Priest Ordination 2017 Special Edition June15

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Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, N.J.

Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, N.J.

A SUPPLEMENT OF

THE

Newspaper of the Diocese of Trenton

JUNE 15, 2017

THE

Craig Pittelli photo

Commemorating the Ordination of

Priests

Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, N.J.

THE

THE

Four transitional deacons kneel and listen prayerfully as Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., reads from the Rite of Ordination June 3 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, just before conferring upon them the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

The four newest priests of the Diocese of Trenton are, from foreground, Father Michael Kennedy, Father Michael A. Gentile Jr., Father Thomas J. Barry Jr. and Father Roy Aris B. Ballacillo. See page S2 for ordination coverage.

Four Lives, Forever Changed

The new priests share their journeys in personal interviews with The Monitor.

Read their stories beginning on page S6.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar for clergy and consecrated life, far left, stand with the four men who were ordained priests June 3 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. From left, Father Michael Kennedy, Father Michael A. Gentile Jr., Father Thomas J. Barry Jr. and Father Roy Aris B. Ballacillo. Craig Pittelli photo

Momentous Journey Diocese welcomes new shepherds as Bishop O’Connell ordains four men to priesthood Story by Jennifer Mauro, Associate Editor

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wo hours before the Mass in which he would be ordained a priest, Deacon Michael Kennedy sat alone in a pew in Trenton’s Cathedral, praying.

“The reality of it is, up until this point, it’s been theoretical talk,” he said of the studious journey that was about to take a new and joyous turn.

Running his palms along his knees, his throat caught. “I’m excited, but I’m also nervous.”

Moments later, Deacon Thomas J. Barry Jr. entered the front of the church, early morning rain drops clinging to his jacket.

“I’m ready to have the formation process come to an end and the life of a priest to begin,” he said.

Deacon Michael A. Gentile Jr., arriving with his arms full of items he would need for the day’s events, smiled as he spoke of the step he was about to take. “I’m so thankful for the journey I’ve been on so far.

I’m looking forward to ministering to the people of St. Dominic and all over the Diocese,” he said, referencing the Brick parish he will serve as parochial vicar. “I hope to do our Lord’s work.”

Deacon Roy Aris B. Ballacillo stood at the back of the church, looking toward the altar and the dozens of pews that lie ahead.

“I’m so overwhelmed and excited right now,” he said. “I’m looking forward to this beautiful liturgy. I’m going to do my best to stay focused and bring myself into the moment.”

And what a moment it was for the four men who entered St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, as deacons this rainy June 3 morning but left as the Diocese’s newest shepherds.

The excitement was palpable as family, friends and religious men and women greeted each other before the 10 a.m. Mass celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. “This is something any Catholic mother would find special,” Father Gentile’s mother, Barbara, said as she anticipated the start of Mass. “It was a long journey, but he’s really, really happy.”

Michael Gentile Sr. said his son being ordained a priest was more than the family could have ever hoped for. “I asked the Bishop to take care of my son, and he said he would.”

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Father Thomas J. Barry Jr. and Father Roy Aris B. Ballacillo concelebrate Mass after being ordained priests June 3 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Craig Pittelli photo

The Monitor, in cooperation with the Diocese’s Department of Multimedia Production, has assembled a comprehensive content package from Ordination 2017. Go to TrentonMonitor.com for:  Archive of the video stream from the Mass  News video featuring interviews with the new priests and their family members

 Hundreds of photos from the Ordination Mass as well as the new priests’ first Masses  Slideshows and more

The priest portraits that appear on pages S7-S15 were taken by photographer John Blaine.

“Be men who seek to be holy and to inspire holiness ...”

Introductory Rites As the Diocesan Festival Choir, accompanied by instruments, marked the start of Mass by singing “Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him” and “Ecce Sacerdo Magnus,” the men’s diocesan father processed down the aisle behind the more than 100-strong contingent that included diocesan priests and others from outside the Diocese, deacons, seminary representatives and acolytes.

“It’s my honor and privilege as Bishop to welcome you all to this celebration of the conferral of Holy Orders on these four good men,” Bishop O’Connell said in greeting the faithful before the day’s Readings were proclaimed.

Both Readings touched upon the priesthood. The first, from Isaiah 61:1-3, stated, “The Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted … to announce a year of favor from the Lord and a day of vindication by our God…” The Second Reading, from Hebrews 5:1-10, read, “Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God.” The Gospel, John 10:11-16, was proclaimed

by Rev. Mr. Michael G. DeSaye, who was ordained a transitional deacon May 20. “Jesus said, ‘I am the good shepherd. … Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, I will lay down my life for the sheep,’” he read.

Following the Gospel, Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar for clergy and consecrated life, began the Rite of Ordination.

“Let those who are to be ordained priests come forward,” he said, calling the men by name. Each responded individually with a strong, “Present.”

“Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain these, our brothers, to the responsibility of the priesthood,” Msgr. Mullelly said.

“Do you know them to be worthy?” Bishop O’Connell asked, to which Msgr. Mullelly

The Monitor is proud to present this special publication commemorating the Ordination of: Father Roy Aris B. Ballacillo Father Thomas J. Barry Jr. Father Michael A. Gentile Jr. Father Michael Kennedy May God bless them abundantly as they begin their new priestly ministry.

