherand trudging along on foot when in El Flaco (Citrus City). The church, necessary. He mentioned that while constructed in the poorest section of passing through Mexico, the police the Diocese of Brownsville near the were vicious and threatening, assault- border, was absolutely breathtaking and robbing them ing, a stark contrast to for the little money they working at the Respite carried on their person.

Center. Father Michael Overall, our Clearly, their journey Montoya, pastor, St. mission trip was a struggle, and they Anne Parish, described wore it on their clothes, the mission church as a taught me, as on their faces, and in “miracle,” noting how their voices, but under building such a specwell as many it all was a glimmer of tacular structure in such other group hope. They had made it. a poor area shows how Now, the main dreams everyone deserves the members, of reaching Virginia and chance to worship God how comearning money as a conwith beauty. struction worker, sendAdditionally, Sister plicated the ing some home to supAnn Hayden, who had port the wife and special accompanied us for political situneeds daughter he was a portion of our trip, ation along forced to leave behind. said, “The beginning He plans to eventually of building the dream the border save enough to afford of the San Juan Diego really is. to apply for aLIMITSVisa and community of faith was BE LOUD WITHOUT bring them to America as clearly grand, and it is well, rescuing them from hard to believe that less the poverty and violence than three years later, Front he was blessed to escape. While this is their dream is about to be blessed and only the story of one man, it rings true anointed into a reality, built of confor almost every immigrant at the Re- crete, metal, marble, stained glass, Front spite Center, and is the reason we feel sweat, generous gifts and deeply unicompelled to serve there. fying ritual and prayer.”

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Group from Hillsborough parish makes mission of mercy to border

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MEMORIAL

The Philly POPS® with Conductor Todd Ellison, are pleased to present “Motown’s Greatest Hits” with vocal quartet Spectrum!

GENERAL ADMISSION: TICKET PRICES RANGE $35-$90 Call 215-893-1999 or visit www.ticketphiladelphia.org to purchase.

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The concert will benefit the patients and residents of St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center and Morris Hall.

alike. For example, many parishioners had some form of unpleasant experience with border patrol despite being U.S. citizens, while others had been fully apprehended and detained. Furthermore, the advent of a border wall would only further complicate the lives of these parishioners, many of whom frequently cross the border to visit family residing only a few miles to the South. Other citizens would find themselves inconvenienced by a barrier that cuts through their property, or separates them from their livelihood and place of work. It seemed as if a border wall would only worsen the situation of the poor residing in the McAllen area, making their lives harder in a multitude of ways.

Overall, our mission trip taught me, as well as many other group members, how complicated the political situation along the border really is.

Nevertheless, it seems as if the immigration crisis is more urgently humanitarian than it is political, as people flock to the United States to escape poverty, violence, and fear, all of which were visible on the faces of the migrants we met.

Danny Esposito, another group member from St. Joseph’s, noted how he “never thought an experience could be so shocking and heartbreaking, while also being so inspirational and rewarding at the same time,” a statement that rings true for all of our volunteers.

Travelling to the border broadened our view of a major political issue facing the country today, as well as reaffirmed the belief that these migrants are innocent people who are in great need of help, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to help them.

Atlas was one of the young adults from St. Joseph Parish who participated in the service trip.

OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

people, who shared great reconciliation with her.

Sister Judith Kubicki, Doctor of For five days in July, musicians from the diocese attended the annual Nation- Music and winner of the NPM Jubilate al Association of Pastoral Musician’s Deo award — the highest award the Association can give — spoke of how (NPM) Conference in Raleigh, N.C. This year’s meeting focused on hymn singing as the liturgical action healing and the healing power of mu- forms the assembly into living out the Gospel. sic in our lives as Roman Catholics.

“Singing the hymns in a variety of A typical day at the conference began with sung Morning Prayer fol- ways can help heal divisions by creatlowed by a keynote speaker, then ing the sonic environment for God’s workshops. Lunch was sometimes transformative healing,” she said.

John Flaherty, campus minister preceded by organ or piano recitals at local churches. A Catholic Publisher at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles gave the Showcase began at closing speech.

2 p.m., followed by “The Sacred After dinner, evening more workshops.

Liturgy is the After dinner, performances ranging source and sumevening performancmit of our lives as es ranging from confrom concerts and Catholics,” he said. Musicians from the Diocese of Metuchen and friends from the Diocese of Trenton certs and worship worship sessions to “All the activities are shown at the annual Chapter Conference Dinner. sessions to benedic— Ed Lyons photo the Church are tion and hymn singbenediction and hymn of to bring us closer ing were held. Jam and the use of “Contemporary Catholic bell concert with the world renowned to Jesus present in singing were held. sessions, where muMusic” in the sacred liturgy.

Raleigh Ringers. The Ringers perthe Eucharist. We as sicians played some Each day, a different Catholic formed a large variety of music from Jam sessions, where Catholics are to emof the “greatest hits” Publisher, (World Library Publica- simple to complex; traditional sacred brace this calling.” of Roman Catholic musicians played tions, Oregon Catholic Press, and to “Bohemian Rhapsody” by the rock The sung Mornmusic, followed late Gregorian Institute in America – GIA group Queen. some of the “greatest ing Prayer experiinto the evening.

Publications) gave a “sing along with Contemporary Catholic composer ences ranged from The conferhits” of Roman us” presentation — demonstrating and performing artist Matt Maher and traditional chanting ence began with an the newest music — and some re- his band gave a powerful evening of side to side as moCatholic music, anointing of the sick working of older hymns with organ, praise and worship centered on the nastic communiliturgy, with many of piano, drums and other instruments to Eucharist. followed late into ties have done for the more than 1,000 showcase what their companies have Attendees also participated in a centuries, to Gospel attendees anointed the evening. to offer. The musicians from around Eucharistic procession, exposition of and Hispanic setwith the oil of the the diocese sat together and shared the Blessed Sacrament and Benedictings of the psalms sick. ideas such as “would this work in your tion all in a “Praise and Worship” Among the keynote speakers was and canticles. parish?” Some answered “yes,” others musical style.

Workshops ranged from reflecFather Jan Michael Joncas, a theolsaid “no.” Pieces from the publisher’s On the final evening, Mass was ogy professor at the University of tions on the Psalms; empowering youth packet were exchanged and brought celebrated at the new Cathedral of the Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind. Father into liturgical ministry; how to teach home to provide the best way to serve Holy Name of Jesus, which has the Joncas, who composed the song “On Sight-reading music to your choir; the needs of the parishes. largest Fisk, tracker pipe organ in the Eagle’s Wings,” was stricken with pa- Psalm writing; resources for children; The evening concerts ranged from United States, and has 11 seconds of ralysis during the Triduum of 2003. He body mapping — healing our pastoral Choral Evensong in the Catholic style reverberation time. shared how important being anointed abilities through mind, body and soul; with an ecumenical choir to a hand Continued on next page with the holy oils in his hospital room, along with friends gathering around his hospital bed and singing, helped him be healed.

“There is a difference between to being healed and being cured,” he said. “I have been healed, and this has had a profound effect on my ministry as a priest.”

Marie Monville, author and Our Dedicated Team can help you with: mother, gave a moving, emotional Estate Planning: Estate Administration: Elder Law: talk about the healing power of music.

Her husband, Charles Carl Roberts IV, □ Medicaid □ Will □ Probate shot 10 girls in an Amish schoolhouse □ Guardianships □ Power of Attorney □ Asset Distribution in Pennsylvania in 2006, killing five of them. He committed suicide as □ Social Security □ Health Care □ Taxes police entered the building to end the □ Estate Planning □ Living Will □ Will Contests standoff. □ Asset Sheltering □ Trusts □ Inventory “I had no idea of what my husband was going to do that day, but □ Asset Protection □ Accounting afterwards, God’s music — especially Cristian A. Ossa, Esq. the Psalms — washed over me and 441 Main St. Call us today for a FREE consultation! helped me to get my family and myThomas M. Wolfe, Esq. Metuchen, NJ 732-548-5400 • www.WolfeOssaLaw.com self back to living life,” she said.

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By William R. Berg

11

Healing power of music focus of annual conference in North Carolina

12

Events at national gathering strike right notes for musicians from diocese

OUR DIOCESE

Continued from previous page

Posing from left, Nick Greco, NPM Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama, the local Or- Metuchen Scholarship Recipient, Bishop dinary, was so moved by the singing he Luis Rafael Zarama, and Bill Berg, NPM said, “This is what heaven must be like! Metuchen Chapter Director.

— Ed Lyons photo Thank you for bringing God’s joy into your communities. It is a tremendous ough, where he serves as director of the gift.”

One of the most enjoyable evening Folk Group and cantor. Greco received his activities was “Beer and Hymns” by Tony Cantor Certification at the convention this Alonzo, a Catholic contemporary com- year.

“There was no division among us, poser. The attendees gathered in a local pub and sang traditional hymns: “Praise to only unity, as we gathered from the U.S., the Lord” “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee” Canada, the Bahamas, England, and Mex“Holy God We Praise Thy Name” all set ico,” Greco said. “We sang in English, to different American musical genres from Latin, Spanish, French, Tagalog and even blue grass, and jazz, to swing and rock Vietnamese.

“The week was nothing short of and roll. Passers-by might have wondered inspiring.

I felt blessed to be part of this what was going on in there. unforgettable experience and now have For the past five years, the diocesan NPM chapter has offered a scholarship to even more to contribute to Mary, Mother a local, young music minister from a par- of God’s music ministry.”

Berg is director, NPM Metuchen ish to attend the national convention. This Form 276 St. Augustine year’s recipient was Nickolas Greco from Chapter, and music director, Revised 05/2019 of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park.

FISCAL YEAR 2020 Mary Mother of God Parish, HillsborCOUNTY WIDE PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

FISCAL YEAR 2020ThisPUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT FOR USE BY DIOCESE OFFICES OF NEW JERSEY PLEASE NOTE: release must be used in its entirety since it meets all federal regulations. The portions referring to breakfast, snacks or milk should be deleted, if not applicable. Fill in all blanks with the appropriate information.

The Diocese of Metuchen announced today that low cost, nutritious school meals and/or milk will be available to all children enrolled The todaymeals that low cost,milk nutritious lunches and/or milk in the Catholic schools listedSchool below.announced In addition, and/or will beschool provided freeand/or or at abreakfasts greatly reduced priceareto children available whose to all children enrolled school.

In addition, meals, snacks and/or size milkand will income be provided at a from households gross income is atin orthebelow the amounts listed on the household scale free whichor appears below. greatly reduced price to children from households whose gross income are at or below those shown for their household Applications for Free and Reduced Price Meals or Free Milk will be sent to the households of all children enrolled in the listed. size on the income scale below. Applications for Free and Reduced Price School Meals are sent to the householdsschools of Application forms areenrolled availablein atthetheschool school’s website and at your child’s school. all children districts.

EFFECTIVE FROM JULY 1, 2019 TO JUNE 30, 2020 (As announced by the United States Department of Agriculture) HOUSEHOLD SIZE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Each Additional Household Member

FREE MEALS OR MILK Annual

Monthly

Twice per Month

Every Two Weeks

16,237

1,354

677

625

313

21,983

1,832

916

846

423

27,729

2,311

1,156

1,067

534

33,475

2,790

1,395

1,288

644

39,221

3,269

1,635

1,509

755

44,967

3,748

1,874

1,730

865

50,713

4,227

2,114

1,951

976

56,459

4,705

2,353

2,172

1,086

5,746

479

240

221

Weekly

111

HOUSEHOLD SIZE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Each Additional Household Member

REDUCED PRICE MEALS Annual

Monthly

Twice per Month

Every Two Weeks

Weekly

23,107

1,926

963

889

445

31,284

2,607

1,304

1,204

602

39,461

3,289

1,645

1,518

759

47,638

3,970

1,985

1,833

917

55,815

4,652

2,326

2,147

1,074

63,992

5,333

2,667

2,462

1,231

72,169

6,015

3,008

2,776

1,388

80,346

6,696

3,348

3,091

1,546

8,177

682

341

315

158

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Application forms are available at the school’s website and at your child’s school. Applications can be submitted at any

continue within same LEA. In income addition,changes when children Application at theIf aschool’s website and becomes at your unemployed timeforms duringare theavailable school year. household member or thethe household size or during move to a the school year, parents encouragedattoany contact school that all children the properofbenefits. the school LEA, eitherreceive at the beginning the newFor school year or during the child’s school.

Applications can are be submitted time the during the so new officials to determine eligibility, the household must provide the following listed the application: all former LEA’s months, the newonLEA is encouragednames to useofthe school year.

If a household member becomes unemployed or the summerinformation household members; household income received by each household member; type of income; frequency of income such as eligibility determination the previous and carryover householdweekly, size orevery income duringa month the school year, parents two changes weeks, twice or monthly; and theare signature and last four digits offrom the social securityschool numberyear of an child’sThe eligibility status.provided Once determinations adult certifying the information correct. information by parents on are the completed, school encouraged to household contact themember school so that all that children receive the provided proper isthe will be kept confidential andeligibility, will be used only for determining officialseligibility. are required to verify three percent of the approved free and benefits. application For the school officials to determine the household reduced price applications on file. must provide the following information listed on the application: names Foster children, Head Start enrollees, homeless, migrant and runaway children, as defined in 7 CFR 245.2, are categorically eligible for of all household members; incomereceiving received assistance by each housefree meals or free household milk. Households under NJ or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families for their with Federal civil rights law and U.S.(TANF) Department of In SNAP accordance children will of be income; notified of their eligibility for freesuch benefits unless the household notifies school that it chooses to decline hold member; type frequency of income as weekly, Agriculture (USDA) civil the rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its benefits. Households receiving assistance under NJ SNAP or TANF should only submit an application if they are not notified of their every twoeligibility weeks, by twice a month or monthly; and the signature and last with children offices, andcertified employees, and institutions participating a specified date determined by the school. HouseholdsAgencies, that are participants in SNAP or TANF may in or four digitssubmit of theschool social meal security number offorantheir adultchildren household administering USDA programsonaretheprohibited fromapplication discriminating applications usingmember the abbreviated information as indicated school meal and based WIC participants mayisalso be eligible Free and Reduced should theirorchild’s certifyinginstructions. that the information provided correct.

