September 16, 2021

Back to School section features profiles of new principals at schools in diocese, 14-25

Spirit atholic C THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 • VOL. 26 NO. 8 • $2.00

Anacelis Diaz, standing, the new principal at Perth Amboy Catholic School, accepts a blessing at a “Community Mass of Welcome” at St. John Paul II Parish, St. Stephen worship site, Aug. 28. Teachers, staff and families from the school also received a special blessing. Father Ronald Machado, pastor, Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy, presided at the liturgy.

— John Batkowski photo

INSIDE 4

Perspectives Our Faith

28-29

Kid’s Corner

25

Diocesan Events

35

Renewed and Restored

Families gather at parish for spiritual nourishment ... 8 This issue was mailed on September 14 Your next issue will be October 21

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Catechists, teachers, youth ministers have a high calling

UP FRONT

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

Bishop James Checchio

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Along with the Labor Day holiday which reminds us of the dignity and purpose of work, September always brings a change in mindset as the summer break and vacations end, and we return to “normal” life. This year, however, life has been anything but normal. There was a major earthquake in Haiti and tragedy reigned in Afghanistan. Hurricane Ida devastated parts of our state, and the ongoing pandemic is still claiming too many lives and even creating challenges for our schools.

On Aug. 6, Gov. Phil Murphy issued a new Executive Order mandating that all students, staff, and visitors in schools wear masks. While all of our schools have created Reopening Plans for the upcoming school year and parishes were making arrangements for religious education classes, I know everyone had hoped that we would be beyond masks having to be a part of the plan. The new COVID variant along with the new law in New Jersey through the Executive Order of Gov. Murphy has certainly changed that expectation and forced us to edit the plans that had been made. We must always be cognizant of the need to protect our Catholic school communities, the children in our religious education programs as well as our youth groups and activities for our college students at St. Peter the Apostle University and Community Parish. I know this is difficult and not what we had hoped for, but I also know that perhaps we can use this ongoing sacrifice to move us closer to the Lord.

Before all else, our catechists

and teachers in our Catholic schools, Father said, “What is the Catechism our religious education programs and itself, if not the memory of God, the youth ministers are called to represent memory of His works in history and “The Teacher, Jesus.” I do not say this His drawing near to us in Christ, presto be intimidating, but to remind us all ent in His word, in the sacraments, in of our high calling, and the great privi- His Church, in His love?” Pope Franlege that it is to be called to pass the cis instructed catechists, and hence all of us, that our role is to faith on to our youth. Together, we must show our Before all else, our faithfully transmit the teaching of Christ and young people something catechists and His Church in its totaldifferent, something more than the world has teachers in our ity, ‘neither adding nor subtracting anything.’ to offer. That something Catholic schools, So, I ask our parmore, is actually Someents, catechists, and our one — Jesus, and His our religious eduyouth ministers to keep invitation to a deep and cation programs close to Christ through lasting friendship with prayer and SunHim. In my years living and youth min- regular day Mass and to be sure in Rome, one of the most isters are called to let the Catechism beautiful things I heard guide your lives and Pope-emeritus Benedict say about transmitting to represent ‘The your own studies. My our faith is that we alTeacher, Jesus.” brothers and sisters in Christ, fellow teachers ways must remember of the faith, thank you that first and foremost, “Our faith is not about an idea, but a for fulfilling this role in our Church — person…and our relationship to Him.” how we need you and how our young He reminded us that Jesus is the way, need you! Amidst the challenges they the truth, and the life, and we need to will all inevitably face in life, this example from you will fortify them pray that He possesses us.

During this school year, I would and give them a solid, safe foundation like to propose two pillars for all of to go forward in life; there is nothing our catechists and parents, too, the more urgent we can do! It is in livfirst teachers of the faith, to focus on. ing the life of faith in this way that The first thing, for all disciples, but your personal witness will provide especially those raising children in the faith and those tasked to be catechists, is to be with the Teacher, Jesus, to listen to Him and to learn from Him. We have to take time to be with Him in prayer each day and of course, at Sunday Mass. This will help us to live our lives always rooted in Christ and will give divine influence to our words and actions.

Secondly, in addition to your learning the truth through your listening to Christ in prayer, Pope Francis recently encouraged teachers to rely upon the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” for their teaching. The Holy FAMILY EVENT!

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Catholic Spirit THE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

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guidance and even inspiration for our young and enable the Church to grow, by attracting people to our way of life.

So, dear parents, catechists, and youth ministers, let us recommit ourselves to this as we begin a new school year; realizing what we are actually doing each day as we bring our young to know Jesus. Let us always be people of prayer who are the best of witnesses to Him by faithfully handing on the memory of God by our example and through the “Catechism of the Catholic Church.” Imagine what a renewal in our schools, parishes, Rutgers University, and our diocese will come about through your good work and example. I hope the summer has provided you with some time for rest and to be with your families and loved ones. Be assured of my prayers and love for you and please keep me in your prayers. You are a blessing to our diocese. May God bless you.

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With renewed best wishes, I remain Yours in Christ,

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

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OUR DIOCESE

Where in the diocese can it be found?

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Image Week

Experience God’s generous love through Eucharist, Bishop Checchio tells seminarians

By Tara Smith The last weeks of August were filled with emotion for Stacey and Paul Miller, who were preparing to send their only son, Jacob, back to college.

Like any parents of a college-bound student, they were looking forward to moving him in and to seeing what the year would hold for their son. Unlike most other parents though, Stacey said she hopes her son’s year at school will include the Holy Spirit, guiding him through his continued discernment to the priesthood.

“He has an amazing knowledge and an amazing devotion to our faith,” Stacey Miller said in speaking of her son, who recently began his second year at St. Andrew’s College Seminary, part of Seton Hall University, South Orange. “I’m just very proud of him. When he starts talking about everything he’s learning there, it keeps my husband and I very grounded in our faith also.”

A graduate of the class of 2020 of Hillsborough High School, Jacob is an Eagle Scout. Before leaving for St. Andrew’s College Seminary, he served as a Msgr.

John N. Fell, right, speaks with devoted altar server for his home parish, Mary,

Top of page, clergy and seminarians from the diocese are shown at a Mass for seminarians and their families at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, Bridgewater. Bishop James F. Checchio presided at the Mass and gave the homily.

Above, Stacey and Paul Miller pray for their son, Jacob, a seminarian studying at St. Andrew's College Seminary. nothing from God, but are grateful.”

Much like a father lovingly offering advice to his children before they go off to school, the bishop encouraged the seminarians to be grateful to God for his generosity and to learn how to share that generosity with others, with patience and love, so that others too, can experience the generosity of God. “Brothers, we learn this lesson particularly through the Eucharist,” said Bishop Checchio. “We are so privileged to be able to participate every day. So, prepare yourself well for Mass each day and prioritize your daily Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament, no excuses, as that is where we experience the generous love of God for us, generously pouring itself out for us and making us instruments of his generous love. This is the most important part of your priestly formation.”

To learn more about vocations visit: www.diometuchen.org/vocations.

Smith is director, diocesan Office of Communications.

The image, which was featured on page 3 of the August issue of The Catholic Spirit, can be found at Queenship of Mary Parish, Plainsboro

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SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

— Tara Smith photos

Last issue's image...

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Bishop James F. Checchio elevates the consecrated host and chalice as he concludes the Eucharistic prayer.

Mother of God, Hillsborough, and was an active member of the youth group there, his mother said proudly.

Now one of 21 seminarians for the Diocese of Metuchen, after four men were ordained to the priesthood earlier this year, Jacob and his brother seminarians were joined by their families on Aug. 18 for a Mass and seminarian send-off barbeque at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, Bridgewater.

Bishop James F. Checchio preesided at the Mass and gave the homily. The four newly ordained priests — Father Jun Joseph Alquiros, Father Ariel Bautista Jr., Fathaer Timothy Eck II and Father Gregory Zannetti concelebrated along with Father Timothy Christy, diocesan vicar general; Msgr. Edward C. Puleo, episcopal vicar for clergy and consecrated life; Msgr. John N. Fell, diocesan director of seminarians; Father Mauricio Taberea-Vasquez, vocation recruiter; Msgr. Randall J. Vashon, pastor, and Fathaer Tholitho, parochial vicar, St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish.

In his homily, Checchio said that much like “it is supposed to be an honor to live our Christian dignity received at baptism,” seminary formation is supposed to be an honor, not a burden.

“How quickly and easily though, we can make honors into burdens,” he warned.

“That happens when we think we are doing God a favor, rather than acknowledging that it is God who is always doing us the favor.

We don’t have a right to be His servants. It’s an honor for us to receive the very call to serve.”

God wants loving, grateful and generous priests, and the people do too, the bishop reminded them.

The goal of seminary is not merely to get through it or even to be ordained, the bishop said, but rather “to train you to be such disciples, to be such generous and grateful priests. So, I urge you, use your time well this year to prepare for a life of faithfulness, holiness and zealous priestly service to God and his people, as priests who expect

4 PERSPECTIVES

That rugged wood that forever changed fate of world Body & Soul

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD The Exaltation of the Cross — a feast that speaks to us about someone who was also larger in death than he was in life: Jesus of Nazareth. Indeed, there were those who thought Jesus was a renegade, a blasphemer, a troublemaker; yet, the small pocket of those whom he healed, taught and touched has mushroomed over 2,000 years, claiming innumerable converts who have come to acknowledge this Jesus not only as an ethical model and a miracle-worker but as the anointed one, the Christ, the long-promised savior whose humanity sanctified ours and whose divinity made satisfaction or, better, atonement, for our sins!

Preparing for the second night of Passover, many Jews were busy getting to Temple for prayers, or market for this night’s food.Except for devoted women and angry members of the San-

hedrim, very few were watching Jesus helped Jesus, a stranger, and this favor as he struggled to carry the heavy beam will never be forgotten. Blessed are to which he was tied, through the nar- you, Veronica, for you had the courage row, serpentine curves of the trail, now to step forward and wipe the sweat and called the Via Dolorosa or “Way of Sor- blood from the holy countenance of Jesus, the imprint of which row” that led to Golgotha, the mount of the damned, remained on your veil, a where criminals hung on Jesus’ persecutors first class relic of the Savcrosses, in full view of had no clue who ior of the world. Blessed Jerusalem. Nobody cared are you, holy women of about one more con- it was that carried Jerusalem, who wailed demned man — he was out of compassion the tree. They were aloud just one of countless souls for a man who could eassent packing to the place in the dark about ily have been one of your where he would no longer Hebrew sons. Blessed are the true identity you, John, beloved disbe a threat to society. How sad! How meaningless! of this prisoner. ciple of the Lord — you Jesus’ persecutors had no were the only one of the Well, almost all Twelve who remained clue who it was that carried the tree. They were with your rabbi until the of them…. in the dark about the true very end. And, at Jesus’ identity of this prisoner. request, you cared for his bereaving mother when Well, almost all of them….

Blessed are you, Virgin Mary, no one else would or could. Blessed are Mother of Sorrows, as you refused you, Joseph of Arimathea, for you gave to abandon your only son, even as he the limp, lifeless body of Jesus, a proper was spat on, scourged, crowned with burial in a tomb that you had purchased thorns and nailed to the cross. Blessed for yourself. Your selflessness emulates are you, Simon of Cyrene, who perhaps that of Jesus, whose the paschal mystery was recruited against your will but you is tethered to the rugged Cross. Blessed

are you, Mary of Magadala, Mary of Salome and Mary of Nazareth, the “Three holy Marys” who anointed the body of Jesus, not with disdain or repulsion but with myrrh, holy oils, tenderness and solicitude.

Just when it seemed that nobody cared that hot afternoon in Jerusalem, despite the indifference of most folks, something powerful was revealed to me on this Via Dolorosa: in Jesus, God cares! Yes, 2,000 years later, he still cares! “Ultimately, isn’t that what matters most? Isn’t that what saves us?”

We exalt or praise the cross — once a tool of public execution, because on it, hung the savior of the world. We hang the cross in places of honor because it represents the victory of the Lord over sin and death. We venerate the cross because the precious blood of Jesus which saturated its wood, atoned for our sins. We can never forget the glory of the cross because from it, the Church was born and the dream of eternal life after death became a reality and the redemption of the human race was born.

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

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Laity have baptismal call to good news of Scripture

By Carol C. Mascola Catechetical Sunday is a day we celebrate the ministry of passing on the faith. It is a yearly occurrence and this year it falls on Sept. 19. The theme is: “Say the Word and My Soul Shall be Healed/Una Palabra Tuya Bastará para Sanarme/” We are all familiar with these words, which we pray at Mass before receiving Holy Communion. They are derived from the Gospel story in which a Roman Centurion expresses his faith that Jesus can heal his ailing servant: “Lord, I am not to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed” (Mt 8:8). Jesus is amazed at this simple, sincere faith.

This year, a momentous occurrence is that Pope Francis recognized the role of a catechist as a new ministry with ancient origins. On May 10, he promulgated an apostolic letter Antiquum Ministerium, (AM) Instituting the Ministry of Catechist. The newly instituted ministry of the Catechist is for laypeople who have a particular call to serve the Catholic Church as a teacher of the faith, a person of sincere faith. The role

How to report abuse

of discipleship and being a faith-filled witness is a crucial aspect of the document. The Pope emphasizes that the role played by catechists is one specific form of service among others within the Christian community.

What Catechetical Sunday does is offer us the opportunity to recall that all the Baptized have roles in handing on the faith in their daily life, families, work, and church involvement. In some parishes, a rededication of all parishioners to catechesis is part of the commissioning of those called to the ministry of Catechist.

Notably is the critical role that parents play. They are the primary educators of the faith for their children. The Church is called to support parents in the formation of their children. During the pandemic, more than ever, parents responded wholeheartedly to this call.

On Catechetical Sunday, our parishes will publicly commission and pray for those who will serve as catechists and teachers in the parish community. Even our parents! We honor and affirm those called to this important ministry. Through catechesis, we invite others to receive the

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

healing grace of Jesus in their lives and bring that healing to those to whom we minister in the world.

We call on the faithful in our parishes to recognize their baptismal call and volunteer their time to serve in this vital ministry. To answer the call to be a Catechist, a person of faith, a disciple of Jesus, and a witness to others, is to be a companion on the journey of faith.

We all take part in spreading the Word and teaching God’s love, and healing mercy. Captivated by God’s mercy, the faithful respond generously to God’s call whenever they gather as a community, celebrate the Holy Eucharist, and participate in parish activities. Our Church needs men and women who are willing to touch the heart and not just the head.

As Pope Paul VI once wrote, we need to be more like witnesses than teachers. We need people who will not only catechize but evangelize our Church’s youth.

This Catechetical Sunday, I invite you to join us in praying the “Catechists Prayer:” Loving Father, pour forth your Holy Spirit upon me that I may be a good catechist of your Word, your Son, Jesus Christ. Render my mind and heart so open, receptive, and responsive to your Holy Spirit that, like Mary, I might become a living instrument of your Word to others. Help me to be a faithful witness to Gospel life so that your Church may become ever more alive. Let the fire of your love so enkindle my heart that I may be

an instrument of drawing others to love of you in the Church of your Son. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Copyright © 2021, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved.

May we who aspire to be effective catechists for others have such a sincere faith that the Lord will say to us too, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.”

May this year be a year of healing for you, for those you teach, and for the world!

God bless you all in the coming year!

Mascola is director, diocesan Office of Discipleship Formation for Children

LES CAYES, Haiti — The magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Haiti collapsed the bishop’s residence in Les Cayes, killing one priest, leaving one missing and injuring Cardinal Chibly Langlois. Father Emile Beldor died of his injuries after the Aug. 14 quake. Father Jean-Antoine Coulanges is reported missing. Cardinal Langlois sustained arm and leg injuries; church sources say his life is not in danger. Voice of America reported that 18 people, assembled for a baptism, were killed in Immaculate Conception Parish church of Les Anglais. The Haitian civil protection service reported late Aug. 15 that nearly 1,300 people had been killed, more than 5,700 were injured and more than 30,250 families needed shelter.

Those numbers were expected to rise as a tropical depression headed toward the island. The civil protection agency

Patients and medical personnel are pictured inside a hospital in Les Cayes, Haiti, Aug. 16, following a magnitude 7.2 earthquake two days earlier.

—CNS photo/Ricardo Arduengo, Reuters

warned people to expect strong winds, landslides and flooding in addition to heavy rain and rough seas. At the Vatican Aug. 15, Pope Francis expressed his condolences and closeness to the Haitian people. “While I lift up my prayer to the Lord for the victims, I extend my word of encouragement to the survivors, hoping that the interest of the international community to help might move toward them,” the pope said during his Angelus address. Leading pilgrims in praying a “Hail Mary” for Haiti, the pope prayed that the “solidarity of all alleviate the consequences of the tragedy.”

Compiled from the Catholic News Service

Pope prays for peace in Taliban-led Afghanistan VATICAN CITY — Hours before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, Pope Francis expressed his hope for the peace and safety of the country’s citizens. “I join in the unanimous concern for the situation in Afghanistan. I ask all of you to pray with me to the God of peace, so that the clamor of weapons might cease and solutions can be found at the table of dialogue,” the pope said Aug. 15 during his Angelus address.