To order additional copies of this booklet, or to subscribe to the diocesan newspaper, contact The Monitor’s Business Desk at (609) 403-7131 or Monitor-Marketing@ dioceseoftrenton.org.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., prays intently as he blesses the chalices that were given to the ordinands for use in the celebration of their future Masses. The ordinands are from left, Rev. Messrs.

Gentile, Barry, Ballacillo and Kennedy. Craig Pittelli photo

answered in the affirmative.

“Relying on the help of the Lord God … we choose these, our brothers, to the order of priesthood,” Bishop O’Connell said as the congregation erupted in applause.

Mentors of Faith “I have never used Twitter. I don’t even know how to tweet,” the Bishop said to laughter as he began his homily, explaining that he didn’t need the social networking site to keep his message concise. “In my message to these four good men today, I would write, ‘Be men of God and men of prayer. Never stop talking to or listening to Christ.

“Be men of the Church. Realize your call is from God through Christ in the Church.

Teach and preach his message always.

“Be men of the Diocese knowing that you will serve in many places but [that] the Diocese is your home, and we,” he said, gesturing to the dozens of fellow priests seated in the sanctuary, “we are your brothers.”

“Be men who seek to be holy and to inspire holiness in the people of God. Be faithful to your calling. Be joyful. Be close to your people. Be kind and understanding and merciful. Let the people of God see Christ, the good shepherd, in your eyes, in your hands, in your heart, and in the witness of your entire lives.

Be good at what you do, and do good.’”

“Let us now listen to the instruction of the Church,” Bishop O’Connell said, moving from his personal comments of the homily to reading from the liturgical book that contains the rites used by bishops.

“Because these our sons who are your relatives and friends are now to be advanced to the order of priests, consider carefully the order of rank in the Church to which they are about to be raised.

“It is true that God has made his entire holy people a royal priesthood in Christ.

Nevertheless, our great priest himself, Jesus Christ, chose certain disciples to carry

Deacon Michael A. Gentile Jr. and Deacon Michael Kennedy process toward the front of the church during their priestly Ordination Mass June 3 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Craig Pittelli photo

out publicly in his name, and on behalf of mankind, a priestly office in the Church.

For Christ was sent by the father and he in turn sent the apostles into the world, so that through them and their successors, the bishops, he might continue to exercise his office of teacher, priest and shepherd.

“Indeed, priests are established co-workers of the Order of Bishops, with whom they are joined in the priestly office and with whom they are called to the service of the people of God. After mature deliberation and prayer, these, our brothers, are now to be ordained to the priesthood.”

The Bishop then called the men to the Promise of the Elect, as each declared his intention to assume the responsibilities of the priest. Deacons Ballacillo, Barry, Gentile and Kennedy each knelt before the Bishop and placed their hands in his, promising obedience.

See S4

Continued from • S3 Prepared for ordination, the men then lie prostrate on the floor of the sanctuary as the solemn chant of the Litany of Saints echoed throughout the Cathedral, the prayerful names and tone in which they were sung a reminder of a faith rooted in centuries of tradition.

The men returned to kneel before the Bishop, and with a look of tenderness, the Bishop laid his hands on the heads of the deacons, a gesture rooted in Scripture that indicates the bestowing of the Holy Spirit and one that ordained them priests. As the Festival Choir sang “Come Down, Creator Spirit,” the Diocese’s concelebrating priests, one by one, each laid their own hands upon the new priests’ heads.

The men were then bestowed with the vestments of their office – the stole and chasuble.

Father Ballacillo’s vesting priest was Msgr. Gregory Vaughan, pastor of St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, and former director of the diocesan Office of Vocations, who later said of Father Ballacillo, “He has a quiet strength. I think he is going to do very well as a priest because he knows the importance of being present.”

Father Barry was vested by Msgr. Michael J. Walsh, now pastor of three parishes in Mercer County, who Father Barry called a mentor in helping lead him to the priesthood.

Father Gentile was vested by Msgr. James Brady, pastor of St. Dominic Parish, who wore what can only be described as a smile that stretched ear to ear. “I saw him grow so much in the few years I’ve known him,” Msgr. Brady said after Mass.

Father Daniel Price, who was ordained last year and now serves as a parochial vicar in St. Joseph Parish, Keyport, vested his friend, Father Kennedy.

After donning their new vestments, the priests once again knelt before Bishop O’Connell, who anointed their hands for the sacred work they would be doing. Their families looked on with pride and tears as the Bishop placed the sacred Oil of Chrism on their palms, wrapping their hands in a linen cloth.

One parent brought a tissue to her face, wiping at the corner of her eyes as her son knelt before the Bishop. A father, seemingly stoic throughout the service, sat up a bit straighter and swallowed hard with emotion as his son was anointed with the Chrism.

After the Kiss of Peace – bestowed by the Bishop and then by the concelebrating priests who once again lined up to give a fraternal kiss, hug and warm smile to their new brothers – the Mass continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Father Barry, Father Ballacillo, Father Kennedy and Father Gentile joined Bishop O’Connell at the Lord’s table as concelebrants, each offering up a petition to the Lord.

