Monitor Magazine Lives of Faith August 2021

MONITOR

THE

Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

Vol. 2 • No. 13 • AUGUST 2021

MAGAZINE

Lives of

FAITH

Priests, deacons and religious men and women marking special anniversaries this year come from different places and have had unique life journeys. But they have in common a profound belief in God and a commitment to bring his love to all those whom they serve.

In this special issue, The Monitor Magazine tells many of their stories and highlights the powerful impact they have had on the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton.

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 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

Contents Religious Milestone Anniversaries  3-10 Priest Retirements

 11-17

Priest 50th Anniversaries  18-21 Priest 25TH Anniversaries  22-33 Priest Milestone Anniversaries  34-46 Deacon 25th Anniversaries  49-52 Deacon Milestone Anniversaries  54

This 2016 photo of a nearly seven-foot tall mosaic in St. James Roman Catholic Church in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, depicts the third Luminous Mystery of the Rosary – the Proclamation of the Kingdom. Shutterstock photo / Adam Jan Figel

Religious anniversaries

celebrate lives lived for

God, others

T

here is genuine satisfaction achieved by reaching a milestone in life. An anniversary is just such a milestone. It is one moment to reflect on the many moments that lead to their celebration. It is a time for the best memories and a time for joy. 🌾 People Each year, the Diocese recognizes and, more remember the importantly, thanks those among us who are celebrat- difference that ing the anniversary of their ordinations and religious these servants of professions, and rightly so. These extraordinary men the Lord Jesus and women have devoted their lives to God through made in their lives. the service of God’s holy people.

No priest, deacon, religious brother or sister can be expected to recall all the many people whose lives they touched, whose A message from crosses they help to carry, whose joys BISHOP DAVID M. they encouraged, whose faith they O’CONNELL, C.M. strengthened. But people remember the difference that these servants of the Lord Jesus made in their lives.

A vocation is a call from God and the Church to be servants and examples of faith, hope and love. It is also a gift that keeps on giving. The “anniversary milestones” reached by the jubilarians acknowledged in this publication do not designate “an end” by any means. They are a “pause that refreshes” and reminds them and all of us of the glory of God revealed in God’s blessings since the day they first said “yes” to God’s call.

God bless all those celebrating anniversaries! May God keep you close and filled with his grace. The entire Diocese joins me in honoring you.

MONITOR

THE

A priest washes the feet of a parishioner during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. Hal Brown photo

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August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

Lives of FAITH 3

Passing the Reins Mercy Sister Carol Ann Henry looks back on years leading Mercy Center

Lives of Faith Religious Milestones

BY LOIS ROGERS  Correspondent

I

t’s been 39 years since Mercy Sister Carol Ann Henry opened the Mercy Center in Asbury Park out of the trunk of her car and began feeding the hungry in body and soul.

Since then, under her watch as founder and executive director, the Mercy Center has grown to become a comprehensive anchor of assistance and an integral part of the greater Asbury RELIGIOUS Park community.

R E TIRE ME NT Its many programs and services operate out of buildings on Main Street that were repurposed to become the Mercy Center’s headquarters, Family Resource Center and a two-story, full-time pantry. In 1997, the program expanded to the West Side of Asbury Park with the opening of Sisters Academy, a middle school for girls from economically challenged families.

Fiscally sound and debt-free, the outreach, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, is in “good shape,” said Sister Carol, who entered the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung in 1966.

“Now, having created all these things, it’s time to hand over the reins [to the] lay folks, good people” who have worked alongside the sisters throughout the years.

2021

RECOGNIZING THE NEED Shutterstock image

Sister Carol brought her ministry to Asbury Park by way of 12 years in the classroom. In a recent interview, she said that when she first entered the community in 1966 “teaching was the only option and I loved kids.”

While teaching school – including St. Joseph School and Cathedral Elementary, both Trenton, and St. Mary Academy,

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In her early days in religious life a young and joyfilled Sister Carol Henry and her guitar pose for a picture.

Courtesy photos

Lakewood – she recognized the needs of children experiencing poverty and felt a growing desire to do more that was fueled by her own observations from childhood.

Sister Carol said that growing up in South Amboy, she had witnessed first-hand the example of her teachers, 🌾 “Changes were the Sisters of Mercy in St. under way ... and Mary Parish and its schools, there wasn’t much visiting the sick and feeding grass growing the hungry. Her own parents under our feet.” often welcomed neighborhood children to the family’s dinner table and helped those in need in many other ways.

She had been drawn to enter the Sisters of Mercy because

Sister Carol Henry is ever present in the Asbury Park community, attending a “Dad ‘n’ Me” event. of her own experience with them and the legacy of the religious order. Founded by Catherine McAuley, the primary mission of the Mercy Sisters is to provide emergency support, assistance and education to economically disadvantaged people.

“The (Mercy) sisters take four vows,” she said. “Poverty, chastity, obedience and care of the poor and sick. … Changes were under way when I entered,” she said. “We were moving out of old habits, constitutions were changing, governance was changing and there wasn’t much grass growing under our feet.”

Moved to do more for those in need, she sought and obtained approval from the Sisters of Mercy for a project of “direct service” with which she hoped to make a larger community impact. “I asked the major superior if I could go into direct service and she said, ‘sure, you can do it but first you have to get a master’s in social work.”

WITH FORTITUDE AND FAITH That task accomplished with a degree in social work from Rutgers University, she set about finding a location that would benefit from direct service and came up with Asbury Park.

In the late ’70s and early ’80s, the City by the Sea, once the jewel of the Continued on 56

Sister Carol Henry teaches students in a classroom of Sisters Academy in Asbury Park.

August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

Lives of FAITH 5

‘Love Everyone’ Villa Victoria’s Sister Ray continues to teach through presence

BY BRIANNA N. PALMER  Correspondent

F

ilippini Sister Raphael Santitoro, who resides in the convent on the campus of Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, has led a long life of service and dedication to her Catholic faith, spending 75 years of since her religious investiture dedicating her life to loving God and teaching others about him. Her former students remember her for well-known quote, “God made everyone good, intelligent and beautiful. So love everyone.”

Attended by family, friends, students, administrators and alumni of Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, the school honored Filippini Sister Raphael Santitoro June 10 with a 75th anniversary Mass celebrated by Father Daniel Cahill, retired priest of the Diocese.

Born in 1930 in Trenton, Sister Raphael – affectionately known as “Sister Ray” – is the second oldest of eight children. Her family were members of the city’s St. Joachim Parish (now part of Our Lady of the Angels Parish) and she attended St. Joachim Grammar School.

Her brother, Father Francis E. Santitoro, who died in 2013, was a priest of the Diocese of Trenton and founding pastor of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River.

Sister Raphael’s vocation came at the young age of 13 when she entered the Religious Teachers Filippini in Morristown in 1944. She received the habit in 1946 and made her final profession of

vows in 1949. She then attended Villa Walsh High School, Morristown, before earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from St. Elizabeth College, Convent Station.

Following graduation, she began a 57-

The Villa Victoria Academy community honored Sister Raphael Santitoro on her 75th anniversary with a Mass and celebration. Here, student Ellie Enright places a corsage on Sister Raphael’s wrist.

Villa Victoria Academy’s Instagram photo

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 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

RELIGIOUS

ANNIVERSARY

75

🌾 YEARS 🌾

year ministry of education, including 37 years as a first grade teacher. In the Diocese of Trenton, she has taught in St. Joachim Grammar

School, Trenton; St. James School, Trenton, and Villa Victoria Academy.

Outside her home Diocese, Sister Raphael has taught in schools in the Dioceses of Camden; Hartford, Conn.; Pittsburgh, and Providence, R.I., as well as the Archdioceses of Newark and Philadelphia.

“I am grateful for the privilege to have prepared hundreds of students for their Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist,” Sister Raphael said, calling it one of her greatest gifts from God. Filippini Sister Of her years in ministry, she has Raphael Santitoro acknowledged that she is “able to say, ‘thank you, God,’ for all my graces in everything I did. Everybody has ups and downs, but with the grace of God, I have always been able to do what I could for his honor and glory.”

Sister Raphael received the Catholic Educators Award from the Diocese of Metuchen in May 2021. For the past 20 years she has served as an aide in VVA, helping where needed. She is known for her kindness, encouragement and great skill in the kitchen.

Currently, Sister Raphael’s is a beloved and friendly face at VVA, where she is acknowledged for her “daily prayers and words of wisdom.” Not only does she work as a lunch and afterschool aid, but she is known for keeping in touch with her students and their MSC The Monitor ad.indd 🌾 “...with the families.

“Sister Ray keeps in grace of God, I touch with people and behave always been comes a part of their lives. able to do what I Sister Ray is family,” echoed could for his honor Filippini Sister Lesley and glory.”

Draper, VVA principal.

Due to COVID-19, Sister Raphael was unable to continue her duties as a lunch and afterschool aid at VVA this past year. However, she hopes to resume these responsibilities starting in the fall of 2021 and the girls at VVA are thrilled to have her back.

Former valedictorian of Villa Victoria, Mary Zsolway (‘18) remembers Sr. Ray as a “constant light, always giving of herself in both her time and kind words. Sister Ray is like a second grandmother to every student at Villa, truly caring about everyone she comes in contact with.”

Following the celebratory Mass, Sister Lesley spoke to the congregation of Sister Raphael’s character and service.

“Sister Ray truly notices the person in front of her and her smile comes right from her heart,” Sister Lesley said. “[She] is gracious, thoughtful and nurturing. She is one of the most joyful people we know, and she is always thinking of how to help others. … There are not enough words to express our love and gratitude for Sister Raphael. She is so special to us.”

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August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

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eligious men and women from numerous orders have lovingly served the faithful in the Diocese of Trenton in parishes, education, healthcare, charitable organizations and by their many prayers.

We continue to be blessed by these vocations and are grateful to them for their years of dedication to the people of God.

RELIGIOUS

ANNIVERSARY

70

🌾 YEARS 🌾

Sister Imelda Dooley Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia Imelda Dooley was born in Galway, Ireland.

She entered her order Sept. 14, 1946; professed her first vows Aug. 11, 1951, and made her final vows Aug. 11, 1957. Sister Imelda earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Neumann University, Aston, Pa., in 1974, and a master’s degree in religious education from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., in 1984. Her service in the Diocese of Trenton was as a teacher and religious coordinator in Holy Angels School, Trenton, from 1964-1969; Blessed Sacrament School, Trenton, from 19691972; St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, from 1972-1975; St. Anthony School, Hamilton, from 1975-1977; McCorriston Catholic High School (later Trenton 8 Lives

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Catholic Academy) from 1977-1980; St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford, from 1980-1981, and St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold, from 1981-1983. Sister Imelda served as a pastoral associate in St. John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, from 1983-1993, and worked in parish ministry in Mary, Mother of God Parish, Hillsborough, from 1994-1998.

She retired from active ministry in 2018.

Sister Mary Piscotta Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia Mary Dominic Piscotta was born in Jersey City.

She entered the Franciscan Sisters of Ringwood Aug. 5, 1951; professed her first vows Aug. 19, 1953, and made her final vows Aug. 22, 1959. Sister Mary Dominic earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Seton Hall University, South Orange, in 1972. In the Diocese of Trenton, she volunteered in St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, from 20132016, until her retirement.

Sister Rose Sheridan Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia Rose Christopher Sheridan was born in Philadelphia. She entered her order Aug. 22, 1948; professed her first vows Aug. 11, 1951, and made her final vows Aug. 11, 1957. Sister Rose earned a master’s degree in religious studies from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., in 1974. In the Diocese of Trenton, she served as a teacher and director of religious education in Corpus Christi School, Willingboro, from 19691981; in parish ministry in St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, from 1990-1992, and full-time council for the Provincialate in Delran, from 1992-1993. She currently serves as foundation volunteer at Our Lady of Angels Convent, Aston, Pa.

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

RELIGIOUS

ANNIVERSARY

60

🌾 YEARS 🌾

Sister Loretta Maggio Dominican Sister Loretta Maggio was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and attended that city’s Our Lady of Good Counsel, Bedford-Stuyvesant; St. Pancas, Glendale, and Bishop McDonnell Diocesan High School. She entered the order of Sisters of St. Dominic, Order of Preachers, Congregation of the Holy Cross of Amity in Sept., 1961; professed her first vows in Aug., 1963, and made her final vows in Aug., 1966.

Sister Loretta earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, in 1971, and a master’s degree in religious studies from Marygrove College, Detroit, Mich., in 1975. She has also been certified in pastoral counseling from the Post Graduate Center, Manhattan, N.Y.; completed a substance abuse training program in Trenton, and is a certified New Jersey social worker. In addition to numerous assignments in New York, Sister Loretta ministered in Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton, from 1988-2018, first as a case worker and then as director of the Emergency Assistance Program. She was honored by the Trenton Area Ecumenical Ministries for community outreach.

Sister Judith Schubert Mercy Sister Judith Schubert, the former Sister Jean Marie, was born in 1942 in Rahway to the late Jeanette and Michael Schubert. She attended St. James School, Woodbridge, and St. Mary High School, Perth Amboy.

Sister Judith entered her order from

St. James Parish, Woodbridge, on Sept. 8, 1961; professed temporary vows Aug. 17, 1964, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 17, 1969. After five years of canonical and college studies, Sister Judith earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, in 1966. She holds New Jersey state certification in elementary and secondary music.

Sister Judith taught in numerous elementary and high schools in the Diocese of Metuchen; in addition, from 19711976, she served the Mercy Sisters as director of postulants, then as director of novices.

She earned a master’s degree in biblical studies from Providence College, Providence, R.I., in 1976 and a doctorate in theology from Fordham University, Fordham, N.Y., in 1992. She has also studied at Aquinas Institute, Dubuque, Iowa, and the Ecole Biblique, Jerusalem.

From 1978 to the present time, Sister Judith has served in Georgian Court University in various capacities, including music instructor, theology instructor, instructor in religious studies, professor of theology and director of the master of arts program in theology.

She has authored two biblical books and published in various biblical and theological journals.

Sister Miriam Varley Poor Clare Sister Miriam Varley grew up in Hudson, N.Y., and was a 1953 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy there. She entered the Poor Clare community in Bordentown in 1961, a late vocation at the age of 25. Before joining the order, Sister Miriam worked as a dental hygienist and assisted at the monastery as a young girl. Over the course of her 60 years of service, she has

held the responsibilities of formation director, council member, vicaress and abbess of the order.

RELIGIOUS

ANNIVERSARY

50

🌾 YEARS 🌾

Sister Linda DeCero Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia Linda DeCero is a native of Philadelphia.

She entered her order Sept. 8, 1968; professed her first vows Aug. 11, 1971, and made her final vows Aug. 11, 1977. Sister Linda earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey, Ewing) in 1977. Her service in the Diocese of Trenton included teaching in St. Anthony School, Hamilton, from 1978-85 and McCorristin Catholic High School (now Trenton Catholic Academy), Hamilton, from 1985-1996. Sister Linda also served as chaplain of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) chapter at Neumann University, Aston, Pa., the largest and oldest Italian-American fraternal organization in the United States. In 2007, she was named as director of Pastoral Services and Spiritual Formation at Neumann University.

Sister Cherree Power Resurrection Sister Cherree Ann Power was born in Bell Island, Newfoundland, Canada and received her initial Sacraments in the town’s Church of St. Michael. She completed her elementary education in St. Agatha

School, Brooklyn, N.Y., before her family relocated to Howell and she came in contact with the Sisters of the Resurrection who administered in St. Veronica School. She entered her order Sept. 1, 1968; professed her first vows Aug. 14, 1971, and made her final vows Aug. 15, 1977. Sister Cherree earned an associate of applied science degree in early childhood from Maria College, Albany, N.Y., in 1975, a bachelor’s degree in education from Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, in 1983; a master’s degree in elementary education and reading from Georgian Court in 1988, and an administration certificate from Manhattan College, Riverdale, N.Y. Sister Cherree also holds professional licenses as a reading specialist and teaching certification for New York and New Jersey. In addition to numerous teaching assignments in New York, she served as teacher in St. Veronica School from 1980-1990, then as its principal from 1992-2019, then as president of the renamed, merged school Mother Seton Academy, Howell, from 20192020. Sister Cherree currently serves as director of religious education in St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Hopewell Junction, N.Y.

Sister Janet Thiel Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia Janet Thiel was born in Trenton; her faith home was Hamilton’s St. Anthony Parish (now part of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton). She entered her order Sept.

8, 1968; professed her first vows Aug. 11, 1971, and made her final vows Aug. 11, 1976. Sister Janet graduated from Hamilton’s St. Anthony High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from LaSalle University, Phila., in 1976; a master’s degree in that field from The Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1978; a master’s degree in education from the University of San

August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

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Lives of FAITH 9

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Francisco in 1984, and a doctorate in education from Capella University in 2000.

Sister Janet was a National Catholic Educational Association Secondary School Region IV representative from 20012003; president of the Interscholastic Athlete Association of Maryland from 1999-2001, and a member of the Middle States Advisory Council for Accreditation for Growth from 2000-2001. In the Diocese of Trenton, she served as director of assessment for Georgian Court University, Lakewood, from 2016-2018.

Sister Janet currently serves as GCU’s assistant vice president of assessment since 2018, and resides in Brick.

RELIGIOUS

ANNIVERSARY

25

🌾 YEARS 🌾

Sister Mary Bilderback Mercy Sister Mary Bilderback was born in Trenton in 1948. She is the daughter of Ralf S. and Mary Miller Bilderback.

