Monitor Magazine Feb. 2022 Catholic Schools Week

Celebrating

Catholic Schools Week THROUGHOUT THE DIOCESE

JAN. 30FEB.5

2022

February 2022

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

Catholic Schools Week

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Celebrating Staff and Volunteers, and Saturday: Celebrating Families

SUNDAY:

Celebrating YOUR PARISH

BY ROSE O’CONNOR  Associate Editor

I

“

t’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Andy Williams cites Christmas as being the most wonderful time and a wellknown commercial for an office supply chain store will have you believe it is late summer, when it’s time for students to head back-to school. But students in Catholic schools know the most wonderful time of the year is Catholic Schools Week!

Since 1974, the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) has hosted Catholic Schools Week for elementary and secondary schools in the United States. This year the annual event was held Jan. 30- Feb. 5 with the theme “Catholic Schools: Faith.

Excellence. Service.”

During this week, schools in the Diocese of Trenton joined Catholic schools throughout the country highlighting what makes their faith-based school communities a special and integral part of society.

This year the themes include – Sunday: Celebrating Your Parish; Monday: Celebrating Your Community; Tuesday: Celebrating Your Students; Wednesday: Celebrating the Nation; Thursday: Celebrating Vocations; Friday: Celebrating Faculty,

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O

n the first day of Catholic Schools Week, students of St. Joan of Arc School, Marlton; Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Moorestown, and St. Ann School, Lawrenceville, dressed in their school uniforms and prayed together with their parish community during Sunday Mass. In St. Paul

Parish, Princeton, David Holland, an eighth-grade student, shared what his Catholic education meant to him during Mass.

“I love that service is part of the curriculum. It’s not just about joining a club or doing a project, but rather, living as students who serve God, our community and each other,” he said.

Students in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Asbury Park, and St. Rose Grammar School, Belmar, made thank you and prayer cards for parishioners to show gratitude for their continued support of the parish school.

Students from St. Joan of Arc, Marlton, celebrated their parish, by serving as readers and cantors during Mass Jan. 30. Photo from Facebook.

February 2022

Catholic Schools Week FAITH. EXCELLENCE. SERVICE. MONDAY:

Celebrating

YOUR COMMUNITY

R

ecognizing the community-at-large is also a familiar practice during Catholic Schools Week with many of the schools thanking the local community for their support of Catholic education.

Students in St. Gregory the Great School, Hamilton Square, raised funds for Good Counsel Homes in a fun way.

For a monetary donation, students were able to add colorful accessories to their uniforms, with all donations received designated for the nonprofit organization that assists homeless, expectant and new mothers.

As Dr. Jason Briggs, principal, stated, “We will also pause during the course of the day to pray the Rosary for the intention of the protection of those who are most vulnerable at each stage of life.”

Later in the week, students in St. Mary Academy, Manahawkin, had the opportunity to explore different service-based industries and write thank you cards for the local EMTs, fire and police departments, Knights of Columbus, doctors, and nurses.

TUESDAY:

Celebrating YOUR STUDENTS

“

C

elebrating Your Students” is a day designed to acknowledge

An ice skating party is certainly a great way to celebrate students! These students from Our Lady of Sorrows School get ready to hit the ice at Mercer County Park. Photo from Facebook. the reason for Catholic schools – the students! Students in Our Lady of Sorrows Schools, Mercerville, held an ice-skating party for their school families while students in St. Dominic School, Brick, took a virtual field trip to the Mystic Aquarium, Connecticut.

Sacred Heart School, Mount Holly, hosted the “Sacred Heart Academy Awards” where students and classes were acknowledged for their academic excellence, character traits and talents.

WEDNESDAY:

Celebrating THE NATION

S

tudents in St. Catharine School, Spring Lake, collected cans and donations from a patriotic themed dress down day for Vetworks, a local organization in Forked River that assists veterans transitioning back to civilian life. St. Rose of Lima School,

February 2022

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Catholic Schools Week

CSW celebrations Continued from 43

Freehold, honored local veterans with a drive through celebration recognizing them for their service to the community, extending the invitation to veterans from cohort parishes, as well.

THURSDAY:

Celebrating VOCATIONS

T

o recognize this important day, students in St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford, gathered to discuss vocations with Father Daniel Swift, pastor, and Father Roy Ballacillo, parochial vicar. In St. Peter School, Point Pleasant Beach, Conventual Franciscan Father John M. Voyek, a family friend of kindergarten teacher, Eileen Baglivio, and a Confessor in the Vatican, planned to connect with the Ocean County school to talk about vocations and give students a virtual tour of Vatican City.