At Communion, the newly ordained formed a cross – two in front, one at each side of the front pews – and helped administer the Sacrament to the faithful.

Priests of the Diocese impose hands on the heads of the newly ordained priests. Craig Pittelli photo

“I felt like God was present. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Congratulations All Around After Mass, as the congregation lined up to receive a blessing from the new priests, family reflected on the momentous journey their loved ones had just undertaken.

“The depth you need to fully turn yourself over to your vocation … I can only image how much humility that would take,” said Father Kennedy’s sister Elizabeth Smith.

Father Ballacillo’s father, Fernando, called the day a miracle. “It’s a big blessing for us all.”

Father Barry’s mother also called the day a blessing. “He has such a great, loving heart,” Patricia Mills said of her son. “He has such a drive to do good for the Church.

“It was so special that he was chosen … and that he accepted it,” she continued, explaining how privileged she feels to be the mother of a newly ordained priest. “I always feel, ‘Why me?

I’m just an ordinary mother.’”

Father Kennedy’s family had Mrs. Kennedy on their minds, especially as the new priest stood where he had been assigned to bless congregants: near a statue of Our Lady of Fatima.

Anne Constance Kennedy died May 13 – the day the Blessed Mother first appeared to the children of Fatima, Portugal.

“My mom in a real way was part of everything happening today,” Father Kennedy’s sister said.

Added his father, Peter, “She certainly prayed enough for him and held on as long as she could.”

Then, her face brightening, Father Kennedy’s sister said how moving it was to see the

Bishop lay his hand on her brother’s head and recite the prayer that would make him priest.

“There was so much joy coming out of him and I felt it was a preview of what he will bring out of his parishioners,” Smith said of her brother.

That excitement was shared by the new priests’ family in Christ, too.

“It’s like seeing your older brother finally make it,” said Rev. Brother Nicholas R. Dolan of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank, who was ordained a transitional deacon May 20. “It gives you courage that if they can make it, you can, too.”

Same Day, New Men As the afternoon of celebration came to a close and the last of the congregants trickled out after receiving a blessing, the church regained a hint of the stillness that had greeted the four men earlier in the morning. The rain was replaced by sunshine, and a pleasant breeze blew through the open doors.

“I listened to every word the Bishop was saying,” Father Ballacillo said, keeping the promise he had made at the day’s start to stay in the moment. “I felt like God was present in the Holy Spirit. It was a moment I’ll never forget.”

Said Father Gentile, “I thought I would be nervous, and I was, but it was also very peaceful. That’s what made it so enjoyable.”

So ready that morning to embark in the priesthood, Father Barry simply said, “It’s begun,” before smiling widely as he bestowed a blessing to a waiting congregant in the near-empty church.

Father Kennedy, who only hours before had been praying as a deacon in the Cathedral pews, said that as he was lying prostrate during the Litany of the Saints, he was thinking of his mother, naturally, but also “praying a lot that Christ would give me the strength to be a good and faithful servant.”

As for the apparent nerves earlier that day, “I’m less nervous now,” he said, and laughed.

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To our dear REV. ROY ARIS BALLACILLO We congratulate you on your ordination to the priesthood and share your joy and that of your family.

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May God bless you in your future ministry.

Ad multos annos!

Heeding God’s call, Father Ballacillo makes it his mission to nourish, bring people to Christ

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Power of Discernment

Craig Pittelli photo

Craig Pittelli photo

Story by EmmaLee Italia, Correspondent

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or Father Roy Aris B. Ballacillo, the steps toward a priestly vocation came gradually, beginning when he was a young boy.

“It’s a long story!” he quipped. “I was young when I first started, so my decision did not come like a ‘magic moment,’ that all of a sudden I decided to become a priest.”Instead, Father Ballacillo believes his June 3 ordination completes a lifelong process of discovery – a process that began with entering a high school seminary at age 12.

“It’s a result of years of reflecting and discerning. I entered the seminary with this childhood admiration of priests,” he explained. “As I went through the various stages of seminary formation, I began to see God’s amazing presence in my life.”

The Sum of All Things Father Ballacillo, 31, was born to Marilyn and Fernando Ballacillo. One of four children, he grew up in the province of Abra, in the northwest Philippines. He attended Holy Cross School in Lagangilang, Abra, and St. Joseph Seminary High School, Bangued, Abra. He then went on to Christ the King Seminary in Manila, earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.

He then spent a year as a postulant, and the following year as a novitiate.

Following a break of two years working for the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources, he followed the example of two former schoolmates who had pursued priestly ministry for the Diocese of Trenton – Father Mark Nillo and Father Carlo Calisin. Ballacillo applied to the Diocese, and was enrolled in St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, where he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology and a master of divinity degree.

Father Roy Aris B. Ballacillo blesses a congregant during his first Mass as a newly ordained priest the evening of June 3 in St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel. John Batkowski photo

“This desire to bring people to such a personal awareness ... motivated me to become a priest.”