Only through dialogue, he added, “can the battered population of that country – men, women, elderly and children – return to their own homes, and live in peace and security, in total mutual respect.” The Taliban, an extremist Islamic movement that ruled Afghanistan until ousted by a U.S.-led coalition nearly 20 years ago, began taking over large swaths of the country as U.S. forces withdrew. According to The Associated Press, Taliban fighters entered the presidential palace after

WORLD & NATION

Priest killed, one missing after earthquake in Haiti

5

WORLD & NATION

Taliban fighters stand outside the Interior Ministry in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 16. During his Angelus address Aug. 15, Pope Francis expressed his concern for Afghanistan amid the Taliban’s control of the country.

—CNS photo/Reuters

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.

Shrine honoring slain priest reaches milestone

Archbishop: Berlin Wall was Good Friday in Germany

Construction crews in Oklahoma City lift a 45,000-pound dome onto the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine Aug. 12. The dome is expected to be completed in late summer 2022.

— CNS photo/Steve Sisney, courtesy Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

—CNS photo/Anli Serfontein

Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul S. Coakley said of the dome’s placement.

“They will come to visit our state and city, and come to learn about our ordinary priest from Okarche who lived an extraordinary life.” The archbishop, in an archdiocesan news release, also expressed gratitude “for everyone who has played a part in this project and look forward to dedication next year.” The $40 million shrine is the highest profile project undertaken as part of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City’s first capital campaign.

SEPTEMBER 16, 16, 2021

A remnant of the Berlin Wall is pictured near the Chapel of Reconciliation Aug. 13.

Sixty years after Germany began construction of Berlin Wall, German Catholics and Protestants met to pray at the chapel and remember those who died trying to flee East Germany.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Construction of a shrine honoring an American priest who was killed while serving in Guatemala reached a milestone with the installation of a massive dome.

Workers Aug. 12 carefully lifted the 45,000-pound dome onto the chapel memorializing Blessed Father Stanley Rother Aug. 12. Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2022. “This was a momentous moment in construction of the shrine that will become a visible beacon of faith for thousands of people around the world,”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

BERLIN — Catholics and Protestants gathered Aug. 13 to remember the day in 1961 when their city was divided, becoming a symbol of the Cold War. Catholic Archbishop Heiner Koch joined his Protestant counterpart, Bishop Christian Stäblein, for an ecumenical prayer service in the Chapel of Reconciliation, on the spot where part of the wall was built. Today, a few wall remnants still remain in a remembrance garden. Archbishop Koch reminded those gathered in the small chapel that without Good Friday, there would not have been a Resurrection on Easter.

“Today we remember one of the Good Fridays in the history of Berlin and Germany. We have gathered at one of the many Golgotha mounds in our city and our country, directly at a monument that for many of us was a symbol of bondage and confinement, and which reminds us today of the preciousness of freedom,” he said. Archbishop Koch remembered how, as a young boy, he was on vacation with his parents in Italy when the wall went up. He recalled the anger and powerlessness of his parents and other adults as they watched, in disbelief, the images on television.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

OUR DIOCESE

6

the three-year lookback period.

As part of the audit, meetings with key personnel spanned three days and included interviews with Bishop James F. Checchio, Father Timothy A. Christy, vicar general; Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., chancellor; Msgr. John N. Fell, director, diocesan Office of Priest Personnel; Msgr. William Benwell, episcopal vicar for canonical affairs and pastor of St. Mary-Stony Hill Parish in Watchung; Barbara Stevens, assistant superintendent of schools; members of the diocesan review board; and Paule Galette, LCSW, victim assistance coordinator, among several others.

Three years’ worth of documentation, processes and procedures were reviewed and measured against the minimum requirements set forth in the Charter.

The audit included a review of documentation from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2021, one of the most scrutinized periods in modern U.S. Church history.

Within the three-year period examined as part of the audit, the diocese: underwent an independent re-examination of its files and archives; established an independent reporting structure, under the direction of Bishop Checchio; embraced Vos estis lux mundi and the subsequent Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting service that resulted; released the names of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor; hired former county

prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III, Esq., to serve as its chancellor, and brought Rossiter on board several months later; participated in an Independent Victim Compensation Program; issued its own report in November 2020, coinciding with the release of the “Report on the Holy See’s Institutional Knowledge and Decision-Making Related to Former Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick;” and, as confirmed by the audit, continued to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

“For moe than 20 years, especially here in the Diocese of Metuchen, the Church has taken steps to prevent abuse,” said Rossiter. “These past three years, which we carefully re-examined in preparing for the audit, have been an unfortunate reminder of the terrible mistakes made by individuals in the past, but a hopeful reminder of all that has been done to prevent abuse from happening now and in the future.”

Smith is director, diocesan Office of Communications.

Anyone who has been harmed in any way, by any member of clergy, employee or volunteer of the Catholic Church, is encouraged to notify law enforcement by calling 1-877 NJ ABUSE and is also urged to notify Rossiter by calling (908) 930-4558.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 16, 2021

PISCATAWAY — Nine days before former Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, the first bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen, was initially scheduled to appear in a Massachusetts courtroom to plea to the three counts of sexual assault leveled against him as the result of his alleged crimes dating back to the 1970s, Bishop James F. Checchio received a letter in the mail from StoneBridge Business Partners.

The letter, a formal follow-up to the extensive audit conducted in July by the independent auditing firm, stated that the Diocese of Metuchen “has been found compliant with all audited Articles within the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People for the audit period of July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021.”

“It was welcomed news to hear from the independent auditing firm that our diocese was found to be compliant with the Charter,” said Bishop James F. Checchio. “The staff in our diocesan offices and those who work or volunteer in our parishes and schools work hard to adhere to these procedures to ensure the safety of children and young people.

As evidenced by the sharp decline in the number of cases of abuse in our diocese over the years, and now as indicated by the results of this independent audit, our diocese is on the right path forward, ensuring that the mistakes of the past cannot be repeated.”

Though the findings of the audit are reassuring, the need for such an audit is a shameful reminder of the past failures by some of the Church’s leaders, the bishop said referring to McCarrick, 91, who made his first court appearance on Sept. 3.

In his first appearance before a judge for the Dedham District Court, McCarrick moved slowly, aided by a walker. He was not remanded into custody but was ordered to post $5,000 bail and have no contact with the alleged victim or children.

McCarrick is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Oct. 28. “We look forward to the court’s findings,” said Bishop Checchio. “We pray that truth and justice prevail, even while entrusting ourselves to the mercy of God.” Once a former high-ranking prelate in the U.S. Catholic Church, McCarrick was found to be credibly accused of abusing a 16-year-old altar server in New York in 1971. In 2019, less than a year after the Archdiocese of New York found the allegations to be “credible and substantiated,” he was dismissed by the Vatican from the clerical state following an investigation of accusations that he had abused multiple children and seminarians early on in his priestly ministry.

He was criminally charged, for the first time, on July 29 with assault of a minor, which is alleged to have first taken place at a wedding reception in 1974

and continued over the years in different states. While the alleged incidents took place nearly 50 years ago, the state of Massachusetts allows for a pause of the statute of limitations when the offender is out of the state.

“When it was announced that McCarrick would be criminally charged in Massachusetts and then again when he was arraigned on Sept. 3 — even with his photo in front of me, the one of him standing outside of the court on the day of his arraignment — my mind immediately turned to the survivors of abuse,” said Bishop Checchio. “I pray each day for their healing, that God may grant them strength and comfort.

“Though our attention often turns to the offenders in cases of abuse, our efforts must be focused on the survivors,” he continued. “They are the ones we must continue to advocate for, through our work, through our prayers, through our outreach, and through our procedures, like those outlined in the Charter, that help to prevent abuse from occurring.”

To help ensure adherence to the Charter and proper implementation of child and youth protection procedures, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops contracted StoneBridge Business Partners of Rochester, N.Y., to conduct independent audits of dioceses in the United States. The July audit of the Diocese of Metuchen was part of the regularly scheduled audit cycle.

Documentation for the audit was gathered months in advance. Weeks before the audit was set to take place, a binder containing all relevant documentation was mailed to the auditing firm, which was set to conduct an on-site audit of the diocese this year but, due to ongoing pandemic concerns, instead conducted the audit virtually.

“It was an all-consuming process,” said Doranne Rossiter, director, diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection, who oversaw the facilitation of the audit.

“The success of an audit depends, to a great extent, on the full access to records and the cooperation of officials on all levels, which in this case included the bishop, diocesan officials, and local parish and Catholic school leaders.”

Having previously served in the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office for 33 years, lastly in the position of Deputy Chief of Investigations, where she was in charge of the Homicide, Narcotics and Special Victims units and had a number of other responsibilities, Rossiter is no stranger to extensive investigations and policy compliance.

“Even though we audit our parishes and Catholic schools in the diocese for compliance with the policies in place to protect children and comply with the data collection audit conducted by StoneBridge in the intervening years, this offers us a complete picture of the prevention, training and healing happening here in our diocese,” Rossiter said of

OUR DIOCESE

By Tara Smith

7

Decades of progress made in protecting children from sexual abuse

8 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

‘Renewed and Restored’ worship series begins with holy hour

By Christina Leslie Correspondent ANNANDALE – Enveloped in soft light and prayerful silence, adorers at Immaculate Conception Church Aug. 13 were led to discover an immutable truth: Jesus’ love and healing serves as the perfect end of a busy week.

The evening holy hour included Eucharistic Adoration, praise and worship music, readings, reflection, reconciliation and fellowship. It was designed as the inaugural event of the “Renewed and Restored” worship series, said Megan Vanslot, director, diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.

Rather than a catechism workshop, the event was designed to “slow down our busy lives enough to encounter Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to a deeper relationship with the Lord,” she explained.

The interior of the church was

dimly lit by flickering candles inside Friar of the Renewal Father Pierre luminaries lining the center aisle and Toussaint read the Gospel of a woman the setting sun, which suffering from a hemcast multicolored orrhage for 12 years The event was beams through the winwho pressed through dow behind the altar in designed to “slow the crowd, eager to the light blue sanctuary. touch Jesus’ cloak Father Michael Taber- down our busy lives so that she could be nero, parochial vicar, healed. “Jesus told her, enough to Immaculate Concep‘Courage, daughter, encounter Jesus tion Parish, unveiled your faith has saved the gold monstrance you,’” Father Tousand allow the containing the Blessed saint said.

Holy Spirit to lead Sacrament and set it As some membefore the empty tabbers of the congregaus to a deeper ernacle bookended by tion sang or silently two white stone angels, relationship with kneeled before the both kneeling in adoraBlessed Sacrament, the Lord” tion of their king. others took the opAs members of portunity to exercise —Megan Vanslot the parish’s Festival of their faith by visiting Praise softly strummed with prayer teams and guitars and led the congregation in going to the sacrament of reconciliapraise and worship songs, Franciscan tion. Following the holy hour, a small

bonfire burned on the church’s patio, beckoning participants to join in fellowship.

Participants were heartened by the program of renewal and restoration of Christ’s transformational love.

Eric and Eileen Warren, members of the parish, accompanied their daughters Mary, Kate and Shannon to the event. “It’s been a long day,” explained Eric, “and it is important to be here.” His wife added, “We always come to the Festival of Praise events, and this gives us such peace and the freedom to pray as a family.”

“This is the perfect way to end the week,” said Linda Rofrano, a member of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, who added she was grateful “to thank God and go to confession.”

When asked what attracted them to the event, her husband, Doug, smiled warmly and nodded towards the altar, then said, “He did.”

Clockwise from top left. Father Michael Tabernero gives a blessing with the monstrance holding the Blessed Sacrament.

Adorers pray and reflect at the Renewed and Restored liturgy. As they listen to music, Dominic Ocelo holds his threemonth old son, Joseph. Next to him is his daughter Gianna, 2. Dominic’s wife Katherine was nearby. During the evening Holy Hour, the congregation prayed to Jesus in the monstrance on the altar. Musicians who played and sang worship music are, from left Basillio Perez, Grace Lazarus Father Pierre Toussant, and Matthew Vantslot — Ed Koskey Jr. photos

Fugue” in DeLessio’s honor, and Jack Hicks, long-time cantor bound for the Juilliard School, New York City, who METUCHEN — The diocese bid a fond performed a DeLessio-penned “Psalm farewell to Thomas A. DeLessio Aug. 29 118: The Stone Rejected.”

Members of the St. Francis Cathedral during his final Mass and concert at the Choir and Diocesan Festival Cathedral of St. Francis of Choir, some three dozen Assisi.

“From day one singers in all, joined their forDeLessio, who had mer director by lifting their of my arrival, served as the Cathedral voices in four-part harmony parish’s director of music he was a joy to in the Hallelujah Chorus and the coordinator for liturgical music in the diocwork with and a from “Messiah” by Handel.

Bishop James F. Checesan Office of Worship for more than two decades, left blessing to be with chio extended his thanks blessings to DeLessio, for a new church position as he raised our and who had been director of in Bonita Springs, Fla., as well as to serve as choral spirits through his the choir and instrumentalists at his May 3, 2016, accompanist and organist great musical episcopal consecration and with the Naples Philharmonic. contributions to installation in Sacred Heart Church, South Plainfield, DeLessio’s “Concert the diocese.” as Bishop of Metuchen. with Friends” featured “Thank you for all you —Bishop James F. collaborations with other have done for cathedral and musicians of the diocese Checchio diocese,” said the bishop. “It with whom he had served has certainly been a blessing. during his two-decade tenure: William Berg, director of music Your 20 years of service have been remarkat St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, able. From day one of my arrival, he was a Kendall Park, with whom he played an joy to work with and a blessing to be with as organ/piano work entitled “PianoSong;” he raised our spirits through his great musiTim Keyes, director of music at St. cal contributions to the diocese.”

Alluding to the ongoing pandemic, Charles Borromeo Parish, Skillman, who composed the work “Toccata, Adagio & Bishop Checchio added, “This past year

OUR DIOCESE

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

9

Musician takes final bow amongst ‘Friends’ at cathedral

Thomas A. DeLessio (front row, left), director of music at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi Parish and coordinator, diocesan Liturgical Music, poses with the Cathedral choir.

DeLessio, who served the diocese for 20 years, has accepted a job in Florida.

— Deacon Guido Brossoni photo

was so different for us all. We are grateful for all you have done to raise our minds and hearts to be closer to that of our Father with all your musical contributions.”

Father Timothy A. Christy, Cathedral rector, asked DeLessio and his family, which included his wife, Christine, and his children Adam, Mary, Emily and Catherine, to leave the choir loft to join

him in the sanctuary.

“Your family has been generous,” Father Christy said. “They have sacrificed your presence at many events while their father and husband was at practice.

In blessing the DeLessios, Bishop Checchio asked God to envelope them in his love, keep them safe and protect them from evil.

Save The Date!

Our Lady of Fatima

Candlelight Procession Sunday, October 10, 2021 Gathering at 7:00 pm

Commemorating the 104th Anniversary of the “Miracle of the Sun” and the apparition of Our Blessed Lady and Saint Joseph in Fatima, Portugal, on October 13, 1917

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 16, 2021

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10 OUR DIOCESE

Diocesan-sponsored hospital earns prestigious ‘High Performing’ rating NEW NRUNSWICK -- Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital for 2021-22 by “U.S. News & World Report,” according to a Aug. 16 press release from Saint Peter’s.

The annual Procedures & Conditions ratings, now in its seventh year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for common conditions and elective procedures. These ratings extend the “U.S. News & World Report” mission of providing consumers with patient decision support beyond the Best Hospitals rankings, which are geared toward complex specialty care.

“U.S. News & World Report” is the global leader in quality rankings that empower citizens, consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. A multifaceted digital media company with education, health, money, travel, cars, news and 360 reviews platforms, the Washington, D.C.based “U.S. News & World Report” provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events.

Saint Peter’s earned “High Performing” ratings in Acute Kidney Failure, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Heart Failure and Lung Cancer Surgery, in

recognition of care that was significantly better than the national average, as measured by factors such as patient outcomes. “High Performing” is the highest rating “U.S. News & World Report” awards for those types of care.

“We are honored to have four clinical areas recognized among the top in the nation for their specialty,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, president and chief executive officer of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.

“This prestigious rating from ‘U.S. News’ reinforces our clinical care teams’ commitment to continually improve the quality of patient outcomes and recognizes our ability to deliver on this promise.”

For the 2021-22 ratings, “U.S. News & World Report” evaluated more than 4,750 medical centers nationwide in 17 procedures and conditions. Fewer than a third of all hospitals received any high-performing rating, and only 11 earned this rating in all procedures and conditions. The state and metro area rankings recognize hospitals that received high performing ratings across multiple areas of care.

“This year’s expanded report from ‘U.S. News’ includes new ratings for important procedures and conditions to help each patient pick the right hospital for the type of care they need,” said Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of health analysis at “U.S. News & World Report.”

“Hospitals faced incredible challenges

this past year, and the best of them have provided great care throughout the pandemic and continue to offer excellent care today.”

The “U.S. News & World Report” News Procedures & Conditions methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality such as risk-adjusted outcome rates, volume, quality of nursing and other care-related indicators. The Procedures & Conditions ratings were produced by “U.S. News & World Report” analysts.

Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, is a 478-bed acute-care teaching hospital sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen. Saint Peter’s, which received its sixth consecutive designation as a Magnet® hospital for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in

2020, is a state-designated children’s hospital and a regional perinatal center, and is a regional specialist in diabetes, gastroenterology, head and neck surgery, oncology, orthopedics, and women’s services. The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital provides families with access to a full range of pediatric specialties, including a nationally recognized Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, pediatric surgery and orthopedic surgery featuring innovative anterior scoliosis correction.