Dressed for the part! Students at St. Mary of the Lakes School, Medford, celebrate vocations with Father Daniel Swift, pastor. Facebook photo For a donation, students at St. Gregory the Great School, Hamilton Square, could add some color to their uniforms.

All proceeds of the colorfully fun dress down to benefit Good Counsel Homes.

FRIDAY:

Celebrating

Facebook photo

FACULTY, STAFF

AND VOLUNTEERS

&

SATURDAY:

Celebrating FAMILIES

A

s the busy week came to a close, teachers, faculty and staff in Holy Cross Academy, Rumson, were treated to a special luncheon served by eighth grade students.

Saturday recognizes the family, and many schools took an oppor-

44 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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tunity to celebrate school families throughout the week with gatherings, restaurant fundraisers and virtual meet and greets. In Burlington, St. Paul School honored the cultural backgrounds of their school families, encouraging students to dress in the clothes and colors reflective of

their heritage.

While each day celebrates and acknowledges different themes during Catholic Schools Week, the overall theme of “Faith. Excellence.

Service.” is visible throughout the year. In the Diocese of Trenton our “Catholic Schools Have It All!”

For more information on Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton, visit www.catholicschoolshaveitall.org

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February 2022

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 45

Catholic Schools Week

During CSW, St. Jerome School welcomes Bishop, honors founding saint

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

F

or students and staff of St. Jerome School, West Long Branch, Catholic Schools Week included a new cause for celebration this year.

A special indulgence was granted by Pope Francis to all churches and schools associated with the Religious Teachers Filippini – of which St. Jerome’s is one – to “open the doors” for celebration of a special Holy Year in honor of the 350th anniversary of the birth of St. Lucy Filippini, foundress of the religious order.

“It’s unusual that Pope Francis decreed this,” said Filippini Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio, school principal. “It’s a time for our community to come together and be renewed in the life of St. Lucy and what we’re meant to do.”

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., visited the school Feb. 3 with Msgr.

Thomas Gervasio, vicar general, to celebrate a 9 a.m. Mass and bless a Holy Door in honor of St. Lucy. They were joined

by Father Carlo Calisin, parochial vicar

in St. Paul Parish, Princeton; Daniel T. O’Connell, associate director for curriculum and instruction, diocesan Department of Catholic Schools, Sister Marianne McCann, provincial councilor, who represented the Filippini Sisters’ community, and other priests of the Diocese.

“Many saints’ stories are told in our churches and schools. Another one we think of today is that of St. Lucy Filippini,” Bishop O’Connell told the students in his homily. “She founded Catholic schools to teach young girls, especially the poor … I blessed a special door today to serve as a reminder of her wonderful life and the good example of many of her sisters who have taught here.”

Sister Elizabeth said that the general superior of the Filippini Sisters community in Rome, Sister Ascenza Tizzano, wrote to Pope Francis and asked him if it was possible to have the saint’s feast day put aside for special honor. He responded by decreeing the entire year a Holy Year beginning Jan. 13.

This Holy Door designation and blessing in St. Jerome School was the first of its kind to take place in the United States for the Filippini Sisters; until now, Holy Doors have been opened only in Italy in St. Lucy’s birthplace and place of death.

During a school-wide virtual Zoom meeting, Sister Elizabeth told the students, “Opening the Holy Doors symbolizes that Jesus serves at the only door to his father’s forgiveness and salvation toward us … During the Holy Year, Pope Francis is granting a plenary indulgence to all who pray and fulfill the requirements of the plenary indulgence.”

“Our community has planned a Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., center, celebrated Mass Feb. 3 for the St. Jerome School community. With him, from left: Father Peter J. Alindogan, pastor of St. Veronica Parish, Howell; Filippini Sister Marianne McCann, provincial councilor; Filippini Sister Elizabeth Seton Dalessio, school principal; Msgr. Thomas Gervasio, vicar general, and Father Javier Diaz, pastor of Christ the King Parish, Long Branch. Joe Moore photos

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February 2022

Faith. Excellence. Service.

Following Pope Francis’ decree of a Jubilee Year in honor of St. Lucy Filippini’s 350th anniversary, Bishop O’Connell blesses a Holy Door in St. Jerome Church. whole year of celebrations,” Sister Elizabeth noted. “What’s really important is that we consider the Diocese of Trenton our cradle … when the Religious Teachers Filippini first came to the United States more than 100 years ago, they came to St. Joachim in Trenton– so it’s very special that the Bishop is here to celebrate with us.”