“If you knew how to put together all your experiences, you’ll find out [they] are not simply random events that happen for no reason, but ways in which God wants you to do something,” he said. “In short, I learned how to reflect on my experiences, connect them if possible and then try to discern why and what God wants me to do.”

Ultimately, the years have helped deepen his connection to the divine, further cementing his goals.

“I was able to develop a grace-filled and life-long relationship with God,” he said. “And it is this desire to bring people to such a personal awareness, discernment and encounter with God that inspired and motivated me to become a priest.”

A Mentor’s Footsteps Father Ballacillo has served several summers in various parishes of the Diocese during his seminary formation. He assisted in Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle, in 2013 and St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, in 2014.

He also worked with the Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton, from January to July 2015, and was assigned as a deacon for his transitional year in St. James Parish, Red Bank, in 2016.

For his vesting priest, Father Ballacillo chose Msgr. Gregory Vaughan, pastor in St.

Father Roy Aris B. Ballacillo

Catharine Parish and former director of the diocesan Office of Vocations. Msgr. Vaughan was instrumental in Father Ballacillo’s journey to the Diocese of Trenton.

“I think everybody just loves Msgr.

Vaughan,” he said emphatically. “He has been very supportive and very generous with his time. He has been a wonderful mentor, guide and an excellent spiritual director. A man very dedicated to the Catholic Church, to the Diocese and to the people. I’m so thankful for Msgr. Vaughan for showing me what it means to be a good and holy priest.”

Father Ballacillo’s first opportunities to celebrate Mass as a priest – also known as a Mass of Thanksgiving – were in the parishes that know him well: 5 p.m., June 3 in St. Catharine Church, Holmdel; and 9:30 a.m.

June 4 in St. James Church, Red Bank. He has been assigned parochial vicar in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford.

“I am looking forward to serving the Lord and his Church, and especially the people of the Diocese of Trenton,” Father Ballacillo said. “As a priest, one of my personal missions is to get out of the structure in order to meet people, especially those in need and unrecognized, and bring them to the Lord.”

With so much of his life already dedicated toward pursuit of a priestly life, this is not something Father Ballacillo takes lightly.

“I believe that the primary duty of the priestly ministry is to serve,” he said. “For me, among the most important aspects are the pastoral and the sacramental. The priest is meant to nourish and empower the people to live out the calling of their Baptism. ... A priest must conform his life to the paschal mystery of Christ or the Cross and make of his own life an offering to God on behalf of the people.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: In main photo, Father Roy Aris B. Ballacillo kneels as Bishop O’Connell anoints his hands during the Ordination Mass June 3 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Bottom photos, from left, Father Ballacillo distributes the Eucharist to congregants, and Bishop O’Connell kneels to receive a blessing from Father Ballacillo toward the end of Mass.

From daily affirmations to the Confessional, Father Barry aims to meet spiritual needs of others

Jeff Bruno photos

Story by Christina Leslie, Correspondent

A Servant of Love

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he paradox that is inherent to priestly ministry is not lost on Father Thomas J. Barry Jr. While there is always a focus on leadership and management, the former restaurant manager observes, you are, as a priest, most essentially a servant of God. “You will lead, but you are still one of the sheep.”

His pursuit of this unique ministry began when the future Father Barry was born in Long Branch to Patricia Mills Barry and the now late Thomas J. Barry Sr. Father Barry has two siblings, Kristine and James. He attended Lillian Drive and Union Avenue Middle School, Raritan High School, both in Hazlet, before earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, and a bachelor of science degree in administration of justice from Rutgers University, New Brunswick.

The seeds for a priestly vocation were planted as Father Barry, 41, became immersed in the life of his home parish, St. James, Red Bank. Over time, the daily Mass attendee served as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, a reader and as a sixthgrade catechist, but it wasn’t until he began a job in the Eatontown Houlihan’s restaurant that his vocation journey was set in motion.

The young man’s schedule as a restaurant manager allowed him time to attend daily Mass in St. Mary Church, New Monmouth, where he met the pastor, Msgr. Michael J. Walsh. The two discussed the possibility of life as a priest, and Msgr. Walsh eventually accompanied him on his first visit to the vocations director in the diocesan Chancery.

Msgr. Walsh, now pastor of three parishes in Mercer County, was selected as Father Barry’s vesting priest

“I wish for people to see [Confession] is about love, not all about sin.” at ordination “because he is my mentor in the Diocese and a big part of my vocation story,” Father Barry said.

Love of Service While attending Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange, Father Barry earned masters degrees in systematic theology and divinity. His summer assignments in the Diocese of Trenton included St. James Parish, Pennington, and St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell, in 2014; and St. Dominic Parish, Brick in 2015. He served his diaconal year in St. Joseph Parish, Toms River in 2016.

Outside the Diocese, Father Barry worked with St. Bridget Parish, Newark, shelter for men with HIV/AIDS; assisted the Little Sisters of the Poor, Totowa, as they cared for the elderly; served in St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Belleville, and St. Joseph Hospital, Paterson.

Father Barry has been assigned as parochial vicar in St.

Father Thomas J. Barry Jr. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River. He said he most eagerly anticipates “presiding at Mass and the Eucharist, first and foremost,” then amends his answer.