She attended Villa Victoria Academy, Ewing, and Miss Fine’s School, Princeton, before earning a bachelor of arts degree in English from Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and a master’s degree from Holy Name College, Oakland, Calif.

An active member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Brant Beach, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in June 17, 1997; took her first vows in April, 2000, and her final vows in June, 2003.

Sister Mary joined her order at Georgian Court College (now University), Lakewood, where she first was a lab assistant, then taught biology while caring for the Sister Mary Grace Burns Arboretum for more than 25 years.

After a brief period of education in Oakland, Calif., she spent three years as director of a retreat spiritual center in Hartford, Conn., from 2002-2005.

Returning to New Jersey, she returned to the faculty of Georgian Court College’s biology department and the arboretum. The published author now lives in the St. Catharine Convent, Spring Lake.

Sister Patricia Kahler Poor Clare Sister Patricia Kahler was born in Plainview, Nebr., and entered the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, Kansas. Before she joined her order, she worked for Eastman Kodak. Sister Patricia is celebrating 25 years from her first profession in the Poor Clare Community which originated in Bordentown in 1909 and has since relocated to Chesterfield in 2001. She professed her solemn vows while living in Trenton’s Sacred Heart Convent.

During the course of her ministry, Sister Patricia has served as formation director, bursar and cook.

Dsd God our Father, we thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons. Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen

Dsd –USCCB 10 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

Lives of Faith

 ADDITIONAL PHOTOS are available for a number of priests who are celebrating retirement or major anniversaries. Go to TrentonMonitor. com>Photo Galleries

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Priest Milestones

‘Powerful Experiences’

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Newly retired Father Crane recalls joys, challenges of priesthood

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

A

s a former meteorologist, Father Mark Crane understands the need to know the coming weather patterns and changes of seasons. But when it comes to predicting anything else, such as what he would experience during his priesthood or now in retirement, he chooses to rely on his faith and follow the plan that God has for his life.

Father Crane joined the distinguished list of the Diocese’s retired priests on the Solemnity of Pentecost, May 23. And while now living in his “favorite place on earth” – Wildwood – he takes with him a host of memories – receiving the call to priesthood later in life after being in the workforce; his love for decorating and music, and his 16 years of active priestly ministry, the past 12 of which he served as pastor of St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan.

Continued on 12

Father Mark Crane stands with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and young parishioners from St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, following the Mass the Bishop celebrated for the Solemnity of the Epiphany in 2018. Mike Ehrmann photo

August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

Lives of FAITH 11

Continued from 11

“From the first day at seminary, the past 21 years have been an incredible challenge,” said Father Crane, who was born in May 1956 in Hackensack and raised in Paramus. “This incredible responsibility was something I put my heart into. God has been so good to me!”

Having developed a fascination with the cycle of seasons, especially with winter storms and the formation of snow, sleet and freezing rain, Father Crane was in sixth grade when he decided he wanted to be a meteorologist.

He pursued undergraduate studies in meteorology at Kean College (now Kean University), Union, and graduate studies at Rutgers University.

In 1983, Father Crane went to live Father Mark Crane in Florida, where his family had moved, and for seven years he taught physics and earth science at Hillsboro Community College, Tampa. In 1990, he returned to New Jersey and began a job as a research scientist at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory in Princeton where he had the privilege of working with some of the top scientists in the world on climate change and global warming issues.

While at GFDL, he became increasingly involved in Princ-

eton’s St. Paul Parish, serving as a reader and extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. He also assisted with decorating the church for the Christmas and Easter seasons, which 🌾 “This incredible he described as a “great honor.” responsibility was His interest in decorating, something I put my he said, evolved from his heart into.” childhood when his parents would “go all out” decorating the house for Christmas.

Father Crane’s service to the parish did not go unnoticed by Msgr. Walter Nolan, pastor at the time. It was most humbling, Father Crane shared, when Msgr. Nolan approached him about becoming a deacon.

Father Crane described “several powerful experiences with the Eucharist and the Holy Spirit” that he had during his formation in the diaconate. “That eventually resulted in my questioning why I was studying to be a deacon when, as an unmarried man, I could become a priest,” he recalled. He entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., in 2000, and was ordained a priest May 21, 2005 by Bishop John M. Smith.

As a priest, Father Crane remained in Manalapan during the past 16 years, but he held various assignments in St. Thomas More Parish, including as parochial vicar, administrator

Reverend Charles Schwartz And the people at Sacred Heart Church Riverton, NJ Ask God’s Blessing upon you

Reverend Roberto Ignacio On the occasion of your retirement.

Well done. Well deserved. Well loved.

Keep that joyful heart, Fr. Tito 12 Lives

of FAITH

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A Grateful Heart

Father Roberto Ignacio elevates the Eucharist during Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Riverton.

Joe Moore photo

Father Ignacio retires after 47 years of priestly joy

BY ROSE O’CONNOR  Associate Editor

A

s Father Roberto Ignacio prepares to retire, he credits the practice of daily prayer for giving him the spiritual strength he needed to minister to the faithful throughout his 47 years of priesthood.

“I’ve prayed my Breviary every day since 1966, when I entered the seminary,” he said. “This exercise is something I’ve always done.”

Father Ignacio will retire at the end of August from his position as parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton.

A native of the Philippines, Father Ignacio attended the University of Santo Tomas, the Catholic University of the Philippines, and the Central Seminary, Manila. He was ordained to the priesthood Dec. 2, 1974, in the Cathedral of the Diocese of Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines, 🌾 “I’ve prayed

by Bishop Cirilo Almario. my Breviary every After his ordination, he served as associate pastor in day since 1966, several parishes in his home when I entered the diocese. He also served as a seminary.” pastor for two years, and as a hospital and prison chaplain.

In 1984, Father Ignacio came to the United States as a visiting priest in St. Ignatius Parish, Long Beach, N.Y. The following year, he attended a spirituality school of the Focolare Movement in Florence, Italy, before joining St. Joseph Parish, Spring Valley, N.Y., as a visiting priest. Over the next six years he served as associate pastor at several parishes in the Diocese

of Trenton, including St. Joseph, Toms River; Holy Innocents, Neptune; St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, and St. James, Red Bank.

In 1992, Father Ignacio took on a new role as a chaplain for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, working in Allenwood, Pa., and Bryan, Texas. He returned to St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, in 1996 as parochial vicar, and was incardinated in the Diocese of Trenton Feb. 15, 2000, by then Bishop John C. Reiss.

Father Roberto “I am very grateful to Bishop Reiss Ignacio who gave me this opportunity,” he said of his experiences in the Trenton Diocese.

In 2006, Father Ignacio was named co-chaplain for the Serra Club international of Ocean County and spiritual advisor to the Diocese’s Bukas-Loob Sa Diyos charismatic prayer community. He also served as chaplain at Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune, while in residence at Holy Innocents Parish.

Father Ignacio began his current assignment of parochial vicar in Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton, in 2008.

During his priesthood, Father Ignacio found the “extraordinary in the ordinary” and relishes the “regular routine” of parish life.

When reflecting on his time at Sacred Heart Parish, he recalls fondly the parishioners who lived their faith through the reception of the Sacraments.

“We always have so many people come to daily Mass and

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Lives of FAITH 13

Sharing God’s Word

Father Jawidzik prays the Rosary during the 2017 diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington.

Ken Falls photo

Priesthood has always been a joy for Father Jawidzik

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ANNIVERSARY

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

F

ather Edward M. Jawidzik has often said that one of the “most wonderful gifts” he has received as a priest is sharing the Word of God with the people he’s served.

“We get to present the Good News of a God who loves us so much, who came among us to atone for our sins.

That is the source and summit of our lives,” he said. “What a powerful message, what a privilege and a joy to be able to share that message day by day, month by month, year by year.”

Though Father Jawidzik retired earlier this year because of health-related matters and currently resides in St. Father Edward M. Mary Assisted Living on the campus of Jawidzik St. Lawrence/Morris Hall, Lawrenceville, there are countless faithful from around the Diocese who joyfully and prayerfully celebrate with him the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the sacred

Father Jawidzik waves as he joins in the 2018 “Las Antorchas Guadalupanas” walking pilgrimage en route to St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Craig Pittelli photo

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priesthood and his devoted service to the people of God. Born in April 1954 in New 🌾 YEARS 🌾 Brunswick to Edward J. and Phyllis Jawidzik and raised in Jamesburg, Edward began his journey to priesthood as a 16-year-old high school junior. With his family’s blessing, he left public school and began studies in Divine Word Seminary High School, Bordentown, graduating in 1972. He continued his seminary formation in St. Mary Seminary College, Baltimore, and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington, serving his transitional diaconate year in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton.

He was ordained May 21, 1981, 🌾 “We get to in St. Mary of the Assumption present the Good Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop News of God John C. Reiss. who loves us so Father Jawidzik once demuch ...” scribed his ordination day as being the single most central event of his entire life. “Everything before led to it and everything afterward stems from it.

All the parishioners and priests I worked with, the people I’ve ministered to, it all flows from that special moment.”

The newly-ordained priest’s first assignment was as parochial vicar of St. Mary of the Lake Parish (now part of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish), Lakewood, which was a very active parish with both a big school and religious education program. Along with ministering to the parish’s many young families and some seniors at the time, and having the parish Masses celebrated in two locations, he also was involved with the youth ministry and visits to the nearby hospital and nursing homes. Other parishes where Father Jawidzik served as parochial vicar were Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish (now

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A Heart for Tradition Father Kwoka sought to foster awareness of, devotion to Eucharist

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

T

hough Father Edward Kwoka has spent nearly half of his 43-year priesthood in the Diocese of Trenton, his heart has never traveled far from his native Poland.

Born May 4, 1951, to Stefania and Jan Kwoka, young Edward grew up with a brother, Stanislaw, and sister, Maria, in the town of Bratkowice, Poland. After second grade he began serving as an altar boy, but the desire to pursue the priesthood came while he was a high schooler.

He attended high school in the city of Rzeszow, followed by formation in Higher Theological Seminary, Przemysl, Poland, from 1972-1978.

After ordination on June 4, 1978, Father Kwoka ministered for a year in parishes of the Diocese of Przemysl before coming to the Diocese of SyraFather Edward cuse, N.Y. In July, 2000, he came to the Kwoka Diocese of Trenton at the invitation of Bishop John M. Smith.

Father Kwoka served as parochial vicar in several local churches throughout the Diocese, including St. Mary of the Lake Parish (now part of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish), Lakewood, 2000-2004; St. Veronica Parish, Howell, 2004-2006; St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, 2006-2010; and Divine Mercy Parish, Trenton, 2010-2018, until the parish merger incorporated the latter into Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton.

In several of his assignments, Father Kwoka was able to minister to the Polish-speaking

Father Kwoka delivers a homily in Sacred Heart Church, Trenton, where he serves as parochial vicar. Mike Ehrmann photo community within the parishes. In his homilies and interactions with parishioners, he worked to develop a greater R E T I R E ME N T understanding of and appreciation for the centrality of the Eucharist in the Catholic faith. He spoke of the traditions in his homeland that commemorated the feasts of Corpus Christi and Divine Mercy, and invited the faithful to draw closer to God through these devotions.

As he prepares for his next chapter, Father Kwoka continues to minister in Sacred Heart Parish and to serve as chaplain for Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Trenton, and Capital Health Center, Hopewell. Following his official retirement in late August, he plans to return to Poland.

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Father Kwoka, left, assists Father Dennis Apoldite, right, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, with a Corpus Christi service in June 2018. Jay Mayer photo

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Making Connections Msgr. Walsh has been focused on meeting people where they are

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

M

sgr. Michael J. Walsh may have done a lot in his 48 years of priesthood, such as being pastor of six parishes; holding numerous diocesan positions and overseeing two major parish building

projects.

But what has been most fulfilling for him as a priest is meeting the needs of the people he was called to serve.

“My ministry was about being with people and helping them become centered on the Eucharist,” said Msgr. Walsh, who retired as of July 1. “That was the driving force for me – to experience God’s people wherever they were.”

For Michael Joseph Walsh, meeting the needs of people

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was something he learned early on in his native Ireland, where he was born in Limerick in 1949. His family’s home was on a farm and he and his siblings were raised in a faith-filled Catholic home. Their strong faith, he said of his parents, was evidenced by their actions. He remembered his father blessing the crops and animals on the farm and his family kneeling down to pray the Rosary.

“It wasn’t easy for my parents,” he said. “They never went to high school, but they took care of us. They molded us physically, spiritually and emotionally in a very gentle way.”

As a young man, Msgr. Walsh’s vocation to the priesthood developed gradually and was fostered through people he encountered. One person, Msgr. Walsh credited, was Frank Duff, the founder of the Legion of Mary. “Through Frank, I made the connection to a lot of good priests,” and it was seeing how faithful they were to their vocation “that I started thinking about saying yes to my own vocation.” He enrolled in St. Patrick College, Thurles, to study for the priesthood and was ordained June 9, 1973.

Two months later, Msgr. Walsh made a transatlantic move from Ireland to New Jersey and began his priestly service in the Diocese of Trenton. His decision was based largely on knowing that while vocations were plentiful in Ireland, more were needed in the U.S. The connection from Ireland to New Jersey was mostly made through his aunt, who lived in Elizabeth, as well as a priest friend who lived in the next town in Ireland and had connections to Trenton.

After serving six years in his first assignment as parochial vicar of St. Raphael Parish (now part of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish), Hamilton, his ministry broadened in 1979 when he became associate director of the diocesan Office of the Permanent Diaconate.

He found it exciting to be part of an evolving ministry that was established in the Diocese just five years earlier in response to the Second Before entering into retirement, Msgr. Walsh celebrates his last Mass as pastor of St. James Parish, Pennington; St. Alphonso Parish, Hopewell, and St. George Parish, Titusville, on June 27.

An outdoor celebration was held in his honor. Hal Brown photos

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Lives of FAITH

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

Msgr. Walsh poses for a photo with three charity representatives; he requested that on the day of his parish retirement farewell that any gifts be given to one of three local charities: Mount Carmel Guild, Anchor House, both Trenton, and The Chubby’s Project in Hopewell.

Vatican Council’s call for restoring the permanent diaconate.

“They are a reflection of life lived … they are every place people are,” he has said of men in the diaconate. “… They are

in the corners of life that priests don’t have the opportunity to be in.”

Along with serving for 16 years in the diaconate office, including as its director, Msgr. Walsh was chaplain of Morris Hall Home for the Aged, Lawrenceville, where he ministered to people who had lived through difficult life experiences, such as serving in war.

“I was their chaplain, but they 🌾 “They were were the ones who were blessing the ones who me with their faith and stories,” were blessing me he said.

Msgr. Walsh, who was made a with their faith and stories.” monsignor in 1995, and went on to serve as pastor of Holy Angels, Hamilton, and St. Mary of the Lake (now part of Our Lady of Guadalupe), Lakewood. In 2002, he became pastor of St. Mary Parish, Middletown, where he shepherded the construction of a new $12 million complex that included a 1,200-seat capacity church, along with parish offices and rectory, all with the goal to spiritually provide for the area’s growing Catholic population.

After overseeing the building of a brick and mortar church, Monsignor’s next assignment involved him overseeing a spiritual building in which he worked to create harmony among the three parishes where he was pastor – St. James, Pennington; Continued on 57

“I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot; but

TOGETHER we can do great things.”

St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

2021 Annual Catholic Appeal

DIOCESE of TRENTON 609-403-7197  dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal 701 Lawrenceville Road, Trenton, NJ 08648 NEW! Text CatholicAppeal to 609-403-3323 to make a gift!

Your help is needed. Please give what you can.

August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

Lives of FAITH 17

‘A’ is for…

PRIEST

ANNIVERSARY

Father Schecker shares advice as he marks 50th anniversary of his ordination

BY DAVID KARAS  Correspondent

H

aving served as a parish priest for 44 of his 50 years of ministry, Father Robert Schecker has quite the resumé , including five parish assignments and pastoral responsibilities for a wide range of ministries throughout his tenure prior to retirement.

Those experiences have left him with some advice – called the five As – that he offers to fellow priests striving to be servant leaders: Be available, not absent.

Be approachable, not aloof.

Be accommodating, not adversarial.

Be accountable, not avoiding.

Be authentic, not authoritative.

“I think they are very applicable guides to putting into practice the Gospel message of Jesus,” he said. “It requires a lot of altruistic behavior and nonjudgmental, unconditional acceptance of people and their circumstances – helping to make their lives meaningful, and (strengthen) their relationship with God.” Whether serving as a parochial vicar or a pastor, the same tenets apply, he said.

“I think that guide is even applicable to those in the secular

50

🌾 YEARS 🌾

world, in the business world,” he added.

This year, Father Schecker marks the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Since his retirement in 2015, he traveled to Italy and Ireland with groups of friends, and now lives in Brick with his sister. In retirement, he has had the chance to visit and reunite with family and friends.

“I love every minute of it,” he said.

He also assists a fellow priest with his weekly sermons. The priest is Colombian, and often asks Father Schecker for help to ensure that captures the right idioms and phrases.

“I review his homily over the phone Father Robert like a proofreader, (and) I am enjoying Schecker that,” he said. “It is also a part of my own spiritual life. It kind of enlightens my own spiritual life, too.”

‘BEING WITH THEM’ Father Schecker was born in Jersey City, May 1945, to William and Anna Schecker, who were living in North Bergen until 1955, when his family moved and became members of St. Joseph of the Palisades Parish, West New York, N.J. In 1963 he graduated from Memorial High School in West New York.