“I love stories.… I love to tell them, especially when they are true!” Bishop O’Connell exclaimed. “The ‘greatest story ever told’ is the story of Our Lord Jesus Christ… that is the reason for our true Catholic faith … and the reason for

Catholic schools… As we celebrate Holy Mass today, remember that it is his story that Mass is all about!”

As the Feast of St. Blaise fell that same day, Bishop O’Connell and Msgr.

Gervasio blessed the throats of those in attendance. The Bishop recalled the story about the saint performing a miracle and saving the life of a boy who was choking on a fish bone.

“St. Blaise prayed, and God saved the boy. And ever since, the Church has blessed throats in memory of that miracle, to ask God’s protection.”

The Bishop blessed the school hall in rededication for Sister Angelina Pelliccia, principal emeritus; the hall was dedicated to her in 2019 when she retired after 45 years at the school, but a formal celebration had not yet taken place because of the pandemic.

His tour continued in the newly renovated STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) science lab, which he blessed along with two plaques in honor of two benefactors – Diogo Ferreira and Dr. Philip and Charlotte LoBuono – who volunteered on Christmas Eve to help build and pay for the lab.

“This is truly a blessed event,” said Joan Tagliaferro, science teacher for grades 5-8. “Today marks the culmina-

tion of so many people; our principal, faculty, staff, parents, students and parish community coming together to support Catholic education.”

Many celebratory events are planned for the year ahead, Sister Elizabeth pointed out, beginning with March 25 – the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, and the anniversary of St. Lucy’s death.

 “What’s really important is that we consider the Diocese of Trenton our cradle ...”

“Every year we do a living Rosary, with a rope around the church, and the kids are the beads,” she explained. Another Living Rosary is planned to coincide with a May Crowning. “Then on May 12, her feast day, we will have a big family picnic and field day in her honor. We will invite the parents in and have our annual Jump-a-Thon – the kids raised $20,000 last year!”

The teaching ministry of St. Lucy and her sisters lives on in St. Jerome School’s religious sisters “with a lot of joy,” said Sister Elizabeth. “They carry out the mission to teach the Word of God, and the kids are imbued with that. I want the kids to know God. I tell them, ‘when you pray, pray for us because Jesus said in the Gospels to bring the children to me – so he hears you first!’”

After blessing St. Jerome School’s newly renovated science lab, the Bishop shares one of the new microscopes with a student.

February 2022

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 47

Catholic Schools Week

Students in Holy Cross Academy, Rumson, sing in a December 2021 Christmas concert for the school community. The school has more than doubled the campaign fundraising goal of $5,000 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Courtesy photo

Annual fund for Catholic Schools picking up steam

BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

B

uilding support for Catholic schools is one of the main focuses of Catholic Schools Week each year, and the Diocese of Trenton facilitates that support with an annual campaign which continues to see promising results.

“The Catholic Schools Have It All Annual Fund is a great way for alumni and supporters of a Catholic education to show financial support to our Catholic schools,” said Christine Prete, associate director of diocesan development operations. “Each year we reach out to more than 70,000 alumni and supporters by mail to ask for their help raising funds for grammar schools in the Diocese. Participation each year increases slowly, but steadily!”

Beginning in September, the multifaceted outreach seeks support of alumni and past supporters as well as new contributors, with its first major push on Giving Tuesday right after Thanksgiving. And indeed, the responses have been adding up: five schools have already met or exceeded the $5,000 fundraising goal.

“For the past four years we have incorporated Giving Tuesday into our annual outreach, which allows us to reach past those 70,000 alumni and engage our current school families and parishioners through digital communications,” Prete explained.

That included a 2021 promotional video on diocesan social and digital media

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with about a dozen Catholic school students in the Diocese discussing the value of the campaign and expressing their gratitude for their Catholic education.

As of press time, the total raised through the Catholic Schools Have it All campaign was $99,214 from 813 donors, with Giving Tuesday contributing $46,200 of the total.

“There will be two more outreaches this year … and we hope to surpass last year’s total raised, which was the all-time high for the annual fund,” Prete pointed out. The 2020-2021 campaign raised $130,000 by the end of the academic year.

St. Benedict School, Holmdel, has raised $7,640 so far through the Giving Tuesday portion of the campaign. The school has seen similar success each year since the effort began, offered principal Kevin Donahue.