“A close second, or even tied for first, is Confession,” he said. “It is the most underused of the Sacraments and one of the most powerful. I find great consolation in it. I wish for people to see the Sacrament is about love, not all about sin.”

Care of the Spirit Those lessons learned at Houlihan’s will stand him in good stead as a priest, Father Barry reflected. “I learned to manage time, manage change, manage costs, manage materials and manage a budget,” he said. “The manager handles the people’s problems and helps them to help themselves, yet hold themselves accountable.”

For others contemplating life as a priest, Father Barry recommended, “Follow God’s will, and share your love of God.” Father Barry summed up his many roles in one word: love.

“It’s the way that we express love, and that’s what we’re here for… to be a servant is to love, and to lead others is to love,” he said.

Father Barry celebrated his first Mass as a newly ordained priest at noon June 4 in St. James Church, Red Bank.

Father Barry prays the Consecration during the Mass of Thanksgiving he celebrated June 4 in his home parish, St. James, Red Bank. Among the priest concelebrants is Msgr.

Phillip Lowery, St. James pastor, shown at right corner of altar.

John Batkowski photo

OPPOSITE PAGE: In the main photo, Deacon Thomas J. Barry Jr. kneels before Bishop O’Connell as he is ordained a priest June 3. Bottom photos, from left, the Bishop and Father Barry exchange the symbolic Kiss of Peace, and Father Barry blesses a religious sister as the congregation lines up after Mass to receive a blessing from each of the newly ordained priests.

A Priest Forever  The four deacons to be ordained priests, from left, Rev. Messrs. Ballacillo, Barry, Gentile and Kennedy, stand before Bishop O’Connell at the start of the Ordination Rite. Craig Pittelli photo

 Newly ordained Fathers Ballacillo, Barry, Gentile and Kennedy prepare to process out of the Cathedral following the Mass of Ordination.

Craig Pittelli photo

 As a sign of their humility and dependence on God, the ordination candidates prostrate themselves on the floor in the sanctuary as the congregation joins in the chanting of the Litany of Saints. In their chanting, the congregation asks the saints to intercede on behalf of the candidates.

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 Family members of the newly ordained priests participate in the Presentation of the Gifts.

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 Father Gentile administers the Eucharist to those in attendance at the Mass of Ordination. Craig Pittelli photo

 The four deacons, clockwise from bottom left, Rev. Messrs. Ballacillo, Barry, Kennedy and Gentile, try to keep each other calm and focused prior to the start of the Mass of Ordination.

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 In the presence of the Diocese’s four newest priests, Bishop O’Connell and priests join in the singing of “Salve Regina,” a hymn of praise to the Blessed Mother following the Mass of Ordination. Jeff Bruno photo

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Jeff Bruno photo

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Supporting the Flock After years of encouragement, Father Gentile looks to minister as a compassionate shepherd

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Story by Thomas Wiedmann, Correspondent

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ather Michael A. Gentile Jr. is jubilant about beginning his next chapter in life as a priest, a vocation he’s aspired to from a young age.

“The priesthood isn’t about ‘this man or that man.’ It’s about Jesus Christ. We as priests do God’s work, and to me that is the best thing that can be done during this lifetime,” Father Gentile said.

“God is always at work, and perhaps through my journey, others will be inspired to really figure out God’s will for them, too.

I hope and pray that I am fortunate enough to have many years of priestly service here in the Diocese of Trenton,” he said.

Born in Bronx, N.Y., one of eight children to Barbara and Michael Gentile Sr., Father Gentile, 41, served as an altar boy in his elementary school years, having close insight to a priest’s duties and responsibilities. As appealing as the work seemed, his journey into the priesthood wasn’t a direct path.

Growing up in Holy Rosary School and Mount Saint Michael Academy in the Bronx, he earned his bachelor’s degree in communications in New York’s Marist College in 1997 and moved to North Carolina, where he worked jobs in the airline industry. For him, that type of labor was “unfulfilling.”

Yearning for a “deeper” purpose in life, he joined a pre-seminary program in New York in 2001. However, he felt it was “not the right time.” Gentile eventually moved to New Jersey after a few years of chauffer driving for a job with Verizon Communications and joined St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville. Crediting that family of faith and its Knights of Columbus council, he eventually felt “God’s full embrace” and decided to re-enter the seminary, this time for the Diocese of Trenton, in 2011. He attended Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange, where he earned a master of divinity degree.

St. Dominic Parish is a special place for Father Michael Gentile, who served in the Brick parish as a seminarian and as transitional deacon. It is also his first parish assignment as parochial vicar. In this photo taken during his Mass of Thanksgiving June 4, Father Gentile presents his mother, Barbara, with the maniturgia, the linen cloth Bishop O’Connell used to wrap Father Gentile’s newly anointed hands during the June 3 Ordination Mass. Jeff Bruno photo

“I think we all, throughout life, look to do something that is meaningful, fulfilling.”

Using Lessons Learned As a newly ordained priest, Father Gentile said he looks forward to applying what he learned in the seminary to his priesthood.