The hospital offers a midwifery service and the brand-new state-of-the-art Mary V. O’Shea Birth Center. Saint Peter’s is a sponsor of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics and internal medicine, and is a major clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

Hospital to host virtual meeting Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, will host its annual Public Meeting for the community, via virtual webinar, Sept. 22 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

During the event, Leslie D. Hirsch, president and chief executive officer, will share how Saint Peter’s is addressing the community’s healthcare needs. He will highlight Saint Peter’s focus on quality and safety, especially during the COVID-19 health crisis, new patient care services, and

the healthcare system’s future goals.

The meeting is open to the public.

Viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback via the virtual webinar.

Anyone interested can register in advance for the webinar at saintpetershcs. com/public meeting.

After registering, a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar will be sent.

Bishop James F. Checchio invites couples celebrating their 25th or 50th wedding anniversaries in 2020 and 2021 to join him for a

Silver and Gold Wedding Anniversary Afternoon Prayer Service Sunday, October 17, 2019 • 3:30 p.m.

Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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Celebrating couples will be invited to renew their vows.

Register by October 7 online: diometuchen.org/silverandgold Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email.

There is no cost to attend, but donations will be accepted.

Sponsored by the Diocese of Metuchen's Office of Family Life For more information:

please call (732) 562-1543 or email: amarshall@diometuchen.org

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Having been ordained to the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Metuchen in June 2010 and having served as the director of the diocesan Office of the Diaconate since his retirement from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in 2016, he said has less trouble answering the question of how God made this happen.

“I don’t blame God for this at all.

I really feel He didn’t make it happen.

He let it happen because He lets everything that we do happen. He gave us free will, which He must consider a fantastic gift, because He lets us mess up so many times and yet doesn’t interfere.”

Light of Jesus

The story of his experiences that day is one Deacon Kern has told hundreds of times to students, groups and tourists and to thousands of people. It is one he has shared with millions of viewers, who have watched him recount his experiences in an HBO documentary and a new Netflix docuseries. But it is one he vows to continue telling in tribute to his 84 colleagues and the many others lost that day.

“We didn’t see a lot of love that day,” he said. “We saw the worst of humanity, but, in those days, weeks and months that followed, we also saw the best of humanity and how our love can mirror Jesus’ love, and so that’s the hope for all of us.

“The nine months after 9/11, you kind of wish you could bottle that, the compassion everybody showed each other and that willingness to serve people you have never met and families you didn’t know. It certainly crystallized my decision to enter into the diaconate formation.

“From my standpoint, I’m still here. I’ve had a lot of people tell me that God had other plans for me, and so I consider myself blessed. I’m not going to forget it — I can’t. Forgiveness and service have been very prominent in my prayers to God about 9/11 and its aftermath. I think doing something good out of that experience is worthwhile and, frankly, it’s kind of a part of my ministry as a deacon.”

Smith is director, diocesan Office of Communications.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 16, 2021

PISCATAWAY — Sixty-two floors up in the southeast corner of One World Trade Center, where the North Tower once stood in Lower Manhattan, nowDeacon Stephen F. Kern locked eyes with his administrative assistant, who was kneeling under her desk paralyzed in fear as the building shook around them.

It’s an image, he says, that is forever etched into his mind following the harrowing terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Then an attorney for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, he had already ushered the eight other people under his supervision to the stairwell and later followed with his administrative assistant in tow. There, they were joined by an outpouring of people from the floors above them, also making their way slowly down the stairs, merging into the narrow stairway with those from the floors below them.

As they advanced down the stairs, they learned from someone with a pager that a plane had crashed into the North Tower, the building presently encasing them, the one they were working to descend. Without hearing the chaos of the world outside, only the noise of clattering footsteps and the chatter among fellow companions, they did not yet know that a second plane had hit the South Tower at 9:03 a.m., something they would only learn 10 to 15 minutes after the fact, when a second pager message arrived.

Deacon Kern, a husband and father of three school-age children at the time, made it safely to the ground floor, though he quickly decided to go down one more floor to the Port Authority Police Headquarters. At 9:59 a.m., only 10 minutes after his arrival to the police headquarters, he and those around him heard a huge roar. Unbeknownst to them, it was the sound of the South Tower collapsing.

“This time when the shaking and the noise stopped, and I realized I was alive, I had to start thinking about making my second escape of the morning,” said Deacon Kern. Battling the fog of dust and the mountains of debris, he made his way again, this time up, to the ground floor and then finally to the street.

He walked two blocks before he could see the sky through the haze.

“When I could see it, I turned around to look at the towers, and I saw my tower, the North Tower, still standing with a huge multi-story hole in it, hot flames and smoke pouring out of it.

And then I looked to my left, where I should have seen the South Tower, but there wasn’t anything there. So, for the first time I realized what must

Father John J. Barbella, thenhave happened while I was down at the police headquarters.” pastor of the parish and now pastor Determined to find a phone to call of St. Philip and St. James Parish, his wife, Rosemary, he walked about Phillipsburg, and Father Timothy A. six blocks northwest of the World Christy, then-associate pastor of the Trade Center. parish and now vicar general for the “At 10:28 a.m., I heard that horri- Diocese of Metuchen and rector of ble roar for the second, and hopefully the Cathedral of St. Francis of Aslast, time in my life. This time, even sisi, Metuchen, made the decision to though there were buildings between expose the Blessed Sacrament in the me and the site, this time I knew what church that afternoon. that meant. This meant that my tower, “People started, almost immedithe North Tower, ately, coming to the was coming down,” church after news “We didn’t see a another image that broke of the first was burned into his tower being hit,” lot of love that memory that day, he said Father Christy. day. We saw the said.

“We then decided we Almost three should have a Mass worst of humanity, hours after the first in the evening for but, in those days, plane hit the North anyone who could Tower, and after make it.” weeks and months watching the buildWord spread ing he had worked quickly that a Mass that followed, we in for nearly 20 would be held that also saw the best years — a place he evening.

In the referred to as his church that night, of humanity and “home away from and for all the how our love can home” — come Masses that folcrumbling to the lowed in the next mirror Jesus’ love, ground, he was weeks, there was finally able to cononly enough room to and so that’s the nect with his wife. stand, Father Christy hope for all of us.”

“It was a very, very recalled. “I think in —Deacon Stephen F. Kern poignant phone times of crisis, peocall,” he said, holdple of faith immeing back tears at the thought of it. “I diately take refuge in getting as close just remember feeling so blessed that I to the Church as possible. The church could hear her voice again.” building becomes very important as Catholics instinctively know Christ is present and that it is a safe and sacred House of Healing As it was for many others, the rest of his place, even for those far away from day was spent trying to get out of Man- regular practice,” he added.

Their parish community lost three hattan, which by then was gridlocked in all directions with sparse mass transit people that day, with Deacon Kern service. After boarding the first train he being one of the lucky ones to make could and reuniting with his wife in New it out alive. “He became a witness to Jersey, and even before seeing his own God’s love and sought to view the children, he turned to the Lord in prayer. whole event in terms of faith,” said Covered in dust and seated near his wife Father Christy. “God did not cause in the back of St. Magdalen de Pazzi this — it was the evil of human beings — God was working to help and heal Church, Flemington, he attended Mass.

“That day, I said a lot of prayers all who were affected, those who lost of thanks,” said Deacon Kern. “As their lives, those wounded and those much as I wanted to see my kids when who lost their loved ones.”

Now, 20 years after the 9/11 terI got off the train, I just thought it was appropriate that we go and give thanks rorist attacks, as a speaker for school and pray for those who hadn’t made and corporate groups at the 9/11 Tribit and for all those who, at that point, ute Museum and as a docent for tours you didn’t know if they’d made it or of the National 9/11 Memorial, Deanot, which was the status of things for con Kern said that very question still quite a while,” he said of his decision haunts him, “how could this happen?”

“My response to kids is very, very to attend Mass immediately upon his hard. That’s one of the hardest quesarrival home that evening.

Earlier that morning and in His tions I’m ever asked,” said Deacon providence, the pastor and associate Kern. “When you have a 10-year-old pastor of St. Magdalen de Pazzi Par- girl look in your eyes and say, ‘why ish, located 63 miles west of the World would a man fly a plane into a buildTrade Center in New Jersey’s Hunter- ing, why would a person kill somedon County, heard of the attacks and body else?’ You just find yourself knew they had to tend to those in their stammering, at least I do. That’s not easy.” pastoral care.

OUR DIOCESE

By Tara Smith

11

Twenty years later, director of diaconate, 9/11 survivor, recalls day

12 OUR DIOCESE

Hispanics’ faith, growth signs of hope for future of Church in U.S.

By Alan Caballero In 2020, the United States Census Bureau announced that the Latino population in the United States had reached nearly 62 million that year, accounting for more than half of the U.S. population growth since 2010.

There are currently more Hispanics living in the U.S. than in Spain or all the Caribbean Islands combined.

Changes in immigration, education, and other characteristics have transformed the Hispanic/Latino population for the past decade and will continue to do so in future years.

The rapid growth of the Hispanic population is transforming various sectors of the country, including the Catholic Church. Though fewer people in the U.S. identify as Catholic, Hispanics are the most significant source of growth for Catholic parishes in the U.S. as they have accounted for 71 percent of the growth of the Catholic population in the United States since 1960.

The Catholic Church’s bright spot is that nearly 60 percent of adult Latinos identify as Catholic, according to The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), a nonprofit research center. Even more impressive is that approximately 60 percent of Catholics under the age of 18 are Hispanic.

Latino Catholics’ vibrancy of faith and phenomenal growth are signs of hope for the future of the Church. A large number of Hispanic Catholic families represent an op-

portunity for renewal to Catholic the hospitality of English-speaking, parishes and schools. In order to long-time parishioners to remain take advantage of this opportunity, connected to their religious roots Church leaders must be aware that and cultural identity. despite the shared culture and lanHispanic parishes, something guage among Hispanics, there is that used to be a phenomenon regreat diversity among people of stricted to places like Los AngeHispanic descent and les or Miami, are they must be mindful becoming the new of how this critical norm for dozens of Hispanics are reality translates to Catholic communithe different pastoral ties in the Diocese redefining the needs Hispanics may of Metuchen. As the American Catholic Hispanic population have.

Hispanics are has increased in New experience in the redefining the AmerJersey, so too have ican Catholic expethe number of Catho21st century. rience in the 21st lic parishes miniscentury. Thanks to Thanks to Hispanics, tering to SpanishHispanics, in many in many parts of the speaking Catholics. parts of the country, Over the past years, country, including a transformation in including our own diocese, U.S. Catholand our own diocese, U.S. evangelization icism is a bilingual outreach to Hispanreality. The influx ics has occurred Catholicism of Hispanics in New within our diocese, is a bilingual Jersey is transformincreasing the numing how many of our ber of initiatives and reality . parishes communiprograms in Spanish cate, evangelize, and aimed at responding operate. to the needs of our The arrival of Catholics from Hispanic brothers and sisters. the global south brings a new type of In an ongoing effort to ensure spirituality and charisma to Catholic Hispanics can practice and grow in parishes, often pushing parishes and their faith, U.S. Catholic bishops English-speaking Catholics to make have adequately created spaces for considerable efforts to create hospi- Hispanic Catholics and have prioritable environments in which Latinos tized the pastoral needs of Hispanic experience a sense of familiarity and Catholics in their dioceses. This is feel welcome. Catholic immigrants the single most significant factor from Latin America rely heavily on determining the vitality of Catholic

communities during the next decades. These efforts support the men and women who will be sustaining parishes, leading church ministries, and becoming the next generation of clergy and religious in the U.S. Catholic Church.

With this in mind, the Office of Hispanic Evangelization at the Diocese of Metuchen, in collaboration with dozens of parishes, is preparing to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. Our efforts will include honoring the cultures and contributions of Hispanic Americans in our local Church by hosting a series of events like immigration workshops with Catholic Charities, a brunch for Hispanic Youth with Bishop James F. Checchio, and our traditional Hispanic Heritage Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen.

It is part of the Church’s role in our diverse nation to create spaces where people find Christ, forge community, and find guidance and support regardless of their race, language, and immigration status.

Therefore, every Catholic plays a key role in proclaiming the Gospel and making our parishes more hospitable and authentic centers of evangelization to all.

For more information on these events and the diocese’s outreach to Hispanic Catholics, please visit https://diometuchen.org/hispanicevangelization Caballero is director, diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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LIFE CHAIN is a peaceful and prayerful public witness of individuals standing for 90 minutes praying for our nation, for an end to abortion and for an end to all violence *CARTERET St. Joseph & Divine Mercy Parishes Carteret Ave. (bet. Locust & High Sts.) Contact Fr. Gordon (732) 541-8946 FLEMINGTON Route 31 to Main Street Contact: Jim Vargas 908-391-1566 GREAT MEADOWS St. Peter & Paul Church 360 Route 46 Contact: Gail McMahon 908-637-4269 PERTH AMBOY 703 Amboy Ave. (in front of Alpine Cemetery) Contact: Parish Office 732-442-0512

PHILLIPSBURG St. Philip & St. James Church 430 South Main Street Contact: Colleen Wolters 908-454-9880 SAYREVILLE 855 Washington Rd. (at the high school) Contact: Rosanda Grau 732-619-4093 SOMERVILLE Somerset Street & Mountain Ave. Contact: Kevin Dugan 908-788-7736 WASHINGTON in front of Planned Parenthood 66 East Washington Street (Rt. 57) Contact: Joyce Lopez at 908-689-2462

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 16, 2021

14 BACK TO SCHOOL

Welcome BACK TO SCHOOL A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT • SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Mission remains: transform students into disciples of Christ

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

By Ellen F. Ayoub What a joy it is to welcome back our school communities for the 20212022 school year! Once again, we will gather in person to offer our students an outstanding Catholic education. We are blessed with administrators and faculty members who are dedicated to their profession of providing a values-based curriculum infused with the Good News of Jesus Christ. With the help of Jesus, the Master Teacher, our schools will continue to promote innovation and change in achieving the Catholic educational mission so that our students may be formed, informed, and transformed into Disciples of Christ.

This year our students will be blessed to participate in the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Diocese of Metuchen. All across the diocese, our schools will commemorate the establishment of the diocese through liturgy, arts, literature and history.

We will join in parish and diocesan celebrations, reflecting on our relationship to Jesus through Eucharistic revival. As Bishop Checchio has said, “Our 40th Anniversary is a good time to reflect on and pray over our own devotion to the Eucharist. It is a time for renewal and revival of our local Church.” There will be much to share on this topic at each school and across the diocese throughout the year.

As the pandemic continues to impact all of our lives, we are committed to provide loving, prayerful schools that nurture as well as educate the children. With this in mind, principals and teachers are particularly attentive to the Social Emotional Learning of students and educators. Many teachers received training during the summer that will enable them to assess the needs of children in distress and begin

to remediate those issues. All across formance tasks are built around a the diocese teachers and counselors specific job and ask the students to will be helping students learn to cope transfer their knowledge of concepts with their emotions while developing and skills learned in the classroom to confidence and positive relationships a real-world scenario. Literacy tasks with one another. ask student to read, synthesize and Certainly, the best thing we can write informative papers around the do for our students as real-world, careerthey return to school, based topic. All of is to help them dethe teachers particivelop a relationship pating in the day of with Jesus through professional develWith the help of prayer and worship. opment expressed Jesus, the Master In addition to the great enthusiasm for community worship the program. The Teacher, our in the schools, stuupcoming year will schools will continue be filled with new, dents and teachers are urged to spend time exciting educational to promote in the chapel that may opportunities. be available within innovation and change While we do not the school building. know what challengin achieving the Peaceful time with es are in store for us the Lord benefits all Catholic educational regarding the panof us. demic, we do know mission so that our As part of our that we are blessed in commitment to the our schools to have students may be continuous improvestrong communiment of our schools, ties of faith that can formed, informed, we are using Projprovide the guidand transformed ect Based Learning ance and support our (PBL) as a strategy young people need to into Disciples to increase student help them make good of Christ. engagement. With all decisions for themof our students back selves and others. in the classroom this Throughout the year, we are able to year, our teachers implement PBL strategies across all participate in faith formation classes grade levels. The diocesan administra- that enable them to grow in the faith, tors selected Defined Learning as the and then share that faith with stuplatform for providing project-based dents. It is the modeling of the faith learning to the classrooms. Defined at home and at school that is the best Learning accentuates the goals of gift we can give our students. Each STEM (science, technology, engi- school will provide a Resource Page neering and mathematics) education. on the local website to provide faith Real-world videos set the stage for formation opportunities for families each lesson by showing the practical to access. There will be articles of inapplication of educational concepts terest or videos to be viewed as well. withing a company or industry. Per- Please visit local school websites or

Ellen F. Ayoub

the website for the Office of Schools at https://diometuchen.org/schools to take advantage of the materials that are available.

Bishop Checchio has often said, “As a product of a Catholic school education, I know the difference it makes to have that unique home and school partnership that forms when students attend a school that reflects the values of the home.

“We are blessed to have support of so many wonderful families and thank God daily for them. We ask that everyone pray in a special way for all of our pastors, principals and teachers that are doing such extraordinary work, spiritually and academically, building the Kingdom of God in our schools.”

Ellen F. Ayoub is Secretary for Education

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

SEPTEMBER 16, 16, 2021

16 BACK TO SCHOOL THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

PACS leader plans to make Lord ‘primary focus’ for students, staff

By Debra Stevko Miller Correspondent Her destiny was sealed in the first grade when the teacher made such an impression on the youngster during the first day of school that Anacelis Diaz knew she would pursue education as her life’s passion.

“She was everything I wanted to be,” says Diaz. “I was in awe of her charisma. There was just something about her that radiated. I knew then, in first grade, that I wanted to be a teacher.