“We’re just lucky to be surrounded by generous people who see the value of Catholic education,” he said. “We have a tremendous staff, including our director of marketing and events, Lori Ulrich …

It’s truly a team effort.”

Donahue believes that having specific goals for the funds raised inspires the generosity among the school and parish community.

“We’ve done a lot of capital improvements,” he explained. “When you earmark what it’s going for … parents see that. I really think the school and parish work hand in hand.”

 February 2022

Dr. Mark DeMareo, principal of Holy Cross Academy, Rumson, said, “We are most grateful to all of our parents, staff and anonymous donors who were very generous.” To date, Holy Cross Academy has collected $12,485.

“Giving Tuesday allowed us the opportunity to raise even more money than we would on an average day of giving,” Dr. DeMareo continued. “We do not take for granted that our work would not be possible without [their] support. These donations directly benefit our students and staff.”

He credited one of the school parents, Kristin Sweeney, who chaired the Giving Tuesday campaign. “Through her efforts [we] contacted the school community through ParentSquare, our school-to-home communication platform. Mrs. Sweeney was also instrumental in collaborating with the parish and outside sponsors.”

Other schools that have met or exceeded the $5,000 goal include St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft ($14,190); St. Joan of Arc School, Marlton ($6,073); and St. Mary Academy, Manahawkin ($5,950).

“As an alumna of two Diocese of Trenton schools, I encourage alumni to become engaged in supporting their alma mater as a way to say ‘thank you,’” Prete encouraged. “A Catholic education is special in so many ways, and it should never be forgotten.”

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Catholic Schools Week

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4

High school retreats move relationships, awareness forward 2

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February 2022

Faith. Excellence. Service.

MATTHEW GREELEY  Special Contributor

A

pillar of Catholic high school life, but one not talked about too often, is the retreat experience.

Retreats, a break in daily school routines and structure, create space for a different kind of learning. Students, and often faculty volunteers, take a step back to reflect on the people who are walking with them in life, their own identity and where they see God acting in all of it.

Campus ministry teams, adept at building trust through creative and activities to facilitate genuine sharing and reflection, create diverse retreat offerings that relate to the students’ realities as they journey through their four years of high school. Retreats can be for freshmen or upperclassmen. They can be in silence or nature. They can focus on a specific theme or can meet participants where they are at that point in their life journey.

Thousands of young people take part in the retreats offered in their schools each year in the Diocese of Trenton.

Retreatants often share that the experiences transform their lives, becoming a rite of passage for many in the Catholic high schools of the Diocese. The retreats can be vehicles to closer relationships with God, family members and schoolmates, and most importantly, to recognizing one’s own intrinsic value for who they are.

The Monitor is pleased to share reflections from some students and alumni from Catholic high schools of the Diocese of Trenton.

KITTY VERNON, NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL, LAWRENCEVILLE, CLASS OF ‘22 Kairos can do so much for people like

mend broken relationships, start new friendships but most importantly bring you closer to God. Seeing my classmates open up and hearing their own stories, makes me realize that I see them in the hallway and classroom as my classmates, but now I see them as friends with a bond that will never be broken.

 “God was present in every person.”

I see God in the face of every person on the retreat because I can see them all praying before meals, carrying each other’s bags, consoling each other when upset, and saying a Hail Mary as a class at the grotto. God was present in every person, and by becoming closer to them, we all grew closer to him. God gave us the gift of being able to go to Malvern with these people, which is important because we all grew closer in his presence and glory.

JOSEPH DEBLASIO, ST. JOHN VIANNEY HIGH SCHOOL, HOLMDEL, CLASS OF ‘23 Gian Paul Gonzalez delivered a powerful message to my class during our Junior Retreat earlier this school year. He discussed his life story and how his journey turned him into the person he is today. Mr. Gonzalez shared what drives him to be the best version of himself: living for others. Mr. Gonzalez devotes his life to living for others which is why he has achieved many great things, such as opening a recreation center to give students a place to converse and exercise while keeping them off the streets.

Most importantly, he discovered his joy and eagerness to help others through his strong faith in God. Mr. Gonzalez’s accomplishments, along with his mentality, inspired me tremen-

 1. Small group activities are an important part of the retreat experience at Donovan Catholic.

2. The facilitating team of Notre Dame’s Kairos CXV (from left to right): James Burrows III, Hope Aita, Matthew Zietek, Hannah Smith, Daniel Bensch, Kathleen Vernon 3. St. Rose students Luke Aldi, Ellen Gallagher and Claire Cinquegrana enjoy their break while on their Kairos retreat at San Alfonso Retreat House, West End. 4. Joe DeBlasio speaks with Gian Paul Gonzalez following his inspirational speech.