“I think we all, throughout life, look to do something that is meaningful, fulfilling,” he said. “I felt that there was more for me to do – more ways to use my gifts for the betterment of others.”

As Father Gentile prepares to serve in parish life, he realizes he will face challenges that will allow him to use the skills and experiences gained from his seminary formation.

Father Gentile’s assignments include a summer each in St. Dominic Parish, Brick, in 2014, and St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, in 2015, as well as in St. James Parish, Red Bank, as part of his seminary’s pastoral formation program. He returned to St. Dominic Parish to serve his transitional year as a deacon.

He said he feels confident and well-prepared for the future with the guidance of former pastors with whom he has served, such as Msgr.

James Brady, pastor of St. Dominic Parish, who Father Gentile chose as his vesting priest.

“Msgr. Brady has helped me over the years to be myself and not be afraid to show my care to others,” Father Gentile said. “His sense of compassion for all people – trying to help them in life is something that I admire and wish to emulate.”

“There are so many different situations that will be a part of a priest’s life as he ministers to the community,” Father Gentile added.

“I appreciate the times when I am able to just sit and hear of the way they handled different things that have come up for them … so that I may grow into a priest that is caring and available to the people in all walks of life.”

Support System With the continuous support from his family, friends and members of the Knights of Columbus, to which he has belonged since 2011, Father Gentile is looking forward to making an immediate impact and connection to the community of St. Dominic Parish, where he has been assigned as parochial vicar.

The day after his ordination, Father Gentile celebrated his first Mass in St. Dominic Church, amidst a parish community he described as “instrumental” during his seminary years.

“I have been assisting at Mass as deacon for the past year, proclaiming the Gospel and preaching on a regular basis, baptizing infants – all valuable experiences as I transition into being able to celebrate Mass and hear confessions and anoint those who are sick,” he said.

“My experience at the parish has surely been beneficial … I am thankful for my time there.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: In the main photo, Bishop O’Connell lays hands on Deacon Michael A. Gentile Jr., ordaining him a priest June 3 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Top photos, from left, Father Gentile concelebrates Mass as a newly ordained priest; Father Gentile hugs his parents, Michael Sr. and Barbara, during the Ordination Mass; and Msgr. James Brady, pastor of St. Dominic Parish, Brick, vests his new parochial vicar.

Father Michael A. Gentile Jr.

Craig Pittelli photo

Father Kennedy ready to shepherd, and learn from, parishioners Story by Rose O’Connor, Correspondent

Craig Pittelli photo

Jeff Bruno photo

Life’s Lessons

T

he days and weeks leading up to his priestly ordination were particularly charged with emotion for Father Michael Kennedy.

While he was joyfully anticipating reaching this milestone on June 3, he was also mourning the death of his mother, Anne Constance Kennedy, who died May 13.

“We miss my mom terribly,” the 47-yearold Father Kennedy said, speaking on behalf of his father, Peter, and five siblings. “We know she has been saved from her suffering, but we still miss her.”

In the midst of mourning, Father Kennedy kept in mind how grateful he is for the support he received from his family during his journey to the priesthood, noting how his parents always demonstrated an “authentic faith.”

“I look forward to learning the pastoral responsibilities.”

Father Kennedy, who was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Manasquan, recalled how his vocation “took years in the making.”

He first contemplated a call to the priesthood as a student in Manasquan High School but did not pursue it until later in life. As he describes it, he became “distracted and sidetracked.”

Following his graduation from high school, he attended the University of New Mexico, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English. Father Kennedy said that while in college, he had “largely fallen away from the faith,” but a small voice kept him from leaving the Church altogether.

A New Outlook Following his graduation and subsequent return to New Jersey, Father Kennedy experienced what he calls “a rough couple years.” Included in those years was a life-threatening health scare.

While walking the Belmar boardwalk, Father Kennedy suddenly found it difficult to put one foot before the other. He stumbled back to his vehicle

Following his June 3 priestly ordination, Father Michael Kennedy celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in Holy Eucharist Church, Tabernacle, which he regards as his home parish and where he served a seminarian assignment. Another Mass of Thanksgiving he celebrated was on June 4 in St. Catharine Church, Holmdel, pictured above. Among the priest concelebrants was Msgr. Gregory D. Vaughan, pastor of St. Catharine, standing next to Father Kennedy at right. Joe Moore photo

and called his mother, who was a nurse. After discussing his symptoms – including pain in his left arm – he followed her instructions and drove himself to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, where he passed out during an exam. He awoke to medical staff using a defibrillator to bring him back from a heart attack.

By telling him to get the hospital, “My mother literally saved my life,” he said.

A smoker for 25 years, Father Kennedy heeded medical advice to live a healthier lifestyle. Where others may turn to meditation and yoga, he went another route.

“I feel that there is another tradition that goes back further,” he said, referencing prayer.

He returned to attending Mass on a regular basis and began praying frequently, and while attending Monmouth University, West Long Branch, where he pursued a master’s degree in English, he began to think about the persistent call to the priesthood.