Father Schecker attended Seton Hall University, South Orange, and St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore. He was ordained a priest by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Joseph of the Palisades Church, West New York, Dec. 11, 1971. In January 1972, Father Schecker was named associate pastor of St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson. The following year, he was named spiritual moderator of the Holy Innocents Father Schecker and parishioners stand by a display case of Nativity figurines found in Nativity Parish. Rosemary Daniels photo

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Father Schecker mixes with parishioners during a celebration held during his time as pastor of Nativity Parish, Fair Haven. Rosemary Daniels photo

Society of Burlington County. In 1975, he was assigned to Holy Angels Parish, Trenton, where he served until he was named pastor of Epiphany Parish, Brick, Dec. 11, 1981, 10 years to the date of his ordination.

He spent 11 years in Brick before being named pastor of Sa🌾 “I was being cred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, with them where he served from 1992 until in our faith 2004. He then began his final experience.” assignment as pastor of Nativity Parish, Fair Haven.

Father Schecker said that living and serving in the parish environment was such an important part of the connection he would have with his parishioners.

“That fed into my ability to be what I consider an effective presider at liturgies,” he said. “I was being with them in our faith experience.”

‘IN THE BEAUTY OF NATURE’ In his retirement, Father Schecker has grown fond of spending time in his gardens, listening to birds and watching

the clouds.

“I could just sit outside in my driveway in the middle of my gardens, and enjoy peace and quiet,” he said. “I am very reflective in silence. It becomes a prayer experience, of just sitting in silence in the beauty of nature.”

Happy Happy Anniversary Anniversary to to All All Those Those Celebrating Celebrating

Happy Anniversary to All Those Celebrating their their years years of of serving serving the the Lord Lord their years of serving the Lord

Congratulations Congratulations

Congratulations Fr. Bob Schecker!!

Fr. Bob Schecker!!

on Schecker!! the Fr. Bob Congratulations on the on 50theANNIVERSARY Fr. Bob Schecker!!

50 ANNIVERSARY TH

th Happy Anniversary to to Fr. Fr. Edward Edward Griswold Griswold Happy 48 48thth Anniversary th Happy 48 Anniversary to Fr. Edward Griswold Happy Happy 10 10th Anniversary Anniversary Fr. Fr. Carlos Carlos Florez Florez

th Happy AnniversarytoFr. th Anniversary Happy10 5th Fr.Carlos DanielFlorez Price

Happy 5 Anniversary to Fr. Daniel Price

Happy 5th Anniversary to Fr. Daniel Price

TH

5 0 YOUR ANNIVERSARY on the OF TH

OF YOUR OF YOUR 50 A N N IVERSARY ORDINATION TH

ORDINATION OF YOUR ORDINATION

Church of the Nativity

Church thethe Nativity ORDINATION Churchofof Nativity

Fair Haven, NJ

Church of the Nativity Fair Haven, NJ

Fair Haven, NJ www.nativitychurchnj.org

Fair Haven, NJ www.nativitychurchnj.org

www.nativitychurchnj.org www.nativitychurchnj.org

Thank you for your support and dedication Thank you for your support and dedication The Parishioners and Staff of

and Staff Thank you The forParishioners your support andofdedication St. Barnabas Church St. Barnabas Church Bayville, NJ Bayville, NJ

The Parishioners and Staff of St. Barnabas Church Bayville, NJ Lives August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

of FAITH 19

Ministering to All

Serving different people in different places has enriched Father Reitz’ 50 years of priesthood

BY DOROTHY K. LAMANTIA  Correspondent

R

eflecting on his vocation as a Franciscan religious order priest from the Holy Name Province and the assignments he has held over the past 50 years, Father Andrew Reitz said what he has found to be most gratifying is “the different kind of people I could minister to in the various places I was stationed.”

And what he regards as the greatest challenge, is when it’s time to move from one assignment to the next and starting over.

“You got established, knew the people,” he said. “Even though we know as friars we had to move on, it still wasn’t easy.”

Father Reitz currently serves as parochial vicar in St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Brant Beach, a parish with which he is most familiar, having been assigned to the parish multiple times. His first time followed his January 1971 ordination, and he served in Brant Beach for 13 years until 1984. His second appointment occurred in 1996 when he was named pastor, serving until 2005. His third time came last year in 2020 when he was again named Father Andrew pastor but now serves as one of three Reitz associate priests.

“The people here were always wonderful to work with,” he said. “It’s a wonderful community near the seashore,” he said, adding how moving it is to encounter parishioners who remember him from his previous assignments and he finds it amazing when he officiates at weddings of the children whose parents he married.

The now 78-year-old Father Reitz was born in 1943 in Olean, N.Y., and he and his family lived in nearby Allegheny.

He attended public schools, but every Wednesday afternoon under New York state law, public schools would shorten the school day so children could receive religious education in their parish communities. One of his first encounters with the

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PRIEST

Franciscan religious was in his famANNIVERSARY ily’s parish, St. Bonaventure, which was staffed by Franciscan priests and the Sisters of St. Francis of Allegheny 🌾 YEARS 🌾 who taught the religious education classes.

Father Reitz recalled the deep impression the Franciscans made on him, saying, “They seemed to be happy, enjoyed mingling with people, and were approachable.”

He attended Allegheny Central School from kindergarten through 12th grade, and it was in his senior year when he felt the first stirring of a priestly vocation. Upon graduating high school, he was set to enter St. Bonaventure University, Allegheny, also operated by Franciscans, on a scholarship to study modern languages.

“During my freshman year, I decided I couldn’t wait,” said Father Reitz said. “I spoke to a friar about it, then the vocation director tracked me down to talk about it. I was invited to a meeting, which 10 other students attended. Three of those guys also became Franciscans and still are priests.”

With the support of his family, Father Reitz enrolled in St. Joseph Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., about 230 miles from home, and despite the distance, his parents visited every visitor’s day.

Father Reitz recalled the transition to seminary life as being tough. “I hated the confinement and being told what 🌾 “Even though we to do. But I was determined to know as friars we be a friar, so I stuck it out.” had to move on, it Two years later in 1964, he entered the novitiate and still wasn’t easy.” received his habit, and then in 1967, he decided on a vocation to the priesthood. He studied theology in Washington Theological Union and in January, 1971, he was ordained a priest by Bishop Joseph Bernardin, who went on to become a cardinal.

Other assignments he has held included serving as novice master and director of Initial Formation for the Franciscans of

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D d Gracious and loving God, ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

the East Coast, during which he worked with 60 seminarians and noted that the formation program was the only one for the entire United States.

He also recalled an assignment in Tampa, Fla., where he and three friars oversaw the refurbishing of a church that had formerly belonged to the Jesuit order, which had been struggling because of a shortage of vocations. The team of Franciscans revitalized the parish ministries that ranged from hospital ministry, a women’s group, prison ministry, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and marriage preparation program.

Father Reitz also enjoyed serving as pastor of St. Francis Parish, Manhattan, to which he was assigned around 2011. The busyness of celebrating six Masses daily and making Confessions available at three different times each day, was energizing, he said of St. Francis, which was staffed with six full-time friars and four part-timers who ministered to the 2,000 faithful.

Now back in Brant Beach, Father Reitz said his task is to seek out people who are not being attended to by the Church.

For some reason, “I learn they cannot attend church” so it’s up to the Church to go to visit them,” he said. “It’s a new ministry to show people we are neighbors.”

we thank you for the gift of our priests.

Through them, we experience your presence in the Sacraments.

Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.

Set their souls on fire with love for your people.

Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.

Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.

Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.

Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest. Amen.

–USCCB

Dsd

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Lives of FAITH 21

Father Gadenz teaches a group of seminarians by the Sea of Galilee during a visit to the Holy Land in December 2016. Courtesy photo

Wings of Faith Twenty-five years on, ministry of Father Gadenz opens the Word of God to clergy and faithful

BY LOIS ROGERS  Correspondent

F

ather Pablo Gadenz recently marked the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood in a familiar way, by preparing to settle into a new assignment as associate professor of Sacred Scripture in Mount St. Mary Seminary and University, Emmitsburg, Md. Reflecting on the task that he was invited to assume, with the approval of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., Father Gadenz noted that opening the door to Scripture for seminarians has been a focus of his ministry since 2008 Father Pablo when he joined the faculty of ImmacGadenz ulate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University, South Orange.

As he sees it, this is a vital mission.

For in the classes will be seminarians, including a number from the Trenton Diocese. They will one day preach homilies in its churches, employing the lessons of faith and reason in the Catholic tradition that they learned in these classes, he said.

“I remember Pope John Paul had written on faith and reason that these are the two wings on which, together, we ascend to the truth of God,” said Father Gadenz. “With all the studies, using reason, I try to open up the Word of God in Scripture written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in ways that

22 Lives

of FAITH

will help [them] nourish the faith of Catholics who hear the Scriptures every time they go to Mass.”

BEFORE THE PRIESTHOOD The youngest of three children of Renato and Cecilia Gadenz, who hailed from Italy, the family emigrated from Italy to the Trenton Diocese by way of Chile and California. Settled in Tinton Falls when he was six years old, the family joined Eatontown’s St. Dorothea Parish where Pablo was a member of the youth group.

After graduating from Red Bank Catholic High School as valedictorian in 1984, he commenced studies in electrical engineering in Princeton University, attended Mass regularly and was active in the university’s Catholic campus ministry pro- 🌾 ““I try to open gram at the Aquinas Institute. up the Word of In an article that appeared God ... in ways that in The Monitor in 1996 shortly will help [them] before his priestly ordination, nourish the faith of Father Gadenz noted that he Catholics ...” had been “content to serve as a dedicated Catholic layman” while pursuing a master’s degree at Columbia University in New York and working three years of employment at AT&T in Middletown.

But, he added, during those three years of secular employment, he “began to see the Lord calling me full time to the

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

service of the Church.”

priestly journey that has included ANNIVERSARY pastoral and administrative assignments; 🌾 YEARS 🌾 advanced Biblical studies in Rome; educational assignments in seminaries and universities, and completion of a substantial body of research, writing and lecturing on Scripture.

The author of various publications, including a well-received commentary on the Gospel of Luke in the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture Series, Father Gadenz said he gets “energized when I get feedback from people who found the book very helpful.”

“Even if I’m not working day-to-day in a parish,” he said, “I think I’m reaching many people this way through my writing.”

Most recently, he’s also reaching people through Living Word, a television series he co-hosts on the Catholic Faith

PRIEST

JOURNEY OF FAITH In late 1990, he connected with the Trenton Diocese to begin exploring the priesthood. The next year, he began a year of preparatory studies at Franciscan University, Steubenville, Ohio. The following year, he entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa. There, he completed the rigorous mix of priestly formation studies, parish service in the summer in the Trenton Diocese and assignments in the Philadelphia Archdiocese that culminated in his ordination by Bishop John C. Reiss on May 18, 1996.

After serving as parochial vicar in St. Ann Parish, Keansburg, for two years, he was named priest secretary to Bishop John M. Smith, an assignment he held from 1998-2002. “During that time of living and working with the Bishop, we discussed the possibility of further studies with a view to my teaching in a seminary,” Father Gadenz said.

There followed a wide-ranging

25

Network with Bishop Richard Henning, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York.

The show focuses on Biblical foundations, themes, passages and Scriptures of the liturgical year and airs regularly on weekdays.

In ways he likely could not have anticipated when he was ordained, fulfilling these duties reflects his original intention to serve the faithful of the Trenton Diocese “in whatever capacity” the sitting Bishop of Trenton would ask of him.

That capacity right now is centered on teaching in St. Mary Seminary and University. Long drawn to the lectern, Father Gadenz said that when he first decided to become a priest, he thought “teaching would be an aspect of living out my priesthood.”

“One enters the seminary to be a priest,” he said. “And what one does depends on so many different things. I believe the way my priesthood has unfolded is how God has called me to serve the Church at this time.”

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today,

and creates vision for tomorrow.

Heartfelt congratulations to the Priests, Deacons, and all the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton who are celebrating retirement and milestone anniversaries of devotion in 2021.

We congratulate you on your everlasting devotion and service and may God’s grace continue to bless you all!

The Saul Family and Staff of Saul Funeral Homes SAUL FUNERAL HOMES, INC. Kimberly M. Saul–Bowne, CFSP, Manager; N.J. Lic. No. 4110 A.S. Cole Son & Co. 22 North Main Street Cranbury, NJ 08512 609-395-0770

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August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

Lives of FAITH 23

Counting on the Spirit

PRIEST

ANNIVERSARY

25

🌾 YEARS 🌾

Father Kegley credits Holy Spirit for 25 joyful years

BY JOHN SPINELLI  Correspondent

R

eflecting on 25 years of priestly ministry, Father Jeff Kegley admits that he wasn’t seeking religious life until an encounter with the Holy Spirit marked a turning point in his future.

“I felt the call to the priesthood after an experience I had with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit – a renewal of the grace of my Baptism – and it changed my life,” reflected the pastor of St. Mary Parish, Middletown. “I first became involved with the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in 1985 when two parishioners from St. Ann, [Keansburg], invited me to the New Jersey Charismatic Conference. …

From that moment on my life 🌾 “The biggest hasn’t been the same.” challenge is Father Kegley was presenting the ordained May 18, 1996, by Gospel in our Bishop John C. Reiss in St. current culture.”

Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton. He began his priestly journey at his current assignment as a parochial vicar and chaplain for Mater Dei High School, now Mater Dei Prep, Middletown.

Although the priesthood was not his first aspiration, he came from a faithbased household. St. Ann’s was a great parish to grow up in,” Father Kegley said.

“My family was involved with the parish; we always went to holy Mass on Sunday. We had wonderful priests, religious sisters, and amazing parishioners.”

Father Jeff Kegley Born to Leon and Kathryn Kegley in May 1959, Father Kegley attended St. Ann School, Keansburg, then graduated from Keansburg High School as a member of the Class in 1978.

After high school, he entered the workforce and was involved in politics at a young age, being elected a county committeeman at 19 and to the town’s Board of Education at 21, serving as board president.

“As a young man, I wanted to work in New York City,” Father Kegley said. “I was hired by a bank that would also pay for college. I enjoyed my 10 years in the banking industry, but God had other plans for me.”

He attended Thomas Edison State University, Trenton, and later studied at Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, South Orange. After his first assignment as paroFather Kegley meets with students and faculty during the school’s participation in the diocesan Day of Service in 2018.

Mike Ehrmann photo

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Lives of FAITH

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

chial vicar in Middletown, he served as parochial vicar in the parishes of St. Catharine, Spring Lake, and St. Veronica, Howell; administrator, then pastor in Holy Angels Parish, Trenton, and pastor in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish in Hamilton, before returning to Middletown in 2012.

Other influencing figures in Father Kegley’s life included a grandmother who was a daily communicant and a great aunt, Sister of Mercy Victoria Kolodziej who was one of the community’s first missionaries to Costa Rica. “I was blessed to have them as great examples of love for the Lord, his Church and his people,” he noted.

Sharing some of the highlights of his ministry, Father Kegley mentioned the establishment of the Catholic youth program, Life Teen, in three parishes in which he has served.

“Life Teen’s mission is to lead teens closer to Christ” through the celebration of Holy Mass where the homily and music are directed to teens. Father Kegley has also been involved with establishing perpetual Adoration chapels in St. Mary and St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parishes.

Across 25 years Father Kegley experienced many ups and downs. “The most exciting part about being a priest is celebrating the holy Sacraments,” he explained. “I also love the work of new evangelization, presenting the Gospel in ways that people will have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.

“The biggest challenge is presenting the Gospel in our cur-

Father Kegley elevates the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament during a celebration for the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ in 2017. Ken Falls photo rent culture,” he continued. “Over the years, we have changed so much as a society, we are more secularized, and many people are not dialed in to God or their faith … There are so many

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Lives of FAITH 25

Clearly Marked Path St. JPII, family devotion inspired Father Vicente Magdaraog

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

A

PRIEST

ANNIVERSARY

25

Ask most seven-year-olds today about their future 🌾 YEARS 🌾 plans, and chances are the priesthood doesn’t make their top 10 list. But for Father Vicente Magdaraog, parochial vicar in St. James Parish, Red Bank, the choice would have been number one.

However, Father Magdaraog – known affectionately to many as “Father Vic” – will be the first to assert that the priesthood is “not that you just choose to go to school to become a priest – it is a call from God.” Born in 1964, this year Father Magdaraog marks 25 years of priestly ministry. He believes he knew at seven years old what God had in mind for him because of the deep family faith that surrounded him on all sides in his native Philippines.

“Because my parents really loved the Church, we would go to Mass every day, and most especially Sunday,” he remembered fondly. “It’s like the family get-together – church, then breakfast.

“My parents did not push me” toward Father Vicente a vocation, he said, “but my father was Magdaraog always [teaching] me the beauty of priesthood and [example] of married life.”

Father Magdaraog also found profound friendships among the many priests at his family’s parish. He served as an altar boy from fifth grade until college, learning the intricacies of the ministry.

He graduated from Bicol University, Legaspi City, with a bachelor’s degree in industrial education – a degree like automotive engineering that could potentially assist the family business if he was not called to become a priest.

“My father said, ‘You never know, you could be a missionary [in another country] and need to work on cars or fix something in the church,’” he explained.