All my life there was never a thought of anything else.”

To achieve her life’s goal at an accelerated pace, she double majored in English and Elementary Education at Felician College, Rutherford, and unexpectedly secured her first job — teaching first grade — during a practice interview for a substitute position at the Wilentz School, Perth Amboy. The irony wasn’t lost on her.

“The fact that I would start my journey in first grade was pretty epic,” she says. “I love first grade. It’s the year when you see the most growth.

It’s so rewarding. It has a very special place in my heart.”

Now, after 10 years in the public elementary school system, she is tran-

sitioning into a parochial school setting ascending into her current role as principal of Perth Amboy Catholic School — her first in an academic leadership position. When she recently found out that her husband, Anthony, and his cousin are alumni, they took her on a private tour recounting some of their favorite memories.

Diaz is well-prepared for this next chapter in her academic career with a background in youth ministry, teaching confirmation students, and seeking spiritual guidance from her aunt, who is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George. Diaz’ brother will be ordained a priest in May. “My parent’s/family’s love has nourished my life in such a way that I’m living in the abundance of God’s providence,” she said.

Saying a simple prayer for guidance in making a decision on whether to leave teaching, she said: “Lord, I trust you. When this is meant to happen, I will know and you’ll work it out.”

“I want to honor the Lord in everything I do,” she said about ultimately accepting the job. “I want to make a difference. I felt the call.”

For inspiration in her new role as she leaves her last, she looks to Principal Lauren Marrocco at the EJ Patten

School in Perth Amboy who is “warm, loving, and hard-working.”

“You felt understood [as a teacher],” she adds about Marrocco’s approach as a principal. “I’ve had great leadership in my experience.”

Diaz expects to do the same for her teachers, staff, and students but to add another dimension as “a spiritual leader.”

“I believe in education of the whole person: body, mind and soul,” she explains. “That’s what I see being the difference between the public schools and the Catholic schools. You have an opportunity to speak into [the students]; life through faith. We are building them up and we’re equipping them the best way we can for life and for their vocation as a person here in this world.”

One of her primary goals as principal is to convert a school classroom back to its former purpose as the chapel. Eventually, she wants daily Mass to be reintroduced to all grades before morning classes begin.

“The Lord has to be the primary focus for all things to fall into place,” Diaz says. “I believe that he’s going to steer us and lead us in the right direction when it comes to our academic and Catholic identity as a Catholic school.”

In getting to this special place in her life, she credits her dad and biological father for their support and strong influence to becoming an accomplished and confident adult.

“They both did a remarkable job,” Diaz says of these two important men in her life. “They are both a part of who I am. Everything I’ve been able to do has been because they were able to give their love.”

The tall wooden sign outside St. Matthias School on JFK Boulevard in Somerset uses three words to explain the philosophy taught within: faith, caring and excellence.

Those three principles also personify those held by the 56-year-old Catholic parochial school’s newest principal, Mary C. Lynch.

Lynch’s deep roots in faith-based education were planted in her youth as a student of Manville’s Sacred Heart and Christ the King schools. She graduated from Immaculata High School, Somerville, in 1995, then earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the University of Scranton (Pa.). She earned a master’s degree in education and teacher of the handicapped certificate at Georgian Court University, Lakewood, and is currently studying at St. Peter’s University, Jersey City, to obtain a principal certification.

After a yearlong teaching position at Sacred Heart School, South Amboy, Lynch began a 17-year tenure as a fifthgrade teacher in the Angelo L. Tomaso School, Warren Township, specializing in reading, science and social studies.

Throughout her career in public education, she admitted, “I always said I wanted to return to Catholic education, when I

was able, to give back my talents for the faith there -- Sean graduated from the children. I absolutely love the family at- parochial school in 1991. The family are mosphere that Catholic school provides.” members of St. Matthias Parish, where That opportunity arose with a request Mary is a mentor for the parish’s NeXt from St. Matthias School principal, Sister Level Youth Leadership Group.

Jean Laurich, to assume leadership of the St. Matthias’ pastor, Father Abraham school’s Home School Association and Orapankal, shared his joy at the July 1 Lynch’s subsequent leap of selection of Lynch to lead faith.

“I truly believe the school which educates “I accepted, left my approximately 270 students full-time position [at the that Catholic edu- in PreK3 to eighth grade. In public school] and devoted letter to the parish commucation provides anity, my time to St. Matthias,” he wrote, “Mrs. Lynch Lynch said. “I absolutely brings an enthusiasm and students with love it at St. Matthias, and I a commitment to Catholic a values-based education, as well as a deep just want to make it a better place for both the students education, rooted love for St. Matthias School and the staff.” that is obvious from just a During her tenure as in the mission of brief encounter with her.

HSA president, the experiShe begins this next chapter Jesus Christ.” enced educator also served of her life here at St. Matfirst as substitute teacher, thias with great passion —Mary C. Lynch then in a first-grade materand commitment to the task nity leave replacement posiahead.” tion. Lynch became St. Matthias School’s In an open letter to the St. Matthias full-time middle school science teacher in community upon her selection as princi2019, and served in that position until her pal, Lynch explained how her own faith, announcement as new principal. caring and excellence echoed that of the Lynch and her husband, Sean, have Catholic school. She wrote, “Growing been married for 17 years. Their daughter, up attending Catholic schools my whole Casey, is a sixth-grade student at St. Mat- life… my love and passion for Catholic thias; she represents the second generation education continues. I truly believe that of Lynches nurtured and educated in the Catholic education provides students with

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By Christina Leslie Correspondent

17

New principal shares deep roots in faith with St. Matthias students

a values-based education, rooted in the mission of Jesus Christ.

“Catholic Education to me is so important,” Lynch continued during an interview with “The Catholic Spirit.” “We are spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to all of our students. Our students are being taught values and morals that will last them a lifetime.

“All our students receive an excellent academic education rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ,” Lynch concluded. “They graduate from SMS with a well-rounded education, caring for others around them.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 16, 2021

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Summer scholarship helps Academy graduate study language in Rome Melanie Valliciergo, a 2020 graduate of Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, and a native of Scotch Plains, traveled to study in Rome this summer for three weeks on the EduItalia Scholarship, which she earned based on her work in Italian at the Academy. She now attends Northeastern University, Boston.

“Thanks to the Mount’s Italian program, I was able to apply and win the IACE [Italian Association Committee on Education] summer scholarship program to study in Narni during my sophomore year at the Mount, and now I am beyond blessed to have won the EduItalia Scholarship following the AP [Advanced Placement] Exam last spring,” Valliciergo said.

“I have had the greatest opportunity to study Italian in Rome at Scuola Leonardo da Vinci and it has been incredible,” she continued. “I have been travelling throughout the city and meeting people from all over the world who share the same passion and love of Italian as me — all while achieving a higher level of proficiency in the language.”

Valliciergo took classes at the intermediate-advanced level throughout the day with the opportunity to explore the city, where she put those skills to the test in a

unique immersion experience.

“The Italian program at Mount Saint Mary Academy instilled in me a passion for language and culture and has allowed me to excel in learning Italian,” she said. “I am especially thankful to Mrs. Teresa Sengel [World Languages Department Chairperson and Italian teacher] for being the one to insist that I take Italian when I was just an incoming freshman. She has been an incredible mentor for me to achieve all I have today.

“I am so grateful for the amazing foreign language program at the Mount that places an emphasis on the importance of language and understanding other cultures.

It is something I am truly passionate about, and I was not only able to learn in the classroom, but was given various opportunities to go beyond that.”

Melanie Valliciergo, a 2020 graduate of Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, is shown in Rome, where she studied Italian this summer at Scula Leonardo da Vinci.

Valliciergo, who is now studying at Northeastern University, Boston, was awarded a scholarship to study in Narni, Italy, in her sophomore year at the Mount.

— photo courtesy of Melanie Valliciergo

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Mount students record exceptional scores on Advanced Placement tests WATCHUNG — The College Board recognized a total of 69 Mount Saint Mary Academy students as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars.

Forty-seven members of the Class of 2021 and 22 members of the Class of 2022 received the honor.

• 36 students are AP Scholars with Distinction, a title granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

• 10 students are AP Scholars with Honor, a title granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

• 23 students are AP Scholars, a title granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.

• 81 percent of Mount Saint Mary Academy AP Exam scores were a 3 or higher (scored on a scale of 1-5).

• 156 students of Grades 10, 11, and 12 took 402 AP Exams in 21 subjects in the 2020-2021 academic year.

Mount Saint Mary Academy offered 18 AP courses: Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry, Comparative Government and Politics, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, English Language and Composition, English Literature and

Composition, Environmental Science, European History, Italian Language and Culture, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Psychology, Spanish Language and Culture, Statistics, U.S. Government and Politics, and U.S. History. 3 AP courses were offered via One Schoolhouse online education (Art History, Calculus BC, and Human Geography).

The most exams were taken in the following subjects: Psychology, U.S. Government and Politics, Statistics, Computer Science Principles, Environmental Science, and English Literature and Composition.

Regarding these accomplishments, the Administration of Mount Saint Mary Academy shared, “Congratulations to our students for their success on the AP Exams! It is a testimony to their abilities and our faculty to have so many achieve high scores and AP Scholar honors, especially in such a different educational environment.

“Mount Saint Mary Academy students have a record of excellence with AP Exams, traditionally having more than 80 percent of students score a 3 or higher.

We are proud of our students who have received the AP Scholar recognition and the extraordinary efforts made by all students and AP teachers this past year.”

Making a Difference Nicole Parisi, a sophomore at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, spent a week during July in Roanoke, Va., with a youth group from First Presbyterian Church, Metuchen, building houses for Habitat for Humanity. The South Plainfield resident painted, poured cement, hung siding, and cut soffit lengths. She also learned how to use many tools including a circular saw, table saw, drill, and chop saw. “The best part of the trip was meeting the homeowner and learning his story,” said Nicole. “Meeting Clarence made building the house even more fulfilling, because we saw how we were making someone’s dream come true.”

— photo courtesy of Nicole Parisi

value and renovation savings.

“The color scheme selected is eye-popping and the design is just beautiful,” said Tom SOMERVILLE — Immaculata High School, Gambino, Immaculata’s athletic director. “We which is welcoming its 60th freshman class could not be more pleased with the outcome.”

The financing for the new field will be this fall, is unveiling more than $3 million in capital improvements in the form of a rede- spread over the next three years, said Msgr. signed and upgraded athletic field, an athletic Celano, pastor, Immaculate Conception Parequipment room, repaved parking lots and ish. “We are also gratefully accepting donasolar panels designed to conserve energy and tions from our alumni, parishioners and friends to help defray the costs.” increase cost savings.

The field was named for Riddick, a 2009 “We are very excited to reach this milestone of accepting 60 classes of incom- Immaculata alumnus who was a member of ing freshmen,” said Msgr. Joseph G. Cela- the 2006 state championship team who went on to excel with the Univerno, school director. “Our sity of Notre Dame, South school has been honored “We are very Bend, Ind., football team, to have educated nearly then played as a running back 10,000 students in the excited about this for the NFL’s Denver Broncentral Jersey area over expansion of our cos and Detroit Lions. the decades and with our Because of the efforts of robust student numbers, academic portfolio, the Unitas Caritas Foundawe know we will be protion, dedicated to supporting viding quality Catholic as well as the the athletic activities of the education for generations reconfiguration of school, Immaculata unveiled to come.” the George C. Anderson The school’s “Theo our on-staff clergy Equipment Room. The room Riddick ’09 Athletic Field” assignments.” is outfitted with custom cabihas been redesigned and netry to house game jerseys modernized from the bot—Joan Silo and pants for football and tom up. Vigorous use of boys lacrosse. The uniform the field for the past 17 storage bins are color-coordiyears by numerous Spartan teams such as girls and boys soccer; girls and nated, and carpeting and custom wall graphboys lacrosse; and freshman and junior varsity ics were added. A fully-equipped workbench football, as well as serving as the practice field can accommodate any necessary equipment for varsity football, marching band and physi- repairs.

Anderson’s four children attended Imcal education classes, necessitated more than a maculata; he served as equipment manager simple upgrading.

Using state-of-the-art technology, the for legendary Coach Pierce Frauenheim for field was designed to enhance safety and dura- decades.

Immaculata will be the first school in bility while generating earth-friendly philosophy — the former field was recycled and used the diocese to install solar panels. Work inin the base layers, adding to its environmental cludes replacing ceiling tiles in some areas;

An aerial view of the newly renamed “Theo Riddick ’09 Athletic Field” at Immaculata High School shows the major renovation of the complex. Riddick graduated from Immaculata in 2009 and was a running back on the Spartans’ 2006 state championship team. He went on to play at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind., then for the NFL’s Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions.

— photos courtesy of Immaculata High School

reinforcing the roofing structure, and adding the panels. Completion is slated for early next year, and is a collaboration between the school board’s facility committee, the parish and school administration and the diocesan Office of Properties and Facilities. The project aims to provide future significant reduction in energy costs.

“This project originated with Msgr. Seamus Brennan, former pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville; the parish finance council and IHS Facilities Committee,” noted Msgr. Celano. “As Vicar for Administration, I supported the project when Msgr.

Brennan first brought it to the diocese and am pleased to have carried it through to fruition.”

Phases two and three of the school’s parking lot replacement are also complete.

The campus is now surrounded by a smooth, clean surface with plentiful parking spaces for students, faculty and visitors.

Head of School Joan Silo commented on the academic initiatives that will be offered.

“Last year we piloted block scheduling, which gave us more flexibility for electives,” she said. “That laid the foundation for the introduction of our Signature Programs in three subject areas: health science, music, and art.

“In Health Science, students will study career-related science courses, explore careers, and complete 20 hours of industry exploration during the upperclassmen years through St. Peter’s University Hos-

pital [New Brunswick], alumni-connected or community-related medical programs.

Participants will also take specific collegelevel courses through Rutgers University [New Brunswick] Health Science Careers Program.”

Working with Rutgers University’s Band Program, the Music Signature Program will follow two tracks: vocal and instrumental,’ Silo said. The Visual Arts Program will feature three options: Fine Arts, Digital Arts, and Multi-Media Communications. Major upgrades were added with the purchase of new iMac computers, high-definition cameras, audio equipment, studio lights and an updated Adobe software package. All three programs will feature significant hands-on experience and form a strong professional base for future academic and career endeavors.

“We are very excited about this expansion of our academic portfolio, as well as the reconfiguration of our on-staff clergy assignments,” added Silo. “This year Father Joe Illés will have a regular presence in our Campus Ministry Office as the director of Catholic Identity and Father Tom Lanza will teach two theology classes. This move, along with our strong traditions with liturgies, prayer services, retreats, service opportunities, theology classes, and faith-dedicated lay faculty and staff, reinforces the concept that Immaculata is rooted in our Catholic identity, just like it was 60 years ago, when this school welcomed its first class.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Members of Immaculata’s football team pose at the “Theo Riddick ’09 Athletic Field.” The former field was recycled and used in the base layers, adding to its environmental value and renovation savings. In addition, the George C. Anderson Equipment Room is outfitted with custom cabinetry to house game jerseys and pants for football and boys lacrosse.

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By Christina Leslie Correspondent

19

Students return to major upgrades, new academic initiatives

20 BACK TO SCHOOL

Mount Saint Mary

ACADEMY

Successful Journeys Begin Here!

Open House

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2021 2 to 4:30 pm Special Presentation by S. Lisa Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S., Directress, at 2:45pm.

To pre-register, e-mail enrollment@mountsaintmary.org Student/Faculty Ratio - 8:1

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Students can choose from

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Mounties reside in counties and 80 different New Jersey communities

The Class of 2021 received over $21 million in grants/scholarships

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To pre-register for Open House or to learn about our TOURING TUESDAYS and ZOOM EVENTS, contact Donna Toryak, Director of Enrollment Management, at dtoryak@mountsaintmary.org.

1645 US-22 W, Watchung, NJ (908) 757-0108, EXT. 4506 • www.mountsaintmary.org

Veteran new Felician president RUTHERFORD – A retired admiral and the 43rd Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the United States Navy who had been serving as interim president of Felician University has been appointed as its sixth president, officials from the college announced June 28.

Chris Swenson, chair of the university’s Board of Trustees, said Crawford will work closely with the Board of Trustees to continue to advance the positive course he has established as interim president.

Swenson remarked that this had been a serious and thoughtful decision that followed an intense 360-degree review involving a large cross section of internal and external stakeholders.

“Many we spoke to during this Chris Swenson, who had been serving process described him as inspirational, as Felician University’s interim presia servant leader and someone who truly dent, has been appointed as its sixth lives our Felician core values,” Swen- president. son said. “His hands-on experience in steering the university during one of of Law degrees -- at the University of the most challenging periods in its his- North Carolina, Chapel Hill. tory enables him to step into the role He earned a Master of Laws deof president fully prepared to take us to gree in Ocean and Coastal Law at the new heights.”

University of Miami, and In the Navy for 34 a Master of Arts in Nationyears before retiring, Many we spoke al Security and Strategic Crawford, 63, served to during this Studies at the Naval War under six presidents and College, Newport R.I. He process dewas lead counsel for the was named a Massachuprincipal military advisor setts Institute of Technolto presidents George W. scribed him as ogy, Cambridge Mass., Bush and Barack Obama. inspirational, a Seminar XXI Fellow.