Open Arms Father Kennedy then contacted Msgr. Gregory D. Vaughan, who was the diocesan director of vocations at the time. He entered St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, in 2011, to begin studies for the priesthood.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in theology

Father Michael Kennedy

and a master of divinity degree.

While in the seminary, Father Kennedy spent summer assignments in Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle, in 2014, St. Rose Parish, Belmar, in 2015 and St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, 2016, for his diaconal year.

Father Kennedy said he selected Holy Eucharist Parish as his home parish because it “was so welcoming to me; the community is so great. I couldn’t not select them as my home parish,” he said of the Burlington County faith community.

For his vesting priest at ordination, Father Kennedy selected his friend Father Daniel Price, who was ordained a priest last year and currently serves as parochial vicar in St. Joseph Parish, Keyport.

Father Kennedy celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at noon June 4 in St. Catharine Church, Holmdel, where Msgr. Vaughan serves as pastor.

“It was because of Msgr. Vaughan that I entered the seminary” and was ordained a priest, he explained.

Father Kennedy, who will begin his first assignment as parochial vicar in St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington, July 1, said he is excited to begin ministering to people of God in his role as priest.

“I’ve gained the theological knowledge; now I am looking forward to learning the pastoral responsibilities,” he said. “I look forward to being taught by my parishioners and really learn from them.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: In main photo, Bishop O’Connell anoints the hands of Father Michael Kennedy during the Ordination Mass June 3 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Bottom photos, from left, Father Kennedy bestows a blessing after Mass, and Father Daniel Price, parochial vicar in St. Joseph Parish, Keyport, vests his friend.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., speaks with the four then-deacons during a weeklong retreat May 22-26 in St. Joseph by the Sea spiritual center, South Mantoloking. From left sit Deacon Michael A. Gentile Jr., Deacon Thomas J. Barry Jr., Deacon Roy Aris B. Ballacillo and Deacon Michael Kennedy. The men were ordained priests June 3.

For a complete photo gallery from the priest retreat, visit TrentonMonitor. com>Multimedia>Photo Galleries

Jeff Bruno photos

Band of Brothers Bishop imparts shepherd-like advice ahead of deacons’ ordination to priesthood Story by Jennifer Mauro, Associate Editor

W

earing khakis and a maroon and navy plaid shirt, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., sat comfortably in a white wicker chair, legs crossed, his hand thoughtfully resting on his chin – the epitome of a caring father bestowing warmth and wisdom upon his children.

“We read in the Gospel of John the story of the adulteress woman,” he said, looking at the four men gathered before him. “She came to Jesus and didn’t ask for anything, and Jesus said his famous line, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin cast the first stone. … Has no one condemned you? Neither do I.’ “‘Neither do I,’” he repeated for emphasis. “That’s the compassion you’re called to offer. That’s what you’re called to be and do.”

The advice was just one part of a weeklong priesthood retreat May 22-26 held in St. Joseph by the Sea spiritual center, South Mantoloking, for the four transitional deacons who would be ordained into the priesthood June 3. Joined by Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, vicar for clergy and consecrated life, then-Deacons Roy Aris B. Ballacillo, Thomas J. Barry Jr., Michael A. Gentile Jr. and Michael Kennedy gathered in a sunlit room to listen intently to their spiritual shepherd.

The themes Bishop O’Connell discussed during the week were: seeking intimacy with Jesus; knowing the name of God and the claim it has on us (When you pray, what do you call God?); being a man of the Church; being a man of the Diocese, and the universal call to holiness.

The four soon-to-be priests enjoy the sun as it peeks through a cloudy day at the beach retreat house. From left, Deacon Thomas J. Barry Jr., Deacon Roy Aris B. Ballacillo, Deacon Michael A. Gentile Jr. and Deacon Michael Kennedy.

Faith Teachers Among the many topics discussed were those of mercy, conversion and being the face of God in a time of controversial societal issues.

“What we preach has to be what we believe,” and once again reflecting on Jesus and the adulteress, he added, “As believers, you have to say, I don’t condemn you.”

“On the Cross of Christ, what is at the center of the two cross beams?” Bishop O’Connell continued. “That’s where his heart is. The mercy of God is the shape taken by God’s love in the face of the mess we make in the world and in our lives.”

“We can never forget John’s Gospel,” he said, quoting from John 16: “In this world, you will have trouble, but have courage, for I have overcome the world.”

“This is where you step in as priests. This is where you remind the world that Jesus Christ has overcome the world. There is a reason you spent all that time in seminary,” the Bishop said, urging the men to use what they have learned to be leaders in faith formation.

Men of the Church “I have been trying to paint the picture of you as men of Christ,” Bishop O’Connell said of the week’s themes. “But you are also men of the Church.”

Continuing, he repeated the words he was once told. “If you do nothing else in your priesthood, always be a man of the Church,” he said, adding that it is through the Church that the Light of Christ shines.

“You hold the candle that’s the Light of the World,” he told the See S18

The Parish of

St. Katharine Drexel Burlington,

congratulates

Rev. Michael Kennedy and welcomes him to our parish family.

,

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., laughs as he visits with his soon-to-be priests during the weeklong retreat in South Mantoloking. Jeff Bruno photo

Continued from • S16 future priests.