The for information on race,Price color,meals. nationalParents/guardians origin, sex, disability, age,contact or reprisal retaliation for more information. provided school by parents on the application will be kept confidential and will for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or be used only determining eligibility. funded

by USDA. The for school will advise parents of their child’s eligibility within 10 working days of receipt of the application. Any parent dissatisfied with the eligibility determination may contact the school to request an informal conference or may appeal the Foster children, Head Start enrollees, homeless, migrant and runaway Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication decision by requesting a formal hearing. children, as defined in 7 CFR 245.2, are categorically eligible for free for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State to 30Households operating days into theassistance new school year NJ (or until eligibility determination is made, whichever comes first)or local) an where meals orFor freeupmilk. receiving under SNAPa newSign individual child’s free or reduced price(TANF) eligibility the previous year willforcontinue the samewho LEA. they applied benefits.within Individuals are Indeaf,addition, hard ofwhen hearing or or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families forstatus their from children children move to a new LEA, either at the beginning of the new school year or during the summer months, the new LEA is encouraged have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay will be notified eligibility for free benefits unlessfrom the household to use of thetheir former LEA’s eligibility determination the previous school year and carryover the child’s eligibility status.

Service (800) 877-8339.

Additionally, program may notifies the school that it chooses to declineschool benefits.

Households Once determinations are completed, officials are required to verify at three percent of the approved free and reducedinformation price in languages other than English.To file a program on file.NJFor additional information, ________________ _______________________. receivingapplications assistance under SNAP or TANF should contact only submit an be made atavailable application if they are not notified of their eligibility by a specified date complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination determined by the school. Households with children that are certified Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda. participants in SNAP or TANF may submit school meal applications gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter for their children using the abbreviated information as indicated on the addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information school meal application and instructions. WIC participants may also be requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call eligible for Free and Reduced Price meals. Parents/guardians should (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: contact their child’s school for more information. The school will advise mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. parents of their child’s eligibility within 10 working days of receipt of the 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda. application. Any parent dissatisfied with the eligibility determination may gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. contact the school to request an informal conference or may appeal the The following schools participate in one or more of the following decision by requesting a formal hearing.

School Nutrition Programs: National School Lunch Program, School For up to 30 operating days into the new school year (or until a new Breakfast Program, After School Snack Program, Special Milk eligibility determination is made, whichever comes first) an individual Program. Perth Amboy Catholic, Perth Amboy, St. Thomas the child’s free or reduced price eligibility status from the previous year will Apostle, Old Bridge.

Musicians from the Diocese of Metuchen pose after the NPM Conference Eucharist at the Cathedral of the Holy Name of Jesus, Raleigh, N.C. From left, attendees and their parish, William Berg, Chapter Director, St. Augustine of Canterbury, Kendall Park; Bill Alford, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bernardsville; Ann Marie Izzo, Holy Trinity, Bridgewater; Jean Lyons, Our Lady of Fatima, Piscataway; Joan Best-Seamon, St. Matthias, Somerset; David Jules, St. Matthew, Edison; Edna Arguello-Hotchner, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick; Nick Greco, Mary Mother of God, Hillsborough; James Cole, Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station; and Delores Savare, St. Joseph, High Bridge.

Care Center

The Community Health Services Team from Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, is shown at Holy Family Parish, Sacred Heart worship site, New Brunswick. In partnership with the parish, the team provides primary care from the department's 36-foot long licensed ambulatory care center. Staff will next be seeing patients in the Sacred Heart parking lot Sept. 16 and Sept. 28. Appointments can be made by calling (732) 339-7666. Posing in the photo from left: Joan Lynn, APN; Jennifer Ryan, EMT, NHTSA-CPST; Bridgette Smith Perez, LSW, from Sacred Heart; Cheryl Policastro, BSN, RN-BC; Awilda Arvelo, and Michael Richards, EMT, NHTSA-CPST. — Michael Castranova photo

13 BACK TO SCHOOL

BACK TO SCHOOL A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

Meet the Principals

— Jerry Wutkowski Jr. photos of principals above and inside section

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

Six new principals at schools in the diocese gathered for meetings at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, Aug. 14. Posing in the chapel, front row, from left, principals: Jeffrey Martinelli, Immaculate Conception School, Somerville; Debra Ostrowski, School of St. Elizabeth, Bernardsville; Rita Naviello, St. Ambrose School, Old Bridge; Constance Fortunato, Immaculate Conception School, Annandale; and Theresa Pasqua, Holy Savior Academy, South Plainfield. Back row, from left, Father Timothy A. Christy, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia; Ellen F. Ayoub, secretary for diocesan Department of Education; Dr. Bobby Lockwood, superintendent, diocesan Office of Schools; Nancy Tannucilli, principal, St. John Vianney School, Colonia; and Barbara Stevens, assistant superintendent, diocesan Office of Schools. Not shown, Oratorian Father Peter R. Cebulka, head of school, St. Ann School, Raritan Borough.

14 BACK TO SCHOOL

Hunterdon County Immaculate Conception Annandale icsclinton.org 908-735-6334

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Middlesex County St. Joseph, Carteret sjps.net 732-541-7111 St. John Vianney, Colonia sjvs.net 732-388-1662 St. Bartholomew East Brunswick stbartseb.com 732-254-7105 St. Helena, Edison sthelenaedison.org 732-549-6234 St. Matthew, Edison stmatthewtheapostle.com/school 732-985-6633 St. Augustine of Canterbury Kendall Park staugustinenj.org 732-297-6042 St. Francis Cathedral Metuchen stfranciscathedralschool.org 732-548-3107

St. Ambrose, Old Bridge stambroseschool.net 732-679-4700 St. Thomas the Apostle Old Bridge saintthomasob.com 732-251-4812 Assumption Catholic Perth Amboy assumptioncatholicschool.net 732-826-8721 Perth Amboy Catholic Primary School pacatholicschool.org 732-826-5747 Perth Amboy Catholic Upper School pacatholicschool.org 732-826-1598 Our Lady of Victories Sayreville olvnj.com 732-254-1676 St. Stanislaus Kostka Sayreville

sskschool.org

732-254-5819 Holy Savior Academy South Plainfield holysavioracademy.com 908-822-5890

Immaculate Conception Spotswood icsspotswood.org 732-251-3090 St. James, Woodbridge stjamesinfo.org 732-634-2090

Somerset County St. James Basking Ridge sjsbr.org 908-766-4774 School of St. Elizabeth Bernardsville steschool.org 908-766-0244 St. Ann Raritan stannparish.com 908-725-7787 St. Matthias Somerset stmatthias.info 732-828-1402 Immaculate Conception Somerville icsschool.org 908-725-6516

Warren County Saints Philip and James Phillipsburg spsj.org/school 908-859-1244

High Schools St. Thomas Aquinas, Edison

bgahs.org 732-549-1108

Immaculata, Somerville immaculatahighschool.org 908-722-0200 Mount St. Mary Academy Watchung mountsaintmary.org 908-757-0108 Saint Joseph, Metuchen stjoes.org 732-549-7600

To find a Catholic school visit: diometuchen.org/ find-a-school

Only a few months ago, I wrote congratulating the Class of 2019 on their achievements and wishing them our prayers for the journey ahead. Today, I write reflecting on the 2018-19 school year, while also preparing for the 2019-20 school year. As I reflect, the 2018-19 school year had many celebrations.

For example, St. Helena School in Edison celebrated its 50th anniversary, St. Francis Cathedral School in Metuchen celebrated its 90th anniversary, and Mount Saint Mary Academy celebrated its 110th anniversary!

We also celebrated as St. Helena School and St. Thomas the Apostle School were awarded National Blue Ribbons by the United States Department of Education.

As we prepare for the 2019-20 school year the celebrations continue. We celebrate the return of our current school students and families, while welcoming our new students and families. In addition, we join St. Thomas Aquinas High School (formerly Bishop George Ahr) in Edison as they celebrate 50 years and Our Lady of Victories School in Sayreville as they celebrate 130 years! Most importantly, we celebrate the consecration of our diocese to Jesus through Lady of Guadalupe. On Sept. 21, I will join Bishop Checchio and families from throughout the diocese on a 9 Mile Walking Pilgrimage in Hunterdon County. This one day walking pilgrimage is part of the

diocese’s preparation for the consecration of the diocese to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. We invite our school families to celebrate with us and join the pilgrimage and the consecration. Along with these celebrations, we have many exciting initiatives in our schools.

Throughout the past year, our parents, teachers, and students received multiple surveys to provide valuable feedback to our administrators. The surveys were part of the schools accreditation process through AdvancED. In March 2020, a delegation from AdvancED will visit our diocese and several of our schools. The delegation comprises a team of approximately eight Catholic school educators from around the country. They will spend three days visiting our schools, meeting with administrators, parents, teachers, students, and other community members invested in Catholic education.

This past year I embarked on a journey to develop a stronger academic relationship between our schools and Seton Hall University in South Orange. The goal of the relationship was to provide our high school students with greater access to college level classes. We are proud to announce that Immaculata High School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School will be offering Seton Hall University college level classes! We are also partnering with Seton Hall University to provide K-12 teachers with profes-

sional development in the area of Project Based Learning (PBL). Professors from Seton Hall will provide ongoing professional development for our teachers beginning this spring. By adopting PBL, our students will learn critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills by working as a team on a project to solve real-world problems or answering complex questions.

We are also excited that two of our schools have adopted a Classical Education curriculum: St. Ann School in Raritan Borough and Immaculata High School in Somerville. Classical Education is a different approach to learning, recovered from the Catholic Church’s longstanding tradition. Students read classical Greek and Roman texts while focusing on the use of logic and rhetoric to discover the unity of all creation. Students are taught how to think and how to assess reality in a natural way, and they are encouraged to actively pursue knowledge, rather than uncritical acceptance of information.

Finally, the Diocese of Metuchen elementary schools are adopting a new assessment called NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) MAP (Measures of Academic Progress). Students in grades one through eight will join 10.7 million Catholic school and public school students across the nation. We believe that the NWEA MAP will provide a personalized assessment experience that will help students learn, teachers

BACK TO SCHOOL

By Dr. Robert A. Lockwood

15

Schools strive to transform students into disciples

Dr. Robert A. Lockwood, superintendent, diocesan Office of Schools. teach, and administrators lead.

Our school year begins with the Back to School Mass for our teachers and administrators at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church on Aug. 28. Please pray for our school personnel as they prepare for the arrival of our students! As we spend the year celebrating our past achievements, and creating new celebrations, I ask the community to celebrate with us and share in the joy that is Catholic education as we work to transform students into Disciples of Christ.

St. Francis Cathedral School A National Blue Ribbon School 528 Main Street Metuchen, NJ 08840 732-548-3107 www.stfranciscathedralschool.org

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

Tradition, Excellence, Achievement.

BACK TO SCHOOL

16

Priest to help guide St. Ann School

By Alexandra Gillett Correspondent

The first school in the Diocese of Metuchen to offer a Catholic Classical Education K – 8th Grade

“TRAIN THE

D iscover how a Catholic

YOUNG IN

School can inspire your child

THE WAY THEY

Classical Education at St. Ann to be a joyous learner, filled with wonder and awe for all of creation. Our new academic approach allows for students

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

to be formed and immersed in virtue – truth, beauty and goodness – through their everyday curriculum.

To learn more about the school and its new classical education approach, call us at

SHOULD GO; EVEN WHEN OLD, THEY WILL NOT SWERVE FROM IT.” —PV 22:6

(908)-725-7787

St. Ann School, 29 Second Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869 Vi s i t w w w. s t a n n p a r i s h . c o m / s c h o o l s i t e

The title of head of school may not be familiar to many people, but Oratorian Father Peter R. Cebulka is looking forward to serving in that role at St. Ann School, Raritan Borough.

A head of school, Father Cebulka explained, has the broad task of developing a focused vision and assisting with the formation of the teachers while working hand-in-hand with the principal, who carries out the necessary day-to-day responsibilities in the school such as teacher observations and making school policy.

Father Cebulka will also be working on marketing and the financial viability of the school. He intends to do this Oratorian Father Peter R. Cebulka by creating a board for development, — Alexandra Gillette photo marketing and financing and working in other ways to “get the word out” about the school, particularly in its new classi- offering a “different type of environment where faith can be at the center.” cal teaching model.

“How can we raise future citizens Father Cebulka also serves as the provost of the Raritan Congregation with no moral compass and no foundaof the Oratory of St. Philip Neri. The tion to know who they are as a human congregation serves St. Ann Parish and person?” he asked, questioning the Holy Trinity Parish, Bridgewater, and goals of secular education.

When asked how will take responsibilthe classical education ity for the Shrine of the model will factor into Blessed Sacrament in “How can we this mission of Catholic Raritan in October. raise future education, he gave an In addition, Father explanation.

Cebulka has a long record citizens with no enthusiastic “Classical education is of involvement in Cathomoral compass a recovery of an older lic education. He attended that seeks to Sacred Heart Elementary and no founda- tradition educate the whole child School, Mount Holly, and who is a person created in Holy Cross High School, tion to know the image and likeness of Delran. who they are God, not just teach them He earned a bach‘skills.’” elor’s degree in religion as a human It gives them the at Lebanon Valley Colperson?” ability, he continued, to lege, and a master’s de“discover the good, beaugree in liturgical music —Oratorian Father tiful, and true [the divine at the Catholic University Peter R. Cebulka attributes], to reason and of America, Washington, think through a process.

D.C. Through grammar, logic, and rhetoric, He then worked in St. Joseph Parish, Bound Brook as director of music the model helps students uncover their and faculty member at the parish school, natural sense of wonder and discovery where he was vice principal for several and to discover that education is more years. Father Cebulka also earned a than just facts and figures.”