He was a voice for the Felician serves more servant leader than 2,300 undergraduate, National Security Council, the Homeland Security and someone graduate, and adult eduCouncil and secretaries of cation students through Defense Robert M. Gates who truly lives programs in its schools and Leon Panetta. of Arts & Sciences, Busiour Felician During his career ness, Nursing, and Educawith the Navy, Crawford tion at its Rutherford and core values. earned the Navy DistinLodi campuses. guished Service Medal, In the past three Defense Superior Service years, Felician University Medal and Legion of Merit. has ranked third in New Jersey in “Best A native of Charlotte, N.C., Craw- Return on Investment for Private Colford graduated from Belmont Abbey leges” by the PayScale.com College College, Belmont, N.C., and earned a ROI Report and the “#1 Safest College Juris Doctorate -- one of five Doctor Campus in NJ” by niche.com.

“Come follow me” (Mark 10:21)

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 16, 2021

22 BACK TO SCHOOL

Educator who has worn many hats at parochial school takes helm

By Teresa Murphy Correspondent Kelly Seccamanie was appointed principal of Immaculate Conception School, Somerville, in March 2021. She has worked at Immaculate Conception School for more than 15 years, beginning as a seventh grade teacher, then working as the school counselor, and finally serving as vice principal before her most recent promotion. She also co-taught the accelerated math program for first grade students with former principal Sister Mary Chapman.

Although she did not attend Catholic schools herself as a child, the Catholic faith was a strong influence on Seccamanie and her family as she grew up.

“My family turned to God as our source and strength in all things, and my home environment planted the necessary seeds of faith that I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” she said.

Seccamanie has a clear idea of how she wants to captain the school charism and environment at Immaculate Conception. Her plan includes setting aside prayer time for faculty and students, and “providing opportunities and resources that will help expand our hearts and minds on the purpose of prayer,” she said.

“I pride myself on collaborating with

all faculty members, creating an environment that fosters the strong Catholic values that ICS was founded upon, while providing a quality education for pre-K through grade eight students,” said.

She intends to collaborate with school leadership and faculty “to achieve a firstrate educational environment in which continuous improvement is the norm.”

Seccamanie is pursuing a doctoral degree at Immaculate University (Pa.).

She earned a master’s degree in clinical counseling with a psychology concentration from Fairleigh Dickenson University, Madison, and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2001 in sociology and early elementary education at Kean University, Union. She is a certified student assistance counselor and substance awareness coordinator, as well as a licensed clinical pastoral counselor. Her counseling background, she said, will help her empower teachers to develop their skills and to support them daily with any student issues that may arise.

Immaculate Conception School was staffed for more than 60 years by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The sisters were reassigned by their religious congregation to other locations in 2019, but Seccamanie is determined that the school will continue to function in accord with the values upheld by the sisters.

“I am committed to continuing the legacy of spiritual and academic excellence that our IHM Sisters have firmly established in their 62 years of service to the people of Immaculate Conception Parish,” she said. “I will work to foster the Catholic school culture, implement best practices in our educational programs, and encourage students to put their faith into action through service to others. With this goal in mind, it is my hope that a team approach will facilitate students in becoming faithfilled, productive citizens, who will make a positive difference in our global society.”

She described the values of Catholic education as helping students to “develop and grow a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”

She added, “We hope that while students are attending our school, they learn and embody key values such as respect for self and others, prayerfulness, and other standards of excellence including neatness, timeliness, gracious manners, and hospitality.”

Seccamanie and her husband, Thomas, have been married for 17 years and have two sons — Sean 14, an eight-grader; and Ryan, 10, a fifth-grader. They also own a yellow Labrador Retriever named Goose.

Seccamanie said that as a mother, she

understands the “tremendous challenges” families are facing. “It is my passion to support parents in fostering positive behavior in their children, to encourage teamwork throughout the school community, and to promote an enthusiastic, vibrant, and faithfilled school environment.”

New for this year, the curriculum will include Spanish for all grade levels. Fifththrough eighth-graders will experience a block schedule so that academic resources can be best shared across grade levels.

Additionally, a new food service will be provided by Four Seasons Catering, which will allow students more options for their lunches.

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Double Olympic gold medalist and world record-holder Sydney McLaughlin rose from her chair and flashed a huge smile as she shared a warm embrace with Mercy Sister Percylee Hart, her principal when she was a student at Union Catholic High School, Scotch Plains.

Sister Percylee had just finished giving a heartfelt speech during a special ceremony Aug. 28 in Dunellen to name the track at Columbia Park after McLaughlin, who smashed her own world record in the 400 hudles with a time of 51.46 and led off the winning 4x400 relay at the Tokyo Olympics in August.

Sister Percylee was part of a large contingent of Union Catholic (UC) community members who came out to support McLaughlin, who graduated from the school in 2017.

UC track and field coach Mike McCabe, who played a major role in McLaughlin’s development when he guided her to a berth on the 2016 Olympic Team when she was 16, also gave a speech.

UC assistant principal Jim Reagan Jr., athletic director Dave Luciano and several Union Catholic alums also at-

Sydney McLaughlin poses at a ceremony at the track named in her honor at Columbia Park, Dunellen, wearing the two Gold Medals she won in track and field at the Tokyo Olympics in August. McLaughlin, who grew up in Dunellen, is a 2017 graduate of Union Catholic High School, Scotch Plains.

— Jim Lambert photo tended. McLaughlin, who grew up in Dunellen, was ecstatic to see so many familiar faces from her alma mater.

“It means a lot to me to have so much support from Union Catholic,’’ McLaughlin said as her two gold medals dangled from her neck. “It was so

great to see my coach, Sister Percylee, and everyone else who came out today.

I really appreciate it.’’

In her remarks, Sister Percylee said, “I am so excited to be here as you honor your Dunellen daughter, by naming Columbia Park track in honor of

her, the track where Sydney first ran on her quest to become one of the fastest female runners on Earth.

“As Sydney can attest, one of my two mantras for the students at Union Catholic has always been to grow your gifts and talents and become all that God calls you to be. Sydney’s achievement of breaking world records and winning two gold medals gives testimony to her response to this call.

Thank you, Sydney, for serving as such a wonderful role model for our students to emulate, and for being all that God calls you to be.

“My other mantra for the students is: ‘Be Good, Do Good, Be a Power for Good.’

“I believe you have to begin with being good. Sydney is good. She is humble. She chooses good over evil, and chooses kind every time. When you are a good person, it will manifest itself into doing good. As a student at UC, Sydney did good by engaging in charitable school projects and by reaching out to those in need. Her kindness to others were hallmarks of her interactions.

“And, now, what an awesome position, Sydney, you are in to be a power for good.”

Lambert is information director at Union Catholic

BACK TO SCHOOL

By Jim Lambert

23

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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24 BACK TO SCHOOL

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Georgian Court University does not discriminate in its recruitment and admission of students, regardless of gender, race, creed, color, religion, age, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

Sperduto also served on the Rutgers University Business School of Advisors and the Overlook Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees.

Sperduto’s first Spartan volunteer experience began in 2012 with the Immaculata football team. He is currently a running back coach for the varsity and has served as a junior varsity head coach.

In 2013, he began volunteering as an assistant coach for the baseball team at all three levels, a role he still enjoys today.

In addition to his athletics commitment, Sperduto served on the last two Hall of Fame Committees, as well as several Golf Classic committees. Sperduto lent his financial experience to the school’s Advisory Council and was a key member of the leadership team of the most recent Capital Campaign.

“I have made so many lifelong relationships at the school,” Sperduto said.

“Immaculata has been a wonderful experience from the first time I was on campus in 2008 as a parent. I am glad to have been able to help the school continue as a special place.”

To help honor Sperduto and support Immaculata, registration and sponsorship opportunities are available at www. immaculatahighschool.org/golfclassic

BACK TO SCHOOL

SOMERVILLE — Mike Sperduto has Ringoes. been named the 2021 Mackie Award Sperduto’s commitment to the recipient for his service to Immaculata school reflects the spirit of the late J. High School.

Brandon (Mackie) Maxwell, the award’s Sperduto and his wife, Rachael, first recipient and for whom the award have two children, is named. Through his Taylor and Kellen (a volunteer work and do2012 graduate of the nations (especially in “Immaculata has school). athletics), Mackie was A seasoned senior a huge supporter of Imbeen a wonderful financial executive maculata. Individuals, experience from the with multinational, such as Sperduto, keep diversified Fortune Mackie’s legacy alive. first time I was on 500 experience, SperSperduto earned campus in 2008 as a duto retired in 2006 a Master’s in Busiafter a 23-year career ness Administration parent. I am glad to with Engelhard Corin finance at Fairleigh have been able to poration, Iselin, last Dickinson University, serving as its vice Florham; and a Bachhelp the school president and chief elor of Science degree financial officer. in accounting at Moncontinue as a Since then, Sperduto mouth University, West special place. “ has dedicated endless Long Branch, where he hours to Immaculata’s received a baseball ath— Mike Sperduto programs as a volunletic scholarship. teer and financial supPrior to his porter for many of its Spartan involvement initiatives. to volunteer in the Initiated in 2008, the Mackie Award school’s football and baseball programs, is presented at the annual Immaculata Sperduto coached local youth sports Golf Classic, which is scheduled to held for more than 10 years. Immaculata is Sept. 27 at Heron Glen Golf Course, not the only benefactor of his expertise.

25

School parent who became advisor, coach to be honored Sept. 27

Mike Sperduto, the 2021 Mackie Award recipient, has served Immaculata High School as a volunteer, including as a coach for the junior varsity and varsity football teams, on its Hall of Fame Committee, and as a financial supporter. He was scheduled to receive the award at the annual Immaculata Golf Classic Sept. 27 at Heron Run Golf Course, Ringoes.

— photo courtesy of Immaculata High School

Kids Corner: John sees Michael’s battle against a dragon and there was no longer a place for them in heaven.

“The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it,” John said.

Then he heard a loud voice speaking from heaven that told those dwelling there to rejoice.

“But woe to you, earth and sea, for the Devil has come down to you in great fury, for he knows he has but a short time,’ the voice warned.

Artwork, courtesy of CNS

Read more about it: Revelation 12 Q&A 1. What are some of the things John saw in heaven?

2. Who was on each side of the war in heaven?

PUZZLE:

Unscramble the letters in each word and arrange them to form a quotation from the children’s story.

thear ewo tub dan ot esa uyo

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 16, 2021

John had been exiled to the Greek island of Patmos because he was a Christian.

He was worshipping one Sunday when Jesus appeared to him. After Jesus gave John messages to give to the seven Christian churches in Asia, he was taken up to heaven.

There was thunder and lightning in heaven, as well as four living creatures, 24 elders and many angels surrounding the throne of God. Everyone in heaven worshipped God continually.

John was given many visions. One of them was of a woman who was pregnant. She was “clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars,” John said in describing what he saw.

He said the woman wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth.

Just then, another sign appeared in the sky.

“It was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and 10 horns, and on its heads were seven diadems. Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour

her child when she gave birth,” John continued.

The woman gave birth to a male child, who was destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. The baby was caught up to God and his throne, John said.

God had prepared a place in the desert to which the woman fled, and she stayed there and was taken care of for 1,260 days.

Meanwhile, a war broke out in heaven between Michael and his angels and the dragon and its angels. The dragon and its angels lost the battle,

Answers: earth woe but and to sea you But woe to you, earth and sea.

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service

26

Spiritual renewal comes from countercultural marriages, families with the world of space and time” such that “the only meaningful criteria for judging Recently, in our virtual Women’s Group, we success or failure are those that can be seen: have been discussing the wonderful work popularity, power, wealth, comfort, and from the University of Mary Press entitled, personal enrichment” (83-84). The antidote “From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: to such ills, according to Msgr. Shea, is “a Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age.” In conversion of mind to a sacramental vision it, Msgr. James P. Shea offers much wisdom of the world” and, therefore, a conviction regarding our postmodern age and its (often that “Christ is the answer to every human tacit) presuppositions regarding faith and ill” (37, 70).

In reflecting upon the implications of culture. He contends that we are living in “a change of the ages,” characterized by the al- such wisdom for the sacrament of marriage, teration of “long-standing arrangements and I am continuously assaulted by the question relations” (3). Foremost among these “long- of whether married couples (myself and my standing arrangements” is Christianity itself husband included) have adopted a sacrainsofar as our society “has been consciously mental vision or a materialist vision of the ridding itself of its Christian basis” (3). Cer- world. Undoubtedly, it is far simpler to move tainly, this is unsurprising for even a casual with the cultural tide and to avoid challenge cultural observer as Christianity is increas- or confrontation, but, I bring to mind the ingly relegated to an outmoded system of opening credits of the popular series, “The belief and, yet, it is the system upon which Chosen” and think of the blue fish (symbols Form #276 June 2021 many of our values are predicated. What of Christians) swimming against the current, characterizes the postmodern ethos is not in an opposite direction from the other fish.

I then question, “Have I fully embraced this simply a rejection of all Christian tenets, PUBLIC SCHOOL YEAR 2021-2022 ANNOUNCEMENT but rather a rejection of their supernatural mission entrusted to me?” Certainly, our role The announced today that low cost, nutritious school lunches and/or breakfasts and/or are living Catholics is different frommilkthose source.

Thus, whatSchool is left is an “intoxication as lay

OUR DIOCESE

By Cristina D’Averso-Collins

available to all children enrolled in the school. For schools participating in the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), school meals will be offered free of charge to all enrolled students. Additional benefits may be available for children living in households whose gross incomes are at or below those shown for their household size on the income scale below.

FISCAL YEAR 2021 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT FOR USE BY DIOCESE OFFICES OF NEW JERSEY

The Diocese of Metuchen announced today that low cost, nutritious school lunches and/or breakfasts and/or milk are available to all For schools who are not participating in SSO, meals, snacks and/or milk will be provided free or at a reduced price to children enrolled in the school. In addition, meals, snacks and/or milk will be provided free or at a greatly reduced price to children children living in households whose gross incomes are at or below those shown for their household size on the income scale frombelow. households whose for gross income are at or Price belowSchool those shown household on the income scale below.

Applications Applications Free and Reduced Meals for are their available to thesize households of all children enrolled in for Free and Reduced Price School Meals are sent to the households of all children enrolled in the school districts. the school.

EFFECTIVE FROM JULY 1, 2021 TO JUNE 30, 2022 (As announced by the United States Department of Agriculture) FREE MEALS OR MILK HOUSEHOLD SIZE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Each Additional Household Member

REDUCED PRICE MEALS

Annual

Monthly

Twice per Month

Every Two Weeks

16,744

1,396

698

644

322

22,646

1,888

944

871

436

28,548

2,379

1,190

1,098

549

34,450

2,871

1,436

1,325

663

40,352

3,363

1,682

1,552

776

46,254

3,855

1,928

1,779

890

52,156

4,347

2,174

2,006

1,003

58,058

4,839

2,420

2,233

1,117

5,902

492

246

227

Weekly

114

HOUSE HOLD SIZE

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

Annual

Monthly

Twice per Month

Every Two Weeks

23,828

1,986

993

917

459

32,227

2,686

1,343

1,240

620

40,626

3,386

1,693

1,563

782

49,025

4,086

2,043

1,886

943

57,424

4,786

2,393

2,209

1,105

Weekly

65,823

5,486

2,743

2,532

1,266

74,222

6,186

3,093

2,855

1,428

82,621

6,886

3,443

3,178

1,589

8,399

700

350

324

162

Application forms are available at the school’s website and at your a new LEA, either at the beginning of the new school year or during thechild’s summer months,Applications the new LEA to any use the former child’s school. Applications can be submitted at any time during Application forms are available on the school’s website andthe at your school. canisbeencouraged submitted at timeyear. during school year.

If a household member becomes or the household sizefrom or income changes during LEA’s eligibility determination the previous school year and carschool If athehousehold member becomes unemployed or theunemployed the school year, parents are encouraged to contact the school so that all children receive the proper benefits.

For are completed, household size or income changes during the school year, parents ryover the child’s eligibility status. Once determinations the school officials to determine eligibility, the household must provide the following information listed on the application: names are encouraged to contact the school so that all children receive the school officials are required to verify three percent of the approved of all household members; household income received by each household member; type of income; frequency of income and reduced price applications on file. For additional information, proper benefits.

For the school officials twice to determine theandfree such as weekly, every two weeks, a montheligibility, or monthly; the signature and last four digits of the social security contactprovided your child’s school. The information provided by household provide following member information listed onthatthethe applinumbermust of an adultthe household certifying information is correct. with Federal cation: namesonofthe all application household will members; income received parents be kepthousehold confidential and will be used In onlyaccordance for determining eligibility.civil rights law and U.S. Department of by each household member; type of income; frequency of income such Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, Foster every children, Head twice Start aenrollees, in 7andCFR 245.2, participating are Agencies,children, offices, as and defined employees, institutions in as weekly, two weeks, month or homeless, monthly; andmigrant the sig-and itsrunaway categorically or number free milk.