5. RBC senior Seton Smith shares some of her story with the participants of the school’s 2021 freshmen retreat. Courtesy photos

dously. After the retreat ended, I spoke with him personally, and he gave me fantastic advice. He explained that when I wake up in the morning, I should think of who I want to live for and always start my day with the mindset of putting others first and being the best version of myself.

Despite all of the hardships Mr. Gonzalez faced in his life, he still found ways to pursue his dreams and achieve his goals through the strength he found in God. During his speech, he explained how he spends his time. Instead of scrolling through Facebook, watching television, or utilizing his time in other ways, he spends much of his day focusing on his family and friends and sharing his compelling message with the world.

This has inspired me to do the same. I have focused more on my family and friends and devoted more time to my faith. Volunteering to help others and praying have always been priorities of mine, but Mr. Gonzalez emphasized how important it is to commit my time to these priorities EVERY day.

At the end of his speech, he gave everyone a poker chip. The chip represented going “all in” in a poker game and reminded us to give our best in everything we do. Many things in our lives distract us, and we often want to give up, but with the presence and strength of God, I always try to remember how important it is to give my all in everything I do.

ANALISE PIEMONTE, DONOVAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, TOMS RIVER, CLASS OF ‘20 Some of my favorite memories as a Donovan Catholic student have taken place during retreats. From group prayer, to mindfulness exercises, to sharing personal anecdotes, retreats have provided me with bonding experiences that I will remember for years. The Junior Women’s Retreat that I attended last year surpassed my expectations. I am sure that almost everyone in today’s society is able to recognize the difficulties of growing up as a young woman with social media. Females are constantly put up against one another, competing for likes, male validation, and their own self worth. Spending a day surrounded by women who all genuinely wanted to connect the Catholic faith with female

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Catholic Schools Week

Retreats give students valuable perspective Continued from 51

empowerment was gratifying.

The day began with a discussion about women in the Bible, like Mary Magdalene and Ruth. As a group, we highlighted women in our lives who shared traits with these Biblical women. This allowed us to identify the inner beauty within our role models and ourselves. Searching for this beauty that exists naturally within each of us helped me connect with God. Next, female faculty members revisited the five points of the star, a symbol introduced to students during sophomore year. Each point represents an aspect of our being: social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical. This reflection, and the panel of female educators that opened up a Question and Answer segment at the end of the day, allowed students and faculty of all ages to discuss friendships and love lives, appropriately of course. This experience helped me appreciate my female educators, and hearing them share both positive and negative aspects about their own relationships opened up a door of relatability.

Thanks to this retreat, I have been able to reflect on the stories I heard and advice I received to help me in my own life. I learned that it is important in difficult situations to turn to strong support systems, which, for me, is my mom. I have become much more confident in my inner beauty, and feel strong enough to help other women, an idea introduced in the retreat when we labeled and packaged 1000 bars of SOAP (Saving Our Adolescents from Prostitution) with the human trafficking hotline number.

With my Catholic identity, I have the power to help others and strengthen relationships in my faith-based school and community.

ELLEN GALLAGHER, ST. ROSE HIGH SCHOOL, BELMAR, CLASS OF ‘22 When I walked into San Alfonso Retreat House on Monday night, I had no expectations. I had heard about the Kairos Retreat from various students who went before me and I wanted to experience it. Little did I know that by Thursday afternoon, my life would be changed forever.

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St. Rose is a tight knit community.

Everyone knows one other and we all are like a family. Seventeen other students and I embarked on this retreat journey together.

Seventeen students who I thought I knew everything about. What surprised me the most was how much of a deep connection I could form with these people who I thought I knew so well for four years.

This Kairos experience is one I will never forget. Getting to open up to my fellow classmates was so freeing. Hearing all of their stories and heartaches made me form such an emotional connection to each and every one of them. We laughed, we cried and we all prayed for each other. I also was surprised at how open everyone was to the retreat and to change.

 “I was surprised how freeing it was to get away from technology.”

Another thing that surprised me was how close to God I could get in such little time. I found myself closer to God than ever before. Getting to detach myself from the everyday stressors of life and step back to be with God was a moving experience. I was surprised how freeing it was to get away from technology. I honestly did not think that we would be able to do it. At night, being able to reflect and pray was so relaxing instead of scrolling through social media.