The Bishop reiterated that the priesthood is indeed a community, not a “lone wolf” journey, pointing to language in Vatican II that states, “God, however, does not make men holy and save them merely as individuals …”

“I believe in One, Holy and Catholic Apostolic Church,” the Bishop said. “Do you ever think of those four words? One. Holy. Catholic. Apostolic. If you are a man of the Church, that’s what you are a part of.”

He also said that the shape of the Church is not abstract. “It’s a community of faith and doctrine. It is a community of institution and law.”

“Of all the things most humbling in being a Bishop, it’s to be called a successor of the apostles,” he said. “I think about that every

single day. You collaborate in that with me.”

“Be one with all that the Church teaches,” he continued. “It’s not going to be easy.

But you have to realize that’s the call you receive. Be holy as Christ is holy. Be a rock of faith, a rock of hope, a rock of love.”

Lessons in Brotherhood The deacons said spending the week in the retreat house by the sea had been spiritually rewarding.

Deacon Ballacillo said the retreat gave him time to collect his thoughts during the flurry of activity leading up to ordination. “You’re not called to condemn the world but to save the world,” Deacon Ballacillo said, reflecting on Bishop O’Connell’s words. “That’s a big responsibility.”

“The Bishop has been giving us questions and reflections,” he added. “Some are questions I’ve never thought of before, like intimacy – what do you call God when you pray?

The name means a lot.”

Deacon Barry, too, found the idea thought-provoking, saying that when Bishop

spoke about intimacy, “He described it as not to fear. How can you be intimate with someone if you hold back?”

Saying the retreat had reiterated in him the idea of priesthood as family, Deacon Kennedy said, “It’s been relaxing and helped my relationship in feeling closer to the Bishop.”

Deacon Barry agreed. “The Church is not limited to just the apostles … though the Bishop holds the office, he also humbly shares that with all of us,” he said.

Deacon Kennedy called the Bishop a friend and leader.

“He’s got a loyal priest in me,” he said, explaining that when his mother died May 13, the Bishop encouraged his fellow deacons to attend the funeral with him in Florida to be of support. Deacon Barry stayed behind to serve at Mass for the four men who were ordained transitional deacons May 20.

“We’re like a family. Isn’t that the story of the Bible, being a family?” Deacon Barry said.

Bishop O’Connell echoed those familial feelings.

“The reality is that I am their spiritual father, and it’s my job to be a part of their lives,” he said. “That’s what a bishop needs to be for his priests.”

Of the priesthood, Msgr. Mullelly added, “It’s not the solo practitioner that is successful.

“These men, at the ordination to the diaconate, became an important part of the fabric of the Diocese of Trenton,” he said.

“Our Bishop is a good model. They will be his cooperators in the Diocese.”

The Parish Community of

St. Joseph’s in Keyport

CONGRATULATES

Fr. Roy Ballacillo, Fr. Thomas Barry, Fr. Michael Gentile, and Fr. Michael Kennedy

C ongratulations

Father Thomas Barry

We welcome you to St. Justin the Martyr Parish toms RiveR

on their ordination to the sacred order of Priesthood for the Diocese of Trenton.

May they be filled with many blessings as they minister to the people of God in the parishes where they have been assigned.

May their priesthood be modeled after the Eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ.

Ad multos annos.

,

St.St. Mary of ofthetheLakes Mary Lakesinin Medford Medford Warmly WarmlyWelcomes Welcomes Father Roy RoyBallacillo Ballacillo Father FirstPriestly PriestlyAssignment Assignment to His to His First

St. Mary of theSt. Lakes in Medford Mary of the Lakes in Medford Mary of the Lakes in Medford Warmly Welcomes Warmly Welcomes Warmly Welcomes Father Roy Ballacillo Father Roy Ballacillo Father Roy Ballacillo to HisAssignment First Priestly First Priestly Assignment to HisAssignment His First Priestly Ad Multos Annos, Father Roy!

AdReverend MultosDaniel Annos,F. Father Swift,Roy! Pastor Deacon Kenneth Motylinski TedeschiPastor ReverendDeacon DanielJoseph F. Swift, and Parishioners Staff Kenneth Motylinski Deacon

Deacon Joseph Tedeschi Staff and Parishioners

The Parish Family of

St. Rose of Lima, Belmar extends prayerful and joyous wishes and congratulations to

Rev. Michael Kennedy on his Ordination to the Priesthood!

Ad Father Multos Roy! Annos, Father Roy! Multos Annos, Ad Father Multos Roy! Annos, May the Lord Jesus bless your ministry with abundant joy and may you give Daniel F. Swift,grateful Pastor Reverend erend Daniel F. Swift, Pastor Reverend Daniel F. Swift, Pastor thanks daily for the gift of being able to serve the People of God in the Kenneth Motylinski Deacon Motylinski Deacon Kenneth Kenneth Motylinski Deacon priesthood of Jesus Christ!

Joseph Tedeschi TedeschiJoseph Deacon Deacon Joseph Deacon Tedeschi Ad multos annos!

Staff and Parishioners Staff and Parishioners Staff and Parishioners God bless you and keep you always in His love!