Households assistance NJ are SNAP or Temporary administering USDA under programs prohibited from discriminating nature and last four eligible digits offorthefree socialmeals security of an adult orreceiving Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for their children will be notified of their eligibility for free benefits unless the household member certifying that the information provided is correct. based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal household notifies the school that it chooses to decline benefits. Households receiving assistance under NJ SNAP or The TANF information provided by parents on the application will be kept or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity should only submit an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by a specified date determined by the school. conducted or funded USDA.meal applications for their confidential and will used onlythat for are determining Households withbechildren certified eligibility. participants in SNAP or TANF may submitbyschool with disabilities who requireWIC alternative means of communiFoster children, Head enrollees, homeless,asmigrant andonrunaway children using the Start abbreviated information indicated the schoolPersons meal application and instructions. participants may program (e.g. large print, audiotape, also be eligible for reduced meals. eligible Parents/guardians shouldfor contact theirinformation child’s school for Braille, more information. children, as defined in 7free CFRand 245.2, are Price categorically for free cation meals or free milk. Households receiving assistance under NJ SNAP American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or The school will advise parents of their child’s eligibility within 10 working days of receipt of the application. Any parent or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for their hildren local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard dissatisfied with the eligibility determination may contact the school to request an informal conference or may will be notified their eligibility for freeabenefits the household of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the appeal theofdecision by requesting formal unless hearing. notifies the school that it chooses to decline benefits. Households re- Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program may be madeisavailable in languages other than English. ceiving under NJdays SNAP TANF only (or submit For assistance up to 30 operating intoorthe new should school year until an a newinformation eligibility determination made, whichever comes first) an individual child’s or reduced price eligibility status from year willcomplaint continue ofwithin the same LEA. In the USDA file a program discrimination, complete application if they are not free notified of their eligibility by a specified date theToprevious addition,bywhen childrenHouseholds move to a new either thecertified beginning Program of the newDiscrimination school year orComplaint during the Form, summer months, the (AD-3027) found online determined the school. with LEA, children thatatare new LEA encouraged use submit the former LEA’s determination from the previous school year and carryover theand at any at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, participants in isSNAP or TANFtomay school mealeligibility applications child’s eligibility status. Once determinations are completed, school officials are required to verify three percent of the for their children using the abbreviated information as indicated on USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the approved free and reduced price applications on file. For additional information, contact your child’s school. the school meal application and instructions. WIC participants may letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy also be eligible for Free and Reduced Price meals. Parents/guardians of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed should contact their child’s school for more information. The school form or letter to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, will advise parents of their child’s eligibility within 10 working days of Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,1400 Independence receipt of the application. Any parent dissatisfied with the eligibility de- Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; termination may contact the school to request an informal conference or email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. or may appeal the decision by requesting a formal hearing.

For up to 30 operating days into the new school year (or until a new The following schools participate in one or more of the following eligibility determination is made, whichever comes first) an individual School Nutrition Programs: National School Lunch Program, School child’s free or reduced price eligibility status from the previous year Breakfast Program, After School Snack Program, Special Milk Prowill continue within the same LEA. In addition, when children move to gram. Perth Amboy Catholic, Perth Amboy.

the Priestly/Consecrated Life. However, our state in life is not synonymous with a diminution in holiness or an acknowledgement of a “lesser call.” We must, as lay Catholics, work tirelessly to evangelize the wider cultural circles that we inhabit, lest we risk being evangelized by them.

How, we may ask, do we do this in a way that is authentic and effective? First and foremost, we must solidify and fortify our own beliefs within our marriages and our families. An internal foundation in Christ is essential before turning outward. Here, family prayer and frequenting of the sacraments are essential.

Second, we must seek to guard the integrity of such a foundation against any threat of destruction. It would be a near impossibility to filter out every negative influence, yet, I do believe that there are effective steps that we can take. Monitoring media usage immediately comes to mind, but there are also more subtle influences that can quietly seep into family life. For example, we may have adopted worldly ideals of success for ourselves and for our children, thereby conveying the message that eternal life is not our common goal. As Mother Teresa is credited with saying, “God has not called me to be successful; He has called me to be faith-

ful.” Advancement in this life must always be at the service of Christ and His Church.

Finally, we must actively seek a community of faith beyond our own homes.

Families who also place Christ at the center of their lives can be a wonderful source of strength and enrichment for us. In my own family, my husband and I have many friends who share our values and are raising their children accordingly. We regard the witness of these families as vital to our daughter’s lived experience of faith.

While it may initially seem daunting, the call to live counterculturally continuously challenges us to experience all that Christ has planned for us. A life lived for Christ is not one devoid of suffering and yet, it is a life of true abundance as Christ Himself promises in John 10:10. Once we are, as Msgr. Shea explains, “converted from one way of looking at the world to a different way” we cannot do anything but live differently for the alternative no longer seems feasible (65). Let us not be afraid to answer the radical call to discipleship within our marriages and families, knowing that what awaits us is nothing less than the fullness of Love itself.

D’Averso-Collins is director, diocesan Office of Family Life

Two become members of order The St. Peter Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order welcomed Carl Westover and Marilyn Harmyk as its newest professed members Aug. 14. Westover is a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough. Harmyk is a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Old Bridge.

Msgr. William Benwell, a Secular Franciscan, presided at the Profession Mass at St. Matthias Church, Somerset, assisted by Deacon Sal Bonfiglio, also a member of the order. Msgr. Benwell is pastor, St. Mary’s-Stony Brook Parish, Watchung; and Deacon Bonfiglio exercises his ministry at Mary, Mother of God Parish.

Music was provided by order member Debra Kubeck, on guitar and Mary Frances Chavez, vocalist.

The order extended its thanks to Father Abraham Orapankal, pastor, St. Matthias Parish, for the use of St. Matthias Church and meeting room for its monthly fraternity gatherings. The Secular Franciscan Order, formerly known as the Third Order of St. Francis, is an official order within the Catholic Church, established by St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century. By profession, members promise to follow a Rule of Life approved and confirmed by Pope Paul VI in June 1978. Ordinarily, members do not live in community, but with their families and work in the world, gathering in fraternities on a regular basis.

On the one hand, the fraternity is the whole world; on the other, the local fraternity is the world where members work out their salvation and the salvation of their sisters and brothers. Members strive

Msgr. William Benwell, center, a member of the St. Peter Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order, poses with Carl Westover and Marilyn Harmyk after he presided at a Profession Mass for the order’s two new members at St. Matthias Church, Somerset.

—Mary-Frances Reavey photo

to promote a life of prayer and simplicity, peace and justice and respect for all creation. Members pledge themselves “through their baptism and profession to proclaim the good news by their life and words,” going from “Gospel to life and life to Gospel.” he St. Peter Fraternity, Our Lady of the Angels Region, has 13 professed members, For more information, contact St. Peter Fraternity member Mary Frances Reavey at: mfreavey@comcast.net or (732) 545-6425 or visit the website: http:// www.ourladyoftheangelsregion.org/ — Frank Cryan

OUR DIOCESE

On Aug. 15, the Solemnity of the Assump- time, each sister withdrew completely tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary, three Sis- from her usual ministry in order to ters of Christian Charity — Sister Mathil- intensify her relationship with Christ in de DeLucy, Sister Bridget Harakal and an atmosphere of silence and recollection.

Sister Clara Kim — made From Aug. 7 to 15, their perpetual profession The intense period of the sisters participated in of vows during a Mass at a spiritual retreat led by preparation for per- Holy Cross Father Daniel the Chapel of Mary Immaculate, Mallinckrodt petual vows, known Issing, professor of theolConvent, Mendham. ogy at King’s College, as Tertianship, was Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, shepherd of the Mathilde, held at the Mother- who Sister Diocese of Paterson, New teaches music at Jersey, presided at the house in Mendham St. Francis Cathedral Mass.

School, Metuchen, was Later that day, from June 27 to Aug. born in Scranton, Pa., Metuchen Bishop James 20 and was directed and graduated from F. Checchio presided at a Bishop McDevitt High Eucharistic Exposition and by Sister Mary Joseph School, Harrisburg, Pa. Benediction. entered the Sisters Schultz general coun- She The sisters made their of Christian Charity from vows into the hands of Siscilor for the Sisters Holy Name of Jesus Parter Joann Marie Aumand, ish, Harrisburg. of Christian Charity, provincial superior of the Sister Mathilde Eastern Province of the Paderborn, Germany. earned an Associate in Sisters of Christian CharArts degree at Assumpity. tion College for Sisters, The musical accompanist was Sister Denville; and a bachelor’s degree with Mary Edward Spohrer, music director at a double major in music education and Catholic studies at Seton Hall University, St. Patrick Church, Spencerville, Ohio.

The intense period of preparation for South Orange. perpetual vows, known as Tertianship, Sister Bridget, of Schnecksville, Pa. was held at the Motherhouse in Mendham teaches third grade at St. Francis Cathefrom June 27 to Aug. 20 and was directed dral School

by Sister Mary Joseph Schultz, a genAfter graduating from Parkland eral councilor for the Sisters of Christian High School, Allentown, Pa., she earned Charity, Paderborn, Germany. During this a bachelor’s degree in history with a mi-

27

Paterson Bishop presides at service for newly professed religious

Following Perpetual Profession of Vows at Mallinckrodt Convent, Mendham, Aug. 15, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, shepherd of the Diocese of Paterson, poses with, from left: Christian Charity Sister Mary Joseph Schultz, general councilor and tertianship director; Christian Charity Sister Clara Kim; Christian Charity Sister Bridget Harakal; Christian Charity Sister Mathilde DeLucy; and Christian Charity Sister Joann Marie Aumand, provincial superior of the Eastern Province.

— photo courtesy of the Sisters of Christian Charity

nor in theology at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, Md. She entered the Sisters of Christian Charity from St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Orefield, Pa. Sister Clara was born in Busan, South Korea, and graduated from Seoul Catholic University with a bachelor’s degree in music.

She trained in the Clinical Pastoral Education programs at Penn State Her-

shey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.; St. Mary’s Medical Center, Langhorne, Pa.; and Morristown Medical Center.

She entered the Sisters of Christian Charity from Neam-il-dong Parish, Busan, South Korea, and Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish. Bayside, N.Y. Sister Clara is a chaplain in the Pastoral Care Department at St. Joseph’s Healthcare and Rehab Center, Cedar Grove.

Sisters of Christian Charity religious order celebrate major milestones

Posing for a photo at the Chapel of Mary Immaculate, Mallinckrodt Convent, Mendham, are Sisters of Christian Charity celebrating anniversaries in consecrated life.

Front row from left: Sister Maria Assumpta Shurer, Sister Mary Martha Garzon, Sister Mary Catherine Slattery, Sister Teresa Skierkowski, Sister Marie Colette Martelli, Sister Nicholas Campasano and Sister Beatrice Kellet. Back row from left: Sister Marie Pauline Demek, Sister Janice Marie Kraft, Sister Judith Blair, Sister Joann Marie Aumand (Provincial Superior), Sister Mary Vu, Sister Patrice Owens and Sister Jude Biank. Not shown: Sister Nivarda Filip.

— photo courtesy of the Sisters of Christian Charity

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 16, 2021

On Aug. 21, the Sisters of Christian Sister Patrice Owens and Sister TeCharity, Mendham, who serve in the resa Skierkowski, 50 years; and Sister diocese, celebrated the 172nd anni- Mary Vu, 25 years. versary of the founding The same day, the of the congregation and The Sisters of Chris- sisters participated in their annual Commisthe anniversaries of 14 tian Charity were sioning Service, which sisters in consecrated life at a Mass at the Chafounded in 1849 marks the beginning of a pel of Mary Immaculate, new “apostolic year” in in Paderborn, Ger- their ministries.

Mallinckrodt Convent, Mendham.

The Sisters of many... They are an Christian Father Hubertus Charity were R. Drobner, professor international com- founded in 1849 in of Church History and Paderborn, Germany, Patristics at the Theolo- munity with sisters by Blessed Pauline von gische Fakultät, Paderborn, serving in the United Mallinckrodt. They are Germany, presided at the an international commuStates, Argentina, nity with sisters serving liturgy.

Members of the the United States, ArChile, Uruguay, in congregation celebrating gentina, Chile, Uruguay, their anniversaries were: Germany and the Germany and the PhilipSister Nivarda Filip, 75 pines.

Philippines. years; Sister Nicholas In the U.S., the SisCampasano, Sister Beaters of Christian Charity trice Kellet, Sister Maria Assumpta also serve in the archdioceses of NewShurer and Sister Mary Catherine ark, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago Slattery, 70 years; Sister Judith Blair and New Orleans; and in the dioceses and Sister Mary Martha Garzon, 60 of Camden and Paterson; and the years; Sister Jude Biank, Sister Marie dioceses of Allentown, Harrisburg and Pauline Demek, Sister Janice Marie Scranton (in Pennsylvania) and the Kraft, Sister Marie Colette Martelli, Diocese of Toledo, Ohio.

OUR FAITH

28

What about purgatory?/Priests do forget Q Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

Question Corner

August 11, 2021

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Dear brothers and sisters, this first exposition of the Apostle to the Galatians presents the radical newness of the Christian life: all those who have faith in Jesus Christ are called to live in the Holy Spirit, who liberates from the Law and, at the same time, brings it to fulfillment according to the commandment of love. This is very important.

The Law leads us to Jesus. But one of you might say to me: “But, Father, just one thing: does this mean that if I pray the Creed, I do not need to observe the commandments?” No, the commandments are valid in the sense that they are “pedagogues” [teachers] that lead you toward the encounter with Christ.

But if you set aside the encounter with Jesus and want to go back to giving greater importance to the commandments, this was the problem of these fundamentalist missionaries who had infiltrated the Galatians to confuse them. May the Lord help us to journey along the path of the commandments but looking toward the love of Christ, with the encounter with Christ, knowing that the encounter with Jesus is more important than all of the commandments.

I'm confused about the Catholic teaching on purgatory, as we never really covered it in our RCIA program. I under-

By Father Kenneth Doyle stand it to be a “stopover” of sorts, for a soul’s purification on its way to heaven, but I’ve also been told different things as to the nature of this purification — anything from a final confession to a burning off of sins to a witnessing of harm the person may have caused while still alive and of which they may have not previously been aware.

I’ve also been told that a person’s purgatory time can start in the here and now, while still alive, and even that some of the suffering in this life may be to help others already in purgatory.

Finally, I’ve been told that almost everyone will likely go to purgatory. Can you comment? (southern Indiana) The Catholic Church has always believed in the existence of purgatory. That belief is defined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which says: “All who

A

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection Against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, We humbly pray. And, o prince of the heavenly host, by the power Of God banish into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who roam through The world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

that purification after death may be, we just don’t know. (And it might even be instantaneous.) And regarding your speculation as to what percentage will wind up in purgatory, we’ve never been told; but speaking personally, spiritual and moral perfection seem a long way away, so my own guess is that a lot of us will need some remediation.

Q

Do Catholic priests forget what they are told in confession?

(City and state withheld)

Yes, we do. Part of that is due, I'm sure, to the grace of God; but another reason might be the repetitive nature of most confessions. I always try to remind myself, when I enter the confessional box, to stay alert and to remember that my role is to put the penitent in touch with God. Rather than have confession become simply a repetition of regular faults (and that is fine), I often try to engage penitents also with regard to their spiritual life by asking them, for example, “Do you try to pray each day?” Normally, within a few minutes of leaving the confessional, I have forgotten nearly all of the sins people have confessed.

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

A

'Can anything good come from Nazareth?'

As a child, my parents gave me two very oversized, illustrated books of Scripture – one of Old Testament stories and the other of New Testament stories. I loved those books and while their pages are worn and broken away from the binding, I still have them for my grandchildren to read.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel (Feast, September 29)

die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven” (No. 1030).

It is also reflected in the words of Jesus himself, who says in the Gospel of Matthew [12:32], that certain sins “will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come,” which serves as an indication that some purging of the soul may need to occur after death.

There are indications from the earliest centuries of the Christian era that this belief was common in the Church; some might remember that St. Monica, in the fourth century, asked her son St. Augustine before she died to continue to remember her soul in his Masses.

Even before the advent of Christianity, we read in the Second Book of Maccabees [12:46] that Judas Maccabeus “made atonement for the dead” that they might be freed from sin, which suggest a Jewish practice of offering prayers to cleanse the souls of the departed.

And yes, it has always been the common practice of believers who are still living to offer prayers and sacrifices for the departed. (How many times, when you were little and complained to your mother about something, did she say, “Offer it up for the souls in purgatory?”)

As for the exact nature of what

The hand-painted, vibrant, illustrations were, no doubt, the reason I remember so many Bible happenings. My favorite was always the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walking in the fiery furnace with an angel of God behind them. But it was probably a less exciting vignette that had greater impact on my faith and my life over the years. It was the image of two disciples, walking together toward Jesus. One disciple, Philip, tells another soon-to-be disciple, Nathanael, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote — Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

Nathanael scoffs, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?”

As a student still in religious education classes, my first thought was, “Oh, boy, he just put down Jesus. Sister Mary Catherine wouldn’t be happy about that!” Plus, I thought for sure he was going to be in big trouble with Jesus. I mean, you just don’t say that kind of stuff about the Son of God. As I read on, I saw that Jesus was aware of Nathanael’s cynical, stereotyped comment but instead of being angry Jesus responded, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

I was both confused and in awe of what transpired between the two of them, and probably got myself in to a few bits of trouble by following Nathanael’s outspoken example before I had grown enough to better understand the story. There was more Scripture to read, more time needed for prayer, before I understood that Jesus didn’t just hear Nathanael’s words, he knew Nathanael’s heart. He knew Nathanael was a man looking for the truth, but Nathanael’s prejudice regarding Nazareth was clouding his vision. That would change.

The transformation happened when Nathanael finally encountered Jesus and asked, “How do you know me?” He was astounded at Jesus’ reply, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree,” and declared Jesus the Son of God. This new and inspired disciple went on to evangelize and minister to Samaritans, Jews, Romans,

Greeks and even those Pharisees who were willing to listen.

“How do you know me?” is a question I find myself asking God often, usually when I am running headlong down the wrong path until God shoves me on to the runaway ramp so I don’t crash and burn.