26 Lives

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Father Magdaraog celebrates Mass in St. James Church, Red Bank, where he has been assigned as parochial vicar since 2017. John Batkowski photos Father Magdaraog chose to come to the United States at the suggestion of Father Thomas Gier, a missionary priest and friend. “He said, ‘Remember this, if it were not for the Spanish missionaries [who introduced 🌾 “[It’s] not that Catholicism to the Philipyou just choose pines], I do not think you to go to school to would be Catholic.’”

He was also influenced by become a priest – it Pope John Paul II, who visited is a call from God.” the Philippines in February 1981. “I was so amazed with him that he was able to preach in Tagalog, like a native Filipino,” Father Magdaraog remembered. “Then I heard his voice to all young people, ‘Do not be afraid of giving up your life for the Church.’”

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Continued on 55

Our Lady of Good Counsel EWING

Congratulates our pastor, Father Ariel Robles on the 25th Anniversary of his Ordination AND Deacon Steven Szmutko on the 15th Anniversary of his Ordination.

The parish also congratulates Father CÉsar Rubiano on the 25th Anniversary of his Ordination as well as Monsignor James Innocenzi on the 45th Anniversary of his Ordination.

August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

Lives of FAITH 27

Destined for Vocation

PRIEST

ANNIVERSARY

25

🌾 YEARS 🌾

Celebrating 25 years of priesthood, Father Robles gives all glory to God

BY ROSE O’CONNOR  Associate Editor

I

t might be said that the seeds of Father Ariel Robles’ vocation to the priesthood trace back to his birth.

As Father Robles explains, “In 1969, there was a oneyear old baby boy in the Philippines who was seriously ill. His mother was distressed knowing she could lose her baby anytime. The father, in his strong faith, went to Quiapo church in Manila to pray to the miraculous image of Jesus called ‘The Black Nazarene.’ He walked on his knees, a custom in the Philippines, on the aisle toward the altar begging the Lord to heal his son. His prayer was heard, the baby was cured and grew up to be a healthy young man.

“I was that baby boy,” said Father Ariel F. Robles, pas-

tor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, West Trenton.

And on the occasion of his 25 years in the priesthood, he speaks with joy that “The Lord cured me and gave me a second chance to live.

“In gratitude, I offer back my life by serving him as priest.

To God be the glory!”

The now 53-year-old Father Robles was one of six children born to Rene and Corazon Robles in Malolos, Philippines.

He attended schools in the Philippines and began his preparation for the priesthood in1984, when he entered Immaculate Conception Seminary, earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He went on to Loyola School of Theology,

Father Ariel Robles greets parishioners following a July 18 Mass in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, West Trenton, Mike Ehrmann photo

28

Lives of FAITH

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

Ateneo de Manila, and received a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology in 1995. Father Robles was ordained in Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Manilla, Philippines, July 31, 1996.

Upon his ordination, Father Robles served as a professor and later as dean of studies in Immaculate Conception Seminary in the Philippines. He also served as a parochial vicar in several parishes in his home diocese from 1996 to 1998 and again from 2003 to 2007.

In 2008, Father Robles arrived in the United States and served as parochial Father Ariel Robles vicar in St. James Parish, Red Bank, during which time he also pursued post-graduate studies in Seton Hall University, South Orange, where he obtained his MA degree major in Sacred Scriptures in 2012. Following the death of long-time pastor Msgr. Philip A. Lowery in 2019, Father Robles took on the role of parish administrator and remained there until July 2020, when he became pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish.

As he reflects on his priesthood, Robles remains committed to bringing Jesus to those he serves, something he believes is his greatest accomplishment.

“The people can give a priest so many compliments: ‘Father, you’re a very good manager’ …. ‘Father, you give good hom-

ilies’… but the greatest compliment I have ever received was this: ‘Father, thank you for always giving me Jesus.’

“Giving Jesus to the people, – that is the essence of the priesthood, and that is what I learned for the past 25 years as a priest,” he said. “A priest may be an excellent speaker, or a good manager, or he may be good at handling big projects, but if he fails to give Jesus to the people, then his priesthood is a failure.

Mother Teresa put it so well when she said to the priests: ‘Give us Jesus, only Jesus, always Jesus.’”

Father Robles shared that whatever blessings his priesthood has brought the people in the Diocese of Trenton is all due to God’s glory and grace.

“Everything is God’s work. Everything is grace,” he said of his 12 years in St. James Parish and now at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish. “Whatever little things I did for these two parishes are not my achievements, but God’s.” 🌾 “Everything Father Robles’ humility is is God’s work. matched by his sense of gratitude to Everything is those who have provided guidance grace.” and support.

“I am very thankful to Bishop David O’Connell, the late Msgr. Philip Lowery, and my brother priests with whom I worked in Red Bank, for trusting and helping me reach where I am now.”

Congratulations and best wishes to the following priests and deacons:

The Family of the

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August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

Lives of FAITH 29

St. Aloysius Parish and Staff JACKSON

Wish to thank and congratulate

Very Rev. John P. Bambrick, V.F. For 30 years of service

Always for Others

You are the image and likeness of God But with you the morning awakens With the call to rise Not for you But always for others.

God handpicked you from a myriad of souls Molded you since you were a babe To prepare you for a journey Not for you But always for others.

God blessed you with wisdom To use to give form to his plans And love to carry them out Not for you But always for others.

Mary walks with you Guiding and loving you For to her you are a Christ Not for you But always for others.

You hold the Body of Christ Embrace his name and proclaim it

30 Lives

of FAITH

And a father and counselor you have become Not for you But always for others.

God forever bless you Walk and carry you when your feet are weary Bring peace and joy to your heart For though your life is never for you It is Christ’s and he delights in you.

Copyright © 2013 Easter Almuena

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 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

Father Rubiano greets parishioners after celebrating Sunday Mass.

PRIEST

ANNIVERSARY

25

Hal Brown photo

🌾 YEARS 🌾

With God’s grace

PRIEST

ANNIVERSARY

25

🌾 YEARS 🌾

Father Rubiano attributes 25 years in the priesthood to hearing God’s call, little by little

BY LOIS ROGERS  Correspondent

I

n a quiet area amid the otherwise bustling corridors of Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Father Caesar Rubiano thumbed through the lengthy list of Catholic patients he received upon checking in after Mass or morning prayers at Holy Innocents Church, Neptune, where he resides.

For the recently arrived Catholic chaplain at the 700 beds, Level II trauma center, his ministry begins daily around 11 a.m. Since statistics show 60 percent of the patients in the Med🌾 “I began to ical Center at any given time are hear this call and apt to be Catholic, the rounds will likely go on for some time, little by little, I and later on he will be respondlistened to it.” ing to the emergency calls.

Still, Father Rubiano, who this year marks the 25th anniversary of his ordination, found time to share insights on the journey that led to this ministry of prayer, comfort and consolation which began, he said, not with a “vocational call” in the traditional sense, but in an ever-deepening interest for Catholicism and its roots.

“Growing up in Colombia, I was Presbyterian and participated actively there in the youth ministry, then during my last year of high school at the American School in Armero,” he said. “I became interested in participating in a Holy Week in the Catholic faith. My attraction to Catholicism after that experience was not by dogma, but history.”

“I was fascinated about knowing what was behind the Church for 2,000 years when the churches of the Reformation had at most 500 years behind them,” Father Rubiano, said. “This opportunity opened my eyes and heart to the priesthood.”

ALONG THE WAY From his description, the journey built steadily from there.

One of three children of Fanny A. de Rubiano and the late Gonzalo V. Rubiano, young Caesar was born in October, 1967 in San Juan Rioseco, a small village in Colombia. He studied for the priesthood at Valmaria Major Seminary of the Eudist Father Caesar Fathers and was ordained there for the Rubiano Eudist-Congregation of Jesus and Mary on March 30, 1996, by then late Bishop Carlos Jose Ruiseco, who was later Archbishop of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

“Through years of study in Colombia and during ministry, I began to hear what others described as the “call” and little by little, I listened to it. I obeyed it and followed it, and with God’s grace, I remained faithful,” he said. “Most of my ministry has involved assisting those with the power to serve (the faithful)” he said. They include Father Rafael Garcia Herreros, Colombian leader of the Charismatic Catholic Minuto de Dios organization, whose cause for sainthood is underway, he said.

The call persisted when he was sent to live in the United States by his congregation shortly after ordination and

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Lives of FAITH 31

Divine Word Father Miguel Virella, front, center, stands with the team of priests who were charged to minister to the newly formed parish of Mother of Mercy in this 2012 photo. Shown from left are Divine Word Father Florencio L. Lagura, Voluntas Dei Father Paul Janvier and Divine Word Father George Koottappillil. Craig Pittelli photo

God is Calling

Service at heart of Father Virella’s 25-year priesthood

BY MATT GREELEY  Special Contributor

T

“

he Lord God calls us to serve.”

For Divine Word Father Miguel Virella, these words continue to inspire his priestly vocation that has now reached its 25-year milestone.

Born in 1956 in Ciales, Puerto Rico, the young Miguel first entered the Servants of Mary as a “servite” and was Divine Word Father sent to Epworth, Iowa, to study English Miguel Virella as a second language in a seminary run

by Divine Word Missionaries. There were people from many cultures and places there, and that multicultural environment

was something that fed his soul and aided his discernment process toward a missionary priestly vocation.

The now current pastor of Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park, made his first profession of vows Aug. 22, 1992 with the Society of the Divine Word in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, Ill. He professed his perpetual vows there Sept. 16, 1995, and was ordained to the priesthood March 23, 1996. His first assignment as a priest was St. Anthony Claret Parish (now part of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish), Lakewood, in the Diocese of Trenton.

As a priest of the Diocese, Father Virella has since served in St. Rose of Lima Parish, Freehold; Our Lady of Providence Parish, Neptune, as well as St. Peter Claver and Holy Spirit Parishes in Asbury Park. In 2012, Mother of Mercy Parish

Divine Word Father Miguel Virella was principal celebrant of the last Mass to be celebrated in Holy Spirit Church, one of two worship sites of Mother of Mercy Parish, June 10. Vic Mistretta photo

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 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

PRIEST

Congratulations Congratulations Msgr. Richard LaVerghetta ... 35 YEARS! Msgr.

Richard LaVerghetta ... 35 YEARS! Our community is blessed because you answered the call!

was created through the mergers and Our community is blessed youfriends answered All our best to you because from your at, the call! restructuring of these three parishes All our best to you from your friends at, ANNIVERSARY along with Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, also in Asbury Park.

It was the call to serve the poor that resonated with Father Virella 🌾 YEARS 🌾 as a young man. “My first call was to serve the poorer communities…

When serving the poor, there is joy, as well as, suffering.”

“The Lord God calls us to be his servants… to serve. We are called to serve. We are called to work. We are called to care for those who are entrusted to us.”

Reflecting on his first 25 years as a priest, Father Virella remembered being newly ordained and how he “wanted to change the world.”

“I wanted to be there for everything… for all the Baptisms, the weddings, the funerals, the gatherings in their homes. I wanted to be there in court with them, interpreting for them whenever they were in the hospital or in jail,” he shared.

“When I was first ordained, it was a beautiful stage I was in. I still want to do all this, but the energy is not the same.”

One of the looming challenges of Father Virella’s priesthood has been the closing of parishes. Of his 25 years as a Catholic priest, 21 have been spent in the parishes of Asbury Park, where he has accompanied the faith community through transitions of parish closures, mergers and moves.

“I always ask everybody to trust in God and to hope for a stronger and vibrant parish in the future. I share with people that in today’s world, this is the reality of the Church. It is not only in our parish, but in many parishes.” But that 🌾 “I always ask trust and hope is easier said everybody to trust than done because, as Father in God and to hope Virella explained, many for a stronger and generations have baptized their children, gotten married, vibrant parish in 2925 Ridgeway Rd Manchester, NJ 08759 th buried their families and so 125 S. Cooks Bridge Rd Jackson, NJ 08527 the future.” much more in all the churches NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE EXCELLENCE of Asbury Park, noting that 732-657-4900 732-719-72015 250& 2019 Holy Spirit Church opened in 1889.

2925 Ridgeway Rd Manchester, NJ Community 08759 It is in the simple things where Father Virella said he finds 125 S. Cooks Bridge Rd Jackson, NJ 08527 Service Award NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR SERVICE EXCELLENCE faith and spiritual nourishment. “Through the relationships G. Oliverie, Mgr NJ Lic # 3833 with the community, I am strengthened. Through the faith 2015 & 2019 that the families have, I find the motivation and strength to 2014-2021 Pursuit of Excellence Recipient Community continue my ministry with joy.”

Service Award In looking to what’s to come in his priesthood, Father VireG. Oliverie, Mgr NJ Lic # 3833 lla said he feels a connection with Moses. “I use that image of 2014-2021 Pursuit of Excellence Recipient Moses because Moses’ relationship with God was one of trust.

He tried to do what God asked him to do and he went on even Ten years in a row! though it was challenging.”

“My hope is that I can continue serving God and the Ten years in a row! people for as long as I live,” he said. “Al final de mi vida, quisiera morir aun sirviendo… con las botas puestas y bien gastadas. I am grateful to God for having called me to serve!”

25

73We 2-6congratulate 57-4900 7Fr. 32-Bambrick 719-7250

on his 30 anniversary as a priest

August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

Lives of FAITH 33

RIEST

PRIEST

NIVERSARY

ANNIVERSARY

YEARS 🌾🌾🌾

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Divine Word Father Raymond Lennon

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Born in Philadelphia, retired Divine ANNIVERSARY Word Father Raymond Lennon began his 65-year ministry🌾🌾🌾with YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 his profession of vows in 1956. He completed coursework in linguistics at the University of Sao Paolo, Brazil, and holds a licentiate in philosophy from Faculdade Dom Bosco-Tancredo Neves University in Minas Gerais,ANNIVERSARY Brazil. Father Lennon also earned a master’s degree in linguistics from George-

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town University, Washington. He was ordained adelphia Catholic School for Boys.

DEACON DEACON a priest Aug. 1, 1964.

Following his graduation from high school, ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY Father Lennon’s primary areas of ministry he entered the Navy and studied shipboard have included education, administration and engineering at the Wentworth Institute in pastoral care. Putting his language studies Boston. During World War II, he spent three 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾aboard the U.S.S. Augusta. to extensive use, he🌾🌾🌾worked in Fu Jen Uni-🌾🌾🌾 YEARS years versity in Taiwan, as well as in French and Father Miele returned home to Philadelphia Portuguese-speaking parishes throughout the at the conclusion of the war and went to LaSalle Diocese of Trenton and beyond. He served College, graduating with a bachelor’s degree as rector in Washington, D.C.; Bay St. Louis, in accounting in 1949. He entered St. Charles Miss., and Bordentown; spiritual director for Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., and Divine Word theologians in Montreal, Canada; completed his studies in Our Lady of the Angels has also operated as Provincial Superior DEACON for Seminary, Niagara University, Niagara, N.Y. bothANNIVERSARY the Eastern and Chicago Divine Word On May 26, 1956, Father Miele was ANNIVERSARY Provinces, as well as principal of the former ordained a priest by Bishop George W. Ahr in Divine Word Seminary in Bordentown.

St. Anthony of Padua Church, Hamilton. As parochial 🌾🌾🌾 vicar he served in St. Ann Parish, 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 Father Joseph J. Miele 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS Raritan, St. Joachim Parish, Trenton, St. Mary of Mount Virgin Parish, New Brunswick, and Father Joseph J. St. Mary Parish, Deal.

Miele was born in In 1970, Father Miele was appointed to August, 1925, to John serve on the diocesan liturgical commission and Anna (Passalaqua) and as parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Miele and attended North Plainfield. In September 1971, Bishop OurANNIVERSARY Lady of the Rosary Ahr assigned Father Miele to full-time studies School and West Phil-

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The Parish Community of Incarnation-St. James Church Congratulate

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Msgr. Hugh Ronan

Catholic Community of St. Peter 406 Forman Ave Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742 stpetersbytheshore.org • (732) 892-0049

Congratulations to Father Richard Rossell O.F.M Conv. on his 60th Anniversary of Priesthood!

For 60 years of faithful service

1545 Pennington Road • Ewing 34 Lives

of FAITH

May you continue to emulate the Sacred Heart of Jesus and may God bless you and thank you eternally for your humble service.

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

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at Fordham University, N.Y., where he earned 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 a master’s degree in religious studies. After graduating from Fordham in May, 1972, Father Miele was named the founding pastor of St. Anselm Parish, Wayside, where he served for 12 years, until he was transferred to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Seaside Heights, where he served as pastor from 1984 until 1991. On Jan. 11, 1991, Bishop John C. Reiss appointed Father Miele as pastor of St. ANNIVERSARY Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank, where he spearheaded the construction of the new parish center, established a parish pastoral council 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 and implemented social concerns ministries.

Father Miele retired as pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish Jan. 15, 1999 and has continued to serve as a weekend assistant in several parishes.

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Msgr. Hugh F. Ronan was born in ANNIVERSARY April 1934. His home parish is Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 Parish, Hamilton.

He graduated from Trenton Catholic High School in 1952. Msgr. Ronan entered R MAGAZINE  August 2021 St. Charles Seminary, Catonsville, Md., in 1953 and matriculated in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore.

He was ordained to the priesthood in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop George W. Ahr May 27, 1961.

He spent the next 15 years ministering in Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords; St. Paul Parish, Princeton, and St. Francis of Assisium Parish, Trenton.

In 1973, Msgr. Ronan became an associate to Msgr. Joseph A. O’Connor, who served as the bishop’s representative to Catholic hospitals for the Diocese. Five years later he assumed the title himself and held the position until 1981.