Although he is head of school, Master of Art Degree in elementary eduFather Cebulka still has a great pascation, and completed studies in ecclesiastical history at Seton Hall University, sion for working directly with students.

As such, he has been teaching religion South Orange.

His first parish assignment was as to seventh- and eighth-graders at St. parochial vicar at St. Bartholomew Par- Ann’s this past year, and this year will ish, East Brunswick in 1993. He also be adding sixth grade Latin and sixth, served as the parish school’s principal seventh- and eighth-grade history to his from 1997 to 2000. In 2001, Father responsibilities.

When asked how he came to be Cebulka was appointed chaplain at the Catholic Center at Rutgers, New Bruns- named head of school, Father Cebulka wick. He served as its director from said he was confident in taking the position when the diocese asked him 2004 to 2010.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Father because of the solid show of support Cebulka is a firm believer that “Catholic and encouragement from the diocesan education is the way to form future dis- Catholic Schools Commission for the ciples in an increasingly secular world,” transition to the Classical model.

When this school year begins at Immaculate Conception School, Annandale, the students and faculty will be welcoming a familiar face as its new principal. Constance Fortunato, who has been a teacher at the parochial institution for the past 18, years will be leading the school into the future.

In April, Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, announced the appointment of Fortunato as principal of the Hunterdon County School. In the announcement he said, “As our interim principal since last November, and in a larger sense a fixture of Immaculate Conception since 2005, Mrs. Fortunato has been a passionate educator and dedicated leader.”

When asked what inspired her to become an educator Fortunato responded, “I knew I wanted to be a teacher my entire life. It’s just a God given gift. I believe and I feel inspired to share my educational values, and to encourage others to be lifelong learners.”

Fortunato said there is nothing like watching a child’s face when the proverbial light bulb goes on indicating comprehension or understanding of a task or concept.

In addition, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching at a Catholic school is being

able to instill a love of lifelong learning wrapped in the Catholic Faith. One of her hopes and dreams for the coming school year is to inspire each student to learn to recognize the “footprints of God” in their daily experiences. She said Immaculate Conception School values the unique gifts that each student contributes to our community and encourages each student to share his/her talents.

“It is an honor and privilege to be a part of Immaculate Conception School” she said. “Our approach to teaching is grounded in our Catholic faith. I believe developmentally appropriate practices instills a love of learning supported by a positive school culture. Our school’s vision embraces respect and honesty in an environment with low anxiety, high learning standards and continuous school improvement.”

A respected leader and mentor among the faculty, Fortunato is responsible for launching several innovative programs focused on engaging parents and students in educational advancement. As interim principal for Immaculate Conception, she initiated several community service projects, established a strong communication platform and social media presence, and has focused on new ways to enrich the learning environment for students and faculty. In the spring, under her leadership, four teachers from the school were accepted as fellows into the Center for STEM Education at the

University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind. Fortunato earned a bachelor’s degree in special education and elementary education at Kean University, Union, and is completing a master’s degree in educational leadership at Centenary University, Hackettstown. She and her husband, Mark, who have three grown children, live in Clinton Township and are members of Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale.

She enjoys being active by working out, walking, reading and cooking healthy food.

She is passionate about teaching and growing close to the Blessed Mother.

Reflecting on one of the challenges she will face taking leadership of Immaculate Conception is one that Fortunato said many Catholic schools in the area are facing. “There are many challenges in running a school, but the biggest one right now is rebuilding our school, rebuilding the trust and the commitment to Catholic Education and growing our numbers,” she said.

Immaculate Conception has 280 students enrolled in pre-school to the eighth grade.

“We are a welcoming parish-school community that works together to enthusiastically encourage opportunities for fellowship, friendship, and service to others,” Fortunato said. “The Catholic faith and its teachings are integrated throughout the day and taught directly by teachers and staff.”

BACK TO SCHOOL

By Karen Corpora Correspondent

17

Long-time teacher now leads parochial institution in Annandale

Constance Fortunato The teachers, she added, are devoted to providing a faith-based education and excellent academics.

“Our school offers a well-rounded and high-quality education to all students through differentiated instruction and teacher collaboration,” Fortunato said. “In addition, we promote service to others beyond our community for the common good by participating in service-related activities and programs. While academic excellence is held in high regard, we also understand the importance of taking care of others.”

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

OPEN HOUSE

18 BACK TO SCHOOL

New principal wants to maintain traditions established by religious

By Teresa Murphy Correspondent Jeffrey Martinelli, the new principal at Immaculate Conception School, Somerville, believes Catholic education “is as important now as it’s ever been.”

“The secular world is pushing away an individual’s opportunity for religious practice, religious growth, and I think that Catholic schools allow somebody to be who they really are. Catholic schools provide individuals and families an opportunity to practice their faith in an open environment,” he said.

Martinelli is a Catholic school alumnus himself. He attended St. Joseph of the Palisades elementary and high schools while growing up in West New York, N.J. The role of the Catholic faith in his life is “incredibly strong for me,” he said. “My faith has been the one thing that has really given me perspective on some things that have happened in my life.”

Earlier this year, Immaculate Conception’s former principal, Sister Mary Chapman, left the school along with other Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters (IHM), who were reassigned after serving the elementary school and Immaculata High School for more than 60 years.

“I want to maintain the charisms of

the IHM,” Martinelli said. “We can never forget where we came from. If you follow your charisms, that can help you overcome your challenges. Losing the religious is a tremendous blow. The best thing we can do is maintain the traditions that have identified us as who we are.”

Martinelli is familiar with Immaculate Conception Parish and its school system, having just completed three years as Dean of Students at Immaculata High School. He previously taught English and social studies at St. Joseph of the Palisades High School in West New York, and history at Benedictine Academy, Elizabeth.

The new principal chose to become a teacher after a college professor at Montclair State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history, encouraged him to share his love of the subject.

“I always had a passion for history and talking about history, and discussing it and diving deep into the topic, and one of my college professors really inspired me to want to be a teacher. He explored complex topics that really ignited a passion for me,” Martinelli said.

His years of teaching, he said, help him empathize with the challenges faced by educators.

“It was hard – really hard,” he recalled.

“Even though I had a passion for that subject

[history], my students didn’t, so I had to figure out a way to transfer that excitement from me to them.”

While teaching at Benedictine Academy in 2015, he enrolled in the Catholic School Leadership Program at Seton Hall University, South Orange, and received his master’s degree in education leadership, management and policy in 2017, while working as Dean of Students at Immaculata High School.

Reflecting on the most rewarding aspect of working in education, Martinelli stated, “The satisfaction comes at the end of their journey — when they reach out to you after you’ve worked with them and they outline or they highlight how you’ve impacted them … that’s an ongoing accomplishment.”

Martinelli said he looks forward to working with Immaculate Conception’s faculty, whom he described as a “fantastic group of passionate educators.”

He said he feels prepared for any difficulties that may arise for the school in the coming academic year and years to come.

“Schools always have challenges and you can never predict the challenges,” he said. “That is where your faith really is your anchor. You can overcome the challenges.”

Over the summer, new tiling was installed in the school’s entrance way and other facility upgrades are planned.

Jeffrey Martinelli “We’re looking for a modern, yet professional and traditional aesthetic,” he said.

In addition, Martinelli said he has other positive changes in mind for the school, including launching a robotics program.

He added, “We have a tremendously passionate parent base that I think has the same interests and heart as we do, and that is to bring the school to where we believe it should be, as an institution of excellence.”

Leader seeks to cultivate expression of students’ talents, interests

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Cathy Stevens Correspondent The new principal at St. Ambrose School, Old Bridge, believes that “learning is a journey, not a race,” and that fostering positive classroom relationships and personalized goal setting with her students has brought her success as a teacher and educational innovator.

Rita Naviello joins her new school community as a certified administrator with more than 15 years of experience as an educational leader, mentor, district committee member, and workshop developer.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English education at William Paterson University, Wayne, and a master’s degrees in curriculum instruction and educational leadership supervision at Nova Southern University, Fischler School of Education, Miami.

Naviello credits her initial love of education to her mother, a first-grade schoolteacher who invited her daughter to assist in classroom activities during her younger years. “The classroom was filled with such energy! I loved engaging with children and knowing that I had positively impacted their experience on the days that I attended,” she said.

Early in her career as a middle-school language arts teacher, Naviello saw the necessity of promoting student engagement by providing differentiated learning opportunities. She challenged herself to find approaches to learning that ignited passion and inquiry in students for whom she said “education wasn’t always a top priority.”

“I learned that it was essential to appreciate the unique talents and abilities of all my students,” she said. “They were clear on expectations and contributed to their progress monitoring and goal setting. We celebrated individual milestones, not just those students who arrived at the correct answer first.”

Naviello sought to create a safe haven in her classroom where her students were free to take “educational risks” and knew that mistakes were part of mastery. “I emphasized to my students that I was a support system. I served as a mentor who helped my students to reflect on and redirect from some of their decisions. I was not simply there… to chastise and reprimand.”

Under Naviello’s mentoring, student engagement and academic performance increased significantly. She created curriculum guides and applied methods of rigorous yet diversified student learning goals. She leveraged technological resources to enhance skill modeling and student-centered engagement, while also mentoring novice teachers.

Naviello adopted the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol model to provide interventions for the smooth transition of her bilingual students. Her educational research includes improving literacy through tiered instruction, servicing subgroups with intervention strategies, and utilizing data-driven, best practices to promote a successful tutoring program.

Although Naviello has earned accolades and awards for improving standardized test scores and school improvement projects, what she is most proud of are the

notes of appreciation that she has received from her students, particularly those who lacked confidence or had past negative experiences with education: ‘You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, ‘You taught me in a way that worked for me,’ ‘You made me feel like I wasn’t just a kid that you had to teach.’”

Naviello suggests that teachers can begin to build trust by letting their students know they are human, too. Upon meeting her students for the first time, she shares with them “who I am, my family, my interests, their interests.” She says it resonates with her students when she describes her role as a mother to her children (Gianna,10, and Anthony, 6).

Naviello and her husband, Joseph, are both products of Catholic education through the 12th grade and university levels. They are members of Sacred Heart Parish, Lyndhurst, where their children attend its school.

She feels a Catholic education is important to form a well-rounded student.

“We often focus on rigorous academic practices,” she noted, “but we can’t neglect the advantages of consistently reflecting on practices of our Catholic faith to guide us in our daily interactions…our students are inspired to follow the path of our faith-inspired mission. As educators, it is our duty to create teachable moments that align with these values.”

When asked if she has a guiding philosophy, she replied, “The day we plant the seed is not the day we eat the fruit. We must set out to accomplish our goals with fidelity and consistency, and not be slaves to imme-

Rita Naviello diate gratification…Our focus should be on celebrating small victories that increase our children’s self-confidence.” She added that students should be encouraged to accomplish their own goals, not those of others.

Some of the ideas and plans she is working on include a Positive Behavior Support in Schools initiative focusing on growthmindset and social-emotional approaches to learning, and 20% Project, an initiative that unites all grades under a common goal. The goal is to create lifelong learners by allowing personal interests to guide their exploration and creation of the product. “We value students as individuals and wish to cultivate the expression of their talents and interests,” she said.

As the new principal of the School of St. Elizabeth, Bernardsville, Debra Ostrowski brings a wealth of experience through past positions as a teacher and administrator.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in business education at Montclair State University, she began her journey into education teaching business education at Wall Township High School, Toms River High School South, and Katherine Gibb’s College, Montclair. At these institutions, she enjoyed teaching skills such as typing, shorthand, and data processing.

Reflecting on her decision to become an educator, Ostrowski said, “I liked to help people. As a business teacher I loved teaching skills like keyboarding and accounting — skills that help students to be successful academically and later to earn a living.”

In 1993, she returned to Montclair State to earn a master’s degree in her field, and then in 2001, received a master’s degree in education and training.

In the meantime she taught at Livingston High School.

In 2007, Ostrowski moved to Mount ber of St. Aloysius Parish, Caldwell, is Pleasant Middle School (Livingston excited to finally be a part of Catholic School District), where she worked as education. the business education “Catholic education supervisor of Educais important because it’s tion and Instruction. easy to give children She became principal academic skills, but “I look forward of the school in 2011, that can only take them and that same year, she so far,” she said. “Cathto working with simultaneously served olic education develops all the families, as interim principal for disciples of Jesus by the Elementary School. imparting values. To students, and Last fall she moved to truly educate the whole Riker Hill Elementary child, we need the spiriparishioners, so (Livingston District), tual and the emotional that more people again taking on the role coupled with the acaof principal. Ostrowski demic, developing the can see the explained that, in these whole person.” benefits of the three previous posiWhen asked about tions, she very much the decision to move school and all it enjoyed working with to the School of St. all the stakeholders in Elizabeth, Ostrowski has to offer.” the school to help them explained that she was — Debra Ostrowski to give the children the very excited to leave best chance of success pubic education: “My and ensure they were ministry will be to apalways acting in the ply all the practices students’ best interests. She felt she was learned in public school to the spiritual able to contribute vision and leadership environment of Catholic School.” experience to these settings.

She also expressed some specific This year, Ostrowski, who is a mem- goals in her new position. “I look for-

BACK TO SCHOOL

By Alexandra Gillett Correspondent

19

School leader’s career path turns to developing disciples of Jesus

Debra Ostrowski

ward to working with all the families, students, and parishioners, so that more people can see the benefits of the school and all it has to offer.”

However, she added that the most rewarding aspect of being in education is “seeing a child in that “aha!” moment, using the right keys to make that happen.”

Experienced educator plans to institute new features at academy

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

Theresa Pasqua

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

ents and students to believe it’s all about the aesthetics, Pasqua is quick to list the many ways a Catholic faith-based education is the most important ingredient of all for the some 170 students from prekindergarten through eighth grade who will call the school their home this year.

“Catholic schools really try to give students a solid foundation spiritually and socially,” the new principal asserted.

“They can build strong, moral characterrich academics who learn to be comfortable in their own skin. Faith helps students develop into strong, moral, wonderful people.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Theresa Pasqua, the new principal at Holy Savior Academy, South Plainfield, is quick to tell its students and their parents that this summer’s “Project RENEW” is much more than a fresh coat of paint.