Sometimes, like Nathanael, I overcome an obstacle and move forward as a disciple. At other times, it is not so easy to let go of what skews my judgment.

Prejudice and division, often dependent on each other, are obstacles, not only to Christian life but to the good of humanity.

Often, they are thrust upon us; sometimes we participate in their creation and nurturing. It is important to be aware of our complicity.

To truly be disciples, anxious to live a life of trusting relationship with God, we must strive to let go of prejudice and, instead, strive for unity, not only for the Church but for the sake of all God’s children.

On the night before he died, Jesus prayed to his Father five times “that they may be one” as Jesus and his Father were one. Theologians may point out that Jesus was praying for his disciples, or for those who believed in Jesus, but I understood his prayer to cover all who were in the world then, and all who would come to be. It makes sense to me because “oneness” is an act of love, and since God’s love knows no bounds, it is not up to us to set limits on it.

29

Nature of Christian leadership This Sunday’s reading from St. Mark’s Gospel focuses on genuine Christian leadership. In this Gospel passage, Jesus, immediately following the Transfiguration, came down the mountain with his disciples and spoke about the great demands that Christian leadership imposes.

He began his teaching with the second of three predictions of his upcoming passion, death, and resurrection — emphasizing the ultimate service that his leadership of the Christian community would entail.

SCRIPTURE STUDY

By Msgr. John N. Fell This particular Gospel scene really occurs in three parts. First, Jesus spoke privately with his disciples about his upcoming passion.

By referring to himself as the Son of Man, he even sets the context for them, teaching that his death would be not the failure of his mission, but rather its divinely intended culmination (see Daniel 7:14). In this Jesus reveals much about the true nature of Christian leadership.

By virtue of his uniquely exalted position as Son of God, Jesus lovingly offered his very life in service of God’s plan for the salvation of his people. The Good Shepherd laid down his life for his sheep; the cross became not the sign of defeat, but of the Son of God’s selfless and compassionate love for his people. Of course, as is so often the case in St. Mark’s Gospel, the disciples heard Jesus make this prediction, but they failed to understand what he was talking about.

The next part of the scene took place after the group had journeyed to Capernaum, Jesus’ hometown as an adult. He asked his followers what they had been discussing along the way.

They were silent with embarrassment because they had been arguing about who was most important among them. Perhaps this argument arose because Jesus had taken only Peter, James, and John with him up upon the mountain of the Transfiguration. Perhaps it arose because they had been unable to heal the possessed boy without Jesus’ intervention. In any case, their ambition provided the opportunity for Jesus’ most poignant teaching about leadership: “If

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SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 19 - SUNDAY OCTOBER 3

Wis 2:12, 17-20 / Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6-8 / Jas 3:16—4:3 /Mk 9:30-37 Ezr 1:1-6 / Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5 / Lk 8:16-18 Eph 4:1-7, 11-13 / Ps 19:2-3, 4-5 / Mt 9:9-13 Ezr 9:5-9 / Tbt 13:2, 3-4a, 4befghn, 7-8 / Lk 9:1-6 Hg 1:1-8 / Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b / Lk 9:7-9 Hg 2:1-9 / Ps 43:1, 2, 3, 4 / Lk 9:18-22 Zec 2:5-9, 14-15a / Jer 31:10, 11-12ab, 13 / Lk 9:43b-45 Nm 11:25-29 / Ps 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14 / Jas 5:1-6 / Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Zec 8:1-8 / Ps 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23 / Lk 9:46-50 Zec 8:20-23 / Ps 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7 / Lk 9:51-56 Dn 7:9-190, 13-14 or Rv 12:7-12a / Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5 / Jn 1:47-51 Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12 / Ps 19:8, 9 10, 11 / Lk 10:1-12 Bar 1:15-22 / Ps 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9 / Lk 10:13-16 Bar 4:5-12, 27-29 / Ps 69:33-35, 36-37 / Mt 18:1-5, 10 Gn 2:18-24 / Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 / Heb 2:9-11 / Mk 10:2-16 or 10:2-12

Vincent de Paul 1581-1660 September 27

Crosiers

Born in southwestern France, Vincent began priestly studies in 1595 and was ordained in 1600. In 1605, he was taken off a ship attacked by pirates. After two years as a slave in Tunisia, he escaped and returned to France, taking up parish work outside Paris. From about 1615, he dedicated his life to serving the poor. To that end, he founded the Confraternity of Charity, the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) and, with St. Louise de Marillac, the Daughters of Charity. In 1885 Pope Leo XIII named him the patron of all works of charity.

Saints

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for September 19, 2021 Mark 9: 30-37

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B: The disciples argue. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

FROM THERE THREE DAYS AFRAID HOUSE GREATEST SERVANT RECEIVES

GALILEE RISE COME ON THE WAY TWELVE MIDST MY NAME

ANYONE SAYING CAPERNAUM SILENT FIRST ARMS SENT ME

THE GREATEST G S

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

WEEK IN SCRIPTURE

anyone wishes to rank first, he must remain the last one of all and the servant of all” (Mk 9:35).

Again, in the Christian context, the mark of a true leader is the sacrificial loving concern he or she shows for others.

Building upon this, Jesus next took a little child and drew him close to himself. He embraced the child, showing how deeply he cherished him and said, “Whoever welcomes a child such as this for my sake welcomes me . . .” (Mk 9:37a). Jesus used the child to represent all those who are helpless and needy, all those who put their trust in God to take care of them. In this passage Jesus identifies himself in a very special and direct way with all those who are lowly — to care for them is to care for Jesus himself. The Lord would take care of these lowly ones; his mission of caring for them would fall especially on those called to roles of leadership within Jesus’ community.

To be first meant being of constant and devoted service to all those ranked further down the line. Being in charge would mean being ruled by a heart poured out in loving service to those who were needy.

Both the first and second readings also assert the necessity of dedicated service to others.

In the Letter of St. James, the apostle warns us of the discord and disappointment that result when people become selfish, using positions of authority or anything else for their own aggrandizement rather for than for the good of others. He contrasts such base behaviors with true heavenly insight which is “innocent . . . peaceable, lenient, docile, rich in sympathy and the kindly deeds that are its fruit . . .” (Jm 3:17).

Leadership based upon the teaching of Jesus is very different from leadership based upon purely secular principles. Christian leaders substitute service for selfishness, humility for pomp, and love for neglect. Within the family of Jesus, whether we are called upon to lead churches, communities, families, teams, or businesses, we must realize that all authority is ultimately influenced by the sign of the cross — a sign of a Leader who would completely hand over his life, and embrace his suffering and death, for the well-being of his people.

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

OUR FAITH

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time (B)

30 STEPPING UP IN CHARITY

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Your prayer requests are welcomed and encouraged. They shall be placed before the Blessed Sacrament and lifted daily in prayer.

Community support helps needy make ends meet

Children extend care to military veteran in

The Warren Basic Material Needs enthusiastic to obtain the contents of program at the Catholic Charities, the grocery bags. She indicated that Whenof Catholic Charities’ Care Diocese Metuchen Social Service Child her grandchildren were delighted to Center, been blessed make the peanut butter and jelly sandSite Phillipsburg, SupervisorhasJenelle Clauson read with an increase in financial support wiches and they enjoyed the games. a Facebook post about a 104-year-old during the COVID-19or coronavirus A father arrived at the site to Marine’s special plea for Valentine’s pandemic. gladly accept the “extra treats” for his “The generosity and concern of colleagues autistic son. wishes, she gathered her the community enables the program A case manager reported his at Hatchery Hill Elementary School, to enrich the lives of those we serve,” client’s daughter was thrilled and Hackettstown, and organized a project said Mercy Sister Michaelita Popov- amazed to discover a pair of Bombas ice,for program director.

“These supplesocks. the children in the Catholic Charimental funds create the opportunity A mother conveyed that the Soties’ after school child care program to to provide additional basic needs as- cial Service Center made her special respond theis oldest living Marine’s sistance.

Our to vision to continue to needs son’s day because of the toys, utilize our resourcefulness in the ex- especially the bubble sticks. She exrequest. tension of services to those struggling pressed he had a fun experience beMaj. Bill White, a World War II to make ends meet.” cause of Catholic Charities. veteran and Purple Heart recipient, The Phillipsburg Social Service “It was a pleasure to be able to Center extended a “Special sprinkle a little sunshine on the youth shared his wish duringSummer an interview with Invitation” to children in Warren in the county during these unprecKTXL-TV in Sacramento, Calif., and County for three consecutive weeks edented and stressful times,” Sister went viral.

He toldMichaelita the tele-said. in the July request and August.

Lunch packages were filled hosts with provisions Social Service Center in vision that onetoofprepare his favoriteThe hobweekly meals plus snacks, toys, crafts Phillipsburg bies is scrapbooking, which has helped responded to more than and other surprises.

19,000 requests for food and clothing him to keep trackparticipated, of his extensive life.

Thirty youngsters last year and remained open throughandNow staff he reported positive feedback out the pandemic. wanted to add some Valentine from parents. grandmotherof who For more information, visit cards to hisAcollection mementos. just returned home from the hospital https://www.ccdom.org/making-endsword got was outvery aboutmeet White’s because Once of a heart condition

request, staff and children from Benedict A. Cucinella Elementary School, Long Valley, and Willow Grove Elementary School joined with Hatchery Hill and together they sent three large envelopes full of hand-made Valentine cards and wishes to honor White and to bring love and joy to the retired Marine.

“We are so thrilled about the response we received from the school district,” said Child Care Service Area Director Krista Glynn. “The staff and children were so excited to send their love and

Prayer for Charity in Truth

— photo co

Father, your truth is made known in your Word. child care for support to Maj. White and weusare all reGuide to seek the truth person. school distric minded of how importantof it the is tohuman provide Teach us the way to love Somerset and recognition to those who haveyou served because are Love.

For more our country.”

Jesus, you embody Last year, Catholic Charities, Dio- Charities’ child Love and Truth. ccdom.org/chil cese of Metuchen provided Help affordable us to recognize

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

Is God calling you Emergency Response Maria Hunter, director, Office of Parish Social Ministry at Catholic Charities, to serve as a priest, Diocese of Metuchen, prepares to assist people impacted by Tropical Storm Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10 Henri in Middlesex County. Catholic Charities joined other service agencies and deacon, religious sister local government partners as part of the Multi Agency Resource Center, who Prayer Request: came together Aug. 25 at the Helmetta Community Center to provide recovery or brother? ____________________________ ___ resources for households affected by the storm. For information about services and resources available in New Jersey, please call 2-1-1.

— photo courtesy of Catholic Charities

Children in the Catholic Charities' after school child c Hatchery Hill Elementary School, Hackettstown, send t Major Bill White, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart

(Mark 10:21)

_________________________

Staff member Sharon Giammarco prepares provisions for lunch along with some unexpected additions from the Catholic Charities Social Service Center, Phillipsburg. The Social Service Center extended a “Special Summer Invitation” to children in Warren County for three consecutive weeks in July and August.

Lunch packages were filled with provisions to prepare weekly meals plus snacks, toys, crafts and other surprises.

— photo courtesy of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen

your face in the poor.

Enable us to live out our vocation to bring love and justice to your people.

Holy Spirit, you inspire us to transform our world.

Empower us to seek the common good for all persons.

Give us a spirit of solidarity and make us one human family.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

- USCCB

hatred, and vengeance. Going further, ble for the lives of others. The Catechism Christ asks his own disciples to turn explains: “The defense of the common the other cheek, to love their enemies. good requires that an unjust aggressor We discover through the books of be rendered unable to cause harm...those the Old Testament that “the covenant who legitimately hold authority [even] between God and humankind is inter- have the right to use arms to repel agwoven with reminders of God’s gift of gressors against the civil community enhuman life and humanity’s murderous trusted to their responsibility” (ccc 2265). violence” (ccc 2260).

In response to Not only is “the delibNext, the Catechism those who cause erate murder of an inharm to society, the

By Father John Gerard Hillier takes up the subject Catechism recognizes nocent person gravely The Fifth Commandment teaches: contrary to the dignity certain circumstances of “Legitimate “You shall not kill” (Exodus 20:13 and of the human being, to when a “legitimate Defense.” Here we Deuteronomy 5:17). the golden rule, and public authority has It seems that God included this to the holiness of the right and duty to are instructed that the in the “Ten Commandments” because Creator” (ccc 2261), inflict punishment “scripture reveals the presence of anger but “the law forbidproportionate to the love for oneself is and envy in man, [the] consequences ding it is universally gravity of the of“a fundamental of original sin, from the beginning of valid: it obliges each fense” (ccc 2266). Alhuman history” (ccc 2259). Even be- and everyone, always principle of morality. though “punishment fore God gave us the Commandments, and everywhere” (ccc has the primary aim Therefore it is legiti- of redressing the disSacred Scripture recorded five ac- 2261). counts of murder or attempted murder, Next, the Catorder introduced by mate to insist including: echism takes up the the offense,” as well 1. Cain killed his brother Abel subject of “Legitimate on respect for one’s as “defending public (Genesis 4:8-16).

Defense.” Here we order and protecting own right to life” 2. Esau plotted to kill his brother are instructed that people’s safety...as far Jacob (Genesis 27:41-45). love for oneself is “a as possible, it must (ccc 2264).

3. Joseph’s brothers were going fundamental principle [also] contribute to to kill him (Genesis 37:1). of morality. Therefore the correction of the 4. In Egypt, the midwives were it is legitimate to insist on respect for guilty party” (ccc 2266). told to kill all the newborn boys (Exo- one’s own right to life” (ccc 2264).

The paragraph which follows, dus 1:15-16).

Further, we are told: “Someone who prior to August 2018, contained the 5. Moses killed the Egyptian defends his life is not guilty of mur- traditional teaching of the Church on soldier who was beating an Israelite der even if he is forced to deal his ag- the death penalty. The Catechism used (Exodus 2:12). gressor a lethal blow” (ccc 2264). It is a softer language, permitting the death The point of the Fifth Command- here where the Church recognizes the penalty…“if this is the only possible ment is that human life should begin principle of double-effect that Saint way of effectively defending human and end according to God’s preroga- Thomas Aquinas helped articulate. lives against the unjust aggressor,” tive alone. “God alone is the Lord of Quoting Saint Thomas, the Catechism while noting that “the cases in which life from its beginning until its end: no explains: “The act of self-defense can the execution of the offender is an abone can under any circumstance claim have a double effect: the preservation solute necessity ‘are very rare, if not for himself the right directly to destroy of one’s own life; and the killing of the practically nonexistent.’” (ccc 2267). an innocent human being” (ccc 2258). aggressor...The one is intended, the On August 2, 2018, the Vatican The Fifth Commandment asks that other is not” (ccc 2263). labelled capital punishment “an attack we take proper care of our own spiriExpanding on this, we are taught tual and bodily well-being, and of that that the love we have for the dignity of our neighbor. In addition to murder of our own life supersedes that of an and suicide, it forbids all things that aggressor. Again, relying on Aquinas, are injurious to the health of either the Catechism quotes: “If a person in body or soul, including anger, fighting, self-defense uses more than necessary revenge, drunkenness, bad example, violence, it will be unlawful: whereas etc. We learn this as well from the New if he repels force with moderation, his B A L A A M Testament’s account of the Sermon on defense will be lawful” (ccc 2264).

V C I the Mount, when “the Lord recalls the Next, the topic of “legitimate deM E R T O N Commandment, ‘You shall not kill,’ fense” is discussed in the context of those R O and adds to it the proscription of anger, in legitimate authority who are responsiFamily Care Placement, M Y S T E R I E S C A P R A H A C M F R E E M A Senior Care at Home is the lower cost alternative to nursing O P E homes or assisted living.

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on the inviolability and dignity of the person” and deemed it “inadmissible” in all cases; and, at that time, the Catechism was revised to unambiguously oppose capital punishment. The new version (ccc 2267) now commits the Church to work “with determination” to abolish the death penalty worldwide.

The shift in this teaching on the death penalty refocuses our commitment on the importance of redemption, even for those that society would normally view as unredeemable. The popular example is that of Alessandro Serenelli, the 20-year-old killer of 11-year-old Saint Maria Goretti, stabbed 14 times because she refused Alessandro’s advances. He remained unrepentant and uncommunicative from the world for 3 years until he finally repented. In 1950, he attended Maria’s canonization, later becoming a lay brother of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, living and working in a monastery until his death at 87 in 1970.

Appropriately, the final theme in this section pertains to “intentional and indirect homicide.” The Fifth Commandment “forbids direct and intentional killing as gravely sinful” (ccc 2268). The Catechism contends: “The murderer and those who cooperate voluntarily in murder commit a sin that cries out to heaven for vengeance” (ccc 2268). The Catechism further teaches that “moral law prohibits exposing someone to mortal danger without grave reason... [and] refusing assistance to a person in danger.” (ccc 2269) Therefore, if someone indirectly causes a person’s death, they are deemed likewise liable...a construct not open to any other interpretation.

Father Hillier serves as Director of the Diocesan Office of the Pontifical Missions, the Office for Persons with disabilities, and Censor Librorum

FAITH ALIVE

Article 154 - Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Paragraphs 2258-2269

31

Life should begin, end according to God’s prerogative

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Senior Care at Home

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32 OUR DIOCESE

OBITUARIES Christian Charity Sister Mary DiLeone, 88, the former Sister Vincent Marie who served as a pastoral assistant at St. James Parish, Woodbridge, from 1993-1996, died Aug. 26 at Stella Niagara Health Center, Stella Niagara, N.Y. Sister Mary was born in Tonawanda, N.Y., to the late Andrew DiLeone and the late Christina Porto DiLeone.