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Msgr. Ronan was appointed temporary in the Chambersburg section of Trenton. 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 administrator of St. Edward Parish, Milford, in Following his graduation in 1952, he June 1976, where he would later serve as pasbegan his studies for the priesthood in St. tor. In August 1981, he returned to the TrenFrancis College, Staten Island, N.Y., and ton area as pastor of Incarnation Parish, Ewing completed a bachelor’s degree in theology (now Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing). from St. Anthony-on-the-Hudson Seminary, Msgr. Ronan served three terms as chapRensselaer, N.Y. He also studied at The lain for the Ewing Columbiettes; was appointed Catholic University of America, Washington, as Mercer County Region PTA moderator; was receiving a doctorate of sacred theology in DEACON DEACON spiritual director of the St. Vincent de Paul So- 1961.

ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ciety of Mercer County, and a member of the He was ordained May 27, 1961, in the board of trustees for Morris Hall/St. Lawrence Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Rehabilitation Center, Lawrenceville.

Albany, N.Y., by Bishop William Aloysius 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 On a diocesan level, he served three Scully of Albany. consecutive terms as associate director of the After his ordination, Father Rossell began Priest Personnel Office and three consecutive his foray into Catholic education, teaching in several Catholic high schools including three-year terms as episcopal vicar of Mercer Trenton Catholic Boys High School, from County (1988-1997). He was also appointed 1961-1962. From 1962 to 1970, he taught an ex-officio member of the council of priests and appointed to a five-year term as a member in Bishop Canevin High School, Pittsburgh, DEACON Pa., and St. Joseph Catholic High School, of the diocesan consulters.

ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY On Sept. 14, 1993, he received papal New York City, from 1972 to 1976. honors with the title of Monsignor. Other apHe began his service in the Diocese of pointments include the seminarian recruitment Trenton, serving as parochial vicar in St. Peter board 🌾🌾🌾 for YEARS vocations;🌾🌾🌾a five-year term on the🌾🌾🌾 YEARS Parish, 🌾🌾🌾 Riverside (now part of Jesus the Good college of consulters; the diocesan expansion Shepherd Parish, Riverside), from 1976 to commission; election as secretary of the priest 1980; Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords (now council, and as an at-large representative of in the Diocese of Metuchen), from 1980-82; the council of priests. He retired as pastor St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, from of Incarnation-St. James Parish in 2006 and 1982 1986 and St. Anthony of Padua Parish, moved to Villa Vianney, the diocesan residence Hightstown. From 1986 to 1988, he studied for retired priests in Lawrenceville. at the Weston Jesuit School of TheoloANNIVERSARY Other assignments Msgr. Ronan has held gy, Cambridge, Mass., and then returned to parish life, once again in the Diocese of include serving as coordinator and liaison to the bishop🌾🌾🌾 forYEARS the Villa Vianney residence; a member Trenton, becoming parochial vicar in St. Peter 🌾🌾🌾 of the priest retirement committee; chair of the Parish, Point Pleasant Beach, from 1988 Morris Hall/St. Lawrence board of trustees and through 2005. Though it is uncommon for a serving as a weekend assistant in area parishes. Conventual Franciscan priest to spend more than 12 years in a parish, Father Rossell had He served on the board and as a volunteer for an opportunity to serve six of those years as Meals On Wheels in Mercer County. “guardian,” who is responsible for maintaining the parish grounds. He functioned as pastor Father Richard Rossell for another six years.

Conventual Father Rossell was named pastor of Franciscan Father Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Seaside Richard Rossell grew Heights in 2005 where he also acted as up in Trenton, one of chaplain of the police department and served five sons of Ralph and the community as host to Simon’s Kitchen, Marcella Rossell. His which provides food for the hungry in the family was members shore area. of Holy Angels Parish Father Rossell currently lives as a priest (now part of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish), in-residence in St. Peter Friary, Point Pleasant Hamilton, and he attended the parish school Beach.

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Msgr. Ronald J. Bacovin, a retired priest of the Diocese, was born in Trenton ANNIVERSARY May 28, 1940, to John and Helen Bacovin. He attended Sacred🌾🌾🌾Heart YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 Parish and Blessed Sacrament Parish, both in Trenton, and went to St. John School, Trenton. He later graduated from Trenton Catholic Boys High School before attending Villanova University, Villanova,

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Pa., for two years. He then completed his where he served for the following eight years.

In 1989, Msgr. Bacovin began a 10-year term priestly formation in St. Mary Seminary, Baltias pastor of St. John Parish, Lakehurst. Bishop more. Bishop George W. Ahr ordained Msgr.

John M. Smith appointed him director of the Bacovin to the priesthood on May 28, 1966, DEACON DEACON in St.ANNIVERSARY Mary of the Assumption Cathedral,ANNIVERSARY Tren- diocesan Office of Priest Personnel effective July 1, 1998. He was also appointed to the ton. He was then assigned to Christ the King Diocesan Incardination Board for a three-year Parish, Manville, where he served as associate term🌾🌾🌾beginning in 1999. Msgr. Bacovin bepastor🌾🌾🌾 forYEARS four years.

During this time, Msgr. 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS came pastor of St. James Parish, Pennington, Bacovin also served as moderator of the Somin July, 1999, while continuing to serve on the erset County Catholic Young Adult Club and diocesan level in a variety of roles. In 2000 he the Somerset County CYO. In 1970, he was was named to the Committee on Ministry in appointed as a member of the Diocesan LiturNon-Correctional and Health Care Institutions gical Commission and named associate pastor and was elected in 2002 as vice chairman of of St. James Parish, Jamesburg. On Sept. 8, the priest council. On June 16, 2008, Pope 1972, Msgr. Bacovin was assigned to St. John Benedict XVI bestowed papal honors on Vianney Parish, Colonia, where he servedDEACON for DEACON ANNIVERSARY six years.

He then returned to his originalANNIVERSARY home then-Father Bacovin, naming him a Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of monsignor. parish of Sacred Heart in Trenton as associate An investiture of papal honors was celebratpastor on June 9, 1978. ed with In🌾🌾🌾 1980, he took YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 a sabbatical year from 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 Bishop Smith presiding in St. James Church, Pennington, Nov. 18, 1998. On Feb. priestly ministry to study in the Institute for 1, 2011, he was appointed a member of the Spirituality and Worship at the Jesuit School of Episcopal Council for Clergy Personnel. He Theology, Berkeley, Calif. He returned to the also completed a term on the Priest Retirement Diocese of Trenton the following year and was Committee in 2011. named pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Keyport,

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Tenth60anniversary 15 blessings upon John TestaPRIEST RIEST Rev. PRIEST

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The R.C. I. A./Adult Confirmation Ministry team at Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro: Matt Laughland, Mary and Charlie Stockton, Mary Stadnyk

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Since retiring in 2012, Msgr. Bacovin has resided in Villa Vianney, the diocesan retirement facility for priests. He’s enjoyed time in Burlington County, serving for four years as chaplain in Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, Delran, and helping with weekday Masses in Corpus Christi, Willingboro, and Jesus the Good Shepherd, Riverside. On weekends, he has helped with Masses in St. James Parish and in St. David the King Parish, West Windsor.

Father Brian J. McCormick Father Brian J. McCormick, a retired priest of the Diocese, devoted nearly 50 years of his life to serving the poor as director of Martin House in inner-city Trenton.

Born in November 1940, in Denville, Father McCormick was one of five children.

A year after his birth, his family moved to Somerville and he attended St. Joseph School, Raritan. He then went on to graduate from St. Peter the Apostle High School, New Brunswick. After high school, Father McCormick traveled north of the border to study in St. Jerome College, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

Upon graduating from college he entered Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington, and was ordained to the priesthood May 28, 1966, by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Father McCormick’s first assignment was as parochial vicar of St. James Parish, Woodbridge, where he worked in youth and young adult ministry, including heading up the Catholic Youth Organization. Through his CYO affiliation, he put his passion for social justice into practice when he founded the Bunns Lane Youth Association, which provided outreach to youth tending to delinquency. He was also heavily involved in the Catholic Family Movement.

In 1969, he was appointed vocational director of Middlesex County and chaplain of the New Brunswick Serra Club. Around this time, the Diocese of Trenton had begun the planning for Martin House, a new ministry that would respond to the needs of the poorest in Trenton in the wake of rioting in the city.

Father McCormick was chosen by Bishop Ahr to be the first director of the new program

in October 1970, and it has been his life’s work ever since. Under Father McCormick’s leadership, Martin House expanded to include a number of programs, such as: Better Community Housing of Trenton, Inc.; Martin House Learning Center; Martin House Clothing Store; Doorway to Hope and the Youth and Adult Men of Trenton Initiative. Among the many accomplishments of Father McCormick are the building of hundreds of affordable housing units; the construction of a 28,000-squarefoot learning center that houses a pre-school; after-school safe haven program and other youth and education programs; the founding of a transitional housing program for homeless mothers that helps them achieve self-sufficiency, and the development of a network of more than 1,000 volunteers who are committed to continuing the work of Martin House.

With Father McCormick’s retirement in 2012, Martin House has since undergone operational changes and is no longer a diocesan-sponsored agency. While the Learning Center has become an operation of the Catholic Youth Organization of Mercer County and is now known as the CYO East State Street Center, the Martin House Foundation focuses its mission on providing affordable housing and operating the thrift store and Doorway to Hope programs. In retirement Father McCormick has served as the foundation’s staff and board in an advisory capacity and continues to speak about the Church’s need to be involved in addressing society’s unjust response to the poor.

Father McCormick has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Spirit of St. Francis Award, presented by St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, and the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers’ 1993 Citizen of the Year Award. He said a book about his work entitled “A Radical Heart: Making Black Lives Matter Through Faith and Action by Mary Callanah will be published in the near future.

Father Charles B. Weiser Father Charles B. Weiser, a retired priest of the Diocese, was born in May 1939 in Newark. He attended St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md., and Mount St. Mary Semi-

nary, Emmitsburg, Md., before being ordained to the priesthood by Bishop George W. Ahr in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, May 28, 1966.

Following his ordination, Father Weiser was assigned to Incarnation (now part of Incarnation-St. James) Parish, Ewing, and was named chaplain at Camp Columbus, Bamber Lake.

In September 1966, he was assigned to St. Matthias Parish, Somerset, as assistant pastor. In 1968, Father Weiser was appointed to the Continuing Education Committee of the Council of Priests. The following year while a student priest enrolled in Princeton Theological Seminary, he was named assistant pastor of St. Paul Parish, Princeton, and vocational director for Somerset County. In 1970, he was named a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission.

Father Weiser completed a master of theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1970 and was appointed that June 19 to serve as director of the Aquinas Institute, Princeton, and chaplain to Princeton University’s Catholic students. During his time at the Aquinas Institute, Father Weiser took on a variety of diocesan roles, including two terms as pro-synodal judge of the tribunal and chairman of the continuing education committee. He was also a co-founder of the National Organization for Continuing Education of Roman Catholic Clergy.

In 1981, Father Weiser was appointed to the Emmaus Core Planning Group and he went on to serve as executive coordinator of the Emmaus Program, a spirituality program for priests of the Diocese. Father Weiser returned to parish life in 1989, as administrator of Precious Blood Parish, Monmouth Beach. He was installed as pastor of St. Michael Parish, West End, in 1989. He retired as pastor of St. Michael Parish in 2014 and took up residence in St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake.

Other appointments he has held included serving as a judge in the diocesan Tribunal and as director of the Office of Ecumenism. In 1997, Father Weiser was awarded the Title of Fellow in Pastoral Leadership Development – an academic designation awarded after several years of course work and major exams – and was chosen the same year for the papal honor of being a member of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. In addition, Father Weiser was dean of the Central Monmouth Deanery for several years.

August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

Continued on 39

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Congratulations to

Congratulations, Fr. Phil Ruggiero, on 40 years of priesthood!

Fr. Fernando Lopez 10 years

Christ the King Parish, Long Branch and

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Fr. Michael Sullivan 30 years Fred Fiore, Jr.-Manager • NJ Lic #3759 Kenneth J. Rau-Funeral Director • NJ Lic #3275 Matthew A. Fiore-Funeral Director • NJ Lic #5310 WEST LONG BRANCH • 732-229-8855 OAKHURST • 732-531-3885

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Congratulations

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Rev. Angelito I. Anarcon

faithful service to

as you celebrate your

the Lord has touched

40th Year

countless hearts and

of Ordination to the Priesthood.

inspired so many.

•

St. Catherine of Siena Church, Farmingdale 38 Lives

of FAITH

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

From the Staff, Trustees, and the Parishioners of St. Catherine of Siena Church

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cial vicar, defender of the bond and advocate/ ty atANNIVERSARY the Immaculate Conception Seminary in ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY notary for an indeterminate term beginning his home diocese and finished in the Central Oct. 26, 1983.

Seminary of the University of St. Thomas in He was appointed to the interdiocesanDEACON Manila, Philippines.

DEACON 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY tribunal as judge and defender of the bond for On April 9, 1981, he was ordained to the ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY a three-year term beginning Nov. 8, 1993. priesthood by Malolos Bishop Cirilo R. AlOn June 6, 1986, he was appointed mario in San Ildefonso, Bulacan, Philippines. pastor of St. Michael He then🌾🌾🌾served as parochial vicar in a number 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 Parish, Trenton. In 1997, then Pope John Paul II named him of different parishes in his home diocese, Prelate of Honor of his Holiness with the title including St. Michael, St. Francis, Our Lady of Monsignor. of Fatima, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and He remained in St. Michael Parish until he DEACON DEACON Msgr. James G. Innocenzi was named pastor of St. George Parish, Titus- St. James.

Father Anarcon was pastor of St. Peter ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ville. He has served as chaplain to Hopewell Parish in the Philippines from May 23, 1994, Msgr. James G. Council of the Knights of Columbus, which to June 17, 2001. He came to the Diocese Innocenzi, diocesan includes membership from both St. GeorgeDEACON of Trenton in July of 2001 DEACON and served as an judicial vicar, was 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 and St. Alphonsus, Hopewell, parishes. He ANNIVERSARY adjunct priest in St. Dorothea Parish, EatonANNIVERSARY born in Trenton in ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY also has held several additional positions with town, until June 11, 2004.

July 1949, to Mr.and the Knights of Columbus, including serving as On June 12, he transferred to St. Mary Mrs. Albert Innocenzi. the faithful friar of the Bishop Griffin Assembly, Parish, Middletown. He was incardinated He was a member of 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS as 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 chaplain of the Central New Jersey Centennial a priest of the Diocese of Trenton in 2006 St. Joachim Parish, Chapter, chaplain of the Trenton Diocesan and was assigned to serve as parochial vicar of Trenton, and he graduated from St. Joachim Federation and, as of September 2010, district St. Mary Parish. He remained there until being School and Cathedral High School, also in DEACON friar of the Second New Jersey District. named pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Trenton.

ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY Msgr. Innocenzi retired as pastor of in 2011.

Msgr. Innocenzi’s higher education St. George Parish in 2015 and is living in included studies in the Pontifical College Joresidence at Villa Vianney, the diocesan sephinum, Worthington, Ohio. He completed Father Francis DEACON residence for retired priests 🌾🌾🌾 in Lawrenceville. 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 his studies for the priesthood in St. Mary Cheruparampil ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY He continues to serve the Diocese as judicial Seminary and University, Baltimore. vicar to which he was appointed in June 2014.

Father Francis On April 24, 1976, he was ordained Cheruparampil is a a priest in St. Joachim Church by Cardinal 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 priest in the Vincentian Egidio Vagnozzi, a cousin of Msgr. InnocenSyro-Malabar Church. zi’s father and at the time, the Holy See’s He was born Prefecture of Economic Affairs.

ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY in 1952 in Kerala, Following ordinationANNIVERSARY Msgr. Innocenzi India, and is the son was first assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes of John and Helen Parish, Milltown. In 1977, he was named Cheruparampil.

He🌾🌾🌾has two sisters, both of defender of the bond of the🌾🌾🌾Tribunal, YEARSand 🌾🌾🌾in 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY whom are religious serving in India and three June 1980, was appointed assistant chancellor brothers, the youngest of whom is a priest in of the Diocese of Trenton. During this time, India.

Msgr. Innocenzi resided in Holy Angels Parish 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾Angels Parish), 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 Cheruparampil attended St. Joseph Father (now part of St.00 Raphael-Holy THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021 Father Angelito I. Pontifical Seminary, Kerala, where he received Hamilton. two bachelor’s degrees in theology and In 1981, he briefly served as temporary Anarcon philosophy. He was ordained a priest in 1981. administrator in Assumption Parish (now Father Angelito Upon his arrival to the United States, Fapart the Farmer Parish), New  August 00of St. Isidore THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 2021pastor of I. Anarcon, ther Cheruparampil served for two years in the Egypt, and St. Edward Parish, Milford. He St. Catherine of Siena Philadelphia Archdiocese from 1990-1992, was appointed temporary administrator of St. Parish, Farmingdale, when he arrived in the Trenton Diocese and Michael Parish, Trenton, in 1982, and was was born in Janubegan his ministry as parochial vicar in Holy named chaplain of the Trenton Fire Departary 1956, in the Family Parish, Hazlet, his current assignment. ment in 1983.