The intensive undertaking, complete with new front landscaping, repainted walls, newly sanded floors and consolidation of learning spaces, “is not only a ‘makeover’ for the school building and grounds, but a way of ushering in a period of growth and renewal,” Pasqua shared in a recent letter to the school community. “It is an acronym for Revitalization, Energize, Nurture, Engage and Welcome!”

Pasqua, a seasoned educator, hails most recently from the vice principal role at St. Thomas the Apostle School, Old Bridge, which last year was one of two in the diocese awarded a National Blue Ribbon School designation. She served that Catholic community for 17 years as teacher, counselor and administrator, all with the intent to enable students to look outside those particular walls into the community.

“I am big on student leadership,” Pasqua admitted, “making them more accountable and responsible. They can lead their peers to try to develop good habits and work to their full potential. There’s a value in service, something bigger than

themselves. They should go outside the St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck. school bubble and learn they can make a She plans to institute a few new difference, go beyond the textbook into a features into Holy Savior Academy. “We life lesson.” will combine our Maker Space [classPasqua attended Catholic schools in room] with the science lab to make a new Brooklyn, N.Y., as a child, and worked STREAM lab, which will be a hands-on as a student teacher in Catholic schools resource room both for children who of the Diocese of Trenton. She earned need a bit more help and for children who a bachelor’s degree in desire enrichment,” she marketing management said. at Pace University, New A popular feature “I am big on York, and spent several at St. Thomas the Aposstudent leaderyears in telecommunicatle School, their outtions before joining the door Learning Garden, ship, making them faculty of St. Thomas might also have a future School in 2003. at Holy Savior, she said. more accountable While working at “Everyone should and responsible.

St. Thomas, she earned be outside more, be master’s degrees in with nature more,” They can lead education and in eduPasqua asserted, and their peers to try cational leadership and noted that the Learnadministration at Georing Garden “taught the to develop good gian Court University, children stewardship of Lakewood; and a docnature, and to reap the habits and work torate of philosophy benefits. We have to get to their full at Capella University, kids into it at a young Minneapolis. age so they can learn potential.”

Meanwhile, Pasqua where their food comes —Theresa Pasqua also was a successful from.” owner of a children’s “Holy Savior party business for more Academy has beautiful than two decades, and served as adjunct grounds; we will investigate grants and professor of reading and literacy in outside monies,” Pasqua concluded, “to Brookdale Community College, Lin- see if we can get [an outdoor learning croft. garden] up and running this spring.”

Pasqua and her husband, Patrick, Lest the many physical improvehave two children and are members of ments at Holy Savior Academy lead par-

20 BACK TO SCHOOL

Parochial school principal enjoys having positive impact on students

By Rosemarie Davis Correspondent Nancy Tannucilli, the new principal at St. John Vianney School, Colonia, points to a career change as a major influence on her outlook on life and faith. “Thirty years ago, if you said to me, ‘What are you?’ I would have said, ‘I’m Irish.’

“But now I have come to a point in my life where my answer would be, ‘I’m Catholic.’

“Everything that I do is really based in faith.”

Working as a Catholic educator was the key to the change. “It has given me the opportunity to live [my faith] every minute of my day. It has always been a big part of who I am but when you work somewhere else you put it to the side a little bit…spending time in a Catholic school really gave me the chance to get in touch with my own faith as well as share it with other people.”

A career in education wasn’t even a thought for Tannucilli when she graduated from Cedar Ridge High School, Old Bridge, and went on to major in political science at Fordham University, Bronx, N.Y. She started out as a legal assistant and planned to go to law school, however, she kept delaying her return to school. She said, “It just never seemed important enough to get back to.” Hav-

ing children caused her to reevaluate to have a greater effect on someone’s her path. She wanted to make a differ- life daily than teaching,” she said. ence, not just have a “job.” Now, as a Having former students return to Catholic educator, she said, “I feel like say that she had a positive effect on it’s a vocation.” Ultimately, Tannucilli their lives is gratifying. “They always did return to school at Seton Hall Uni- remember how you treat them, whether versity, South Orange, and they remember what you earned a Master’s Degree taught them or not.”

"The sense in Education Leadership, As principal, her goal of family in Management and Policy. “I is to promote Catholic edujust fell in love with, not cation. “I want parents to a Catholic just education, but Catholic consider Catholic education school is very because of the good exeducation.”

Tannucilli began teachample that [the Diocese of different… ing at St. Thomas the AposMetuchen] Catholic schools tle School, Old Bridge, in it is a sense of are setting.”

2004 and was promoted to As a member of Most community assistant principal in 2017.

Holy Redeemer Parish, Old In the classroom, that isn’t felt in Bridge, and a lifelong membuilding relationships with ber of the diocese, which she many places.” feels has been so good to her, students was important to her. “[I liked] the opportushe wants to give back by nity to not only teach them but to learn ensuring that people know the advantages from them and their families. The sense of Catholic education. Her heart’s desire of family in a Catholic school is very is for St. John Vianney to achieve national different…it is a sense of community Blue Ribbon status. “What I see in this that isn’t felt in many places.” She feels building is greatness, so we just want evthat the ability to tell students that God erybody else to see it,” she said. loves them and assure them that the Admitting she felt some trepidation community is there for them is critical. about leaving St. Thomas, Tannucilli Seeing kids learning and matur- said, “It’s such a family, why would I ing while being excited about doing it leave here?” After arriving at St. John is extremely rewarding to Tannucilli. Vianney and attending its fair her fears “There’s really no job that enables you were erased. “I came to the carnival ev-

Nancy Tannucilli ery night and could not believe how kind and how welcoming people were. I really, really consider myself so fortunate.”

Tannucilli’s philosophy as an educator and administrator is simple, “I want them [my students] to go to Harvard [University, Cambridge, Mass.] and I want them to go to heaven.”

She added, “I want them to find both pieces because it’s not just our [responsibility to have good students it’s our responsibility to [work with families to] raise good people.”

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In addition to new academic programs, students at The Mount will have the opportunity to earn a varsity letter in an equestrian program and participate in a compeititive dance ensemble. — photo courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy

directress. “It’s an experience that our alumnae remain steadfastly connected to because the Mount is where they built the foundation for success. No matter which career paths our girls pursue, they are leaders in their respective fields. They shine in every way.”

Girls in grades seven and eight may learn more about the Mount’s academic, athletic and extracurricular offerings at an open house Oct. 27, 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Pre-registration will be available online and by e-mailing Donna Toryak, director of Admissions, at dtoryak@ mountsaintmary.org or calling (908) 757-0108, ext. 4506.

“Come follow me” (Mark 10:21)

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

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Open House

Sunday, October 27, 2019 1 to 4:30 pm Student/Faculty Ratio - 8:1 Students can choose from

13 SPORTS and over 60 extra-curricular Activities

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18 Advanced Placement Courses Offered

Mounties reside in

Grade-Level Spiritual Retreats

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8 counties and 80 different

To pre-register for Open House or to schedule a Freshman for a Day visit, contact Donna Toryak, Director of Admissions, at dtoryak@mountsaintmary.org.

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

1645 US HWY 22 at Terrill Road, Watchung, NJ (908) 757-0108, EXT. 4506 • www.mountsaintmary.org

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

WATCHUNG — As Mount Saint Mary Academy prepares to open its doors for its 111th year, new academic and athletic programs will be offered to students.

Beginning this fall, Mount students will be introduced to a variety of areas of engineering, including structural, mechanical, biological and chemical in the new Engineering Honors course.

They may also select Forensic Science or Food & Agricultural Science for their studies. Since the success of the Bloomberg Financial Markets Lab, which was established on campus last summer, a Business Analytics course has also been added to the curriculum.

Adding to the list of more than 60 extracurricular activities will be a new competitive dance ensemble.

The Mount has also established an equestrian program for students, many of whom already have demonstrated impressive experience in the sport. The program increases the list of athletic offerings to 13.

Affiliated with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), the Mount will have a designated stable that has an IEA team. Students interested in joining the Equestrian Club and wanting to earn a varsity letter will be required to attend team riding lessons at least two times per month at the IEA stable team designated by the Mount and participate in two shows. If a student currently rides at another stable, they may take lessons at their own discretion but, must participate in the two team lessons.

IEA team members will be required to attend at least two horse shows throughout the school year. The team’s season runs from September through April.

Horse shows and training are organized by the IEA stable team trainer. Club members will meet twice per month to explore equestrian topics, horse knowledge and experiences, and build a team rapport.

“There are so many aspects of a Mount Saint Mary Academy education which set it apart and make it unique,” said Mercy Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto,

Mount Saint Mary

21

Engineering, business, equestrian among institution’s new curricula

22 BACK TO SCHOOL

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Welcome Back to another exciting year

We are happy to have our students, parents, faculty, and staff back with us again.

Saint Helena School, Edison, NJ.

St. Helena School 930 Grove Ave. Edison, NJ 732-549-6234 sthelenaedison.org

library now has the largest high school digital library in the United States.

Dr. Robert Longhi, a member of St. Joseph’s Class of 1981 and coordinator for the Zenga Library and Media Center, oversaw the introduction of more than 200,000 items that are available to students, alumni, parents, as well as feeder schools and prospective students.

The library has more than 15 in-house computers and password-protected access externally.

The Campus Store was also updated and drew praise from its head, Maureen Quigley, who also serves as director of campus events.

“The students today know exactly what they are looking for in school spirit wear,” Quigley said. “We wanted to make sure that not only did we stock those types of apparel, but give them options in style and price point. Not only do we have inventory from manufacturers like Nike and Under Armour, but we just recently entered into a multi-year contract with Adidas, the official uniform sponsor of Saint Joe’s.”

The Campus Store also installed a website to allow for ordering online.

Fostering Faith

Saint Joseph is operated by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, who have been active in American education since their arrival from Lyons, France, in 1847. From 1901 to 1961, Saint Joseph served as a center for training and educating Brothers prior to their apostolate in Catholic education. The main school building was dedicated in the spring of 1963.

The vision guiding Saint Joseph is that of the gospels and Catholic tradition. Saint Joe’s strives to develop students into responsible, contributing members of society. Students use their talents for community service.

BACK TO SCHOOL

As Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen begins its 58th year, students will be able to take advantage of some additions to enhance their academic formation and look sharp in school gear.

In the Zenga Library and Media Center, there is now a dedicated space, affectionately known as “The Cube,” that houses a new state-of-the-art Financial Literacy Lab (FLL). This new facility will provide students with a full spectrum of financial education from day-today tasks such as check writing, balancing a checkbook and budgeting.

Additionally, students at the private, Catholic allboys college preparatory school will be introduced into the world of finance from a Wall Street perspective by learning from its Partners in Mission and guest alumni speakers from the world of investment strategies, portfolio management, and financial services to prepare them for future success both personally and professionally.

Currently, the FLL houses three 55-inch HDTV monitors displaying financial news and reports from various financial news networks, as well an 86-inch full cover stock “ticker.”

Access to these resources, as well as the planned stock terminals will provide live financial, trading, and pricing information from leading business and financial professionals from around the globe. The experience is intended to facilitate the actual portfolio management case studies that students in this coursework will be required to complete.

The Zenga Library and Media Center itself had a major transformation this summer. In addition to housing the Financial Literacy Lab, the library was stripped to its hardwood floors, which covered the old gym. The renovation was in preparation to create the new Zenga Library and Media Center. School officials claim the

23

Renovations provide students with state-of-art learning resources

The Zenga Library and Media Center at Saint Joseph High School houses a new state-of-the-art Financial Literacy Lab, which will provide students with a full spectrum of financial education, including writing a check, balancing a checkbook and budgeting. Guest alumni will also visit to share their financial expertise.

— photo courtesy of Saint Joseph High School

Every student fully participates in the school’s program of religious studies and worship services. Working closely with the school leadership and the Theology Department, the goal of Campus Ministry at Saint Joe’s is to complement the family in its primary role in religious education, to support the parish as a center of Catholic life, and to extend the religion lessons of the classroom to lived faith experiences.

A Campus Ministry team, led by the director of Campus Ministry, sponsors events and activities to foster spiritual growth and development in the school. These events include liturgies, faith sharing, retreats, and days of reflection for students and Partners in Mission.

— Saint Joseph High School

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

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Graduates of the Class of 2019 earned an average of $235,000 each in academic scholarships!!

24 BACK TO SCHOOL

Diocesan school’s initiatives to be displayed at open house Oct. 13 At St. Thomas Aquinas High School, the celebration of 50 Years of Catholic education and the renaming from Bishop Ahr are much more than symbolic milestones for its faculty and students; they are a reflection of the continued determination to enhance the academic and spiritual foundations that keep St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) at the forefront of education.

Returning to its original name is part of a redoubling of the school’s commitment to the philosophy and vision of St. Thomas Aquinas, who was known as the Universal Teacher because of his tireless search for the ways in which faith and reason are revealed in natural human knowledge.

Perhaps the biggest change that is being implemented is major enhancements to the already-outstanding Honors Program, a four-year academic track for high-achieving students. These changes include deepening its interdisciplinary curricula by infusing

more opportunities for team-teaching and cross-curricular inquiry, introducing additional engaging and rigorous courses such as a senior capstone experience, and offering numerous elective workshops that involve project management, problem solving, public speaking, time management, and team building.

On a larger scale, STA is developing numerous new initiatives, among them: • rolling out new instructional technology resources, featuring the latest in one-toone technology, research tools, and interactive learning; • spearheading a partnership with Seton Hall University, South Orange, that offers students the opportunity to earn college credits through courses offered on-site at STA; • further expanding its STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program, based around a state-of-the-art Makerspace

Father Keith M. Cervine (second from right), director of Catholic Identity/religion teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Edison, prays with the football team before a game last fall.

— photos courtesy of St. Thomas Aquinas High School and newly renovated science labs; • offering of the Global Seal of Biliteracy, a language award that is given only to students who meet rigorous national lan-

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 13, 2019 1 - 4 p.m.

guage proficiency standards; • a more intentional formation of student prayer life; • and the establishment of a formal program for students with specific learning needs.