The last point is the impact that Kairos has had afterward. I thought for sure that after the retreat we would all go our separate ways and go back to the way life was. We maintained that bond with each other, and I think that bond will continue with us through life. We did not want to leave the retreat house so much so that two days later we all gathered together again to reminisce. I was so surprised at how much Kairos changed my life. We were all different people when we entered Kairos, but something happened on that retreat that no one could explain but now because of it we have a connection to each other that will be with us forever.

 February 2022

SETON SMITH, RED BANK CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, RED BANK, CLASS OF ‘22 I feel blessed to have stepped into a new role with our Campus Ministry team this year by being a leader in our retreat program. Being a Casey is all about maintaining our legacy of living in faith effectively. As a senior, it is important for me to think not only about the work that I can do with Campus Ministry now, but also the mark that I will leave on the program for years to come.

This year I have had the unique opportunity to be a presenter during our class retreats. The retreat which has stood out to me the most has definitely been our retreat for the class of 2025. Talking to the freshman class reminded me of how I felt when I was first starting high school, looking for a purposeful way to get involved at my school. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to share a look into my experience with them, and how joining Campus Ministry has been a way for me to make my faith a fulfilling part of my life, both inside and outside of school.

The theme of the retreat was following God’s call, and our speakers each shed some light on the different vocations to which they have been called. I reminded the group that it is never too early to start looking for the right vocation for them! I explained that there are many different roles involved in Campus Ministry (reading as lectors, altar serving, serving as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, planning religious events, managing social media, etc.), and that each individual can find the role that fits them perfectly.

I encouraged them to consider joining, and since then we have had several new members step up. Campus Ministry at Red Bank Catholic is constantly evolving; we always try our best to come up with new and creative ways to get the student body excited about participating in their faith.

Spending that day leading the freshman through some different activities showed me that they are a bright and talented group of kids. It gives me a lot of hope to know that when I’m no longer around, Campus Ministry will be in great hands.

Matthew Greeley serves as associate director for the Office of Communications and Media.

Faith. Excellence. Service.

St. Benedict School welcomes visit from Catholic congressman

BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent

O

“

ur Catholic faith is built on rock,” declared U.S. Congressman Chris Smith to the students of St. Benedict School, Holmdel, seated before him Jan. 31. “Nobody does outreach better than our Church.”

Smith, a Catholic congressman now in his 21st term as the U.S. representative for N.J.’s Fourth Congressional District, shared insights and stories about how his faith influenced his career as a public servant during the school’s Catholic Schools Week speaker series held in the parish church.

“This is a week that will showcase all St. Benedict has to offer,” said principal Kevin Donahue as he introduced Smith to the middle school students. Noting that last year’s slate of presentations were virtual during the pandemic, he noted a live speaker was “an amazing way to kick off Catholic Schools Week.”

Smith, who represents the residents of Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties, told the students he, too, had benefitted in a Catholic school education (in St. Cecelia School, Iselin, and St. Mary High School, Perth Amboy), and had long ago learned the value of prayer in his life and work. “I never go anywhere without my Rosary,” he admitted, “Start praying it and you’ll be glad you did.”

Smith continued, “We are blessed with extraordinary leaders. I often listen to Bishop [David M.] O’Connell’s very powerful sermons, they are very encouraging. They tell us to go back to your bedrock of faith where you will find hope, find peace, find that will to persevere.”

The congressman, who resides in Mercer County and is a member of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, cited a favorite scriptural reading as his spiritual guiding light, and recommended the children use it as a moral

compass as well.

“Our job as Catholics is to try to bring the kingdom of heaven into this world, starting with our communities, starting in our schools, in Congress, wherever we might be, to bring love and forgiveness,” he said. “The Scripture that has inspired me and my work to the ministry of serving people in Congress is Matthew 25:[40] – ‘Whatsoever you do to the least of these, you do also to me.’ If there is a student who is ostracized, alone, reach out to him.

“One thing I learned from my parents,” Smith continued. “Say a strong prayer of thanks to the Lord for your families sending you here. Some of you might know about sailing – you must constantly be correcting course, or you might go way off course. Forgiveness is the key to prayer and how to live your life.”

Following the congressman’s presentation, students were given the opportunity  Standing at the ambo in St. Benedict Church, Congressman Chris Smith addresses the students of St. Benedict School at the start of Catholic Schools Week on Jan. 31.