Philippines. In 1973, Along with his parish assignments, he also He continued his work with the diocesan he began his priestly Tribunal and was reappointed associate judistudies in the UniversiContinued on 40 Continued from 37

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ministered in Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. He also holds a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Seton Hall University, South Orange, which he was awarded in 2002.

Father Cheruparampil shared that the Vincentian community of which he is a member was founded in India and has some 600 priests serving in India and abroad.

Msgr. R. Vincent Gartland Msgr. R. Vincent Gartland was born in July 1939, to Robert and Marcella Gartland in Camden. He attended Sacred Heart School, Camden, and graduated from Camden Catholic High School.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala., and a master’s degree in theology from St. John University, N.Y. He also completed graduate studies coursework in counseling and education in Seton Hall University, South Orange.

For 20 years, he was a member of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, serving in the ministry of secondary education. Then-Brother Vincent taught in St. Joseph High School, Metuchen, and St. Mary High School, South Amboy. He also served as the coordinator of adult religious education and the Catholic high school religion programs for the diocesan Office of Religious Education.

With his background in secondary education, Msgr. Gartland developed and implemented Inscape, a retreat program for high school students in Seaside Park.

He completed his studies in theology in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, and was ordained a priest by Bishop John C. Reiss May 23, 1981, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Upon his ordination he served at a number of parishes in the Diocese of Trenton, including St. James, Red Bank; St. Raphael, Hamilton; and St. Justin the Martyr, Toms River.

In 1983, he was appointed to a three40 Lives

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year term on the Diocesan Continuing Education Committee. He was later chosen to serve as a member of the Diocesan Liturgy Commission and the National Engaged Encounter team.

In addition to his parish and diocesan duties, Msgr. Gartland was named the Catholic chaplain of then Rider College in Lawrenceville, and Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, in June of 1988.

On April 21, 1995, he was appointed temporary administrator of St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville, and was named pastor one month later. He has also served as a member of the Diocesan Building Commission and was a member of the Episcopal Council for Clergy Personnel. In June 2011, Pope Benedict XVI conferred upon him the honor of chaplain to his Holiness with the title “Monsignor.”

Msgr. Gartland retired as pastor of St. Ann Parish in 2014, and currently resides at Villa Vianney, the diocesan facility for retired priests in Lawrenceville. He continues to serve in parishes as a weekend assistant primarily in St. George, Titusville. He serves on the board of Georgian Court University, Lakewood; the Diocesan Mission Advisory Board and continues a long-term involvement with the Diocese of Quiche, Guatemala, as well as serving as a cruise ship priest for the Apostolate of the Sea USA.

Divine Word Father George Koottappillil Born in Varappetti, Kerala, India, Divine Word Father George Koottappillil was ordained to the priesthood in 1981.

Currently assigned to Divine Word College, Epworth, Iowa, Father Koottappillil has spent his 40 years of ministry in education and pastoral care – both among faithful of the Diocese of Trenton and around the world.

He earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Kolkata University in West Bengal, India, a licentiate in Scripture from the Institute of Biblicum in Rome, and a doctorate in biblical theology from Gregorian

 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

University, also in Rome.

In the Diocese, Father Koottappillil served as priest in-residence in Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park. He served as director of the Dei Verbum Center in Nemi, Italy, which attracts scholars and students from around the world, and specializes in training Catholic leaders in biblical ministry.

He also taught Scripture in the Divine Word seminaries in Orissa, India, and in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Father Philip Ruggiero Born in May 1952, in Scoglitti, Vittoria, Italy, Father Philip Ruggiero immigrated to the United States with his family in 1970.

He attended Seton Hall University, South Orange, for his undergraduate studies and then returned to Italy in 1976 to prepare for the priesthood in San Giovanni Battista Seminary, Ragusa.

He was ordained to the priesthood by Italian Bishop Angelo Rizzo in Ragusa on Aug. 22, 1981. Father Ruggiero was then assigned to serve as an associate pastor in San Giovanni Battista Parish, Santa Croce Camerina, Ragusa, from 1981 to 1987.

He also served as auxiliary chaplain for the U.S. Air Force Base in Comiso, Ragusa, from 1982 to 1989.

Father Ruggiero returned to New Jersey in the early 1990’s and began his priestly service in the United States as an adjunct priest in Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Sparta, and later St. Christopher Parish, Parsippany.

He again returned to the Diocese of Ragusa in 1995 and was named pastor of Sacro Cuore Parish, Comiso, Ragusa. He was pastor of Santa Maria di Portosalvo Parish, Scoglitti, Vittoria, Ragusa, from 1997 to 2004 before returning to the United States as an adjunct priest at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Berkeley Heights.

He then went on to become parochial vicar of St. Clement Parish, Matawan, and then St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River.

Father Ruggiero is currently retired and living in a private residence in Toms River.

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Seminary, Elmhurst, N.Y. While preparing for the priesthood, he earned a master of divinity degree from St. Joseph Seminary, Yonkers, N.Y., and in 2015, he ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY earned a master’s degree in theology with a specialization in bioethics from Holy Apostle Seminary, Cromwell, Conn.

Father Euk was ordained to the priesthood Nov. 15, 1986 in St. 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 Patrick Cathedral, N.Y., by Cardinal John J. O’Connor.

Following his ordination, he was assigned parochial vicar in St. Joseph Parish, Spring Valley, where he served until 1990 when he was assigned to Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Staten Island. In 1992, he began a two-year 00 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021stint teaching in Archbishop Stepinac High School, White Plains, Father Angelo Amaral before being named parochial vicar in St. Margaret of Cortona Parish in the Bronx.

Father Angelo Amaral, current Catholic From 1996 to 1999, he served as administrative assistant to the chaplain in St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center/ chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York. He also served briefly as adMorris Hall, Lawrenceville, was born in Moema ministrator of Nativity Parish, Manhattan; chaplain for Bellevue Hospital Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in May 1957. He is at New York University Medical Center, Manhattan; teacher in St. Agnes the youngest of 14 children of the late Jose RiBoys High School, Manhattan; and briefly as the temporary administrabeiro de Souza and Maria Eulina de Jesus – and tor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, the Bronx. In 2008, Father Euk was now uncle to many nieces and nephews. assigned parochial vicar in St. John the Evangelist Parish, White Plains.

He completed his seminary training in While he was a priest in the Archdiocese of New York, Father Euk Pontifical Catholic University, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and was ordained was granted a leave of absence to work in the Diocese of Trenton to a priest July 18, 1986, in his home parish of St. Peter the Apostle, in care for his elderly mother. From 2004 to 2005, he served as chaplain Brazil, by Bishop Belchior Joachim da Silva Neto, C.M., who is now of the Catholic Center in Monmouth University, West Long Branch. deceased.

Continued on 42 Father Amaral embraced his vocation and served his community as a pastor in his home diocese for several years before making a request of his bishop to go to the United States.

In 1994, he made the trip, first to the Archdiocese of Newark for five years before accepting Bishop John M. Smith’s invitation to come to the Diocese of Trenton, where he would be able to serve the American, Brazilian, Portuguese and Spanish communities.

Father Amaral first served in St. Ann Parish, Keansburg, and then St. Peter Parish, Riverside, before being incardinated into the Diocese in 2006. He served simultaneously in St. Peter and St. Joseph Parishes, Beverly, before the two parishes were merged to form Jesus the Good And thank you Shepherd Parish, with Father Amaral being named parochial vicar of the newly-merged community. so much for helping He also served in Christ the King Parish, Long Branch, before us out at returning to St. Ann Parish, Keansburg, as parochial vicar.

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Congratulations, Fr. Vincent Euk, on 35 years of priestly service!

Father Vincent T. Euk Father Vincent T. Euk was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1952 to Helen and Anthony, Sr., who are now deceased. He has two brothers, Stephen and Anthony, as well as one sister, Mary. He grew up in St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Woodhaven, N.Y. He attended St. Thomas the Apostle School and Xavier High School, N.Y., before pursuing a bachelor of arts degree in biochemistry in Canisius College, Buffalo, N.Y. He worked eight years in renal and breast cancer research and served as vice chairman of the New York State Right to Life Party. In his last year before entering the seminary he taught sciences at Cathedral Prep

Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church in your retirement!

Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church & Christ the King Mausoleum Toms River

Fr. Stephen M. Piga, Pastor

www.stmaximiliankolbechurch.com

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ing as director of the diocesan Office of Youth From 2004 through 2007, he served as an and Young Adult Ministry. adjunct priest in St. Jerome Parish, West Long In 1995, he was named pastor of St. GregBranch. ory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, and ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY In 2011, Father Euk returned to the Dioappointed to serve as a member of Bishop John cese of Trenton as parochial vicar in St. DorM. Smith’s cabinet as secretary of Pastoral Life. othea Parish, Eatontown. He was incardinated was named 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 In 2007, Msgr. LaVerghetta 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 to the Diocese in 2012 by Bishop David M. pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, O’Connell, C.M., and in the same year was where he continues to serve today. In 2008, appointed pastor of St. Veronica Parish, Howhe was named a Chaplain to His Holiness with ell, where he served for eight years until he the title of Monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI. was named pastor of Our Lady of Hope Parish, He formerly served on the Episcopal Council West Long Branch. that was created by Bishop David M. O’ConHe was also selected by Bishop O’Connell nell, C.M.; was part of the diocesan Marriage as a Missionary of Mercy – one component of Commission, and the Faith In Our Future ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY Pope Francis’ celebration of the Year of Mercy. Commission.

With this designation, Father Euk has faculties conferred by the Holy Father which allow Father Richard R. Sweeny 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 him “the authority to pardon even those sins Father Richard reserved to the Holy See.” R. Sweeny was born Father Euk is now retired and living in a in February 1934, private residence in Toms River. in Trenton to the now-deceased Mr. and Msgr. Richard D. Mrs. Edmund Sweeny, LaVerghetta whose home parish ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY was St. Anthony, Msgr. Richard D. Hamilton (now part of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. LaVerghetta, pastor of attended St. Joan of Arc Parish, 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾Anthony Parish, Hamilton). 🌾🌾🌾He YEARS 🌾🌾🌾St. Anthony Grammar School, where he first Marlton, was born discovered his vocation to the priesthood. It in January 1959. He was not until much later in life, however, that grew up in a faith-filled he followed the call to priestly ministry.

Catholic home in Cher00 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021 Father Sweeny graduated from Trenton ry Hill with parents Catholic Boys High before attending Rider Colwho made sure that he and his two sisters, lege (now University), Lawrenceville, to earn a Jane and Diane, attended Mass regularly in bachelor’s degree in business administration their parish of St. Pius X, which is now part of and an associate’s degree in accounting. He Holy Eucharist Parish, Cherry Hill.

He attended high school and college in Ohio attended classes at night while working in the accounting department of Hill Refrigeration after his family moved there. He studied political Company, Trenton. He continued working science in Ohio University, where he was also there for 27 years, advancing to the position of involved in campus ministry, which helped him staff accountant. consider a vocation to the priesthood.

He began his studies for the priesthood When Msgr. LaVerghetta’s family moved back to New Jersey, they joined St. Mary of the at the age of 46, beginning with a year of pre-theology in St. Mary Seminary and UniverLakes Parish, Medford. He would soon begin sity, Baltimore, before transferring to Sacred preparing for the priesthood, entering The Heart Seminary, Hales Corner, Wis., which Catholic University of America, Washington, focuses on preparing men over age 30 for the D.C., and earning a master of divinity degree. priesthood.

He was ordained a priest by Bishop John Father Sweeny was ordained a priest May C. Reiss May 24, 1986, in St. Charles Borro17, 1986, in St. Raphael Church (now St. Rameo Church, Cinnaminson. As a young priest, phael-Holy Angels Church), Hamilton, by Bishhe served first as parochial vicar in Epiphany Parish, Brick, until 1991, when he began serv- op John C. Reiss. He first served as associate Continued from 41

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pastor in St. Joseph Parish, Toms River, and then in Our Lady Star of the Sea, Long Branch (now part of Christ the King Parish, Long DEACON DEA Branch), before taking a temporary assignment ANNIV ANNIVERSARY as chaplain for Morris Hall, Lawrenceville.

Father Sweeny also served as parochial vicar for the parishes of Our 🌾🌾🌾 Lady of Good 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 YE Counsel, West Trenton; St. Mary, Deal (now part of Our Lady of Hope Parish, West Long Branch); St. Maximilian Kolbe, Berkeley Twp.; St. Theresa, Little Egg Harbor; St. Justin the Martyr, Toms River, and St. Joachim, Trenton (now part of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton).

In 1993, Father Sweeny was assigned as DEA ANNIVERSARY temporary administrator in St. Joachim Parish, ANNIV and later that year as parochial vicar in Nativity Parish, Fair Haven. 🌾🌾🌾 YE 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 active ministry Father Sweeny retired from March 1, 2004, and is now in residence in St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center, Lawrenceville.

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Father John P. Bambrick Father John P. Bambrick, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, was born in August 1964, in Perth Amboy. He is the son of John and Carol Bambrick and has one sister. Growing up in Matawan, Father Bambrick attended St. Joseph School, Keyport, and graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School. He later attended the St. Pius X Seminary, Dalton, Pa.; the University of Scranton, and Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange, where he received a master of divinity degree in 1990.

He pursued a master of science degree in church management at the Villanova School of Business, Villanova University.

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deacon in Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle, from 1990-1991 and was ordained a priest May 18, 1991, by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. His parish assignments as parochial vicar included Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, and St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan. After serving for several months as temporary administrator of St. Thomas More Parish, Father Bambrick was named pastor on Sept. 10, 1999. He was also named pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Englishtown, on Oct. 1, 2006. Father Bambrick was appointed to pastor of St. Joseph Parish on June 23, 2008, and remained there for four years before he was named pastor of St. Aloysius Parish in 2013.

Father Kenneth W. Ekdahl Father Kenneth W. Ekdahl, a retired priest of the Diocese, was born in East Orange in October 1947. He spent his early years in Florida, attending St. Paul School, Jacksonville Beach, from first through fourth grade, before returning to New Jersey and attending Holy Cross School, Rumson. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, in 1965. After high school, Father Ekdahl attended Mount St. Mary College, Emmitsburg, Md., and spent one year studying at Loyola University, Rome. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1969 in English literature with a minor in philosophy.

From 1969 to 1986, he embarked on a career in the insurance business, working for several different companies until he realized he was being called to pursue a vocation as a priest. Father Ekdahl began studies for the priesthood in Pope John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, Mass., where he received a master of divinity degree in 1990. He was ordained a priest May 18, 1991, by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

His first assignment as a priest was in Our Lady of Sorrows Parish (now part of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish), Hamilton, where he served from 1991 to 1996. During this time, he was also spiritual moderator of

the Mercer County Federation of Holy Name Societies. On June 14, 1996, Father Ekdahl was named parochial vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, and chaplain of Holy Cross High School (now Holy Cross Preparatory Academy), Delran. Two years later he was assigned to St. Ann Parish, Keansburg.

Father Ekdahl was appointed as administrator of Jesus the Lord Parish in Keyport on July 12, 2002, and then as pastor on Jan. 3, 2004. Father Ekdahl remained at Jesus the Lord Parish until his retirement in 2018.

Father Michael D. Sullivan Father Michael D. Sullivan, pastor of St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, and Precious Blood Parish, Monmouth Beach, was born in March 1962 to Chuck and Barbara Sullivan of New York, N.Y. He has two sisters and one brother.

Father Sullivan grew up in Brick Town, where he attended public schools and graduated from Brick Township High School. He received an associate’s degree from Ocean County College and then proceeded to the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated summa cum laude in 1985. He then completed his studies for the priesthood in the Theological College of The Catholic University of America, Washington, earning a degree in sacred theology.

Bishop John C. Reiss ordained Father Sullivan to the priesthood on May 18, 1981, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

He was then assigned to St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lakewood, for one year. In June 1992, Father Sullivan was named parochial vicar of St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, where he served for five years. He was then appointed parochial vicar of St. Denis, Manasquan, before returning to St. Barnabas, where he served again as parochial vicar and briefly as temporary administrator in 2000. Father Sullivan was named administrator of St. Martha Parish on June 29 2001, and was appointed pastor on April 29, 2003. After nine years in Point Pleasant, he returned to serve as pastor of St. Mary of the Lake Parish in 2012 and then to his current assignment as pastor of a twinned community

in 2019.

Other positions he has held included chairman of the Priest Council in 2002 and an at-large representative to the Council of Priests from 2004-2005.

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Father Stephen E. Kluge Franciscan Father Stephen E. Kluge was born in Kearney and grew up in Point Pleasant. He attended St. Rose High School, Belmar, before graduating in 1977 from St. Francis College (now University), Loretto, Pa., in 1977 with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education.

Before pursuing the priesthood, Father Kluge was a fourth-grade teacher in a N.J. Catholic school; worked in retail, and served as a nurse’s in Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital, Marlboro. In 1984, he entered the postulate program in Holy Name Friary, Bronx, N.Y. but left in 1986 to return to Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital. After a short stay, and another period as a hospitality worker at a Florida theme park, he was approached to teach the seventh and eighth grades in Holy Cross School, Bronx.

Father Kluge returned to the Province’s Novitiate in Providence, R.I. in 1994; continued post-formation at Holy Name College, Silver Spring, Md.; professed his final vows in Sept., 1999, and was ordained to the priesthood May 19, 2001. He earned a master’s degree in divinity from Washington Theological Union Seminary, Washington.

His first assignment was as a parochial vicar in St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Brant Beach, in June, 2001. He stayed at the parish for 13 years, seven of them as its pastor. In 2014, he served briefly as guardian and pastor

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Father JM Patilla Blessings on your Fifth Anniversary of Priestly Ordination!