Many of these new initiatives are scheduled to be on display at the Fall Open House Oct. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m., where student and faculty representatives will be available to show and tell the numerous programs that meet the needs and interests of a wide array of students.

“A bright pathway is lighted anew for the St. Thomas Aquinas community and we look forward to the great new opportunities, grounded in knowledge, wisdom, and the joyous pursuit of all truth modeled by our patron,” said Felician Sister Donna Marie Trukowski as she reflected on the momentous year ahead.

The entire faculty of St. Thomas Aquinas High School remains committed to the principles of enlightening the minds of its students through truth and enriching their souls through faith and service as the school embarks on its next 50 years of providing world-class education.

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— St. Thomas Aquinas High School

Experience Aquinas . .

Faith

Knowledge

Success

H O M E of the T R O J A N S

.

One Tingley Lane, Edison, NJ (732) 549 -1108 www.stahs.net

Two students at the former Bishop George Ahr High School, now St. Thomas Aquinas High School, work on a robot in the Makerspace as part of the Robotics Club last school year.

170 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

Somerset, NJ

We Journey …with heart …with courage …with knowledge!

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Pre-K 3&4, Kindergarten thru 8th grade

To schedule a tour 732.828.1402 www.stmatthias.info

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Upcoming issues you won’t want to miss: Sept. 19 - Catechetical Sunday Advertising Deadline: Sept. 10 Oct. 3 - Education Supplement Advertising Deadline: Sept. 24 Oct. 31 - Bereavement Advertising Deadline: Oct. 22 Nov.14 - Vocations Awareness Advertising Deadline: Nov. 5 Nov. 28 - Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre Advertising Deadline: Nov. 19 Dec. 19 - Diocesan Dedication to Our Lady of Guadelupe Advertising Deadline: Dec. 19

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

SOMERVILLE — One measure of one’s contribution to a group: Is the organization stronger, because of that person’s vision, dedication, and hard work? In the case of Dan and Nancy Bonham of Somerset, who have a combined 62 years of service to the Music Department at Immaculata High School, the answer is a resounding yes.

In recognition of their commitment to the parochial school’s Music Department, as well as Nancy’s exemplary leadership demonstrated in the school’s academic programs, the Bonhams are the 2019 recipients of the Mackie Award.

Initiated in 2008, the Mackie Award is presented at the Immaculata Annual Golf Classic, which is scheduled to be held Sept. 30 at Heron Glen Dan and Nancy Bonham are the 2019 Golf Course, Ringoes. Their commit- recipients of the Mackie Award.

— photo courtesy of Immaculata High ment to the school reflects the spirit of the late J. Brandon (Mackie) Maxwell, the award’s first recipient and for Nancy, who joined the English whom the award was named. Mackie Department staff in 2004, currently was a strong supporter of Immaculata, serves as coordinator of Special Probut through his tremendous volunteer grams. She teaches AP Literature and work and donations, his impact was AP Capstone classes. With co-chair most felt in athletics.

Deirdre Rosinski, Nancy runs the Dan has been a percussion in- prestigious Marian Scholars Program structor/show designer and is facilitating the with the Immaculata start of Immaculata’s During their Marching Band since new Classical Studies 1986; Nancy joined him Program. [the Bonhams] as a percussion instruc“Although we’ve tor in 1992. Inspired by involvement, the always loved what the the passion and comoffers to students, Marching Band has band mitment of Immaculate its power to build confiHeart of Mary Sister won 12 state and dence, community, and Dolores Margaret and character became more national marching evident, when our chilmany talented music directors and instructors, Jack and Casey, band champion- dren, Dan and Nancy have were band members,” remained dedicated ships, as well as 30 said Dan and Nancy. band staff members. are honored to state, regional and “We During their involvebe a part of this often ment, the Marching national percus- life-changing program Band has won 12 state and the larger school sion championship community and grateand national marching band championships, as ful to be recognized for titles. well as 30 state, regional the Mackie Award. We and national percussion could never give enough back to the championship titles. school that has had such an amazing In 2010, Dan started the Indoor impact on so many young people’s Drumline to give students the opportu- lives.” nity to try percussion. Both were staff Registration and breakfast for the members when the Marching Band ap- Golf Classic is at 9 a.m.; shotgun start peared on “Fox & Friends” morning news is at 10 am, followed by cocktail hour show and “America’s Got Talent.” at 3 p.m. and dinner at 4 p.m. Cost is In addition, Dan has also been a $175 per golfer (before Sept. 1); $200 promoter of the music department on- after that date; dinner guests only is line, starting the band’s first website in $35 per person. To register as a golfer, 1999. He currently manages its social as well as serve as a sponsor, go to media platforms, including Instagram www.tinyurl.com/IHSGolfClassic. and Facebook, as well as its YouTube For more information, contact platform, including hundreds of per- Stacey Geary at sgeary@immaculataformances from more than 30 years highschool.org or call (908)722-0200, and with more than 100,000 views. extension 222.

St Matthias School

25

Couple recognized for decades of service to Immaculata High

OUR FAITH

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Intinction permitted?/Muslims and Jesus Q

Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

August 21, 2019 Dear Brothers and Sisters: In our continuing catechesis on the Acts of the Apostles, we now consider how the Christian community is born of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and grows through the mutual sharing of life among the Lord’s disciples. Solidarity between Christians is essential in building up God’s family, and this fraternity is nourished by receiving the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood. Here we see that a strong relationship with Jesus also establishes bonds of love among the members of his Body, the Church. Participating in the Eucharist led the earliest Christians to hold their goods in common, which enabled them to take care of the poorest of their brothers and sisters.

By living fraternal charity sincerely, we too can maintain the flame of communion, and express our identity as Christian disciples. As we strive to be faithful to this vocation, may the Lord pour out his Spirit of tenderness upon us and so strengthen our solidarity, especially with those most in need.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Prayer for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

Earlier this year, I saw a communicant take the host and proceed to dip it into the consecrated wine before consuming it. Is this acceptable? (I had never seen it before.) (Annandale, Va.)

O Virgin full of courage, may your spiritual strength and trust in God inspire us, so that we might know how to overcome all the obstacles that we encounter in accomplishing our mission. Teach us to treat the affairs of the world with a real sense of Christian responsibility and a joyful hope of the coming of God's Kingdom, and of a "new heavens and a new earth."

You who were gathered in prayer with the Apostles in the Cenacle, awaiting the coming of the spirit at Pentecost, implore his renewed outpouring on all the faithful, men and women alike, so that they might more fully respond to their vocation and mission, as branches engrafted to the true vine, called to bear much fruit for the life of the world.

O Virgin Mother guide and sustain us so that we might always live as true sons and daughters of the Church of your son. Enable us to do our part in helping to establish on earth the civilization of truth and love, as God wills it, for his glory.

Amen.

Question Corner

By Father Kenneth Doyle No. What you saw is not permissible — unless the one receiving Communion happened to be a priest concelebrating the Mass.

The General Instruction of the Roman Missal, the Church’s “rulebook” on liturgy, does envision “intinction” but limits self-communicating to priest-concelebrants.

For others, the instruction indicates that “each communicant, holding a Communion plate under the mouth, approaches the priest. ... The priest takes a host, intincts it partly in the chalice and, showing it, says the body and blood of Christ,” before placing the host in the communicant’s mouth (No. 287).

The priests who are concelebrating, however, are permitted to dip the host into the precious blood and, holding a purifica-

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tor under the mouth, self-communicate (No. 249). All of this is premised, of course, on the Church’s reverence for the Eucharist, taking care that drops of the precious blood not be spilled.

In a 2002 document titled “Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion Under Both Kinds,” the U.S. bishops highlighted this caution saying, “The communicant, including the extraordinary minister, is never allowed to selfcommunicate, even by means of intinction.

Communion under either form, bread or wine, must always be given by an ordinary or extraordinary minister of holy Communion” (No. 50).

believe that Jesus died on the cross.) (Iowa City, Iowa)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, quoting the document “Lumen Gentium” from the Second Vatican Council, says: “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day” (No. 841).

Does this imply that Muslims and Catholics have the same fundamental belief in Jesus as the Son of God, second person of the blessed Trinity and redeemer of the human race? (As I recall, Muslims do not

Jesus is mentioned some 25 times in the Quran, the central religious text of Islam, with ample accounts of his birth and miracles. He is regarded by Muslims as the son of man, born of a virgin, a prophet sent by God with a privileged role and a special message for the human race.

So Christians and Muslims do have some common ideas about Jesus, but there are also stark and fundamental differences. To start with, Muslims do not accept that Christ was divine. He was instead, in their minds, a man created in time, neither Savior nor Son of God and certainly not “consubstantial with the Father.” In fact, the Quran asks, “How could he (Allah) have a son?” (6:101). Muslims do not believe in original sin and therefore would see no need of a redeemer.

Moreover, as our writer points out, Muslims don’t believe that Jesus died on the cross. For them, the cross was thought not to be fitting for someone like Christ, and so they teach that Jesus was spared a natural death and was instead assumed into heaven to return on the day of judgment.

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

faith today requires intelligent answers.

But he added that effective evangelization is not purely a matter of intellectual effort; it involves both knowing and authentically living our faith. Actions speak louder than words — and when we do speak, our personal witness of grace can touch hearts more effectively than theological treatises.

I think this is what St. Peter meant when he spoke about “the hope that is in you.” This hope is not something remote or academic — it is the living presence of Christ in our hearts.

We all share in the pledge of an imperishable inheritance by virtue of our Baptism, but this living hope is not bestowed on the church as a corporate body. It is a promise given to each of us individually as a beloved son or daughter of God. If we are tempted to become discouraged in the face of so many threats to our Catholic faith, perhaps it is because we have not yet taken full ownership of the hope that is in us.

Saint Jeanne Jugan, foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor, took hold of this living hope and exercised it as confidence in Providence and sure faith in what awaited her in heaven (cf. 1 Peter 1:3-4).

Jeanne Jugan often reminded the young Little Sisters about the presence of Christ in the tabernacle, in the poor and in their own hearts. She advised them to look to Jesus for strength in all their trials and difficulties. Faced with challenges she would say, “That seems impossible, but if God is with us it will be accomplished.”

As strong as her faith and hope were,

Jeanne Jugan was fully aware of the limited power of words to win over hearts and souls. She counseled the Little Sisters not to prolong chapel devotions, lest the Residents become bored and walk away.

She also advised the Sisters not to rush their begging rounds, impetuously blurting out their needs as if they were their due.

Finally, she taught the Little Sisters to pray discreetly when out in public so that they would neither draw undue attention to themselves nor offend nonbelievers.

In a word, Saint Jeanne Jugan taught the Little Sisters to let their humble acts of charity do the talking in drawing others to Christ. The annals of our Congregation are filled with stories of elderly individuals who were converted or led back to the practice of their Catholic faith through the quiet but heroic charity of generations of Little Sisters.

Many of the speakers at the conference I attended talked about missionary discipleship. Even the most well-known and intellectually intense spoke about service and solidarity with the poor as essential means of evangelization in today’s polarized world.

“Nothing is more exhilarating than bringing others to Christ,” George Weigel exclaimed with an enthusiasm that made me want to go out and announce the Good News — knowing that the only convincing way to do this today is through the language of closeness, generous love and humble service.

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

Q

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Learning the language of love and service During a recent Catholic conference, I saw a Scripture quote on a poster that read: “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence…” (1 Pt 3:15-16).

Year of Consecrated Life

By Sister Constance Veit, l.s.p.

A series of talks by Catholic theologians and public figures drove home for me just how applicable these words are today.

From the recent scandals in the Church to the continued legal threats to religious liberty, traditional marriage and family and the dignity of human life, the times in which we are living seem catastrophic for Christians. Is there any hope for the future of the Church in western societies like ours? What are we ordinary Catholics to do?

As I pondered these questions, the words of St. Peter provided me with two take-aways. First, we should not be afraid to speak up for Christ and the Gospel in the public square. And second, we will be able to make a difference only if we do so with kindness and humility. St. Peter advised the early Christians to always be prepared, which presupposes we have done our homework. A Dominican speaker at the conference emphasized the need for serious study because standing up for our Catholic

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Models of faith-filled obedience For the past few Sundays our Gospel readings have concentrated on Jesus’ universal invitation to enter the Kingdom of God. As he moved steadily closer to Jerusalem, he also stressed the urgency of accepting his invitation and the preparations needed. This Sunday, in a subtle change, Jesus turns to stressing the costs of such discipleship.

SCRIPTURE STUDY

By Msgr. John N. Fell

WEEK IN SCRIPTURE Sun 8 Mon 9 Tues 10 Wed 11 Thurs 12 Fri 13 Sat 14 Sun 15 Mon 16 Tues 17 Wed 18 Thurs 19 Fri 20 Sat 21

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Wis 9:13-18b • Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17 • Phlm 9-10, 12-17 • Lk 14:25-33 Col 1:24 – 2:3 • Ps 62:6-7, 9 • Lk 6:6-11 Col 2:6-15 • Ps 145:1b-2, 8-9, 10-11 • Lk 6:20-26 Col 3:1-11 • Ps 145:2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab • Lk 6:20-26 Col 3:12-17 • Ps 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6 • Lk 6:27-38 1 Tm 1:1-2, 12-14 • Ps 16:1b-2a, 5, 7-8, 11 • Lk 6:39-42 Nm 21:4b-9 • Ps 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38 • Phil 2:6-11 • Jn 3:13-17 Ex 32:7-11, 13-14 • Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19 • 1 Tm 1:12-17 • Lk 15:1-10 1 Tm 2:1-8 • Ps 28:2, 7, 8-9 • Lk 7:1-10 1 Tm 3:1-13 • Ps 101:1b-2ab, 2cd-3ab, 5, 6 • Lk 7:11-17 1 Tm 3:14-16 • Ps 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 • Lk 7:31-35 1 Tm 4:12-16 • Ps 111:7-8, 9, 10 • Lk 7:36-50 1 Tm 6:2c-12 • Ps 49:6-7, 9-10, 17-18, 19-20 • Lk 8:1-3 Eph 4:1-7, 11-13 • Ps 19:2-3, 4-5 • Mt 9:9-13

John Gabriel Perboyre 1802-1840 September 11

Crosiers

A Frenchman drawn to the missions, John Gabriel in 1818 joined the Congregation of the Mission, whose members are called Lazarists or Vincentians. Ordained in 1826, he was assigned to seminary formation work in France. In 1835, he finally was sent to Macao, to learn Chinese, then to Hunan. For two years, he rescued abandoned children and taught them Christianity. In 1839 in Hupeh, persecution forced missionaries into hiding; John Gabriel was turned in by a recent convert. Paraded before bureaucrats and mandarins, he would not betray other missionaries or trample the cross. He was tortured at least 20 times before being strangled on a cross a year after his arrest. This martyr was canonized in 1996.