After graduating from North Tonawanda High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education at then-Rosary Hill, now Daemen College, which was established by the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity at Stella Niagara.

Sister Mary professed first vows July 2, 1957, at Stella Niagara, and final profession Aug. 18, 1960.

In addition to serving at St. James Parish, she taught at St. Agnes School, Atlantic Highlands, from 1967-1972; and

numerous schools in the Diocese of Buffalo; the Diocese of Wheeling/Charleston, W.Va.; the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio; and the St. Francis International School, Rome, Italy.

She served as principal of St. Matthias School, Columbus.

Sister Mary also served as province secretary, Sisters of St. Francis, Holy Name Province.

After retiring in 2009, Sister Mary volunteered at Heart, Love, and Soul and Francis Center, both in Niagara Falls, N.Y., and at St. Joseph Hospital, Buffalo.

She moved to Stella Niagara in 2012 and had been a member of the Stella Niagara Health Center community since August 2015.

In addition to her parents, she was pre-deceased by a sister, Lora DiMatteo, and a brother, Vincent DiLeone.

Sister Mary is survived by her sisters, Christine Reichmuth and Jean

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Flynn and Son Funeral Home 420-424 East Avenue Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 Brendan J. Flynn, Jr., Mgr. - NJ Lic. # 4105 Brendan J. Flynn, Jr., Mgr. - NJ Lic. # 4105 James J. Flynn IV, Mgr. - NJ Lic. # 4152 (732) 548-2134 (732) 826-0358 Flynn and(732) Son826-0358 Funeral Home Flynn and Son/Koyen Flynn and Son Funeral Home Flynn and Son Funeral Home FuneralFlynn Flynn and Son Funeral Home Edison-Fords Homeand Son/Koyen Perth Amboy Edison-Fords Funeral Home Perth Amboy 23 Ford Avenue 319 Amboy Avenue 420-424 East Avenue 23 Ford Avenue Amboy Avenue Perth Amboy, NJ420-424 Edison-Fords, NJ 08863 Metuchen, 319 NJ 08840 08861 East Avenue Brendan J. Flynn, Manager Jr. Manager Manager Edison-Fords, NJ 08863 Brendan J. Flynn, Metuchen, NJ 08840 James J. Flynn IV, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861 Flynn and Son Funeral Home

Family owned andAvenue operated since 1900 Family and operated since 3191900 Amboy Avenue 23owned Ford FourFour generations ofNJcaring Metuchen, NJ 08840 Edison-Fords, 08863of caring generations

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Mercy Sept. 8, 1957, and took the name Sister Mary John Regis at her reception the following year.

She began her studies for a degree in elementary education at Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood.

Her first assignment took her to St. Mary School, Bordentown. A naturally gifted primary teacher, she continued in that role in seven schools in the dioceses of Trenton and Metuchen for the next 48 years. She also taught at St. James School, Red Bank, St. Mary School, Alpha; St. Charles Borromeo School, Cinnaminson; and St. Paul School, Princeton.

Sister Jane marveled at the privilege it was to be a teacher of young children in the classroom and in the religious education sacramental programs. Her ministry was not limited to encounters with children, however. As an active member of the parishes where she served, Sister Continued on next page

FUNERAL DIRECTORY

419 Barclay Street, Perth Amboy • 732-826-4525

Costello - Runyon Funeral Homes

M. DAVID

Sister Jane Hardy, who taught at Our Lady of Victories School, Sayreville, and St. Matthew School, Edison, died Aug. 31 at McAuley Hall Health Care Center, Watchung.

Sister Jane was born in Freehold, the daughter of John and Helen (Riley) Hardy. She attended Saint Rose of Lima School and became acquainted with the Sisters of Mercy at Cathedral High School, Trenton. Attracted to religious life, Sister Jane entered the Sisters of

Gustav J. Novak Funeral Home

Robert Fox Manager NJ License No. 4371

568 Middlesex Ave. (Rt 27)

Lovell; nieces, nephews and her sisters in community.

A funeral Mass was celebrated privately. Burial was at Sisters Cemetery, Stella Niagara.

Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Retirement Fund, 4421 Lower River Rd., Stella Niagara, NY 14144

M

YOUR DIOCESAN CEMETERIES Ready to serve you!

Holy Cross Cemetery

Cranbury/South River Rd., Jamesburg, NJ

Featuring … Mary Sorrowful Mother Mausoleum Crematory at Holy Cross Cemetery

Resurrection Cemetery Hoes Lane & Park Ave., Piscataway, NJ

Announcing The new Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit (Financing Available - Credit Cards accepted)

For information about purchase of crypts, niches or plots at the diocesan-owned and operated Cemeteries, please call:

1-800-943-8400

DIOMETUCHEN.ORG/CEMETERIES

To advertise in this directory call Nan at (732) 765-6444

Continued from previous page

ters of Mercy, 1645 US Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069.

Mercy Sister Mary Karen Horan, who taught at several schools in the diocese, died Aug. 31 at McAuley Hall Health Care Center, Watchung.

Sister Karen was born in Atlantic City, the daughter of William and Catherine (Moran) Horan.

Her sister and brother, Catherine and Bill, also became her godparents.

Sister Karen’s formal education took place at Holy Spirit Elementary and High Schools in Atlantic City, both staffed by the Sisters of Mercy. Over the years she enjoyed warm and friendly relationships with the sisters, which had a profound influence on her.

After high school graduation, she felt drawn to religious life and entered the Sisters of Mercy Sept. 8, 1949.

Sister Karen’s teaching career began as an elementary teacher at St. Mary Cathedral School, Trenton. She credits those

11 years of her life as being the foundation of her joy in the field of education.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish at Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, and a Master of Arts in Education from Seton Hall University, South Orange, she continued teaching in the dioceses of Trenton and Metuchen, including St. Mary School, Alpha; St. Mary High School, Perth Amboy; St. Matthias School, Somerset; Sts. Philip and James School, Phillipsburg; Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville; and St. Pius X High School, Edison.

Sister Karen later taught at Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, where she was also director of Student Personnel Services. At this time, Sister lived at McAuley Hall Health Care Center, where she was impressed with the nursing care given to the retired Sisters. She felt an insistent call to consider this new ministry, then persevered in the challenges facing her, to complete studies and receive an

Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Gwynedd Mercy College (Pa.) in 1983. Sister worked at McAuley Hall until 1994. She then returned to Mount Saint Mary, where she served both the academy and the local community of sisters in multiple roles. Her broad experiences had prepared her for this. In 2002 she received the Mercy Core Values Award.

Her innate warmth, empathy, generosity and friendliness were gifts to all whose needs she served. Sister Karen never doubted God’s designs for her, and rejoiced in each opportunity to serve as a Sister of Mercy.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Sept 9 at Immaculate Conception chapel, Mount Saint Mary’s.

Arrangements were handled by Higgins Home for Funerals, Watchung.

Donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, Mount Saint Mary, 1645 US Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069

OUR DIOCESE

Jane sang in the parish choir, shared in the joys and sorrows of the parishioners and was always ready with a kind work, a welcoming smile, or a promise of prayer.

In 2007, Sister Jane was asked by the Leadership Team of the Sisters of Mercy to assume a new role as a Life and Ministry Facilitator. It was an opportunity to share her gifts with the members of her community as she accompanied sisters through changes and new experiences in their lives.

In 2018, Sister Jane retired to McAuley Hall Health Care Center.

Predeceased by her brother John (Jack), she is survived by her sister-inlaw Marilou, niece Danielle, nephew Matthew and the Sisters of Mercy.

A funeral Mass was celebrated Sept.

10 at Immaculate Conception Chapel, Mount Saint Mary.

Burial was at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, in South Plainfield.

Arrangements were handled by Higgins Home for Funerals, Watchung.

Donations may be made to the Sis-

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OBITUARIES

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 16, 2021

OUR DIOCESE

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ACROSS 1 Gentile prophet of the Old Testament 6 The women brought these to anoint Jesus’ body 10 Notable Trappist author 11 Characteristic of God 12 They may be Joyful, Glorious, or Sorrowful 16 Yemen, in biblical times 18 Six-time Academy Award winning Catholic director/producer 20 Biblical instrument 21 “…one Baptism for the forgiveness of ___” 22 “…and the truth will set you ___” (Jn 8:32) 23 “…begotten, not ___…”

24 Statement of belief essential to the faith 26 One of the seven deadly sins 28 Certain opening 32 Type of School 33 AKA the land of Israel 35 Elijah held his challenge here 36 Catholic actor Liam

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DOWN 2 Cardinal Dulles 3 ___ of Contrition 4 The Friars ___ 5 The Church is the ___ of Christ 7 Aaron was anointed to be this 8 Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is patron saint of this South American country 9 Bishopric 13 Canonical hour 14 Son of Abraham 15 Creature that tempted Eve 17 Pax et ___ (Franciscan motto) 19 He could speak well 21 Holy water font 25 Catholic actor named after his comedian father 27 God loves a cheerful one 29 The Hebrews fled from here 30 Municipal pope?

31 Fort in the San Antonio diocese 32 Christmas month (abbr.)

34 Script conclusion?

www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

Answers can be found on page 31

RETREAT GUIDE

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

...recharge your soul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE UPPER ROOM SPIRITUAL CENTER 3455 W. Bangs Ave., Building 2, Neptune, NJ 07753 Phone: 732-922-0550 • Fax: 732-922-3904 www.theupper-room.org · office@theupper-room.org VILLA PAULINE RETREAT AND SPIRITUAL CENTER 352 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945

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

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

908-647-0208 · www.stshrine.org

This month’s featured retreat house:

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

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

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

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

www.sjbsea.org

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

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

9/1

Authentic Womanhood will be posted. Speakers include: Cristina D’Averso-Collins, The Freedom of Authentic Femininity; Emily Wilson, What St. Joan of Arc Can Teach Us About Motherhood, and Dr. Monique Ruberu, Women’s Health and Fertility for a New Generation

10/1

Family Healing will be posted. Speakers include: Lindsay Schlegel, Healing After Miscarriage; Father Chris Alar, Family Healing After Suicide, and Dr. Dan and Bethany Meola, Accompanying and Healing the Wounds of Adult Children of Divorce or Separation

September 15 – October 15 – Hispanic Heritage Month 9/18

Know Your Rights Workshop (Spanish), 9 a.m to noon, Holy Trinity Church - Basement 315 Lawrie Street, Perth Amboy. Free, but registration is required at: www.diometuchen.org/ hispanicevangelization For more information, please email hispanic.ministry@diometuchen.org

9/20-26 National Migration Week which will culminate with World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) on Sunday, Sept. 26. A link for parish resources can be found under the Office of Human Life & Dignity.

9/25

Hispanic Youth Brunch with Bishop Checchio, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. For more information visit: https://lightingheartsonfire.org/hispanicyouth

9/29

Blue Mass – at 10:30 a.m. on the Feast of Ss. Michal, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels, Bishop James F. Checchio will celebrate the 19th Annual Blue Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen. Gathered together with local, county, state and federal law enforcement officials, the diocese will honor and pray for those law enforcement officials of all faiths, who live and work in the Diocese of Metuchen. All are welcome to attend. More information will be available on the diocesan website: www.diometuchen.org.

10/3

Life Chain, 2 to 3:30 p.m. (rain or shine) For locations contact amarshall@diometuchen.org or jruggiero@diometuchen.org

10/15

Hispanic Heritage Mass, 7 p.m., Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen

10/23

Diocesan Youth Day, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish, Hillsborough. The event will include food, community, prayer, speakers, and a visit from Bishop Checchio. Cost is $20. For questions contact, mvanslot@diometuchen.org For more information and registration: https://lightingheartsonfire.org/behold

Choices Matter – All Presentations of the diocese’s Choices Matter Virtual Conference Series are available for viewing by visiting: https://www.diometuchen.org/choicesmatter. Presentations delivered at the diocese’s Choices Matter Conference included: Integrity, God’s Plan for sexuality, defending life in the black community, and fighting the legalization of assisted suicide. Each session will challenge you to reflect on why, in each of these areas, our choices matter if we want to build a culture of life and love.

From Christendom to Apostolic Mission.

A virtual book study for Women. Meetings are held on Thursday at 4 p.m. on zoom. The first meeting was held August 5. For more information contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins, director, Office of Family Life Ministry at: cdaverso@diometuchen.org.

Young Couples Bible Study, An opportunity to explore the Biblical basis of Catholic beliefs. This virtual group meets Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on zoom.

For more information contact cdaverso@diometuchen.org.

Celebrating Our Neophytes The diocese has started to post the 2021 Neophyte Celebration. Since pandemic restrictions prevented the celebration of a Neophyte Mass, the Neophytes in the diocese are being honored in a different way. They have been invited by the diocese to submit a witness statement about their RCIA journey of faith, along with a photo. This invitation explained that the RCIA office was going to create a “Celebration of Our Neophytes” virtual presentation for its website. Neophytes can send their witness statement and photo to: ssharlow@diometuchen.org Celebrating the Church as a “Family of Families” As we celebrate the Year “Amoris Laetitia Family,” the Office of Communications and Public Relations is compiling a digital

WEEKLY PODCAST – Am I Not Here?

Produced by the staff of the Office of Communications, “Am I Not Here?” – a weekly podcast – highlights the good news within our local Church and those working to minister to the people of the Diocese of Metuchen. New episodes are released each Monday and once aired they are archived. To listen to any episode, or to learn more, please click the links on the diocesan Facebook page or lighting hearts on fire website LECTIO DIVINA, Mondays at 11 a.m. join faithful from around the diocese in a prayerful, virtual gathering of Lectio Divina, a method for praying with the Scriptures. As one reads and invites the Word to become a transforming lens that brings the events of daily living into focus, one can come to live more deeply and find the presence of God more readily in the events of each day. Start your week with prayer, community, and hope. To get the most out of these sessions, please remember to have your bible readily available. For the Zoom meeting information, please email: ssharlow@diometuchen.org

AROUND THE DIOCESE Entertainment

St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church, 526 Easton Ave., Somerset, will hold its 35th Annual Lebanese Festival on Sept. 17, 5 to 10 p.m.; Sept. 18, noon to 1 p.m.; and Sept.

19, noon to 9 p.m. Better known as a Mahrajan, the festival is an outdoor gathering of families, friends and neighbors for authentic Middle Eastern food, music, dance and culture. For more details, call the parish office

at (732) 828-2055 or visit the Facebook page, Instagram or website at www.saintsharbelnj.org.

Craft/Vendor

Oct. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – St. John Vianney Parish, 420 Inman Ave., Colonia, will hold a Craft/Vendor Fair. For information, call (732) -574-0150 or e-mail vendorevent@ sjvs.net.

CLASSIFIED

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

SELLING YOUR HOME? Willing to buy your home or townhouse in as-is condition. Quick 30 day cash closing. I'm a Licensed realtor in the State of NJ. Eugene "George" Pantozzi 908-392-2677 (call or text) georgepantozzi@hotmail.com FOR SALE

H O LYA R T - R e l i gi o u s items and Church goods, made in Italy. w w w. h o l y a r t . co m ; +39 0522 1729582

SCREEN REPAIR

SCREEN REPAIR

WINDOW & DOOR SCREEN REPAIRS Installation of Fiberglass screens for your doors and windows.

Pick-up and drop off services available.

George & Sons: (908) 392-2677 VOCATIONS

VOCATIONS

FLOORING

ECO FLOORING

All aspects of hardwood floors.

Call Tony: (732) 670-7437 TheEcoFlooring@gmail.com

“Come, Follow me.”

(Mark 10:21)

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

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

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

PER LINE CHARGES: $ 3.75 per line - 1 insertion $ 3.50 per line - 2 insertions $ 3.25 per line - 3 insertions $ 3.00 per line - 4 or more insertions

• 24 characters/line (approx) • 5 line minimum • All ads must be pre-paid • Credit cards accepted • Display classified quote upon request

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16 16,, 2021 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT SEPTEMBER 16, 16, 2021

DIOCESAN PROGRAMS Magnify 90 A 90 day spiritual journey for women. To be held on Zoom on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Program to begin on September 26. For more information contact: cdaverso@diometuchen.org.

family photo album. We invite you to share a photo of your family – a photo of your domestic church by which our local Church of Metuchen is constantly enriched. Please consider sharing your family’s photo with us by sending your photo to communications@diometuchen.org, so we can together bear witness to the love of God through our “family of families.”

RATES

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER Joy of Love & Family Conference Series celebrating the Year of the Family. This event is being sponsored by the five Roman Catholic Dioceses of New Jersey. Talks will premiere over six months with topics for every stage of family life. For a full schedule and details visit, www.lightingheartsonfire@diometuchen.org

7 OUR DIOCESE 35 OUR DIOCESE

DIOCESAN EVENTS

36 OUR DIOCESE

Tu Es Petrus!

THE CHURCH OF ROME THE CHURCH OF METUCHEN THE PARISH OF SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, KENDALL PARK the statues pictured were brought to the Vatican on various dates for His Holiness, Pope Francis to bless them and are now honored in the Church of Saint Augustine of Canterbury

St. Peter

St. John Paul II

January 22, 2014

January 22, 2014

St. Padre Pio

St. Jacinta of Fatima

May 23, 2020

September 1, 2021

St. Teresa of Calcutta April 14, 2021

St. Francesco of Fatima September 1, 2021

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Saint Augustine of Canterbury Church 45 Henderson Road, Kendall Park 08824

staugustinenj.org • 732-297-3000