CONGRATULATIONS

Wherever the Spirit calls you in

Rev. Michael McClane

the Church, may you always strive to do the will of the Father and bring more souls to Christ.

God's Blessings

God's choicest blessings on your

on the 15th Anniversary

five years of faithful service to the Church and to our Parish.

We are forever grateful.

1 Corinthians 1:4 I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus.

of your Ordination!

The Community of Saint Dominic Parish, Brick

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of St. Joseph Church, Anderson, S.C., then 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 at St. Francis assumed the parochial vicariate of Assisi Parish, Raleigh, N.C. in Feb., 2015.

Father Kluge currently serves as parochial vicar in St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Brant Beach, since Sept. 8, 2020.

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Father Michael T. McClane  Parochial Vicar in St. Dominic Parish, Brick  Born in Ridgewood in 1979 and raised in Park Ridge  Attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa.; the Pontifical North American College, Rome, and studied canon law at The Catholic

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University of America, Washington  Ordained May 20, 2006 in St. Mary of the 🌾🌾🌾 Assumption YEARS 🌾🌾🌾Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop John M. Smith  Formerly, parochial vicar in Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown; Assumption Parish, New Egypt; St. Paul Parish, Princeton; vice chancellor and ANNIVERSARY defender of the bond in the diocesan Tribunal; secretary and master of ceremoDEACON nies to Bishop🌾🌾🌾David M. O’Connell, C.M.; ANNIVERSARY YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 administrator and then pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, as well as adjudant judicial vicar, and pastor of St. 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 Paul Parish, Princeton

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Father Carlos Florez  Pastor, St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville  Born in Barrancaberma, Colombia, in 1980 DEACON  ANNIVERSARY Attended Seminario ANNIVERSARY Mayor Maria Immaculada; St. Vincent Archabbey College, Latrobe, Pa., and St. 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore  Ordained June 4, 2011, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.  Formerly parochial vicar in St. Mary Parish, Middletown; St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford; St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville (and also administrator), and diocesan liaison to ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY Hispanic/Portuguese Ministries

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 Secretary to the Apostolic Nunciature in Benin and Togo (West Africa)  Born in Niskayuna, N.Y., in 1985  ANNIVERSARY Attended ImmacANNIVERSARY ulate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange, and completed a doctorate in can🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 on law from the Pontifical Latern University, Rome  Ordained June 4, 2011, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop August David 2021 M. O’Connell, C.M.  Formerly parochial vicar in St. Ann Parish, Lawrenceville; St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square

 Pastor, HolyANNIVERSARY Innocents Parish, Neptune  Born in Freehold in 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 1982  Attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynne00 Pa. THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  wood,  Ordained June 4, 2011, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.  Formerly parochial vicar, Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton; part- Father Fernando Lopez time chaplain, Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville; regional director of vocations  Parochial Vicar in Christ the King Parfor Mercer County ish, Long Branch  He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics  Born in Medellin, from The College of New Jersey, Ewing; is Colombia, in 1975 a former Lutheran who entered the Catholic  Attended Pontifical Church as a college student in 2003 and University Bolivarasays that one of his greatest joys in his na Mayor Seminary priesthood is having the opportunity to publicly celebrate the Traditional Latin Mass Continued on 46

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and Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange, from where he received a master of divinity degree. He is currently enrolled in two master’s degree programs in education and counseling at Seton Hall.  Ordained June 4, 2011, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.  Formerly parochial vicar in St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson; administrator and pastor in Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands

Father Christopher Picollo  Pastor, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown  Born in Philadelphia in 1975 and raised in Marlton  Attended St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa ANNIVERSARY R E TI R E M ENT  Ordained June 4, 2011, in St. Mary of the As-

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sumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.  Formerly parochial vicar in St. James Parish, Red Bank; St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson; assistant director of vocations; administrator and pastor of St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington;

Father John J. Testa  Pastor, Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, and spiritual director to the Legion of Mary Trenton Comitium  Born in New Brunswick in 1964  Attended Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University, South Orange  Ordained June 4, 2011, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. DEACON DEACON  Formerly parochial vicar, Precious Blood Parish, Monmouth Beach; ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River

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 Father Gregg Abadilla, parochial vicar, St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾 🌾🌾🌾 Lake YEARS 🌾🌾🌾  Father Christopher Colavito, parochial vicar, St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton, and St. John Neumann Parish, Mount Laurel, and chaplain in Holy Cross Preparatory Academy, Delran  Father Augusto Gamalo, parochial vicar, St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel  Father Richard Osborn, parochial vicar, St. Mary Parish, Middletown  Father John Michael Patilla, parochial vicar, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY  Father Daniel Price, parochial vicar, St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville

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Ordained ANNIVERSARY June 4, 2016, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., those 🌾🌾🌾 YEARS priests marking their fifth🌾🌾🌾anniversary are shown from left, Father Gregg Leo Loreno Abadilla, Father Augusto “Al” Lorenzo Gamalo, Father Christopher Colavito, Father Daniel McKee Price, Father John Michael Patilla and Father Richard Osborn. At far right is Msgr.

Thomas Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar for clergy and consecrated life.

ANNIVERSARY Monitor archive photo

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🌾🌾🌾 YEARS 🌾🌾🌾

A. Pennacchi & Sons Masonry Contracting & Waterproofing Carpentry

Best wishes and congratulations to all Priests, Deacons and Religious celebrating a milestone anniversary this year!

Congratulations to Fr. Jeff Kegley on the 25th Anniversary his ordination to the priesthood of Jesus Christ.

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FATHER JOHN J. TESTA The People of CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH Willingboro, New Jersey Ask God’s Many Blessings Upon You, As You Celebrate Your 10th ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION and 5th ANNIVERSARY AS OUR PASTOR

Well Done. Well Deserved. Well Loved.

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Congratulations, Fr. John Testa, on 10 years of priesthood!

We love you and miss you here at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church!

Saint Maximilian Kolbe Church & Christ the King Mausoleum Toms River

Fr. Stephen M. Piga, Pastor

www.stmaximiliankolbechurch.com

CONGRATULATIONS

Rev. Brian Patrick Woodrow, Pastor God's Blessings on the 15th Anniversary of your Ordination!

MAY GOD'S LOVE AND GRACE CONTINUE TO NOURISH YOUR MINISTRY WHICH TOUCHES THE LIVES OF SO MANY!

The Community of Saint Dominic Parish, Brick ww w . s t d o m i n i c s p a r i s h . c o m

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he Church of Trenton is blessed to have among its number permanent deacons who share their gifts and talents with the parish communities they serve. Though their stories may be diverse, their goal is ANNIVERSARY the same: to aid and accompany the faithful on their heaven-bound journey. 🌾 YEARS 🌾

DEACON

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Deacon Robert Armstrong

Lives of Faith Deacon Milestones

Deacon Robert Armstrong was born in 1953 in Orange. He attended Washington School and Union High School, both Union.

Striving, in his words, to “bring Christ to the people of God,” he pursued the diaconate and was ordained May 11, 1996, by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Deacon Armstrong served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist and lector in St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, where he also conducted Communion services in local nursing homes. The deacon worked as a cemetery manager, then a pastoral associate in St. Elizabeth Parish, Avon. After its merger with Ascension Parish, Bradley Beach, to become St. Teresa of Calcutta, Bradley Beach, he continued on as pastoral associate there.

“I have the opportunity to serve, not be served,” the deacon noted.

Deacon Armstrong and his wife, Mary Susan, have three children and two grandchildren.

Deacon James L. Casa Deacon James L. Casa was born in New York in 1952. He attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Astoria, N.Y., and Msgr. McClancy Memorial High School, East Elmhurst, N.Y., before graduating from York College of the City University of New York, Jamaica, N.Y., in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in English literature. He was ordained a deacon May 11, 1996, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, by Bishop John C. Reiss.

Deacon Casa has ministered for Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, for his entire diaconate, assisting the faith community as a Rite of Christian Initiation instructor; bereavement minister, parish study team representative, pre-Cana team member (with his wife, Emmy); men’s spirituality program coordinator, chaplain for the Knights of Columbus council and Columbiettes council, and sacramental preparation. His community service has included chaplaincy for the Mount Holly Police Department; prison ministry at the Burlington County Jail; trustee for Continued on 50

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the Burlington County library; board member on the New Lisbon Developmental Center, New Lisbon; spiritual director at the Hampton Behavioral Health Center, Westampton, and regular participation in ecumenical and interfaith dialogue programs with the region’s non-Catholic clergy.

Deacon Casa has also served as Burlington Vicariate representative for the diocesan Council of Deacons, and served on the board of the diocesan Catholic Charities Social Policy Committee and the Burlington County Board for Catholic Charities. In 2020, he received the Catholic Charities, Diocese of

Trenton Guardian Angel Burlington County Light of Hope Award.

“After 25 years, I continue to be humbled in my serving, not only the good people of our parish, but to take the love and compassion of the Eternal Christ to all who I encounter, beyond the parish boundaries,” Deacon Casa said.

Now retired, Deacon Casa was employed

by Burlington County for 23 years as senior administrative analyst for transportation, serving as an advocate for senior citizens and disabled residents. He and his wife, Emmy, have been married since 1975. They have two adult children.

Deacon Silvirus Galvan Deacon Silvirus Galvan was born in 1946 in Teaneck.

He attended St. John School, Bergenfield, and graduated from St. Peter’s Preparatory School, Jersey City,

The Parish Community of Incarnation-St. James Church Congratulate

Deacon James Alessi For 10 years of faithful service

1545 Pennington Road • Ewing 50 Lives

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 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

in 1964. He enrolled in a Jesuit seminary for five years of study, then left to study at St. Peter’s College (now University), Jersey City, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in urban studies in 1971. He later earned a master’s degree in urban education and community affairs from William Paterson College (now University), Wayne, in 1979.

Deacon Galvan worked for the U.S. Postal Service, then the Newark branch of the Department of Housing and Urban Development until he heard the long-ago call to serve the Church, this time as a deacon instead of a Jesuit priest. He was ordained May 11, 1996, by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. He has served his entire ministry in the church community which is now known as Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood.

Today, Deacon Galvan operates a website of homiletic resources and sells religious vestments and books. He and his wife, Doroth, have three children and three grandchildren.

Deacon John Hanna Deacon John Hanna was born in 1937 in Youngstown, Ohio. He attended the city’s St. Dominic School and Ursuline High School before graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Youngstown University in 1959. He is a certified compensation professional.

His move to New Jersey and enrollment in the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, Whitehouse Station, led him to a decision to serve his fellow Catholics. He recalled, “I enjoyed serving my parish and I responded to a call from the Holy Spirit to serve as a deacon,” and was ordained for the Diocese of Metuchen by then-Bishop Edward T. Hughes May 5, 1996.

At Our Lady of Lourdes, Deacon Hanna served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist, and was a leader for Pre-Cana and the RENEW program. Now an extern deacon serving in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette, his ministry includes leadership of a faith sharing group.

Deacon Hanna and his wife, Donna, have six children and 2 grandchildren.

Deacon James Hendrix Deacon James Hendrix was born in 1943 in Pleasant Hope, Mo. He attended elementary school in Kenoma, Mo., and graduated from Lamar High School, Lamar, Mo., in 1961.

Upon his relocation to New Jersey, the future deacon became a member of St. Edward the Confessor Parish, Milford. His pastor there approached him to pursue the diaconate, and he earned that certification from the College of St. Elizabeth School for the Diaconate, Morristown, in 1996. Deacon Hendrix was ordained May 5, 1996, for the Diocese of Metuchen by Bishop Edward T. Hughes.

While in the Metuchen Diocese, Deacon Hendrix served as a lector, an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist, a charismatic prayer group leader, a Bible study leader, in

Baptism preparation, in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, and restarted the parish’s Holy Name Society.

Deacon Hendrix has been employed as an engineer by Honeywell, Morris Plains; Olivetti Corp., Somerville, and Digital Equipment Corp., Piscataway, until his retirement. The extern deacon now ministers in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting. He and his wife, Marian, have two children and three grandchildren.

Deacon James Manaloris Deacon James Manaloris, who ministers in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, was born in New York City in 1946. He attended Bethpage, N.Y., Elementary and High School, then began a 34-year career with Occidental Chemical, Burlington, Pa., as a quality control supervisor. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, in 1974.

A priest friend encouraged him to pursue the diaconate, “and after much discernment, I realized it was a call I could not say ‘no’ to,” he recalled following his May 11, 1996 ordination by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.

Deacon Manaloris served in prison ministry at Riverfront State Prison, Camden, and Garden State Youth Correctional Facility, Crosswicks/Bordentown, as well as a chaplain in South Woods State Prison, Bridgeton. The deacon also served as a religious education teacher, an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, a member of the Holy Name Society, Pre-Cana coordinator, and a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus.

Deacon Manaloris and his wife, Phillis, have one daughter and one grandchild.

Deacon Michael F. Mullarkey Deacon Michael F. Mullarkey was born in 1949 in Newark. He attended St. Charles Borromeo School, Newark, and Irvington

Technical High School, Irvington, before graduating from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey, Ewing) with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1980.

Deacon Mullarkey earned a master’s degree in human development from Fairleigh Dickenson University, Teaneck, in 1983, and a master’s degree in Theology from Georgian Court University, Lakewood, in 2012.

“As a young man, I felt the need to serve my country in the military,” the deacon said of his service in the United States Navy then as a police officer, starting in Newark for a year and then transferring to Brick Township as it was first established with badge #5. He continued, “Many times I felt the presence and assistance of God in how to best serve the public. As a result of prayer, this transformed into a desire to serve God and I became aware of God’s call to the diaconate.”

He answered that call by his ordination as a deacon by Bishop John C. Reiss May 11, 1996. While serving in Epiphany Parish, Brick, he ministered as a VIRTUS trainer, a minister of consolation, a disaster response crisis counselor and instructing in Effective Communications and Pastoral Care for the Diocese.

Now retired, Deacon Mullarkey has been employed as a crisis counsellor by the New Jersey Department of Homeland Security, at St. Barnabas Hospital, and The Salvation Army, most notably during Superstorm Sandy and five years following it, and presently with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deacon Mullarkey was trained as a board-certified chaplain for St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pa., and was certified spiritual director in the Upper Room Retreat Center, Neptune.

Deacon Mullarkey and his wife, Sandra, have been happily married for 48 years, and have four children and four grandchildren.

Deacon Gary Richardson Deacon Gary Richardson was born in Brockton, Mass., in 1951. He attended the town’s Keith Elementary School and Brockton High School before

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DEACON

ANNIVERSARY

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Deacon Patrick Martin St. Mary Parish, Barnegat

Heavenly Father, since the time of the Apostles you have inspired the Church to commission certain members to assist in a special way in the pastoral mission of Christ.

Bless the deacons and all other ordained and non-ordained ministers

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that they may be humble and faith-inspired in their service.

of FAITH

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

–Catholic.org

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Following a desire to “show people love for Christ and our Church,” Deacon William Rowley celebrated 25 years as a deacon serving in his home parish of Sacred Heart, Mount Holly.

Born in Metuchen in 1931, Deacon Rowley married his wife, Alice, in 1955, and together the couple raised five children before his journey to the diaconate began with suggestions from his pastor and fellow parishioners. He already volunteered as Extraordinary

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52 Lives

Deacon William Rowley

Minister of Holy Communion and lector – but it wasn’t until he attended a parish Mass one evening that he really felt the working of the Holy Spirit.

“At one point they asked, ‘If anyone here wants to dedicate your life to Christ, please raise your hand,’” he recalled. “At that moment I got struck – I felt the greatest feeling in my life, of love, of joy, in my heart.”

When Deacon Rowley met Alice in the kitchen where she was entertaining a few of the couple’s friends, she inquired where he had been. “I told her I went to Sacred Heart, and my friends said, ‘You look radiant!’ I told them, ‘I feel radiant!’ I just felt like I got a piece of heaven that night.”

After ordination by Bishop John C. Reiss on May 11, 1996, he ministered in various roles at Sacred Heart – starting a parish Bible study, teaching sixth grade religious education classes and assisting with classes for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. He also offered a First Friday Communion Service at Virtua Memorial Hospital’s Rehabilitation Center before the pandemic.

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earning his pilot’s license in 1967 and entering the U.S. Air Force in 1969. He attended the Air Force’s community college and did further course work through Dayton University.

During the course of his 21-year armed services career, Deacon Richardson rose to the position of chief loadmaster and became a certified combat aircrew instructor, NCO of the Year, NCO Academy graduate, attended air operations school and technical instructor school and was a decorated military veteran with membership in the Veterans of Foreign War, Disabled American Veterans, and the American Legion.

“I heard about the diaconate while on active duty,” he recalled. “Upon my retirement, Deacon Anthony Tunney guided and director me toward the formation.” He was ordained

by Bishop John C. Reiss May 11, 1996, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, and assigned to Mary, Mother of the Church

Parish, Bordentown.

Deacon Richardson has ministered as president of the PTA, school board president, president of the parish council and head of altar servers. He also participated in Baptismal preparation and marriage ministry, and was a chaplain for the Florence Township Fire Department.

“Though my ministries, I’ve had the privilege of serving my fellow parishioners from Baptism, through different life milestones, and their final journey home,” he said. ” Deacon Richardson and his wife, Virginia, have three children and four grandchildren.