Saints © 2013 Catholic News Service

SCRIPTURE SEARCH

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Gospel for September 8, 2019 Luke 14:25-33 Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle C: a lesson about knowing what is ahead of you. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

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

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

This Sunday’s Gospel begins with Jesus surrounded by large crowds. The people had heard his teaching and seen the miracles he worked, and they now turned out in great numbers to follow him. Seeing the throngs and their somewhat naive enthusiasm, Jesus began to speak very soberly to them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and indeed his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:26). Jesus continued, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:27).

The people must have been stunned. Was Jesus really asking these Mediterranean people for whom family and friends were everything to forsake their loved ones? Jesus seemed to be inviting people to follow him; why would he so sanguinely stress the demands of such discipleship?

Jesus explains his statement with two parables. First, he asks the crowd whether a builder, intent on building a particular tower, would not calculate the costs and materials involved in the project before he began. If not, he risked beginning the job and then becoming the object of ridicule when he could not complete it. Similarly, he uses the example of a king going into battle. What king would go into battle with a force of 10,000 against an army of 20,000? Jesus is stressing the need for beginning projects with full knowledge of the resources needed to complete them.

If we apply this to Jesus’ call to discipleship, we see that he is warning the crowd that following him will be difficult. Being a disciple of Jesus demands absolute devotion to him. The cost to the disciple is everything. Jesus warns the crowd so that they can decide whether or not to follow him with their eyes wide open. They must decide whether they will be able to put forth the effort needed to continue in his footsteps even after their initial enthusiasm has abated.

The three conditions of discipleship that Jesus sets forth in this reading are first, the demands of discipleship must be one’s first priority, coming even before family considerations. Second, Jesus warns that following him may sometimes be difficult — disciples must be willing to carry their crosses. Finally, Jesus explains that his disciples cannot be too attached to things of this world; he says, “anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple” (Lk 14:33).

Our Old Testament and Epistle readings this Sunday present examples of people who were able to follow the Lord as single-heartedly as Jesus desires. The first reading places the great figure of Solomon before us; this reading records the final section of Solomon’s prayer for wisdom. Given the opportunity to ask anything from God, Solomon asked not for self-aggrandizement, but rather for the gift of wisdom with which to rightly govern God’s people (see I Kings 3:3-14). As a reward for this devotion, God showered Solomon not only with wisdom but with countless other blessings as well.

Our second reading this Sunday is taken from St. Paul’s Letter to Philemon. This is the only time this letter is read in our entire three-year cycle of Sunday readings. Philemon was a wealthy young man who lived near Colossae; he had converted to Christianity after hearing Paul speak. Philemon hosted the local Christian community in his home.

Traditional sources indicate that Paul wrote this letter from his Roman imprisonment sometime between 61 and 63 AD. The letter is basically a plea from Paul on behalf of one of Philemon’s servants, Onesimus, who had run away and joined Paul in Rome. Paul pleads with Philemon to treat Onesimus, who Paul had baptized, as a brother in the Lord. Because of his devotion to Christianity, Philemon was being asked to forgo the punishment he could have inflicted upon this runaway slave, and accept him into his house as a brother.

Through Paul’s letter, Philemon felt the demands of his faith.

These readings challenge us to embrace Christianity with a full knowledge of the costs and the benefits involved. Jesus asks this of his followers so that all might persevere in their faith, even at most difficult moments, lest people say the sad words about us, “That man began to build what he could not finish” (Lk 14:30).

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

OUR FAITH

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)

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Evangelization HERE AND NOW

New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate 新澤西華人天主教會

McAULEY

中區 Our Lady of Mt VirginGift Church 650 Harris Ave, 新澤西華人天主教會 Religious Shop Middlesex NJLady 08846 Every 2nd Sunday 3:30pm 中區 Ourat of Mt Virgin Church 650Chinese Harris Mass Ave, Mount St. Mary's 北區 St. Andrew Kim Church 280 Parker Ave, nd Middlesex NJ 08846 Every 2 Sunday 3:30pm Chinese Mass Rosaries • Statues • Gifts2pm Chinese Mass ersey ChineseMaplewood Catholic NJ Apostolate 07040 Every Sunday 北區 St. Andrew Church 280 Parker Ave, Catholic MedalsKim • Holy Cards Njcca.catholicworld.info See updates onChinese facebookMass Maplewood NJ 07040 Every Sunday 2pm 新澤西華人天主教會 Greeting Cards• Books • Bibles Cantonese Prayer Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 Njcca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook nd Lady of Mt Virgin Church 650 Harris Ave, MONMOUTH JUNCTION — Knights of WE ACCEPT PAYMENT BYSaturday CASH OR PERSONAL CHECKS. 2 at 3:30pm Cantonese Prayer Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 NO CREDIT CARDS. NJ 08846 Every 2nd Sunday 3:30pm Chinese Mass Columbus from throughout the state, their nd for rides Ang7371@gmail.com Call 8626861170 Saturday at 3:30pm , ext.

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EVANGELIZATION HERE & NOW

Fraternal organization’s officers installed

Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the Mass, during which the New JerJersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate sey State Council’s officers and district NewNew Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate New Jersey Chinese Catholic Apostolate 新澤西華人天主教會 deputies for the Catholic fraternal organization were presented with the blessed 中區 Our Our Lady ofofMt Virgin Church 650 Harris Ave, 新澤西華人天主教會 Lady Mt. Virgin Church jewels of their office, including Bishop nd Sunday 3:30pm Chinese Middlesex NJ 08846 Every 2 Mass 650 Ave.,ofMiddlesex, NJ 08846 中區Harris Our Lady Mt Virgin Church 650 Harris Ave, Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski as state 北區 St. Kim Church Parker Ave, Every 2nd Sunday, PM Chinese Mass Middlesex NJAndrew 088463:30 Every 2nd Sunday280 3:30pm Chinese Mass chaplain, and St. Cecilia parishioner Vinersey ChineseMaplewood Catholic Apostolate NJ 07040 Every Sunday280 2pmParker ChineseAve, Mass 北區 St. Andrew Kim Church Holy Cross Church cent Tavormina as State Deputy.

Njcca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook Maplewood 07040 atEvery SundayAve. 2pm Chinese Mass 16 Church NJ Square Harrison 新澤西華人天主教會 Cantonese Prayer Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 “How great the Knights are for our Njcca.catholicworld.info See updates on facebook Harrison, NJ 07029 - EveryAve, 1st, 3rd, 4th nd Harris Lady of Mt Virgin Church 650 2 Saturday at 3:30pm Church,” exclaimed Bishop Checchio Cantonese Prayer Meeting 廣東話祈禱會 5th Sunday, 2 Chinese PM Chinese Mass NJ 08846 Every 2nd&Sunday 3:30pm Mass nd for rides Ang7371@gmail.com Call 8626861170 in his homily. “How blessed we are as a 2 Saturday at 3:30pm Njcca.catholicworld.info t. Andrew Kim Church 280 Parker Ave, Church to have the Knights of Columbus.

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Top photo, newly installed New Jersey State Council's officers and district deputies pose with brother Knights after Mass at St. Cecilia Church. Installed were Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski, state chaplain; St. Cecilia parishioner Vincent Tavormina, State Deputy; James E. Stoever, Diocese of Trenton, State Secretary; Raymond C. Sands (Camden), State Treasurer; James P. Sweeney (Paterson), State Advocate, and Russell D. Petrocelli (Archdiocese of Newark), State Warden. Bottom photo, Knights and the faithful from St. Cecilia Parish listen to the homily by Bishop James F. Checchio, who presided at the Mass.

— Marc Kollar photos

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Years of searching led woman to Catholic faith women and children by helping them integrate into American life by teaching English and important life skills. Paine’s journey to the Catholic Church unfolded over years. She was raised Episcopalian and from an early age, she was attracted to spirituality and religion. She attended Catholic schools, beginning with St. Gabriel School, where the sisters instilled a love of God and Mary. “I remember walking into the church for the first time and turning around and seeing a beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and I cried,” she said. “I fell in love with the nuns, and I fit in because all my friends were Catholic.”

Christine Paine is seen in this undated photo. She was raised Episcopalian but decided to become Catholic in 1993 after a long spiritual search.

— CNS photo/Joseph Pisani, Diocese of Bridgeport

Journey of Faith

By Father John Gerard Hillier Statistically it would seem that not many people who respond “I do” to the wedding vow “until death do us part” really mean what they say. Yet, a general survey among faithfully married couples or new widows or widowers would seem to confirm that the glue that kept their marriage together was their faith in Christ and the promise they made before God on their wedding day. This promise is summarized succinctly in the opening paragraph of this section of the Catechism.

Quoting from the Second Vatican Council’s “Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World” (Gatium et Spes), the Catechism states: “The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament” (ccc 1601).

In the first book of the Bible, we read the words of the first creation account: “God created mankind in his image ... male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them: Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it” (Gn 1:27-28).

A few paragraphs later, in chapter 2, we read the second creation account: “The Lord God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suited to him... When [the Lord] brought her to the man, the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called ‘woman,’ for out

of man this one has been taken. That is to this later in the New Testament when the Church of all ages that “Jesus has why a man leaves his father and mother he explains why Moses permitted men not placed on spouses a burden imposand clings to his wife, and the two of them to divorce their wives. It was, Jesus says, sible to bear”…“It is by following Christ, become one body” (Gn 2: 18; 21-24). because of man’s “hardness of heart” (see renouncing themselves, and taking up The Catechism affirms, echoing the Matthew 19:8).] their crosses that spouses will be able to Second Vatican Council, that “God himIn the later prophets of the Old Testa- ‘receive’ the original meaning of marriage self is the author of marriage” and “the ment, we notice that they begin preparing and live it with the help of Christ. This vocation to marriage is written in the very “the Chosen People’s conscience for a grace of Christian marriage is a fruit of nature of man and woman as they came deepened understanding of the unity and Christ’s cross, the source of all Christian from the hand of the Creindissolubility of marriage” life” (ccc 1615).

The Books of ator” (ccc 1603). Therefore, (ccc 1611). The Books of St. Paul articulates a similar theology the Catechism concludes, Ruth and Tobit, for exof marriage in his Letter to the Ephesians Ruth and Tobit, “marriage is not a purely huample, “bear moving wit- (5:25) when he says: “Husbands, love for example, man institution” (ccc 1603). ness to an elevated sense of your wives, as Christ loved the church Whether reading the marriage and to the fidelity and gave himself up for her, that he might “bear moving Book of Genesis in a genand tenderness of spouses” sanctify her,” adding at once: “‘For this eral or a more focused way, (ccc 1611). In fact, we are reason a man shall leave his father and witness to an there is no doubt that Sacred told, “tradition has always mother and be joined to his wife, and the elevated sense Scripture, from the beginseen in the Song of Solo- two shall become one” (ccc 1616). ning, affirms God blessing This section of the Catechism conof marriage and mon a unique expression the value and dignity of of human love” (ccc 1611). cludes: “Since it signifies and communito the fidelity marriage between those he No wonder Jesus’ presence cates grace, marriage between baptized created “male and female” the wedding feast of persons is a true sacrament of the New and tenderness at (Gn 1:27).

Cana is highlighted by the Covenant” (ccc 1617). A few paragraphs Then the disorder of Church as a “confirmation later we are told: “Both the sacrament of of spouses” “sin” entered the world, the of the goodness of mar- Matrimony and virginity for the Kingdom (ccc 1611). “first consequence” being riage and the proclamation of God come from the Lord ... It is he who “the rupture of the original communion that thenceforth marriage will be an ef- gives them meaning and grants them the between man and woman.” As the Cat- ficacious sign of Christ’s presence” (ccc grace which is indispensable for living them echism puts it, “the beautiful vocation of 1613). out in conformity with his will” (ccc 1620). man and woman to be fruitful, multiply, Many in our present culture insist Father Hillier serves as Director of and subdue the earth was burdened by the that the indissolubility of the marriage is the Office of the Pontifical Mission Socipain of childbirth and the toil of work” a demand impossible to fulfill. However, eties, Censor Librorum and oversees the (ccc 1607). the Catechism echoes the sentiments of Office for Persons with Disabilities.

After the fall, our first parents find themselves in a situation which, without God’s help, they and their descendants will not achieve the union for which God created them “in the beginning“ (ccc 1608). It is this union, or marriage, as the Catechism states, that “helps to overcome The Filipino Apostolate of the self-absorption, egoism, pursuit of one’s Diocese of Metuchen own pleasure, and to open oneself to the invites everyone to celebrate other, to mutual aid and to self-giving” (ccc 1609).

The Festival of Human nature left to itself, however, continues to place humanity in a most precarious position. Therefore, in the Book of Deuteronomy we discern that the law and Companion Martyrs of Moses was intended to protect the wife September 29, 2019 from arbitrary domination by her husSunday, 4:00 PM band. This explains why Moses permitted men to divorce their wives. [Jesus speaks Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi

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FAITH ALIVE

Article 123 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 1601-1620

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Church teaches ‘God himself is the author of marriage’

30 OUR DIOCESE

Scout awarded scholarship from national group for service, leadership Declan Coster, a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Pittstown, recently received one of seven Emmett J. Doerr Memorial Distinguished Scout Scholarships for 2019 from the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS).