Christina Leslie photos

 Congressman Chris Smith is greeted by the student council from St. Benedict School, Holmdel, and their principal, Kevin Donahue, shown at right. to ask him questions, including which legislation he supported made him the most proud, favorite causes he had championed, and what career path he would have chosen had he not pursued politics.

“My faith informs and influences my work in Congress,” he concluded. “It is my entire agenda. There are too many people that take their core values and leave them at the door. We need to take people of faith and work on our ‘Mat-

thew 25’ model.”

Diocesan Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Vincent de Paul Schmidt, echoed Smith in his praise of Catholic education.

“Our schools prepare unbelievably strong students,” he said. “Say ‘thank you’ to ... those people responsible for allowing you the opportunity to be in a Catholic school. Catholic schools are where you can live your faith and be surrounded by amazing teachers.”

February 2022

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THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 53

Catholic Schools Week

Schools gear up for Polar Plunge for Catholic education March 5

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

A

fter two years, Catholic schools around the Diocese are planning to put the global pandemic in the rearview mirror, at least long enough to resume what has become a popular fundraising event for their communities – the Polar Plunge for Catholic education.

“Holy Cross Academy’s participation has grown by leaps and bounds, thanks to strong participation by students, faculty, staff, PTA and administration,” said Dr. Mark DeMareo, principal of the Rumson school.

“Since our first year of participation in the Polar Plunge in 2017, the number of plungers has increased from 63 and we are anticipating approximately 125 [this year],” he said. “This event facilitates all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton to come together as a community.”

 “We have seen our fundraising efforts truly pay off ...”

While it’s been the tradition that the Polar Plunge for Catholic education coincides with the celebration of Catholic Schools Week, this year’s date has been moved to March 5. It will take place at the Sea Bright Municipal Beach at 1 p.m.

In preparing for the Polar Plunge, which is sponsored by the Patrick Torphy Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Dr. DeMareo said that all students in Holy Cross Academy are actively involved in fundraising by obtaining sponsorships from family and friends. In the past, the PTA hosted a chili cook-off with parents entering their favorite chili recipe, and then all the students sampled and voted on their 54 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE



Schools around the Diocese are getting ready for the 2022 Polar Plunge for Catholic Education scheduled for March 5 in Sea Bright. Hal Brown photo. favorite choice.

In St. Mary School, Middletown, which has participated in the event since its inception 16 years ago, principal Craig Palmer said a committee oversees all aspects related to the Polar Plunge, including setting up an online site for donations connected to the school website, running family/class/grade-level competitions with cash and prize incentives, doing digital and print advertising, outreach to the community and parish, soliciting sponsorships from local businesses and charging a registration fee with every registrant receiving a school hat, scarf or gloves. This year, blankets were sold as well, he said.

“We have seen our fundraising efforts truly pay off over the past six years,” said Palmer, who was named the school’s principal in 2016.

“When I became principal, we raised about $10,000 during the event and in 2020, we raised $53,000 due to the efforts of my great school community and PTA,” he said, adding that the 2022 goal is $75,000. “We’ll see if the pandemic has a dampening effect on our fund-

February 2022

raising capabilities,” he said, then noted that funds raised in the past were used to supplement the school’s technology and build a new science lab. This year’s funds will be earmarked for updating the school kitchen and cafeteria.

Both Palmer and Dr. DeMareo praised the Patrick Torphy Division of the Hibernians for their longstanding support of Catholic education in the Diocese through sponsoring the Polar Plunge.

“We are most grateful to the Hibernians, the assistance of local sponsors, police, fire and first aid departments for making the major fundraising event possible,” DeMareo said.

“The event has seen tremendous growth with approximately 25 Catholic schools [from throughout the state] participating,” Palmer added. “It’s a great day and testimony to those who attend and work in our schools as to just how much our schools mean to them.

“We cannot express how grateful we are to the AOH for doing this year after year,” Palmer said. “They are truly heroes for Catholic education.”

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with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Our talented teachers, motivated students, supportive parents, building enhancements and expansions over the years, provide the setting for a school leader to bring engaging and innovative educational and athletic/co-curricular programs. Holy Cross Academy students graduate fully prepared for success in rigorous private and public high schools in the area. Alumni have a rich history of attending top-ranked colleges and universities throughout the nation and contribute to the continued growth of the school.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Active and Practicing Roman Catholic  Supports the mission and philosophy of Roman Catholic education  Minimum 5 years of teaching or school administration experience, preferably in a Roman Catholic school(s)  Possesses a master’s degree or Higher in

education leadership or equivalent  Possesses New Jersey Teachers Certification or equivalent  Possesses New Jersey Principal Certification or Certificate of Eligibility for New Jersey Administrators; out of state certifications will be addressed on a caseby-case basis.