Deacon Steve Steve Scott Scott

you for for your your God bless you devoted fifteen fifteen years years of service as as Deacon, Deacon, and for the the many many ways ways you serve our our parish. parish.

Blessings on your Blessings 15th Anniversary!

15th

Rev. Garry Garry Koch, Koch, Pastor Pastor Rev. Augusto Augusto “Al” “Al” Gamalo, Gamalo, Parochial Parochial Vicar, Vicar, Deacons, Staff, Staff, Faculty, Faculty,and and Parishioners Parishioners ofof HOLMDEL

Congratulations to Deacon John Hvizdos Deacon Gerald Doughty Deacon Carl Sondeen for 20 years of service and

Deacon Romeo Modelo for 10 years of service

With Best Wishes!

Fr. Dan Kirk and the Parish Community of St. Charles Borromeo Cinnaminson, New Jersey Fr. Pat, Fr. Evarist, our deacons, staff and parishioners congratulate

Congratulations to all the priests and deacons celebrating an anniversary.

Deacon Kyran “Jerry” Purcell on his 30 years in the Diaconate.

Especially the following priests:

As well as the following deacons:

St. Mary’s, Middletown Fr. Richard Osborn • 5 years Fr. Jeff Kegley • 25 years

St. Benedict, Holmdel Stephen Scott • 15 years

St. Dorothea, Eatontown & Precious Blood, Monmouth Beach Fr. Michael Sullivan • 30 years

W e would also like to recognize the

St. Catharine, Holmdel John Flanagan • 40

anniversaries of our retired

Deacons James Hendrix, 25 years and Ralph Cordasco, 40 years.

St. Benedict, Holmdel Fr. John Patilla • 5 years

St. Mary’s, Middletown Carl Squicciarini • 10 years Charles Smith • 35 years

St. James, Red Bank Fr. Vicente Magdaraog • 25 years

St. Catharine Laboure, Middletown John McGrath • 15 years

Holy Family, Hazlet Fr. Francis Cheruparampil • 40 years

St. Anthony of Padua, Red Bank Don Ronning • 15 years

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D–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––d DEACON

ANNIVERSARY

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🌾 YEARS 🌾

Deacon William Wilson, St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square

DEACON

ANNIVERSARY

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Deacon John Flanagan (Retired) St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel Deacon Ronald Nowak, Epiphany Parish, Brick Deacon Robert Tharp, St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton Deacon John Zebrowki, St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan (Retired) Deacon Ralph Cordasco (Newark), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting (Retired)

DEACON

ANNIVERSARY

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Deacon Thomas Garvey, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown Deacon Salvatore Marcello, St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton

DEACON

ANNIVERSARY

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🌾 YEARS 🌾

Deacon Kyran Jerry Purcell, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting Deacon Dennis Slavin, Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton (Retired)

Deacon William Briggs, Resurrection Parish, Delran Deacon James Cattanea, Resurrection Parish, Delran Deacon Robert Cunningham, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Brant Beach Deacon Gerald Doughty, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson Deacon John Hvizdos, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson Deacon Thomas Lavelle, St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton Deacon Uku Mannikus, St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson Deacon Carl Sondeen, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson Deacon Philip Fiore, St. Mary Parish, Barnegat

DEACON

ANNIVERSARY

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🌾 YEARS 🌾

Deacon Thomas Begley, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown Deacon James Campbell, St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River Deacon Lawrence Gallagher, St. George Parish, Titusville Deacon Edward Heffernan, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown Deacon John Kopcak, St. Teresa of Cal-

cutta Parish, Bradley Beach Deacon John McGrath, St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown (Retired) Deacon David Papuga, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown Deacon Donald Ronning, St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank Deacon Stephen Scott, St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel Deacon George Swanson, St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville Deacon Steven K. Szmutko, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, West Trenton

DEACON

ANNIVERSARY

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🌾 YEARS 🌾

Deacon James Alessi, Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing Deacon Adolfo Baeza, St. Joseph Parish, Trenton Deacon John Bertagnoli, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown Deacon Luders Desire, Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton Deacon James Gillespie, St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River Deacon Thomas Kolon, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown Deacon Fernando Linka, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade Deacon Romeo Modelo Jr., St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson Deacon Christian Nnajiofor, Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton Deacon Carlo Squicciarini, St. Mary Parish, Middletown Deacon Edward Wilson, St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft Deacon William Zapcic, St. Anselm Parish, Tinton Falls

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FATHER JAWIDZIK Continued from 14

part of Christ the King Parish), Long Branch; St. Ann Parish, Keansburg; St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, and St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton. As administrator and pastor, he served in St. Mary Parish, Barnegat; St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Highlands.

On the diocesan level, Father Jawidzik has served as a member of the Priest Senate and a pro-life chaplain. He was a consistent presence at the annual March for Life in Washington, the Pro-Life Rally at the New Jersey Statehouse and the diocesan Respect Life Mass and Witness in Red Bank on numerous occasions. He also enjoyed collaborating with diocesan staff on various respect life initiatives as well as overseeing various student-based respect life programs and projects in the parishes where he was assigned.

He served as diocesan director for Catholic Relief Services, and he represented the Diocese as a member of the New Jersey Catholic Historical Commission. He was also involved in several local organizations while serving in Freehold.

Of his priesthood, Father Jaw-

idzik had said that even though he was very young when he decided to pursue a vocation, if he had to do it all over again, he would.

“I enjoyed it from the beginning.

It was something from deep within,” he said. “It was a vocation that God was calling me to. I knew I was in a good place and I made the most of it.”

FATHER KEGLEY Continued from 25

people that need to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. This work is right before us, we don’t have to go looking for it.”

Known for his leadership in the New Jersey Catholic Charismatic movement, Father Kegley was assigned as diocesan liaison for the movement, leading and creating prayer services, retreats and conferences for the Diocese and the state. In the fall, he will establish the Encounter School of Ministry – New Jersey Campus at St. Mary – a two-year training program to equip, teach and activate students in the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“Pope Francis has instructed the leaders of the Renewal to “bring the baptism of the Holy Spirit to the whole Church.”

Father Kegley is chairman for the

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annual Catholic Men for Jesus Christ Conference, set for February, which calls together men to a day of prayer, reflection and fellowship. He has also previously served as a chaplain for the Middletown Fire Department, the same organization his brother Robert served as a lifelong firefighter.

Reflecting with gratitude, this anniversary has meant a lot to Father Kegley. He recalled the words of the psalmist (116:12), “How can I ever repay the goodness of the Lord?”

To young men discerning a vocation he advised, “What I recommend is to continuously pray to the Holy Spirit and completely surrender your heart to the Lord!”

FATHER MAGDARAOG Continued from 26

Father Magdaraog moved to the U.S. in 1986 and earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Seton Hall University, South Orange, before pursuing theological studies in Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Cromwell, Conn. He completed his preparation for the priesthood in Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., and was ordained by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, Dec. 14, 1996.

Upon his ordination, Father Magdaraog was assigned to serve as parochial vicar of St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, for six months, where he was inspired by the youth.

“I was so touched with the young people there,” he said, noting that while many came from wellto-do families, they had hearts for service, adding that “The parents … showed them to work with the poor and help around the neighborhood. I was so impressed by what they did.”

He was assigned parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, in

1997, where he was introduced to an enthusiastic senior community. “I have seen the gifts and talents of the seniors; they are very much involved in the Church. I was able to relate to them, enjoying my ministry for them,” he said.

After five years in Barnegat, Father Magdaraog was assigned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, in 2002. In 2006, he was named parochial vicar of St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, where he remained until being assigned to St. Veronica Parish, Howell. In 2017, he was appointed to his current post as parochial vicar of St. James Parish, Red Bank, and to hospital ministry in nearby Hackensack Meridian Riverview Medical Center.

The most important part of Father Magdaraog’s ministry has been the opportunity to celebrate the Sacraments.

“Hearing Confession, celebrating the Mass, sacramental Anointing of the Sick – those for me are very important, for every priest. It’s a beautiful ministry Jesus allows [priests] to do … it’s very rewarding.”

To those in seminary, Father Magdaraog advises, “enjoy the preparation and seminary training.

Associate with priests with different experiences in ministry – mingle with them, learn the life of the priesthood. Go with them to the hospital and wake services.”

In his spare time Father Magdaraog can be found walking and biking along the Jersey Shore.

He’s profoundly grateful for his good health, to God, “and for the bishops I have served,” he noted.

Of his current bishop, the Most Rev. David M. O’Connell, C.M., Father Magdaraog said, “He is like our spiritual father. He’s very personal, and especially when you want to call him and talk – he’s always there for his priests.”

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SISTER CAROL Continued from 5

The Parish Family of Sacred Heart, Trenton Prayerful Congratulations Father Edward Kwoka, On his retirement Father Charles Muorah On his 30th Anniversary of Ordination 5 Year Priestly Anniversary Sons of the Parish Father Gregg Abadilla parochial vicar, St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake Father Augusto Gamalo parochial vicar, St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel Father John Michael Patilla parochial vicar, St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton

central Jersey shoreline, was in serious decline. Many people were hungry, poor, battling mental illness and living in the city’s over-crowded boarding homes, according to the tribute book celebrating the impact Sister Carol had on the community.

“I came to Asbury Park and asked officials if sisters were here, what could we do, what is the biggest need,” she said. The biggest need, they said, was for a full-time food pantry. The city officials gave us our start. There were three [sisters] under the [municipal] health department for three years.”

In 1986, the community helped them purchase what would become the Mercy Center headquarters on Main Street and all the rest

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Christian Nnajiofor 10 year Deacon Anniversary “The priesthood is the Love of the Heart of Jesus.”

-Saint John Vianney Father Dennis Apoldite and the People of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton

followed, said Sister Carol. She noted the help and support of many including Sister Mary Louise Miller, who became the attorney for the Mercy Center and later principal of Sisters Academy, and dedicated volunteers, staff, supporters and board members over the years.

Under Sister Carol’s leadership some 100,200 individuals received emergency services in food, clothing or assistance since 1986. A total of 168,843 beneficiaries received services from the Center’s Family Resource Center since 1997 and 302 girls have graduated from the Sisters Academy since 2001.

The programs have flourished over the years, she said, “because we did the right thing and we are still doing the right thing today. I think that Catherine McAuley would be so excited because this ministry does exactly what she set out to do.”

Congratulations to Fr. John Bambrick and Deacon Uku Mannikus In Appreciation for your Many Years of Dedicated Service to All of the People of the Catholic Community George S. Hassler, Owner & Director, NJ Lic. No. 3193 Brian T. Hassler, Manager, NJ Lic. No. 4054

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FATHER CRANE Continued from 12

after the parish was merged with Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Englishtown, and then as pastor.

Father Crane speaks emphatically about his top priority of helping parishioners “to worship our Lord through dignified and beautiful liturgies in a beautiful church.” He reflected that this effort was aided by his interest in decorating and music.

“I’m not sure I ever reached my goal of having a perfect liturgy, but I think we came close a couple of times,” he said, recalling two liturgies – when the new altar was consecrated by Bishop Smith and when Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated Mass for the Solemnity of the Epiphany in 2018.

Father Crane said it wasn’t until he was getting ready to retire that he learned something about his relationship with the faithful he served.

“What was most important to them were the little things I had said or done over the years that had a profound effect on their lives,” he said. “I had it all wrong. It was not the great liturgies but the quiet visit to someone in their home or hospital, or a few kind words that meant the most.” He added that while he did not have a retirement celebration because of the pandemic restrictions he was heartened to receive more than 200 cards and notes that contained “some of the most kind, heart-warming words I have ever read.”

Father Crane said that it’s his hope that his retirement can include celebrating Mass in any of the three nearby parish churches in the Wildwood area. It’s also his hope that the day will soon come when concerns related to the pandemic reach a point where more Catholics will feel comfortable to attend Mass

in their parish churches.

The most important thing that was missing and continues be missed is the Eucharist, he said. “The Eucharist is the source and summit of everything we do as Catholics. I hope people can get back to Mass and receive the Eucharist, God’s greatest gift to us.”

FATHER IGNACIO Continued from 13

come to Confession,” he said, noting that the relationships he formed within the parish community is something for which he is most grateful.

“As a parish priest, I was very fulfilled, very blessed. I was glad to help people who needed spiritual help or those who needed help dealing with personal issues. That is what fulfils you as a priest. Helping those who need you.”

Father Ignacio also spoke of how thankful he is for his time in the Diocese of Trenton and for the friendships with his brother priests.

“All I can say is, I have to thank God for the opportunity to serve in the Diocese of Trenton. There are very good priests here and I will miss the camaraderie with my brother priests.”

Father Ignacio is looking forward to retiring and joining his family in Fairfax, Va., but not before celebrating Mass one last time on Aug. 29 with the parish community, who fondly refer to him as “Father Tito”.

“I will miss them,” he said. “Yes,” there are so many good people here.

Many, many good people.”

MSGR. WALSH Continued from 17

St. George, Titusville, and St. Alphonsus, Hopewell. While the parishes remained distinct commu-

nities, they were linked together under one leadership in what came to be known as the “Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley.”

“There were so many people working together in the midst of the newness of this situation,” he said of the linked communities. “They prayerfully said that this is what we are called to do in this time in history.”

One prayerful and enjoyable way he brought the three linked parishes together was for an outdoor “Mass on the Grass,” held on the properties of each parish.

“The parishioners liked it,” he said. “They saw it as a way to engage with the Church. All we did was try, wherever we could, to have people meet the Lord.”

While pastoring three parishes, Msgr. Walsh was also episcopal vicar of Mercer County – serving as a representative to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., at various events, including celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation for young people in parishes around the county.

Throughout his different parish assignments, Msgr. Walsh offered strong encouragement and support for the laity. He hoped they would

not only accept responsibility for serving their parish, but more importantly, he wanted them to embrace that “it is through their Baptism that they share in the ministry in the life of the Church.

“Let’s face it, there are some who are called to ordained ministry such as priests and deacons, but all are called to leadership by being ministers to one another to create a climate of Church,” he said. Monsignor added, “It’s in the parishes where you find the people of God, these wonderful people, who come with wonderful gifts and it’s important for parish leaders to help them foster those gifts that all could be used for the good of the Church.”

In retirement, Msgr. Walsh hopes to make more extended trips to Ireland to see his “very tight-knit” family, which includes three sisters and a brother and their families. In the meantime, he’s fulfilling his love of being with people by celebrating Mass and other Sacraments each week in St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, and St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, where “I want to connect with the people in the parishes. And if I can help share in meeting their needs, that would be great.”

The Diocese of Trenton invites all to take part in a prayer service led by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11th Available starting September 11 @ 6 am on YouTube.com/TrentonDiocese

August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

Lives of FAITH 57

FATHER RUBIANO Continued from 31

throughout his first assignment to the campus ministry program in San Diego State University, a subsequent hospital chaplaincy and outreach to those with HIV/AIDS in New York and volunteering for the Brooklyn district attorney’s office in the domestic violence program: the Family Justice Center. He finished his master’s degree in theology at St John’s University in New York.

After encouragement from Father Javier Diaz, now pastor of Christ The King Parish, Long Branch, to consider serving in the Trenton Diocese, Father Rubiano was appointed in 2007 as an adjunct priest in St. Mark Parish, Sea Girt, and two months later, named diocesan coordinator of the Hispanic Charismatic

Renewal, based there.

It was also in 2007 that he was appointed secretary and master of ceremonies to the late Bishop John M. Smith, Ninth Bishop of Trenton.

Incardinated into the Trenton Diocese by Bishop Smith on March 30, 2009, he resided and served at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, West Trenton. He would also be named administrator of Our Lady of the Angels Parish in 2014 and pastor in 2015, serving for six years in that capacity.

ETERNAL LAW Now in his ministry as Catholic chaplain at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Father Rubiano looks forward to sharing a Catholic sensibility and the mercy of Jesus on his rounds. Having completed his License degree in Rome in Moral/ Bioethics in the field of pain and suffering, he is now finishing virtually

a doctorate in Bioethics in the field of Empathy and Neurobiology of Morals Alphonsianum Academy (Rome).

His studies focused on mental health and addiction with the emphasis on bringing spiritual insight into how the brain functions when it

comes to considering the treatment given to those afflicted with such conditions. “I think the Church has something to say to society about this,” he said, “and that we have a lot to learn about the sometimes broken human nature created by the perfect God.”

Lives of FAITH •

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Our family would like to thank the

Priests and Deacons of St. Barnabas Church for their devotion and service.

Especially, Fr. Carlos Florez on his 10th Anniversary; Fr. Dan Price on his 5th Anniversary, and Deacon George Swanson on his 15th Anniversary.

Their strong faith and compassion has secured a special place in all our hearts forever. May God keep them enlightened in their faith and service to our Parish family. We also extend our thanks to all our Clergy who share the strength of Faith.

With deepest respect and thanks,

The Mastapeter Family 58 Lives

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 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  August 2021

R e v .

F r a n c i s Rev. Francis C h e r u p a r a m p i l , V .

C .

Cheruparampil, V.C.

Congratulations from the Parishioners CoanngdraSttualfaftioofnH s forloymFtahmeiP lyaPriashriisohners and StU afnf ioofnHBoelaychF/aHmailzylePt arish Union Beach/Hazlet

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Congratulates Fr. Jeff Kegley on the 25th Anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood.

In appreciation for all you have done in our community.

May God continue to bless you for your faithful ministry.

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August 2021  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 

Lives of FAITH 59

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