Coster, a graduate of North Hunterdon High School, Annandale, who was scheduled to begin studying electrical engineering at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., in the fall, received $2,000.

“I was relieved that I won the scholarship because college is very expensive,” he said. “I am glad that my time doing the Catholic religious medals gave me the opportunity to win these funds that will help my family pay for college.”

The scholarships were established in 2005 by the family of the late Emmett J. Doerr, a dedicated Catholic Scout who was an active member of the NCCS. Each scholarship recognizes outstanding Eagle Scout, Silver Award or Quartermaster Award recipients registered in a program of the Boy Scouts of America.

This year’s winners were chosen from applicants from across the country based on a number of criteria, including service to their home parish, leadership in their Scout units and other school or community organizations, and letters of recommendation and their scholastic record.

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His Eagle Scout project included two pavilions, eight wooden tables and 10 trees to provide shade to the students and teachers of Union Township Elementary School, Hampton.

Through the NCCS programs, Coster earned all four Catholic medals, including the Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, Ad Altari Dei and Pope Pius XII. As part of the preparations for the medals, Coster met with seminarians, participated in religious retreats, contributed to community service projects and strengthened his relationship with God. In an effort to share his knowledge with others, Coster, as den chief, along with the den leader, guided his Cub Scout den through the Parvuli Dei badge as Bears.

In recognition of his effort to earn all four medals, Declan was presented by his Scout medal advisor, Nora Burke Klippstein, with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Scout Award at St. Catherine of Siena's Scout Sunday in February.

As a student at North Hunterdon High School, Annandale, where he finished with a 4.2 grade point average, Coster served as class president for four years, peer leader, swim team captain, was a member of several honor societies, won the County Principal and Superintendent scholarship, and participated in weekly Fellowship of Christian

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Athletes meetings.

In her letter of recommendation, Klippstein, a member of the diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting and BSA Unit Commissioner & Religious Emblems Coordinator (Washington Crossing Council), said, “Declan is an unusual teenage boy who takes his duty to God seriously. He is a regular attendee at church, participates in the BSA religious emblems program, shares his religious faith with others and also keeps an eye on his brothers.”

Coster said his faith is one of the most important parts of his life. “It allows me to look through every day with the knowledge that God has a path for me and every day is a step on that path,” he said.

As for what he enjoys about being a Boy Scout, he said, “Through Scouts I have always been able do many things and learn many lessons. Specifically, I have learned so much, from team building to fire building, public speaking to networking. I have also enjoyed seeing how I have helped other Scouts and be a part of their lives. I have been a den chief for four-and-a-half years. We worked together on so many skills.

They were at my Eagle Scout ceremony and I led them through their Parvuli Dei medal and watched them cross over to Boy Scouts in February.”

Despite being active in the Scouts

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

— Lisa Coster photo

and at school, Coster said he was fortunate to be able to fit everything into his schedule.

“The only problem is I’d have to eat dinner at 9 at night. I have good time management skills so I can’t complain about anything, really, not even having to reheat my dinner.”

— Chris Donahue

Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 2 First word in the title of a 19th century encyclical 5 Sister suit 8 “On the third day he ___ again” 9 Catholic newsman Russert 11 ___ of David 13 Chi follower 14 Killed by Cain 15 French-Canadian Catholic singing phenomenon 16 Cardinal color 17 The ___ Heart of Mary 20 David, to Goliath 22 “…the ___ of life” (Gen 2:7) 27 You should examine it 28 Palm product 29 Wise Men 30 OT prophetic book 32 ___-Cana Conference 33 Commander of the army who was made king over Israel

Answers can be found on page 34

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Declan Coster poses, June 13, after graduating from North Hunterdon High School, Annandale, where he was class president for four years.

Coster plans to study engineering at Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.

35 Number of fish Jesus had to feed the 5000 36 It goes in between Holy and Society 37 “___ one another with a holy kiss” (1 Cor 16:20) 38 Holy ___ Brothers DOWN 1 She wanted the head of John the Baptist 3 Divine time 4 “___ to us a child is born” 5 Tarsus, to Paul 6 Some Carmelites (abbr.)

7 One of the seven deadly sins 10 Possible Easter month 12 Doctor of the Church 18 Mary, Stella ___ 19 Father-in-law of Jacob 21 Symbol of hope 23 Bread and Wine 24 Title for the pope 25 “Let there be ____” (Gen 1:3) 26 “Come to me, all who ___ and are heavy laden” (Mt 11:28) 31 Cain traveled this direction from Eden 32 “Blessed are you who are ___” (Lk 6:20) 34 Israel ending

OUR DIOCESE

Above, Father James W. Hagerman, pastor, St. Bernadette Parish, Parlin, sprinkles holy water on the casket holding the remains of Deacon Donald W. Zampella at a funeral Mass celebrated at St. Bernadtte Church. Right, Father Edward R. Flanagan, pastor, Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Monroe Township, gives the homily. Father Flanagan served as parochial vicar at St. Bernadette’s and helped Deacon Zampella discern his vocation to the diaconate.

— John Batkowski photos

Above, the casket holding the remains of Deacon Donald W. Zampella is carried to a hearse after the funeral Mass.

A memorial candle sits in front of a photo montage of Deacon Zampella’s life. Deacon Zampella was ordained to the diaconate for the diocese by Bishop Vincent de Paul Breen June 9, 2001. In addition to his diaconate duties at St. Bernadette Parish, he served as New Jersey state chaplain for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and chaplain for the Queenship of Mary Court at St. Bernadette.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

a member of the Holy Name Society and a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

“The Church was blessed that DonPARLIN — Members of St. Bernadette Parish community gathered to bid fare- ald was able to trust in the love of Jesus well to Deacon Donald W. Zampella at Christ calling him to be the preacher of a funeral Mass at St. Bernadette Church the Gospel and minister of his Church’s charity,” said Father Flanagan. “There Aug 17.

Deacon Zampella served the parish are so many people of different ages for 17 years until his retirement in 2018. here today that are living proof Don was A resident of South Amboy, the 76-year- able to touch people because Don was in touch with himself.” old died Aug. 12.

Noting the two had taken walks in Father James W. Hagerman, pastor, presided at the Mass; concelebrants many places “in friendship and spirituality,” the priest told humorous anincluded Msgr. Andrew L. ecdotes about their travels to Szaroleta, St. Bernadette monasteries throughout the Parish senior priest, and “The love country. Their final journey priests and deacons of the of God did together was a spiritual, not diocese. Father Edward R. physical, milestone.

Flanagan, pastor, Nativity a powerful “He walked with me a of Our Lord Parish, Monyear ago, when he was dithing in our roe Township, who served agnosed with brain cancer. as a parochial vicar at St. deacon. I A few weeks later, I ended Bernadette Parish, gave the up having the same thing,” homily. have a lot of Father Flanagan revealed.

A native of Jersey City, memories, “He helped me tremenDeacon Zampella, attended dously. A year-and-a-half the city’s Dickinson High and you do, [the doctors] were going to School and two technical give, and he was going to too. He was schools. He was a member take it.” of the National Guard from truly loved. ” Through tears, Father 1963-1969; from 1974 and — Father James W. Flanagan described the fiover the course of 30 years, nal time Deacon Zampella Hagerman he owned Main Liquors, and his wife visited him South Amboy; Sub-N-Sandat his rectory. The deacon, wich Shop, Lakewood; and then reliant upon a walker, struggled to D&O Provisions, also South Amboy..

In 2001, Deacon Zampella earned his negotiate the step into the building. Deministry certificate from the College of St. spite his difficulties, the three of them Elizabeth, Morristown. Bishop Vincent de celebrated their friendship during dinner.

In his remarks at the end of the Paul Breen ordained him to the diaconate Mass, Father Hagerman, tearfully said, for the diocese June 9, 2001.

During his remarks, alternating “Every saint has a past, every sinner has between tears and laughter, Father Flana- a future. The love of God poured into gan described his more than two decades his heart. Don has touched so many of of friendship with Deacon Zampella, a your lives. The love of God did a powerrelationship from a love of long walks, ful thing in our deacon. I have a lot of food, and theological discussions. His memories, and you do, too. He was truly selection of the Gospel of Luke for the loved.”

After the Mass, parishioner Berfuneral Mass, a depiction of the two men walking to Emmaus with the risen Lord, nadette McNamara said, “He [Deacon was influenced by his and the deacon’s Zampella] has done a lot for the parish. many walks through South Amboy as he He will be missed. I loved his homilies.

He was a good guy. Father Jim lost a discerned the diaconate.

“We were able to come to under- good friend.”

Parishioner Angelo Guiliana said, stand the genuineness of his call, an unexpected blessing,” Father Flanagan said “I will most miss his smile. He was a of the deacon’s late-in-life vocation. “He good man who could make everyone knew where he was from, knew his past, feel special.”

Deacon Zampella is survived by and took this opportunity like a modernhis wife of 47 years, Octavia; a daughter day St. Augustine.”

At St. Bernadette’s, Deacon Zam- Cristina; a son Andrew (Sarah), and son pella taught religious education for Kenneth (Kasey); a brother and sister and children and adults; trained altar servers, their spouses, and many extended relalectors and extraordinary ministers of tives, including three grandchildren, 18 holy Communion and taught baptismal nieces and nephews and 22 great-nieces and nephews. preparation and pre-Cana classes.

He was buried at Holy Cross CemIn addition to his diaconate duties at the parish, he served as New Jersey state etery, North Arlington.

Arrangements were handled by The chaplain for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and chaplain for the Queenship Gundrum Service “Home for Funerals,” of Mary Court at St. Bernadette. He was 237 Bordentown Ave., South Amboy.

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

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Deacon who served parish for 17 years mourned at funeral Mass

32 OUR DIOCESE

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Eatontown; St. Nicholas School, Atlantic City; coordinator for religious education for the Diocese of Trenton; director of special education for the Diocese of Camden; Title I teacher in Brigantine; principal at Our Lady of Victories School, Sayreville; Group Home director at Mary’s Manor, Egg Harbor; St. Augustine School, Ocean City; and St. Philip School, Brigantine.

She retired to join the Gabriel Hall community at Mount Saint Mary in Watchung in 1999 and moved to McAuley Hall Health Care Center afterwards.

Sister Margaret Mary is survived by her sister, Theresa Mong, and husband, Ed, of Brigantine; loving nieces and nephews and Sisters of Mercy.

A funeral Mass was celebrated July 30 at McAuley Hall Health Care Center.

Interment was at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield.

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She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung and was professed in 1949.

Sister Margaret Mary earned a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education at Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, and a Master’s Degree in special education at Seton Hall University, South Orange.

Over the course of her 47 years in education, Sister Margaret taught at St. Mary School, Perth Amboy; St. Francis School, Metuchen; and St. Mary Academy, Lakewood. She then served at Monmouth School for Exceptional Children,

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NEW YORK — Pastoral bereavement counselor Pamela Koch has published the inspiring account of one support group’s journey to facing their grief and finding answers in the wake of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

In “For Goodness’ Sake: The Story Behind the Saint James 9/11 Bereavement Support Group,” Koch chronicles the group’s

Pamela Koch is a former member of St. James Parish, Basking Ridge.

humble beginnings in the downstairs of St. James Church in Basking Ridge and the immense impact it had on the 76 families and 104 children who would cross the church’s threshold over the course of two years.

An important and timely resource for those affected by the trauma of a masscasualty event, Koch’s book shares the heartwarming stories of the individuals who benefited from the Saint James 9/11 Bereavement Support Group and the volunteers who rallied together in outreach.

“For Goodness’ Sake” also delves into the holistic approach Koch and others utilized to provide uplifting, creative counseling sessions to these families, enabling them to prevail through such immense tragedy.

Ultimately, Koch’s book offers a glimpse into the power and compassion that can be found through community.

“For Goodness’ Sake” explores Koch’s own experiences coming to terms with her mortality after surviving breast cancer only to be diagnosed with leukemia many years later. And in Koch’s time of need, the same families she helped come to terms with their grief after traumatically losing their loved ones paid it forward and supported her through a T-cell transplant, providing her with an equal measure of faith, hope and unconditional love she once gave them.

“In telling my story about the Saint James 9/11 Bereavement Support Group, it is my hope that I can shed a positive light on a community that gave its all in the darkness,” Koch wrote in the introduction to “For Goodness’ Sake.”

“It is in becoming the risk takers in life that we can make a difference for another. The people of goodness who bonded together after 9/11 became the catalyst for healing and transformation.”

She currently splits her time with her husband, Bob, between their homes in Naples, Fla., and Chatham, Mass., where they enjoy creating memories with their family and friends.

OUR DIOCESE

As mass-casualty events continue to claim lives and shatter families across the nation, Pamela Koch provides an important resource to help others recover from the trauma of loss.

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Counselor shares stories of healing, transformation in new book

Renewal of Vows On Aug. 14, the Sisters of Christian Charity gathered in their chapel at Mallinckrodt Convent, Mendham, to celebrate the renewal of vows of 10 temporary professed sisters. Sister Maria del Rosario Castro, General Superior of the Congregation, received the vows of the sisters in the presence of the community. Front row: Sister Mathilde de Lucy, music teacher, St. Francis Cathedral School, Metuchen; Sister Luiza Simon, Director of Faith Formation, Holy Infancy Parish, Bethlehem, Pa.; Sister Bridget Harakel, teacher, St. Francis Cathedral School, Metuchen; Sister Clara Kim, Chaplain, St. Joseph’s Healthcare and Rehab Center, Cedar Grove; Sister Marie del Rosario Castro, General Superior; Sister Lucianna Le, teacher aide, All Saints Academy, Parsippany. Back row: Sister Josephine Wagner, studies at Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Sister Regina Bathalon, teacher, St. Elizabeth School, Bernardsville; Sister Marie Pia Arca, Certified Nursing Assistant, Motherhouse; Sister John Paul Thorley, teacher, Morris Catholic High School, Denville; Sister Mary Amata Reifsnyder at the DePaul Clinic of St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, Paterson.