About Holy Cross: Situated in an area near the Shrewsbury River and Atlantic Ocean, roots of Holy Cross go back to 1886. The first school operated from 1894 to 1898. In 1941 the school reopened with seventy-four students’ grades K through four. By 1946, Holy Cross School served 169 students. Over the years, Holy Cross shaped the faith formation and lives of thousands of students and has grown to include a robust Pre-K program. In response to demographic and economic changes, the leadership of Holy Cross School made the bold move in converting the current school model into a premier academy; a smaller, more rigorous preparatory school for the renowned Catholic high schools in Monmouth County. In 2019, with the Bishop’s approval and blessing, Holy Cross Academy was formed.

Interested parties should submit their resume to the email below by February 28, 2022. search@hcarumson.org

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February 2022



THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 55

Catholic Schools Week

Prompted by love, local PTA boards continue work of supporting Catholic education ROSE O’CONNOR  Associate Editor

O

n the occasion of their 90th anniversary in 2015, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., described the work of the diocesan Parent-Teacher Association as being “prompted by love.” Now, six years later, the work of the diocesan and local PTA boards continues to be “prompted by love” as they assist the schools to further the mission of Catholic education in the Diocese Trenton.

While hosting events and fundraising has been challenging during the pandemic, PTA boards continue to work tirelessly to provide for educational programs, athletics and school upgrades.

This year, the diocesan PTA Board is sponsoring a $500 tuition scholarship for Catholic elementary school students in grades K-8. Through art and essay contests, students will depict how their Catholic education will help them become successful leaders in their schools and faith communities. The scholarship winners will be announced at the diocesan PTA Spring Conference April 28, 2022. The winner will be recognized at the annual Fall Conference Sept. 17.

“We wanted to give back to our

schools and a scholarship is a way for the PTA to do that,” Elia Landino, diocesan PTA president, said. The scholarship information was shared with schools during Catholic Schools Week – perfect timing, Landino thought.

“It’s a great time to kick off the scholarship as we celebrate and showcase all the good our schools have to offer.”

Catholic Schools Week is usually one of the busiest times for local PTA boards, as many of the activities and special surprises are funded through the work of the PTA, as in St. James School, Red Bank, where students and staff were treated to cupcakes courtesy of the parents and volunteers.

Despite an impending winter storm, members of the PTA in St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, worked furiously, cleaning, assembling furniture and redecorating the school’s faculty room for the teachers. The room was “flipped” and revealed to grateful and surprised staff members on the first day of CSW. “The feeling among the faculty and staff is, ‘How did we get so lucky to have this outstanding PTA that continually out does itself each year?’ [We were] overwhelmed,” said Mary Koury, director of Admissions and Marketing.

The continuously year-round PTA

Members of St. Leo the Great School PTA spent the weekend giving the faculty room an upgrade as a Catholic Schools Week surprise for the teachers and staff. Courtesy photos of St. Paul School, Princeton, is busy not only during CSW, but also well beyond it.

The group is currently working on their 34th annual Shamrock Gala, which garnered $60,000 for the school last year.

“It’s a joy seeing what is possible when our community bands together to make St. Paul School a place where children are thriving, and teachers feel appreciated ... as well as giving students and parents an extended-family experience,” said co-president Janice Hutchinson.

Marybeth Consiglio, diocesan PTA vice-president, agreed wholeheartedly.

“With tight budgets and limited resources, the Catholic School PTA provides volunteers to help support the teachers and administrators to provide faith-based events and activities to our children. When parents are involved in their child’s education and with their school, it’s a win-win.”

Whether hosting a black-tie affair, cleaning the cafeteria for bingo or setting up for a book fair, the role PTAs play in supporting diocesan schools is much appreciated, during Catholic Schools Week, and every day.

The newly renovated faculty room is ready for the teachers to read, relax or grade some papers.

56 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE

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February 2022

schools provide hope in a secular

100% of donations will go to your school of choice or you can designate the Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools for broader tuition or program assistance.

our support, will ensure our Catholic schools are here today and tomorrow.

Catholic Schools Have it All • 701 Lawrenceville Road • Trenton NJ 08648 • 609-403-7127 ducating the next generation. Imparting the same Gospel values that formed your life.

M I C E XC E L L

Summer at Notre Dame

Dr. Vincent Schmidt Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Trenton

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 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 57