— photo courtesy of Sisters of Christian Charity

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

OUR DIOCESE

Prayer and Worship

Sept. 8, 1 p.m. — Sacred Heart Rosary and Holy Name Societies, South Amboy, will honor the Blessed Mother on her birthday with a Marian Celebration. The day will include Benediction, recitation of the Scriptural Rosary with reflections on the Nativity of Mary for the strengthening of the family. Refreshments will be served in Memorial Hall. For information, call Terry, (732) 727-6770 or Mike, (732) 406-8966.

Sept. 9, 6:30 p.m. — St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish, New Brunswick, will celebrate the Marian Year of preparation, with vespers, prayer and catechesis. All are welcome. For information, call (732) 545-6820.

Sept. 13, 10:30 a.m. — The World Apostolate of Fatima Shrine, Washington, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the building of the Capelinha requested by Our Lady. The day will begin with confessions at 10:30 a.m. and continue with a Rosary Procession. The guest speaker will be Montfort Missionary Father Hugh Gillespie. Mass will be celebrated

by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. The day will conclude with Divine mercy Chaplet and Fatima Farewell Procession. For details, call (908) 689-1700, ext. 224 or visit www.bluearmy.com.

Festivals

Sept. 18, 7 p.m. — St. James Parish, Woodbridge, will hold a Mass and healing service. Father John Campoli, I.V. Dei, director of His Love Ministries will be the celebrant. Blessings and healing prayers will be held following Mass. For information, call Maryann, (732) 8037466.

Sept. 23, 7 p.m. — Our Lady of Victories Parish, Sayreville, will hold a Mass and healing service. The celebrant will be Father John Campoli, director of His Love Ministries. Individual healing prayers will be given following Mass. For information, call Marilyn, (732) 991-7379 or visit www.frjohncampoli.com.

Fun and Food

Sept. 11, 4 to 7 p.m. — St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Hillsborough, will sponsor a Slavic dinner in the parish center. The dinner will include all you can eat pierogis, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa, mashed potatoes, dessert and more. The cost is $15 for those nine years old and older and $5 for children eight years old and under. To-go orders are available.

For information, call (908) 725-0615.

Sept. 13, 7 p.m. – Transfiguration of the Lord Parish, Guardian Angels worship site, Edison, will host a tricky tray in the parish hall. Admission is $10. Beverages and desserts are included. All are welcome.

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Sept. 28, noon to 5 p.m. — St. James School, Basking Ridge, invites all to its annual Family Fall Festival on the school grounds. The afternoon will include pumpkin slinging, face painting, Kids Cupcake Wars, a tricky tray, crafts, music and more. For details or to obtain a cupcake contest registration form, email hsa@sjsbr.org.

Blood Drives

Sept. 8, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge, will hold a blood drive. For information, call (732) 235-8100.

Sept. 15, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — St. Mary Parish, Alpha, will bold a Miller Keystone blood drive in the parish center. Donors must be in good health and be at least 17 years old. Bring your ID. To register online, visit www.GIVEaPINT. org and enter the sponsor code 2531 or call (800) B-A-Donor.

Special Programs

Thursdays, Sept. 12 – Oct. 24, 8 p.m. — Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Body of Christ Prayer Group, Metuchen, will offer a seminar entitled, “Life in the Spirit: God wants you to have more love, more power, more of Him in your life.”

The evenings will include teachings, music and the opportunity to invite the Holy Spirit into your life. The meeting will be

held in the Community Room. For details or to register, contact Pam Gendlek, (732) 491-6042 or pzgendlek@comcast. net.

Sept. 14, noon to 2 p.m. — St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge, is offering a monthly soup kitchen in the school auditorium. For information contact, Mary Anne Donoghue, tdmaatwest@optonline.net or Chris Doyle, cdoyle167@ optimum.net.

Sept. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, Watchung, will offer a workshop entitled “Paint and Pray: Reflecting on your Story in Art.” Create a painting in a folk art style that Continued on next page

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September

9/14 Office of Worship, “The Word of God: Celebrated and Lived,” 10 a.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. A formation opportunity is being offered for those who would like to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Learn and explore more about becoming an Extraordinary Minister.

For details or to register, visit diometuchen.org/liturgy-workshops or call (732) 765-6438.

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9/21 “The Way of St. Juan Diego,” a one-day, 9-mile Walking Pilgrimage, Diocese of Metuchen, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning at Immaculate Conception Parish, Annandale. All youth, families and people of faith are invited to attend. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio. The cost is $20 by Aug. 30 or $25 thereafter. Registration is required. For details or to register, visit www.LightingHeartsOnFire.org/ walking-pilgrimage.

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October

10/27 Silver and Gold Wedding Anniversary Celebration, Diocese of Metuchen, 4 p.m., Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Renew your marriage vows with Bishop James F. Checchio during an Evening Prayer Service. Registration is required. To register visit, www.diometuchen.org/silver-and-gold or contact your parish office by Oct. 11. Although no fee is required, in the past many Jubilarians couples have given PARISH BUSINESS MANAGER a donation of gratitude to the Church in memory of the occasion. A donation can be made online or by calling (732) 562-1543.

2 columns x 5 inches @ $22/inch: $ 2 2DIOCESE 0.00 per insertion AROUND THE Continued from previous page

tells a story of a favorite holiday moment.

No painting experience is necessary. The fee is $100. Lunch is included. To register, call (908) 753-2091 or visit www.msmhope.org.

Sept. 25, 7 to 9 p.m. – Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, Watchung, will present “Welcoming the Stranger: Next Steps.”

The program will be dedicated to discovering ways of responding to the needs of the immigrant after Joseph Cardinal Tobin’s presentation last April. The cost is $20-$30 as you are able to pay. To register, call (908) 753-2091 or visit, www. msmhope.org.

Special Events

Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to noon – Life Choices Resource Center invites all to “Walk for Life” at Merrill Park, Iselin, rain or shine.

The event will include a DJ, refreshments and games. Proceeds will benefit the resource center. Walk alone or create a team. To register, visit www.LifeChoicesRC.com. For information, call (732) 516-0911.

Golf Outings

Sept. 19, 1 p.m. – Our Lady of Lourdes Council 6930, Knights of Columbus, Whitehouse Station, will sponsor a Foursome Scramble Charity Golf Event at the Beaver Brook Country Club, Annandale.

The day will include, 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, lunch, dinner and refreshments.

The cost is $150 per golfer. A 10% discount is available for First Responders and Veterans. For details or to register, call David Hiller, (90) 303-4187 or email dahiller717@gmail.com.

Yard Sales

Sept. 13 and 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sept. 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Our Lady of Lourdes Altar Rosary Society, Milltown, is sponsoring an indoor yard sale in Lourdes Hall. All are welcome.

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PARISH BUSINESS MANAGER St. Michael’s Church, a mid-sized parish in Long Branch, NJ, is seeking an experienced Business Manager to oversee all aspects of parish business operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for the financial administration, human resources, and physical plant oversight among other customary responsibilities. Responsibilities will also include planning, budgeting, financial analysis, technology, legal concerns, communications, purchasing, stewardship/development, supervision of staff, volunteer compliance, and serving as a resource for the parish Financial Council.

Job Qualifications: This individual must have excellent problem solving, communications, and interpersonal skills.

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A more detailed job description is obtainable from Ms. O’Hara upon request. The Diocese of Trenton is an equal opportunity employer. Interested parties should submit a résumé along with salary requirements to: Dorothy O’Hara, Co-Chair of Business Manager Search Committee at dohara@stmichaelnj.com No phone calls will be accepted.

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SEPTEMBER 5, 2019

Wednesdays beginning Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m.

– Corpus Christi Parish, South River, will hold a ten-week program entitled, “The Catholicism Series” in the church hall.

The series will include videos and discussions. The series was produced by Bishop Robert Barron who uses spiritual and artistic treasures to illuminate key teachings of the Church. The cost is $25 for materials. To register, email corpuschristievm@ gmail.com or call/text Eliana, (732) 7708245.

Sept. 11, 7 p.m. – Church of the Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield, will offer “In God’s Image” a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) faith sharing group, on the second Wednesday of the month.

The group will meet in the Annex, located off Leonard Ave. Adults 18 years old and over are welcome. For details, call Father John, (908) 756-0633 ext. 125

POSITION WANTED

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – St. Joseph Caregiver Ministry, Hillsborough, will hold a Caregiver Retreat. Mass will be held at 8:30 a.m. The retreat will begin at 9 a.m. in the parish center. If you are a caregiver for a child, an adult or at your workplace you are invited to attend. The day will include time with the Lord, mediation, relaxation and sharing. Lunch is included. To register, call Carol, (908)3697143 or email CarolJ623@comcast.net.

Support Programs

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

RATES

10/2 A Catholic Prayer and Support for Families Affected by Mental Health Issues, Office for Persons with Disabilities, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., St. Patrick Parish, Belvidere. The support group will offer spiritual support and tips on how to cope with mental health issues. The program will also be held through Dec. on the first Wednesday of the month. For details, call (732) 765-6432 or email catholicswithdisabilities@gmail.com.

BACK TO SCHOOL

DIOCESAN EVENTS

35

Senior Care at Home

HELP WANTED

36 OUR DIOCESE

Local nonprofit to fund scholarships for children from low-income families PISCATAWAY — A new nonprofit is economic disadvantage is, in many raising funds to provide local low- ways, associated with educational income families with partial tuition disadvantage. scholarships for their children to “The fates of children from lowattend K-12 private and parochial income families are often sealed beschools. fore they even step foot into the classHope through Education, a newly room,” said Hemingway. “Our goal is incorporated nonprofit charitable or- to change these outcomes, to invest in ganization aims to offer need-based these students — regardless of race or tuition assistance to lowreligion — and to close income families living in the wide economic and "We hope to Middlesex, Hunterdon, educational gap that can Somerset and Warren from school-age help as many exist counties. into adulthood.”

“The future success In addition to children as of a child should not be Hemingway, the nonprofit possible reach is governed by a large and determined by a parent’s inability to afford the full diverse board of trustees, their full tuition cost of a private whose members have potential or parochial school,” executive experience in said Tamara Hemingway, finance, law, education, through a executive director of nonprofit management, great Hope through Education. real estate, technology Before assuming her and have many other areducation." role as executive direceas of expertise.

—Tamara tor, Hemingway was the In its first year as an Head of Institutional incorporated nonprofit, Hemingway Advancement for the Hope through Education Diocese of Metuchen's offered 26 scholarships, Department of Education and previ- totaling $74,000, to qualified low-inously the Director of Advancement come students attending private valfor two Boston-based charitable orga- ues-based schools, including Mount nizations: Lovelane and The Forsyth Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, and Institute.

Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen.

Hemingway, who in her new “We hope to help as many chilposition is responsible for oversee- dren as possible reach their full poing the administration, programs and tential through a great education,” strategic plan for the nonprofit, said said Hemingway. “Subsequently, we

hope students and their families will feel confident in the education they receive and the many opportunities it can yield for their futures.”

Appeals court lets assisted suicide law continue

By Catholic News Service TRENTON — A New Jersey state appeals court allowed a new law permitting assisted suicide to continue, overturning a lower court decision that temporary blocked the law.

A pair of judges ruled Aug. 27 that a state Superior Court “abused its discretion” in stopping the law.

The appeals court determined that “the court failed to consider adequately the interests of qualified terminally ill patients, who the Legislature determined have clearly prescribed rights to end their lives consistent with the Act,” the appeals court ruling said.

No immediate reaction to the ruling was available from the New Jersey Catholic Conference, the public policy arm of the state's bishops. The bishops opposed the measure while it was being considered by the New Jersey Legislature.

Attorney Rich Grohmann, representing Dr. Yosef Glassman, who filed the lawsuit against the law, said he planned to file an appeal to the New

SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Retreat Guide ... recharge your soul BLUE ARMY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA SHRINE 674 Mountain View Rd. E., Asbury, NJ 08802 908-689-7330 • retreat@bluearmy.com

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

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LOYOLA JESUIT CENTER 161 James St. • Morristown, NJ 07960 973-539-0740 • Fax: 973-898-9839 Retreats for lay men, women, priests, religious; days/evenings of prayer. Groups planning their own programs are welcome.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.sjbsea.org

To learn more about Hope through Education or to learn how you can donate, visit https://www.hopethrougheducationusa.org/.

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

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this months featured retreat house

Jersey Supreme Court, the Associated Press reported.

Gov. Phil Murphy, a Catholic, signed the bill into law April 12, making New Jersey the seventh state allowing assisted suicide.

The law took effect Aug. 1, but a Superior Court judge put it on hold Aug. 14.

Under the law, competent New Jersey residents over age 18 who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and have six months or less to live — and have medical confirmation of their situation — can get a prescription for a lethal medication to end their life.

Patients will be required to make two separate requests to be approved for the lethal dosage; they also will have the opportunity to rescind their request at any point after receiving approval.

The law requires that patients must administer the drug to themselves.

Attending physicians are required to offer other treatment options, including palliative care.

THE UPPER ROOM SPIRITUAL CENTER 3455 W. Bangs Ave., Building 2, Neptune, NJ 07753 Phone: 732-922-0550 • Fax: 732-922-3904 www.theupper-room.org · office@theupper-room.org VILLA PAULINE RETREAT AND SPIRITUAL CENTER 352 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945 Preached/Directed/Guided & Private Retreats, Spiritual Direction, day & weekend programs, Spiritual Direction Formation Program

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

This month’s featured retreat house: ST. FRANCIS

CENTER FOR RENEWAL, INC.

55 acres of natural beauty await you!

Programs for personal and spiritual enrichment, directed and solitude retreats. Air conditioned facilities for retreats, spiritual programs, meetings and staff days. Let us design a program to meet your needs of mind, body, spirit.

395 Bridle Path Rd., Bethlehem PA 18017 · 610.867.8890 stfranciscenter@gmail.com · www.stfrancisctr.org

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